Multi-component golf club head with tuning element

Abstract

To provide a multi-component golf club head with a tuning element.SOLUTION: A multi-material wood-type golf club head according to embodiments, comprising a tuning element 130, is disclosed. The multi-material wood-type golf club head comprises a first metallic component forming the striking face and portions of the crown, the toe, and the sole, and a second non-metallic component forming a majority of the crown and portions of the heel, toe, and sole. The club head further comprises a tuning element secured to the interior surface of the crown. The tuning element damps the amplitude at a hotspot in the club head by between 1 and 7 decibels.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 127,869, filed December 18, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 082,925, filed September 24, 2020. The entire contents of the above disclosures are hereby fully incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to a multi-component golf club head with tuning elements. [Background technology]

[0003] The design of a golf club takes into account several performance characteristics, such as vibration and acoustic response. The vibration or acoustic response corresponds to the sound and feel of the golf club. At impact, the club head vibrates at various natural frequencies (also known as vibration "modes") with various different amplitudes. The design and construction of the club head determine the various different amplitudes that occur at the various natural frequencies. Natural frequencies with high amplitudes are considered "dominant frequencies" and are the most significant contributors to club head sound. If the amplitude of dominant frequencies is too high, the club head may sound harsh and unpleasant to the golfer. To provide a pleasant acoustic response at impact, dominant vibrations must be dampened (i.e., the amplitude of such vibrations must be reduced). However, vibration damping measures often require adding significant amounts of mass to the club head at multiple locations, which adversely affect mass properties such as the center of gravity (CG) location and moment of inertia (MOI). Therefore, there is a need in the art for a suitable lightweight means for damping the dominant vibrations of a golf club head and providing a desired vibration response without adversely affecting the mass properties of the club head. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a wood-type golf club head with tuning elements.

[0005] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the club head of FIG. 1.

[0006] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a sole view of the club head of FIG. 1.

[0007] [Figure 4A] 2 is a diagram of the club head of FIG. 1 with a metallic first component, a non-metallic second component, and a tuning element.

[0008] [Figure 4B] 2 is an exploded view of the club head of FIG. 1 with a metallic first component, a non-metallic second component, and a tuning element.

[0009] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a tuning element comprising multiple layers.

[0010] [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram of the crown of the club head of FIG. 1 defining a number of quadrants.

[0011] [Figure 7] 2 is a view of the crown of the club head of FIG. 1 having multiple vibration hot spots.

[0012] [Figure 8A] 2 is a view of the crown of the club head of FIG. 1 further comprising a crown location feature.

[0013] [Figure 8B] 8B is a view of the crown of the club head of FIG. 8A, further having multiple vibration hot spots.

[0014] [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a second multi-component with tuning elements of the club head of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present embodiment is directed to a wood-type club head (e.g., a driver club head, a fairway wood club head, or a hybrid club head) whose multi-material construction includes a lightweight crown tuning element. When the club head is impacted by a golf ball, the tuning element dampens or reduces the high amplitudes that occur at the natural frequency, resulting in improved acoustic response and a desired "softer" feel. The tuning element is precisely positioned in a location that corresponds to the high amplitudes that occur at the natural frequency. The tuning element improves the acoustic response of the club head without adding a significant amount of mass to the club head. The crown tuning element is a lightweight or low-mass element that improves the sound and feel of the club head during golf ball impact while maintaining the overall club head design to maintain desired mass properties, such as maximizing the club head's moment of inertia and a low rearward center of gravity location.

[0016] The tuning elements and tuning element locations described in this disclosure are beneficial to composite clubhead construction because they are precisely positioned on the crown prior to clubhead assembly. Furthermore, the tuning elements do not lose their structural integrity due to heat sources used during the clubhead assembly process. For example, in a clubhead comprising a metal component and a composite component, the tuning elements are positioned on the multi-component components prior to clubhead assembly. Typically, in multi-component clubhead constructions, the composite components are secured to the metal components via adhesives or mechanical means without the use of a heat source. The composite assembly process does not use a heat source, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the tuning elements. In contrast, metal clubheads are all cast as a single body, and the face plate is welded onto the body. Welding the face plate requires a heat source, which affects (e.g., melts) the structural integrity of any tuning elements disposed within the interior cavity of the metal clubhead. The tuning elements described in this disclosure are precisely positioned on the crown without losing structural integrity or altering material properties.

[0017] For example, the club head may have a two-component design with a first component formed from a metallic material and a second component formed from a non-metallic material. The first component includes the load-bearing structure and most of the club head mass. The first component includes a rearwardly extending sole portion or rearward sole extension that extends away from the strike face. The first component with the rearward sole extension may receive a removable weight for weight adjustment and may include structures such as ribs to structurally reinforce the club head. The second component includes a lightweight composite structure that wraps around the first component and forms most of the crown of the club head, as well as portions of the heel, toe, and sole.

[0018] The tuning elements address the high amplitudes that occur at the dominant natural frequency. The high amplitudes that occur at the dominant natural frequency occur on non-metallic or composite components of the club head. For example, the dominant natural frequency occurs at the structurally weakest portion of the composite component. The structurally weak portion may include a portion of the composite component that is thin or includes the smallest thickness. The thin portion of the composite component includes the high amplitudes at the dominant natural frequency.

[0019] The tuning element is positioned on the crown portion of the second component to control sound. Specifically, the tuning element is positioned on the rear heel portion of the crown to reduce amplitudes occurring at dominant natural frequencies. The tuning element addresses high amplitudes occurring at dominant natural frequencies above 5000 Hz. A club head with a multi-material construction and a crown tuning element reduces the amplitude of dominant frequencies by 1 to 7 decibels compared to a similar multi-component club head without a tuning element. A club head with a crown tuning element provides superior sound control while minimizing the impact on center of gravity and moment of inertia characteristics. Described below are several embodiments of crown tuning elements that improve the acoustic response of a multi-component club head during golf ball impact.

[0020] The terms "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate the presence of at least one item; unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, a plurality of such items may be present. All values of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, should be understood in all instances to be modified by the term "about," regardless of whether "about" actually precedes the value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows for some imprecision (some proximity to the precision of the value, relative to a value, approximately or reasonably close to a value, approximation). Where the imprecision conferred by "about" is not understood in this ordinary sense in the art, as used herein, "about" indicates at least the variation that can result from ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Furthermore, the disclosure of a range includes the disclosure of all values, as well as sub-divided ranges within the entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of the range are all disclosed herein as separate embodiments. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated items but do not exclude the presence of other items. As used herein, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When terms such as first, second, third, etc. are used to distinguish various items from one another, these designations are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.

[0021] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" in the detailed description and claims, when used, are used to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments described herein are capable of, for example, sequences of operation other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Moreover, the terms "comprise" and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0022] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below," when used in the detailed description and claims, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein, for example. For consistency and clarity, all directional references used herein assume that the referenced golf club head is resting on a horizontally flat ground plane such that a predetermined loft and lie angle for the club head is achieved. The "front" or "forward portion" of a golf club head generally refers to the side of the golf club head (when viewed perpendicular to the ground plane) that includes the strike face of the golf club head. Conversely, the rear portion of the club head is opposite the strike face and can include all of the club head behind the strike face and / or the portion that follows the strike face at impact.

[0023] Terms such as "couple," "coupled," "connection," and "coupled" should be understood broadly and refer to the connection of two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. The connection (mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, for example, permanently or semi-permanently, or only momentarily.

[0024] The terms "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club as used herein refer to the angle formed between the club face and the shaft as measured by any suitable loft-reading machine.

[0025] As used herein, a "driver golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, a "driver golf club head" as used herein has a volume of greater than about 400 cc, greater than about 425 cc, greater than about 445 cc, greater than about 450 cc, greater than about 455 cc, greater than about 460 cc, greater than about 475 cc, greater than about 500 cc, greater than about 525 cc, greater than about 550 cc, greater than about 575 cc, greater than about 600 cc, greater than about 625 cc, greater than about 650 cc, greater than about 675 cc, or greater than about 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the driver can be about 400cc to 600cc, about 425cc to 500cc, about 500cc to 600cc, about 500cc to 650cc, about 550cc to 700cc, about 600cc to 650cc, about 600cc to 700cc, or about 600cc to 800cc.

[0026] As used herein, a "fairway wood golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway wood golf club head can be greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway wood can be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees.

[0027] Additionally, as used herein, a "fairway wood golf club head" has a volume of less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood can be between about 150 cc and 200 cc, between about 150 cc and 250 cc, between about 150 cc and 300 cc, between about 150 cc and 350 cc, between about 150 cc and 400 cc, between about 300 cc and 400 cc, between about 325 cc and 400 cc, between about 350 cc and 400 cc, between about 250 cc and 400 cc, between about 250 cc and 350 cc, or between about 275 cc and 375 cc.

[0028] As used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid can be greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0029] Additionally, as used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a volume of less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the hybrid can be between about 100 cc and 150 cc, between about 75 cc and 150 cc, between about 100 cc and 125 cc, or between about 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0030] As used herein, the term "decibel(s)" refers to units of vibration amplitude. Decibels of vibration are measured on a logarithmic scale. Due to the logarithmic nature of the decibel scale, a linear increase in decibel value of amplitude correlates to an exponential increase in vibration amplitude (or "vibration energy") measured by the linear scale. Thus, a decrease and / or increase in decibel value of vibration amplitude, even by 1 or 2 decibels, correlates to a significant decrease and / or increase in the magnitude of the vibration amplitude.

[0031] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before any embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or the construction and arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit the disclosure, since it covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0032] General Description of Multi-Component Clubheads Before describing the structure of the tuning elements and their advantageous benefits in suppressing high amplitudes at dominant natural frequencies, one embodiment of a multi-component or composite club head structure will be described below. Please refer to the drawings, in which like reference numerals identify the same or identical components in the various views. FIGS. 1-9 schematically illustrate a multi-material wood-type golf club head in various views. Club head 100 includes a first component 120 and a second component 122. First component 120 and second component 122 are secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior volume. Club head 100 includes a strike face 102, a front end 104, a rear end 106 opposite front end 104, a crown 108, a sole 110 opposite crown 108, a heel end 114, and a toe end 112 opposite heel end 114. The front end 104 of the club head 100 includes a strike face 102 and a leading edge 115. The club head 100 further includes a skirt or trailing edge 118. The skirt or trailing edge 118 is located between and adjacent the crown and sole. The skirt extends from near the heel end 114 to near the toe end 112 of the club head 100.

[0033] The club head 100 is a wood-type club head, such as a driver club head, a fairway wood club head, or a hybrid club head as described in this disclosure. The strike face 102 and the body 101 can define an interior cavity of the club head 100. The body 101 can extend around the periphery of the crown 108, the sole 110, the heel end 114, the toe end 112, the back end 106, and the front end 104. In embodiments, the body 101 defines an opening on the front end 104 of the club head 100, and the strike face 102 is disposed within the opening to form the club head 100. In other embodiments, the strike face 102 extends around the periphery of the front end 104 and includes a striking face return portion that extends around at least one of the crown 108, the sole 110, the heel 114, and the toe 112 (not shown). In embodiments with a strike face return portion, the return portion of the strike face 102 is secured to the body 101 to form the club head 100. In these embodiments, the club head 100 can resemble a cup face or face wrap design.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1-3, the club head 100 includes a hosel structure 105. The hosel structure 105 is capable of receiving a hosel sleeve and a golf shaft. The hosel sleeve is capable of coupling to the end of the golf shaft (not shown). The hosel sleeve can be coupled to the hosel structure in multiple configurations, thereby allowing the golf shaft to be secured to the hosel structure at multiple angles.

[0035] Club head 100 may further include a weight port 119 configured to receive a removable weight. In many embodiments, weight port 119 may be located in sole 110 and / or skirt 118. The removable weight may adjust moment of inertia (MOI) characteristics and center of gravity (CG) location.

[0036] The strike face 102 comprises a striking surface 103 that is intended to impact a golf ball. The striking surface 103 further defines a face center or geometric center 116. In some embodiments, the face center 116 can be located at the geometric center point of the striking surface 103. In another approach, the face center 116 of the striking surface 103 can be located in accordance with the regulations of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0037] 1-3, the club head 100 defines a ground plane 2000 that is tangent to the sole 110 when the club head 100 is in the address position. The face center 116 of the striking surface 103 defines the origin of a coordinate system having an x-axis 1050, a y-axis 1060, and a z-axis 1070. The x-axis 1050 is a horizontal axis that extends through the face center 116 in a direction parallel to the ground plane 2000, extending from near the heel end 114 to near the toe end 112. The y-axis 1060 is a vertical axis that extends through the face center 116 in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane 2000, extending from near the sole 110 to near the crown 108. The y-axis 1060 is perpendicular to the x-axis 1050. The z-axis 1070 is a horizontal axis extending through the face center 116 in a direction parallel to the ground plane 2000, extending from near the front end 104 to near the rear end 106. The z-axis 1070 is perpendicular to the x-axis 1050 and the y-axis 1060. The x-axis 1050 extends in a positive direction toward the heel end 114. The y-axis 1060 extends in a positive direction toward the crown 108. The z-axis 1070 extends in a positive direction toward the rear end 106.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 6 , the club head 100 further includes a plurality of quadrants defined within a coordinate system. The club head 100 defines a front end reference plane 500. The front end reference plane 500 is tangent to the leading edge 115 at address and perpendicular to the ground plane 2000. The club head 100 defines a rear end reference plane 600. The rear end reference plane 600 is tangent to the rear end 106 and parallel to the front end reference plane 500. The club head 100 also defines a midplane 550 defined midway between the front end reference plane 500 and the rear end reference plane 600. The midplane 550 extends parallel to both the front end reference plane 500 and the rear end reference plane 600. When viewed from the top or crown, as shown by FIG. 6 , the club head 100 defines a plurality of quadrants separated by the midplane 550 and the YZ plane. The YZ plane is defined as a plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis. Club head 100 defines a front-toe quadrant 170, a rear-toe quadrant 172, a front-heel quadrant 174, and a rear-heel quadrant 176. The front-toe quadrant 170 is located in front of mid-plane 550 and toward the toe of the YZ plane. The rear-toe quadrant 172 is located behind mid-plane 550 and toward the toe of the YZ plane. The front-heel quadrant 174 is located in front of mid-plane 550 and toward the heel of the YZ plane. The rear-heel quadrant 176 is located behind mid-plane 550 and toward the heel of the YZ plane.

[0039] 2 and 3, the club head 100 further includes a center of gravity (CG) 1000. In many embodiments, the center of gravity 1000 is located within the coordinate system defined above. The center of gravity 1000 is located on an x-axis 1050, a y-axis 1060, and a z-axis 1070. The center of gravity 1000 further defines the origin of a coordinate system having a CGx-axis 2050, a CGy-axis 2060, and a CGz-axis 2070. The CGx-axis 2050 extends through the CG 1000 from near the heel end 114 to near the toe end 112. The CGy-axis 2060 extends through the CG 1000 from near the crown 108 to near the sole 110, and the CGz-axis 2070 is perpendicular to the CGx-axis 2050. The CGz axis 2070 extends through the CG 1000 from near the front end 104 to near the rear end 106 and is perpendicular to both the CGx axis 2050 and the CGy axis 2060.

[0040] The CGx-axis 2050 is parallel to the x-axis 1050, the CGy-axis 2060 is parallel to the y-axis 1060, and the CGz-axis 2070 is parallel to the z-axis 1070. In many embodiments, the center of gravity 1000 is preferably located toward the sole 110 and back end 106 of the club head 100.

[0041] The club head 100 further includes a moment of inertia Ixx about the CGx axis 2050 (i.e., the crown-sole moment of inertia) and a moment of inertia Iyy about the CGy axis 2060 (i.e., the heel-toe moment of inertia). As explained in more detail below, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy are increased or maximized to provide a highly forgiving club head. The club head 100 includes a high moment of inertia Ixx and a high moment of inertia Iyy. The high moments of inertia Ixx and Iyy provide the club head 100 with improved feel, forgiveness, and playability.

[0042] First Component As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the club head 100 can be formed from multiple materials. The club head 100 includes a first component 120 formed from a metal material. The first component 120 provides the load-bearing structure and the majority of the mass of the club head 100 to withstand repeated impacts with a golf ball. The first component 120 is configured for impact with a golf ball and provides structural reinforcement to the club head 100. The first component 120 is located at the rear of the club head and includes a weight port 119 for receiving a removable weight for weight adjustment, and may include structures such as ribs that structurally reinforce the club head 100.

[0043] The first component includes a front end 104 having a strike face 102, a hosel structure 105, and a return portion 124 extending rearward from the periphery of the strike face 102. In some embodiments, the first component 120 can be integrally formed as a unitary structure or component, with the first component 120 formed from a single material. Alternatively, the first component 120 can receive a separately formed strike face insert. The separately formed strike face insert can be secured in an opening in the front end of the club head 100. The separately formed strike face insert can include a metal material that is different from the metal material of the first component.

[0044] The return portion 124 of the first component 120 forms a portion of the crown 108, the sole 110, the hosel structure 105, the heel end 114, and the toe end 112. The first component 120 further includes a rear sole extension 160 extending rearward of the return portion 124. The rear sole extension 160 forms a portion of the sole 110. The rear sole extension 160 extends between the return portion 124 and the rear end 106 of the club head 100. The rear sole extension 160 extends the majority of the club head length, which is measured parallel to the z-axis 1070 from the leading edge 115 to the trailing edge 118. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the rear sole extension 160 may include a weight port 119 for weight adjustment and / or a reinforcing structure to reinforce the club head 100.

[0045] The first component 120 of the club head 100 may be formed from, but is not limited to, steel, a steel alloy, a stainless steel alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, a titanium alloy, an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar materials. For example, the first component 120 may be formed from, but is not limited to, Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy, 17-4 stainless steel, C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium)-alloy steel, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, 17-4 stainless steel, titanium alloys, such as, but not limited to, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, T9s+, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloys, amorphous metal alloys, or other similar metals.

[0046] Second Component Club head 100 further includes second component 122 formed from a lightweight, non-metallic material. Second component 122 reduces the mass of the crown and allows for additional discretionary mass distribution to first component 120 and / or removable weights. Second component 122 may be formed by injection molding as a unitary structure or component having a single material. As described in more detail below, tuning elements are bonded or secured to second component 122 to dampen high amplitudes occurring at dominant natural frequencies.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , the second component 122 forms a majority of the crown 108, as well as portions of the heel end 114, the toe end 112, the sole 110, the rear end 106, and the skirt 118. The second component 122 includes a crown portion 150, a sole-toe portion 152a, and a sole-heel portion 152b. The second component 122 is configured to be fixed to the first component 120. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the second component 122 is configured to wrap around the first component 120. The second component 122 abuts the return portion 124 and the sole rear extension 160 of the first component 120. When viewed from the sole, the first component 120 extends between the second components 122. Specifically, the sole rear extension 160 of the first component 120 extends between the second components 122. The second component 122 forms a heel portion 152 b of the sole 110 and a toe portion 152 a of the sole 110 .

[0048] The second component 122 is secured to the first component 120 at a mating surface. The second component 122 is secured to the first component 120 at the mating surface via an adhesive or by mechanical means. The mating surface can be located at the interface between the first component 120 and the second component 122. The mating surface can be a concave lip. The concave lip extends along the periphery of the return portion 124 and the sole rear extension 160. The concave lip can be recessed from the outer surface of the club head 100 to accommodate the combined thickness of the overlap between the first component 120 and the second component 122 and any adhesive used to bond the two components together.

[0049] The second component 122 can be located within multiple quadrants described above. As described above, the club head 100 defines a front-toe quadrant 170, a rear-toe quadrant 172, a front-heel quadrant 174, and a rear-heel quadrant 176. A portion of the second component 122 can be located within the front-toe quadrant 170 and the front-heel quadrant 174. The second component 122 can be located entirely within the rear-toe quadrant 172 and the rear-heel quadrant 176. In other words, a majority of the second component 122 (i.e., the surface area of the second component 122) can be located rearward of the mid-plane 550. For example, more than 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the surface area of the second component 122 can be located rearward of the mid-plane 550. In other embodiments, the surface area of the second component 122 located rearward of the mid-plane 550 can range from 55 to 95%. In still other embodiments, the surface area of the second component 122 located rearward of the mid-plane 550 can range from 50 to 70%, 55% to 75%, 60% to 80%, 65% to 85%, 70% to 90%, or 75% to 95%. For example, the surface area of the second component 122 located rearward of the mid-plane 550 can be 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%.

[0050] The second component 122 comprises a material with a lower density than the material of the first component 120. In some embodiments, the second component 122 may comprise a composite material formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The polymer resin may comprise a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin. The composite material of the second component 122 may be either a filled thermoplastic (FT) composite or a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). In some embodiments, the second component 122 may comprise FT bonded together with FRC. Filled thermoplastic (FT) composites are typically injection molded into a desired shape. Filled thermoplastic (FT) composites may comprise a thermoplastic resin and randomly oriented discontinuous fibers. In contrast, fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) are formed from continuous fiber sheets impregnated with resin (prepreg). Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) may comprise either a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.

[0051] In embodiments using a thermoplastic resin, the resin may include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may be polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide The composite may include PPS, polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and / or other similar materials. While strength and weight are two primary properties to consider for a composite, suitable composites may also offer secondary benefits, such as acoustic properties. In some embodiments, PPS and PEEK are desirable because they generally produce a metallic-sounding acoustic response upon club head impact.

[0052] The reinforcing fibers may include carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphite fibers (or chopped graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In other embodiments, the composite material may include any reinforcing filler that adds strength, durability, and / or weight.

[0053] The density of the composite material (resin and fiber combined) forming the second component 122 can range from about 1.15 g / cc to about 2.02 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the composite material ranges from about 1.20 g / cc to about 1.90 g / cc, from about 1.25 g / cc to about 1.85 g / cc, from about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.80 g / cc, from about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.70 g / cc, from about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.40 g / cc, or from about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.45 g / cc.

[0054] Second component material - filled thermoplastic (FT) material In FT materials, the polymer resin should preferably incorporate one or more polymers with sufficiently high material strength and / or strength-to-weight ratio properties to withstand typical use and provide weight-saving benefits to the design. Specifically, it is important for the design and material to efficiently withstand the stresses imparted during impact between the strike face and the golf ball while not contributing substantially to the total weight of the golf club head. Generally, the polymer can be characterized by a tensile strength at yield greater than about 60 MPa (net). When the polymer resin is combined with reinforcing fibers, the resulting composite material can have a tensile strength at yield greater than about 110 MPa, a tensile strength at yield greater than about 180 MPa, a tensile strength at yield greater than about 220 MPa, a tensile strength at yield greater than about 260 MPa, a tensile strength at yield greater than about 280 MPa, or a tensile strength at yield greater than about 290 MPa. In some embodiments, suitable composite materials may have a tensile strength at yield of from about 60 MPa to about 350 MPa.

[0055] In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise a plurality of dispersed, discontinuous fibers (i.e., chopped fibers). In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "long fibers" having a designed fiber length of about 3 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the discontinuous "long fibers" have a designed fiber length of about 3 mm to 14 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber length is about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) prior to the molding process. In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "short fibers" having a designed fiber length of about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. Note that in either case (whether short or long fibers), the given length is a premixed length, and due to breakage during the molding process, some fibers may actually be shorter than the above range in the final component. In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers may be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., fiber length / diameter) greater than about 10, or more preferably greater than about 50 and less than about 1500. Regardless of the particular type of discontinuous chopped fiber used, in certain configurations, the composite material may have a fiber length of from about 0.01 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 0.01 mm to about 14 mm.

[0056] The composite material may have a polymer resin content of about 40% to about 90% by weight, or about 55% to about 70% by weight. The second component composite material may have a fiber content of between about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of between about 20% to about 50% by weight, or between 30% to 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of between about 10% and about 15% by weight, between about 15% and about 20% by weight, between about 20% and about 25% by weight, between about 25% and about 30% by weight, between about 30% and about 35% by weight, between about 35% and about 40% by weight, between about 40% and about 45% by weight, between about 45% and about 50% by weight, between about 50% and about 55% by weight, or between about 55% and about 60% by weight.

[0057] In embodiments in which the second component 122 comprises a filled thermoplastic (FT) material, the second component 122 can be injection molded from composite pellets containing both a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be embedded in the resin prior to the injection molding process. The pellets can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the second component 122. The FT composite material can have a melting temperature between about 210°C and about 280°C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting temperature between about 250°C and about 270°C.

[0058] In embodiments involving the second component 122 of FT material, at least 50% of the fibers may be aligned generally anterior-posterior in the central region of the crown 108. In other words, the fibers may be aligned generally perpendicular to the strike face 102. The FT material exhibits greatest strength in the direction of fiber alignment. Therefore, orienting the fibers in a generally anterior-posterior direction increases the durability of the club head 100. The fibers may be oriented in a generally anterior-posterior direction to address compressive stresses in the crown 108 that arise during golf ball impact. The fiber alignment may correspond to the direction of material flow in the mold during the injection molding process.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second component 122 can be formed from a long fiber reinforced TPU material (an exemplary FT material). The long fiber TPU can include approximately 40% long carbon fiber by weight. The long fiber TPU can exhibit a higher modulus of elasticity than that of short carbon fiber compounds. The long fiber TPU can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in golf club heads used and / or stored in hot climates. The long fiber TPU also exhibits high toughness, allowing it to serve as a good replacement for traditional metal components. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU includes a tensile modulus of between approximately 26,000 MPa and approximately 30,000 MPa, or between approximately 27,000 MPa and approximately 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU includes a flexural modulus of between approximately 21,000 MPa and approximately 26,000 MPa, or between approximately 22,000 MPa and approximately 25,000 MPa. The long fiber TPU material can have a tensile elongation (at break) of between about 0.5% and about 2.5%. In some embodiments, the tensile elongation of the composite TPU material can be between about 1.0% and about 2.0%, between about 1.2% and about 1.4%, between about 1.4% and about 1.6%, between about 1.6% and about 1.8%, or between about 1.8% and about 2.0%.

[0060] Second component material - Fiber reinforced composite (FRC) In some embodiments, the second component 122 may comprise a fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material. FRC materials generally comprise one or more layers of unidirectional or multidirectional fiber fabrics extending across a larger portion of a polymer. Unlike reinforcing fibers that may be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimensions of the fibers used in FRC may be substantially larger / longer than those used in FT materials and may have sufficient size and properties to allow them to be provided as a continuous fabric separate from the polymer. When formed with a thermoplastic polymer, the included continuous fibers generally do not flow, even when the polymer is freely flowable when melted. The reinforcing fibers may comprise a basis weight (weight per length x width area) between 75 g / m and 150 g / m.

[0061] FRC materials are generally formed by arranging fibers in a desired configuration and then impregnating the fiber material with a sufficient amount of polymeric material to provide sufficient rigidity. Thus, FT materials may have a resin content greater than about 45% by volume, or more preferably greater than about 55% by volume, while FRC materials may desirably have a resin content less than about 45% by volume, or more preferably less than about 35% by volume. In some embodiments, the resin content of FRC may be between 24% and 45% by volume.

[0062] FRC materials traditionally use two-part thermosetting epoxies as the polymer matrix, although thermoplastic polymers can also be used as the matrix. In many cases, FRC materials are pre-formed before final manufacturing, and such intermediate materials are often called prepregs. When using thermosetting polymers, the prepreg is partially cured in an intermediate form, with final curing occurring when the prepreg is formed into its final shape. When using thermoplastic polymers, the prepreg can include a cooled thermoplastic matrix. The thermoplastic matrix can then be heated and molded into its final shape.

[0063] The FRC second component 122 can comprise multiple layers (also referred to as multiple lamina). Each layer can include and / or be the same thickness as a prepreg. Each of the multiple layers can comprise either a unidirectional fabric (UD) or a multidirectional fabric (sometimes referred to as a woven fabric). In some embodiments, the multiple layers can comprise at least three UD layers. The second and third layers can be angled relative to a reference layer. If the reference layer is oriented at 0 degrees, the second and third layers can be oriented at ±45 degrees from the reference layer. In some embodiments, the layers can be oriented at 0, +45, -45, +90, and -90 degrees in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the multiple layers comprise at least one multidirectional woven fabric layer, which is typically positioned on top to improve the appearance of the FRC second component 122.

[0064] Second component material - mixed material The second component 122 may have a mixed material construction including both a fiber-reinforced composite elastic layer and a molded thermoplastic structural layer. In some preferred embodiments, the molded thermoplastic structural layer may be formed from a filled thermoplastic (FT) material. As noted above, the FT may include discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic resin may be, for example, a TPU such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or a polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. The fiber-reinforced composite elastic layer may include a woven glass, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber reinforcement layer embedded within a polymer resin (or matrix). The polymer resin of the elastic layer may be thermoplastic or thermoset.

[0065] In some embodiments, the polymer resin of the fiber-reinforced composite elastic layer is the same thermoplastic material as the resin of the molded thermoplastic structural layer. In other words, the fiber-reinforced elastic layer and the molded structural layer can comprise a common thermoplastic resin. Forming the elastic layer and the structural layer from a common thermoplastic resin allows for a strong chemical bond between the layers. In these embodiments, the elastic layer and the structural layer can be joined without the use of an intermediate adhesive. In one particular embodiment, the elastic layer of the second component 122 can comprise a woven carbon fiber fabric embedded in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the structural layer of the second component (122) can comprise a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer. In alternative embodiments, the second component 122 can be formed by extrusion, injection blow molding, 3-D printing, or other suitable forming means.

[0066] Tuning Elements The multi-material club head 100 described above may further include tuning elements 130. Multi-material club heads include considerations for different sounds or acoustic responses compared to the acoustic response of an all-metal club head. Tuning elements 130 may be located on the lightweight non-metallic second component 122 to provide the multi-material club head 100 with a desired acoustic response and a desired "softer" feel.

[0067] 4A-9, tuning element 130 improves the sound and feel characteristics of club head 100 by dampening dominant vibrations. In some embodiments, club head 100 reduces dominant vibration amplitude by between 1 and 7 decibels compared to a similar multi-material club head without tuning elements. Club head 100 includes superior sound control while minimizing the impact on the location and moment of inertia of the club head's center of gravity 1000.

[0068] The tuning element 130 is positioned at a target location to control vibration and sound. The tuning element 130 reduces the dominant vibration amplitude of an impact that would otherwise result in an undesirable sound or feel in the club head 100. The tuning element 130 can be located in a portion of the club head 100 that experiences dominant vibrations and can reduce such undesirable vibrations. The tuning element 130 helps to locally reduce the vibration amplitude that would otherwise occur if the tuning element 130 were not located at the target location. In many embodiments, the tuning element 130 targets high-amplitude vibrations at frequencies above 5000 Hz. The club head 100 may experience a maximum amplitude of up to 70 decibels at a given frequency, and the inclusion of the tuning element 130 can reduce the amplitude by 1 to 7 decibels. By specifically targeting the location where the most significant vibrations upon impact occur (i.e., a vibration "hot spot" 140 of the club head 100) and placing the tuning element 130 at the hot spot 140, the tuning element 130 requires a relatively low mass to provide the same vibration damping effect as a higher mass tuning element located away from the hot spot 140. Thus, the sound and feel of the club head 100 can be improved simply by using lightweight tuning elements 130 that do not adversely affect the mass properties of the club head 100.

[0069] 4B , the tuning element 130 is positioned on the second impact 122. More specifically, the tuning element 130 can be disposed on a portion 150 of the second impact 122 that forms a majority of the crown 108 of the club head 100, opposite a toe portion 152 a of the second impact 122 or a heel portion 152 b of the second impact 122. In many embodiments, the tuning element 130 can be located on an inner surface 127 of the crown 108. In many embodiments, the tuning element 130 is positioned on a rear heel portion of the crown 108. In many other embodiments, the tuning element 130 is positioned on a rear toe portion of the crown 108. The location of the tuning element on the crown 108 can correspond to the location of the vibration hotspot 140.

[0070] The tuning element 130 can be easily coupled to the inner surface 127 of the second component 122. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the multi-component nature of the club head 100 allows for easy attachment of the tuning element 130 to the inner surface of the second component 122. This is because the tuning element 130 can be attached to the second component 122 before sealing the internal cavity 128. As explained above, in multi-component club head structures, the second component 122 is secured to the first component 120 via adhesive or mechanical means without the use of a heat source. The tuning element 130 can be attached before securing the second component 122 to the first component 120. This is because there is no heating step associated with securing the components 120, 122, which would compromise the structural integrity of the tuning element 130.

[0071] The tuning element 130 is a lightweight member that can be attached to a portion of the club head 100 (e.g., the inner surface 127 of the second component 122) to dampen and dissipate dominant vibrations. In many embodiments, the tuning element 130 can be attached to the inner surface 127 of the second component 122 through the use of adhesives, epoxies, etc. The tuning element 130 can include multiple layers formed from various materials. The tuning element 130 can include a three-layer or two-layer structure.

[0072] In many embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 5 , the tuning element 130 comprises a three-layer structure. As illustrated by FIG. 5 , the tuning element comprises an adhesive layer 134, a reinforcing layer 138 opposite the adhesive layer 134, and a vibration-damping layer 136 sandwiched between the adhesive layer 134 and the reinforcing layer 138. The adhesive layer 134 forms a bottom surface of the tuning element 130 and can function to adhere the tuning element 130 to the inner surface 127 of the second component 122. In such three-layer embodiments, the vibration-damping layer 136 can comprise a viscoelastic polymer configured to dissipate vibrations by converting kinetic energy into heat. The vibration-damping layer can comprise any viscoelastic polymer or material, such as an elastomer, butyl rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other suitable material with viscoelastic properties.

[0073] In many embodiments, the reinforcing layer 138 comprises a thin layer of material having a high tensile strength to provide stiffness to the tuning element 130 without adding a significant amount of mass to the tuning element 130. In many embodiments, the reinforcing layer 138 can be formed from a polymer material, a composite material, or glass cloth. In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer 138 can include a fiber-reinforced composite material, such as a woven glass, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber-reinforced layer embedded in a polymer resin. In alternative embodiments, the reinforcing layer 138 can include a lightweight metallic material, such as aluminum, aluminum foil, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, or a magnesium alloy.

[0074] As discussed above, the reinforcing layer 138 comprises a high tensile strength that provides stiffness to the tuning element 130. In many embodiments, the tensile strength of the reinforcing layer 138 can be greater than about 60 MPa, greater than about 110 MPa, greater than about 180, greater than about 220 MPa, greater than about 260 MPa, greater than about 280 MPa, or greater than about 290 MPa. In some embodiments, suitable composite materials can have a tensile strength at yield of from about 60 MPa to about 350 MPa.

[0075] The club head 100 flexes and vibrates upon impact with a golf ball. Similarly, the reinforcing layer 138 flexes and vibrates upon impact. The flexing and vibration of the second component 122 and the reinforcing layer 138 imparts shear forces on the vibration-damping layer 136, which is trapped between the inner surface 127 of the second component 122 and the reinforcing layer 138. The shear forces generated by the vibration stretch the viscoelastic material within the vibration-damping layer 136. The viscoelastic properties of the vibration-damping layer 136 convert the kinetic energy of the vibration into thermal energy. In this way, the tuning element 130 dissipates the vibration energy generated at the hot spot 140.

[0076] In other embodiments (not shown), the tuning element 130 comprises a two-layer structure. The two-layer structure of the tuning element 130 in some embodiments can be similar to the three-layer structure of other embodiments, except that the two-layer structure may lack the reinforcement layer 138. In many embodiments, the two-layer structure of the tuning element 130 can simply comprise the adhesive layer 134 and the vibration-damping layer 136. In such embodiments, the vibration-damping layer 136 is exposed to the interior cavity 128 of the club head 100 and is not confined by the reinforcement layer 138. In such embodiments, the vibration-damping layer 136 may or may not be a viscoelastic polymer, as described above. In addition to the polymers listed above, the two-layer vibration-damping layer 136 can alternatively be formed from other materials with vibration-damping properties, such as foam, acrylic foam, felt, or polymer-based glue.

[0077] In alternative embodiments, tuning element 130 can be any lightweight material that can be attached to club head 100 for vibration damping. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can be a polymer-based tape, such as Very High Bond (VHB) tape, or other high-bond tape that can be bonded to non-metallic second component 122. In other embodiments, tuning element 130 can be a polymer-based glue. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can include a polymer or polymer glue encapsulated within a protective layer, such as a plastic layer, that is adhesively bonded to second component 122. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can include one or more layers of tape, one or more adhesive layers, one or more epoxy layers, one or more foam layers, one or more viscoelastic layers, one or more felt layers, one or more composite layers, one or more polymer layers, one or more glue layers, one or more fiberglass layers, or combinations thereof.

[0078] Tuning element 130 may be a lightweight element that includes a low density that contributes an insignificant amount of mass compared to the overall mass of club head 100. In this manner, the addition of tuning element 130 to club head 100 does not significantly affect the overall mass of the club head or affect the mass properties of club head 100, including the moment of inertia (MOI) and center of gravity (CG) location.

[0079] Tuning element 130 has a resistance of 0.5 g / cm 3 ~2g / cm 3 In some embodiments, the density of tuning element 130 is 0.5 g / cm 3 ~1.0g / cm 3 Between 0.75g / cm 3 ~1.25g / cm 3 Between 1.0g / cm 3 ~1.5g / cm 3 Between 1.25g / cm 3 ~1.75g / cm 3 Between or 1.5g / cm3 ~2.0g / cm 3 In some embodiments, the density of tuning element 130 can range between 0.5 g / cm 3 ~1.5g / cm 3 Between 0.6g / cm 3 ~1.6g / cm 3 Between 0.7g / cm 3 ~1.7g / cm 3 Between 0.8g / cm 3 ~1.8g / cm 3 Between 0.9g / cm 3 ~1.9g / cm 3 Between or 1.0g / cm 3 ~2.0g / cm 3 In some embodiments, the density of tuning element 130 can be between about 0.5 g / cm 3 , 0.6g / cm 3 , 0.7g / cm 3 , 0.8g / cm 3 , 0.9g / cm 3 , 1.0g / cm 3 , 1.1g / cm 3 , 1.2g / cm 3 , 1.3g / cm 3 , 1.4g / cm 3 , or 1.5g / cm 3 It can be said that:

[0080] Tuning element 130 has a mass between 0.5 grams and 10 grams. In many embodiments, tuning element 130 can have a mass between 0.5 grams and 8 grams, between 0.5 grams and 6 grams, or between 0.5 grams and 4 grams. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can have a mass between 0.5 grams and 10 grams, between 0.5 grams and 8 grams, between 0.5 grams and 6 grams, between 0.5 grams and 4 grams, or between 0.5 grams and 2.0 grams. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can have a mass between 2 grams and 10 grams, between 2 grams and 8 grams, between 2 grams and 6 grams, or between 2 grams and 5 grams. In many embodiments, tuning element 130 can have a mass of about 0.5 grams, about 1 gram, about 1.5 grams, about 2 grams, about 2.5 grams, or about 3 grams.

[0081] Despite its light weight, tuning element 130 provides significant vibration damping to golf club head 100. As described in more detail below, tuning element 130 can reduce vibration amplitudes occurring at frequencies above 5000 Hz by 1 to 7 decibels. The light weight of tuning element 130 allows the vibration damping to occur without significantly altering the mass properties of club head 100.

[0082] Tuning Element Placement As explained above, the tuning element 130 is suitably located at a target location on the club head body 100 to effectively dampen unwanted vibrations without requiring a large mass. The location of the tuning element 130 corresponds to the location of a vibration hot spot 140 on the club head 100. As explained above, with reference to FIG. 7 , the hot spot 140 is defined herein as the location on the club head 100 that experiences the largest vibration amplitude at the natural frequency of the club head 100. The hot spot 140 is defined based on the vibration response of the club head 100. The tuning element 130 is aligned with the hot spot 140. The hot spot 140 is the area of the club head 100 that contains the most significant vibrations relative to the overall acoustic response of the club head 100 and often contributes to harsh and / or ear-piercing sounds. By determining the location of the hot spot 140 and placing the tuning element 130 at the hot spot 140, these significant vibrations can be dampened and the overall acoustic response of the club head 100 can be improved (i.e., the club head 100 can sound dampened, quieter, and / or duller). In some embodiments, the location of the tuning element 130 can correspond to one or more quadrants in which the hot spot is located. In other embodiments, the location of the tuning element 130 can correspond to one or more vibration location features 185 disposed on the crown 108, as described in more detail below.

[0083] The location of the hot spots 140 can be determined by performing routine modal analysis on the club head 100. Through such analysis, one or more natural frequencies of the club head 100 and the "shape" of each natural frequency (i.e., the vibration amplitude within various regions of the club head 100 at a given natural frequency) are determined. The location of the vibration hot spots 140 can be identified by determining the regions of highest vibration amplitude within the club head at a given natural frequency.

[0084] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a natural frequency in the range of between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz. In some embodiments, the club head 100 can have a natural frequency between 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz, between 3500 Hz and 4500 Hz, between 4000 Hz and 5000 Hz, between 4500 Hz and 5500 Hz, between 5000 Hz and 6000 Hz, between 5500 Hz and 6500 Hz, or between 6000 Hz and 7000 Hz. In some embodiments, the club head 100 can have a natural frequency in the range of between 3000 Hz and 3500 Hz, between 3500 Hz and 4000 Hz, between 4000 Hz and 4500 Hz, between 4500 Hz and 5000 Hz, between 5000 Hz and 5500 Hz, between 5500 Hz and 6000 Hz, between 6000 Hz and 6500 Hz, or between 3000 Hz and 4000 Hz.

[0085] FIG. 7 illustrates vibration amplitudes at various locations on the club head at a given natural frequency, as determined through modal analysis. Darker shaded areas in the diagram correspond to areas with greater vibration amplitudes. As illustrated by FIG. 7, a hot spot 140 occurs within the rear-heel quadrant 176 of the club head 100. A tuning element 130 can be positioned at a location corresponding to the hot spot 140 to suppress (i.e., reduce) the predominant vibration occurring at the hot spot 140 and its surrounding area. By placing the tuning element 130 directly at the location corresponding to the hot spot 140, the tuning element 130 provides more effective damping of the predominant vibration occurring at the hot spot 140 than tuning elements placed at other locations. Accurately positioning the tuning element 130 at the location corresponding to the hot spot 140 allows the tuning element 130 to provide significant vibration damping without requiring a significant amount of mass.

[0086] The high vibration amplitudes that occur at these frequencies (e.g., frequencies between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz) can create undesirable acoustic responses within the golf club head 100 upon impact. In many embodiments, prior to application of the tuning element 130, the maximum vibration amplitude at a given frequency may be greater than about 66 decibels, greater than 67 decibels, greater than 68 decibels, greater than 69 decibels, greater than 70 decibels, greater than 71 decibels, or greater than 72 decibels.

[0087] Tuning element 130 provides significant vibration damping, reducing dominant vibrations occurring at hotspot 140. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can reduce the maximum amplitude at the natural frequency by 1 to 7 decibels. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can reduce the maximum amplitude at the natural frequency by 1 to 3 decibels, 2 to 4 decibels, 3 to 5 decibels, 4 to 6 decibels, or 5 to 7 decibels. In some embodiments, tuning element 130 can reduce the maximum amplitude at the natural frequency by more than 1 decibel, more than 2 decibels, more than 3 decibels, more than 4 decibels, more than 5 decibels, more than 6 decibels, or more than 7 decibels.

[0088] Because the decibel scale is a logarithmic representation of amplitude, even a 1 or 2 decibel reduction correlates to a significant reduction in vibrational energy. As an example of a logarithmic representation of amplitude, Table 1 below relates the linear magnitude of vibrational energy experienced by the golf club 100 to the decibel values associated with typical peak amplitudes experienced by the golf club head 100. [Table 1]

[0089] As can be seen from Table 1, a 1 decibel decrease in amplitude (e.g., between 70 decibels and 69 decibels) results in a 10.9% decrease in vibrational energy. Similarly, for example, a 6 decibel decrease in amplitude (i.e., between 70 decibels and 64 decibels) results in a 50% decrease in vibrational energy. Similarly, a 10 decibel decrease in amplitude (e.g., from 70 decibels to 60 decibels) corresponds to a 68% decrease in vibrational energy. Such a significant decrease in vibrational energy at a given natural frequency (i.e., natural frequencies above 5000 Hz) results in a significant improvement in the acoustic response of club head 100.

[0090] In some embodiments, the club head 100 may include multiple hot spots 140 at various locations, with the same natural frequency or different natural frequencies. In such embodiments, the club head may include a first tuning element 130 corresponding to the location of the first hot spot 140 and a second tuning element (not shown) corresponding to the location of the second hot spot 140. As shown in FIG. 7 , the club head 100 includes a first hot spot 140 located in the rear-heel quadrant 176 and a second hot spot 140 located in the rear-toe quadrant 172.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 6 , the location of the tuning element 130 can be characterized relative to a quadrant system of the club head 100. In many embodiments, the tuning element 130 is located in the rear-heel quadrant. In other embodiments, the tuning element 130 can be located in the front-toe quadrant 170, the rear-toe quadrant 172, the front-heel quadrant 174, the rear-heel quadrant 176, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the tuning element 130 can be located only in a single quadrant, such as only in the front-toe quadrant 170, only in the rear-toe quadrant 172, only in the front-heel quadrant 174, or only in the rear-heel quadrant 176. In some embodiments, the tuning element 130 can be at least partially located in the front-toe quadrant 170, at least partially located in the rear-toe quadrant 172, at least partially located in the front-heel quadrant 174, and / or at least partially located in the rear-heel quadrant 176. 6, a portion of the tuning element 130 can be located in the rear-heel quadrant 176 and a portion of the tuning element can be located in the front-heel quadrant 174. In many other embodiments, the tuning element can be located partially in the rear-toe quadrant 172 and partially in the front-toe quadrant 170.

[0092] The position of the tuning element 130 can be further characterized in relation to the center location of the tuning element. As shown in FIG. 6 , the tuning element 130 can define a tuning element center point 132 midway between the outer perimeter edges of the tuning element 130. The tuning element center point 132 is located halfway along the heel-toe distance between the heel-most point or edge of the tuning element 130 and the toe-most point or edge of the tuning element 130. Similarly, the tuning element center point 132 is located halfway along the front-to-back distance between the front-most point or edge of the tuning element 130 and the rear-most point or edge of the tuning element 130. The tuning element 130 can be rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any other shape or geometric shape. Regardless of the shape of the tuning element 130, the center point 132 is defined as the midpoint between the heel-most and toe-most regions of the tuning element 130 and the midpoint between the front-most and rear-most regions of the tuning element 130.

[0093] Additionally, the location of tuning element 130 can be described relative to the quadrant in which tuning element center point 132 lies. In many embodiments, tuning element center point 132 is located in rear-heel quadrant 176, as shown in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, tuning element center point 132 can be located in front-toe quadrant 170, rear-toe quadrant 172, or front-heel quadrant 174.

[0094] The position of the tuning element 130 can be further described in terms of a front-to-back, or offset distance D1, between the front end reference plane 500 and the tuning element midpoint 132. The offset distance D1 is the vertical distance measured in the direction of the z-axis 1070 from the front end reference plane 500 to the tuning element midpoint 132. In some embodiments, the offset distance D1 between the front end reference plane 500 and the tuning element midpoint 132 can be between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance D1 between the front end reference plane 500 and the tuning element midpoint 132 can be between approximately 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches, between 1.75 inches and 2.25 inches, or between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance D1 between the front end reference plane 500 and the tuning element center point 132 can be between 1.5 inches and 1.7 inches, between 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches, between 1.7 inches and 1.9 inches, between 1.8 inches and 2.0 inches, between 1.9 inches and 2.1 inches, between 2.0 inches and 2.2 inches, between 2.1 inches and 2.3 inches, between 2.2 inches and 2.4 inches, or between 2.3 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance D1 between the front end reference plane 500 and the tuning element center point 132 can be approximately 1.7 inches, approximately 1.8 inches, approximately 1.9 inches, approximately 2.0 inches, approximately 2.1 inches, approximately 2.2 inches, or approximately 2.3 inches.

[0095] In some embodiments, the club head can further include one or more physical features that affect the location of club head vibration hot spots 140. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an embodiment of a multi-component club head 100 that includes multiple location features 185 on the crown 108. Each of the multiple location features 185 can form a recessed region 186 on the outer surface of the crown 108. Each location feature 185 can include an edge 188 that separates the recessed region 186 from an adjacent non-recessed region of the crown 108. The location features 185 affect the location of the hot spots by creating discontinuities in the otherwise smooth, uniformly shaped surface of the crown 108. These discontinuities are common areas where vibration hot spots 140 occur. This is because the discontinuities create slightly weakened areas within the crown 108 that tend to vibrate more than other areas. As shown by FIG. 8B, the hot spots 140 in the multi-material club head 100 occur in proximity to the location features 185. The inclusion of location feature 185 in crown 108 of club head 100 reduces the variation in the location of hot spot 140 from club to club. Thus, the hot spot is more repeatedly and accurately located during manufacturing with the inclusion of location feature 185. The ability to accurately and repeatedly locate the hot spot results in more accurate and effective placement of tuning element 130.

[0096] In addition to providing control over the location of the hot spot 140, the positioning feature 185 can double as a natural alignment feature on the inner surface 127 of the crown 108, allowing for accurate and repeatable placement of the tuning element 130 during manufacturing. As shown in FIG. 9 , an edge 188 of the positioning feature 185 extends from the inner surface 127 of the second component 122 into the internal cavity 128, and a recessed area 186 on the outer surface of the club head 100 can form a protrusion 180 from the inner surface 127 into the internal cavity 128. The protrusion 180 acts as an alignment feature that visually indicates the desired location of the tuning element 130. The protrusion 180 can form a surface to which the tuning element 130 is bonded, and the edge 188 can orient the placement of the tuning element.

[0097] As explained above, location feature 185 influences the placement of hot spot 140 at a specific location on crown 108. Location feature 185 also forms protrusion 180 that acts as an alignment feature that aligns with the same location on inner surface 127 of crown 108 corresponding to hot spot 140. Because protrusion 180 is related to the location of hot spot 140, tuning element 130 can be repeatedly and precisely aligned with protrusion 180 at the precise location required to effectively dampen vibrations that occur at hot spot 140.

[0098] Further sonic benefits In addition to reducing the dominant vibration amplitude, the inclusion of tuning element 130 can affect the amount of time the club head 100 vibrates after impact. Tuning element 130 can reduce the total duration of the vibration response and the duration during which high-amplitude vibrations occur. The total duration of the vibration response can be separated into a "sustain" phase and a "release" phase. The sustain phase refers to the interval of time that begins at impact and ends when the response falls below 20% of its maximum amplitude value. The sustain phase characterizes the amount of time during which dominant vibrations occur. If the vibration response includes a relatively long sustain phase, the impact sound is perceived as more harsh. In contrast, reducing the duration of the sustain phase results in a weaker perceived impact sound, even if the maximum amplitude remains the same. The release phase refers to the interval of time that begins when the vibration response falls below 20% of its maximum amplitude (i.e., at the end of the sustain phase) and ends when the club head 100 stops vibrating. The release phase characterizes the amount of time during which no significant vibrations occur. An extended release phase can provide a "ringing" feel to the club head 100. As described below by way of various examples, the inclusion of tuning element 130 reduces the duration (and therefore the total duration) of both the sustain and release phases of the club head 100's vibration response, producing a more pleasant sound at impact.

[0099] In many prior art club heads without tuning elements, the total duration of the vibration response can range from about 36 milliseconds to about 40 milliseconds, the sustain duration can range from about 8 milliseconds to about 12 milliseconds, and the release duration can range from about 27 milliseconds to about 31 milliseconds. In many embodiments, the inclusion of tuning element 130 can reduce the total duration of the vibration response by more than 1 millisecond, more than 2 milliseconds, more than 3 milliseconds, more than 4 milliseconds, more than 5 milliseconds, more than 6 milliseconds, more than 7 milliseconds, more than 8 milliseconds, more than 9 milliseconds, or more than 10 milliseconds. The reduction in the vibration response duration results in a weaker acoustic response and less ringing after impact.

[0100] Center of gravity and moment of inertia characteristics The precise placement of tuning element 130 relative to vibration hotspot 140 of club head 100 provides significant vibration damping and acoustic improvements while allowing tuning element 130 to contain a small amount of mass. The light weight of tuning element 130 allows tuning element 130 to be placed on a specific location on crown 108 without adversely affecting club head 100 characteristics such as moment of inertia characteristics or center of gravity 1000 location.

[0101] Considerations involving tuning element 130 placement (i.e., crown placement) often add mass to the crown 108, which can adversely affect center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) characteristics. However, a club head 100 with lightweight tuning elements 130 can further include beneficial center of gravity 1000 locations and increased moment of inertia characteristics. A multi-component club head 100 with lightweight tuning elements 130 can further include a low rear center of gravity 1000 location. A multi-component club head 100 with lightweight tuning elements 130 can further include high moments of inertia Ixx and Iyy. A multi-component club head 100 with lightweight tuning elements 130, a low rear center of gravity 1000 location, and a high moment of inertia provides the club head 100 with excellent sound control, feel, and playability.

[0102] To achieve a beneficial center of gravity 1000 location and a high moment of inertia, the club head 100 can further include structures that affect the mass properties of the club head, such as a removable weight 119, a thinned crown 108 formed from a non-metallic material, and / or a lightweight crown 108. These structures allow for adjustment of the mass properties to achieve a low rear CG location and high moment of inertia properties. These structures allow for weight adjustment or weight savings that can be combined with the crown tuning element 130 to provide sound control. The crown tuning element 130 does not adversely affect the center of gravity 1000 and moment of inertia properties. The crown tuning element 130 minimizes the effect on the center of gravity 1000 location (i.e., minimizes CG movement forward toward the front end 104 and upward toward the crown 108) and the moment of inertia (i.e., a small difference in MOI percentage between the club head 100 with the tuning element 130 and a club head without the tuning element). The crown tuning element 130 has minimal effect on the center of gravity 1000 and moment of inertia characteristics while providing significant sound control benefits over a similar club head without the tuning element 130 .

[0103] As noted above, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the center of gravity 1000 is located within a coordinate system defined by the face center 116 having an x-axis 1050, a y-axis 1060, and a z-axis 1070. The x-axis 1050 extends in a positive direction toward the heel end. The y-axis 1060 extends in a positive direction toward the crown. The z-axis 1070 extends in a positive direction toward the rear end 106. The club head 100 preferably includes a “low and rear” or “low rear” CG location (i.e., locating the CG toward the sole and rear of the club head). Such a low and rear CG location provides improved launch characteristics and results in a higher-performance club head. The inclusion of the crown tuning element 130 minimizes the impact on the location of the center of gravity 1000 compared to a similar club head without the tuning element 130. Described below are desirable locations for the center of gravity 1000 that result in a low and rear CG location.

[0104] A club head 100 with a crown tuning element 130 can include a CGx axis 1050 position, a CGy axis 1060 position, and a CGz axis 1070 position (hereinafter, "CG positions") that are displaced relative to a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. For example, in many embodiments, the CG position of a club head 100 with the crown tuning element 130 can be between 0.5% and 5% of the CG position of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. In other embodiments, the CG position of a club head 100 with the crown tuning element 130 can be between 0.5% and 2.5%, or between 2.5% and 5% of the CG position of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. For example, the CG position of a club head 100 with the crown tuning element 130 can be 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of the CG position of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130.

[0105] For the driver, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located in a range between -2 mm and 6 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located in a range between -2 mm and 2 mm, or between 2 mm and 6 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located at -2, -1.5, -1, 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 mm.

[0106] For a fairway wood, the CG 1000 has a CGx axis 1050 position located in a range between -7 mm and 1 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CGx axis 1050 position located in a range between -7 mm and -3 mm, or between -3 mm and 1 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CGx axis 1050 position located at -7, -6, -5, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 0.5, or 1 mm.

[0107] For hybrids, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located in the range between -5 mm and 2 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located in the range between -5 mm to -1 mm, or between -1 mm and 2 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 also has a CG x axis 1050 position located in the range between -4 mm and 0 mm, between -3 mm and 1 mm, or between -2 mm and 2 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CG x axis 1050 position located at -5, -4, -3, -2.5, -2, -1.5, -1, -0.5, 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 mm.

[0108] For the driver, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located in a range between -4 mm and -10 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located in a range between -4 mm and -7 mm, or between -7 mm and -10 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located at -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, or -10 mm.

[0109] For a fairway wood, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located in a range between -3 mm and -12 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located in a range between -3 mm and -7 mm, or between -7 mm and -12 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CGy axis 1060 position located at -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, or -12 mm.

[0110] For hybrids, the CG 1000 has a CGy-axis 1060 position located in the range between -3 mm and -12 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CGy-axis 1060 position located in the range between -3 mm and -8 mm, or between -8 mm and -12 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 also has a CGy-axis 1060 position located in the range between -4 mm and -8 mm, -5 mm and -9 mm, -6 mm and -10 mm, -7 mm and -11 mm, or -8 mm and -12 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CGy-axis 1060 position located at -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, or -12 mm.

[0111] For the driver, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located greater than 38 mm, greater than 40 mm, greater than 42 mm, greater than 45 mm, or greater than 48 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in a range between 38 mm and 55 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in a range between 38 mm and 45 mm, or between 45 mm and 55 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located at 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, or 55 mm.

[0112] For a fairway wood, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located greater than 25 mm, greater than 28 mm, or greater than 30 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in a range between 25 mm and 40 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in a range between 25 mm and 32 mm, or between 32 mm and 40 mm. For example, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located at 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, or 40 mm.

[0113] For hybrids, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located greater than 15 mm, greater than 18 mm, greater than 20 mm, greater than 22 mm, or greater than 24 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in the range of between 15 mm and 30 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in the range of between 15 mm and 25 mm, or between 25 mm and 30 mm. In still other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located in the range of between 16 mm and 26 mm, 17 mm and 27 mm, 18 mm and 28 mm, 19 mm and 29 mm, or 20 mm and 30 mm. In other embodiments, the CG 1000 has a CG z axis 1070 position located at 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or 30 mm.

[0114] 2 and 3, the center of gravity (CG) 1000 defines the origin of a coordinate system having a CGx-axis 2050, a CGy-axis 2060, and a CGz-axis 2070. The CGx-axis 2050 is parallel to the x-axis 1050, the CGy-axis 2060 is parallel to the y-axis 1060, and the CGz-axis 2070 is parallel to the z-axis 1070. Additionally, the club head 100 includes a moment of inertia Ixx about the CGx-axis 1050 (i.e., the crown-sole moment of inertia) and a moment of inertia Iyy about the CGy-axis 1060 (i.e., the heel-sole moment of inertia).

[0115] Increasing or maximizing the moment of inertia of the club head 100 is desirable because a higher MOI makes the club head more forgiving of impact deviations from the center 116 of the strike face 102. The MOI is a characteristic of the perimeter mass distribution of the club head 100. Generally, the discretionary mass of the club head 100 is preferably allocated throughout the club head 100 to maximize the moment of inertia about the CGx axis 2050 (Ixx) and the moment of inertia about the CGy axis 2060 (Iyy). The crown tuning element 130 minimizes the impact on the moment of inertia compared to a similar club head without the tuning element 130. Described below are desirable moment of inertia values that result in high tolerance.

[0116] A club head 100 with a crown tuning element 130 may include a different moment of inertia Ixx and a different moment of inertia Iyy (hereinafter, "moments of inertia") when compared to a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. For example, in many embodiments, the moment of inertia of a club head 100 with a crown tuning element 130 may be between 0.5% and 5% of the moment of inertia of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia of a club head 100 with a crown tuning element 130 may be between 0.5% and 2.5%, or between 2.5% and 5% of the moment of inertia of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130. For example, the moment of inertia of a club head 100 with a crown tuning element 130 may be 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5% of the moment of inertia of a similar club head without the crown tuning element 130.

[0117] For drivers, in many embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is about 3000 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3250g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3500g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3750g-cm 2Exceeding 4000g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 4250g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 4500g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 4750g-cm 2 , or about 5000 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0118] For the driver, in another embodiment, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is between 3000 and 5000 g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 3000 and 4000 g-cm 2 , or 4000~5000g-cm 2 For example, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, 3500, 3600, 3700, 3800, 3900, 4000, 4100, 4200, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600, 4700, 4800, 4900, or 5000 g-cm 2 It can be.

[0119] For fairway woods, in many embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is about 1200 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1300g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1400g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1500g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1600g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1700g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 1800g-cm 2 More than or about 1900 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0120] For fairway woods, in another embodiment, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is between 1200 and 2200 g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 1200 and 1700 g-cm 2, or 1700~2200g-cm 2 For example, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 200, 240, 2100, or 2200 g-cm 2 It can be.

[0121] For hybrids, in many embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is about 880 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 890g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 900g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 910g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 920g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 930g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 940g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 950g-cm 2 or more than about 960 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0122] For hybrids, in another embodiment, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is between 880 and 1500 g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 880 and 1200 g-cm 2 , or 1200~1500g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 900 and 1300 g-cm 2 , 1000~1400g-cm 2 , or 1100~1500g-cm 2 For example, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx can range between 880, 900, 920, 930, 940, 950, 960, 970, 980, 990, 1000, 1020, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, or 1500 g-cm 2 It can be.

[0123] For the driver, in many embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy is about 4500 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 4800g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 5000g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 5100g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 5250g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 5500g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 5750g-cm 2 or more than about 6000 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0124] For drivers, in many embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy is between 4500 and 6000 g-cm 2 In another embodiment, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 4500 and 5200 g-cm 2 , or 5200~6000g-cm 2 For example, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 4500, 4600, 4700, 4800, 4900, 5000, 5100, 5200, 5300, 5400, 5500, 5600, 5700, 5800, 5900, or 6000 g-cm 2 It can be.

[0125] For fairway woods, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy is approximately 2700 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2800g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2900g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3000g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3100g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 3200g-cm 2 or more than about 3300 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0126] For fairway woods, the heel-toe moment of inertia (Iyy) is 2700-3500 g-cm 2In other embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700 and 3100 g-cm 2 , or 3100~3500g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700 and 3200 g-cm 2 , or 3200~3500g-cm 2 For example, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, 3300, 3400, or 3500 g-cm 2 It can be.

[0127] For hybrids, in many embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy is about 2400 g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2500g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2600g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2700g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2800g-cm 2 Exceeding approximately 2900g-cm 2 or more than about 3000 g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0128] For hybrids, in another embodiment, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy is between 2400 and 3200 g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2400 and 2700 g-cm 2 , or 2700~3200g-cm 2 In other embodiments, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2400 and 2900, 2500 and 3000, 2600 and 3100, or 2700 and 3200 g-cm. 2 For example, the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy can range between 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2750, 2800, 2850, 2900, 2950, 3000, 3100, or 3200 g-cm 2It can be.

[0129] For the driver, the combined moment of inertia (i.e., the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy) is 8000 g-cm 2 Exceeding 8500g-cm 2 Exceeding 9000g-cm 2 Exceeding 9500g-cm 2 Exceeding 10,000g-cm 2 Exceeding 11,000g-cm 2 or more than 12000g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0130] For a fairway wood, the combined moment of inertia (i.e., the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy) is 4000 g-cm 2 Exceeding 4100g-cm 2 Exceeding 4200g-cm 2 Exceeding 4300g-cm 2 Exceeding 4400g-cm 2 Exceeding 4500g-cm 2 Exceeding 4600g-cm 2 Exceeding 4700g-cm 2 or more than 4800g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0131] For hybrids, the combined moment of inertia (i.e., the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy) is 3500 g-cm 2 Exceeding 3600g-cm 2 Exceeding 3700g-cm 2 Exceeding 3800g-cm 2 Exceeding 3900g-cm 2 Exceeding 4000g-cm 2 Exceeding 4100g-cm 2 or more than 4200g-cm 2 can be exceeded.

[0132] example Example 1 In one example, the amplitude of the natural frequency at impact for a control multi-material fairway wood-type club head without a tuning element was measured and compared with several exemplary multi-material fairway wood-type club heads, each with a tuning element on the inner surface of the crown. The control club head included a hot spot at a natural frequency of 5860 Hz located near the heel of the crown in the rear-heel quadrant 176. The first exemplary multi-material club head included a 1-gram tuning element located in the hot spot (i.e., the rear-heel quadrant) of the control club. Similarly, the second exemplary multi-material club head included a 2-gram tuning element located in the hot spot of the control club. The amplitude of the natural frequency of 5860 Hz was compared between the control club head, the first exemplary club head, and the second exemplary club head. [Table 2]

[0133] As displayed in Table 2, the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head each had an amplitude reduction relative to the natural frequency of the control club. The first exemplary club head had a 2 decibel amplitude reduction, while the second exemplary club head had a 6 decibel amplitude reduction. In other words, the first exemplary club head had a 20.5% reduction in vibration energy at its natural frequency of 5860 Hz, and the second exemplary club head had a 50% reduction in vibration energy at its natural frequency of 5860 Hz. The dramatic reduction in vibration energy from the control club head to the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head indicates that the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head each include a softer, weaker acoustic response than the acoustic response of the control club.

[0134] Additionally, tests were conducted to compare the duration of the vibration response of the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head with that of a control club head. The total duration, duration of the sustain phase, and duration of the release phase for each club head's vibration response were measured and compared. As explained above, the total duration refers to the amount of time from impact between the club head and the ball until the club head stops vibrating. The sustain phase duration refers to the amount of time the vibration response is within 20% of the peak vibration amplitude. The release phase duration refers to the amount of time from the end of the sustain duration (i.e., from the time the vibration falls below 20% of the peak amplitude) to the end of the total vibration response. Generally, a vibration response of greater duration is perceived as harsher than a vibration response of shorter duration. A longer sustain phase contributes to a longer harsh ringing response, while a longer release phase contributes to a prolonged "ringing" sensation. Table 3 below shows the sustain duration, release duration, and total duration (the sum of the sustain duration and the release duration) of the vibration time response for each club head. [Table 3]

[0135] As displayed in Table 3, the club head with the 1 gram tuning element experienced a total vibration response that was slightly shorter (0.29 milliseconds shorter) than the control club, while the club head with the 2 gram tuning element experienced a total vibration response that was 6.74 milliseconds shorter (18.2% shorter) than the control club.

[0136] With respect to the sustain phase, which is the most significant contributor to the overall sound perception for each club head, both exemplary club heads showed significant improvements over the control club: the sustain phase for the club head with the 1 gram tuning element was 1.73 milliseconds shorter (18.1% shorter) than the sustain phase for the control club head, and the sustain phase for the club head with the 2 gram tuning element was 6.62 milliseconds shorter (69.1% shorter) than the sustain phase for the control club head.

[0137] The inclusion of the tuning elements not only reduced the dominant vibration amplitude of the club head, but also significantly reduced the duration of the dominant vibration. The combination of reduced vibration and shorter dominant vibration duration results in a club head with a softer, more pleasant acoustic response at impact.

[0138] Example 2 In a second example, the amplitude of the natural frequency at impact for a control multi-material fairway wood-type club head without a tuning element was measured and compared to a third exemplary multi-material fairway wood-type club head with a tuning element on the inner surface of the crown. The control club head included a hot spot at the natural frequency of 6147 Hz located near the toe of the crown in the rear-toe quadrant. The third exemplary multi-material club head included a 2-gram tuning element placed in the hot spot (i.e., the rear-toe quadrant) of the control club head. The amplitude of the natural frequency of 6147 Hz was compared between the control club head and the third exemplary club head.

[0139] The amplitude at 6147 Hz at the hot spot of the control club was 67 decibels, while the amplitude at the 6147 Hz natural frequency of the third exemplary club head was only 62.5 decibels. The 4.5 decibel reduction between the control club and the third exemplary club head equates to a 40.5% reduction in vibration energy at the dominant natural frequency of 6147 Hz. The dramatic reduction in vibration energy from the control club head to the third exemplary club head indicates that the third exemplary club head contains a softer, weaker, more pleasant acoustic response than that of the control club head.

[0140] Additionally, tests were conducted to compare the duration of the vibration response of the third exemplary club head to the control club head. The total duration, duration of the "hold" phase, and duration of the "release" phase for each club head's vibration response were measured and compared. Table 4 below shows the hold duration, release duration, and total duration (the sum of the hold duration and release duration) of each club head's vibration time response. [Table 4]

[0141] As shown in Table 4, the third exemplary club head with a 2-gram tuning element in the rear-toe quadrant experienced a total vibration response that was 10.04 milliseconds shorter (27% shorter) than the control club. With respect to the sustain phase, which contributes most significantly to the overall perception of sound in a club head, the third exemplary club head showed a significant improvement over the control club. The sustain phase for the club head with the 2-gram tuning element was 6.96 milliseconds shorter than the sustain phase for the control club head.

[0142] The inclusion of the tuning elements not only reduced the dominant vibration amplitude of the club head, but also significantly reduced the duration of the dominant vibration. The combination of reduced vibration and shorter dominant vibration duration results in a club head with a softer, more pleasant acoustic response at impact.

[0143] Example 3 Mass properties were compared between a control fairway wood-type club head and the first and second exemplary fairway wood-type golf club heads of Example 1. Specifically, the center of gravity (CG) location and moment of inertia (MOI) of each club were compared to determine the influence of tuning factors. Table 5 below shows the center of gravity location in the Y direction (CGy) measured positively relative to the ground plane, the center of gravity location in the Z direction (measured negatively from the leading edge), the moment of inertia about the CGx axis (Ixx), and the moment of inertia about the CGy axis (Iyy). [Table 5]

[0144] The inclusion of a 1 gram tuning element resulted in a CG position increase in the Y direction of only 0.12 mm higher than the control club (only a 2.7% increase in CG height relative to the control club). Similarly, the inclusion of a 2 gram tuning element resulted in a CG position of only 0.25 mm higher than the control club (only a 5.7% increase in CG height).

[0145] The inclusion of a 1 gram tuning element resulted in a CG position that was only 0.13 mm forward in the Z direction than the control club (a reduction of only 0.44% relative to the control club CG depth). Similarly, the inclusion of a 2 gram tuning element resulted in a CG position that was only 0.25 mm forward relative to the control club (a reduction of only 0.85% relative to the control club CG depth). Even with the inclusion of the tuning elements, the example club head still maintained a low, rearward CG position.

[0146] The clubhead moment of inertia around the CGx axis, including a 1-gram tuning factor, is just 14g*cm 2 (a reduction in Ixx of only 0.89% versus the control clubhead). Similarly, including the 2 gram tuning factor, the Ixx was only 30g*cm over the control clubhead. 2 This resulted in a reduction in Ixx of only 1.9%.

[0147] The clubhead moment of inertia around the CGy axis, including a 1-gram tuning factor, is just 16g*cm 2 (a reduction in Iyy of only 0.54% versus the control clubhead). Similarly, including the 2 gram tuning factor, the clubhead was only 35g*cm lower than the control clubhead. 2(a decrease in Iyy of only 1.18%). Even with the tuning elements included, the exemplary club head still maintains a high moment of inertia.

[0148] As noted above in Example 1, the inclusion of 1-gram and 2-gram tuning elements results in dramatic improvements in the vibration response of the club head. The present examples demonstrate that these vibration improvements can be achieved with lightweight tuning elements that have minimal impact on the mass properties of the club head. Thus, the vibration response of the club head can be controlled and improved without sacrificing the mass properties that result in high performance.

[0149] Substitution of one or more claim elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a prosthesis. Furthermore, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in connection with particular embodiments. However, the advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that give rise to or make apparent any advantage, advantage, or solution, do not constitute a critical, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all elements of a claim, unless such advantage, advantage, solution, or element is expressly recited in such claim.

[0150] Because the Rules of golf change from time to time (e.g., new Rules may be adopted, or old Rules may be repealed or modified, by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A)), golf equipment relating to the devices, methods, and products described herein may or may not conform to the Rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment relating to the devices, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The devices, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0151] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described herein are not offered to the public under the doctrine of disclosure if the embodiments and / or limitations (1) are not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) are equivalent or potentially equivalent to the express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0152] (Clause 1) A golf club head comprising: a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a front end with a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from a metal, the first component comprising: a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; and a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component being configured to be secured to the first component to surround a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown, and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole, the strike face comprising a strike face center that extends horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end when the club head is in an address position. the second component defining an origin of a coordinate system that includes an x-axis, a y-axis that extends vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and is orthogonal to the x-axis, and a z-axis that extends horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and is orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis; and a front end reference plane that is tangent to the leading edge and orthogonal to a ground plane, the ground plane being tangent to the sole at the address position. a front end reference plane, a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane, a midplane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane, and a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, wherein when the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant;a tuning element secured to an inner surface of the second component within the rear-heel quadrant, the tuning element comprising an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer, the reinforcing layer comprising glass cloth and the vibration-damping layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the club head comprising a hot spot within the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency of the club head without the tuning element, the natural frequency of the club head being between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz, the tuning element positioned over the hot spot, the tuning element configured to reduce the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency, such that when the club head comprising the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels compared to a similar club head without the tuning element.

[0153] (Clause 2) The golf club head described in Clause 1, wherein the tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between the heel-most portion of the tuning element and the toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between the forward-most portion of the tuning element and the rearward-most portion of the tuning element, and the tuning element center point is located within the rear-heel quadrant.

[0154] (Clause 3) The golf club head of claim 2, wherein an offset distance parallel to the z-axis and measured between the front end reference plane and the tuning element center point is between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches.

[0155] (Clause 4) The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the second component further comprises a second component crown portion that forms at least a portion of the crown of the club head.

[0156] (Clause 5) The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a positional feature defining a recessed portion on an outer surface of the crown, the positional feature comprising an edge separating the recessed portion from a non-recessed portion of the crown adjacent to the recessed portion.

[0157] (Clause 6) Further comprising an alignment feature; 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the alignment feature protrudes from the inner surface of the second component opposite the recessed portion of the crown, and the tuning element is affixed to the alignment feature.

[0158] (Clause 7) The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 5500 Hz and 6000 Hz.

[0159] (Clause 8) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the tuning element is coupled to the inner surface of the second component by an adhesive.

[0160] (Clause 9) The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the tuning element includes a mass between 0.5 grams and 4 grams.

[0161] (Clause 10) The volume of the club head is less than 200 cc, and the club head has a center of gravity that defines the origin of a coordinate system including a CGx axis parallel to the ground plane in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end and a CGy axis perpendicular to the ground plane in a direction extending from the sole to the crown when the club head is in the address position, and the club head has a weight of 1500 g*cm 2 and the club head has an Ixx moment of inertia about the CGx axis that is greater than 2900 g*cm 2 The golf club head of claim 1 , including an Iyy moment of inertia about the CGy axis that exceeds

[0162] (Clause 11) A golf club head comprising: a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a front end with a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from a metal, the first component comprising: a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; and a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component being configured to be secured to the first component to surround a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown, and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole, the strike face comprising a strike face center that extends horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end when the club head is in an address position. the second component defining an origin of a coordinate system including an x-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and perpendicular to the x-axis, a y-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis, and a front end reference plane tangent to the leading edge and perpendicular to a ground plane, the ground plane tangent to the sole at the address position. a front end reference plane, a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane, a midplane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane, and a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, wherein when the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant.a tuning element affixed to an inner surface of the second component in the rear-toe quadrant, the tuning element comprising an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer, the reinforcing layer comprising glass cloth and the vibration-damping layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the club head comprising a hot spot in the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency of the club head without the tuning element, the natural frequency of the club head being between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz, the tuning element positioned over the hot spot, the tuning element configured to suppress the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency, such that when the club head comprising the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels compared to a similar club head without the tuning element.

[0163] (Clause 12) The golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 6000 Hz and 6500 Hz.

[0164] (Clause 13) The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between the heel-most portion of the tuning element and the toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between the forward-most portion of the tuning element and the rearward-most portion of the tuning element, the tuning element center point being located within the rear-toe quadrant.

[0165] (Article 14) The volume of the club head is less than 200cc, The club head has a center of gravity that defines the origin of a coordinate system including a CGx axis parallel to the ground plane in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end and a CGy axis perpendicular to the ground plane in a direction extending from the sole to the crown when the club head is in the address position, and the club head has a center of gravity that defines the origin of a coordinate system including a CGx axis parallel to the ground plane in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end and a CGy axis perpendicular to the ground plane in a direction extending from the sole to the crown when the club head is in the address position, and2 and the club head has an Ixx moment of inertia about the CGx axis that is greater than 2900 g*cm 2 The golf club head of claim 11 , including an Iyy moment of inertia about the CGy axis that exceeds

[0166] (Clause 15) A golf club head comprising: a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a front end with a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from a metal, the first component comprising: a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; and a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component being configured to be secured to the first component to surround a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown, and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole, the strike face comprising a strike face center that extends horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end when the club head is in an address position. the second component defining an origin of a coordinate system including an x-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and perpendicular to the x-axis, a y-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis, and a front end reference plane tangent to the leading edge and perpendicular to a ground plane, the ground plane tangent to the sole at the address position. a front end reference plane, a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane, a midplane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane, and a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, wherein when the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant.a tuning element affixed to an inner surface of the second component within the rear-heel quadrant, the tuning element comprising an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer, the reinforcing layer comprising glass cloth and the vibration-damping layer comprising a thermoplastic elastomer, the club head comprising a hot spot within the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency when the club head does not have the tuning element, the natural frequency of the club head being between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz, the tuning element positioned over the hot spot, the tuning element configured to suppress the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency, such that when the club head including the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels compared to a similar club head without the tuning element, and the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency is 65 decibels or less.

[0167] (Clause 16) The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 5500 Hz and 6000 Hz.

[0168] (Clause 17) The tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between the heel-most portion of the tuning element and the toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between the forward-most portion of the tuning element and the rearward-most portion of the tuning element; The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the tuning element center point is located within the rear-heel quadrant.

[0169] (Clause 18) The tuning element has a viscosity of 0.5 g / cm 3 ~1.5g / cm 3 The golf club head of claim 15, comprising a density between .

[0170] (Clause 19) The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the reinforcing layer has a tensile strength of more than 60 MPa.

[0171] (Clause 20) The golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the natural frequency of the golf club head is approximately 5860 Hz.

[0172] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite to the heel end, a front end having a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from metal, the first component including a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component configured to be secured to the first component so as to enclose a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole; the strike face includes a strike face center; When the club head is in an address position, the strike face center defines the origin of a coordinate system that includes an x-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end, a y-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and orthogonal to the x-axis, and a z-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis. the second component; and a front end reference plane tangent to the leading edge and perpendicular to a ground plane, the ground plane being defined as tangent to the sole at the address position; a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane; a mid-plane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane; a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, When the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant. The YZ plane; a tuning element secured to an inner surface of the second component in the rear-heel quadrant; Equipped with the tuning element comprises an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer; the reinforcing layer includes glass cloth; the vibration-damping layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer; the club head includes a hot spot in the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot being defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency when the club head does not have the tuning element; the natural frequency of the club head is between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz; the tuning element is disposed over the hot spot, the tuning element being configured to suppress the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency; When the club head including the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels as compared to a similar club head without the tuning element. Golf club head.

2. the tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between a heel-most portion of the tuning element and a toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between a forward-most portion of the tuning element and a rearward-most portion of the tuning element; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the tuning element center point is located within the rear-heel quadrant.

3. 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein an offset distance measured parallel to the z-axis between the front end reference plane and the tuning element center point is between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches.

4. The second component further comprises: a second component crown portion forming at least a portion of the crown of the club head; a second component heel portion that wraps around at least a portion of the heel end of the club head; a second component toe portion that wraps around at least a portion of the toe end of the club head; Equipped with The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the tuning element is secured to an inner surface of the second component crown portion.

5. further comprising a location feature defining a recessed portion on an outer surface of the crown; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the location feature comprises an edge separating the recessed portion from a non-recessed portion of the crown adjacent the recessed portion.

6. further comprising alignment features; the alignment feature projects from the inner surface of the second component opposite the recessed portion of the crown; The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein the tuning element is affixed to the alignment feature.

7. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 5500 Hz and 6000 Hz.

8. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the tuning element is adhesively coupled to the inner surface of the second component.

9. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the tuning element comprises a mass between 0.5 grams and 4 grams.

10. the volume of the club head is less than 200 cc; the club head comprises a center of gravity that defines, when the club head is in the address position, an origin of a coordinate system including a CGx axis parallel to the ground plane in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end and a CGy axis perpendicular to the ground plane in a direction extending from the sole to the crown; The club head has a weight of 1500 g*cm ２ Including an Ixx moment of inertia around the CGx axis exceeding The club head has a weight of 2900 g*cm ２ The golf club head of claim 1 , including an Iyy moment of inertia about the CGy axis that exceeds

11. A golf club head, a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite to the heel end, a front end having a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from metal, the first component including a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component configured to be secured to the first component so as to surround a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole; the strike face includes a strike face center; When the club head is in an address position, the strike face center defines the origin of a coordinate system that includes an x-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end, a y-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and orthogonal to the x-axis, and a z-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis. the second component; and a front end reference plane tangent to the leading edge and perpendicular to a ground plane, the ground plane being defined as tangent to the sole at the address position; a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane; a mid-plane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane; a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, When the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant. The YZ plane; a tuning element secured to an inner surface of the second component in the rear-toe quadrant; Equipped with the tuning element comprises an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer; the reinforcing layer includes glass cloth; the vibration-damping layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer; the club head includes a hot spot in the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot being defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency when the club head does not have the tuning element; the natural frequency of the club head is between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz; the tuning element is disposed over the hot spot, the tuning element being configured to suppress the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency; When the club head including the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels as compared to a similar club head without the tuning element. Golf club head.

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 6000 Hz and 6500 Hz.

13. the tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between a heel-most portion of the tuning element and a toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between a forward-most portion of the tuning element and a rearward-most portion of the tuning element; The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the tuning element center point is located within the back-to-toe quadrant.

14. the volume of the club head is less than 200 cc; the club head comprises a center of gravity that defines, when the club head is in the address position, an origin of a coordinate system including a CGx axis parallel to the ground plane in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end and a CGy axis perpendicular to the ground plane in a direction extending from the sole to the crown; The club head has a weight of 1500 g*cm ２ Including an Ixx moment of inertia around the CGx axis exceeding The club head has a weight of 2900 g*cm ２ The golf club head of claim 11 , including an Iyy moment of inertia about the CGy axis that exceeds

15. A golf club head, a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel end, a toe end opposite to the heel end, a front end having a leading edge, a rear end, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole; a first component formed from metal, the first component including a strike face, a return portion extending rearward from the strike face, and a sole rear extension extending rearward from the return portion; a second component formed from a non-metallic material, the second component configured to be secured to the first component so as to surround a hollow interior cavity, the second component forming a majority of the crown and wrapping around the skirt to form the heel end, the toe end, and at least a portion of the sole; the strike face includes a strike face center; When the club head is in an address position, the strike face center defines the origin of a coordinate system that includes an x-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the heel end to the toe end, a y-axis extending vertically through the strike face center in a direction extending from the crown to the sole and orthogonal to the x-axis, and a z-axis extending horizontally through the strike face center in a direction extending from the strike face to the butt end and orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis. the second component; and a front end reference plane tangent to the leading edge and perpendicular to a ground plane, the ground plane being defined as tangent to the sole at the address position; a rear end reference plane tangent to the rear end and parallel to the front end reference plane; a mid-plane perpendicular to the ground plane and midway between the front end reference plane and the rear end reference plane; a YZ plane extending along the y-axis and the z-axis perpendicular to the ground plane, When the club head is viewed from above, the intersection of the midplane and the YZ plane divides the club head into a quadrant system having a front-toe quadrant, a front-heel quadrant, a rear-toe quadrant, and a rear-heel quadrant. The YZ plane; a tuning element secured to an inner surface of the second component in the rear-heel quadrant; Equipped with the tuning element comprises an adhesive layer, a reinforcing layer opposite the adhesive layer, and a vibration-damping layer sandwiched between the adhesive layer and the reinforcing layer; the reinforcing layer includes glass cloth; the vibration-damping layer includes a thermoplastic elastomer; the club head includes a hot spot in the rear-heel quadrant, the hot spot being defined as a location of maximum amplitude of a natural frequency when the club head does not have the tuning element; the natural frequency of the club head is between 5000 Hz and 6500 Hz; the tuning element is disposed over the hot spot, the tuning element being configured to suppress the maximum amplitude of the natural frequency; when the club head including the tuning element vibrates at the natural frequency, the maximum amplitude is reduced by at least 2 decibels as compared to a similar club head without the tuning element; The maximum amplitude of the natural frequency is 65 decibels or less. Golf club head.

16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the natural frequency of the club head is between 5500 Hz and 6000 Hz.

17. the tuning element further comprises a tuning element center point located midway between a heel-most portion of the tuning element and a toe-most portion of the tuning element, and midway between a forward-most portion of the tuning element and a rearward-most portion of the tuning element; The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the tuning element center point is located within the rear-heel quadrant.

18. The tuning element has a resistance of 0.5 g / cm ３ ~1.5g / cm ３ The golf club head of claim 15 , comprising a density between 0.1 and 0.

2.

19. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the reinforcing layer has a tensile strength greater than 60 MPa.

20. 17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the natural frequency of the golf club head is approximately 5860 Hz.

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