Variable-thickness face plate for golf club head

Abstract

To provide a variable-thickness face plate for a golf club head.SOLUTION: A golf club comprising a body part and a face part is disclosed. The face part has a variable-thickness profile that is arranged at a certain angle on a rear face of the face plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 608,363, filed December 12, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 502,482, filed May 5, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] The characteristic time (CT) of a golf club head is a measurement used by the United States Golf Association (USGA) to determine the "spring effect" of a face on a golf ball. A golf club head with a larger CT has increased flexibility and transfers more energy to the golf ball at impact compared to a golf club head with a smaller CT. However, the USGA limits the CT of a golf club head's face.

[0003] The face plate, or striking surface, of a hollow-body golf club head generally has structural constraints that create high CT regions above the face plate toward the toe end and low CT regions below the face plate toward the heel end. Examples of structural constraints that affect CT can be the stiffness of the hosel or weld lines created during bonding of the face plate to the club head body. High CT regions are generally located farther apart due to structural constraints, while low CT regions are generally located closer together due to structural constraints. High CT regions may generally be referred to as regions having an "inherently high CT," and low CT regions may generally be referred to as regions having an "inherently low CT."

[0004] As detailed above, generally, a region of essentially high CT exists in the region extending from the center of the face plate upward toward the toe end of the face plate. Additionally, a region of essentially low CT exists around the face plate, along with a region extending from the geometric center point of the club head downward toward the heel end. Variations in CT across the face plate can result in inconsistent ball flight characteristics being imparted to the ball after impact.

[0005] Golf club manufacturers must ensure that all areas of the face plate with areas having inherently high CT values ​​remain below the USGA limit. Typically, manufacturers increase the thickness of the face plate to ensure that the areas with the highest CT remain below the USGA limit. However, a thicker face plate also reduces the CT of areas of the face plate that have inherently low CT values. In this way, these areas with inherently low CT are further reduced and end up with a CT well below the USGA limit. The result is a club head with large variations in CT values ​​across the face plate surface, resulting in an inconsistent and / or poorly performing club head. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a golf club head with improved flexibility and consistency while remaining within the USGA conforming limits for characteristic times.

[0006] The present disclosure is better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head having a variable face thickness, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf club head body of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of a face plate of the golf club head of FIG. 1. [Figure 4]4 is a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view from the rear of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional rear view of another embodiment of a golf club head having a variable face thickness. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf club head of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 is a cross-sectional view from the rear of an exemplary golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 7 is a cross-sectional view from the rear of an exemplary golf club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional rear view of an exemplary golf club head according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0009] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show rough structural aspects, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Also, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0010] Described herein is a hollow-body golf club head comprising a face plate with a variable thickness for standardizing characteristic times (CT) for different impact locations across the face. In many embodiments, the variable thickness face plate comprises a central region, a transition region, and a peripheral region. The thickened region may comprise an elliptical or oval shape and may be symmetrical about a major axis extending along the length of the thickened region. The thickened region may extend across the geometric center of the face plate and be disposed such that the major axis is angled or tilted relative to the ground, thereby defining an angled variable face thickness or angled VFT.

[0011] The club heads described herein inherently address areas of high and low CT, as described above, by increasing the thickness of the face plate in areas with a high CT to reduce the CT value of the areas, and decreasing the thickness of the face plate in areas with a low CT to increase the CT value of the areas. Thus, the club heads described herein have a more consistent and higher overall CT in the face plate compared to similar club heads without the angled VFT described herein, while remaining within the USGA conformance guidelines.

[0012] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" in the detailed description and claims, when used, are used to distinguish between like elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the embodiments described herein are capable of, for example, sequences of operation other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Moreover, the terms "comprise" and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0013] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below," when used in the detailed description and claims, are used for descriptive purposes and are not necessarily used to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are capable of operation, for example, in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0014] Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or the construction and arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0015] Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of a hollow-bodied golf club head having a standardized characteristic time (CT). The golf club head having the standardized CT includes a body and a face plate having a variable thickness profile or variable face thickness (VFT).

[0016] The body includes a crown, a sole, a toe end, a heel end, and a rear end that define an internal cavity. The body includes an opening to the internal cavity. The opening is configured to receive the face plate. The variable thickness profile of the face plate includes a central region, a transition region, and a peripheral region. In many embodiments, the central region is thickened, the peripheral region is thinned, and the transition region decreases in thickness from the outer periphery of the central thickened region to the peripheral region, as described below.

[0017] In many embodiments, the variable thickness profile or variable face thickness is positioned at an angle with respect to the ground to create an angled variable thickness profile or angled VFT. Further, in many embodiments, the variable thickness profile comprises an ellipse that is positioned such that the area of ​​maximum thickness or increased thickness is greater near the crown and / or toe end than near the heel and / or sole.

[0018] The hollow golf club head may be a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, or crossover type club head. The club head may have a volume ranging from 75cc to 500cc. For example, the volume of the golf club head may be in the range of 75cc to 150cc, 200cc to 300cc, 250cc to 350cc, 400cc to 440cc, 430cc to 450cc, 440cc to 460cc, 450cc to 470cc, 460cc to 480cc, 470cc to 490cc, or 480cc to 500cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the golf club head may be 75cc, 100cc, 150cc, 200cc, 250cc, 300cc, 350cc, 400cc, 440cc, 445cc, 450cc, 455cc, 460cc, 465cc, 470cc, 475cc, 480cc, 485cc, 490cc, 495cc, or 500cc.

[0019] Additionally, the loft of the club head may range from 5 degrees to 40 degrees. For example, the golf club head may have a loft ranging from 5 degrees to 15 degrees, 10 degrees to 20 degrees, 15 degrees to 25 degrees, 20 degrees to 30 degrees, 25 degrees to 35 degrees, or 30 degrees to 40 degrees. In other embodiments, the golf club head may have a loft of 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, or 40 degrees.

[0020] The club head may further include a hosel 5 configured to receive a first end of a shaft (not shown). The shaft may be secured to the golf club head by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy) and / or other suitable bonding process (e.g., mechanical bonding, soldering, welding, and / or brazing). Additionally, a grip (not shown) may be secured to a second end of the shaft (not shown) to form a usable golf club.

[0021] I. Golf Club Head with Standardized CT According to One Embodiment 1-5, an exemplary embodiment of a golf club head 10 having a standardized CT is shown. The club head 10 includes a body 30 and a face plate or striking surface 20 having a variable thickness profile or variable face thickness 40. The face plate 20 and body 30 together form the club head 10 having a hollow interior, void, or internal cavity 36.

[0022] A. Body Referring to FIG. 2 , the body 30 of the club head 10 is shown. The body 30 includes a crown portion 31, a sole portion 32, a toe portion 33, a heel portion 34, and a rear portion 35, which define an internal cavity 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 30 includes an opening 37 located at the forward-most position of the club head 10. The opening 37 is configured to receive the face plate 20. In some embodiments, the opening may be located at the front end of the club head and configured to receive a drop-in face plate. In other embodiments, the opening may be located along the crown and / or sole portions of the club head and configured to receive a cup-face type face plate or a face plate having a return or cup-like shape.

[0023] The club head body 30 may comprise a strong, lightweight material. For example, the club head body 30 may be formed from 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., Ti-7-4, Ti-8-1-1, or Ti-6-4), a composite material such as a plastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a copolymer, carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal fiber, or any combination thereof.

[0024] B. Face plate with variable thickness profile 3, there is shown a face plate 20 of the club head 10. The face plate 20 includes a top or upper portion 21, a bottom or bottom portion 22, a toe or toe portion 23, a heel or heel portion 24, a front surface 25, a rear surface 26, and a variable face thickness (VFT) or variable thickness profile 40. The face plate 20 may have a flat surface or may have a slight bulge and / or rounded curvature.

[0025] Referring to Figure 4, a cross-sectional side view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 1 is shown. The face plate 20 further has a loft angle 27 measured as the angle between a loft plane and a vertical plane 28. The loft plane extends through and is tangent to the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20. The vertical plane 28 extends through the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 and extends perpendicular to the ground when the club head 10 is held in a neutral or address position.

[0026] 5 , the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 may be located at the geometric midpoint of the face plate 20. In the same example or other examples, the geometric center 29 may be centered relative to a design impact area, which may be defined by a groove area of ​​the face plate 20. Alternatively, the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 may be located according to a definition of a golf governing organization, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 may be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) (“Flexibility Procedure”).

[0027] The geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 defines the origin of a coordinate system having an x-axis, or horizontal axis 2, and a y-axis, or vertical axis 4. The x-axis 2 extends horizontally, in a direction parallel to the ground, from near the heel portion 34 through the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 to near the toe portion 33 of the club head 10 when the club head 10 is in the address position. The y-axis 4 extends vertically, in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis and the ground, from near the crown portion 31 through the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 to near the sole portion 32 of the club head 10 when the club head 10 is in the address position.

[0028] In some embodiments, the face plate or striking surface 20 may be formed separately from the body 30 or may be joined to the body 30 after the hollow-body club head 10 is formed. In these or other embodiments, the face plate or striking surface 20 may be joined to the body 30 via a welded bond, a brazed bond, a co-molded bond, an adhesive bond, a mechanical fastener, or any other suitable attachment method.

[0029] The face plate 20 may include a strong, lightweight material. For example, the club head body 30 may be formed from 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., Ti-7-4, Ti-8-1-1, or Ti-6-4), a composite material such as a plastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a copolymer, carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal fiber, or any combination thereof. The face plate 20 may include the same material as the body 30, or a different material from the body 30.

[0030] 4 and 5, the face plate 20 of the club head 10 has a thickness T measured as the distance between the front surface 25 and the rear surface 26. The thickness T of the face plate 20 varies in width at different locations, defining a variable face thickness (VFT) or variable thickness profile 40. The variable thickness profile 40 of the face plate 20 includes a central region 50, a transition region 60, and a peripheral region 70 formed by the variations in the thickness of the face plate 20.

[0031] 4 and 5 , the central region 50 extends across or is located at or near the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20, such that the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 is located in the central region 50. The central region 50 comprises the maximum thickness of the face plate 20. In many embodiments, the thickness of the central region 50 is substantially constant. Further, the peripheral region 70 is located around the periphery of the face plate 20 and comprises the minimum thickness of the face plate 20. In many embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral region 70 is substantially constant. The thickness of the face plate 20 in the central region 50 is greater than the thickness of the face plate 20 in the peripheral region 70. Further, in many embodiments, the transition region 60 comprises a varying thickness that creates a smooth transition between the central region 50 and the peripheral region 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the face plate 20 in the transition region 60 gradually decreases between the maximum face plate thickness in the central region 50 and the minimum face plate thickness in the peripheral region 70. In other embodiments, the thickness of the face plate 20 in the transition region may vary according to any profile, including straight and / or curved shapes.

[0032] (i. central area) In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 50 of the variable thickness profile 40 comprises an oval, elliptical, oval, or egg-like shape. The central region 50 is generally oblong and extends from the portion of the face plate 20 near the bottom 22 and heel 24 to the portion of the face plate 20 near the toe 23 and top 21. In other embodiments, the central region 50 may comprise any other shape having only one axis of symmetry. The shape of the central region 50 defines a major axis 55 extending generally in the direction from the heel 24 to the toe 23 and a minor axis 53 extending generally in the direction from the top 21 to the bottom 22. The major axis 55 and the minor axis 53 intersect at the center of the central region 50. The major axis 55 extends along the length of the central region 50, and the minor axis 53 extends along the greatest width of the central region 50.

[0033] 4 and 5, the central region 50 of the variable thickness profile 40 is symmetrical about only one axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 50 is symmetrical about the major axis 55 and not about the minor axis 53. Thus, the width of the central region 50 varies along the length of the central region 50 from the heel 24 to the toe 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the central region 50, when measured at equidistant locations from the minor axis 53, is greater near the heel 24 than near the toe 23. As a non-limiting example, the width of the central region 50 measured 0.25 inches from the minor axis 53 toward the heel 24 is greater than the width of the central region 50 measured 0.25 inches from the minor axis 53 toward the toe 23.

[0034] 4 and 5, the center of the central region 50 corresponds to the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20. In other embodiments, the center of the central region 50 may be located elsewhere than the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 50 is symmetrical about an axis passing through the geometric center 29. In other embodiments, the central region 50 may be asymmetrical with respect to any axis passing through the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20.

[0035] The central region 50 includes a first side or toe side 51 and a second side or heel side 52. The first side 51 and the second side 52 of the central region 50 are separated by a minor axis 53. The first side is located between the minor axis 53 and the toe portion 23, and the second side is located between the minor axis 53 and the heel portion 24. The first side 51 may be formed by a portion (or half) of a first ellipse, and the second side 52 may be formed by a portion (or half) of a second ellipse. The length of the first ellipse, measured along the major axis 55, is greater than the length of the second ellipse.

[0036] In many embodiments, the central region 50 of the variable thickness profile 40 of the club head 10 comprises a ratio, measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 51 to the surface area of ​​the second side 52, of 1.2 to 2. In some embodiments, the ratio, measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 51 to the surface area of ​​the second side 52 in the central region 50, may be greater than 1.0, greater than 1.1, greater than 1.2, greater than 1.3, greater than 1.4, greater than 1.5, greater than 1.6, greater than 1.7, greater than 1.8, greater than 1.9, greater than 2.0, or greater than 2.5. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 51 to the surface area of ​​the second side 52 in the central region 50 may be between 1.0 and 2.0, between 1.1 and 2.0, between 1.2 and 2.0, between 1.3 and 2.0, between 1.4 and 2.0, or between 1.5 and 2.5.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 50 has a toe side length TL, a heel side length HL, an upper side length PL, and a bottom side length BL. The toe side length TL is measured along the major axis 55 from the center of the central region 50 toward the toe 23. The heel side length HL is measured along the major axis 55 from the center of the central region 50 toward the heel 24. The upper length PL is measured along the minor axis 53 from the center of the central region 50 toward the top 21. The bottom side length BL is measured along the minor axis 52 from the center of the central region 50 toward the bottom 22.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the top length PL and the bottom length BL are 0.285 inches. In other embodiments, the top length PL and / or the bottom length BL may be between 0.05 and 1.0 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the top length PL and / or the bottom length BL may be between 0.05 and 0.25, 0.15 and 0.35, 0.25 and 0.45, 0.35 and 0.55, 0.45 and 0.65, 0.55 and 0.75, 0.65 and 0.85, or 0.75 and 0.1 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the top length PL and the bottom length BL are the same. In other embodiments, the top length PL may be longer than the bottom length BL, or the bottom length BL may be longer than the top length PL.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the toe side length TL is 0.546 inches and the heel side length HL is 0.312 inches. In other embodiments, the toe side length TL may be 0.2 to 1.5 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the toe side length TL may be 0.2 to 0.4, 0.3 to 0.5, 0.4 to 0.6, 0.5 to 0.7, 0.6 to 0.8, 0.7 to 0.9, 0.8 to 1.0, 0.9 to 1.1, 1.0 to 1.2, 1.1 to 1.3, 1.2 to 1.4, or 1.3 to 1.5 inches. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the heel side length HL may be 0.1 to 0.7 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the heel side length HL may be 0.1 to 0.3, 0.2 to 0.4, 0.3 to 0.5, 0.4 to 0.6, or 0.5 to 0.7 inches. The toe side length TL is longer than the heel side length HL. The difference between the toe side length TL and the heel side length HL creates or forms the oval or egg-shaped profile displayed in FIG. 5, allowing for normalization of CT across the face plate 20.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the central region 50 is 0.135 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the central region 50 can vary from 0.070 to 0.25 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of central region 50 may be 0.07 to 0.1, 0.09 to 0.1, 0.095 to 0.105, 0.1 to 0.12, 0.105 to 0.115, 0.11 to 0.12, 0.115 to 0.125, 0.12 to 0.13, 0.125 to 0.135, 0.13 to 0.14, 0.135 to 0.145, 0.14 to 0.15, 0.145 to 0.155, 0.15 to 0.17, 0.16 to 0.18, 0.17 to 0.2, 0.19 to 0.22, or 0.21 to 0.25 inches. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, central region 50 comprises 6% of the total surface area of ​​faceplate 20. In other embodiments, the central region 50 may comprise less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, or less than 30% of the total surface area of ​​the faceplate 20. For example, the central region 50 may comprise 2-10%, 5-10%, 2-15%, 5-15%, or 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​the faceplate 20.

[0041] In many embodiments, the central region 50 is disposed at an angle on the rear surface 26 of the face plate 20 of the club head 10. Specifically, the long axis 55 of the central thickened region 50 is disposed at an angle relative to the x-axis 2. The angle may be configured such that a first side 51 or long portion of the central region 50 extends from the geometric center 29 of the face plate 20 toward the upper toe portion of the face plate 20, where the high CT region resides.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the minor axis 53 of the central region 50 forms an angle of 20 degrees with the y-axis 4. In other embodiments, the minor axis 53 of the central region 50 may form an angle of 2-60 degrees with the y-axis 4. For example, in some embodiments, the minor axis 53 of the central region 50 and the y-axis 4 may form an angle of between 2-20 degrees, 2-30 degrees, 5-40 degrees, 10-50 degrees, or 15-60 degrees. In other embodiments, the minor axis 52 of the central thickened region 50 may form an angle of 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, 30 degrees, or 31 degrees with the y-axis 4. Angles of 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, 37 degrees, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, 43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 49 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, 52 degrees, 53 degrees, 54 degrees, 55 degrees, 56 degrees, 57 degrees, 58 degrees, 59 degrees, or 60 degrees may be produced.

[0043] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the major axis 55 of the central region 50 forms an angle of 20 degrees with the x-axis 2. Generally, the angle formed between the major axis of the central region 50 and the x-axis 2 is the same as the angle formed between the minor axis 53 of the central region 50 and the y-axis 4. For example, the angle formed between the major axis 55 of the central region 50 and the x-axis 2 can vary from 0 to 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle formed between the major axis 55 of the central region 50 and the x-axis 2 can vary from 2 to 20 degrees, from 2 to 30 degrees, from 5 to 40 degrees, from 10 to 50 degrees, or from 15 to 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the major axis 55 of the central region 50 may make an angle of 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, 30 degrees, 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, 37 degrees, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, 43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 49 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, 52 degrees, 53 degrees, 54 degrees, 55 degrees, 56 degrees, 57 degrees, 58 degrees, 59 degrees, or 60 degrees with the x-axis 2. By placing the central thickened region 50 at an angle, it is further possible to extend the elongated portion of the oval shape towards the upper toe portion of the face plate 20 where the higher CT values ​​exist.

[0044] (ii. Transition area) 4 and 5, the transition region 60 of the variable face thickness 40 extends from the periphery of the central thickened region 50 to the peripheral region 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition region 60 tapers gradually from its thickest portion near the periphery of the central thickened region 50 to its thinnest region near or adjacent the peripheral region 70. The thickest region of the transition region 60 may be equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the central thickened region 50, and the thinnest region of the transition region 60 may be equal to or slightly less than the thickness of the peripheral region 70.

[0045] In many embodiments, the transition region 60 can have a shape similar to or corresponding to the shape of the central region 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the transition region 60 extends a uniform or fixed distance of 0.45 inches from the perimeter of the central thickened region 50 to the peripheral region 70. In other embodiments, the transition region may extend 0.15 to 0.75 inches from the perimeter of the central thickened region 50 to the peripheral region 70. For example, in some embodiments, the transition region 60 may extend between 0.15 and 0.35 inches, 0.25 to 0.45 inches, 0.35 to 0.55 inches, 0.45 to 0.65 inches, or 0.55 to 0.75 inches from the perimeter of the central thickened region 50 to the peripheral region 70. In other embodiments, the distance that the transition region 60 extends from the perimeter of the central thickened region 50 may vary. For example, the length of transition region 60 extending toward the top portion 21 of face plate 20 may be greater than or less than the length of transition region 60 extending toward the bottom portion 22 of face plate 20. In other embodiments, the length of transition region 60 extending in any direction from central thickened region 50 may be greater than, less than, or the same as the length of transition region 60 extending in any other direction from central thickened region 50.

[0046] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the transition region 60 comprises 27% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20. In other embodiments, the transition region 60 may comprise between 10% and 70% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20. For example, in some embodiments, the transition region 60 may comprise between 10% and 30%, 20% and 40%, 30% and 50%, 40% and 60%, or 50% and 70% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20.

[0047] (iii. Surrounding Area) 4 and 5, the peripheral region 70 of the variable thickness profile 40 extends from the periphery of the transition region 60 to the periphery of the face plate 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the peripheral region 70 is 0.85 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral region 70 may be less than 0.15 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral region 70 may be less than 0.15 inches, less than 0.1 inches, less than 0.09 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.05 inches, or less than 0.04 inches.

[0048] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral region 70 comprises 67% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20. In other embodiments, the peripheral region 70 may comprise between 30% and 90% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral region 70 may comprise between 30% and 50%, 40% and 60%, 50% and 70%, 60% and 80%, or 70% and 90% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 20.

[0049] (iii. Variable Thickness Profile for Face Plate Quadrants) 5, the face plate 20 may have four quadrants, including an upper heel-side quadrant 20A, an upper toe-side quadrant 20B, a lower heel-side quadrant 20C, and a lower toe-side quadrant 20D. The upper heel-side quadrant 20A extends from the y-axis 4 in a heel direction (toward the heel) and from the x-axis 2 in a crown direction (toward the crown) to the outer periphery of the face plate 20. The upper toe-side quadrant 20B extends from the y-axis 4 in a toe direction (toward the toe) and from the x-axis 2 in a crown direction (toward the crown) to the outer periphery of the face plate 20. The lower heel-side quadrant 20C extends from the y-axis 4 in a heel direction (toward the heel) and from the x-axis 2 in a sole direction (toward the sole) to the outer periphery of the face plate 20. The lower toe-side quadrant 20D extends from the y-axis 4 in the toe direction and from the x-axis 2 in the sole direction around the outer periphery of the face plate 20.

[0050] The central region 50 may extend at least partially into all four quadrants 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the face plate 20. Each quadrant of the face plate 20 may comprise a different portion or percentage of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50. In many embodiments, a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50 may be provided in the upper toe-side quadrant 20B than in one or more of the lower heel-side quadrant 20C, the upper heel-side quadrant 20A, and the lower toe-side quadrant 20D. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C comprises a smaller percentage of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50 than one or more of the upper toe-side quadrant 20B, the upper heel-side quadrant 20A, and the lower toe-side quadrant 20D. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the central thickened region 50 in the upper heel-side quadrant 20A may be the same as or similar to the surface area of ​​the central thickened region 50 in the lower toe-side quadrant 20D.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper toe-side quadrant 20B comprises 38% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C comprises 19% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50, the lower toe-side quadrant 20D comprises 25% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50, and the upper heel-side quadrant 20A comprises 18% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50.

[0052] In many embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 20B may comprise greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%, or greater than 50% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50. For example, in some embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 20B may comprise 30-50% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50. Further, in many embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C may comprise less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50. For example, in some embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C may comprise 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50. Further, in many embodiments, the lower toe-side quadrant 20D and / or the upper heel-side quadrant 20A may comprise 15-30% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 50.

[0053] The transition region 60 may extend at least partially into all four quadrants 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D of the face plate. Each quadrant of the face plate 20 may comprise a different portion or percentage of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60. In many embodiments, a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60 may be provided in the upper toe-side quadrant 20B than in one or more of the lower heel-side quadrant 20C, the upper heel-side quadrant 20A, and the lower toe-side quadrant 20D. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C comprises a smaller percentage of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60 than one or more of the upper toe-side quadrant 20B, the upper heel-side quadrant 20A, and the lower toe-side quadrant 20D. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the transition region 60 in the upper heel-side quadrant 20A may be the same as or similar to the surface area of ​​the transition region 60 in the lower toe-side quadrant 20D.

[0054] In many embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 20B may comprise greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%, or greater than 50% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60. For example, in some embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 20B may comprise 30-50% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60. Further, in many embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C may comprise less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60. For example, in some embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 20C may comprise 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60. Further, in many embodiments, the lower toe-side quadrant 20D and / or the upper heel-side quadrant 20A may comprise 15-30% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 60.

[0055] iv. Benefits of Variable Thickness Profiles The elliptical, oval, or egg-like shape, along with the angle of the central region 50 of the variable thickness profile 40, can provide thicker regions of the face plate 20 in areas having a substantially higher CT and thinner regions of the face plate 20 in areas having a substantially lower CT. Thus, the areas of the face having a substantially higher CT are reduced and the areas of the face having a substantially lower CT are increased, resulting in a standardized CT across the face plate 20. In many embodiments, the variable thickness profile 40 provides a range in characteristic time of less than 115 seconds, less than 110 seconds, less than 105 seconds, less than 100 seconds, less than 95 seconds, less than 90 seconds, or less than 85 seconds. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the variable thickness profile 40 provides an average characteristic time of greater than 230 seconds, greater than 235 seconds, or greater than 240 seconds. For example, in many embodiments, the average CT of the face plate 20 may be between 230 seconds and 240 seconds, between 235 seconds and 240 seconds, or between 240 seconds and 245 seconds.

[0056] Furthermore, because the angled VFT is designed to provide thickened portions of the face plate 20 in areas where it is needed, the face plate may enjoy a weight reduction compared to a face plate without the variable thickness profile 40 described herein. Additional optional weight may be reintroduced in other areas of the club head to manipulate the club head's center of gravity location and to increase the club head's moment of inertia, further improving club head performance. In the illustrated embodiment, the club head 10 with the variable thickness profile 40 as described herein saves 2.1 grams of weight compared to a similar club head without the variable thickness profile 40.

[0057] II. Golf Club Head with Standardized CT According to Another Embodiment 6 and 7, another embodiment of a golf club head 100 having a standardized CT is shown. The club head 100 includes a body 130 and a face plate or striking surface 120 having a variable thickness profile or variable face thickness 140. The face plate 120 and body 130 together form the club head 100 having a hollow interior, void, or internal cavity. In many embodiments, the club head 100 can be similar to or identical to club head 10, the body 130 can be similar to or identical to body 30, and the face plate 120 can be similar to face plate 20, as described below, where like numbers refer to like components.

[0058] (A. Body) Body 130 includes a crown portion 131, a sole portion 132, a toe portion 133, a heel portion 134, and a rear portion 135 that define an interior cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, body 130 includes an opening located at the forward-most position of club head 100. The opening is configured to receive face plate 120. In some embodiments, the opening may be located at the front end of the club head and configured to receive a drop-in face plate. In other embodiments, the opening may be located along the crown and / or sole portions of the club head and configured to receive a cup-face type face plate or a face plate having a return or cup-like shape.

[0059] The club head body 130 may comprise a strong, lightweight material. For example, the club head body 130 may be formed from 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., Ti-7-4, Ti-8-1-1, or Ti-6-4), a composite material such as a plastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a copolymer, carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal fiber, or any combination thereof.

[0060] B. Face Plate with Variable Thickness Profile The face plate 120 includes a top or upper portion 121, a bottom or bottom portion 122, a toe or toe portion 123, a heel or heel portion 124, a front surface 125, a rear surface 126, and a variable face thickness (VFT) or variable thickness profile 140. The face plate 120 may have a flat surface or may have a slight bulge and / or rounded curvature.

[0061] Referring to Figure 7, a cross-sectional side view taken along line 7-7 of Figure 6 is shown. The face plate 120 further has a loft angle, which is measured as the angle between a loft plane and a vertical plane. The loft plane extends through and is tangent to the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120. The vertical plane extends through the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 and extends perpendicular to the ground when the club head 100 is held in a neutral or address position.

[0062] 6 , the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 may be located at the geometric midpoint of the face plate 120. In the same example or other examples, the geometric center 129 may be centered relative to a design impact area, which may be defined by a groove area of ​​the face plate 120. Alternatively, the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 may be located according to a definition of a golf governing organization, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 may be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) (“Flexibility Procedure”).

[0063] The geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 defines the origin of a coordinate system having an x-axis, or horizontal axis 2, and a y-axis, or vertical axis 4. The x-axis 2 extends horizontally, in a direction parallel to the ground, from near the heel portion through the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 to near the toe portion of the club head 100 when the club head 100 is in the address position. The y-axis 4 extends vertically, in a direction perpendicular to the x-axis and the ground, from near the crown portion through the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 to near the sole portion of the club head 100 when the club head 100 is in the address position.

[0064] In some embodiments, the face plate or striking surface 120 may be formed separately from the body 130 and later joined to the body 130 to form a hollow-body club head 100. In these or other embodiments, the face plate or striking surface 120 may be joined to the body 130 via a welded bond, a brazed bond, a co-molded bond, an adhesive bond, a mechanical fastener, or any other suitable attachment method.

[0065] The face plate 120 may include a strong, lightweight material. For example, the club head body 130 may be formed from 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., Ti-7-4, Ti-8-1-1, or Ti-6-4), a composite material such as a plastic polymer, a thermoset polymer, a thermoplastic polymer, a copolymer, carbon fiber, glass fiber, metal fiber, or any combination thereof. The face plate 120 may include the same material as the body 130, or a different material from the body 130.

[0066] 6 and 7 , the face plate 120 of the club head 100 has a thickness T measured as the distance between the front surface 125 and the rear surface 126. The thickness T of the face plate 120 varies at different locations to define a variable face thickness (VFT) or variable thickness profile 140. The variable thickness profile 140 has a central region 150, a transition region 160, and a peripheral region 170. The face plate 120 of the club head 100 may be similar to or identical to the face plate 20 of the club head 10, except that the transition region 160 of the club head 100 may have a different profile or contour. In many embodiments, the central region 150 of the club head 100 is similar to or identical to the central region 50 of the club head 10, and the peripheral region 170 of the club head is similar to or identical to the peripheral region 70 of the club head 10.

[0067] 6 and 7 , the central region 150 extends across or is located at or near the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120, such that the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 is located in the central region 150. The central region 150 comprises the maximum thickness of the face plate 120. In many embodiments, the thickness of the central region 150 is substantially constant. The peripheral region 170 is located around the periphery of the face plate and comprises the minimum thickness of the face plate 120. In many embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral region 170 is substantially constant. The thickness of the face plate 120 in the central region 150 is greater than the thickness of the face plate 120 in the peripheral region 170. The transition region 160 comprises a varying thickness that creates a transition between the central region 150 and the peripheral region 170.

[0068] (i. central area) In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 150 of the variable thickness profile 140 comprises an oval, elliptical, oval, or egg-like shape. The central region 150 is generally oblong and extends from the portion of the face plate 120 near the bottom 122 and heel 124 to the portion of the face plate 120 near the toe 123 and top 121. In other embodiments, the central region 150 may comprise any other shape having only one axis of symmetry. The shape of the central region 150 defines a major axis 155 extending generally in the direction from the heel 124 to the toe 123 and a minor axis 153 extending generally in the direction from the top 121 to the bottom 122. The major axis 155 and the minor axis 153 intersect at the center of the central region 150. The major axis 155 extends along the length of the central region 150, and the minor axis 153 extends along the greatest width of the central region 150.

[0069] 6 and 7, the central region 150 of the variable thickness profile 140 is symmetrical about only one axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 150 is symmetrical about the major axis 155 and not about the minor axis 153. Thus, the width of the central region 150 varies along the length of the central region 150 from the heel 124 to the toe 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the central region 150, when measured at equidistant locations from the minor axis 153, is greater near the heel 124 than near the toe 123. As a non-limiting example, the width of the central region 150 measured 0.25 inches from the minor axis 153 toward the heel 124 is greater than the width of the central region 150 measured 0.25 inches from the minor axis 153 toward the toe 123.

[0070] 6 and 7, the center of central region 150 corresponds to the geometric center 129 of face plate 120. In other embodiments, the center of central region 150 may be located elsewhere than the geometric center 129 of face plate 120. In the illustrated embodiment, central region 150 is symmetrical about an axis passing through geometric center 129. In other embodiments, central region 150 may be asymmetrical about any axis passing through the geometric center 129 of face plate 120.

[0071] Central region 150 includes a first side or toe side 151 and a second side or heel side 152. First side 151 and second side 152 of central region 150 are separated by minor axis 153. The first side is located between minor axis 153 and toe portion 123, and the second side is located between minor axis 153 and heel portion 124. First side 151 may be formed by a portion (or half) of a first ellipse, and second side 152 may be formed by a portion (or half) of a second ellipse. The length of the first ellipse, measured along major axis 155, is greater than the length of the second ellipse.

[0072] In many embodiments, the central region 150 of the variable thickness profile 140 of the club head 100 comprises a ratio, measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 151 to the surface area of ​​the second side 152, of 1.2 to 2. In some embodiments, the ratio, measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 151 to the surface area of ​​the second side 152 in the central region 150, may be greater than 1.0, greater than 1.1, greater than 1.2, greater than 1.3, greater than 1.4, greater than 1.5, greater than 1.6, greater than 1.7, greater than 1.8, greater than 1.9, greater than 2.0, or greater than 2.5. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio measured as the surface area of ​​the first side 151 to the surface area of ​​the second side 152 in the central region 150 may be between 1.0 and 2.0, between 1.1 and 2.0, between 1.2 and 2.0, between 1.3 and 2.0, between 1.4 and 2.0, or between 1.5 and 2.5.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 150 comprises a toe side length TL, a heel side length HL, an upper side length PL, and a bottom side length BL. The toe side length TL is measured along the major axis 155 from the center of the central region 150 toward the toe 123. The heel side length HL is measured along the major axis 155 from the center of the central region 150 toward the heel 124. The upper length PL is measured along the minor axis 153 from the center of the central region 150 toward the top 121. The bottom side length BL is measured along the minor axis 153 from the center of the central region 150 toward the bottom 122.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the top length PL and the bottom length BL are 0.285 inches. In other embodiments, the top length PL and / or the bottom length BL may be between 0.05 and 1.0 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the top length PL and / or the bottom length BL may be between 0.05 and 0.25, 0.15 and 0.35, 0.25 and 0.45, 0.35 and 0.55, 0.45 and 0.65, 0.55 and 0.75, 0.65 and 0.85, or 0.75 and 0.1 inches. In the illustrated embodiment, the top length PL and the bottom length BL are the same. In other embodiments, the top length PL may be longer than the bottom length BL, or the bottom length BL may be longer than the top length PL.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the toe side length TL is 0.546 inches and the heel side length HL is 0.312 inches. In other embodiments, the toe side length TL may be 0.2 to 1.5 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the toe side length TL may be 0.2 to 0.4, 0.3 to 0.5, 0.4 to 0.6, 0.5 to 0.7, 0.6 to 0.8, 0.7 to 0.9, 0.8 to 1.0, 0.9 to 1.1, 1.0 to 1.2, 1.1 to 1.3, 1.2 to 1.4, or 1.3 to 1.5 inches. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the heel side length HL may be 0.1 to 0.7 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the heel side length HL may be 0.1 to 0.3, 0.2 to 0.4, 0.3 to 0.5, 0.4 to 0.6, or 0.5 to 0.7 inches. The toe side length TL is longer than the heel side length HL. The difference between the toe side length TL and the heel side length HL produces or forms the oval or egg-shaped contour displayed in Figure 6, allowing for normalization of the CT across the faceplate 120.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the central region 150 is 0.135 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the central region 150 can vary from 0.070 to 0.25 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of central region 50 may be 0.07 to 0.1, 0.09 to 0.1, 0.095 to 0.105, 0.1 to 0.12, 0.105 to 0.115, 0.11 to 0.12, 0.115 to 0.125, 0.12 to 0.13, 0.125 to 0.135, 0.13 to 0.14, 0.135 to 0.145, 0.14 to 0.15, 0.145 to 0.155, 0.15 to 0.17, 0.16 to 0.18, 0.17 to 0.2, 0.19 to 0.22, or 0.21 to 0.25 inches. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, central region 150 comprises 6% of the total surface area of ​​faceplate 120. In other embodiments, central region 150 may comprise less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, or less than 30% of the total surface area of ​​faceplate 120. For example, central region 150 may comprise 2-10%, 5-10%, 2-15%, 5-15%, or 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​faceplate 120.

[0077] In many embodiments, the central region 150 is disposed at an angle on the rear surface 126 of the face plate 120 of the club head 100. Specifically, the long axis 155 of the central thickened region 150 is disposed at an angle relative to the x-axis 2. The angle may be configured such that a first side 151 or long portion of the central region 150 extends from the geometric center 129 of the face plate 120 toward the upper toe portion of the face plate 120, where the high CT region resides.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the minor axis 153 of the central region 150 forms an angle of 20 degrees with the y-axis 4. In other embodiments, the minor axis 153 of the central region 150 may form an angle of 2-60 degrees with the y-axis 4. For example, in some embodiments, the minor axis 153 of the central region 150 and the y-axis 4 may form an angle of between 2-20 degrees, 2-30 degrees, 5-40 degrees, 10-50 degrees, or 15-60 degrees. In other embodiments, the minor axis 153 of the central thickened region 150 may form an angle of between 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, or 30 degrees with the y-axis 4. , 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, 37 degrees, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, 43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 49 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, 52 degrees, 53 degrees, 54 degrees, 55 degrees, 56 degrees, 57 degrees, 58 degrees, 59 degrees, or 60 degrees may be created.

[0079] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the major axis 155 of the central region 150 forms an angle of 20 degrees with the x-axis 2. Generally, the angle formed between the major axis of the central region 150 and the x-axis 2 is the same as the angle formed between the minor axis 153 of the central region 150 and the y-axis 4. For example, the angle formed between the major axis 155 of the central region 150 and the x-axis 2 can vary from 0 to 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle formed between the major axis 155 of the central region 150 and the x-axis 2 can vary from 2 to 20 degrees, from 2 to 30 degrees, from 5 to 40 degrees, from 10 to 50 degrees, or from 15 to 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the major axis 155 of the central region 150 may make an angle of 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, 30 degrees, 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, 37 degrees, 38 degrees, 39 degrees, 40 degrees, 41 degrees, 42 degrees, 43 degrees, 44 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 47 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 49 degrees, 50 degrees, 51 degrees, 52 degrees, 53 degrees, 54 degrees, 55 degrees, 56 degrees, 57 degrees, 58 degrees, 59 degrees, or 60 degrees with the x-axis 2. By placing the central thickened region 50 at an angle, it is further possible to extend the elongated portion of the oval shape towards the upper toe portion of the face plate 20 where the higher CT values ​​exist.

[0080] (ii. Transition area) 6 and 7 , transition region 160 of variable face thickness 140 extends from the periphery of central thickened region 150 to peripheral region 170. In the illustrated embodiment, transition region 160 tapers gradually from its thickest portion near the periphery of central thickened region 150 to its thinnest region near or adjacent peripheral region 170. The thickest region of transition region 160 may be equal to or slightly less than the thickness of central thickened region 150, and the thinnest region of transition region 160 may be equal to or slightly less than the thickness of peripheral region 170.

[0081] In many embodiments, the transition region 160 includes a varying thickness that creates a smooth transition between the central region 150 and the peripheral region 170. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the thickness of the face plate 120 in the transition region 160 of the club head 100 varies at least partially with a curved, rounded, or curvilinear profile. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the face plate 120 in the transition region 160 comprises a blended tapered portion between the maximum face plate thickness in the central region 150 and the minimum face plate thickness in the peripheral region 170. In many embodiments, the curved profile or blended tapered portion comprises a first radius of curvature between the central region 150 and the transition region 160 and a second radius of curvature between the transition region 160 and the peripheral region 170. Further, in many embodiments, the thickness profile of the transition region 160 comprises a gradually tapered portion between the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the thickness of the face plate 120 in the transition region 160 may vary according to a generally curved profile, such as a convex profile, a concave profile, a sinusoidal profile, a parabolic profile, or any other curved profile. Additionally, in other embodiments, the thickness of the face plate 120 in the transition region 160 may vary according to any profile, including straight and / or curved shapes.

[0082] In many embodiments, transition region 160 can have a shape similar to or corresponding to the shape of central region 150. In the illustrated embodiment, transition region 160 extends a uniform or fixed distance of 0.45 inches from the perimeter of central thickened region 150 to peripheral region 170. In other embodiments, transition region 160 may extend 0.15 to 0.75 inches from the perimeter of central thickened region 150 to peripheral region 170. For example, in some embodiments, transition region 160 may extend between 0.15 and 0.35 inches, 0.25 to 0.45 inches, 0.35 to 0.55 inches, 0.45 to 0.65 inches, or 0.55 to 0.75 inches from the perimeter of central thickened region 150 to peripheral region 170. In other embodiments, the distance that transition region 160 extends from the perimeter of central thickened region 150 may vary. For example, the length of transition region 160 extending toward the top portion 121 of face plate 120 may be greater than or less than the length of transition region 160 extending toward the bottom portion 122 of face plate 120. In other embodiments, the length of transition region 160 extending in any direction from central thickened region 150 may be greater than, less than, or the same as the length of transition region 160 extending in any other direction from central thickened region 150.

[0083] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the transition region 160 comprises 27% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120. In other embodiments, the transition region 160 may comprise between 10% and 70% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120. For example, in some embodiments, the transition region 160 may comprise between 10% and 30%, 20% and 40%, 30% and 50%, 40% and 60%, or 50% and 70% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120.

[0084] (iii. Surrounding Area) 6 and 7 , the peripheral region 170 of the variable thickness profile 140 extends from the periphery of the transition region 160 to the periphery of the face plate 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the peripheral region 170 is 0.85 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the peripheral region 170 may be less than 0.15 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral region 170 may be less than 0.15 inches, less than 0.1 inches, less than 0.09 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.05 inches, or less than 0.04 inches. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral region 170 comprises 67% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120. In other embodiments, the peripheral region 170 may comprise between 30% and 90% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120. For example, in some embodiments, the peripheral region 170 may comprise between 30% and 50%, 40% and 60%, 50% and 70%, 60% and 80%, or 70% and 90% of the total surface area of ​​the face plate 120.

[0085] iv. Variable Thickness Profile for Face Plate Quadrants 5, the face plate 120 may have four quadrants, including an upper heel-side quadrant 120A, an upper toe-side quadrant 120B, a lower heel-side quadrant 120C, and a lower toe-side quadrant 120D. The upper heel-side quadrant 120A extends from the y-axis 4 in a heel direction (toward the heel) and from the x-axis 2 in a crown direction (toward the crown) to the outer periphery of the face plate 120. The upper toe-side quadrant 120B extends from the y-axis 4 in a toe direction (toward the toe) and from the x-axis 2 in a crown direction (toward the crown) to the outer periphery of the face plate 120. The lower heel-side quadrant 120C extends from the y-axis 4 in a heel direction (toward the heel) and from the x-axis 2 in a sole direction (toward the sole) to the outer periphery of the face plate 120. The lower toe-side quadrant 120D extends from the y-axis 4 in the toe direction and from the x-axis 2 in the sole direction around the outer periphery of the face plate 120.

[0086] Central region 150 may extend at least partially into all four quadrants 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D of face plate 120. Each quadrant of face plate 120 may comprise a different portion or percentage of the total surface area of ​​central region 150. In many embodiments, a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​central region 150 may be provided in upper toe-side quadrant 120B than in one or more of lower heel-side quadrant 120C, upper heel-side quadrant 120A, and lower toe-side quadrant 120D. Furthermore, in many embodiments, lower heel-side quadrant 120C comprises a smaller percentage of the total surface area of ​​central region 150 than one or more of upper toe-side quadrant 120B, upper heel-side quadrant 120A, and lower toe-side quadrant 120D. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the central thickened region 150 in the upper heel-side quadrant 120A may be the same as or similar to the surface area of ​​the central thickened region 150 in the lower toe-side quadrant 120D.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper toe-side quadrant 120B comprises 38% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 150, the lower heel-side quadrant 120C comprises 19% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 150, the lower toe-side quadrant 120D comprises 25% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 150, and the upper heel-side quadrant 120A comprises 18% of the total surface area of ​​the central region 150.

[0088] In many embodiments, upper toe-side quadrant 120B may comprise greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%, or greater than 50% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150. For example, in some embodiments, upper toe-side quadrant 120B may comprise 30-50% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150. Further, in many embodiments, lower heel-side quadrant 120C may comprise less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150. For example, in some embodiments, lower heel-side quadrant 120C may comprise 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150. Further, in many embodiments, lower toe-side quadrant 120D and / or upper heel-side quadrant 120A may comprise 15-30% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150.

[0089] Transition region 160 may extend at least partially into all four quadrants 120A, 120B, 120C, and 120D of the face plate. Each quadrant of face plate 120 may comprise a different portion or percentage of the total surface area of ​​transition region 160. In many embodiments, a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​transition region 160 may be provided in upper toe-side quadrant 120B than in one or more of lower heel-side quadrant 120C, upper heel-side quadrant 120A, and lower toe-side quadrant 120D. Furthermore, in many embodiments, lower heel-side quadrant 120C comprises a smaller percentage of the total surface area of ​​transition region 160 than one or more of upper toe-side quadrant 120B, upper heel-side quadrant 120A, and lower toe-side quadrant 120D. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​transition region 160 in upper heel-side quadrant 120A may be the same as or similar to the surface area of ​​transition region 160 in lower toe-side quadrant 120D.

[0090] In many embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 120B may comprise greater than 25%, greater than 30%, greater than 35%, greater than 40%, greater than 45%, or greater than 50% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 160. For example, in some embodiments, the upper toe-side quadrant 120B may comprise 30-50% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 160. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 120C may comprise less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 160. For example, in some embodiments, the lower heel-side quadrant 120C may comprise 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 160. Additionally, in many embodiments, the lower toe-side quadrant 120D and / or the upper heel-side quadrant 120A may comprise 15-30% of the total surface area of ​​the transition region 160.

[0091] (v. benefit) The elliptical, oval, or egg-like shape, along with the angle of the central region 150 of the variable thickness profile 140, can provide thicker regions of the face plate 120 in areas with a substantially higher CT and thinner regions of the face plate 120 in areas with a substantially lower CT. Thus, the areas of the face with a substantially higher CT are reduced and the areas of the face with a substantially lower CT are increased, resulting in an increase in the normalized CT across the face plate 120 and the average CT of the face plate 120. In many embodiments, the variable thickness profile 140 provides a range in characteristic time of less than 115 seconds, less than 110 seconds, less than 105 seconds, less than 100 seconds, less than 95 seconds, less than 90 seconds, or less than 85 seconds. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the variable thickness profile 140 provides an average characteristic time of greater than 230 seconds, greater than 235 seconds, or greater than 240 seconds. For example, in many embodiments, the average CT of the face plate 20 may be between 230 seconds and 240 seconds, between 235 seconds and 240 seconds, or between 240 seconds and 245 seconds.

[0092] Furthermore, because the angled VFT is designed to provide thickened portions of the face plate 120 in areas where it is needed, the face plate may enjoy a weight reduction compared to a face plate without the variable thickness profile 140 described herein. Additional optional weight may be reintroduced in other areas of the club head to manipulate the club head's center of gravity location and to increase the club head's moment of inertia, further improving club head performance. In the illustrated embodiment, the club head 100 with the variable thickness profile 40 as described herein saves 2.1 grams of weight compared to a similar club head without the variable thickness profile 140.

[0093] (III. Golf Club Head with Standardized CT According to Another Embodiment) 10 , another embodiment of a golf club head 200 having a standardized CT is shown. Club head 200 includes a body and a face plate, or striking surface, having a variable thickness profile 240. The body of club head 200 can be similar to or identical to body 30 of club head 10 and / or body 130 of club head 100. The face plate of club head 200 can be similar to face plate 20 of club head 10 or face plate 120 of club head 100, except for the positioning of the variable thickness profile relative to the geometric center 29 of the face plate.

[0094] For example, variable thickness profile 240 comprises a central region, a transition region, and a peripheral region. The central region of club head 200 can be similar to or the same as central region 50 of club head 10 or central region 150 of club head 100. The transition region of club head 200 can be similar to or the same as transition region 60 of club head 10 or transition region 160 of club head 100. The transition region of club head 200 can be similar to or the same as peripheral region 70 of club head 10 or peripheral region 170 of club head 100.

[0095] 10, the variable thickness profile 240 is positioned or located on the face plate such that the center of the central region does not align with the face plate's geometric center 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the center of the central region is located closer to the top portion and closer to the toe portion than the face plate's geometric center 29. In other embodiments, the center of the central region may be located closer to one or more of the top portion, toe portion, bottom portion, or heel portion compared to the face plate's geometric center 29.

[0096] Club head 200 with variable thickness profile 240, similar to club head 10 and club head 100, can provide a normalized CT across the face plate and an increased average CT of the face plate compared to club heads without variable thickness profile 240 described herein.

[0097] Example 1 9, the example golf club head 100 with the variable face thickness 140 having an oval shape and an angle with respect to the ground, as previously described, demonstrates a reduced change in characteristic time (CT) across the face plate 120 and an increased average CT compared to a control club head having a variable face thickness without the oval shape and angle described herein. Specifically, the example club head 100 provides a 27% reduction in the range of CT when measured at 25 locations across the face plate 120 compared to the control club head. Additionally, the example club head 100 demonstrates a 3.1% increase in the average CT of the face plate 20 compared to the control club head.

[0098] In this example, central region 150 of variable thickness profile 140 of club head 100 is angled at a 17 degree angle with respect to the ground. Further, in this example, the ratio of the surface area of ​​first side 151 to the surface area of ​​second side 152 of central region 150 of variable thickness profile 140 is 1.76. Still further, in this example, upper toe-side quadrant 120B of club head 100 comprises 38% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150, lower heel-side quadrant 120C of club head 100 comprises 19% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150, lower toe-side quadrant 120D of club head 100 comprises 25% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150, and upper heel-side quadrant 120A of club head 100 comprises 18% of the total surface area of ​​central region 150.

[0099] In this example, the control club head has a variable thickness profile that is symmetrical about the x- and y-axes of the club head (i.e., not positioned at an angle relative to the x- and / or y-axes). Further, in this example, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the first side to the surface area of ​​the second side of the central region of the variable thickness profile of the control club head is 1.0. Still further, the upper toe quadrant, upper heel quadrant, lower toe quadrant, and lower heel quadrant of the control club head each comprise 25% of the total surface area of ​​the central region of the variable thickness profile.

[0100] The characteristic time (CT) of the example club head 100 and the control club head was measured at 25 locations on the face plate to determine local CT values. Figure 9 shows the 25 locations (i.e., 1A-1E, 2A-2E, 3A-3E, 4A-4E, and 5A-5E) of the example club head 100, with each point spaced 0.42 inches from an adjacent point in the heel-to-toe direction for a total grid width of 1.68 inches. Additionally, each point spaced 0.36 inches from an adjacent point in the crown-to-sole direction for a total grid height of 1.42 inches.

[0101] Table 1 below shows the CT results for the example club head 100 compared to the control club head. The range in CT for the 25 measured locations for the control club head was 133 arcseconds. The range in CT for the 25 measured locations for the example club head 100 was 97 arcseconds. These results indicate that the range in CT for the example club head 100 was 27% less than the range in CT for the control club head. Thus, the variable thickness profile 140 described herein significantly reduces the variability in CT across the face and results in a standardized CT compared to variable thickness profiles without the shapes and / or angles described herein.

[0102] [Table 1]

[0103] The data in Table 1 also show greater CT values ​​in the heel region (e.g., points 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, and 5A) of the example club head 100 compared to the control club head. For example, the average CT of the example club head 100 in quadrant 120A (e.g., points 1A, 2A, 1B, and 2B) increased from approximately 211.0 seconds to 223.3 seconds compared to the control club head as a result of the variable thickness profile 140. As a further example, the average CT of the example club head 100 in quadrant 120C (e.g., points 4A, 5A, 4B, and 5B) increased from approximately 186.5 seconds to 193.8 seconds compared to the control club head. Table 1 below depicts the average CT values ​​for Groups A, B, C, and D from one test.

[0104] Additionally, the example club heads 100 further demonstrate a 1.2 to 3.1% increase in average CT across the face plate 120 compared to the control club heads. Specifically, the average CT for various samples of the control club heads was 208 seconds, while the average CT for various samples of the example club heads 100 was 214.8 seconds.

[0105] The normalized CT of the club head 100 demonstrated herein can result in increased consistency on off-center shots compared to a club head without the variable thickness profile 140. Furthermore, the increased average CT of the example club head 100 demonstrated herein can result in increased ball speed and travel distance compared to a club head without the variable thickness profile 140.

[0106] Substitution of one or more claim elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a prosthesis. Moreover, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to a problem have been described in connection with particular embodiments. However, the advantages, other advantages, and solutions to a problem, and any one or more elements that give rise to or make apparent any advantages, advantages, or solutions, do not constitute critical, essential, or essential features or elements of any or all elements of a claim.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following paragraphs.

Claims

1. A golf club head having a standardized characteristic time, a body having a crown portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, and a rear portion defining an interior cavity; a face plate; The face plate is The front and The rear and a geometric center defining the origin of a coordinate system having a horizontal axis extending from near the heel portion to near the toe portion and a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis extending from near the crown portion to near the sole portion; a thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces that varies at different locations across the face plate to define a variable thickness profile; The variable thickness profile comprises: a peripheral region of the face plate having a minimum thickness; A transition region; a central region having a maximum thickness of the face plate; the central region has an oval shape with a major axis extending at an angle between 2 and 60 degrees relative to the vertical axis; Golf club head.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the central region extends at an angle between 2 and 30 degrees relative to the vertical axis.

3. The golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the geometric center of the face plate is located within the central region.

4. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the face plate in the transition region gradually decreases between the maximum thickness of the face plate in the central region and the minimum thickness of the face plate in the peripheral region.

5. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the range of the characteristic time of the face plate is less than 110 seconds.

6. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the range of the characteristic time of the face plate is less than 100 seconds.

7. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the average characteristic time of the face plate is between 230 seconds and 245 seconds.

8. 7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the average characteristic time of the face plate is between 235 seconds and 245 seconds.

9. the central region further comprises a first side and a second side; the first side and the second side are separated by a minor axis of the central region; the first side is disposed between the minor axis and the toe portion; the second side is between the minor axis and the heel portion; 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a surface area of ​​the first side of the central region to a surface area of ​​the second side of the central region is between 1.2 and 2.

0.

10. The face plate is an upper heel side quadrant; an upper toe side quadrant; a lower heel side quadrant; a lower toe side quadrant; 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​the central region is provided in the upper toe quadrant than in one or more of the lower heel quadrant, the upper heel quadrant, and the lower toe quadrant.

11. A golf club head having a standardized characteristic time, a body having a crown portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, and a rear portion defining an interior cavity; Face plate and equipped, The face plate is The front and The rear and a geometric center defining the origin of a coordinate system having a horizontal axis extending from near the heel portion to near the toe portion and a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis extending from near the crown portion to near the sole portion; a thickness measured between the front and rear surfaces that varies at different locations across the face plate to define a variable thickness profile; The variable thickness profile comprises: a peripheral region of the face plate having a minimum thickness; A transition region; a central region having a maximum thickness of the face plate; the range of the characteristic time of the face plate is less than 105 seconds; the average characteristic time of the face plate is between 230 seconds and 245 seconds; Golf club head.

12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the central region of the face plate further comprises a major axis extending at an angle between 2 and 60 degrees from the vertical axis.

13. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein the central region of the face plate further comprises a major axis extending at an angle between 2 and 30 degrees from the vertical axis.

14. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the geometric center of the face plate is located in the central region.

15. 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the thickness of the face plate in the transition region gradually decreases between the maximum thickness of the face plate in the central region and the minimum thickness of the face plate in the peripheral region.

16. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the range of the characteristic time of the face plate is less than 95 seconds.

17. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the average characteristic time of the face plate is between 235 seconds and 245 seconds.

18. the central region further comprises a first side and a second side; the first side and the second side are separated by a minor axis of the central region; the first side is disposed between the minor axis and the toe portion; the second side is between the minor axis and the heel portion; 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein a ratio of a surface area of ​​the first side of the central region to a surface area of ​​the second side of the central region is between 1.2 and 2.

0.

19. The face plate is an upper heel side quadrant; an upper toe side quadrant; a lower heel side quadrant; a lower toe side quadrant; 12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein a greater percentage of the total surface area of ​​the central region is provided in the upper toe quadrant than in one or more of the lower heel quadrant, the upper heel quadrant, and the lower toe quadrant.

20. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the central region has an oval shape.

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