Golf club head having energy storage characteristics

Abstract

To provide a golf club head having energy storage characteristics.SOLUTION: In some embodiments, a golf club head includes a hollow body having a hitting surface, a heel region, a toe region opposed to the heel region, a sole, a crown, and a cavity arranged behind the hitting surface of the club head and on the sole of the club head. In many embodiments, the cavity includes a front surface and a rear surface, at least part of the front surface extending toward the hitting surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application No. 14 / 920,484, filed October 22, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 206,152, filed August 17, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 131,739, filed March 11, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 105,460, filed January 20, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 105,464, filed January 20, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 068,232, filed October 24, 2014. This application further claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 295,565, filed February 16, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 313,215, filed March 25, 2016. The entire contents of the above-described disclosures are hereby fully incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to golf clubs, and more particularly to golf club heads having energy storage properties. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf club manufacturers design golf club heads to reduce stress on the striking face of the golf club head. In many instances, these designs prevent the crown of the golf club head from deflecting toward the sole. Furthermore, these designs are designed to prevent the location of peak bending of the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball from changing and to prevent additional spring energy from being stored in the golf club head. The additional spring energy allows for increased ball speed across the striking face.

[0004] To facilitate further explanation of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 shows a front crown side perspective view of a golf club head according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 shows the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along section line II-II of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 2 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] 2 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club similar to the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line VII-VII of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] 5 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head similar to the golf club head of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment and a view of the same area of ​​a standard golf club head. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a method of manufacturing a golf club head according to an embodiment of the method. [Figure 10] 1 shows a rear toe-side perspective view of a golf club head according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 shows a rear heel-side perspective view of a golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 10 taken along section line XII-XII of FIG. 10. [Figure 13] 13 shows a view of a portion of the golf club head of FIG. 12 and a view of the same area of ​​a standard golf club head. [Figure 14]12 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head similar to that of FIG. 10 taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line XII-XII of FIG. 10 according to another embodiment. [Figure 15] 10 shows a rear toe side perspective view of a golf club according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 15 taken along section line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] 10 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a golf club head according to another method embodiment. [Figure 18] 10 shows a front perspective view of a golf club according to another embodiment. [Figure 19] 15 shows the results of testing the golf club head of FIG. 14 according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] 15 shows the results of testing the golf club head of FIG. 14 according to another embodiment. [Figure 21] 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 10. [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to another embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 22. [Figure 23A] 24 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 23. [Figure 24] 23 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 22. [Figure 24A] 25 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 24. [Figure 25] 23 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 22. [Figure 26] 23 shows a rear perspective view of another exemplary golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 22. [Figure 27] 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 26. [Figure 27A] 28 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the example golf club head of FIG. 27. [Figure 28] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary golf club head. [Figure 29] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary golf club head. [Figure 30] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another exemplary golf club head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] For simplicity and clarity, the figures show general aspects of the structure, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf club and its manufacturing method. Additionally, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help enhance the embodiments of the golf club and its manufacturing method. The same reference numbers in different figures refer to the same elements.

[0007] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" in the specification and claims, when present, are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It is understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such as when the golf club and method of manufacture embodiments described herein are operable in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "contain," "include," and "have" and variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusions, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0008] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "side," "lower," "above," and the like, when used in the specification and claims, are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. It is understood that such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such as when embodiments of the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein are operable in orientations other than those illustrated or depicted herein. As used herein, the term "coupled" defines directly or indirectly connected, whether physically, mechanically, or otherwise.

[0009] (Explanation of Example of Embodiment) Various embodiments of a golf club head with a stepped inner thin section include a golf club head having a body with a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a crown, and an inner diameter transition region from the ball striking face to at least one of the sole or crown. In many embodiments, the inner diameter transition region is not visible from the outside of the golf club head and includes a first step, a second step, and a step transition region between the first and second steps.

[0010] Another embodiment of a golf club head with a stepped inner thinned portion includes a golf club having a golf club head and a shaft connected to the golf club head. The golf club head has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, a crown, and an inner diameter transition region from the ball striking face to at least one of the sole or crown. In many embodiments, the inner diameter transition region is not visible from the outside of the golf club head and has a first step, a second step, and a step transition region between the first and second steps.

[0011] Another embodiment of a golf club head with a stepped inner thinned portion includes a method of manufacturing a golf club head. The method includes providing a body. The body has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. The method further includes providing an inner diameter transition region from the ball striking face to at least one of the sole or the crown. The inner diameter transition region is not visible from the exterior of the golf club head and includes a first step, a second step, and a step transition region between the first and second steps. In many embodiments, the first step has a first thickness, the second step has a second thickness, and the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

[0012] Various embodiments include a golf club head having a hollow body. The hollow body has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. In many embodiments, the crown includes an upper region having a top rail and a lower region. In some embodiments, a cavity is disposed below the top rail and above the lower region of the crown, and is defined at least in part by the upper and lower regions of the crown. In many embodiments, the cavity has a top wall, a rear wall, a bottom slope, a back cavity angle measured between the top and rear walls of the cavity, and at least one channel.

[0013] Some embodiments include a golf club having a hollow body golf club and a shaft coupled to the hollow body golf club head. The hollow body golf club head has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. In many embodiments, the crown has an upper region having a top rail and a lower region. In some embodiments, a cavity is disposed below the top rail and above the lower region of the crown, and is defined at least in part by the upper and lower regions of the crown. In many embodiments, the cavity has a top wall, a rear wall, a bottom slope, a back cavity angle measured between the top and rear walls of the cavity, and at least one channel.

[0014] Other embodiments include methods of manufacturing a golf club head. In many embodiments, the method includes providing a body. The body has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. The crown includes an upper region having a top rail and a lower region. In some embodiments, a cavity is disposed below the top rail and above the lower region of the crown and is at least partially defined by the upper and lower regions of the crown. In many embodiments, the cavity has a top wall, a rear wall adjacent to the top wall, a bottom slope adjacent to the rear wall, a back cavity angle measured between the top wall and the rear wall of the cavity, and at least one channel.

[0015] Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein and may be found in the drawings, claims and / or this specification.

[0016] I. Golf club head with cascade sole Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 may be a wood-type golf club head. For example, the golf club head 100 may be a fairway wood-type golf club head, a driver-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, or an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head 100 includes a body 101. The body 101 includes a ball striking face 112, a heel region 102, a toe region 104, a sole 106, and a crown 108. In FIG. 1, the body 101 further includes a skirt 110 extending between the sole 106 and the crown 108. In some embodiments, the body 101 does not include the skirt 110 or any skirt. FIG. 18 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club 1800 according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the golf club 1800 includes the golf club head 100 and a shaft 190.

[0017] In some embodiments, body 101 can comprise stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. In some embodiments, ball striking face 112 can comprise stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. In some embodiments, body 101 can comprise the same material as ball striking face 112. In some embodiments, body 101 can comprise a different material than ball striking face 112.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section of the golf club head 100 taken along section line II-II of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates an inner diameter transition 210 from the ball striking face 112 to the sole 106 according to one embodiment. The inner diameter transition 210 can have a smooth transition, or the inner diameter transition 210 can have a cascading sole having at least two steps or thickness heights. For example, the inner diameter transition 210 can comprise a cascading sole having 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps. In some embodiments, the inner diameter transition can provide greater flexing of the ball striking face 112. In some examples, the increased flexing or flexing of the ball striking face 112 can allow approximately 1% to approximately 3% more energy through flexing of the ball striking face 112.

[0019] In many embodiments, the inner diameter transition 210 is not visible from the exterior of the golf club head 100. FIG. 2 also illustrates an apex inner diameter transition 260 from the ball striking face 112 to the crown 108. In some embodiments, the apex inner diameter transition 260 can have a smooth transition, while in other embodiments, the apex inner diameter transition 260 can have at least two steps or thickness heights. For example, the apex inner diameter transition 260 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps or thickness heights. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 can have an inner sole thickness 220. The inner sole thickness 220 can be thicker than the thinnest thickness of the inner diameter transition 210. In many embodiments, the inner sole thickness 220 is also thicker than the adjacent step or the final step of the inner diameter transition 210. In some embodiments, the inner sole thickness 220 can be thicker than the entire inner diameter transition 210.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inner diameter transition portion 210 can be similar to the front sole portion and / or weight distribution channels as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,579,728, entitled "Golf Club Heads with Weight Redistribution Channels and Related Methods," which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0021] In some embodiments, the golf club head can have a cascading transition region, a stepped transition region, or an inner diameter transition extending from the ball striking face to at least one of the crown, heel, toe, sole, or skirt. In some embodiments, the golf club head can have a single continuous stepped transition region ring that circumferentially surrounds the periphery of the golf club head, e.g., a stepped transition region ring extending from the ball striking face to each of the crown, toe region, heel region, and sole region. In other embodiments, the golf club head has a stepped transition region only in the crown and / or sole. In some embodiments, the golf club head has a stepped transition region only in the toe region and / or heel region. In other examples, the stepped transition region is located only from the ball striking face to the skirt. In other embodiments, the golf club head has separate or distinct stepped transition regions from the ball striking face to the toe region of the crown, the heel region of the crown, the toe region of the sole, and / or the heel region of the sole.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a view of an inner diameter transition portion 310 of another embodiment of a golf club head 300 similar to the golf club head of Figure 1, taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of Figure 1. Figure 4 shows a view of an inner diameter transition portion 410 of another embodiment of a golf club head 400 similar to the golf club head of Figure 1, taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a view of an inner diameter transition portion 510 of another embodiment of a golf club head 500 similar to the golf club head of Figure 1, taken along a cross-sectional line similar to cross-sectional line II-II of Figure 1.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3 , inner diameter transition portion 310 can be similar to inner diameter transition portion 210 ( FIG. 2 ), and golf club head 300 can be similar to golf club head 100 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Inner diameter transition portion 310 includes a first step 315 having a first thickness and a second step 317 having a second thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of each step is substantially constant. For example, the first thickness of first step 315 can have a first substantially constant thickness, and the second thickness of second step 317 can have a second substantially constant thickness. In other embodiments, first step 315 can have a first slope, where the first thickness of first step 315 is thicker adjacent ball striking face 312 and thinner adjacent step transition region 316. Step transition region 316 can have a step slope that is steeper than the first slope of first step 315. Step transition region 316 may be linearly sloped at an angle less than 90 degrees to transition from first step 315 to second step 317. In other embodiments, step transition region 316 may have an approximate 90 degree step, as shown by step transition regions 516 and 518 in Figure 5. Step transition regions 516 (Figure 5) and 518 (Figure 5) may be similar to step transition region 316 (Figure 3) and step transition regions 416 (Figure 4) and 418 (Figure 4).

[0024] 4, in some embodiments, each stepped transition 316, 416, 418, 516, 518 can have a first arcuate surface 420 and a second arcuate surface 422. The first arcuate surface 420 has a first radius of curvature, and the second arcuate surface 422 has a second radius of curvature. The first and second radii of curvature of each stepped transition 316, 416, 418, 516, 518 can be the same, or the first and second radii of curvature of each stepped transition 316, 416, 418, 516, 518 can be different. For example, the first radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be the same as the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420, the first radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be smaller than the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420, or the first radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be larger than the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420. Further, for example, the first radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422 can be the same as the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422, the first radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422 can be smaller than the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422, or the first radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422 can be larger than the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422.

[0025] Further, each stepped transition portion 316, 416, 418, 516, 518 can have the same or a different first radius of curvature, and further, each stepped transition portion 316, 416, 418, 516, 518 can have the same or a different second radius of curvature. For example, the first radius of curvature of first arcuate surface 420 can be the same as the first radius of curvature of second arcuate surface 422, the first radius of curvature of first arcuate surface 420 can be smaller than the first radius of curvature of second arcuate surface 422, or the first radius of curvature of first arcuate surface 420 can be larger than the first radius of curvature of second arcuate surface 422. Further, for example, the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be the same as the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422, the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be smaller than the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422, or the second radius of curvature of the first arcuate surface 420 can be larger than the second radius of curvature of the second arcuate surface 422.

[0026] An inner diameter transition feature (e.g., inner stepped transition section 310, FIG. 3) can change where peak bending of the golf club head occurs. The stepped transition region can create a "plastic hinge" at the peak bending, promoting more localized deformation upon impact with a golf ball. In many embodiments, the buckling process begins at the peak bending location, and the golf club head is optimized to remain just below the critical buckling threshold. The inner plastic hinge allows the club to flex more in the crown and sole directions. The inner plastic hinge allows for precise control of the location and amount of crown and sole flexure using the stepped feature.

[0027] The use of an inner diameter transition allows stress in the golf club head to be distributed over a greater volume of material, thus reducing localized peak stresses. In many embodiments, the additional flexure from crown to sole allows the face to flex more under the same load. This additional flexure creates more stress and flex in the face of the club, which can generate more spring energy. The increased spring energy can be stored within the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball. In many embodiments, the additional spring energy helps increase ball speed. In some embodiments, the inner diameter transition can create more overall flex within the golf club head, which can also lead to increased ball speed. Increasing ball speed across the striking face can result in better distance control. In some embodiments, a golf club head with an inner diameter transition can store approximately 4% to approximately 6% more energy, which can be returned to the golf ball.

[0028] Returning to FIG. 3 , inner diameter transition 310 can change the location of bending peak 350 in the sole of golf club head 300. Furthermore, inner diameter transition 310 allows more of the body of club head 300 to engage in the bending process upon impact with a golf ball. In some embodiments, first stage 315 and second stage 317 allow a portion of the stress generated upon impact between ball striking face 312 and a golf ball to accumulate in each stage. This structure prevents stress from concentrating primarily at the thinnest portion of the sole, increasing the reliability and durability of golf club head 300. In many embodiments, this structure creates a plastic hinge opposite the ball striking face end of inner diameter transition 310, promoting further deformation localization at the plastic hinge location. In many embodiments, the plastic hinge can be located at the bending peak, such as bending peak 350. This structure can also allow for more potential energy storage, for example, in the crown and / or sole. In some embodiments, the body 301 may experience an increase in flexure or bending in the crown-to-sole direction at the sole and crown of about 4% to about 7%. The additional flexure in the crown-to-sole direction at the sole and / or crown may allow the ball striking face 312 to flex more under the same load or impact with a golf ball. Thus, this structure may generate more stress and bending in the ball striking face 312 of the golf club head 300 that can be transferred to the ball upon impact with the ball striking face 312.

[0029] In some embodiments, each step has a substantially constant thickness throughout the step. In many embodiments, the first step 315 is thicker than the second step 317. In some driver-type golf club head embodiments, the first step 315 can be about 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm) thick, or about 0.040 inches (0.102 cm) to about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) thick, and the second step 317 can be about 0.020 inches (0.051 cm) to about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) thick, or about 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.040 inches (0.102 cm) thick. In some embodiments of a fairway wood type golf club head, the first stage 315 can be about 0.035 inches (0.089 cm) to about 0.065 inches (0.165 cm) thick, or about 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) to about 0.055 inches (0.140 cm) thick, and the second stage 317 can be about 0.025 inches (0.064 cm) to about 0.055 inches (0.140 cm) thick, or about 0.035 inches (0.089 cm) to about 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) thick. In some embodiments of hybrid type golf club heads, the first stage 315 can be about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) to about 0.080 inches (0.203 cm) thick, or about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm) to about 0.070 inches (0.178 cm) thick, and the second stage 317 can be about 0.040 inches (0.102 cm) to about 0.070 inches (0.178 cm) thick, or about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) to about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm) thick.In many embodiments of iron-type golf club heads, the first stage 315 can be from about 0.055 inches (0.140 cm) to about 0.085 inches (0.216 cm) thick, or from about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm) to about 0.080 inches (0.203 cm), and the second stage 317 can be from about 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) to about 0.075 inches (0.191 cm) thick, or from about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) to about 0.070 inches (0.178 cm) thick.

[0030] In other embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the inner diameter transition 410 can have more than two steps. For example, the inner diameter transition 410 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps. The three-step inner diameter transition 410 can be similar to the inner diameter transition 310 (FIG. 3) and have a first step 415, a second step 417, and a third step 419. The first step 415 can be similar to the first step 315 of FIG. 3, and the second step 417 can be similar to the second step 317. In many embodiments, the bending peak 450 occurs further back from the ball striking face 412 as more steps are added to the inner diameter transition.

[0031] In many embodiments, the second stage 417 is thicker than the third stage 419. In some driver-type golf club head embodiments, the third stage 419 is about 0.010 inches to about 0.040 inches (0.102 cm) thick, or about 0.020 inches (0.051 cm) to about 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) thick. In some fairway wood-type golf club head embodiments, the third stage 419 is about 0.015 inches (0.038 cm) to about 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) thick, or about 0.025 inches (0.064 cm) to about 0.035 inches (0.089 cm) thick. In some hybrid-type golf club head embodiments, the third stage 419 is about 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm) thick, or about 0.040 inches (0.102 cm) to about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm) thick. In some iron-type club head embodiments, the third stage 419 is about 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.060 inches (0.152 cm), or about 0.035 inches (0.089 cm) to about 0.055 inches (0.140 cm) thick.

[0032] 5, in some embodiments of a driver-type golf club head, the first stage 515 may be approximately 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) thick, the second stage 517 may be approximately 0.035 inches (0.089 cm) thick, and the third stage 519 may be approximately 0.025 inches (0.064 cm) thick. In some embodiments of a fairway wood-type golf club head, the first stage 515 may be approximately 0.051 inches (0.130 cm) thick, the second stage 517 may be approximately 0.039 inches (0.099 cm) thick, and the third stage 519 may be approximately 0.030 inches (0.076 cm) thick. In some embodiments of hybrid-type golf club heads, the first stage 515 can be approximately 0.067 inches (0.170 cm) thick, the second stage 517 can be approximately 0.054 inches (0.137 cm) thick, and the third stage 519 can be approximately 0.045 inches (0.114 cm) thick. In some embodiments of iron-type golf club heads, the first stage 515 can be approximately 0.067 inches (0.170 cm) thick, the second stage can be approximately 0.057 inches (0.145 cm) thick, and the third stage 519 can be approximately 0.042 inches (0.107 cm) thick.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first steps 315, 415, 515 of Figures 3, 4, and 5 can have a first step length that is approximately equal to the second step length of the second steps 317, 417, 517 of Figures 3, 4, and 5, respectively. In some embodiments, the first step length of the first steps 315, 415, 515 of Figures 3, 4, and 5 can be longer than the second step length of the second steps 317, 417, 517, respectively. In other embodiments, the second step length of the second steps 417, 517 of Figures 4 and 5 can be approximately equal to the third step length of the third steps 419, 519 of Figures 4 and 5, respectively. In some embodiments, the second step length of the second steps 417, 517 of Figures 4 and 5 can be longer than the third step length of the third steps 419, 519 of Figures 4 and 5, respectively. In other embodiments, the second step length of the second steps 417, 517 of Figures 4 and 5, respectively, may be shorter than the third step length of the third steps 419, 519 of Figures 4 and 5, respectively.

[0034] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 5, in some embodiments of a fairway wood type golf club head or a driver type golf club head or a hybrid type golf club head, the first stage 315, 415, 515 can have a first stage length of about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) to about 0.80 inches (2.03 cm), the second stage 317, 417, 517 can have a second stage length of about 0.03 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.60 inches (1.52 cm), and the third stage 419, 519 can have a third stage length of about 0.04 inches (0.102 cm) to about 0.70 inches (1.78 cm). In some embodiments of the iron-type golf club head, the first stage 315, 415, 515 can have a first stage length of about 0.03 inches (0.076 cm) to about 0.30 inches (0.762 cm), the second stage 317, 417, 517 can have a second stage length of about 0.04 inches (0.102 cm) to about 0.40 inches (1.02 cm), and the third stage 419, 519 can have a third stage length of about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) to about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm).

[0035] 3, 4, and 5, in some embodiments, the first and second arcuate surfaces of the stepped transitions 316, 416, 516 can have first and second radii of curvature that are at least two times greater than the difference between the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 of the first step 315, 415, 515 and the second step 317, 417, 517, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second arcuate surfaces of the stepped transitions 316, 416, 516 have first and second radii of curvature that are approximately 6.5 times greater than the difference between the first thickness T1 and the second thickness T2 of the first step 315, 415, 515 and the second step 317, 417, 517, respectively. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the first and second arcuate surfaces of the step transitions 418, 518 can have first and second radii of curvature that are at least two times greater than the difference between the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 of the second step 417, 517 and the third step 419, 519, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second arcuate surfaces of the step transitions 418, 518 have first and second radii of curvature that are approximately 6.5 times greater than the difference between the second thickness T2 and the third thickness T3 of the second step 417, 517 and the third step 419, 519, respectively.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , some embodiments, such as golf club head 300, include a weight pad 330 that lowers the center of gravity of golf club head 300. Weight pad 330 has a weight pad thickness 331 that is greater than a final step thickness 321 of an adjacent step. In this example, the adjacent step is second step 317. In many embodiments that include weight pad 330, medial sole thickness 320 can be approximately equal to final step thickness 321. In some embodiments, medial sole thickness 320 can be thicker than final step thickness 321. In some embodiments, medial sole thickness 320 is thinner than final step thickness 321.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 , some embodiments, such as golf club head 400, include ribs 440. Ribs 440 can be positioned internally relative to body 401 and generally parallel to the ball striking surface. In many embodiments, ribs 440 can be ridges or bars. In some embodiments, ribs 440 can have a rib thickness 441 that is greater than third step thickness 421, the thickness of an adjacent step, or the thickness of the final step at inner diameter transition 410. The purpose of ribs 440 is to stiffen the sole of golf club head 400, and therefore, peak bending of the sole occurs at step transition region 416 and / or step transition region 418.

[0038] Turning to FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, the golf club head 600 can have a crown inner diameter transition 660 at the crown 608. The crown inner diameter transition 660 can be similar to the inner diameter transition 310 of FIG. 3 , except that the crown inner diameter transition 660 is located at the striking face to crown transition instead of the striking face to sole transition. In many embodiments, the first step 615 can be similar to the first steps 315, 415, and / or 515 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, respectively; the second step 617 can be similar to the second steps 317, 417, and / or 517 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, respectively; the third step 619 can be similar to the third steps 419 and / or 519 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively; and the step transition regions 616 and / or 618 can be similar to the step transition regions 316, 416, 516, 418, and / or 518 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. Similarly, crown inner diameter transition 660 can have multiple inner diameter transitions to form more than two steps. For example, crown inner diameter transition 660 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps.

[0039] In Figure 7, a golf club head 700 can have a skirt inner diameter transition 780 as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club 700 similar to golf club head 100 (Figure 1) taken along a section line similar to section line VII-VII in Figure 1, according to another embodiment. Skirt inner diameter transition 780 can be similar to inner diameter transition 210 (FIG. 2), first step 715 can be similar to first steps 315, 415, and / or 515 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, respectively, second step 717 can be similar to second steps 317, 417, and / or 517 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, third step 719 can be similar to third steps 419 and / or 519 of FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively, and step transition regions 716 and / or 718 can be similar to step transition regions 316, 416, 516, 418, and / or 518 of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. Similarly, skirt inner diameter transition 780 can have more than two steps. For example, skirt inner diameter transition 780 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps. 7, the golf club head 700 can also have a skirt inner diameter transition on the other side of the ball striking face 712. In other embodiments, the golf club head 700 can have a skirt inner diameter transition on one side of the ball striking face 712.

[0040] 8 shows a view of a portion of a golf club head 800 similar to golf club head 400 (FIG. 4) according to an embodiment, and a view of the same area of ​​a standard golf club head 850. Standard golf club head 850 has a uniform sole thickness 855 from ball striking face 852 to sole 856 and an inner sole weight 870 that is thicker than uniform sole thickness 855. Golf club head 800 has an inner diameter transition portion 810 similar to inner diameter transition portion 410 (FIG. 4). Inner diameter transition portion 810 can have a first step 815 similar to first step 415 (FIG. 4), a second step 817 similar to second step 417 (FIG. 4), and a third step 819 similar to third step 419 (FIG. 4). Inner diameter transition portion 810 can further include stepped transition regions 816, 818 similar to stepped transition regions 416 (FIG. 4) and 418 (FIG. 4), and an inner sole weight 820 similar to inner sole weight 870. In many embodiments, at least one of first stage 815, second stage 817, or third stage 819 can be thinner than uniform sole thickness 855. The stepped thickness can eliminate weight that can be later redistributed to the club head.

[0041] High stresses are better distributed over a larger area in the sole 806 with the inner diameter transition region 810 than in the sole 856 without the cascade sole. In many embodiments, the overall curvature of the sole, similar to the uniform sole thickness 855, can absorb a more specific concentration of impact forces from the golf ball in a specific area, but does not distribute the forces over a larger area. A cascade structure, such as the inner diameter transition 810 (or a step of varying thickness along the inner diameter transition), however, provides a technique for "packaging" the impact forces from the golf ball over a larger area because the wavy or step structure transfers greater stresses from one inner diameter region of specific thickness to the next. In many embodiments, there is bleeding, overflow, or pooling of stress across the inner diameter transition 810 or the cascade thin sole. The greater distribution of greater stress creates a greater recoil force on the ball striking surface. Pooling stress in the inner diameter transition 810 can also prevent all of the stress from directly collecting at the thinnest step. In many embodiments, the stepped features can help distribute stress along the sole, preventing one large stress concentration from occurring. Instead, there are multiple stress concentrations for a more even distribution of stress. Stress is distributed along the cascade sole, allowing the sole to apply (or absorb) more stress. However, stress is reduced at the thickest portion of the sole without the cascade sole, which experiences the greatest level of stress and exerts less rebound force on the ball-striking surface.

[0042] Embodiments of golf club heads (e.g., 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700) with a Cascade Sole were tested against similar control club heads without a Cascade Sole. The club heads with the Cascade Sole demonstrated an increase in ball speed of approximately 0.5 to 1.5 miles per hour (mph) (0.8 to 2.4 kilometers per hour (kph)), or approximately 0.5 to 0.9%, compared to the control club heads. The increase in ball speed for on-center impacts was approximately 0.5 to 1.0 mph (0.8 to 1.6 kph), and the increase in ball speed for off-center impacts was approximately 1 to 1.5 mph (1.6 to 2.4 kph). The club heads with the Cascade Sole also demonstrated an increase in launch angle of approximately 0.1 to 0.3 degrees, a decrease in spin of approximately 275 to 315 revolutions per minute (rpm), and an increase in carry distance of approximately 3 to 6 yards (2.7 to 5.5 meters) compared to the control club heads.

[0043] In some embodiments, a driver-type, hybrid-type, or wood-type golf club head having a cascade sole (e.g., 100, 300, 400, 500, 600, or 700) may further include a first crown thickness (not shown) and a second crown thickness (not shown). The first crown thickness may be located at the crown or crown inner diameter transition area behind the ball striking face. The second crown thickness may be located on the crown behind the first crown thickness toward the rear of the club head. The first crown thickness is thicker than the second crown thickness. Furthermore, the first crown thickness may gradually transition to the second crown thickness according to any contour, or the first crown thickness may abruptly transition to the second crown thickness, such as in a staircase pattern.

[0044] The first crown thickness may comprise any portion of the crown at the front end of the club head. For example, the first crown thickness may comprise 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or any portion of the crown at the front end of the club head. The second crown thickness may comprise any portion of the crown at the rear of the club head. For example, the second crown thickness may comprise 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or any portion of the crown at the rear of the club head.

[0045] The crown thickness may transition between the first crown thickness and the second crown thickness at any portion of the crown of the club head, defining a crown thickness transition. The crown thickness transition may be any shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the crown thickness transition defines a bell-shaped curve similar to the bell shape of U.S. Pat. No. 7,892,111, which is incorporated herein by reference. The first crown thickness is located on the crown between the ball-striking face and the bell-shaped curve, and the second crown thickness is located between the bell-shaped curve and the rear of the club head.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, if the golf club head is a fairway wood type golf club head, the first crown thickness is approximately 0.022 inches (0.056 cm) and the second crown thickness is approximately 0.019 inches (0.048 cm). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, if the golf club head is a hybrid type golf club head, the first crown thickness is approximately 0.024 inches (0.061 cm) and the second crown thickness is approximately 0.019 inches (0.048 cm).

[0047] In other embodiments of the fairway wood or hybrid type golf club head, the first crown thickness is about 0.029 (0.074), 0.028 (0.071), 0.027 (0.069), 0.026 (0.066), 0.025 (0.064), 0.024 (0.061), 0.023 (0.058), 0.022 (0.056), 0.021 (0.053), 0.020 (0.051), 0.019 (0.048), 0.018 (0.046), or 0.01 The second crown thickness may be less than 7 (0.043) inches (cm), and the second crown thickness may be less than about 0.024 (0.061), 0.023 (0.058), 0.022 (0.056), 0.021 (0.053), 0.020 (0.051), 0.019 (0.048), 0.018 (0.046), 0.017 (0.043), 0.016 (0.041), 0.015 (0.038), 0.014 (0.036), 0.013 (0.033), or 0.012 (0.031) inches (cm).

[0048] The crown inner diameter transition region dissipates and / or reduces stress in the crown of the club head, thereby reducing the first and second crown thicknesses compared to previous designs. In an exemplary embodiment, the first crown thickness is reduced by approximately 17.2-24.1% and the second crown thickness is reduced by approximately 20.8% compared to previous designs. The reduction in the first and second crown thicknesses allows the club head's center of gravity to be lowered (located closer to the sole) compared to previous designs. The lowering of the club head's center of gravity improves the club head's performance characteristics by reducing ball gearing and spin.

[0049] Moving to FIG. 9 , various embodiments of a golf club head with a stepped inner thinned portion include a method 900 for manufacturing a golf club head. Method 900 includes providing a body (block 910). The body has a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. In some embodiments, the body further includes a skirt extending from the crown to the sole. Method 900 also includes providing an inner diameter transition from the ball striking face to at least one of the sole, crown, or skirt (block 920). Method 900 also includes providing a first step of the inner diameter transition (block 930), providing a second step of the inner diameter transition (block 940), and providing a step transition region between the first and second steps of the inner diameter transition region (block 950). In some embodiments, blocks 910, 920, 930, 940, and 950 can be performed simultaneously with one another, such as by casting the club head body. In other embodiments, one or more of blocks 920, 930, 940 and / or 950 may be performed after block 910, by way of example, through a machining process.

[0050] II. Golf club head with back cavity In one embodiment, the golf club head has a back cavity located in the upper crown area of ​​the golf club. In many embodiments, the back cavity can provide a box spring effect when striking a golf ball. The back cavity can provide a spring-like effect in combination with a change in thickness of the inner diameter of the sole of the club head (cascade sole).

[0051] Some embodiments are directed to club heads (hybrids or fairway woods or irons with a hollow design) that feature a hollow club head construction, providing a more "iron-like" look and feel. In some embodiments, the golf club head can feature a flat striking face and an iron-like profile, which can provide improved manufacturability and accuracy similar to that of an iron. A back cavity located below the top rail and along the lower crown of the club head is designed for hybrids, fairway woods, and irons with a hollow construction. The back cavity may be a full channel running from heel to toe, directly below the top rail and along the upper crown or rear of the club head. The top rail and cavity may be of any design. In some embodiments, the cavity has an angle of approximately 90 degrees, providing a targeted hinge point in the crown region of the golf club head. This hinge or buckling region allows the top rail to absorb more impact force over a larger volume area, allowing the cavity and top rail to act as a springboard with more recoil force returning to the striking face as it returns to its original alignment, thereby imparting more force to the ball. The greater club face deflection from this cavity design reduces spin, increases the loft angle of the golf ball at impact, and also allows for faster ball speeds at the same club speed than a standard golf club head.

[0052] In a standard hybrid club head, the top rail and upper crown area do not have this design cavity. Compared to the present disclosure, such a standard hybrid club head exhibits less bending or deflection of the striking face. The lack of a cavity in a standard hybrid does not provide a significant springback effect because less energy is transferred to the top rail of the club. A golf club head with the disclosed back cavity is able to absorb more impact force from the golf ball and then return it to the striking face. In many embodiments, the angle of the cavity can provide a buckling point, plastic hinge, or target hinge for the striking face to deflect more than a standard golf club.

[0053] The recoil effect of the cavity in the striking face results in (1) higher golf ball velocity for the same club head speed with a club head without an upper crown cavity (or back cavity), due in part to a spring effect transferred from the hinge area relative to the striking face to the ball; (2) less spin of the golf ball after impact with the club, due in part to the hinge point at the top of the cavity counteracting the greater force absorbed by the club and instead transferring more force to the ball, thereby preventing the ball from spinning backward from the striking face; and (3) a greater loft angle for the golf ball at impact, due to the hinge and striking face acting as a diving board or catapult for the ball. In some embodiments, the cavity can increase ball velocity by approximately 1.0-1.2% and launch angle by approximately 0.4-0.7 degrees.

[0054] Moving to the figures, FIG. 10 shows a rear toe-side perspective view of an embodiment of a golf club head 1000, and FIG. 11 shows a rear heel-side perspective view of the golf club head 1000 according to the embodiment of FIG. 10. The golf club head 1000 may be a hybrid-type golf club head. In other embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may be an iron-type golf club head or a fairway wood-type golf club head. In many embodiments, the golf club head 1000 does not have a badge or a separate preparation port.

[0055] The golf club head 1000 has a body 1001. In many embodiments, the body is hollow. In some embodiments, the body is at least partially hollow. The body 1001 has a striking face 1012, a heel region 1002, a toe region 1004 opposite the heel region 1002, a sole 1006, and a crown 1008. The crown 1008 has an upper region 1011 and a lower region 1013. The upper region 1011 has a top rail 1015. In some embodiments, the top rail 1015 can be a flat, taller top rail or a skirt. This explains why a flat, taller top rail increases playability off the tee for mishits on the striking face 1012.

[0056] In some embodiments, the body 1001 can comprise stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the ball striking face 1012 can comprise stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the body 1001 can comprise the same material as the ball striking face 1012. In some embodiments, the body 1001 can comprise a different material than the ball striking face 1012.

[0057] In many embodiments, the cavity 1030 is located below the top rail 1015. In many embodiments, the cavity 1030 has a top box spring design. In many embodiments, the top rail 1015 and cavity 1030 provide increased overall flex of the ball striking face 1012. In some embodiments, the flex of the ball striking face 1012 can tolerate an increase in energy of about 2% to about 5%. The cavity 1030 allows the ball striking face 1012 to be thinner, allowing for additional overall flex. For some fairway wood-type golf club head embodiments, the cavity 1030 can be a reverse scoop or indentation in the crown 1008 that is thicker toward the sole 1006.

[0058] 10 , in some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can further include an insert 1062 near the toe region 1004 in the lower region 1013 of the crown 1008. Some embodiments include internal weighting in the sole 1006. In many embodiments, the insert 1062 can include tungsten or other high-density material. In many embodiments, the insert moves the center of gravity (CG) approximately 0.04 inches (1 mm) to 0.10 inches (2.5 mm) rearward from the striking face 1012, increasing launch angle by 3.5% to 5.5%, which can increase playability on high or low mis-hits off the tee.

[0059] In many embodiments, the CG is at the lower region 1013 of the crown 1008, near the intersection of the toe region 1004 and the sole 1006. In some embodiments, the CG of the golf club head 1000 is 0.597 inches along the CGy plane and 0.541 inches along the CGz plane. The golf club head 1000 provides a 20.5% increase in moment of inertia Ixx over the G30 irons and a 28% increase over the Rapture DI. The Iyy increase is 1.7% over the G30 irons and a 22% increase over the Rapture DI.

[0060] In some embodiments, approximately 3 grams (g) to approximately 4 g is added to the top rail 1015. In most embodiments, the overall mass of the golf club head 1000 remains the same. In some embodiments, mass can be removed from the sole 1006 or toe region 1004 to offset the addition of mass to the top rail 1015. In some embodiments, adding approximately 3 g to approximately 4 g of mass to the top rail 1015 can help the golf club head resist rotation. In some embodiments, the CG of the golf club head is slightly increased.

[0061] Figure 12 shows a cross section of a golf club head 1000 taken along section line XII-XII of Figure 10 according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 12, the ball striking face 1012 has a high region 1076, a mid region 1074, and a low region 1072. In many embodiments, the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008 has a rear wall 1023, a top wall 1017 of a cavity 1030 below and adjacent to the rear wall 1023, and a rear wall 1019 of the cavity 1030 below and adjacent to the top wall 1017.

[0062] In some embodiments, the height 1280 of the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008 can be from about 0.125 inches (0.318 cm) to about 0.75 inches (1.91 cm), or from about 0.150 inches (0.381 cm) to about 0.400 inches (1.02 cm). For example, in some embodiments, the height 1280 of the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008 can be about 0.175 inches (0.445 cm), 0.275 inches (0.699 cm), 0.375 inches (0.953 cm), 0.475 inches (1.21 cm), 0.575 inches (1.46 cm), or 0.675 inches (1.71 cm). In some embodiments, the height 1280 of the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008 can be from about 5% to about 25% of the height of the golf club head 1000. In some embodiments, the length of the top rail 1015, measured from the heel region 1002 to the toe region 1004, can be from about 70% to about 95% of the length of the golf club head 1000.

[0063] The height 1280 of the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008 allows the cavity 1030 to absorb at least a portion of the stresses in the striking face 1012 upon impact with a golf ball, as described herein. Golf club heads having a rear wall with a height greater than the rear wall height 1280 described herein will absorb less stress upon impact (and potentially deflect less of the striking face) than the golf club head 1000 described herein due to increased dispersion of the impact along the top rail before reaching the cavity.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cavity 1030 is disposed above the lower region 1013 of the crown 1008 and is at least partially defined by the upper region 1011 and the lower region 1013 of the crown 1008. The cavity 1030 has a top wall 1017, a rear wall 1019, and a bottom sloped portion 1021. A first bending point 1082 is disposed between the top wall 1017 of the cavity 1030 and the rear wall 1019 of the cavity. A second bending point 1086 is disposed between the rear wall 1019 of the cavity 1030 and the bottom sloped portion 1021.

[0065] In some embodiments, the height of the rear wall 1019, measured from the first bending point 1082 to the second bending point 1086, can be from about 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) to about 0.138 inches (3.5 mm), or from about 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) to about 0.059 inches (1.5 mm). For example, the height of the rear wall 1019 can be approximately 0.01 inches (0.25 mm), 0.02 inches (0.5 mm), 0.03 inches (0.75 mm), 0.04 inches (1.0 mm), 0.05 inches (1.25 mm), 0.06 inches (1.5 mm), 0.07 inches (1.75 mm), 0.08 inches (2.0 mm), 0.09 inches (2.25 mm), 0.10 inches (2.5 mm), 0.11 inches (2.75 mm), 0.012 inches (3.0 mm), 0.13 inches (3.25 mm), or 0.14 inches (3.5 mm). In many embodiments, the apex of the top wall 1017 can be about 0.125 inches (0.318 cm) to about 1.25 inches (3.18 cm), or about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to about 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) below the apex of the top rail 1015. For example, the apex of the top wall 1017 can be approximately 0.125 inches (0.318 cm), 0.25 inches (0.635 cm), 0.375 inches (0.953 cm), 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), 0.625 inches (1.59 cm), 0.75 inches (1.91 cm), 0.825 inches (2.10 cm), 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), 1.125 inches (2.88 cm), or 1.25 inches (3.18 cm) below the top rail 1015.

[0066] In many embodiments, the rear wall 1019 of the cavity 1030 can be substantially parallel to the ball striking face 1012. In other embodiments, the rear wall 1019 is not substantially parallel to the ball striking face 1012. In many embodiments, the top wall 1017 of the cavity slopes toward the ball striking face 1012 as it moves toward the first flex point 1082. This placement of the top wall 1017 creates a buckling point or hinge point or plastic hinge that directs impact stresses toward the cavity 1030, allowing increased deflection of the ball striking face 1012 during impact.

[0067] The lower region 1013 of the crown 1008 has a bottom slope 1021 of the cavity 1030. In many embodiments, the second bending point 1086 can be adjacent the bottom slope 1021 and at least about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to about 2.0 inches (5.08 cm), or about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) to about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) below the apex of the top rail 1015. For example, the second flex point 1086 can be at least about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm), 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), 0.75 inches (1.91 cm), 1.0 inches (2.53 cm), 1.25 inches (3.18 cm), 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), 1.75 inches (4.45 cm), or 2.0 inches (5.08 cm) below the apex of the top rail 1015. In some embodiments, the maximum height of the bottom ramp can be at least about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), or about 0.50 inches (1.27 cm) to about 2 inches (5.08 cm) above the lowest point of the sole 1006, measured from the sole 1006 of the club head 1000 to the second flex point 1086. For example, the second flex point 1086 may be located above the lowest point of the sole at least about 0.25 inches (0.635 cm), 0.375 inches (0.953 cm), 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), 0.625 inches (1.59 cm), 0.75 inches (1.91 cm), 0.825 inches (2.10 cm), 1.0 inches (2.54 cm), 1.125 inches (2.88 cm), 1.25 inches (3.18 cm), 1.375 inches (3.49 cm), 1.5 inches (3. The width can be 1.81 cm, 1.625 inches (4.12 cm), 1.75 inches (4.45 cm), 1.875 inches (4.76 cm), 2.0 inches (5.08 cm), 2.125 inches (5.40 cm), 2.25 inches (5.71 cm), 2.375 inches (6.03 cm), 2.5 inches (6.35 cm), 2.625 inches (6.67 cm), 2.75 inches (7.00 cm), 2.875 inches (7.30 cm), or 3.0 inches (7.62 cm).

[0068] The cavity 1030 further includes at least one channel 1039 (FIG. 10). In many embodiments, the channel 1039 extends from the heel region 1002 to the toe region 1004. The channel width 1032 (FIG. 12) can be substantially constant throughout the channel 1039. In some embodiments, the channel width 1032 (FIG. 12) can be from about 0.008 inches (0.2 mm) to about 1 inch (25 mm), or from about 0.008 inches (0.2 mm) to about 0.31 inches (8 mm). For example, the channel width 1032 can be approximately 0.008 inches (0.2 mm), 0.016 inches (0.4 mm), 0.024 inches (0.6 mm), 0.031 inches (0.8 mm), 0.039 inches (1.0 mm), 0.079 inches (2 mm), 0.12 inches (3 mm), 0.16 inches (4 mm), 0.20 inches (5 mm), 0.24 inches (6 mm), 0.28 inches (7 mm), 0.31 inches (8 mm), 0.39 inches (10 mm), 0.59 inches (15 mm), 0.79 inches (20 mm), or 0.98 inches (25 mm). In other embodiments, the channel toe region width of the channel 1039 is smaller than the channel heel region width of the channel. In other embodiments, the channel heel region width is smaller than the channel toe region width. In other embodiments, the channel 1039 may have a channel center region width that is smaller than at least one of the channel heel region width or the channel toe region width. In other embodiments, the channel center region width may be smaller than at least one of the channel heel region width or the channel toe region width. In some embodiments, the channel 1039 is symmetrical. In other embodiments, the channel 1039 is asymmetrical. In other embodiments, the channel 1039 may further include at least two partial channels. In some embodiments, the channel 1039 may include a series of partial channels interrupted by one or more bridges. In some embodiments, the one or more bridges may be approximately the same thickness as the top region 1011 of the crown 1008.

[0069] As described herein, the channel width 1032 is able to absorb stress from the ball striking face 1012 upon impact. A golf club head having a channel width narrower than those described herein (e.g., a golf club head with a less distinct cavity) will be able to absorb less stress from the ball striking face upon impact (due to less material in the upper region 1011 of the crown 1008) and therefore will experience less deflection in the ball striking face than the golf club head 1000 described herein.

[0070] In many embodiments, the cavity 1030 further has a back cavity angle 1035. The back cavity angle is measured between the top wall 1017 and the rear wall 1019 of the cavity 1030. In many embodiments, the back cavity angle 1035 can be from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the back cavity angle 1035 can be from about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the back cavity angle 1035 is about 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, or 110 degrees. In many embodiments, the back cavity angle 1035 provides a buckling point, plastic hinge, or target hinge at the top rail hinge point 1070 when the golf club head 1000 impacts a golf ball. In some embodiments, the wall thickness at the top rail hinge point 1070 is thinner than at the top wall 1017 of the cavity 1030 .

[0071] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the crown 1008 of the golf club head 1000 of FIG. 12 positioned parallel to a non-cavity golf club head 1200 along similar cross-sectional line XII-XII of FIG. 10. In many embodiments, the golf club head 1000 has a rear angle 1040, a top rail angle 1045, and a striking face angle 1050. The top region angle 1040 is measured from the top wall 1017 to the rear wall 1023 of the top region 1011. In many embodiments, the rear angle 1040 can be from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear angle 1040 is about 90 degrees. The top rail angle 1045 is measured from the rear wall 1023 of the top region 1011 to the top rail 1015. In many embodiments, the top rail angle 1045 can be from about 35 degrees to about 120 degrees, or from 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the top rail angle 1045 can be from about 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, or 120 degrees. The striking face angle 1050 is measured from the striking face 1012 to the top rail 1015. In many embodiments, the striking face angle 1050 can be from about 70 degrees to about 160 degrees, or from 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the striking face angle 1050 is approximately 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, or 160 degrees.

[0072] 13 , in some embodiments, the minimum gap 1090 between the ball striking face 1012 and the rear wall 1019 is between about 0.079 inches (2 mm) and about 0.39 inches (10 mm). For example, the minimum gap 1090 between the ball striking face 1012 and the rear wall 1019 can be about 0.079 inches (2 mm), 0.16 inches (4 mm), 0.24 inches (6 mm), 0.31 inches (8 mm), or 0.39 inches (10 mm). In some embodiments, the minimum gap 1090 between the ball striking face 1012 and the rear wall 1019 is less than about 0.55 inches (14 mm), less than 0.47 inches (12 mm), less than about 0.39 inches (10 mm), less than about 0.31 inches (8 mm), less than about 0.24 inches (6 mm), or less than about 0.16 inches (4 mm). Additionally, in some embodiments, the maximum gap between the ball striking surface 1012 and the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011 of the golf club head 1000 is greater than the minimum gap 1090. Additionally, in some embodiments, the maximum gap between the ball striking surface 1012 and the bottom ramp 1021 of the lower region 1013 of the golf club head 1000 is greater than the minimum gap 1090 and the maximum gap of the upper region 1011.

[0073] FIG. 21 shows a cross-section of a golf club head 1000 similar to the cross-section of the golf club head 1000 shown in FIG. 12. The golf club head 1000 has a cavity 1030, an upper region 1011, and a lower region 1013. The upper region 1011 has an upper outer rear wall 1023, the cavity 1030 has a cavity outer wall 1025, and the lower region 1013 has a lower outer wall 1027. In many embodiments, the maximum top distance 1092, measured vertically from the ball striking face 1012 to the rear wall 1023 of the upper region 1011, can be approximately 0.20 to 0.59 inches (5 to 15 mm). For example, the maximum top distance 1092 can be approximately 0.20 inches (5 mm), 0.24 inches (6 mm), 0.28 inches (7 mm), 0.31 inches (8 mm), 0.35 inches (9 mm), 0.39 inches (10 mm), 0.43 inches (11 mm), 0.47 inches (12 mm), 0.51 inches (13 mm), 0.55 inches (14 mm), or 0.59 inches (15 mm). Additionally, the minimum cavity distance 1094, measured vertically from the ball striking face 1012 to the outer cavity wall 1025, can be approximately 0.16 to 0.47 inches (4 to 12 mm). For example, the minimum cavity distance 1094 can be approximately 0.16 inches (4 mm), 0.20 inches (5 mm), 0.24 inches (6 mm), 0.28 inches (7 mm), 0.31 inches (8 mm), 0.35 inches (9 mm), 0.39 inches (10 mm), 0.43 inches (11 mm), or 0.47 inches (12 mm). Additionally, the maximum bottom distance 1096, measured vertically from the ball striking face 1012 to the bottom outer wall 1027, can be approximately 0.98 to 1.57 inches (25 to 40 mm). For example, the maximum lower distance 1096 is approximately 0.98 inches (25 mm), 1.02 inches (26 mm), 1.06 inches (27 mm), 1.10 inches (28 mm), 1.14 inches (29 mm), 1.18 inches (30 mm), 1.22 inches (31 mm), 1.26 inches (32 mm), 1.30 inches (33 mm), 1.34 inches (34 mm), 1.38 inches (35 mm), 1.42 inches (36 mm), 1.46 inches (37 mm), 1.50 inches (38 mm), 1.54 inches (39 mm), or 1.57 inches (40 mm).In many embodiments, the maximum bottom distance 1096 is greater than the maximum top distance 1092 , which is greater than the minimum cavity distance 1094 .

[0074] In many embodiments, the cavity 1030 can increase golf ball velocity over the golf club head 1200 or other standard golf club heads, reduce spin rates for standard hybrid club heads, and increase launch angles over standard hybrid and iron club heads. In many embodiments, the shape of the cavity 1035 determines the spring level and response timing of the golf club head 1000. When a golf ball impacts the striking face 1012 of a club head 1000 having a cavity 1030, the striking face 1012 springs back in a drum-like manner, and the crown 1008 flexes in a controlled, collapsing manner. In many embodiments, the top rail 1015 can absorb more stress over a larger volumetric space than the top rail of a golf club head without the cavity 1030. The length, depth, and width of the cavity 1030 can be varied. These parameters control how much springback is incorporated into the overall design of the club head 1000.

[0075] Upon impact with a golf ball, the ball striking face 1012 can flex inward a greater distance than a golf club head without the cavity 1030. In some embodiments, the ball striking face 1012 has about 10% to about 50% more deflection than a ball striking face of a golf club head without the cavity 1030. In some embodiments, the ball striking face 1012 has about 5% to about 40%, or about 10% to about 20% more deflection than a ball striking face of a golf club head without the cavity 1035. For example, the ball striking face 1012 can have about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% more deflection than a ball striking face of a golf club head without the cavity 1035. In many embodiments, both the retraction distance by the striking face 1012 due to the hinge and the bending of the cavity 1030 are greater than a standard striking face without the cavity and back of the club.

[0076] In many embodiments, the club head 1000 with the cavity 1030 experiences greater face deflection due to greater buckling along the top rail hinge point 1070 upon impact with a golf ball. However, the cavity 1030 provides greater stress distribution along the top rail hinge point 1070 of the top rail, and springback forces are transferred from the cavity 1030 and top rail 1015 to the ball striking face 1012. A standard top rail without a cavity does not have this hinge / buckling effect, nor does it have the high level of stress absorption across the large volumetric area of ​​the top rail. Therefore, the standard ball striking face does not experience as much contact and recoil as the ball striking face 1012. Furthermore, both the large area of ​​the ball striking face 1012 and the top rail 1015 absorb more stress than the same crown area of ​​a standard golf club head with a standard top rail and no cavity. In many embodiments, the durability of a club head with a cavity and a club head without a cavity is the same, although there is greater stress along a larger area above the cavity 1030 than in the same area in a standard club without a cavity. By adding a larger spring to the rear end of the club (due to the inward slope of the top wall 1017 toward the ball striking face 1012), more force is transferred throughout the volume of the structure. Stress is observed over a larger area of ​​the striking face 1012 and top rail 1015 of the golf club head 1000. Peak stresses are visible in the standard top rail club head. However, more peak stresses are seen in the golf club head 1000, but are distributed over a larger volume of material. The hinge and flex regions of the golf club head 1000 (i.e., the area above the cavity 1030 and the cavity 1030 itself) do not deform unless stress reaches a critical buckling threshold. The cavity 1030 and its movement can be designed to be below the critical K value for the buckling threshold.

[0077] 22-30 show various examples of other embodiments of golf club heads 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, and 8000 having cavities 2030, 3030, 4030, 5030, 6030, 7030, and 8030 for increased face deflection. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, golf club head 2000 has a ball striking face 2012 and a body 2001. Body 2001 has a heel region 2002, a toe region 2004 opposing heel region 2002, a sole 2006, a crown 2008 opposing sole 2006, a front end 2010, a rear end 2011 opposing front end 2010, and a cavity 2030.

[0078] In many embodiments, golf club head 2000 is a hollow body type golf club head, such as a hybrid type golf club head, a fairway wood type golf club head, or a driver type golf club head. In some embodiments, golf club head 2000 can be an iron type club head or can be at least partially hollow similar to club head 1000 described above.

[0079] In embodiments in which club head 2000 is a driver-type club head, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be less than 16 degrees, less than 15 degrees, less than 14 degrees, less than 13 degrees, less than 12 degrees, less than 11 degrees, or less than 10 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the volume of club head 2000 can be greater than 400 cc, greater than 425 cc, greater than 450 cc, greater than 475 cc, greater than 500 cc, greater than 525 cc, greater than 550 cc, greater than 575 cc, greater than 600 cc, greater than 625 cc, greater than 650 cc, greater than 675 cc, or greater than 700 cc.

[0080] In embodiments in which club head 2000 is a fairway wood-type club head, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be less than 35 degrees, less than 34 degrees, less than 33 degrees, less than 32 degrees, less than 31 degrees, or less than 30 degrees. Additionally, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be greater than 12 degrees, greater than 13 degrees, greater than 14 degrees, greater than 15 degrees, greater than 16 degrees, greater than 17 degrees, greater than 18 degrees, greater than 19 degrees, or greater than 20 degrees. In these embodiments, the volume of club head 2000 can be less than 400 cc, less than 375 cc, less than 350 cc, less than 325 cc, less than 300 cc, less than 275 cc, less than 250 cc, less than 225 cc, or less than 200 cc. Further, in these embodiments, the club head volume can be 300cc to 400cc, 325cc to 400cc, 350cc to 400cc, 250cc to 400cc, 250cc to 350cc, or 275cc to 375cc.

[0081] In embodiments in which club head 2000 is a hybrid-type club head, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be less than 40 degrees, less than 39 degrees, less than 38 degrees, less than 37 degrees, less than 36 degrees, less than 35 degrees, less than 34 degrees, less than 33 degrees, less than 32 degrees, less than 31 degrees, or less than 30 degrees. Additionally, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be greater than 16 degrees, greater than 17 degrees, greater than 18 degrees, greater than 19 degrees, greater than 20 degrees, greater than 21 degrees, greater than 22 degrees, greater than 23 degrees, greater than 24 degrees, or greater than 25 degrees. In these embodiments, the volume of the club head 2000 can be less than 200 cc, less than 175 cc, less than 150 cc, less than 125 cc, less than 100 cc, or less than 75 cc. Additionally, in these embodiments, the volume of the club head can be between 100 cc and 150 cc, between 75 cc and 150 cc, between 100 cc and 125 cc, or between 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0082] In embodiments in which club head 2000 is an iron-type club head, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be less than 35 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 29 degrees, less than 28 degrees, less than 27 degrees, less than 26 degrees, less than 25 degrees, or less than 24 degrees. Additionally, the loft angle of club head 2000 can be greater than 12 degrees, greater than 13 degrees, greater than 14 degrees, greater than 15 degrees, greater than 16 degrees, greater than 17 degrees, or greater than 18 degrees. In these embodiments, the volume of club head 2000 can be less than 100 cc, less than 75 cc, less than 60 cc, less than 55 cc, or less than 50 cc. Further, in these embodiments, the volume of the club head can be between 25cc and 75cc, between 25cc and 50cc, between 40cc and 60cc, between 45cc and 60cc, or between 40cc and 50cc.

[0083] In many examples, cavity 2030 can be described with reference to a ground plane 2058, a front surface 2060, and a loft plane 2064 when the club head is in the address position. In the address position, a hosel axis (not shown) extending centrally through hosel 2066 is at a 60 degree angle relative to ground plane 2058 when viewed from the front and at a 90 degree angle relative to ground plane 2058 when viewed from the side. Front surface 2060 is located perpendicular to ground plane 2058 adjacent the forward-most point of club head 2000. Loft plane 2064 is located tangent to the geometric center of ball striking face 2012.

[0084] 26 and 27 , in the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 2030 is located behind the ball striking face 2012 on the sole 2006 of the club head. In these or other embodiments, the cavity 2030 may reduce impact stresses on the ball striking face 2012, providing the ability to reduce the thickness of the ball striking face. Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, the cavity 2030 may increase the deflection of the ball striking face upon impact with a golf ball, increasing ball speed and travel distance. In other embodiments, the cavity 2030 may be located on any suitable area of ​​the club head 2000, such as the sole 2006, the crown 2008, or a combination of the sole 2006 and the crown 2008. For example, in other embodiments, the cavity 2030 may be located on the crown 2008 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the cavity 2030 may be located on at least a portion of the ball striking face 2012 near the sole 2006. Further, for example, the cavity 2030 may be located on both the crown 2008 and the sole 2006 of the club head 2000 .

[0085] In many examples, the cavity 2030 extends from near the heel portion 2002 to near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, in many examples, the cavity 2030 may be centered between the heel portion 2002 and the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. In other examples, the cavity 2030 may extend any distance along the club head 2000 from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004. Further, in other examples, the cavity 2030 may be offset toward the heel portion 2002 or toward the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0086] In other examples, the cavity 2030 can have multiple individual portions (not shown). For example, the cavity can have a first cavity portion (not shown) located near the toe portion 2004 of the club head and a second cavity portion (not shown) located near the heel portion 2002 of the club head. In these examples, the cavity 2030 can have any number of individual portions, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or any other number of individual portions.

[0087] The cavity 2030 further has a leading edge 2046 adjacent the crown 2008 and / or sole 2006 nearest the front end 2010 of the club head 2000, and a trailing edge 2048 adjacent the crown 2008 and / or sole 2006 nearest the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000. The cavity 2030 further has a length extending from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004, an outer surface 2052, an inner surface 2054, and a thickness 2056 measured as the smallest distance between the outer surface 2052 and the inner surface 2054. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 26 and 27, the thickness 2056 of the cavity 2030 is substantially constant from near the leading edge 2046 to near the rear edge 2048 of the cavity 2030. 26 and 27, the thickness 2056 of the cavity 2030 is substantially constant from near the heel portion 2002 to near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. In other examples, the thickness 2056 of the cavity 2030 can vary according to any contour from near the leading edge 2046 to near the trailing edge 2048 of the club head 2000. In still other examples, the thickness 2056 of the cavity 2030 can vary according to any contour from near the heel portion 2002 to near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0088] 26 and 27 , the cavity 2030 further includes a main portion 2038 and an inset portion 2036. The main portion 2038 of the cavity 2030 extends inward from the sole 2006 of the club head 2000 between a leading edge 2046 and a trailing edge 2048. The inset portion 2036 extends from the main portion 2038 of the cavity 2030 toward the ball striking face 2012. In many embodiments, the main portion 2038 and the inset portion 2036 are separated by a plane formed by a plurality of axes 2047 that extend parallel to the loft plane 2064 and through the leading edge 2046 at each location along the length of the cavity. In many embodiments, each location along the length of the cavity can be defined by a length increment of approximately 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, positions along the length of the cavity may be defined in increments of less than 0.100 inches, less than 0.075 inches, or less than 0.050 inches.

[0089] The inset 2036 increases the deflection of the striking face upon impact with a golf ball compared to a club head having a cavity without an inset. Additionally, the inset 2036 distributes stress over a larger area upon impact with a golf ball compared to a club head having a cavity without an inset. In many embodiments, the greater distribution of stress within the golf club head due to the inset 2036 prevents stress concentrations from occurring at the leading edge 2046 or the trailing edge 2048 of the cavity 2030.

[0090] In many embodiments, the cavity 2030 is offset from the loft surface 2064 or the ball striking face 2012 of the club head 2000. In some embodiments ( FIG. 26 ), the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 can be offset from the loft surface 2064 or the ball striking face 2012 by a constant distance extending from near the heel region 2002 to near the toe region 2004. In other embodiments (not shown), the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 can be offset from the loft surface 2064 or the ball striking face 2012 by a varying distance extending from near the heel region 2002 to near the toe region 2004. For example, in other embodiments, the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 near the center of the striking face 2012 may be located closer to the striking face 2012 than the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 near the heel region 2002 and / or near the toe region 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0091] In many embodiments, at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 can be offset from the loft plane 2064 or the ball striking face 2012 by a distance 2049 of 1.0 inch or less, measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 2064. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 can be offset from the loft plane 2064 or the ball striking face 2012 by a distance 2049 of 0.75 inch or less, 0.50 inch or less, 0.45 inch or less, 0.40 inch or less, 0.35 inch or less, 0.30 inch or less, 0.25 inch or less, 0.20 inch or less, 0.15 inch or less, 0.10 inch or less, or 0.05 inch or less, measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 2064. For example, in many embodiments, at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 is offset from the loft plane 2064 or ball striking face 2012 by a distance between 0.025 and 0.075 inches, measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 2064.

[0092] In many embodiments, locating at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 near the face of the ball striking surface can increase the internal energy stored by the club head 2000 during impact, and therefore increase the energy transfer to the golf ball, compared to a similar club head having a cavity with a leading edge located farther from the ball striking surface. Increasing the energy transfer to the golf ball can increase the ball's speed and travel distance.

[0093] For example, in one embodiment, locating at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 at an offset distance 2049 of 0.05 inches from the striking face, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 2064, increased the internal energy stored in the club head 2000 by approximately 8.6 percent compared to a club head without a cavity. Further, for example, in one embodiment, locating at least a portion of the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 at an offset distance 2049 of 0.10 inches from the striking face, as measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 2064, increased the internal energy stored in the club head 2000 by approximately 2.9 percent compared to a club head without a cavity. In these examples, a club head having a cavity with a leading edge located 0.05 inches from the striking face 2012 stored approximately 5.6 percent more internal energy upon impact with a golf ball compared to a club head having a cavity with a leading edge located 0.10 inches from the striking face 2012. Thus, locating the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 closer to the striking face 2012 increases the internal energy stored in the club head 2000 upon impact with a golf ball, allowing for increased energy transfer to the ball, increased ball speed, and increased travel distance.

[0094] 26 and 27, the cavity 2030 can be further described in terms of a front-to-back cross-section. A front-to-back cross-section is taken on a plane extending from the front end 2010 to the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000 and perpendicular to the ground contact surface 2058 and the front surface 2060. The front-to-back cross-section can be located anywhere along the length of the cavity. For example, FIG. 27 shows a cross-section of the club head taken along a plane located at the midpoint of the cavity 2030.

[0095] 26 and 27 , when the cavity 2030 is located on the sole 2006, the cavity 2030 further has an apex axis 2068. The apex axis 2068 is located at an offset distance 2076 from the front surface. The offset distance 2076 of the cavity 2030 can be constant, or the offset distance 2076 of the cavity 2030 can vary from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0096] The vertex axis 2068 defines the deepest portion or maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 at each location along the length of the cavity 2030 extending from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004. The maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 located on the sole 2006 is measured from the front edge 2046 to the vertex axis 2068 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 2064. The maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 can be constant, or the maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 can vary from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. For example, the maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken at the midpoint of the cavity 2030 may be different from the maximum depth 2074 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken near the heel portion 2002 or near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0097] 26 and 27 , the cavity 2030 further has a front surface 2078 and a back surface 2080. The front surface 2078 extends from the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030 to the vertex axis 2068. The back surface 2080 extends from the vertex axis 2068 to the trailing edge 2048 of the cavity 2030. Thus, the front surface 2078 and the back surface 2080 are separated by the vertex axis 2068 of the cavity 2030. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27 , at least a portion of the front surface 2078 of the cavity 2030 extends from near the leading edge 2046 toward the vertex axis 2068 toward the ball striking face 2012. In these or other embodiments, at least a portion of the front surface 2078 of the cavity 2030 extends toward the ball striking face 2012 to promote increased ball striking face deflection and increased stress distribution across the cavity 2030 and the club head body 2001. The front surface 2078 can have any contour such that at least a portion of the front surface contour extends toward the ball striking face 2012 of the club head 2000. In many embodiments, the portion of the front surface 2078 that extends toward the ball striking face 2012 forms an inset portion of the cavity 2030.

[0098] The front surface 2078 further has a forward-most point 2082 and a rear-most point 2084 in any front-to-back cross section of the club head 2000. The forward-most point 2082 is located along the front surface 2078 nearest the front surface 2060 or the ball striking face 2012, and the rear-most point 2084 is located along the front surface 2078 farthest from the front surface 2060 or the ball striking face 2012. The forward-most point 2082 is located a first distance D1 from the front surface 2060, and the rear-most point 2084 is located a second distance D2 from the front surface 2060. The second distance D2 is greater than the first distance D1 in at least one front-to-back cross section of the cavity 2030. The first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can be constant, or the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 can vary from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. For example, the first distance D1 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken at the midpoint of the cavity 2030 can be different from the first distance D1 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken near the heel portion 2002 or near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the second distance D2 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken at the midpoint of the cavity 2030 can be different from the second distance D2 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken near the heel portion 2002 or near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. In many examples, the ratio of the second distance D2 to the first distance D1 is greater than 1.0, greater than 1.05, greater than 1.1, greater than 1.15, greater than 1.2, greater than 1.25, or greater than 1.3 in at least a portion of the cavity 2030.

[0099] 26 and 27 , an axis 2086 extends through a forward-most point 2082 and a rearward-most point 2084 of the front surface 2078 of the cavity 2030. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 2086 intersects the ball striking face 2012 of the club head 2000. In many embodiments, the axis 2086 intersects the ball striking face 2012 of the club head 2000 at an acute angle. Additionally, the axis 2086 lies at an angle 2088 relative to the loft plane 2064 of the club head 2000. In many embodiments, the angle 2088 ranges from 0 to 90 degrees, 5 to 85 degrees, 10 to 80 degrees, or 15 to 75 degrees to increase ball striking face deflection compared to a club head having a cavity with a front surface that does not extend toward the ball striking face. The angle 2088 may be constant or may vary from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. For example, the angle 2088 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken at the midpoint of the cavity 2030 may be different from the angle 2088 of the cavity 2030 in a front-to-back cross section taken near the heel portion 2002 or near the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000.

[0100] In many embodiments, the cavity inset portion 2036 has a height 2040 and a depth 2050. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036, measured parallel to the loft plane 2064, is constant from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. In the illustrated embodiment, the height 2040 of the cavity 2030 can vary from near the front end 2010 to near the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the height 2040 of the cavity 2030 increases from near the front end 2010 to near the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000. In other embodiments, the height 2040 of the cavity 2030 can vary according to any contour from near the front end 2010 to near the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000.

[0101] Further, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036 can increase or decrease according to any contour from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head. For example, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036 can increase from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036 can decrease from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036 can increase from the center of the club head 2000 toward the heel portion 2002 and toe portion 2004. Further, for example, the height 2040 of the inset portion 2036 can decrease from the center of the club head 2000 toward the heel portion 2002 and toe portion 2004.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036, measured as the distance between the leading edge and the forward-most point 2082 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 2064, remains constant from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. In other embodiments, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036 may increase or decrease according to any contour from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. For example, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036 may increase from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036 may decrease from the heel portion 2002 to the toe portion 2004 of the club head 2000. Further, for example, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036 may increase from the center of the club head 2000 toward the heel portion 2002 and toe portion 2004. Further, for example, the depth 2050 of the inset portion 2036 may decrease from the center of the club head 2000 toward the heel portion 2002 and toe portion 2004.

[0103] 26 and 27 , the profile of the front surface 2078 is unidirectional. Further, the front surface 2078 extends toward the apex axis 2068 of the cavity 2030 in a direction toward the ball striking face 2012. In these or other examples, the forward-most point 2082 of the front surface 2078 is located near the apex axis 2068 of the cavity 2030 and the rear-most point 2084 is located near the leading edge 2046 of the cavity 2030. In other embodiments, the front surface profile can be multidirectional and can have any profile such that at least a portion of the front surface extends toward the apex axis of the cavity in a direction toward the ball striking face 2012.

[0104] 26 and 27, the rear surface 2080 of the cavity 2030 is substantially straight. In other embodiments, the rear surface 2080 of the cavity 2030 can have any shape.

[0105] In other examples, the cavity 2030 can be oriented such that the main portion 2038 of the cavity 2030 extends inward from the sole 2006 of the club head 2000, and the inset portion 2036 extends from the main portion 2038 of the cavity 2030 toward the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000. In these examples, the front surface 2078 can have any contour, and at least a portion or the back surface 2080 can extend toward the rear end 2011 of the club head 2000.

[0106] 22 and 23 show another embodiment of a club head 3000 having a ball striking face 3012 and a body 3001. The body 3001 has a heel region 3002, a toe region 3004 opposite the heel region 3002, a sole 3006, a crown 3008 opposite the sole 3006, a front end 3010, a rear end 3011 opposite the front end 3010, and a cavity 3030. The club head 3000 can be similar to the club head 2000 with the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the front surface 3078 of the cavity 3030 is multidirectional. In these or other embodiments, the front surface 3078 extends in multiple directions from the leading edge 3046 of the cavity 3030 to the vertex axis 3068, such that at least a portion of the front surface 3078 extends toward the ball striking face 3012.

[0107] 22-25, 28, and 29, in these or other examples, the cavity 3030 can have an inset portion 3036 and can further have a sidewall 3032 extending from a leading edge 3046 into the cavity 3030 and an inner wall 3034 extending from a trailing edge 3048 into the cavity 3030. The inset portion 3036 is at a first angle 3042 relative to the sidewall 3032 and at a second angle 3044 relative to the inner wall 3034. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle 3042 is approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the first angle 3042 can be in the range of approximately 85-95 degrees, approximately 80-100 degrees, or approximately 75-105 degrees. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second angle 3044 is approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the second angle 3044 can be in the range of approximately 85-95 degrees, approximately 80-100 degrees, or approximately 75-105 degrees.

[0108] In these embodiments, the cavity 3030 of the club head 3000 has a main portion 3038, an inset portion 3036, a leading edge 2046, and a trailing edge 3048, respectively, that are similar to the main portion 2038, the inset portion 2036, the leading edge 2046, and the trailing edge 2048 of the cavity 2030 of the club head 2000. Additionally, the cavity 3030 of the club head 3000 has a vertex axis 3068, a front surface 3078, and a rear surface 3080, respectively, that are similar to the vertex axis 2068, the front surface 2078, and the rear surface 2080 of the cavity 2030 of the club head 2000. Thus, at least a portion of the front surface 3078 of the club head 3000 extends toward the ball striking face 3012.

[0109] 24 shows another embodiment of a club head 4000 having a ball striking face 4012 and a body 4001. The body 4001 has a heel region 4002, a toe region 4004 opposite the heel region 4002, a sole 4006, a crown 4008 opposite the sole 4006, a front end 4010, a rear end 4011 opposite the front end 4010, and a cavity 4030. The club head 4000 can be similar to the club head 3000 having the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the cavity 4030 is located behind the ball striking face 4012 and on the crown 4008 of the club head 4000. In these or other embodiments, the cavity 4030 can increase ball striking face deflection upon impact with a golf ball, reducing backspin and / or increasing launch angle, increasing ball speed and travel distance. Additionally, in these or other embodiments, locating the cavity 4030 at least partially on the crown can further increase bending of the ball striking face for impacts lower on the ball striking face.

[0110] 24 , when the cavity 4030 is located on the crown 4008, the cavity 4030 further has a nadir axis 4072. The nadir axis 4072 is located at an offset distance 4076 from the front surface. The offset distance 4076 of the cavity 4030 can be constant, or the offset distance 4076 of the cavity 4030 can vary from the heel portion 4002 to the toe portion 4004 of the club head 4000.

[0111] The nadir axis 4072 defines the deepest portion or maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 at each location along the length of the cavity 4030 extending from the heel portion 4002 to the toe portion 4004. The maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 located on the crown 4008 is measured from the front edge 4046 to the nadir axis 4072 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 4064. The maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 can be constant, or the maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 can vary from the heel portion 4002 to the toe portion 4004 of the club head 4000. For example, the maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 in a front-to-back cross section taken at the midpoint of the cavity 4030 may be different from the maximum depth 4074 of the cavity 4030 in a front-to-back cross section taken near the heel portion 4002 or near the toe portion 4004 of the club head 4000.

[0112] 24, the cavity 4030 further has a front surface 4078 and a back surface 4080. The front surface 4078 extends from the front edge 4046 of the cavity 4030 to a nadir axis 4072. The back surface 4080 extends from the nadir axis 4072 to the rear edge 4048 of the cavity 4030. Thus, the front surface 4078 and the back surface 4080 are separated by the nadir axis 4072 of the cavity 4030. Referring to FIG. 24, at least a portion of the front surface 4078 of the cavity 4030 extends from near the front edge 4046 in a direction toward the nadir axis 4072 toward the ball striking face 4012. In these or other embodiments, at least a portion of the front surface 4078 of the cavity 4030 extends toward the ball striking face 4012 to promote increased ball striking face deflection and increased stress distribution across the cavity 4030 and the club head body 4001. The front surface 4078 can have any contour such that at least a portion of the front surface contour extends toward the ball striking face 4012 of the club head 4000. In many embodiments, the portion of the front surface 4078 that extends toward the ball striking face 4012 forms an inset portion of the cavity 4030.

[0113] 24 , the cavity 4030 further includes a main portion 4038 and an inset portion 4036. The main portion 4038 of the cavity 4030 extends inward from the crown 4008 of the club head 4000 between a leading edge 4046 and a trailing edge 4048. The inset portion 4036 extends from the main portion 4038 of the cavity 4030 toward the ball striking face 4012. In many embodiments, the main portion 4038 and the inset portion 4036 are separated by a plane formed by a plurality of axes 4047 that extend parallel to the loft plane 4064 and through the leading edge 4046 at each location along the length of the cavity 4030. In many embodiments, each location along the length of the cavity can be defined by a length increment of approximately 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, each position along the length of the cavity can be defined by an increment of less than 0.100 inches, less than 0.075 inches, or less than 0.050 inches.

[0114] The inset 4036 increases the deflection of the striking face upon impact with a golf ball compared to a club head having a cavity without an inset. Additionally, the inset 4036 distributes stress over a larger area upon impact with a golf ball compared to a club head having a cavity without an inset. In many embodiments, the greater distribution of stress within the golf club head due to the inset 4036 prevents stress concentrations from occurring at the leading edge 4046 or the trailing edge 4048 of the cavity 4030.

[0115] FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of a club head 5000 having a ball striking face 5012 and a body 5001. The body 5001 has a heel region 5002, a toe region 5004 opposite the heel region 5002, a sole 5006, a crown 5008 opposite the sole 5006, a front end 5010, a rear end 5011 opposite the front end 5010, and a cavity 5030. The club head 5000 can be similar to the club head 2000 having the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the rear surface 5080 of the cavity 5030 is concave, thereby accommodating deformation of the club head upon impact with a golf ball and allowing for increased flexure and energy storage. In other embodiments, the cavity 5030 can have any other curved shape. For example, in other embodiments, the rear surface 5080 of the cavity 5030 can be convex or have any other contour.

[0116] In these embodiments, the cavity 5030 of the club head 5000 has a main portion 5038, an inset portion 5036, a leading edge 5046, and a trailing edge 5048 that are similar to the main portion 2038, the inset portion 2036, the leading edge 2046, and the trailing edge 2048, respectively, of the cavity 2030 of the club head 2000. Additionally, the cavity 5030 of the club head 5000 has a vertex axis 5068, a front surface 5078, and a rear surface 5080 that are similar to the vertex axis 2068, the front surface 2078, and the rear surface 2080, respectively, of the cavity 2030 of the club head 2000. Thus, at least a portion of the front surface 5078 of the club head 5000 extends toward the ball striking face 5012.

[0117] FIG. 28 shows another embodiment of a club head 6000 having a ball striking face 6012 and a body 6001. The body 6001 has a heel region 6002, a toe region 6004 opposite the heel region 6002, a sole 6006, a crown 6008 opposite the sole 6006, a front end 6010, a rear end 6011 opposite the front end 6010, and a cavity 6030. The club head 6000 can be similar to the club head 3000 having the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the rear surface 6080 of the cavity 6030 is concave, thereby accommodating deformation of the club head upon impact with a golf ball and allowing for increased flexure and energy storage. In other embodiments, the cavity 6030 can have any other curved shape. For example, in other embodiments, the rear surface 6080 of the cavity 6030 can be convex or have any other contour.

[0118] In these embodiments, the cavity 6030 of the club head 6000 has a main portion 6038, an inset portion 6036, a leading edge 6046, and a trailing edge 6048, respectively, that are similar to the main portion 3038, an inset portion 3036, a leading edge 3046, and a trailing edge 3048 of the cavity 3030 of the club head 3000. Additionally, the cavity 6030 of the club head 6000 has a vertex axis 6068, a front surface 6078, and a rear surface 6080, respectively, that are similar to the vertex axis 3068, a front surface 3078, and a rear surface 3080 of the cavity 3030 of the club head 3000. Thus, at least a portion of the front surface 6078 of the club head 6000 extends toward the ball striking face 6012.

[0119] FIG. 29 shows another embodiment of a club head 7000 having a ball striking face 7012 and a body 7001. The body 7001 has a heel region 7002, a toe region 7004 opposite the heel region 7002, a sole 7006, a crown 7008 opposite the sole 7006, a front end 7010, a rear end 7011 opposite the front end 7010, and a cavity 7030. The club head 7000 can be similar to the club head 4000 having the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the rear surface 7080 of the cavity 7030 is concave, thereby accommodating deformation of the club head upon impact with a golf ball and allowing for increased flexure and energy storage. In other embodiments, the cavity 7030 can have any other curved shape. For example, in other embodiments, the rear surface 7080 of the cavity 7030 can be convex or have any other contour.

[0120] In these embodiments, the cavity 7030 of the club head 7000 has a main portion 7038, an inset portion 7036, a leading edge 4046, and a trailing edge 7048, respectively, that are similar to the main portion 4038, the inset portion 4036, the leading edge 4046, and the trailing edge 4048 of the cavity 4030 of the club head 4000. Additionally, the cavity 7030 of the club head 7000 has a nadir axis 7072, a front surface 7078, and a back surface 7080, respectively, that are similar to the nadir axis 4072, the front surface 4078, and the back surface 4080 of the cavity 4030 of the club head 4000. Thus, at least a portion of the front surface 7078 of the club head 7000 extends toward the ball striking face 7012.

[0121] 25 shows another embodiment of a club head 8000 having a ball striking face 8012 and a body 8001. The body 8001 has a heel region 8002, a toe region 8004 opposite the heel region 8002, a sole 8006, a crown 8008 opposite the sole 8006, a front end 8010, a rear end 8011 opposite the front end 8010, and a cavity 8030. The club head 8000 can be similar to the club head 4000 with the same numbers referencing similar features, except that the cavity 8030 of the club head 8000 is located at the transition between the ball striking face 8012 and the crown 8008. In these or other embodiments, the inset portion 8036 can be located closer to the rear end 8011 of the club head 8000 than the main portion 8038 of the cavity 8030.

[0122] In other embodiments, cavity 8030 can be located on any transition area between the ball striking face 8012 and the body 8001 of club head 8000. For example, in other embodiments, cavity 8030 can be located in the transition area between the ball striking face 8012 and the sole 8006.

[0123] 22-30, club heads 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, and 8000 having cavities 2030, 3030, 4030, 5030, 6030, 7030, and 8030 described herein can store increased internal energy upon impact with a golf ball. The increased stored energy allows increased energy to be transferred to the golf ball upon impact, thereby increasing ball speed and distance compared to similar club heads without cavities or similar club heads with cavities that do not have cavities with inset portions.

[0124] For example, in some embodiments, a club head having a cavity described herein stored approximately 48-90% more internal energy during a simulated impact with a golf ball at a swing speed of 100 mph compared to a similar club head without a cavity. Further, for example, referring to Table 1, the club head 6000 shown in FIG. 28 stored 4.0% more internal energy during a simulated impact with a golf ball at a swing speed of 100 mph compared to a similar club head with a similar cavity without an inset. Further, for example, referring to Table 1, the club head 5000 shown in FIG. 30 may store approximately 4-10% more internal energy during a simulated impact with a golf ball at a swing speed of 100 mph compared to a similar club head with a similar cavity without an inset.

[0125] 22-30, club heads 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, and 8000 having cavities 2030, 3030, 4030, 5030, 6030, 7030, and 8030 described herein can redistribute impact stresses over a larger surface area, thereby increasing the durability of the club head compared to similar club heads that do not have cavities or cavities with insets. Many club heads that do not have cavities with insets experience high stresses near the leading edge of the cavity. Conversely, the club heads 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000 having the cavities 2030, 3030, 4030, 5030, 6030, 7030, 8030 described herein allow for increased torsional bending of the club head and / or cavity upon impact, thereby reducing stress concentrations at the leading and trailing edges and distributing impact stresses over a wider area of ​​the cavity to increase the durability of the club head.

[0126] For example, referring to Table 1, club heads 6000 and 5000 shown in Figures 28 and 30 experienced peak stresses at impact that were 17-25% less than the peak stresses of a similar club head having a similar cavity without an inset portion during a simulated impact with a golf ball at a swing speed of 100 miles per hour.

[0127] [Table 1]

[0128] III. Golf club head with cascade sole and back cavity In some embodiments, the golf club head having a back cavity further includes a cascade sole having a stepped thinned portion. FIG. 14 shows a cross section of a golf club head 1100 according to an embodiment, which can be similar to golf club head 1000 (FIG. 10) taken along similar cross section line XII-XII in FIG. 10. Like golf club head 1000 (FIG. 10), golf club head 1100 includes a body 1101. Body 1101 includes a ball striking face 1112, a sole 1106, and a crown 1108. Ball striking face 1112 includes a high region 1176, a mid region 1174, and a low region 1172. Crown 1108 includes an upper region 1111 and a lower region 1113. Upper region 1111 includes a top rail 1115. In many embodiments, cavity 1130 is located below top rail 1115. The golf club head 1100 further includes a cascade sole 1310 similar to the inner diameter transition portion 310 (FIG. 3). The inner diameter transition portion 1310 can include a first step 1315 of a first thickness, a second step 1317 of a second thickness, and a step transition region 1316. In some embodiments, the cascade sole 1310 can provide additional flexibility to the top rail 1115. In many embodiments, a back cavity combined with the cascade sole provides an additional spring effect to the striking face. In some embodiments, a back cavity with a cascade sole allows approximately 3% to 5% more energy for deflection of the striking face. The cascade sole 1310 can have any number of steps greater than two. For example, the cascade sole 1310 can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 steps.

[0129] The golf club head 1100 having a cascade sole and back cavity can impart a greater recoil force to the striking face than a golf club head having only a cascade sole or back cavity. This is due to the increased recoil force from both the inner diameter transition and the back cavity, as described above. The increased recoil force on the striking face increases deflection, which increases the impact force applied to the golf ball, thereby increasing the golf ball's velocity. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1100 having both the cavity 1130 and the inner diameter transition 1310 can increase ball speed, increase launch angle, and provide better distance control. In various embodiments, the golf club head 1100 can increase ball speed by approximately 1% to approximately 4%. In various embodiments, the golf club head 1100 can increase ball speed by approximately 1%, 2%, 3%, or 4%. In many embodiments, the golf club head 1100 provides a greater increase in ball velocity when impacting a golf ball with the high region 1176 of the striking face. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1100 can increase the launch angle by approximately 0.5 degrees to approximately 1.1 degrees. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1100 can increase the launch angle by approximately 0.5 degrees, 0.6 degrees, 0.7 degrees, 0.8 degrees, 0.9 degrees, 1.0 degrees, or 1.1 degrees.

[0130] Embodiments of golf club head 1100 having a cascade sole and back cavity were tested. Overall, the golf club heads with cavities exhibited increased golf ball velocity and increased launch angles when compared to control golf club heads lacking a cascade sole and back cavity. The golf club heads with cavities exhibited increased golf ball velocity and increased launch angles for all contact locations on the striking face due to the combined spring effect from the combination of cascade sole 1310 (FIG. 14) and cavity 1130 (FIG. 14). In some embodiments, greater increases in golf ball velocity and launch angles were observed for contact at higher portions of the striking face (e.g., high region 1076 (FIG. 12) or high region 1176 (FIG. 14)), due in part to the spring effect of cavity 1130 (FIG. 14). 19-20 show results of testing an embodiment of golf club head 1100 (cavity golf head) compared to a standard iron-type golf club head (control golf club head) having a closed back design and a similar loft angle to the cavity golf club head. Figure 19 shows the increase in golf ball velocity for the cavity golf club head compared to the control golf club head when impacting the golf ball in a higher area of ​​the striking face, and Figure 20 shows the increase in launch angle for the cavity golf club head compared to the control golf club head when impacting the golf ball in a higher area of ​​the striking face.

[0131] 19 shows that, compared to the control golf club head, the golf ball speed for the cavity golf club head increases by about 1.9% (or about 2.5 mph) when the golf ball is impacted in the high toe region of the striking face, by about 2.1% (or about 2.8 mph, or about 4.5 kph) when the golf ball is impacted in the high center region of the striking face, and by about 1.5% (or about 2.0 mph, or about 3.2 kph) when the golf ball is impacted in the high heel region of the striking face (all of the cavity golf club heads). When the golf ball is impacted in the high toe region of the striking face for the control golf club head, the golf ball speed is about 132.5 mph (213.2 kph), while when the golf ball is impacted in the high toe region of the striking face for the cavity golf club head, the golf ball reaches a speed of about 135.0 mph (217.3 kph). When the control golf club head's high center region impacted the golf ball, the golf ball reached a speed of approximately 133.4 mph (214.7 kph), while when the cavity golf club head's high center region impacted the golf ball, the golf ball reached a speed of approximately 136.2 mph (219.2 kph). When the control golf club head's high heel region impacted the golf ball, the golf ball reached a speed of approximately 134.0 mph (215.7 kph), while when the cavity golf club head's high heel region impacted the golf ball, the golf ball reached a speed of approximately 136.0 mph (218.9 kph).

[0132] 20 shows that, when compared to the control golf club head, the launch angle of the cavity golf club head increases by about 4.2% (or about 0.6 degrees) when the golf ball is impacted in the high toe region of the striking face, by about 4.8% (or about 0.7 degrees) when the golf ball is impacted in the high middle region of the striking face, and by about 6.4% (or about 0.9 degrees) when the golf ball is impacted in the high heel region of the striking face (all of the cavity golf club heads). When the golf ball impacts the striking face in the high toe region of the striking face of the control golf club head, the launch angle is about 14.4 degrees, while when the golf ball impacts the striking face in the high toe region of the striking face of the cavity golf club head, the launch angle is about 15.0 degrees. When the golf ball impacted the striking face of the control golf club head in the high central region, the launch angle was approximately 14.5 degrees, while when the golf ball impacted the striking face of the cavity golf club head in the high central region, the launch angle was approximately 15.2 degrees. When the golf ball impacted the striking face of the control golf club head in the high heel region, the launch angle was approximately 14.1 degrees, while when the golf ball impacted the striking face of the cavity golf club head in the high heel region, the launch angle was approximately 15.0 degrees.

[0133] FIG. 17 illustrates a method 1700 for manufacturing a golf club head. Method 1700 includes providing a body (block 1705). Providing the body in block 1705 includes a body having a ball striking face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, a sole, and a crown. In many embodiments, the crown has an upper region and a lower region. In some embodiments, the upper region has a top rail. In many embodiments, a cavity is disposed below the top rail and above the lower region of the crown (block 1710). In some embodiments, the cavity is defined at least in part by the upper and lower regions of the crown. The cavity has a top wall, a rear wall adjacent to the top wall, a bottom slope adjacent to the rear wall, a back cavity angle measured between the top wall and the rear wall of the cavity, and at least one channel.

[0134] In some embodiments, the method 1700 further includes providing an insert in the lower region of the crown facing the toe region, hi some embodiments, the insert is similar to insert 1062 (FIG. 10).

[0135] In some embodiments, block 1705 provides a body further comprising a body having a cascade sole. The cascade sole comprises an inner diameter transition from the striking face to the sole. In many embodiments, the inner diameter transition region can be similar to inner diameter transition or cascade sole 1310 (FIG. 14). In some embodiments, the inner diameter transition region comprises a first step having a first thickness, a second step having a second thickness less than the first thickness, and a step transition region between the first and second steps.

[0136] IV. Golf club with cascade sole and back cavity Turning to FIG. 15 , FIG. 15 illustrates a golf club 1500 comprising a golf club head 1500 and a shaft 1590 coupled to the golf club head 1500. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1500 of the golf club 1500 comprises a hybrid-type golf club head. In other embodiments, the golf club head 1500 can be an iron-type golf club head or a fairway wood-type golf club head. In many embodiments, the golf club head 1500 can be similar to the golf club head 100 or the golf club head 1000 ( FIG. 10 ). The golf club head 1500 can be a hollow body and includes a ball striking face 1512, a heel region 1502, a toe region 1504 opposite the heel region 1502, a sole 1506, and a crown 1508. The crown 1508 includes an upper region 1511 and a lower region 1513. The upper region 1511 includes a top rail 1515. The golf club head 1500 further includes a cavity 1530 disposed below the top rail 1515 and above the lower region 1513 of the crown 1508 .

[0137] FIG. 16 shows a cross-section of a golf club head 1500 taken along section line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, a cavity 1530 can be defined at least in part by an upper region 1511 and a lower region 1513. In many embodiments, the cavity 1530 has a top wall 1517, a rear wall 1519, a bottom sloped portion 1521, a back cavity angle 1535 measured between the top wall 1517 and the rear wall 1519, and at least one channel 1539. In some embodiments, the apex of the top wall 1517 is about 0.25 inches to about 1.25 inches below the apex of the top rail 1515. In some embodiments, the apex of the top wall 1517 is about 0.375 inches below the apex of the top rail 1515. In some embodiments, the bottom slope 1521 can be at least about 0.50 inches to about 2 inches below the apex of the top rail 1515. In many embodiments, the back cavity angle 1535 can be about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the back cavity angle 1535 can be about 90 degrees.

[0138] In many embodiments, the upper region 1511 comprises a crown lower region having a top of the cavity and a sloped bottom of the cavity. In some embodiments, the upper region 1511 further comprises a rear wall 1523 adjacent to the top wall 1517 of the cavity 1530, and a rear angle 1540 measured between the top wall 1517 of the cavity 1530 and the rear wall 1523 of the upper region 1511. In many embodiments, the rear angle 1540 is from about 70 degrees to about 110 degrees.

[0139] In other embodiments, the golf club head can have a hosel. The hosel can have a hosel notch. The hosel notch can be positioned to allow for an iron-like range of lofts and adjustable lie angles. Although not shown in FIG. 16, the golf club head 1500 can also have a cascade sole or inner diameter transition in the sole.

[0140] The golf club heads having the energy storage features discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment of a golf club head having energy storage features, and may disclose other embodiments of golf club heads having stepped inner thinned portions.

[0141] (Clause 1) A golf club head comprising: a hollow body; a striking face; a heel region; a toe region opposite the heel region; a sole; a crown; and a cavity disposed behind the striking face of the club head and on the sole of the club head, the cavity having a front edge adjacent to the sole; a rear edge adjacent to the sole; a main portion extending inward from the sole between the front and rear edges; an inset portion extending from the main portion to the striking face; and a vertex axis located along the deepest portion of the cavity, extending from the heel region to the toe region, the vertex axis separating a front surface of the cavity from a rear surface of the cavity, the front surface extending from the front edge to the vertex axis, the rear surface extending from the vertex axis to the rear edge, and at least a portion of the front surface extending toward the striking face.

[0142] (Clause 2) The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the volume of the club head is less than 60 cc.

[0143] (Clause 3) The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the volume of the club head is between 40 and 60 cc.

[0144] (Clause 4) The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset from the ball striking surface by a distance of 0.50 inches or less.

[0145] (Clause 5) The golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset from the ball striking surface by a distance of 0.10 inches or less.

[0146] (Clause 6) The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset a fixed distance from the ball striking surface.

[0147] (Clause 7) The golf club head described in Clause 1, wherein the front edge of the cavity near the center of the striking surface is closer to the striking surface than the front edge of the cavity near at least one of the heel region and the toe region.

[0148] (Clause 8) A golf club head as described in Clause 1, wherein the front surface of the cavity further has a forward-most point located closest to the striking surface in a cross-sectional side view of the club head and a rear-most point located farthest from the striking surface in a cross-sectional side view of the club head, and an axis extending through the forward-most point and the rear-most point intersects the striking surface at an acute angle.

[0149] (Clause 9) The golf club head described in Clause 1, wherein the axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point of the front surface is positioned at an angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees relative to the loft plane of the club head.

[0150] (Clause 10) A golf club head as described in Clause 1, wherein the cavity further has a length extending from the heel portion to the toe portion, a loft plane of the club head is positioned to pass through the geometric center of the striking face, and a plane formed by a plurality of axes extending parallel to the loft plane at each position along the length of the cavity and passing through the front edge separates the main portion and the inset portion of the cavity.

[0151] (Clause 11) A golf club head comprising: a hollow body; a striking face; a heel region; a toe region opposite the heel region; a sole; a crown; and a cavity located behind the striking face of the club head and above the crown of the club head, the cavity having a front edge adjacent to the crown; a rear edge adjacent to the crown; a main portion extending inward from the crown between the front edge and the rear edge; an inset portion extending from the main portion to the striking face; and a nadir axis located along the deepest portion of the cavity and extending from the heel region to the toe region, the nadir axis separating a front surface of the cavity from a back surface of the cavity, the front surface extending from the front edge to the nadir axis, the back surface extending from the nadir axis to the rear edge, and at least a portion of the front surface extending toward the striking face.

[0152] (Clause 12) The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the volume of the club head is less than 60 cc.

[0153] (Clause 13) The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the volume of the club head is between 40 and 60 cc.

[0154] (Clause 14) The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset from the ball striking surface by a distance of 0.50 inches or less.

[0155] (Clause 15) The golf club head of Clause 11, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset from the ball striking surface by a distance of 0.10 inches or less.

[0156] (Clause 16) The golf club head according to Clause 11, wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset a fixed distance from the ball striking surface.

[0157] (Clause 17) The golf club head described in Clause 11, wherein the front edge of the cavity near the center of the striking surface is closer to the striking surface than the front edge of the cavity near at least one of the heel region and the toe region.

[0158] (Clause 18) A golf club head as described in Clause 11, wherein the front surface of the cavity further has a forward-most point located closest to the striking surface in a cross-sectional side view of the club head and a rear-most point located farthest from the striking surface in a cross-sectional side view of the club head, and an axis extending through the forward-most point and the rear-most point intersects the striking surface at an acute angle.

[0159] (Clause 19) The golf club head described in Clause 11, wherein the axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point of the front surface is at an angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees relative to the loft plane of the club head.

[0160] (Clause 20) A golf club head as described in Clause 11, wherein the cavity further has a length extending from the heel portion to the toe portion, a loft plane of the club head is positioned to pass through the geometric center of the striking face, and a plane formed by a plurality of axes extending parallel to the loft plane at each position along the length of the cavity and passing through the front edge separates the main portion and the inset portion of the cavity.

[0161] Substitution of one or more claim elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a prosthesis. Moreover, 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] Although the above embodiments are described in the context of a driver-type golf club, the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applied to other types of golf clubs, such as fairwood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs, while the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0164] 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.

Claims

1. A golf club head, A hollow body and The hitting surface and a heel region; a toe region opposite the heel region; Sole and Crown and a cavity located behind the ball striking face of the club head and on the sole of the club head; Equipped with The cavity is a front edge adjacent to the sole; a rear edge adjacent to the sole; a main portion extending inward from the sole between the front edge and the rear edge; an inset portion extending from the main portion to the ball striking surface; an apex axis located along a deepest portion of the cavity and extending from the heel region to the toe region, the apex axis separating a front surface of the cavity from a back surface of the cavity; and the front surface extends from the leading edge to the vertex axis; the back surface extends from the vertex axis to the trailing edge; At least a portion of the front surface extends toward the ball striking face. Golf club head.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the club head has a volume of less than 60 cc.

3. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the volume of the club head is between 40 and 60 cc.

4. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge of the cavity is offset from the striking face by a distance of 0.50 inches or less.

5. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge of the cavity is offset from the striking face by a distance of 0.10 inches or less.

6. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the front edge of the cavity is offset a fixed distance from the striking face.

7. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the front edge of the cavity near the center of the striking face is closer to the striking face than the front edge of the cavity near at least one of the heel region and the toe region.

8. The front surface of the cavity further comprises: a front-most point located nearest the ball-striking face in a side cross-sectional view of the club head; a rearmost point located farthest from the ball striking face in the side cross-sectional view of the club head; and an axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point intersects the ball-striking surface at an acute angle; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

9. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point of the front surface lies at an angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees relative to a loft plane of the club head.

10. the cavity further has a length extending from the heel region to the toe region; a loft plane of the club head is disposed so as to pass through the geometric center of the ball-striking face; a plane formed by a plurality of axes extending parallel to the loft plane and passing through the leading edge at each location along the length of the cavity separates the main portion and the inset portion of the cavity; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

11. A golf club head, A hollow body and The hitting surface and a heel region; a toe region opposite the heel region; Sole and Crown and a cavity located behind the striking face of the club head and above the crown of the club head; Equipped with The cavity is a leading edge adjacent the crown; a trailing edge adjacent to the crown; a main portion extending inwardly from the crown between the leading edge and the trailing edge; an inset portion extending from the main portion to the ball striking surface; a nadir axis located along the deepest portion of the cavity and extending from the heel region to the toe region, the nadir axis separating the front surface of the cavity from the back surface of the cavity; and the front surface extends from the front edge to the nadir axis; the back surface extends from the nadir axis to the trailing edge; At least a portion of the front surface extends toward the ball striking face. Golf club head.

12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the club head has a volume of less than 60 cc.

13. 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the volume of the club head is between 40 and 60 cc.

14. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the leading edge of the cavity is offset from the striking face by a distance of 0.50 inches or less.

15. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the leading edge of the cavity is offset from the striking face by a distance of 0.10 inches or less.

16. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the leading edge of the cavity is offset a fixed distance from the striking face.

17. 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the front edge of the cavity near the center of the striking face is closer to the striking face than the front edge of the cavity near at least one of the heel region and the toe region.

18. The front surface of the cavity further comprises: a front-most point located nearest the ball-striking face in a side cross-sectional view of the club head; a rearmost point located farthest from the ball striking face in the side cross-sectional view of the club head; and an axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point intersects the ball-striking surface at an acute angle; The golf club head of claim 11.

19. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the axis extending through the forward-most point and the rearward-most point of the front surface lies at an angle between 5 degrees and 85 degrees relative to a loft plane of the club head.

20. the cavity further has a length extending from the heel region to the toe region; a loft plane of the club head is disposed so as to pass through the geometric center of the ball-striking face; a plane formed by a plurality of axes extending parallel to the loft plane and passing through the leading edge at each location along the length of the cavity separates the main portion and the inset portion of the cavity; The golf club head of claim 11.

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