Golf club head with variable face thickness

Abstract

To provide a club head with increased or maximized CT while maintaining or improving durability of face.SOLUTION: A face comprises thickened and thinned regions. The face includes a perimeter thickened region 162 positioned near a perimeter of the face, a thinned region 166 positioned inward of the perimeter thickened region toward a center of the face, and a central thickened region 168 positioned over the center of the face. The combination of the thickened and thinned regions of the face increase ball speed and further increase or maximize CT without sacrificing durability.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 757,925, filed November 9, 2018, and also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 610,074, filed December 22, 2017, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to hollow body golf club heads, and more particularly to club heads having variable face thicknesses to improve ball speed while maintaining characteristic time (CT) requirements and face durability. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf clubs are designed with several performance characteristics, such as ball speed, in mind. Traditionally, golf club head designs aim to increase ball speed by increasing the characteristic time (CT) of the face. However, current designs are limited by durability considerations. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a club head that further increases or maximizes CT while maintaining or improving face durability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 shows a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 shows a rear perspective view, partially cut away, of the golf club head of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 10 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates a rear perspective view, partially cut away, of a golf club head according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 illustrates a rear perspective view, partially cut away, of a golf club head according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 illustrates a rear perspective view, partially cut away, of a golf club head according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 shows a front view of a golf club head according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings will show the 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. Also, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the golf club head having weight. Also, the same reference numbers in different drawings will refer to the same elements.

[0006] Described herein are hollow-body golf club heads with variable face thicknesses to (1) maximize characteristic time (CT) as required by the United States Golf Association (USGA), (2) increase golf ball speed and launch angle at impact, and (3) enhance face durability. To achieve these advantages, the face of the hollow-body golf club head includes strategically located thickened and thinned regions. More specifically, the face includes a peripheral thickened region located near the periphery of the face, a thinned region located inside the peripheral thickened region toward the center of the face, and a central thickened region located over the center of the face. The peripheral thickened region enhances face durability. In some embodiments, the peripheral thickened region further includes a weld line connecting the face to the hollow body, and the face thickness is constant on both sides of the weld line to enhance durability in the area around the weld line. The thinned face region, having the minimum face thickness, increases ball speed on off-center hits and further increases or maximizes the CT of the face. The thickened central region increases ball speed on center hits and further increases or maximizes the CT of the face. The combination of the thickened peripheral region, the thickened central region, and the thinned region increases or maximizes the CT and provides a hollow-body golf club head that can increase ball speed while maintaining face durability for many golf ball impacts.

[0007] In the specification and claims, when terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" appear, they are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms, when used in this manner, are interchangeable and that the embodiments described herein may, for example, be practiced in sequences other than those described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have," as well as similar terms, are intended to include a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device that includes listed elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent in such a process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device.

[0008] In the specification and claims, the terms "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc., when used, are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable and that the embodiments of the devices, methods, and / or articles described herein may be practiced, for example, in other orientations than those shown or described herein.

[0009] As defined herein, "spline analysis" refers to a method for determining where the curvature of a surface changes. For example, spline analysis can be used to determine where the curvature deviates from the bulge and roll of a striking face of a golf club head. Bulge refers to the curvature of the striking face from heel to toe. Roll refers to the curvature of the striking face from crown to sole. Spline analysis can be implemented by applying splines to the surface at intervals such that the splines indicate the beginning of significant changes in curvature.

[0010] As used herein, the terms "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club refer to the angle formed between the club face and the shaft as measured by any suitable loft-reading machine.

[0011] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments disclosed herein in detail, it should be understood that the application of the present disclosure is not limited to the details or the embodiments and arrangements of components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0012] Embodiments of golf club heads are described herein. The golf club heads can include driver-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads, and hybrid-type club heads. For example, in some embodiments, the golf club heads can include driver-type club heads. The driver-type club heads include a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the driver-type club heads have a loft angle of less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the volume of a driver-type club head is greater than about 400 cc, greater than about 425 cc, greater than about 445 cc, greater than about 450 cc, greater than about 455 cc, greater than about 460 cc, greater than about 475 cc, greater than about 500 cc, greater than about 525 cc, greater than about 550 cc, greater than about 575 cc, greater than about 600 cc, greater than about 625 cc, greater than about 650 cc, greater than about 675 cc, or greater than about 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a driver-type club head can be between about 400 cc and 600 cc, between about 425 cc and 500 cc, between about 500 cc and 600 cc, between about 500 cc and 650 cc, between about 550 cc and 700 cc, between about 600 cc and 650 cc, between about 600 cc and 700 cc, or between about 600 cc and 800 cc.

[0013] By way of further example, in some embodiments, the golf club head may comprise a fairway wood-type club head. The fairway wood-type club head may have a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head may be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees.

[0014] Furthermore, in many embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood-type club head is less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood-type club head can be about 150 cc to 200 cc, about 150 cc to 250 cc, about 150 cc to 300 cc, about 150 cc to 350 cc, about 150 cc to 400 cc, about 300 cc to 400 cc, about 325 cc to 400 cc, about 350 cc to 400 cc, about 250 cc to 400 cc, about 250 cc to 350 cc, or about 275 cc to 375 cc.

[0015] Additionally, in many embodiments, fairway wood-type club heads have a striking face height. The striking face height is measured in a direction parallel to the loft plane, from the sole periphery (i.e., the outer sole edge) of the striking face to the crown periphery (i.e., the outer crown edge) of the striking face, passing through the geometric center of the striking face. The outer edge and loft plane are described in more detail below. In many embodiments, the striking face height can range from 0.5 to 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the striking face height can range from 0.5 to 1.0 inches, or from 1.0 to 2.0 inches. In other embodiments, the striking face height can range from 0.6 to 1.10 inches, 0.7 to 1.20 inches, 0.8 to 1.30 inches, 0.9 to 1.40 inches, 1.0 to 1.50 inches, 1.10 to 1.60 inches, 1.20 to 1.70 inches, 1.30 to 1.80 inches, 1.40 to 1.90 inches, or 1.50 to 2.0 inches. In still other examples, the striking face height can range from 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1.0, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15, 1.20, 1.25, 1.30, 1.40, 1.50, 1.60, 1.70, 1.80, 1.90, or 2.0 inches. In one embodiment, the striking face height can range from 1.0 to 1.15 inches.

[0016] By way of further example, in some embodiments, the golf club head can comprise a hybrid-type club head. The hybrid-type club head has a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the hybrid-type club head has a loft angle of less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the hybrid-type club head has a loft angle of greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0017] Additionally, in many embodiments, the volume of a hybrid-type club head is less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a hybrid-type club head can be between about 100 cc and 150 cc, between about 75 cc and 150 cc, between about 100 cc and 125 cc, or between about 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0018] The golf club head can be made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a composite material. The golf club head can be made of steel, a steel alloy, a stainless steel, a stainless steel alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar materials. For example, the golf club head can be made of C300 steel, C350 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, or T9s+ titanium.

[0019] (General Description of Golf Club Head Embodiments) 1-6 illustrate one embodiment of a club head 100. The club head 100 includes a front body portion 140 and a rear body portion 130. The front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 form an enclosed hollow interior cavity. The club head 100 further includes a crown 132, a sole 134 opposite the crown 132, a heel 136, and a toe 138 opposite the heel 136.

[0020] The front body portion 140 generally includes a face 142 having a striking surface 144 intended for impacting a golf ball, a rear surface 146 opposite the striking surface 144, a geometric center 148, and an outer edge 150. The rear surface 146 of the face 142 is located in the enclosed hollow interior cavity of the club head 100. The geometric center 148 of the face 142 may be located at the geometric midpoint of the face 142. In one approach, the geometric center 148 may be located according to the definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center 148 may be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head (USGA-TPX3004, May 1, 2008, Revision 1.0.0) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) (hereinafter the "Flexibility Procedure").

[0021] 1 and 2, the geometric center 148 of the face 142 defines the origin of a coordinate system having an x-axis 105, a y-axis 110, and a z-axis 115. The x-axis 105 extends through the geometric center 148 in a direction parallel to the contact surface 116 from near the heel 136 to near the toe 138 of the club head 100. The y-axis 110 extends through the geometric center 148 in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface 116 from near the crown 132 to near the sole 134 of the club head 100. The z-axis 115 extends through the geometric center 148 in a direction parallel to the contact surface 116 from near the front body portion 140 to near the rear body portion 130 of the club head 100.

[0022] 3, the club head 100 has a loft plane 118 abutting the striking surface 144 and extending through the geometric center 148 of the face 142. The loft plane 118 is disposed at an acute angle relative to the y-axis 110, where the acute angle may correspond to the loft angle of the club head 100.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the x-axis 105 and y-axis 110 divide the face 142 of the club head 100 into four quadrants, including a high toe quadrant 120 located near the toe 138 and crown 132, a low toe quadrant 124 located near the toe 138 and sole 134, a high heel quadrant 122 located near the heel 136 and crown 132, and a low heel quadrant 126 located near the heel 136 and sole 134.

[0024] The outer edge 150 of the face 142 extends along the perimeter of the striking surface 144 and can be defined where the curvature deviates from the bulge and roll of the striking surface 144. More specifically, the outer edge 150 can extend entirely along the perimeter of the striking surface 144 near the crown 132, toe 138, sole 134, and heel 136 where the curvature deviates from the bulge and roll of the striking surface 144. In one approach, as described above, a spline method can be used to determine the location of the outer edge 150 where the curvature deviates from the bulge and roll of the striking surface 144.

[0025] (Golf club head face) 4-6 , club head 100 includes a front body portion 140 having a face 142. Face 142 includes a thickness measured from a striking surface 144 to a rear surface 146 in a direction perpendicular to loft plane 118. The thickness of face 142 varies and is described below with reference to one or more regions 160 that extend radially from a geometric center 148 to an outer edge 150 of striking surface 144 (i.e., extending radially from the geometric center 148 of face 142 in a direction outward toward the outer edge 150 of striking surface 144, or from the outer edge 150 in a direction inward toward the geometric center 148).

[0026] 4-6 , the one or more regions 160 include a peripheral region 162, a transition region 164, an intermediate region 166, and a central region 168. The peripheral region 162 abuts or contacts the outer edge 150 of the striking face 144 and extends inward from the outer edge 150 toward the geometric center 148 of the face 142. The peripheral region 162 includes a constant peripheral thickness that defines the boundary of the peripheral region 162.

[0027] Transition region 164 abuts or contacts peripheral region 162 and extends inward from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Transition region 164 comprises a transition thickness that varies in a direction from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. In many embodiments, the transition thickness decreases in a direction from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142.

[0028] Intermediate region 166 abuts or contacts transition region 164 and extends inward from transition region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Intermediate region 166 has a constant intermediate thickness that defines the boundary of intermediate region 166. The intermediate thickness is less than the peripheral thickness. In many embodiments, the intermediate thickness constitutes the minimum thickness of face 142.

[0029] Central region 168 abuts or contacts intermediate region 166 and extends inward from intermediate region 166 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Central region 168 may surround geometric center 148 of face 142. Central region 168 has a central thickness that may vary and / or remain constant. In many embodiments, the central thickness comprises the maximum thickness of face 142. In many embodiments, the central thickness comprises a varying thickness that increases in a direction from intermediate region 166 toward geometric center 148 and a constant thickness located over the geometric center of face 142.

[0030] One or more regions 160 of face 142 are further separated or bounded by one or more boundary lines extending around each region. The one or more boundary lines separate and further define the boundaries of one or more regions 160. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the one or more boundary lines include a peripheral boundary 170, a transition boundary 172, and an intermediate boundary 174. Peripheral boundary 170 defines the boundary between peripheral region 162 and transition region 164, transition boundary 172 defines the boundary between transition region 164 and intermediate region 166, and intermediate boundary 174 defines the boundary between intermediate region 166 and central region 168. For example, peripheral boundary 170 defines the location on face 142 where peripheral region 162 transitions into transition region 164. In another example, transition boundary 172 defines the location on face 142 where transition region 164 transitions into intermediate region 166. In another example, intermediate boundary 174 defines a location on face 142 where intermediate region 166 transitions into central region 168. The relative positions of one or more boundary lines and their relative positions to one or more regions 160 are described in more detail below.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, peripheral region 162 extends inward from outer edge 150 of striking face 144 to peripheral boundary 170. Peripheral boundary 170 defines a location on face 142 where the thickness of face 142 deviates from a constant peripheral thickness. The constant peripheral thickness extends from outer edge 150 to peripheral boundary 170. Transition region 164 extends inward from peripheral boundary 170 to transition boundary 172. Transition boundary 172 defines a location on face 142 where the thickness of face 142 deviates from a varying transition thickness. The varying transition thickness extends from peripheral boundary 170 to transition boundary 172.

[0032] Transition region 166 extends inward from transition boundary 172 toward intermediate boundary 174. Intermediate boundary 174 defines a location on face 142 where the thickness of face 142 deviates from the constant intermediate thickness. The constant intermediate thickness extends from transition boundary 172 to intermediate boundary 174. Central region 168 extends inward from intermediate boundary 174 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. The central thickness comprises a varying thickness and a constant thickness from intermediate boundary 174 to geometric center 148 of face 142.

[0033] The combination of the increased center thickness, the reduced intermediate thickness, and the increased peripheral thickness results in increased golf ball speed gains while increasing the durability of the face 142. In particular, the increased center thickness increases ball speed and further increases or maximizes the CT of the face 142. The increased, constant peripheral thickness also increases structural rigidity at the outer edge 150 of the striking surface 144, thereby improving the durability of the face 142. The reduced, constant intermediate thickness also increases ball speed on off-center hits and further increases or maximizes the CT of the face 142 without sacrificing durability. The combination of the increased center thickness, the reduced intermediate thickness, and the increased peripheral thickness of the club head 100 results in increased ball speeds of 0.5 to 2.0 mph and increased CT by 1% to 5% compared to a club head lacking the aforementioned thickened and thinned regions.

[0034] (surrounding area) As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the thickness of the face 142 varies and is described with reference to one or more regions 160. The one or more regions 160 of the face 142 include a peripheral region 162. The peripheral region 162 extends inward from the outer edge 150 of the striking surface 144 toward the geometric center 148. The peripheral region 162 includes a constant peripheral thickness that defines a boundary of the peripheral region 162. More specifically, the peripheral region 162 extends inward from the outer edge 150 toward a peripheral boundary 170. The peripheral boundary 170 defines a location on the face 142 where the thickness of the face 142 deviates from the constant peripheral thickness. The constant peripheral thickness extends from the outer edge 150 to the peripheral boundary 170. The peripheral thickness is thicker than the intermediate thickness but thinner than the central thickness.

[0035] In many embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head may be 0.06 inches or greater, 0.07 inches or greater, 0.08 inches or greater, 0.085 inches or greater, 0.09 inches or greater, 0.095 inches or greater, or 0.10 inches or greater. In other embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.06 to 0.16 inches. In some embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.06 to 0.11 inches, or from 0.11 to 0.16 inches. Also, in some embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.06 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.10 inches, 0.10 to 0.12 inches, 0.12 to 0.14 inches, or 0.14 to 0.16 inches. For example, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head can be approximately 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.092, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.11, 0.115, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.135, 0.14, 0.145, 0.15, 0.155, 0.16, 0.165, 0.17, 0.175, or 0.18 inches. In another embodiment, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head can be 0.092 inches. In another embodiment, the perimeter thickness of a driver-type club head can be 0.10 inches.

[0036] In many embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.05 inches or greater, 0.06 inches or greater, 0.065 inches or greater, 0.07 inches or greater, 0.08 inches or greater, 0.09 inches or greater, or 0.10 inches or greater. In other embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.075 inches, or from 0.075 to 0.10 inches. Also, in some embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.06 inches, 0.06 to 0.07 inches, 0.07 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.09 inches, or 0.09 to 0.10 inches. For example, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be approximately 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, or 0.10 inches. In other embodiments, the perimeter thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.07 inches.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7 , the perimeter region 162 may extend inward from the outer edge 150 of the face 142 by a perimeter distance 190. The perimeter distance 190 may be measured from the outer edge 150 of the striking surface 144 to the perimeter boundary 170 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 118. In many embodiments, the perimeter distance 190 may be 0.25 inches or less, 0.20 inches or less, 0.15 inches or less, or 0.10 inches or less. In other embodiments, the perimeter distance 190 may range from 0 to 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the perimeter distance 190 may range from 0 to 0.15 inches, or from 0.15 to 0.25 inches. Also, in some embodiments, the perimeter distance 190 may range from 0 to 0.10 inches, 0.10 to 0.15 inches, 0.15 to 0.20 inches, or 0.20 to 0.25 inches. In still other embodiments, perimeter distance 190 may be approximately 0, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, or 0.25 inches. For example, perimeter distance 190 may be 0.09 inches for a driver-type club head. In another embodiment, perimeter distance 190 may be 0.141 inches for a fairway wood-type club head.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5-7 , the peripheral region 162 may further include a junction between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130. The junction between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 may include a weld line 180, where the front body portion 140 is welded onto the rear body portion 130. In many embodiments, the weld line 180 may extend from the striking surface 144 to the rear surface 146 of the face 142 in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane 118. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the peripheral region 162 may not include a weld line 180. In this alternative embodiment, the junction between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 may be located on the crown 132 and / or sole 134 of the club head 100 offset from the striking surface 144. Also, in this alternative embodiment, the junction between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 is offset from the striking face 144, but the club head 100 may have a cup-shaped profile.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 7 , weld line 180 may be located inward from outer edge 150 of striking face 144 by a weld or bond distance 195 (hereinafter “weld distance”). Weld distance 195 may be measured from the outer edge of striking face 144 to weld line 180 in a direction parallel to loft plane 118. Weld distance 195 is shorter than perimeter distance 190 so that the thickness of face 142 is constant on both sides of weld line 180. The constant thickness of face 142 on both sides of weld line 180 can provide club head 100 with a 15% to 30% increase in durability compared to a club head lacking a constant, increased perimeter thickness and a constant face thickness on both sides of weld line 180.

[0040] In many embodiments, the weld distance 195 can be 0.20 inches or less, 0.15 inches or less, or 0.10 inches or less. In other embodiments, the weld distance 195 can range from 0.05 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the weld distance 195 can range from 0 to 0.15 inches, or 0.10 to 0.20 inches. Also, in some embodiments, the weld distance 195 can range from 0 to 0.10 inches, 0.10 to 0.15 inches, or 0.15 to 0.20 inches. In still other examples, the weld distance 195 can be approximately 0, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.20 inches. In another example, the weld distance 195 may be 0.065 inches for a driver-type club head. In another example, the weld distance 195 may be 0.098 inches for a fairway wood-type club head.

[0041] In many embodiments, the constant perimeter thickness can extend continuously around the entire perimeter or circumference of the striking face 144. In other embodiments, the peripheral region 162 can extend discontinuously around the perimeter of the face 142. In these embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the peripheral region 162 can include one or more peripheral region zones 162 having a constant perimeter thickness. For example, the one or more peripheral region zones 162 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten peripheral region zones 162. In these embodiments, the peripheral region 162 may not extend 100% around the perimeter of the striking face 144. In these embodiments, the peripheral region 162 can extend more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, or more than 95% around the perimeter of the striking face 144. In still other examples, the peripheral region 162 can extend 60%-80%, or 80%-100% around the perimeter of the striking surface 144. In other embodiments, the peripheral region 162 can extend 60%-100%, 70%-100%, or 80%-100% around the perimeter of the striking surface 144. In still other examples, the peripheral region 162 can extend 60%-90%, 70%-90%, or 80%-90%.

[0042] In some embodiments, the thickness of the face 142 between the outer edge 150 and the peripheral boundary 170 and outside of one or more peripheral region zones 162 can be less than or equal to the constant peripheral thickness of the one or more peripheral region zones 162. In other embodiments, the thickness of the face 142 between the outer edge 150 and the peripheral boundary 170 and outside of one or more peripheral region zones 162 can be greater than or equal to the constant peripheral thickness of the one or more peripheral region zones 162. The one or more peripheral region zones 162 allow weight of the club head to be removed from the face 142 and placed in other portions of the club head 100, such as the sole 134, to adjust the center of gravity location and improve the moment of inertia.

[0043] 9 , the peripheral region 162 may be separated into two peripheral region zones 162 having a constant peripheral thickness. The peripheral region zones 162 may be located near the crown 132 and / or the sole 134 of the club head 100. More specifically, the first peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the high toe quadrant 120 and the high heel quadrant 122, and the second peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the low toe quadrant 124 and the low heel quadrant 126. In this embodiment, the two peripheral region zones 162 may extend more than 90% around the perimeter of the striking face 144. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the face 142 between the outer edge 150 and the peripheral boundary 170 and outside of the two peripheral region zones 162 may be less than or equal to the constant peripheral thickness of the two peripheral region zones 162.

[0044] 10 , the peripheral region 162 may be separated into four peripheral region zones 162 having a constant peripheral thickness. The peripheral region zones 162 may be located near the crown 132, the sole 134, the heel 136, and / or the toe 138 of the club head 100. More specifically, a first peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the high toe quadrant 120 and the high heel quadrant 122, a second peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the high heel quadrant 122 and the low heel quadrant 126, a third peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the low heel quadrant 126 and the low toe quadrant 124, and a fourth peripheral region zone 162 may extend within the low toe quadrant 124 and the high toe quadrant 126. In this embodiment, these four peripheral region zones 162 may extend more than 75% around the perimeter of the striking face 144. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the face 142 between the outer edge 150 and the peripheral boundary 170 and outside the four peripheral region zones 162 can be less than or equal to the constant peripheral thickness of the four peripheral region zones 162.

[0045] (Transition area) As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the thickness of face 142 varies and is described with reference to one or more regions 160. One or more regions 160 of face 142 include a transition region 164. Transition region 164 extends inward from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Transition region 164 includes a transition thickness that varies in a direction from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. More specifically, transition region 164 extends inward from peripheral boundary 170 toward transition boundary 172. Transition boundary 170 defines a location on face 142 where the thickness of face 142 deviates from the varying transition thickness. The transition thickness varies from peripheral boundary 170 toward transition boundary 172. In many embodiments, the transition thickness decreases in a direction from peripheral region 162 toward geometric center 148 of face 142.

[0046] The transition thickness can change significantly over a short distance. The transition thickness can be defined by one or more radii. In one example, the transition region 164 comprises two radii, where a first radius is convex relative to the striking face 144 and a second radius is concave relative to the striking face 144. An inflection point is located between the first and second radii, where the inflection point defines the location of the change in curvature of the transition thickness (i.e., from a convex curvature to a concave curvature). A smaller radius results in a greater rate of change in the transition thickness. A larger radius results in a smaller rate of change in the transition thickness. In many embodiments, the transition thickness radius can range from 0.05 to 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the transition thickness radius can range from 0.05 to 0.25 inches, or from 0.25 to 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the transition thickness radius may range from 0.05 to 0.125 inches, 0.125 to 0.25 inches, 0.25 to 0.375 inches, or 0.375 to 0.5 inches. For example, the transition thickness radius may be approximately 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, or 0.50 inches. In another embodiment, the transition thickness radius for a driver-type club head may be 0.10 inches. In yet another embodiment, the transition thickness radius for a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.40 inches.

[0047] (middle area) As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the thickness of face 142 varies and is described with reference to one or more regions 160. One or more regions 160 of face 142 include an intermediate region 166. Intermediate region 166 extends inward from transition region 164 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Intermediate region 166 includes a constant intermediate thickness that defines a boundary of intermediate region 164. More specifically, intermediate region 166 extends inward from transition boundary 172 toward intermediate boundary 174. Intermediate boundary 174 defines a location on face 142 where the thickness of face 142 deviates from the constant intermediate thickness. The constant intermediate thickness extends from transition boundary 172 to intermediate boundary 174.

[0048] In many embodiments, the intermediate thickness constitutes the minimum thickness of the face 142. The intermediate thickness is less than the perimeter thickness. The constant intermediate thickness may extend continuously around the striking surface 144. This intermediate region 166 does not include a step in thickness.

[0049] In many embodiments, the mid-range thickness of a driver-type club head may be 0.10 inches or less, 0.09 inches or less, 0.08 inches or less, 0.085 inches or less, 0.07 inches or less, or 0.06 inches or less. In other embodiments, the mid-range thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the mid-range thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.075 inches, or 0.075 to 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the mid-range thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.06 inches, 0.06 to 0.07 inches, 0.07 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.09 inches, or 0.09 to 0.10 inches. For example, the mid-thickness of a driver-type club head may be approximately 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.082, 0.085, 0.09, or 0.10 inches. In another embodiment, the mid-thickness of a driver-type club head may be 0.082 inches.

[0050] In many embodiments, the intermediate thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.09 inches or less, 0.08 inches or less, 0.07 inches or less, 0.065 inches or less, 0.06 inches or less, or 0.05 inches or less. In other embodiments, the intermediate thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.04 to 0.08 inches. In some embodiments, the intermediate thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.04 to 0.06 inches, or 0.06 to 0.08 inches. Also, in some embodiments, the intermediate thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.04 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.06 inches, 0.06 to 0.07 inches, or 0.07 to 0.08 inches. For example, the mid-thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be approximately 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, or 0.08 inches. In another example, the mid-thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.06 inches.

[0051] In other embodiments, the intermediate region 166 can extend discontinuously around the striking face 144. In these embodiments, the intermediate region 166 can include one or more intermediate region zones 166 having a constant intermediate thickness. For example, the one or more intermediate region zones 166 can include one, two, three, four, or five intermediate region zones 166. In these embodiments, the intermediate region 166 may not extend 100% around the striking face 144. In these embodiments, the intermediate region 166 can extend more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 65%, more than 70%, more than 75%, more than 80%, more than 85%, more than 90%, or more than 95% around the striking face 144. In other embodiments, the intermediate region 166 can extend between 50% and 75%, or between 75% and 100%. In still other embodiments, the intermediate region 166 may extend 50%-100%, 60%-100%, 70%-100%, 80%-100%, or 90%-100% around the striking face 144. In other embodiments, the intermediate region 166 may extend 50%-70%, 60%-80%, 70%-90%, or 80%-100% around the striking face 144.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thickness of the face 142 between the transition boundary 172 and the intermediate boundary 174 and outside of the one or more intermediate region zones 166 can be equal to or less than the constant intermediate thickness of the one or more intermediate region zones 166. In other embodiments, the thickness of the face 142 between the transition boundary 172 and the intermediate boundary 174 and outside of the one or more intermediate region zones 166 can be equal to or greater than the constant intermediate thickness of the one or more intermediate region zones 166. The one or more intermediate region zones 166 allow weight of the club head to be moved away from the face 142 and placed in other portions of the club head 100, such as the sole 134, to adjust the center of gravity location and improve the moment of inertia. Additionally, the one or more intermediate region zones 166 increase ball speed upon off-center impact with a golf ball.

[0053] 11 , the intermediate region 166 may be separated into two intermediate region zones 166 having a constant intermediate thickness. The intermediate region zones 166 may be located near the toe 138 and the heel 136. More specifically, the first intermediate region zone 166 may extend within the high toe quadrant 120 and the low toe quadrant 124, and the second intermediate region zone 166 may extend within the high heel quadrant 122 and the low heel quadrant 126. In this example, the two intermediate region zones 162 may extend more than 75% around the striking face 144.

[0054] The intermediate region 166 comprises a surface area on the rear surface 146 of the face 142. As shown in FIG. 4 , the surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 varies within the high toe quadrant 120, the high heel quadrant 122, the low toe quadrant 124, and the low heel quadrant 126. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 is greatest in the high toe quadrant 120. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 is least in the high heel quadrant 122. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 increases from the low toe quadrant 124 to the high toe quadrant 120. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 decreases from the high toe quadrant 120 to the high heel quadrant 122. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 increases from the high toe quadrant 122 to the low heel quadrant 126. The surface area of ​​the intermediate region 166 is constant from the low heel quadrant 126 to the low toe quadrant 124.

[0055] The reduced constant intermediate thickness increases ball speed on off-center hits. Optimal ball speed occurs near the geometric center of face 142. The reduced constant intermediate thickness allows ball speed characteristics at off-center locations similar to those at the center of face 142. Additionally, the reduced constant intermediate thickness increases or maximizes the CT of face 142. As discussed above, the reduced constant intermediate thickness in intermediate region 166, along with the increased constant perimeter thickness, can provide club head 100 with 0.5-2.0% greater ball speed and 1-5% greater CT compared to a club head lacking the aforementioned increased and reduced regions.

[0056] (center area) As shown in FIGS. 4-6 , the thickness of face 142 varies and is described with reference to one or more regions 160. One or more regions 160 of face 142 include a central region 168. Central region 168 extends inward from intermediate region 166 toward geometric center 148 of face 142. Central region 168 may surround geometric center 148 of face 142. More specifically, central region 168 extends inward from intermediate boundary 174 toward geometric center 148. Central region 168 includes a central thickness that may vary and / or remain constant. In many embodiments, the central thickness includes the maximum thickness of face 142. In many embodiments, the central thickness includes a varying thickness that increases in a direction from intermediate region 166 toward geometric center 148 and a constant thickness located at geometric center 148 of face 142. In many embodiments, central region 168 may include an elliptical shape. In other embodiments, the central region 168 may comprise a circle, a diamond, a quadrilateral, an asymmetrical oval, or any other geometric shape.

[0057] In many embodiments, the center thickness of a driver-type club head may be 0.20 inches or less, 0.15 inches or less, 0.14 inches or less, 0.13 inches or less, or 0.12 inches or less. In other embodiments, the center thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.08 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the center thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.08 to 0.14 inches, or from 0.14 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the center thickness of a driver-type club head may range from 0.08 to 0.12 inches, 0.12 to 0.16 inches, or 0.16 to 0.20 inches. For example, the center thickness of a driver-type club head can be approximately 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.11, 0.115, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.132, 0.135, 0.14, 0.145, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.20 inches. In another example, the center thickness of a driver-type club head can be 0.132 inches. In another example, the center thickness of a driver-type club head can be 0.136 inches.

[0058] In many embodiments, the center thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.15 inches or less, 0.10 inches or less, 0.09 inches or less, or 0.08 inches or less. In other embodiments, the center thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the center thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.075 inches, or 0.075 to 0.10 inches. In some embodiments, the center thickness of a fairway wood-type club head may range from 0.05 to 0.06 inches, 0.06 to 0.07 inches, 0.07 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.09 inches, or 0.09 to 0.10 inches. For example, a fairway wood-type club head may have a center thickness of approximately 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, or 0.10 inches. In another example, a fairway wood-type club head may have a center thickness of 0.075 inches.

[0059] In other embodiments, central region 168 may surround a geometric center 185 that is offset from the geometric center 148 of face 142. The geometric center 185 of central region 168 can be offset from the geometric center 148 of face 142 in a direction toward the crown 132, the sole 134, the toe 138, or the heel 136 of club head 100. In some embodiments, the geometric center 185 of central region 168 can be offset from the x-axis 105 toward the sole 134 or can be offset from the x-axis 105 toward the crown 132. In some embodiments, the geometric center 185 of central region 168 can be offset from the y-axis 110 toward the heel 136 or can be offset from the y-axis 110 toward the crown 138.

[0060] Additionally, the offset distance may be measured from the geometric center 148 of the face 142 toward the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 in a direction parallel to the loft plane 118. In many embodiments, the offset distance between the geometric center 148 of the face 142 and the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 may range from 0 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance may range from 0 to 0.1 inches, or from 0.1 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance may range from 0 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.1 inches, 0.1 to 0.15 inches, or 0.15 to 0.20 inches. For example, the offset distance may be 0, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, or 0.20 inches. In another embodiment, the offset distance for a driver-type club head may be 0.06 inches. In yet another embodiment, the offset distance for a fairway wood-type club head may be 0.05 inches.

[0061] In many embodiments, the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 can be offset vertically (i.e., toward the sole or crown) from the geometric center 148 of the striking face 144. In some embodiments, the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 can be offset horizontally (i.e., toward the heel or toe) from the geometric center 148 of the striking face 144. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 , the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 can be offset from the geometric center 148 of the face 142 at an angle relative to the y-axis 110. The offset angle of the geometric center 185 of the central region 168 can be measured from the y-axis 110 to a line extending through the geometric center 148 of the face 142 and the geometric center 185 of the central region 168. In many embodiments, the offset angle can range from 0 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the offset angle can range from 0 to 5 degrees, or from 5 to 10 degrees. In some embodiments, the offset angle can range from 0 to 2 degrees, 2 to 4 degrees, 4 to 6 degrees, 6 to 8 degrees, or 8 to 10 degrees. For example, the offset angle can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 degrees.

[0062] (Advantages of a driver-type club head) In embodiments of the club head 100 that include a driver-type club head, varying the thickness of the face 142 provides the following benefits: (1) an increase in the maximum characteristic time (CT) within United States Golf Association (USGA) rules; (2) increased ball speed for center hits and off-center hits; (3) increased durability of the face 142; and (4) increased weight reduction of the face 142. A thickened, constant perimeter thickness improves the durability of the face 142. In some embodiments, if the peripheral region 162 includes a weld line 180, the thickness of the face 142 is constant on both sides of the weld line 180 to improve the durability of the area around the weld line 180. A thickened, constant perimeter thickness allows the face 142 to be thinner in the intermediate region 166. A thinned, constant intermediate thickness increases ball speed for off-center hits and further increases the CT of the face 142. A thickened center thickness located on the geometric center of the face 142 further increases ball speed and CT for center hits. The combination of the thickened constant perimeter thickness, the thinned constant intermediate thickness, and the thickened central thickness can provide a driver-type club head that has a ball speed 0.5-2.0 mph greater and a CT 1%-5% greater than a driver-type club head lacking the above-described thickened regions, thinned regions, and constant face thickness on either side of the weld line. Additionally, the thinned intermediate region 166 allows material to be removed from the face 142 and placed in different portions of the club head 100, such as the sole 134, to maximize club head performance (i.e., through center of gravity location and moment of inertia).

[0063] (Advantages of fairway wood type club heads) In embodiments of the club head 100 that include a fairway wood-type club head, varying the thickness of the face 142 provides the advantages of (1) increasing the durability of the face 142 and the club head 100, and (2) reducing the height of the striking surface 144, thereby increasing the launch angle while reducing the backspin of the golf ball upon impact. The increased, constant perimeter thickness improves the durability of the face 142. In some embodiments, when the peripheral region 162 includes the weld line 180, the thickness of the face 142 is constant on both sides of the weld line 180, improving the durability of the region around the weld line 180. Generally, for fairway wood-type club heads, fairway wood-type club heads break during golf ball impact by cracking the crown 132. Increasing the constant perimeter thickness near the crown 132 significantly improves the durability of the face 142 and rear body portion 130, thereby reducing the frequency of crack-induced breaks at the crown 132. The increased, consistent perimeter thickness of the face 142 further enhances the durability of fairway wood-type club heads that have a large difference in material strength between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130. Generally, if the material strength between the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 is too large, the rear body portion 130 will have a lower material strength than the front body portion 140, resulting in breakage of the fairway wood-type club head at the rear body portion 130. The increased, consistent perimeter thickness mitigates breakage due to a large difference in material strength, providing a fairway wood-type club head with improved durability. The increased, consistent perimeter thickness can provide a fairway wood-type club head with 15% to 30% increased durability compared to a fairway wood-type club head lacking an increased, consistent perimeter thickness and consistent face thickness on both sides of the weld line.

[0064] Additionally, increasing the durability of the face 142 with a constant perimeter thickness allows the height of the striking surface 144 to be lowered. Lowering the height of the striking surface 144 allows the area of ​​the striking surface 144 near the crown 132 to be closer to the ground upon impact. Impacting the area of ​​the striking surface 144 near the crown 132 of a fairway wood-type club head can (1) reduce backspin and (2) increase the launch angle of the golf ball. Lowering the height of the striking surface 144 allows a player to hit more of the striking surface 144, which can reduce backspin and increase the launch angle of the golf ball during impact.

[0065] (Method of manufacturing hollow body golf club heads with faces of various thicknesses) A method for manufacturing a club head 100 having a variable-thickness face 142 is provided. The method includes providing a front body portion 140 and a rear body portion 130, the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130 being coupled to define a substantially hollow structure. The rear body portion 130 further includes a heel 136, a toe 138 opposite the heel 136, a crown 132, and a sole 134. The method further includes providing, in the front body portion 140, a face 142 having a striking surface 144, a rear surface 146 opposite the striking surface 144, a geometric center, an outer edge, and a varying thickness. The variable thickness of the face 142 can be formed between the geometric center 148 and the outer edge 150. The club head 100 having the front body portion 140, the rear body portion 130, and the variable-thickness face 142 can be fabricated or formed by casting, forging, machining, or any suitable method or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the club head 100 can be made or formed by casting the rear body portion 130 and forging the front body portion 140. Also, in some embodiments, the club head 100 can be made or formed by casting the rear body portion 130 and machining the front body portion 140. Also, in some embodiments, the club head 100 can be made or formed by machining both the front body portion 140 and the rear body portion 130. In many embodiments, the front body portion 140 can be welded to the rear body portion 130 by various welding methods, such as laser welding, plasma welding, or other welding methods. In some embodiments, the club head 100 can be made or formed by casting the rear body portion 130, forging the front body portion 140, and welding the front body portion 140 to the rear body portion 130.

[0066] The method for manufacturing the club head 100 described herein is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The method may be employed in many different embodiments or implementations not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the steps of the method described may be performed in any suitable order. In other embodiments, one or more of the steps may be combined, separated, or omitted.

[0067] Example 1 - Exemplary Various Face Thicknesses for a Driver-Type Club Head The exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a volume of over 400 cc and a face with varying thicknesses. The face of the exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a perimeter thickness of 0.09 inches or more, an intermediate thickness of 0.085 inches or less, and a center thickness of approximately 0.132 inches. This exemplary driver-type club head 100 achieves the desired maximum characteristic times and increased ball speeds within USGA rules.

[0068] Example 2 - Exemplary Various Face Thicknesses for Driver-Type Club Heads The exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a volume of over 455 cc and a face with variable thickness. The face of the exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a perimeter thickness of 0.10 inches, an intermediate thickness of 0.082 inches, and a center thickness of 0.136 inches. This exemplary driver-type club head 100 achieves the desired maximum characteristic times and increased ball speeds within USGA rules.

[0069] Example 3 - Exemplary Various Face Thicknesses for Fairway Wood Type Club Heads The exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 has a volume of less than 400 cc and a face with variable thickness. The face of the exemplary fairway wood-type club 100 has a perimeter thickness of 0.07 inches, an intermediate thickness of 0.06 inches, and a center thickness of 0.075 inches. The exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 provides improved club head durability and a reduced striking face height to reduce backspin and increase golf ball launch angle.

[0070] (Example 4 - Durability test of a fairway wood type club head) An exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 with a face having a variable thickness was compared to a similar control fairway wood-type club head with a face having a variable thickness but lacking a thickened perimeter thickness and a thinned central thickness. The face of the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 has a perimeter thickness of 0.07 inches, a central thickness of 0.06 inches, and a central thickness of 0.075 inches. The face of the control fairway wood-type club head has a perimeter thickness of 0.055 inches and a central thickness of 0.068 inches.

[0071] A test was conducted to compare the durability of the face between the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 and a control fairway wood-type club head. The test used an air cannon to fire golf balls at each club head. The distance of the air cannon from each club head was kept constant, and each club head was held in the address position (i.e., the loft was not added or decreased during the test). The test compared the number of golf ball impacts each club head could withstand before breaking (e.g., the club head cracked). The test results showed that the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 required an average of 3,200 golf ball impacts before breaking, while the control fairway wood-type club head required an average of 2,500 golf ball impacts before breaking. As can be seen from the results, the durability of the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 increased by an average of 28%. The durability of the club head was significantly improved by increasing the perimeter thickness and decreasing the middle thickness, which improved impact performance.

[0072] (Example 5 - Stress test of a fairway wood type club head) An exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 with a face having a variable thickness was compared to a similar control fairway wood-type club head with a face having a variable thickness but lacking a thickened perimeter thickness and a thinned central thickness. The control fairway wood-type club head to the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 has a front body portion made of C350 steel material having a yield strength of 337 kilopounds of force per square inch (ksi) and a rear body portion made of 17-4 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 150 ksi. The face of the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 has a perimeter thickness of 0.07 inches, a central thickness of 0.06 inches, and a central thickness of 0.075 inches. The face of the control fairway wood-type club head has a perimeter thickness of 0.055 inches and a central thickness of 0.068 inches.

[0073] Tests were conducted to compare the locations of highest stress between the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 and a control fairway wood-type club head. Specifically, locations around the weld line and crown were compared for each club head. The test used a finite element simulation modeling the impact of a golf ball striking the striking surface at a ball speed of 115 miles per hour. The test compared locations throughout the club head where the material's yield strength was exceeded. The test results showed that the exemplary fairway wood-type club head 100 had the highest stress removed from the weld line and crown, while the control fairway wood-type club head had the highest stress at the weld line and crown. The control fairway wood-type club head exceeded 150 ksi yield strength at (1) the weld line near the crown, (2) the weld line near the sole, and (3) the crown of the rear body section. Increasing the perimeter thickness and decreasing the mid-thickness significantly improved the durability of the club head, thereby removing the highest stress from the weld line and crown. By removing this highest stress from the weld line and crown, the impact performance of fairway wood type club heads is improved and their failure frequency is reduced.

[0074] (Example 6 - Ball speed and characteristic time test for driver type club head) The exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a face with a variable thickness. A contrasting driver-type club head has a face with a variable thickness but lacking a thicker peripheral region, a thinner intermediate region, and a consistent face thickness on either side of the weld line. The face of the exemplary driver-type club head 100 has a peripheral thickness of 0.10 inches, an intermediate thickness of 0.082 inches, a central thickness of 0.136 inches, and a central thickness of 0.10 inches on either side of the weld line. The face of the contrasting driver-type club head has a peripheral thickness of 0.092 inches, a central thickness of 0.142 inches, a thickness of 0.092 inches on one side of the weld line (i.e., closer to the geometric center of the face), and a thickness of 0.086 inches on the other side of the weld line (i.e., closer to the outer edge of the striking face).

[0075] This test measures ball speed and characteristic time (CT) between the exemplary driver-type club head 100 and a control club head. The ball speed test involves measuring the ball speed off the striking face for many golf ball impacts while holding constant club head dimensions, loft angle, shaft characteristics, and weather conditions for each club head. The characteristic time test involves using a small steel pendulum to impact a specific point on the striking face multiple times. The characteristic time test records the CT in microseconds (μs). The test results show that the exemplary driver-type club head 100 exhibits ball speeds that are 0.5 to 2.0 mph greater on average than the control driver-type club head. Furthermore, the test results show that the exemplary driver-type club head 100 exhibits CTs that are 1% to 5% greater on average than the control driver-type club head. By incorporating a thicker perimeter thickness, a thinner mid-region, and consistent face thickness on both sides of the weld line, an exemplary driver-type club head is provided that increases CT and ball speed for center and off-center hits.

[0076] Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction, not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause or enhance any benefit, advantage, or solution, should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

[0077] Because the Rules of Golf may change over time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, and old rules may be repealed or amended, by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), golf equipment related to the manufacturing apparatus, methods, and articles described herein may or may not conform to the Rules of Golf at a particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the manufacturing apparatus, methods, and articles described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as golf equipment that conforms or does not conform to the Rules. The manufacturing apparatus, methods, and articles described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0078] Alternatively, the manufacturing apparatus, methods, and articles described herein may be applied to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, and the like.

[0079] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not expressly claimed in the claims, and (2) is equivalent or potentially equivalent to an express element and / or limitation of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0080] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

[0081] (Item 1) a volume greater than about 400 cc; and a front body portion, the front body portion having a face, the face having a striking surface with an outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface, a rear surface opposite the striking surface, a geometric center, a thickness measured from the striking surface to the rear surface, the peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness, the peripheral region extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; and a varying transition thickness from the peripheral boundary toward the transition boundary. 1. A hollow body golf club head comprising: an inwardly extending transition region, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the face thickness deviates from the varying transition thickness; and an intermediate region extending inwardly from the transition boundary to an intermediate boundary, the intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness, the intermediate boundary defining a location on the face where the face thickness deviates from the constant intermediate thickness, the intermediate thickness comprising a minimum thickness of the face; a perimeter thickness greater than the intermediate thickness; and a perimeter distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the perimeter boundary that is 0.25 inches or less.

[0082] (Item 2) Item 1. The hollow-body golf club head of item 1, wherein the peripheral region further comprises a joint, a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the peripheral distance, and the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

[0083] (Item 3) 3. The hollow-body golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the joint distance is 0.20 inches or less.

[0084] (Item 4) Item 2. The hollow body golf club head of item 1, wherein the peripheral region extends more than 65% around the outer edge of the striking face.

[0085] (Item 5) Item 1. The hollow body golf club head of item 1, wherein the perimeter thickness is in the range of 0.06 to 0.16 inches and the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches.

[0086] (Item 6) Item 1. The hollow body golf club head of item 1, wherein the perimeter thickness is 0.09 inches or more and the intermediate thickness is 0.085 inches or less.

[0087] (Item 7) a volume of less than about 400 cc; and a front body portion, the front body portion having a face, the face having a striking surface with an outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface, a rear surface opposite the striking surface, a geometric center, a thickness measured from the striking surface to the rear surface, the peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness, the peripheral region extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; and a varying transition thickness from the peripheral boundary toward the transition boundary. 1. A hollow body golf club head comprising: an inwardly extending transition region, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the face thickness deviates from the varying transition thickness; and an intermediate region extending inwardly from the transition boundary to an intermediate boundary, the intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness, the intermediate boundary defining a location on the face where the face thickness deviates from the constant intermediate thickness, the intermediate thickness comprising a minimum thickness of the face; a perimeter thickness greater than the intermediate thickness; and a perimeter distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the perimeter boundary that is 0.25 inches or less.

[0088] (Item 8) 8. The hollow-body golf club head of claim 7, wherein the peripheral region further comprises a joint, a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the perimeter distance, and the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

[0089] (Item 9) Item 9. The hollow body golf club head according to item 8, wherein the joint distance is 0.20 inches or less.

[0090] (Item 10) 8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7, wherein the peripheral region extends more than 65% around the outer edge of the striking face.

[0091] (Item 11) 8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7, wherein the peripheral region extends more than 90% around the outer edge of the striking face.

[0092] (Item 12) 8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7, wherein the perimeter thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches and the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

[0093] (Item 13) 8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7, wherein the perimeter thickness is 0.065 inches or more and the intermediate thickness is 0.065 inches or less.

[0094] (Item 14) a front body portion having a face, the face having a striking surface with an outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface; a rear surface opposite the striking surface; a geometric center; a thickness measured from the striking surface to the rear surface; a peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness and extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; and a transition region having a varying transition thickness and extending inward from the peripheral boundary toward a transition boundary, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the varying transition thickness. and an intermediate region extending inward from the transition boundary toward the intermediate boundary, the intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness, the intermediate region defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant intermediate thickness; an oval-shaped central region surrounding a geometric center of the face, the central region having a varying central thickness, the central region extending inward from the intermediate boundary toward the geometric center of the central region, the intermediate thickness comprising a minimum thickness of the face and the central thickness comprising a maximum thickness of the face, the peripheral thickness being greater than the intermediate thickness and less than the central thickness, and a peripheral distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the peripheral boundary is 0.25 inches or less.

[0095] (Item 15) Item 15. The hollow-body golf club head of item 14, wherein the peripheral region further comprises a joint, a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the perimeter distance, and the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

[0096] (Item 16) Item 16. The hollow body golf club head according to item 15, wherein the joint distance is 0.20 inches or less.

[0097] (Item 17) Item 15. The hollow body golf club head of item 14, wherein the peripheral region extends more than 60% around the outer edge of the striking face.

[0098] (Item 18) Item 15. The hollow body golf club head of item 14, wherein the perimeter thickness is in the range of 0.06 to 0.16 inches and the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches.

[0099] (Item 19) Item 15. The hollow body golf club head of item 14, wherein the perimeter thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches and the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

[0100] (Item 20) Item 15. The hollow body golf club head of item 14, wherein the central region has a geometric center that is offset from the geometric center of the face.

Claims

1. A volume of more than about 400cc, a front body portion; and the front body portion has a face; The face is a striking surface having an outer edge, the outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface; a rear surface opposite the striking surface; The geometric center, a thickness measured from the striking face to the rear face; a peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness and extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining locations on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; a transition region having a varying transition thickness, the transition region extending inwardly from the peripheral boundary toward a transition boundary, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the varying transition thickness; an intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness and extending inwardly from the transition boundary toward an intermediate boundary, the intermediate boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant intermediate thickness; the intermediate thickness comprises a minimum thickness of the face; the peripheral thickness is greater than the intermediate thickness; a peripheral distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the peripheral boundary is equal to or less than 0.25 inches; the peripheral region further comprises a joint; a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the perimeter distance; A hollow body golf club head, wherein the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

2. The hollow body golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter distance is 0.15 inches or less.

3. The hollow body golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the bond distance is 0.20 inches or less.

4. The hollow body golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral region extends more than 65% around the outer edge of the striking face.

5. the peripheral thickness is in the range of 0.06 to 0.16 inches; The hollow body golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches.

6. the perimeter thickness is equal to or greater than 0.09 inches; The hollow body golf club head of claim 1 , wherein said intermediate thickness is 0.085 inches or less.

7. a volume of less than about 400 cc; a front body portion; and the front body portion has a face; The face is a striking surface having an outer edge, the outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface; a rear surface opposite the striking surface; The geometric center, a thickness measured from the striking face to the rear face; a peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness and extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining locations on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; a transition region having a varying transition thickness, the transition region extending inwardly from the peripheral boundary toward a transition boundary, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the varying transition thickness; an intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness and extending inwardly from the transition boundary toward an intermediate boundary, the intermediate boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant intermediate thickness; the intermediate thickness comprises a minimum thickness of the face; the peripheral thickness is greater than the intermediate thickness; a peripheral distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the peripheral boundary is equal to or less than 0.25 inches; the peripheral region further comprises a joint; a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the perimeter distance; A hollow body golf club head, wherein the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the perimeter distance is 0.20 inches or less.

9. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the bond distance is 0.20 inches or less.

10. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the peripheral region extends more than 65% around the outer edge of the striking face.

11. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the peripheral region extends greater than 90% around the outer edge of the striking face.

12. the peripheral thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches; 8. The hollow body golf club head of claim 7, wherein said intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

13. the peripheral thickness is equal to or greater than 0.065 inches; The hollow body golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the intermediate thickness is 0.065 inches or less.

14. It has a front body portion, the front body portion has a face; The face is a striking surface having an outer edge, the outer edge defining a perimeter of the striking surface; a rear surface opposite the striking surface; The geometric center, a thickness measured from the striking face to the rear face; a peripheral region having a constant peripheral thickness and extending inward from the outer edge of the face toward a peripheral boundary, the peripheral boundary defining locations on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant peripheral thickness; a transition region having a varying transition thickness, the transition region extending inwardly from the peripheral boundary toward a transition boundary, the transition boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the varying transition thickness; an intermediate region having a constant intermediate thickness and extending inwardly from the transition boundary toward an intermediate boundary, the intermediate boundary defining a location on the face where the thickness of the face deviates from the constant intermediate thickness; an elliptical-shaped central region surrounding a geometric center of the face, the central region having a varying central thickness, the central region extending inward from the intermediate boundary toward the geometric center of the central region; the intermediate thickness comprises a minimum thickness of the face; the center thickness comprises a maximum thickness of the face; the peripheral thickness is greater than the intermediate thickness and less than the central thickness; a peripheral distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the peripheral boundary is equal to or less than 0.25 inches; the peripheral region further comprises a joint; a joint distance measured from the outer edge of the striking face to the joint is less than the perimeter distance; A hollow body golf club head, wherein the thickness of the face is constant on both sides of the joint.

15. The hollow body golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the perimeter distance is 0.20 inches or less.

16. The hollow body golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the bond distance is 0.20 inches or less.

17. The hollow body golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the peripheral region extends more than 60% around the outer edge of the striking face.

18. the peripheral thickness is in the range of 0.06 to 0.16 inches; The hollow body golf club head of claim 14, wherein the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches.

19. the peripheral thickness is in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches; The hollow body golf club head of claim 14, wherein the intermediate thickness is in the range of 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

20. The hollow body golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the central region has a geometric center that is offset from the geometric center of the face.

Images