Golf club head with elastic member

Abstract

The golf club head includes a resilient member extending from the sole to the crown of the club head. The resilient member has a convex arc shape relative to the striking face of the club. The resilient member has a rest state in which the resilient member defines a first chord length prior to impact with a golf ball, and a deflected state in which the resilient member defines a second chord length longer than the first chord length during impact with the golf ball. The resilient member improves the impact response of the striking face, allowing for a reduction in the thickness of the striking face while maintaining the durability of the golf club head.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY CLAIM) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 376,586, filed September 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to wood-type golf club heads. [Background technology]

[0003] The mass properties of a golf club head can be adjusted to improve one or more performance characteristics. For example, the center of gravity location, moment of inertia value, and variable face configuration can be adjusted to improve the forgiveness, ball speed, ball trajectory, or other performance characteristics of the golf club head. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has implemented rules that limit certain performance characteristics of clubs. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some club faces that otherwise comply with these rules fail due to the presence of discrete areas with excessively high impact response, known informally as "hot spots." Test impacts at hot spots can result in an impact response that causes the club to be determined to be non-conforming. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a wood-type golf club head that has a normalized impact response across the entire club face. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a wood-type club head. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4A] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1 in a rest state and in a maximum deflection state. [Figure 4B] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detailed view of region 4C in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional rear view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a wood-type club head. [Figure 7A] 8A and 8B are cross-sectional side views of the wood-type club head of FIG. 7 in a rest state and a deflected state. [Figure 7B] 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 7 at rest and at maximum deflection. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional rear view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing the golf club head of FIG. 1 before and after impact, superimposed on each other. [Figure 11] 8A and 8B are overlapping cross-sectional views of the golf club head of FIG. 7 in a rest state and a deflected state. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views of a golf club head with a connecting member extending between the crown and sole of the golf club head and having no curvature, shown superimposed in both a rest state and a flexed state. [Figure 13] 1 is a bar graph showing the ball speeds observed for each club in the testing described in Example 2. [Figure 14] 1 is a bar graph showing the ball speeds observed for each club in the testing described in Example 3. [Figure 15]1 is a bar graph showing the durability observed in the tests described in Examples 5 and 6. [Figure 16] 1 is a plot showing internal energy over time for example club heads and control club heads tested in certain examples described herein.

[0006] (Detailed explanation) Described herein are various embodiments of a wood-type golf club head (e.g., a driver, fairway wood, or hybrid, also referred to as a "club head") that includes a resilient member to provide a striking face with uniformly normalized CT values ​​across the striking face. The club head includes a striking face secured to a body that defines an internal cavity. The striking face may be formed from a metal material or a composite material, and the body may be formed from a metal material or a composite material. The body may be formed separately from a composite portion. The composite portion may form all or a portion of the crown, the sole, or both the crown and the sole. The club head may be of all-metal construction or multi-material construction. The club head includes a resilient member within the internal cavity.

[0007] During a high-energy collision, such as an impact between a golf ball and a striking face, the resilient member functions as a spring. The resilient member has a rest state, a transition state, and a maximum deflection state. During the transition state, the resilient member absorbs energy from the face plate through the golf ball to reach the maximum deflection state. Thereafter, the resilient member increases the distance between the crown and the sole, allowing the striking face to flex freely.

[0008] The elastic member also functions as a stiffener during low energy impacts, such as impacts of less than 1 joule, less than 5 joules, or less than 10 joules. Specifically, the golf club head has a low deflection upon low energy impacts, and the elastic member further reduces the deflection under such conditions.

[0009] (definition) When terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used in the specification and claims, they are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It is understood that such terms may be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, such as when the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, "comprising," "having," and variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0010] When used in this specification and claims, terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and the like are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances where, for example, embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are operable in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0011] As defined herein, "splining" refers to a method for identifying locations where the curvature of a surface changes. For example, splining can be used to identify locations where the curvature of a surface deviates from the bulge and roll curvature of a golf club head's striking face. Splining can be implemented by pressing splines into the curved surface at intervals so that the splines indicate where significant changes in curvature begin.

[0012] As used herein, the terms "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club refer to the angle between the striking face and the shaft as measured by any suitable loft-reading machine.

[0013] A "driver golf club head" herein has a loft angle of less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, a "driver golf club head" herein has a volume of greater than about 400 cc, greater than about 425 cc, greater than about 445 cc, greater than about 450 cc, greater than about 455 cc, greater than about 460 cc, greater than about 475 cc, greater than about 500 cc, greater than about 525 cc, greater than about 550 cc, greater than about 575 cc, greater than about 600 cc, greater than about 625 cc, greater than about 650 cc, greater than about 675 cc, or greater than about 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the driver may be about 400cc to 600cc, 425cc to 500cc, about 500cc to 600cc, about 500cc to 650cc, about 550cc to 700cc, about 600cc to 650cc, about 600cc to 700cc, or about 600cc to 800cc.

[0014] A "fairway wood golf club head" herein has a loft angle of less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood club head may be greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood may be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees.

[0015] Furthermore, a "fairway wood golf club head" herein has a volume of less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood may 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.

[0016] A "hybrid golf club head" herein has a loft angle of less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid may be greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0017] Additionally, a "hybrid golf club head" herein has a volume of less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the hybrid may 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] As used herein, the term "rest state" is defined as the state before impact when the golf club head is in a rest position and no force is being applied to the golf club head. As used herein, the term "maximum deflection state" is defined as the state at the snapshot when the elastic member is most deflected compared to the rest state. As used herein, the term "transition state" is defined as the dynamic transition between the rest state and the maximum deflection state. The transition state consists of the force being applied to the golf club head and the dynamics that occur with that force.

[0019] As used herein, the term "low energy collision" is defined as a collision of less than 1 joule, less than 5 joules, or less than 10 joules. As used herein, the term "high energy collision" is defined as a collision of more than 1 joule, more than 5 joules, or more than 10 joules.

[0020] As used herein, the term "hot spot" can be defined as a discrete area on the striking face that has an excessive impact response.

[0021] The golf club heads described herein may be formed from metals, metal alloys, composite materials, or combinations of metals and composite materials. For example, but not limited to, the golf club heads may be formed from steel, steel alloys, stainless steel alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, titanium alloys, amorphous metal alloys, or other similar materials. As a further example, but not limited to, the golf club heads may be formed from C300 steel, C350 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, or T9s+ titanium.

[0022] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details, embodiments, or arrangements of parts set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the description of particular embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The wood-type golf club head 100 may include a resilient member 150 for normalizing impact response across the face of the club, as described in more detail below. Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , the resilient member 150 is disposed within the body 101 of the club head 100. The resilient member 150 may have an arc shape with a continuous curvature. In other embodiments described below, the resilient member may further include an integral hinge. The body 101 may be a one-piece body or a multi-piece hollow body. As best shown in FIG. 1 , the wood-type club head 100 may include a striking face 102 and a body 101, which may be comprised of one piece or multiple pieces. The striking face 102 and the body 101 are secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior cavity 105. The club head 100 includes a crown 108, a sole 114 opposite the crown 108, a heel 104, a toe 106 opposite the heel 104, a front 113, and a rear 115 opposite the front 113. The body 101 may further include a skirt 107 or trailing edge located between the crown 108 and the sole 114 and adjacent to the crown 108 and the sole 114, the skirt 107 extending from near the heel 104 to near the toe 106 of the club head 100.

[0024] The interior cavity 105 may be defined by the space between the crown inner surface 124, the sole inner surface 126, and the striking face inner surface 128. The resilient member 150 is disposed within the interior cavity 105. The body 101 may extend across the crown 108, the sole 114, the heel 104, the toe 106, the rear 115, and the periphery of the front. The body 101 may define an opening at the front of the club head, and the striking face 102 may be disposed in the opening to form the club head. In other embodiments, the striking face 102 may extend over the periphery of the front and include a barb 110 extending from the striking face 102 toward the rear. The barb 110 may extend over at least one of the crown 108, the sole 114, the heel 104, and the toe 106. In embodiments that include a barb portion 110, the barb portion 110 of the striking face 102 is secured to the body 101 to form the club head. In these embodiments, the club head may resemble a cup face design or a face wrap design. In some embodiments, a portion of the striking face 102 may be formed from an insert that is welded or bonded to the club head 100.

[0025] The crown 108, skirt, sole 114, and / or striking face 102 may be made entirely or partially of composite material. The composite material can be bonded to either the crown 108, skirt, sole 114, and / or striking face 102. A lap joint can be used to facilitate bonding the composite material to the body 101, sole 114, turn portion 110, or striking face 102. The golf club head 100 may further include a multi-material crown 108 comprising a composite portion 112 and a turn portion 110, where the turn portion 110 is an extension from the striking face 102.

[0026] 1-3, the club head includes a hosel 120. The hosel 120 receives a hosel sleeve 122 and a shaft, which is connected to the end of the shaft (not shown). The hosel sleeve 122 can be connected to the hosel 120 in multiple configurations, allowing the shaft to be secured to the hosel 120 at multiple angles.

[0027] The club head may include a weight port 116 configured to receive a removable weight 118. In many embodiments, the weight port 116 may be located on the sole 114 and / or skirt. The club head may further include a mass pad or weight pad (hereinafter referred to as a "mass pad"). In many embodiments, the mass pad may be located on the sole 114 within an internal cavity. In other embodiments, the mass pad may be located on the sole 114 and skirt within an internal cavity. In still other embodiments, the club may include one or more weight ports 116 and one or more mass pads. The removable weights 118 and mass pads allow for adjustment of moment of inertia (MOI) characteristics and center of gravity (CG) location.

[0028] The striking face 102 includes a striking surface 129 configured to impact a golf ball and an inner striking face surface 128 opposite the striking surface 129. The striking face 102 defines a thickness measured between the striking surface 129 and the inner striking face surface 128. The thickness profile of the striking face 102 may vary. The striking surface 129 further defines a face center or geometric center. In some embodiments, the face center may be located at the geometric center point of the face perimeter. In another approach, the face center of the striking surface 129 may be located according to a definition by a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0029] The perimeter of the striking face 102 may be located along the outer edge of the striking face 129 where the curvature of the striking face 129 deviates from the bulge and roll curvature. The striking face 129 has a striking surface area measured within the perimeter boundary of the striking face 102. In one approach, the spline method described above can be used to identify the location of the outer edge where the curvature of the striking face 129 deviates from the bulge and roll.

[0030] The club head defines a loft plane that is tangent to the face center of the striking surface 129. The club head defines a contact plane that is tangent to the sole 114 when the club head is in the address position. The face center of the striking surface 129 defines the origin of a coordinate system having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The x-axis is a horizontal axis that passes through the face center, extends parallel to the contact plane, and extends from near the heel 104 to near the toe 106. The y-axis is a vertical axis that passes through the face center, extends perpendicular to the contact plane, and extends from near the sole 114 to near the crown 108. The y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis. The z-axis is a horizontal axis that passes through the face center, extends parallel to the contact plane, and extends from near the front to near the rear 115. The z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis. The x-axis extends in a positive direction toward the heel 104. The y-axis extends in a positive direction toward the crown 108. The z-axis extends in a positive direction toward the rear 115. The x-axis and y-axis form an xy-plane, the x-axis and z-axis form an xz-plane, and the y-axis and z-axis form a yz-plane.

[0031] The club head further includes a center of gravity (CG). In many embodiments, the center of gravity is located within the coordinate system described above. The center of gravity may have a location on the x-axis, a location on the y-axis, and a location on the z-axis. The center of gravity further defines the origin of a coordinate system having a CGx-axis, a CGy-axis, and a CGz-axis. The CGx-axis extends through the CG from near the heel 104 to near the toe 106. The CGy-axis extends through the CG from near the crown 108 to near the sole 114 and is perpendicular to the CGx-axis. The CGz-axis extends through the CG from near the front to near the rear 115 and is perpendicular to both the CGx-axis and the CGy-axis.

[0032] The CGx axis is parallel to the x axis, the CGy axis is parallel to the y axis, and the CGz axis is parallel to the z axis. In many embodiments, the center of gravity is strategically located toward the sole 114 and rear 115 of the club head to improve the feel and playability of the club head 100.

[0033] The club head further comprises a moment of inertia Ixx about the CGx axis (i.e., crown-sole moment of inertia) and a moment of inertia Iyy about the CGy axis (i.e., heel-toe moment of inertia). To provide a more forgiving club head, the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy are increased or maximized. Club heads comprising the elastic members described herein may be included in the club heads having a high moment of inertia Ixx and a high moment of inertia Iyy. High moments of inertia Ixx and Iyy improve the feel, forgiveness, and playability of the club head.

[0034] The resilient member 150 of the golf club head 100 provides structural support to the golf club and can normalize or reduce areas of excessive impact response, known as "hot spots," on the striking face 102. The resilient member 150 extends between the crown 108 and the sole 114 and provides structural rigidity to the golf club head 100. During low-energy impacts (e.g., less than 1 joule, less than 5 joules, or less than 10 joules), the increased stiffness provided by the resilient member 150 reduces the deflection of the club head 100. During high-energy impacts, the resilient member 150 acts as a spring, as described in more detail below.

[0035] The elastic member 150 forms a direct structural connection between the crown 108 and the sole 114. For example, one end of the elastic member 150 is attached to the crown 108 at a first attachment point 170, and the opposite end of the elastic member 150 is attached to the sole 114 at a second attachment point 172. The elastic member 150 may be integrally cast with the club head 100 or a portion of the club head 100 (e.g., the body 101, the barb 110, the sole 114, or the crown 108). In some embodiments, the elastic member 150 contacts only the crown 108 and the sole 114.

[0036] The elastic member 150 may be mechanically attached to the crown 108 and the sole 114 by welding or epoxy bonding. The crown 108 and the sole 114 may be provided with a set of receiving grooves to facilitate attachment of the elastic member 150 to the body 101. The elastic member 150 may have a first end 151 and a second end 149. The first end 151 of the elastic member 150 may be received in the receiving groove in the crown 108. The second end 149 of the elastic member 150 may be received in the receiving groove in the sole. In other embodiments, the elastic member 150 may be crimped to a portion of the body 101.

[0037] The resilient member 150 may have an arc shape to provide a desired impact response at the striking face 102. As best shown in FIG. 4 , the arc shape has a radius of curvature when viewed in the XY plane 1000. The direction of curvature of the resilient member 150 is opposite to the direction of curvature of the bulge of the striking face 102, with the apex of the curvature located further rearward than the first end 151 and the second end 149 of the resilient member 150. In other words, the curvature is concave when viewed from the striking face 102 (i.e., when viewed from the front to the rear). In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of curvature is constant along the entire length of the resilient member 150 and is between 0.1 inches and 20 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the resilient member 150 is between 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the resilient member 150 is between 1 inch and 2 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the resilient member 150 is between 2 inches and 3 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 3 inches and 4 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 4 inches and 5 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 5 inches and 6 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 6 inches and 7 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 7 inches and 8 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 8 inches and 9 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 9 inches and 10 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 11 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 12 inches and 13 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 13 inches and 14 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 14 inches and 15 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 15 inches and 16 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 16 inches and 17 inches.In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 17 inches and 18 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 18 inches and 19 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is between 19 inches and 20 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 1 inch. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 2 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 4 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 6 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 8 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 10 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 12 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 14 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 16 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 18 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 150 is greater than 20 inches.

[0038] The radius of curvature provides the resilient member 150 with spring characteristics that affect the impact response of the striking face 102. More specifically, the resilient member 150 exerts a force on both the crown 108 and the sole 114 upon impact as the radius of curvature increases. The resilient member 150 has a chord length 162 that increases upon impact. More specifically, as the radius of curvature increases upon impact, the chord length 162 increases, as will be explained in more detail below. Each of FIGS. 4A and 4B shows two superimposed views of the club head 100: one at rest before impact, and one in a deflected state at impact. In these views, the rest state is indicated by a dashed line, and the deflected state is indicated by a solid line. As clearly shown, the chord length of the resilient member 150 increases as it transitions from the rest state to the deflected state.

[0039] The elastic member 150 also functions as an expansion joint within the club head. At impact, the distance between the sole 114 and crown 108 of the club head 100 increases, resulting in an increase in the chord length 162 of the elastic member 150. The force exerted by the elastic member 150 on the crown and sole causes a greater deflection of the face compared to a golf club having a member that does not exert the same force on the crown and sole. As previously mentioned, the chord length 162 is dynamic and changes during impact. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, a first chord length 162a can be measured in a static state. Upon impact, the first chord length 162a increases to a second chord length 162b, which is measured when the elastic member 150 is in a deflected state. In other words, the first end 151 and the second end 149 of the elastic member move away from each other. The second chord length 162b is longer than the first chord length 162a. A longer chord length 162 allows for greater face deflection compared to a member that limits the change in chord length 162, such as a member with no curvature. A member with no curvature connecting the crown and sole does not provide the same dynamic benefits as a resilient member 150 with a curvature.

[0040] The first chord length 162a may be 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches. The second chord length 162b may be 1.35 inches to 2.7 inches. The change in chord length 162 between the first chord length 162a and the second chord length 162b may be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches. The second chord length 162b may be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches longer than the first chord length 162a. The first chord length 162a may be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches shorter than the second chord length 162b.

[0041] The above-described support and structure provided by the resilient member 150 allows the thickness of the striking face 102 to be reduced compared to a club head without the resilient member 150. In some embodiments, the thickness of the striking face 102 may be reduced by 5%, 10%, or 15%. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 has a maximum striking face thickness of 0.120 inches to 0.130 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the striking face 102 is 0.120 inches to 0.125 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the striking face 102 is 0.125 inches to 0.130 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking face 102 is 0.065 inches to 0.085 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking face is 0.065 inches to 0.070 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking face is 0.070 inches to 0.075 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking face 102 is 0.075 inches to 0.080 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking face is 0.080 inches to 0.085 inches. In some embodiments, the striking face 102 has a varying face thickness profile. A thinner striking face 102 results in higher ball speeds and greater distance. In some instances, the distance may increase by approximately 3 to 5 yards. Additionally, as explained further below, a club head with a similar face thickness but without the resilient member 150 is less durable.

[0042] The combination of the curved elastic member 150, the varying chord lengths 162, and the increased flexure of the crown 108 and sole 114 results in a balanced golf club head that allows for faster ball speeds while maintaining a thinner striking face 102 and durability.

[0043] 4-6, the resilient member 150 includes a front surface 152 adjacent the striking face 102, a rear surface 154 adjacent the rear 115, a heel side 156 adjacent the heel 104, and a toe side 158 adjacent the toe 106. The resilient member 150 further includes a length 160, a width 166, a depth, and a chord length 162. The length 160 is measured along the y-axis, the width 166 is measured along the x-axis, the depth 164 is measured perpendicular to the front surface 152 along the length 160 of the resilient member 150, and the chord length 162 is measured along the y-axis. The chord length 162 may be between 1.2 inches and 2.6 inches. As discussed above, the chord length 162 is a dynamic measure. The length 160 may be between 1.3 inches and 2.8 inches. The width 166 may be between 0.1 inches and 0.45 inches. The depth may be between 0.01 inches and 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the width 166 is greater than the depth 164, causing the resilient member 150 to act as a beam-like structure oriented generally parallel to the striking face 102. In this manner, the resilient member 150 is relatively stiff in the x-axis direction, resisting displacement in the x-axis direction, and relatively flexible in the y-axis direction, readily yielding to displacement in the y-axis direction. The increased flexibility in the y-axis direction allows the radius of curvature and chord length of the resilient member 150 to change upon impact.

[0044] 4C , the resilient member 150 is positioned a distance (referred to herein as the “offset distance”) rearward from the striking face 102. The offset distance 168 may be 0.01 inches to 2.0 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance 168 may be 0.01 inches to 0.5 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance 168 may be 0.5 inches to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the offset distance 168 may be 1 inch to 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance 168 may be 1.5 inches to 2 inches. The offset distance 168 varies along the length 160 of the resilient member 150. The offset distance 168 is measured perpendicular to the striking face 102 along the length 160 of the resilient member 150. The offset distance 168 of a particular resilient member 150 may create inherent stress relief, which may be desirable in some applications. For example, the resilient member 150 may be located rearward of known hitting face hot spots (i.e., locations with locally high stress values ​​on the hitting face 102). By locating the resilient member 150 relative to the hitting face hot spots, localized stresses are alleviated.

[0045] The resilient members 150 may also be positioned along the heel-toe direction of the club (referred to herein as the "lateral distance"). In some embodiments, the lateral distance is 0 to 2 inches from the face center. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is 0 to 1 inch from the face center. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is 1 to 2 inches from the face center. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is up to 2 inches from the face center toward the heel side. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is up to 1 inch from the face center toward the heel side. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is up to 2 inches from the face center toward the toe side. In some embodiments, the lateral distance is up to 1 inch from the face center toward the toe side. The lateral distance of a particular resilient member 150 may create inherent stress relief, which may be desirable in some applications. For example, the resilient members 150 may be positioned to align with the rear side of a portion of the striking face that has locally high stress values. By placing the resilient member 150 in this high stress area of ​​the striking face, the localized stress can be relieved.

[0046] The elastic member 150 may be made of multiple materials, including, but not limited to, composites, titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, and steel. The elastic member 150 may be, but is not limited to, quasi-isotropic, unidirectional, or braided quasi-isotropic. The elastic member 150 may be, but is not limited to, a laminate type, such as, but not limited to, symmetric, asymmetric, or asymmetric. The plies of the elastic member 150 may be, but are not limited to, cross-ply, angle-ply, orthotropic, or anisotropic.

[0047] The resilient member 150 may be made of a metal alloy or a composite material. In certain embodiments, the resilient member 150 is co-cast with the body 101. The resilient member 150 may be made of the same material as the body 101. The resilient member 150 may be made of a different material than the body 101. The body 101 may be made of titanium, steel, or stainless steel. The striking face 102 may be made of titanium, steel, or stainless steel. The body 101 may further include a composite portion 112 made of a fiber-reinforced polymer.

[0048] In another embodiment, club head 200 has a similar club head structure to club head 100, but includes a different resilient member 250. Elements of club head 200 that are similar to elements of club head 100 use similar reference numbers in the 200 series rather than the 100 series. Accordingly, club head 200 includes crown 208, sole 214, striking face 202, interior cavity 205, heel 204, toe 206, return portion 210, composite portion 212, and the other elements described above.

[0049] The elastic member 250 includes one or more extension members, such as living hinges 274, to accommodate additional extension between the sole 214 and the crown 208. The extension members may comprise hinges 274 (as shown), springs, elastic materials, or other materials or structures that facilitate deflection of the elastic member 250 between a resting state and a deflected state. The elastic member 250 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more living hinges 274. The living hinges 274 may be located toward the first end 251 of the elastic member 250, toward the second end 249 of the elastic member 250, at the midpoint of the elastic member 250, in the top half of the elastic member 250, or in the bottom half of the elastic member 250. In other words, the living hinges 274 may be located anywhere along the elastic member 250. In embodiments having multiple living hinges 274, the living hinges 274 may be equally or unevenly spaced. The living hinges 274 may form an included angle of 10 to 80 degrees. The included angle is measured between the first hinge leg 275 and the second hinge leg 276 of the living hinge 274. Increasing the amount of variation in the chord length 262 allows the striking face 202 greater freedom to flex. In this manner, the club head 200 may produce even faster ball speeds than the club head 200, as shown in the testing of the following example.

[0050] The elastic member 250 may provide a direct structural connection between the crown 208 and the sole 214. For example, one end of the elastic member 250 is attached to the crown 208 at a first attachment point 270, and the opposite end of the elastic member 250 is attached to the sole 214 at a second attachment point 272. The elastic member 250 may be integrally cast with the club head 200 or a portion of the club head 200 (e.g., the body 201, the barb 210, the sole 214, or the crown 208). In some embodiments, the elastic member 250 is in contact only with the crown 208 and the sole 214.

[0051] The resilient member 250 generally follows an arc shape to provide a desired impact response at the striking face 202. When viewed in the XY plane 1000, the portion of the resilient member 250 that does not have one or more living hinges 274 formed therein may have a radius of curvature. The direction of the curvature of the resilient member 250 is opposite to the direction of the curvature of the striking face bulge, and the apex of the curvature is located further rearward than the first end 251 and the second end 249 of the resilient member 250. In other words, when viewed from the striking face 202 (i.e., when viewed from the front to the rear), the curvature is concave. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the radius of curvature of the resilient member 250, excluding the portion where the living hinges are formed, is constant and is between 0.1 inches and 20 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the resilient member 250 is between 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the resilient member 250 is between 1 inch and 2 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 2 inches and 3 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 3 inches and 4 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 4 inches and 5 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 5 inches and 6 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 6 inches and 7 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 7 inches and 8 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 8 inches and 9 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 9 inches and 10 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 11 inches and 12 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 12 inches and 13 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 13 inches and 14 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 14 inches and 15 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 15 inches and 16 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 16 inches and 17 inches.In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 17 inches and 18 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 18 inches and 19 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is between 19 inches and 20 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 1 inch. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 2 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 4 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 6 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 8 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 10 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 12 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 14 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 16 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 18 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the elastic member 250 is greater than 20 inches.

[0052] The radius of curvature gives the resilient member 250 a spring characteristic that affects the impact response of the striking face. More specifically, upon impact, the resilient member 250 exerts a force on both the crown 208 and the sole 214 as the radius of curvature increases. The resilient member 250 has a chord length 262 that increases upon impact. More specifically, as the radius of curvature increases in response to impact, the chord length 262 also increases. The response of the club head 200 is similar to the response shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B for the club head 100, in that the chord length 262 increases from a rest state to a deflected state.

[0053] The elastic member 250 also functions as an expansion joint within the club head. At impact, the distance between the sole 114 and crown 108 of the club head 200 increases, resulting in an increase in the chord length 262 of the elastic member 250. The force exerted by the elastic member 250 on the crown and sole causes a greater deflection of the face compared to a golf club having a member that does not exert the same force on the crown and sole. As previously mentioned, the chord length 262 is dynamic and changes during impact. Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, a first chord length 262a can be measured in a static state. At impact, the first chord length 262a increases to a second chord length 262b, which is measured when the elastic member 250 is in a deflected state. In other words, the first end 251 and the second end 249 of the elastic member move away from each other. The second chord length 262b is longer than the first chord length 262a. The increased chord length 262 allows for greater face deflection compared to a member that limits the change in chord length 262, such as a member with no curvature. A member that does not have a curvature connecting the crown and sole does not provide the same dynamic advantage as a resilient member 250 with a curvature.

[0054] The first chord length 262a can be 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches. The second chord length 262b can be 1.35 inches to 2.7 inches. The change in chord length 262 between the first chord length 262a and the second chord length 262b can be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches. The second chord length 262b can be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches longer than the first chord length 262a. The first chord length 262a can be 0.02 inches to 0.04 inches shorter than the second chord length 262b.

[0055] 8 and 9, the resilient member 250 includes a front surface 252 adjacent the striking face 202, a rear surface 254 adjacent the rear 215, a heel side 256 adjacent the heel 204, and a toe side 258 adjacent the toe 206. The resilient member 250 further includes a length 260, a width 266, a depth, and a chord length 262. The length 260 is measured along the y-axis, the width 266 is measured along the x-axis, the depth 264 is measured perpendicular to the front surface 252 along the length 260 of the resilient member 250, and the chord length 262 is measured along the y-axis. The chord length 262 may be between 1.2 inches and 2.6 inches. As discussed above, the chord length 262 is a dynamic measure. The length 260 may be between 1.3 inches and 2.8 inches. The width 266 may be between 0.1 inches and 0.45 inches. The depth may be between 0.01 inches and 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the width 266 is greater than the depth 264, causing the resilient member 250 to function as a beam-like structure oriented generally parallel to the striking face 202. In this manner, the resilient member 250 is relatively stiff in the x-axis direction, resisting displacement in the x-axis direction, and relatively flexible in the y-axis direction, readily yielding to displacement in the y-axis direction. The increased flexibility in the y-axis direction allows the radius of curvature and chord length of the resilient member 250 to change upon impact.

[0056] (example) The exemplary club heads and control club heads used in the examples described below are described below. These club heads were used in various combinations in various performance tests, as further detailed below.

[0057] The first exemplary club head included a resilient member similar to the resilient member described above with respect to club head 100. The resilient member of the first exemplary club head was continuously curved and had a radius of curvature of 3 inches. The first exemplary club head had a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches.

[0058] The second exemplary club head included a resilient member similar to the resilient member described above with respect to club head 200. The resilient member of the second exemplary club head was generally curved with a radius of curvature of 3 inches, but included a living hinge. The first exemplary club head had a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches.

[0059] The first control club head was a conventional club head in which the structural members connecting the sole and crown had no curvature. In other words, the first control club head had straight structural members that limited the movement of the crown and sole. The first control club head had a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches.

[0060] The second control club head was a conventional club head. The second control club head did not have a crown-to-sole connecting member. The second control club head had a maximum face thickness of 0.132 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.082 inches.

[0061] The third control club head had a thin striking face structure but no crown-to-sole connecting member. The third control club head had a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches.

[0062] (Example 1) The first performance test compared the internal energy resulting from impact between the first exemplary club head, the second exemplary club head, and the first control club head. The first performance test consisted of a golf ball impact simulation with the first exemplary club head, the second exemplary club head, and the first control club head. The simulation involved impacting a golf ball-shaped object at 100 MPH with the geometric center of the club head. The results of the first performance test were as follows: the internal energy of the first exemplary club head was 83.6 lbf-inch, the internal energy of the second exemplary club head was 89.4 lbf-inch, and the internal energy of the first control club head was 74.8 lbf-inch.

[0063] Simulations of the first performance test demonstrated that the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head responded with greater internal energy to similar test impacts compared to the first control club head. The first exemplary club head had 8.8 lbf-inches more internal energy than the first control club head. This increased internal energy resulted in ball speeds approximately 0.25 to 4 MPH faster. The second exemplary club head had 14.6 lbf-inches more internal energy than the first control club head, resulting in ball speeds approximately 0.25 to 4 MPH faster.

[0064] Furthermore, in the first performance test, the first exemplary club head had a chord length change of 0.021 inches, the second exemplary club head had a chord length change of 0.029 inches, and the first control club head had a chord length change of 0.012 inches. The chord length change increased the distance between the crown and the sole, allowing the face to flex more easily. The chord length change of the first exemplary club head was 0.009 inches greater than the first control club head. The chord length change of the second exemplary club head was 0.017 inches greater than the first control club head. The smaller chord length change of the first control club head was due to the elastic member having a linear shape (i.e., not curved). A club head with a larger chord length change generates more deflection within the club, resulting in faster ball speeds.

[0065] The first performance test demonstrated that the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head produced higher ball speeds than the first control club head. The first performance test also demonstrated that the non-flexed components limited crown and sole movement, as evidenced by the significant difference in chord length change between the first control club head and the first and second exemplary club heads. Referring to FIG. 10 , the first exemplary club head 400 is shown before impact and the first exemplary club head 490 is shown at maximum deflection during impact, superimposed on each other. Referring to FIG. 11 , the second exemplary club head 500 is shown before impact and the second exemplary club head 590 is shown at maximum deflection during impact, superimposed on each other. Referring to FIG. 12 , the first control club head 600 is shown before impact and the first control club head 690 is shown at maximum deflection during impact, superimposed on each other. 10-12, the amount of chord length change is greater in the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head than in the first control club head. That is, the first control club head limits face flex compared to the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head. Therefore, the first control club head is a less efficient design that does not provide the same increase in ball speed as the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head.

[0066] (Example 2) In a second performance test, ball speeds resulting from impact were compared between the first exemplary club head and the second control club head. In the second performance test, 15 players played 10 shots with the first exemplary club head and 10 shots with the second control club head. Data for each shot, including ball speed, was recorded during the test. At the end of the test, the data for each club was averaged. Referring to FIG. 13 , the ball speed for the first exemplary club head was 159.1 MPH, and the ball speed for the second control club head was 158.3 MPH.

[0067] A second performance test demonstrated that the first exemplary club head with a curved elastic member and a thin face produced a ball speed 0.8 MPH faster than a second control club head with a thick face and no crown-to-sole connecting member. This increase in ball speed was due to the expansion joint function of the elastic member and the thin face of the first exemplary club head.

[0068] (Example 3) In a third performance test, ball speeds resulting from impact were compared between the second exemplary club head and the second control club head. In the third performance test, 15 players played 10 shots with the first exemplary club head and 10 shots with the second control club head. Data for each shot, including ball speed, was recorded during the test. At the end of the test, the data for each club was averaged. Referring to FIG. 14 , the ball speed for the second exemplary club head was 159.8 MPH. The ball speed for the second control club head was 158.7 MPH.

[0069] A third performance test demonstrated that the second exemplary club head with a curved elastic member and a thin face with an integral hinge produced a ball speed 1.1 MPH faster than a second control club head with a thick face and no crown-to-sole connecting member. The expansion joint function of the thin face and elastic member of the second exemplary club head resulted in this increased ball speed.

[0070] (Example 4) In a fourth performance test, durability was compared between the first exemplary club head and the second control club head. The fourth performance test consisted of a durability test in which each club head was subjected to 2,000 golf ball impacts at 120 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 130 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 140 MPH, and 500 golf ball impacts at 150 MPH. The number of impacts was measured until the golf club head broke.

[0071] As visually illustrated in the bar graph of Figure 15, the first exemplary club head broke after 2,346 golf ball impacts and the second control club head broke after 2,298 golf ball impacts. The curved resilient member provided durability to the striking face area of ​​the first exemplary club head. A fourth performance test demonstrated that the first exemplary club head with the curved resilient member and thin face maintained durability compared to the second control club head.

[0072] (Example 5) In a fifth performance test, durability was compared between the second exemplary club head and the second control club head. The fifth performance test consisted of a durability test in which each club head was subjected to 2,000 golf ball impacts at 120 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 130 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 140 MPH, and 500 golf ball impacts at 150 MPH. The number of impacts was measured until the golf club head broke.

[0073] As visually illustrated in the bar graph of FIG. 15, the second exemplary club head broke after 2,221 golf ball impacts. The second control club head broke after 2,298 golf ball impacts. The curved, resilient member with an integral hinge proved to provide durability to the striking face area of ​​the second exemplary club head. The fifth performance test demonstrated that the second exemplary club head, which includes a curved, resilient member with an integral hinge and a thin face, maintains its durability equivalent to that of the second control club head.

[0074] (Example 6) In a sixth performance test, durability was compared between the first exemplary club head, the second exemplary club head, and the third control club head. The sixth performance test consisted of a durability test in which each club head was subjected to 2,000 golf ball impacts at 120 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 130 MPH, 500 golf ball impacts at 140 MPH, and 500 golf ball impacts at 150 MPH. The number of impacts was measured until the golf club head broke.

[0075] As visually illustrated in the bar graph of FIG. 15, the first exemplary club head broke after 2,346 golf ball impacts. The second exemplary club head broke after 2,221 golf ball impacts. The third control club head broke after 1,617 golf ball impacts. In the sixth performance test, the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head proved to be more durable than the third control club head.

[0076] (Example 7) The seventh performance test compared the internal energy resulting from impact between the first exemplary club head and the second control club head. The seventh performance test consisted of a golf ball impact simulation with the first exemplary club head and the second control club head. The simulation involved impacting a golf ball-shaped object at 100 MPH with the geometric center of the striking face of the club head. The internal energy of the first exemplary club head was 83.6 lbf-inch. The internal energy of the second control club head was 82.1 lbf-inch.

[0077] The first exemplary club head had a higher internal energy than the first control club head. The first exemplary club head had a higher internal energy by 1.5 lbf-inch than the first control club head. The increase in internal energy of the first exemplary club head resulted in a ball speed increase of approximately 0.25 to 4 MPH (equivalent to a 1 to 3 yard increase) compared to the second control club head.

[0078] (Example 8) The eighth performance test compared the internal energy resulting from impact between the second exemplary club head and the second control club head. The eighth performance test consisted of a golf ball impact simulation with the second exemplary club head and the second control club head. The simulation involved impacting a golf ball-shaped object at 100 MPH with the geometric center of the striking face of the golf club head. The internal energy of the second exemplary club head was 89.4 lbf-inch. The internal energy of the second control club head was 82.1 lbf-inch.

[0079] The second exemplary club head had a higher internal energy than the first control club head. The second exemplary club head had a higher internal energy of 7.3 lbf-inch than the first control club head. The increase in internal energy of the first exemplary club head resulted in approximately 0.25 to 4 MPH faster ball speeds (equivalent to 1 to 3 yards more) compared to the second control club head.

[0080] The above examples demonstrate that the use of curved elastic members or curved elastic members with integral hinges results in higher ball speeds compared to industry standard golf club heads or club heads with non-curved members. The elastic members result in golf club heads that provide higher ball speeds while maintaining durability.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a striking face having a striking surface for impacting a golf ball; a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a butt end, the striking face and the body being connected to each other and enclosing an internal cavity; an elastic member disposed within the internal cavity and extending between the crown and the sole, the elastic member having a first end connected to the crown and a second end connected to the sole; The elastic member has a generally curved shape, The elastic member is integrally formed with the body. Golf club head.

2. the elastic member is configured to bend between a rest state before impact with the golf ball and a flexed state after impact with the golf ball, In the rest state, the elastic member defines a first chord length; In the deflected state, the elastic member defines a second chord length that is greater than the first chord length. The golf club head according to claim 1 .

3. the resilient member comprises a material selected from the group consisting of spring steel and titanium; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

4. the resilient member being spaced rearwardly from the striking face by an offset distance of at least 0.5 inches; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

5. the elastic member has a radius of curvature of 3 inches to 10 inches; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

6. the elastic member further comprises a living hinge; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

7. the striking face having a face center; The elastic member is arranged along a heel-toe direction so as to be aligned with the face center. The golf club head according to claim 1 .

8. the striking face having a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches; The golf club head according to claim 1 .

9. A golf club head, a striking face having a striking surface for impacting a golf ball; a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a butt end, the striking face and the body being connected to each other and enclosing an internal cavity; an elastic member disposed within the internal cavity and extending between the crown and the sole, the elastic member having a first end connected to the crown and a second end connected to the sole; The elastic member has a generally curved shape, the resilient member is mechanically attached to the club head; Golf club head.

10. the elastic member is configured to bend between a rest state before impact with the golf ball and a flexed state after impact with the golf ball, In the rest state, the elastic member defines a first chord length; In the deflected state, the elastic member defines a second chord length that is greater than the first chord length. The golf club head according to claim 9.

11. the elastic member further comprises a living hinge; The golf club head according to claim 9.

12. the striking face having a maximum face thickness of 0.124 inches and a minimum face thickness of 0.074 inches; The golf club head according to claim 9.

13. the elastic member has a radius of curvature of 3 inches to 10 inches; The golf club head according to claim 9.

14. A golf club head, a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, a toe, and a rear; a striking face connected to the body and defining an interior cavity, the striking face having a striking surface for impacting a golf ball and defining a face center; an x-axis that passes through the face center and extends horizontally in a direction from the heel toward the toe; a y-axis that is perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the face center and extends perpendicularly in a direction from the sole toward the crown; a z-axis that is perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis and extends horizontally through the face center in a direction from the striking face toward the rear; an elastic member disposed within the internal cavity, the elastic member having a first end attached to the crown and a second end attached to the sole; The elastic member has a curved shape, When viewed in a YZ plane defined by the y-axis and the z-axis, the curved shape is convex with respect to the striking face. Golf club head.

15. The elastic member is an elastic member width measured along the x-axis; a resilient member height measured along the y-axis; and a resilient member depth measured along the z-axis; The width of the elastic member is greater than the thickness of the elastic member. The golf club head of claim 14.

16. the elastic member is configured to bend between a rest state before impact with the golf ball and a flexed state after impact with the golf ball, In the rest state, the elastic member defines a first chord length; In the deflected state, the elastic member defines a second chord length that is greater than the first chord length. The golf club head of claim 14.

17. the elastic member further comprises a living hinge; The golf club head of claim 14.

18. The elastic member is arranged along a heel-toe direction so as to be aligned with the face center. The golf club head of claim 14.

19. the elastic member has a radius of curvature of 3 inches to 10 inches; The golf club head of claim 14.

20. the elastic member width is 0.1 to 0.45 inches; the elastic member depth is 0.01 to 0.2 inches; The golf club head of claim 14.

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