Golf club head with uniformed impact response

Abstract

A wood-type golf club head with uniform impact response across the club face, wherein the club head components provide structural rigidity to the club head at rest and during low energy impacts, and are capable of deflecting during high energy impacts.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The present invention 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, adjusting the center of gravity location, moment of inertia value, and variable face configuration can improve the forgiveness, ball speed, ball trajectory, or other performance characteristics of a golf club head. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has implemented rules that limit certain performance characteristics of clubs.

[0004] Some club faces that would otherwise comply with these Rules may be deemed non-conforming due to the presence of discrete areas of excessive impact response, known as "hot spots." Test impacts with hot spots may result in an impact response that would cause the club to be deemed non-conforming. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a wood-type golf club head that provides a consistent impact response across the club's 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 4A]1 is a cross-sectional side view of a wood-type golf club head having an uniformed ball strike response; [Figure 4B] 4B is an enlarged side view in cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4B is a perspective view in cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 4A. [Figure 6] 4B is a cross-sectional top view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 4A. FIG. [Figure 7] 4B is a perspective view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 4A with the front portion removed to show the interior of the wood-type club head. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 4 in a rear cross section. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a side view in cross section of an embodiment of a wood-type golf club head having a dampened response. [Figure 10] 10 is an enlarged side view of the cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a perspective view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 9 with the front portion removed to show the interior of the wood-type club head. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a rear view in cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a side view in cross section of an embodiment of a wood-type golf club head having a dampened response. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] 14 is a perspective view of the wood-type club head of FIG. 13 with the front portion removed to show the interior of the wood-type club head. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view in cross section of the wood-type club head of FIG. 13. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view in cross section of a wood-type golf club head having a dampened response. [Figure 18A] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view in cross section of a component having a dampened response. [Figure 18B] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view in cross section of a component having a dampened response. [Figure 19] 10 is a graph showing the change over time in internal energy of three types of wood-type club heads. [Figure 20] 10 is a graph showing the change over time in internal energy of three types of wood-type club heads. [Figure 21A] 10 is a graph showing the change over time in reaction force of two types of wood-type club heads. [Figure 21B] 10 is a graph showing the change in displacement over time of two types of wood-type club heads. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in this specification and claims, when any, are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It is to be understood that terms so used may be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein are capable of operating in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise" and "have," and variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus consisting of a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0007] In this specification and claims, terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and the like, when any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the device, method, and / or article of manufacture embodiments described herein are capable of operation in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein, for example.

[0008] The terms "coupled," "coupled," "coupled," "coupling," and the like should be understood broadly and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals in an electrical, mechanical, and / or other manner.

[0009] As used herein, a "driver golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, or less than about 10 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, a "driver golf club head" as used herein has a volume 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.

[0010] As used herein, a "fairway wood golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, 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.

[0011] Additionally, as used herein, a "fairway wood golf club head" has a volume of less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood may be between about 150 cc and 200 cc, between 150 cc and 250 cc, between about 150 cc and 300 cc, between about 150 cc and 350 cc, between about 150 cc and 400 cc, between about 300 cc and 400 cc, between about 325 cc and 400 cc, between about 350 cc and 400 cc, between about 250 cc and 400 cc, between about 250 cc and 350 cc, or between about 275 cc and 375 cc.

[0012] As used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid 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.

[0013] Additionally, as used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a volume of less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the hybrid may be between about 100 cc and 150 cc, between 75 cc and 150 cc, between about 100 cc and 125 cc, or between about 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0014] As used herein, the "XYZ" coordinate system of the golf club head is based on the geometric center of the striking face. Dimensions of the golf club head used herein may be measured based on the coordinate system defined below. The geometric center of the striking face defines a coordinate system with its origin located at the geometric center of the striking face. The coordinate system defines an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in a heel-to-toe direction for a fairway-type club head. The Y-axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in a crown-to-sole direction for a golf club head. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis. The Z-axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in a front-to-back direction for a golf club head. The Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis.

[0015] As used herein, the term or phrase "center of gravity location" or "CG location" refers to the location of the center of gravity (CG) of a club head relative to a secondary coordinate system, characterized by its location along the X', Y', and Z' axes. The term "CGx" may refer to the CG location along the X' axis, measured from the origin. The term "CG height" may refer to the CG location along the Y' axis, measured from the origin. The term "CGy" may be synonymous with CG height. The term "CG depth" may refer to the CG location along the Z' axis, measured from the origin. The term "CGz" may be synonymous with CG depth.

[0016] As used herein, the term or phrase "moment of inertia" (hereinafter "MOI") is a value measured with respect to the CG. As used herein, the term "Ixx" refers to the MOI measured in a heel-to-toe direction parallel to the X-axis. As used herein, the term "Iyy" refers to the MOI measured in a sole-to-crown direction parallel to the Y-axis. As used herein, the term "Izz" refers to the MOI measured in a front-to-back direction parallel to the Z-axis. The MOI values, MOIxx, MOIyy, and MOIzz, determine how forgiving a club head is for off-center impacts with a golf ball. The higher the moment of inertia Ixx and moment of inertia Iyy, the better the feel, forgiveness, and controllability of the club head.

[0017] The golf club heads described herein may be formed from a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a combination of a metal and a composite material. For example, but not limited to, the golf club heads may be formed from steel, a steel alloy, a stainless steel alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, a titanium alloy, an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar materials. By way of further example, golf club heads may be made of C250 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 15-5 stainless steel, 13-8 stainless steel, 431 stainless steel, 8620 stainless steel, 4140 stainless steel, 4340 stainless steel, 4130 stainless steel, 4330 stainless steel, 4335 stainless steel, T9s+ titanium, Ti 6-4 titanium, HST-220 titanium, TSG 1 titanium, TSG 2 titanium, TSG 3 titanium, Ti 6-22-22 titanium, Ti 10-2-3 titanium, Ti 6-6-2 titanium, Ti 15-5-3 titanium, Ti 15-3-3-3 titanium, Beta-C titanium, SJ721 titanium, Super TiX-51AF titanium, SSAT-2041 titanium, and SP700 It can be made from, but is not limited to, titanium.

[0018] As used herein, the term "characteristic time" (CT) refers to a measurement used to determine the time, in microseconds (μs), that a golf ball makes contact with the striking face at the moment of impact. Characteristic time is measured by impacting a specific location on the striking face with a small steel pendulum ball. Characteristic time measurements are performed on wood-type club heads, such as drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. A computer program measures the time it takes for the ball to make contact with the striking face at the moment of impact. CT values ​​were determined based on the method outlined in the USGA Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Protocol. For example, reference is made to Section 2 (hereinafter "Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Protocol") of the USGA Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Protocol (USGA-TPX3004, Revision 2.0, April 9, 2019).

[0019] As used herein, the term "spline method" refers to a method for determining where the curvature of a surface changes. For example, spline method may be used to determine where the curvature of a surface deviates from the bulge and roll curvature of the striking face of a golf club head. Spline method may be implemented by applying splines to the curved surface at regular intervals so that the splines indicate where a significant change in curvature begins.

[0020] As used herein, the term "striking face perimeter" can be located along the outer edge of the striking face where the curvature of the striking face deviates from the bulge and roll curvature. The striking face has a striking face area measured within the boundary of the striking face perimeter. One approach may be to use the spline method described above to determine the location of the outer edge where the curvature deviates from the bulge and roll curvature of the striking face.

[0021] As used herein, the term "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club refers to the angle formed between the striking face and the shaft as measured by any suitable loft-lie measuring device.

[0022] As used herein, the term "geometric center point" may refer to the geometric center point of the striking face perimeter as well as the midpoint of the face height of the striking face. In similar or other embodiments, the geometric center point may be centered relative to an artificial impact zone, which may be defined by an area of ​​grooves on the striking face. Alternatively, the geometric center point of the striking face may be located according to the definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0023] As used herein, the term "ground plane" may refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball rests. The ground plane may be the horizontal plane that contacts the sole at address.

[0024] As used herein, the term "face height" may refer to the distance measured parallel to the loft plane between the top of the striking face perimeter and the bottom of the striking face perimeter.

[0025] As used herein, the term "lie angle" may refer to the angle between the hosel axis extending through the hosel and the ground plane. The lie angle is measured from a front view.

[0026] As used herein, the "loft plane" of a driver-type golf club head is a plane tangent to the geometric center of the striking face. The loft plane forms a loft angle with the contact plane.

[0027] As used herein, the term "loft angle" may refer to the angle measured between the loft plane and the XY plane.

[0028] As used herein, the "depth" of a driver-type golf club head may be defined as the dimension from the front to the rear of the driver-type golf club head.

[0029] As used herein, the "height" of a driver-type golf club head may be defined as the dimension from the crown to the sole of the driver-type club head. In many embodiments, the height of the club head may be measured in accordance with a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0030] As used herein, the "length" of a driver-type golf club head may be defined as the heel-to-toe dimension of the driver-type club head. In many embodiments, the length of the club head may be measured in accordance with a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0031] As used herein, the "face height" of a driver-type golf club head may be defined as the height measured parallel to the loft plane between the top of the striking face perimeter near the crown and the bottom of the striking face perimeter near the sole. In these embodiments, the striking face perimeter may be located along the outer edge of the striking face where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or roll of the striking face.

[0032] As used herein, the "geometric center" of a driver-type golf club head is the geometric center point of the striking face perimeter. Alternatively, the geometric center of the striking face may be located according to the definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0033] As used herein, the "geometric center height" of a driver-type golf club head is the height measured perpendicularly from the ground surface toward the geometric center of the driver-type club head.

[0034] As used herein, the "leading edge" of a driver-type golf club head may be identified as the sole-most portion of the striking face perimeter, e.g., the leading edge of a driver-type golf club head is the transition from the roll and bulge of the striking face to the sole of the driver-type golf club head.

[0035] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before any embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or to the embodiments and arrangements of components 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 a particular embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, as all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are covered by the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0036] 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 for uniforming impact response across the striking face. The uniformed impact response allows other aspects of the golf club head to be modified to improve overall performance. For example, reducing the thickness of the striking face of the golf club head can increase ball speed and / or other performance characteristics. The striking face is secured to a body to define an internal cavity. A resilient member extends from the body toward the striking face and is contactable with the rear surface of the striking face. Prior to impact, the resilient member is in an undeflected initial state. Upon impact, the resilient member elastically deforms to a deflected state, thereby storing potential energy. When the resilient member returns to its undeflected state, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy that is transferred to the striking face and, ultimately, the golf ball. The resilient member may be configured to uniform the reaction force of the striking face upon impact. Additionally, this feature allows for greater freedom in the design of the striking face, either directly by releasing kinetic energy back into the striking face, or indirectly by allowing other features of the golf club head, such as striking face thickness, to be varied.

[0037] (I. Overview of Golf Club Heads) 1-3, a wood-type golf club head 100 (hereinafter also referred to as a "club head") includes an elastic member. The club head 100 is depicted in various views. The club head 100 generally includes features of a club head as described herein. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the club head 100. The club head 100 may include a striking face 102 and a body 110, the striking face 102 and the body 110 secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior cavity. The club head 100 may include a front portion and a rear portion. The club head may further include a crown 108, a sole 114 opposite the crown 108, a heel 104, a toe 106 opposite the heel 104, a front portion, and a rear portion opposite the front portion. Furthermore, the sole 114 may have an inner surface 126 facing the interior cavity and an outer surface opposite the inner surface 126. The body 110 may further include a skirt or rear edge located between and adjacent the crown 108 and the sole 114 , the skirt extending from adjacent the heel 104 to adjacent the toe 106 of the club head 100 .

[0038] As described above, the striking face 102 and the body 110 may define an internal cavity of the club head. The body 110 may extend around the crown 108, sole 114, heel 104, toe 106, rear portion, and front portion. In these embodiments, the body 110 defines an opening in front of the club head 100, and the striking face 102 is positioned within the opening to form the club head 100. In some embodiments, the striking face may extend around the front portion and include a return portion (not shown) extending rearward from the striking face. The return portion may extend around at least one of the crown, sole, heel, and toe. In embodiments including a return portion, the return portion of the striking face is secured to the body to form the club head. In these embodiments, the club head may resemble a cup-face or face-wrap design.

[0039] The club head 100 may further include a hosel structure. The hosel structure may receive a hosel sleeve and a golf shaft, and the hosel sleeve may be coupled to the end of the golf shaft (not shown). The hosel sleeve may be coupled to the hosel structure in multiple configurations, allowing the golf shaft to be secured to the hosel structure at multiple angles. In some embodiments, although not shown, the hosel sleeve is not hidden within the tubular portion of the hosel structure. Thus, at least a portion of the hosel sleeve is exposed to the internal cavity, meaning that at least a portion of the outer wall of the shaft sleeve is exposed to the internal cavity. In some embodiments, the hosel sleeve may comprise an open hosel.

[0040] Club head 100 may further include a weight port 116 configured to receive a removable weight. In many embodiments, weight port 116 may be located in sole 114 and / or skirt. Club head 100 may also include a mass pad or weight pad (hereinafter "mass pad"). In many embodiments, the mass pad may be located on sole 114 and within the internal cavity. In some embodiments, the mass pad may be located on sole 114 and skirt, as well as within the internal cavity. In some embodiments, club head 100 may further include one or more weight ports and one or more mass pads. Removable weights 118 and mass pads allow for adjustment of moment of inertia (MOI) characteristics and center of gravity (CG) location.

[0041] The addition of elastic members can alter the flex of the club head during impact. This allows for the removal of support structures such as ribs and saves free mass that can be redistributed throughout the club head. This additional free mass can be used to improve various parameters of the golf club head, such as CG location, MOI, spin, durability, mitigation and stabilization of CT across the striking face, and stress management across the striking face.

[0042] As described above, the club head may have a striking face, the striking face having a rear surface facing the internal cavity and a striking surface opposite the rear surface. As described in more detail below, the rear surface may contact a resilient member. The striking face further defines a thickness measured between the striking surface and the rear surface. The striking face may have a variable thickness profile, having a striking face maximum thickness and a striking face minimum thickness. The addition of a resilient member in contact with the rear surface mitigates and stabilizes the CT across the striking face, allowing for a more uniform impact response, thereby enabling a thinner striking face and improved ball speeds. The addition of a resilient member also allows for a thinner striking face, reducing the maximum striking face thickness by up to 10% and the minimum striking face thickness by up to 10%.

[0043] (II. Elastic Member) The club head may include a resilient member. The resilient member equalizes impact response across the striking face, thereby directly or indirectly improving other performance characteristics of the golf club head. The resilient member may extend upward from the sole and curve toward the striking face. The geometry, material, and location of the resilient member can directly affect how the resilient member reacts upon impact and, therefore, the impact response of the striking face. Additionally, by equalizing impact response, the resilient member improves durability and allows for modifications to other components of the club head for improved performance, such as thinner striking faces. In some embodiments, the resilient member may provide structural rigidity to the golf club head at rest and during low-energy impacts. In some embodiments, the resilient member may provide flexure during high-energy impacts.

[0044] (A.Bass) The resilient member may include a base and a contact member. The base may include a free end and a proximal end. In some embodiments, the base may be a solid structure having a front surface and a rear surface. In some embodiments, the base may have a structure that defines a cavity. The base may include a first arm, a second arm, and a proximal end, forming the cavity. The first arm may further include a front surface and a first rear surface, and the second arm may further include a second front surface and a rear surface. The first rear surface and the second front surface provide attachment points for multiple support members, as described in more detail below.

[0045] The front and rear surfaces may be spaced apart from one another at a proximal end. Additionally, the front and rear surfaces may converge and connect at a free end. The free end may provide a connection point for the contact member. The geometry and arrangement of the resilient member, and more specifically, the geometry and arrangement of the front and rear surfaces, may cause the contact member to be preloaded against the rear surface of the striking face.

[0046] As described above, the base end may further define a forward-most point and a rearward-most point. The forward-most point may correspond to the anterior surface, and the rearward-most point may correspond to the posterior surface. In such embodiments, the base may include a plurality of support members extending between the first posterior surface and the second anterior surface, as described below.

[0047] The base may be made of a single material or multiple materials, examples of which include, but are not limited to, composites, titanium, aluminum, and steel. The base may be, but is not limited to, quasi-isotropic, unidirectional, or braided quasi-isotropic. The base may be, but is not limited to, a symmetric, antisymmetric, or asymmetric laminate type. The plies of the base may be, but are not limited to, cross-ply, angled-ply, orthotropic, or anisotropic. The base material may be selected to ensure the resilient member is strong enough to withstand the transfer of energy applied during impact, while being lightweight enough to ensure it does not significantly affect the MOI or CG of the club head.

[0048] The base may further have a base height. The base height may be defined as the distance from the ground plane to the topmost point of the base in a direction parallel to the y-axis. In some embodiments, the base height may be between 0.50 inches and 1.50 inches. In some embodiments, the base height may be between 0.50 inches and 0.60 inches, 0.60 inches and 0.70 inches, 0.70 inches and 0.80 inches, 0.80 inches and 0.90 inches, 0.90 inches and 1.00 inches, 1.00 inches and 1.10 inches, 1.10 inches and 1.20 inches, 1.20 inches and 1.30 inches, 1.30 inches and 1.40 inches, or 1.40 inches and 1.50 inches.

[0049] The base may further have a mass. The base mass may be between 0.50 grams and 3.00 grams. In some embodiments, the base mass may be between 0.50 grams and 0.75 grams, between 0.75 grams and 1.00 grams, between 1.00 grams and 1.25 grams, between 1.25 grams and 1.50 grams, between 1.50 grams and 1.75 grams, between 1.75 grams and 2.00 grams, between 2.00 grams and 2.25 grams, between 2.25 grams and 2.50 grams, between 2.50 grams and 2.75 grams, or between 2.75 grams and 3.00 grams. As previously mentioned, it may be advantageous to keep the base mass as low as possible without sacrificing durability.

[0050] (a. proximal end) More specifically, the base may extend arcuately upward and forward from the sole from a proximal end to a free end. The proximal end may provide a connection point between the resilient member and the sole. In some embodiments, the resilient member base may be cast with the club head body. In some embodiments, the resilient member base may be formed as a separate piece that is then joined to the body. In such embodiments, the resilient member base may be cast separately from the body and secured to the sole by various connection means. The connection means may be selected from the group consisting of plasma welding, laser welding, adhesives, brazing, and any suitable mechanical attachment means.

[0051] The distance between the most forward point of the base and the most rearward point of the base can be defined. The distance between the most forward point and the most rearward point of the base can define a proximal depth. In some embodiments, the proximal depth can be between 0.25 inches and 1.00 inches. In some embodiments, the proximal depth can be between 0.25 inches and 0.40 inches, 0.40 inches and 0.55 inches, 0.55 inches and 0.70 inches, 0.70 inches and 0.85 inches, or 0.85 inches and 1.00 inches. The proximal depth affects the stability of the elastic member; a greater proximal depth results in a more stable elastic member, thus increasing durability.

[0052] The distance between the front surface and the rear surface may be defined as the surface distance. The surface distance may be measured in a direction parallel to the z-axis. The surface distance may be greatest at the base end. The surface distance may vary to decrease toward the rear surface of the striking face. The surface distance may decrease until the front surface and the rear surface join to form a free end. The maximum value of the surface distance may be substantially the same as the base depth.

[0053] The location at which the resilient member is attached to the sole relative to the striking face can affect the preload force applied to the striking face prior to impact and the response of the resilient member at impact. The forward base distance may be defined as the distance from the forward-most point of the base end to the loft plane in a direction parallel to the z-axis. In some embodiments, the forward base distance may be between 0.25 inches and 4.00 inches. In some embodiments, the forward base distance can be 0.25 inches to 0.50 inches, 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches, 0.75 inches to 1.00 inches, 1.00 inches to 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches to 1.50 inches, 1.50 inches to 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches to 2.00 inches, 2.00 inches to 2.25 inches, 2.25 inches to 2.50 inches, 2.50 inches to 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches to 3.00 inches, 3.00 inches to 3.25 inches, 3.25 inches to 3.50 inches, 3.50 inches to 3.75 inches, or 3.75 inches to 4.00 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the forward base distance is 0.64 inches.

[0054] Additionally, the rear base distance may be defined as the distance from the rearmost point of the base end to the loft plane in a direction parallel to the z-axis. In some embodiments, the rear base distance may be between 0.50 inches and 5.00 inches. In some embodiments, the aft base distance can be 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches, 0.75 inches to 1.00 inches, 1.00 inches to 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches to 1.50 inches, 1.50 inches to 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches to 2.00 inches, 2.00 inches to 2.25 inches, 2.25 inches to 2.50 inches, 2.50 inches to 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches to 3.00 inches, 3.00 inches to 3.25 inches, 3.25 inches to 3.50 inches, 3.50 inches to 3.75 inches, 3.75 inches to 4.00 inches, 4.00 inches to 4.25 inches, 4.25 inches to 4.50 inches, 4.50 inches to 4.75 inches, or 4.75 inches to 5.00 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the aft base distance is 1.225 inches. As previously mentioned, the location of the resilient member on the sole relative to the striking face, along with the curvature of the base, can affect the preload force and impact response of the resilient member.

[0055] The base may further have a base heel side and a base toe side, where the base heel side is the side closest to the heel and the base toe side is the side closest to the toe. In some embodiments, the base heel side and the base toe side are parallel, which facilitates manufacturing and provides the desired durability throughout the base.

[0056] The base may further define a base thickness. The base thickness may be defined as the distance between the base toe side and the base heel side in a direction parallel to the x-axis. In some embodiments, the base thickness may be between 0.025 inches and 1.025 inches. In some embodiments, the base thickness may be between 0.025 inches and 0.125 inches, 0.125 inches and 0.225 inches, 0.225 inches and 0.325 inches, 0.325 inches and 0.425 inches, 0.425 inches and 0.525 inches, 0.525 inches and 0.625 inches, 0.625 inches and 0.725 inches, 0.725 inches and 0.825 inches, 0.825 inches and 0.925 inches, or 0.925 inches and 1.025 inches. The base thickness may be thick enough to ensure durability, yet thin enough to avoid unnecessary mass. In some embodiments, the base thickness may be variable. In some embodiments, the base thickness may be constant.

[0057] The base may define a proximal area, which is the surface area of ​​the sole 114 that the proximal end contacts. In some embodiments, the proximal area is 0.025 in 2 ~1.025in 2 In some embodiments, the proximal area is 0.025 in 2 ~0.125in 2 , 0.125in 2 ~0.225in 2 , 0.225in 2 ~0.325in 2 , 0.325in 2 ~0.425in 2 , 0.425in 2 ~0.525in 2 , 0.525in 2 ~0.625in 2 , 0.625in 2 ~0.725in 2 , 0.725in 2 ~0.825in 2 , 0.825in 2 ~0.925in 2 , or 0.925 in2 ~1.025in 2 The butt area is dependent on the butt depth and the thickness at the butt end. The butt area is large enough to ensure durability without adding unnecessary mass. A butt area that is too small can lead to breakage, while a butt area that is too large can add unnecessary mass and shift the center of gravity toward the striking face.

[0058] (b. Relatively rigid area) The base may further include a relatively rigid section extending from the base end to the intermediate section. The intermediate section may extend in a curved manner from the relatively rigid section toward the striking face. In some embodiments, the intermediate section extends from the relatively rigid section to the free end. In such embodiments, the base can act as a rigid structure with little or no flex. In some embodiments, the intermediate section may further include a flex zone, the flex zone extending from the intermediate section to the free end. In such embodiments, the base can act as a flexible structure.

[0059] The resilient member, more specifically the base, may have a shape that supports the contact member in a fixed position against the rear surface of the striking face. In some embodiments, the base has an arcuate shape that extends upward from the sole and forward from the base end to the free end. The relatively stiff section may extend relatively uniformly from the base end. The front and rear surfaces of the relatively stiff section may extend linearly from the base end to the intermediate section. The front and rear surfaces of the relatively stiff section are parallel.

[0060] In some embodiments, the relatively stiff section may extend at a constant radius. The relatively stiff section may include a constant curvature such that the radius of the forward surface (hereinafter, the first stiff section radius) and the radius of the rear edge (hereinafter, the second stiff section radius) within the intermediate section remain constant. The relatively stiff section may include multiple sections with different radii. For example, the stiff section may have at least a first stiff section radius and a second stiff section radius. The relatively stiff section comprises a variable curvature, such that the first stiff section radius and the second stiff section radius increase as the intermediate section extends from the relatively stiff section toward the striking face.

[0061] The elastic member, more specifically, the relatively stiff portion, may further have a base first angle and a base second angle. The base first angle may be defined as the angle between the ground contact surface and a first base axis, the first base axis tangent to the front surface of the base at the point where the front surface of the base contacts the sole 114. In some embodiments, the base first angle may be between 45 degrees and 85 degrees. In some embodiments, the base first angle may be between 45 degrees and 50 degrees, between 50 degrees and 55 degrees, between 55 degrees and 60 degrees, between 60 degrees and 65 degrees, between 65 degrees and 70 degrees, between 70 degrees and 75 degrees, between 75 degrees and 80 degrees, or between 80 degrees and 85 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the base first angle is 80 degrees. The base first angle may affect the stability, and therefore, more importantly, the durability, of the elastic member. Furthermore, the base angle and proximal depth may affect how the elastic member bends as impact forces are transferred from the striking face to the elastic member and then back to the striking face.

[0062] The base second angle may be defined as the angle between the ground contact surface and the second base axis, which is tangent to the rear surface of the base at the point where the rear surface meets the sole. The base second angle may be between 30 degrees and 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the base second angle may be between 30 degrees and 35 degrees, between 35 degrees and 40 degrees, between 40 degrees and 45 degrees, between 45 degrees and 50 degrees, between 50 degrees and 55 degrees, between 55 degrees and 60 degrees, between 60 degrees and 65 degrees, or between 65 degrees and 70 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the base second angle is 60 degrees. The base second angle may be less than the base first angle. A base angle outside the desired range may lead to breakage of the elastic member at the proximal end.

[0063] (i. Supporting member) The geometry of the elastic member can affect the reaction force of the striking face upon impact. In some embodiments, the base can be a solid structure. In some embodiments, the base can be a void structure. In such embodiments, the first arm, the second arm, and the base end form the void. The first arm can have a front surface that can be oriented substantially forward of the club head, a first rear surface that can be oriented substantially rearward of the club head, and a first base end that can be coupled to the inner surface of the sole. The second arm can have a second front surface that can be oriented substantially forward of the club head, a rear surface that can be oriented substantially rearward of the club head, and a second base end that can be coupled to the inner surface of the sole. The multiple support members can extend from the first rear surface to the second front surface to form a truss-like structure. The first arm and the second arm form a truss-like structure to ensure durability of the elastic member without adding unnecessary mass.

[0064] The support members may be configured to reduce the overall mass of the resilient member while still providing sufficient support for the contact member. In some embodiments, the plurality of support members may include two to eight support members. In some embodiments, the plurality of support members may include two support members, three support members, four support members, five support members, six support members, seven support members, or eight support members.

[0065] In some embodiments, the plurality of support members may be parallel to one another. In some embodiments, some of the plurality of support members may converge at a point along the first rear surface of the base or at a point along the second front surface of the base. At least two of the plurality of support members may converge at a point along the first rear surface of the base, and at least two of the plurality of support members may converge at a point along the second front surface of the base. This may create a truss-like structure to ensure durability of the resilient member without adding unnecessary mass.

[0066] (c. intermediate part) The intermediate region may extend generally in an arc from the relatively stiff region toward the striking face to the free end. In some embodiments, the intermediate region may include a constant curve such that the radius of the base front surface (hereinafter, the first intermediate radius) and the radius of the base rear surface (hereinafter, the second intermediate radius) within the intermediate region remain constant. The intermediate region may include a variable curve such that the first intermediate radius and the second intermediate radius are variable. The intermediate region includes a variable curve, where the first intermediate radius and the second intermediate radius increase as the intermediate region extends from the relatively stiff region toward the striking face. The variable curve may have the first intermediate radius and the second intermediate radius decreasing as the intermediate region extends from the relatively stiff region toward the striking face. The intermediate region curves from the relatively stiff region to provide a portion of a resilient member that flexes or bounces upon impact.

[0067] (i. flexure zone) In some embodiments, the intermediate section may further include a flexion zone. The flexion zone allows the elastic member to flex more upon impact compared to an elastic member without the flexion zone. The flexion zone may comprise a spring-like member. The flexion member may include a plurality of recesses formed in the intermediate section. The plurality of recesses may form tooth-like structures. The plurality of recesses may be located on the forward-most surface of the base, the rearward-most surface of the base, the heel side of the base, the toe side of the base, or any combination thereof. The flexion zone may comprise a spring link member. The flexion zone allows an increase in deformation of the elastic member. The increased deformation allows the elastic member to act as a spring, absorbing energy from the golf ball and assuming a flexed state. The elastic member then returns to its initial, unflexed state while transferring the absorbed energy to the golf ball.

[0068] (d. free end) As described above, the front and rear surfaces may be connected at a free end. The free end may serve as a connection point between the contact member and the base. The free end may have a geometric shape that matches the contact member. The free end may further include a post, which may extend away from the base.

[0069] The post may have a post shape. The post shape may be defined as the shape of the cross section of the post. The post shape may be selected from the group consisting of oval, square, reactive, circular, diamond, parallelogram, and any other acceptable shape. In one exemplary embodiment, the post shape is a rectangle with chamfered corners.

[0070] In some embodiments, the post may have a receiving geometry. The receiving geometry may serve as a means to connect and secure the contact member to the post. The entire post may be positioned within the contact member. The majority of the post may be positioned within the contact member. The post may receive a portion of the contact member. The position of the post within the contact member provides support for the contact member.

[0071] The contact member may be secured to the post through various means. In one embodiment, the contact member may be molded into the post. The post may have a receiving geometry and the contact member may have a corresponding geometry. The contact member may be exposed on the post. The contact member may be press-fit onto the post. The contact member may include a threaded extension that screws into a threaded recess in the post. These geometries ensure that the contact member remains securely connected to the post during the manufacturing process and throughout the life of the club head.

[0072] The post may further have a post depth. The post depth may be defined as the linear distance the post extends beyond the contact member surface. In some embodiments, the post depth may be between 0.050 inches and 0.150 inches. The post depth may be between 0.050 inches and 0.075 inches, between 0.075 inches and 0.100 inches, or between 0.125 inches and 0.150 inches. If the post depth is too small (i.e., less than 0.050 inches), the energy generated upon impact is transferred only to the contact member and not to the base, ensuring that the resilient member acts only as a damper. If the post is too large (i.e., greater than 0.150 inches), durability may be an issue because there may not be enough contact member between the rear of the striking face and the post, potentially leading to contact member failure. Additionally, if the post is too large, it may have unnecessary mass. A post depth within the aforementioned range ensures that energy is transferred from the impact to the contact member at the base and then back to the striking face. This energy transfer equalizes impact response by mitigating and stabilizing CT across the striking face, allowing for a thinner striking face and improved ball speeds.

[0073] The striking face may further include a center of gravity, defined as the center point of the post end. The free end may further have a free end height. The free end may be defined as the distance from the contact surface to the center of gravity of the free end in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. The free end height may be between 0.25 inches and 2.00 inches. In some embodiments, the free end height may be between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches, 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, or 1.75 inches and 2.00 inches. The free end height determines the placement of the contact member behind the striking face and may affect the ability of the reinforcing member to equalize the reaction force of the striking face.

[0074] (B. Contact Member) The contact member may be coupled to the free end and may be formed of a deformable material. The contact member continuously engages the rear surface of the striking face to apply a preload and post-impact force to the striking face. The preload of the resilient member presses the contact member against the striking face, causing a front portion of the contact member to deform and form a contact surface. Upon impact, the contact member may further deform to absorb energy from the striking face. The materials used throughout the resilient member, as well as its geometric shape and location, can determine how the resilient member reacts during impact. Selecting the contact member material and the engagement location of the contact member on the striking face to even out the impact response of hot spots on the striking face can ensure the compatibility and durability of the club head while improving performance factors such as ball speed and distance.

[0075] The contact member and free end may have complementary shapes that allow the components to mechanically couple, similar to that depicted in FIG. 18A . The contact member may be secured to the post 535 by various means. In one embodiment, the contact member may be molded into the post 535. The post 535 may have a receiving geometry 536, and the contact member may have a corresponding geometry 537. The contact member may have a female mating geometry and the base may have a male mating geometry. Alternatively, similar to that of FIG. 18B , the contact member may have a male mating geometry and the base may have a female mating geometry. Such component geometries may allow the contact members to be attached with adhesives, coupled by mechanical means, or a combination of both.

[0076] The contact members may be positioned to engage areas of the striking face that reduce the impact response across the striking face while avoiding a decrease in the resulting ball speed. For example, the contact members may contact the rear surface of the striking face in an area that is offset from the geometric center. It is important to position the contact members at points along the striking face that do not adversely affect ball speed.

[0077] In some embodiments, the location of the contact member may be defined as the radial distance from the center of the contact member to the geometric center point in a direction parallel to the loft plane. This radial distance may be between 0.10 inches and 0.80 inches. The radial distance may be between 0.10 inches and 0.20 inches, 0.20 inches and 0.30 inches, 0.30 inches and 0.40 inches, 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches, 0.50 inches and 0.60 inches, 0.60 inches and 0.70 inches, or 0.70 inches and 0.80 inches. The location of the contact member may directly affect the effect of the resilient member on uniforming the response of the striking face at impact. In some embodiments, the resilient member may be positioned on the sole toward the z-axis. In some embodiments, the resilient member may be positioned on the sole heelward of the z-axis.

[0078] In some embodiments, the location of the contact member on the striking face relative to the CG may be defined as the CG distance. The CG distance may be defined as the distance from the center of the contact member, as described below, to the CG. The CG distance may be between 1.50 inches and 2.50 inches. The CG distance may also be between 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, 1.85 inches and 1.95 inches, 1.95 inches and 2.05 inches, 2.05 inches and 2.15 inches, or 2.15 inches and 2.25 inches. A CG distance within the aforementioned ranges ensures that the CG remains low and rearward of the club head, resulting in desirable ball flight.

[0079] As previously mentioned, the resilient member, more specifically the contact member, may apply a load to the rear surface of the striking face when at rest. The contact member may have an outer shape that is, but is not limited to, a spherical, conical, frustoconical, cubic, pyramidal, tetrahedral, cylindrical, or prismatic shape. The contact member may deform when the striking face is preloaded, and then further deform during impact.

[0080] When the club head is at rest, the load exerted by the elastic member on the rear portion of the striking face may cause slight deformation of the contact member. This deformation may form a contact surface. The contact surface may have a contact surface area that is in contact with the rear portion of the striking face at rest. The contact surface area may be 0.01 in. 2 ~1.01in 2 The contact surface area may be 0.01 in 2 ~0.11in 2 , 0.11in 2 ~0.21in 2 , 0.21in 2 ~0.31in 2 , 0.31in 2 ~0.41in 2 , 0.41in 2 ~0.51in 2 , 0.51in 2 ~0.61in 2 , 0.61in 2 ~0.71in 2 , 0.71in 2 ~0.81in 2 , 0.81in 2 ~0.91in 2 , or 0.91 in 2 ~1.01in 2 may be.

[0081] The contact member can also apply a force to the striking face during impact. As described in more detail in Example 3 below, the magnitude of the peak force and the duration of application of that force can be varied depending on the geometry of both the resilient member base and the contact member. The peak force applied by the contact member to the striking face during impact can be between 20 and 90 lbf. In some embodiments, the peak force can be between 20 and 25 lbf, 25 and 30 lbf, 30 and 35 lbf, 35 and 40 lbf, 40 and 45 lbf, 45 and 50 lbf, 50 and 55 lbf, 55 and 60 lbf, 60 and 65 lbf, 65 and 70 lbf, 70 and 75 lbf, 75 and 80 lbf, 80 and 85 lbf, or 85 and 90 lbf. The contact member can apply the peak force at peak impact. The contact member may apply a peak force before the peak impact. The contact member may apply a peak force after the peak impact.

[0082] The contact members may be made from, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber such as polybutadiene, flexible TPE materials, and other suitable materials or polymers in the hardness ranges described below. The contact member material can be selected to ensure that the contact member has the ability to partially deform, is strong enough to withstand the transfer of energy applied to the contact member upon impact, and is lightweight enough to ensure it does not significantly affect the MOI and CG of the club head.

[0083] The contact member may further have a mass. The mass of the contact member may be between 0.005 grams and 5.000 grams. In some embodiments, the base mass is between 0.005 grams and 0.255 grams, between 0.255 grams and 0.505 grams, between 0.755 grams and 1.005 grams, between 1.005 grams and 1.255 grams, between 1.255 grams and 1.505 grams, between 1.505 grams and 1.755 grams, between 1.755 grams and 2.005 grams, between 2.005 grams and 2.255 grams, between 2.255 grams and 2.505 grams, or between 2.50 grams and 3.005 grams. It may be 5 grams to 2.755 grams, 2.755 grams to 3.005 grams, 3.005 grams to 3.225 grams, 3.225 grams to 3.505 grams, 3.505 grams to 3.755 grams, 3.755 grams to 4.005 grams, 4.005 grams to 4.225 grams, 4.225 grams to 4.505 grams, 4.505 grams to 4.755 grams, or 4.755 grams to 5.005 grams.

[0084] The contact member may be formed from a material that allows the contact member to be partially deformable. As described above, the contact member may be in continuous contact with the rear surface of the striking face. Therefore, it is important that the contact member be made from a material that can deform as the striking face flexes upon impact and then return to its original shape after impact. The contact member may be made from a material with a Shore A hardness of 45A to 100A. The contact member may also be made from a material with a Shore A hardness of greater than 45A, 50A, 55A, 60A, 65A, 70A, 75A, 80A, 85A, 90A, 95A, or 100A. The contact members may be made from a material having a Shore A hardness of 45A to 50A, 50A to 55A, 55A to 60A, 60A to 65A, 65A to 70A, 70A to 75A, 75A to 80A, 80A to 85A, 85A to 90A, 90A to 95A, or 95A to 100A. The contact members may be made from a material having a Shore D hardness of less than 65D. The contact members 156 have a Shore D hardness of up to 10D, 15D, 20D, 25D, 30D, 35D, 40D, 45D, 50D, 55D, 60D, or 65D. The contact members have a Shore D hardness of 10D-15D, 15D-20D, 20D-25D, 25D-30D, 30D-35D, 35D-40D, 40D-45D, 45D-50D, 50D-55D, 55D-60D, or 60D-65D. The hardness can be selected so that the contact members can partially deform and then transfer energy to the base. If the hardness is too hard, the contact members may not deform, resulting in greater stress on the post and potentially leading to breakage. If the hardness is too soft, the contact members may deform too much, leading to durability issues.

[0085] In some embodiments, the contact member may be made from a material with a Shore A hardness of 20A to 50A. In these embodiments, softer materials do not transfer as much energy from the striking face to the contact member and then to the base. The contact member absorbs a substantial amount of energy, causing the resilient member to act to dampen club head vibrations and sound as opposed to adding resistance to the striking face 102 upon impact.

[0086] (C. First embodiment) 4A-8, the golf club head 100 may include a resilient member 130 having a parallel truss-like structure that defines and stabilizes the CT across the striking face while ensuring high durability without adding unnecessary mass.

[0087] The elastic member 130 may include a contact member 138 and a base 140. The elastic member 130 may be coupled to the inner surface 126 of the sole and may extend precisely upward from a proximal end 132 to a free end 134. The base 140 may have a voided structure, with a first arm 150, a second arm 160, and the proximal end 132 forming a void. The first arm 150 may further include a front surface 142 and a first rear surface 152, and the second arm 160 may further include a second front surface 162 and a rear surface 144.

[0088] The front surface 142 and the rear surface 144 may meet and connect at the free end 134. The base 140 further comprises a base heel side 146 and a base toe side 148, where the base heel side 146 and the base toe side 148 are parallel.

[0089] Base 140 may further include a relatively rigid section 190 extending from proximal end 132 to intermediate section 180. Relatively rigid section 190 may comprise a plurality of support members 170 that may extend from first posterior surface 152 to second anterior surface 162 to form a truss-like structure. The plurality of support members 170 may be positioned such that two of the plurality of support members 170 converge at a point along first posterior surface 152 of the base and two of the plurality of support members 170 converge at a point along second anterior surface 162 of the base. The voids and truss-like structure within relatively rigid section 190 ensure durability of resilient member 130 without adding unnecessary mass.

[0090] The intermediate portion 180 may curve and extend from the relatively rigid portion 190 toward the striking face 102 to a free end 134. The free end 134 may further include a post 135, which may have a receiving geometry 136 configured to receive a portion of the contact member 138. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 138 may be made of a material that enables the resilient member 130 to have a spring-like force under high-energy impact to allow the striking face 102 to flex. The contact member 138 has a complementary geometry 137 to the receiving geometry 136. The contact member 138 may define an outer shape, which may be spherical. At rest, the contact member 138 may be in constant contact with the rear surface 128 of the striking face such that the contact member 138 partially deforms to form a contact surface 139.

[0091] The contact member 138 may be made from a material that allows the resilient member 130 to have a spring-like force under high-energy impacts to allow deflection of the striking face 102. The base 140 may have a parallel truss-like structure that allows for a combination of stiffness to control deflection of the striking face while ensuring that the resilient member 130 remains as light as possible.

[0092] (D. Second Embodiment) 9-12, the golf club head 200 may include a resilient member 230 having an articulating concave flexure zone that allows for defining and stabilizing the CT across the striking face while conserving mass by removing material to form the flexure zone.

[0093] The elastic member 230 may include a contact member 238 and a base 240. The elastic member 230 may be coupled to the inner surface 226 of the sole and may extend precisely upward from a proximal end 232 to a free end 234. The base 240 may be a solid structure having a front surface 242 and a rear surface 244. The front surface 242 and the rear surface 244 may meet and connect at the free end 234. The base 240 further includes a base heel side 246 and a base toe side 248, where the base heel side 246 and the base toe side 248 are parallel.

[0094] The base 240 may further include a relatively stiff section 290 extending from the proximal end 232 to the intermediate section 280. The intermediate section 280 may extend in a curved manner from the relatively stiff section 290 toward the striking face 202. The intermediate section 280 may further include a flexion zone 282, which extends from the intermediate section 180 to the free end 234. The flexion zone 282 may be arcuate and concave relative to the sole 244 and may define the apex of the resilient member base 240. The flexion zone 282 may include a plurality of recesses forming a tooth-like structure. The plurality of recesses may extend inward from the rear surface 244 of the base. The tooth-like structure allows the resilient member 230 to flex in response to high-energy impacts.

[0095] 9-12, the flex zone 282 may include multiple recesses. The flex zone 282 may include up to 10 cutout recesses. The flex zone 282 may include up to 4 recesses, up to 5 recesses, up to 6 recesses, up to 7 recesses, up to 8 recesses, up to 9 recesses, or up to 10 recesses.

[0096] The free end 234 may further include a post 235 having a receiving geometry 236 configured to receive a portion of a contact member 238. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 238 may be made from a material that enables the resilient member 230 to have a spring-like force under a high-energy impact to allow the striking face 202 to flex. The contact member 238 has a complementary geometry 237 to the receiving geometry 236. The contact member 238 may define an outer shape, which may be spherical. At rest, the contact member 238 may be in constant contact with the rear surface 228 of the striking face such that the contact member 238 partially deforms to form a contact surface 239.

[0097] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 238 may be made from a material that allows the resilient member 230 to have a spring-like force under high-energy impact to allow the striking face 202 to flex. The base 240 may include a combination of flex zones 282 and relatively stiff sections 290 compared to the multiple support members 270 spanning the gap, allowing for a combination of stiffness to control the deflection of the striking face. The addition of flex zones 282 can increase the deformation of the resilient member 230.

[0098] (E. Third Embodiment) In a further embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16 , the golf club head 300 may include a resilient member 330 having an articulation flexure zone and a conventional truss-like structure. The conventional truss-like structure may provide increased durability and a thinner base compared to other embodiments. The resilient member 330 may include a contact member 338 and a base 340. The resilient member 330 may be coupled to the inner surface 326 of the sole and extend precisely upward from a proximal end 332 to a free end 334. The base 340 may have a voided structure in which the first arm 350, the second arm 360, and the proximal end 332 form a void. The first arm 350 may further include a forward surface 342 and a first rearward surface 352, and the second arm 360 may further include a second forward surface 362 and a rearward surface 344.

[0099] The front surface 342 and the rear surface 344 may meet and connect at the free end 334. The base 140 further includes a base heel side 346 and a base toe side 348, where the base heel side 346 and the base toe side 348 are parallel.

[0100] Base 340 may further include a relatively rigid section 390 extending from proximal end 332 to intermediate section 380. Relatively rigid section 390 may comprise a plurality of support members 370 that may extend from first posterior surface 352 to second anterior surface 362 to form a truss-like structure. Plural support members 370 may be positioned such that two members of the plurality of support members 370 converge at a point along first posterior surface 352 of the base and two members of the plurality of support members 370 converge at a point along second anterior surface 362 of the base. The voids and truss-like structure within relatively rigid section 390 ensure durability of resilient member 330 without adding unnecessary mass.

[0101] The intermediate region 380 may extend in a curved manner from the relatively stiff region 390 toward the striking face 302. The intermediate region 380 may further include a flexion zone 382, ​​which extends from the intermediate region 380 to the free end 334. The flexion zone 382 may have an arc shape that is concave relative to the sole 314 and may define the apex of the resilient member base 340. The flexion zone 382 of the resilient member 330 may include multiple flexion voids. As shown in FIGS. 13-16 , the flexion voids may have flexion grooves formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the resilient member base 340 present in the flexion zone. The flexion grooves may alternate from the upper surface to the lower surface, forming a serpentine spring pattern that allows the resilient member 330 to flex during high-energy impacts.

[0102] 13-16, the flexure zone 382 may have a serpentine spring pattern. The flexure zone 382 may include up to 30 flexure grooves. The flexure zone may include up to 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 flexure grooves. The flexure grooves may be uniformly spaced from one another or may be variably spaced.

[0103] The free end 334 may further include a post 335 having a receiving geometry 336 configured to receive a portion of a contact member 338. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 338 may be made from a material that enables the resilient member 330 to have a spring-like force under a high-energy impact to allow the striking face 302 to flex. The contact member 338 has a shape 337 that is complementary to the receiving geometry 336. The contact member 338 may define an outer shape, which may be spherical. At rest, the contact member 338 may be in constant contact with the rear surface 328 of the striking face such that the contact member 338 partially deforms to form a contact surface 339.

[0104] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 338 may be made from a material that allows the resilient member 330 to have a spring-like force under high-energy impact to allow deflection of the striking face 302. The base 340 may include a combination of flex zones 382 and relatively stiff sections 390 compared to the multiple support members 370 spanning the gap, allowing for a combination of stiffness to control deflection of the striking face. The addition of flex zones 382 can increase the deflection of the resilient member 330.

[0105] (F. Fourth Embodiment) In a further embodiment shown in Figure 17, the golf club head may include a resilient member 430 having an extreme truss-like structure that allows for maximum material removal while ensuring durability and definition and stabilization of the striking face.

[0106] The elastic member 430 may include a contact member 438 and a base 440. The elastic member 430 may be coupled to the inner surface 426 of the sole and may extend precisely upward from a proximal end 432 to a free end 434. The base 440 may have a voided structure, with the first arm 450, the second arm 460, and the proximal end 432 forming a void. The first arm 450 may further include a front surface 442 and a first rear surface 452, and the second arm 460 may further include a second front surface 462 and a rear surface 444.

[0107] The front surface 442 and the rear surface 444 may meet and connect at the free end 434. The base 440 further includes a base heel side 446 and a base toe side 448, where the base heel side 446 and the base toe side 448 are parallel.

[0108] The base 440 may further include a relatively rigid section 490 extending from the proximal end 432 to the intermediate section 480. The relatively rigid section 490 may include a plurality of support members 470 that may extend from the first rear surface 452 to the second front surface 462 to form a truss-like structure. The support members are parallel to one another. The voids and truss-like structure within the relatively rigid section 490 ensure the durability of the resilient member 430 without adding unnecessary mass.

[0109] The intermediate portion 480 may curve and extend from the relatively rigid portion 490 toward the striking face 402 to a free end 434. The free end 434 may further include a post 435 having a receiving geometry 436 configured to receive a portion of a contact member 438. Similar to the previously described embodiment, the contact member 438 may be made of a material that enables the resilient member 430 to have a spring-like force under a high-energy impact to allow the striking face 402 to flex. The contact member 438 has a complementary geometry 437 to the receiving geometry 436. The contact member 438 may define a contour, which may be spherical. At rest, the contact member 438 may be in constant contact with the rear surface 428 of the striking face such that the contact member 438 partially deforms to form a contact surface 439.

[0110] Similar to the previously described embodiments, the contact member 438 may be made from a material that allows the resilient member 430 to have a spring-like force under high-energy impacts to allow deflection of the striking face 402. The base 440 may have a truss-like structure that allows for a combination of stiffness to control deflection of the striking face while ensuring that the resilient member 430 remains as light as possible.

[0111] III. EXAMPLES A. Example 1: FEA Control and Rigid and Flexible Members - Internal Energy This specification describes a comparison of finite element analyses performed on three wood-type club heads, two of which include elastic members similar to those described above. The finite element analysis (FEA) simulated the internal energy of each club head under different constructions. As described above, adding elastic members to a club head can produce performance improvements, such as uniform impact response across the striking face. Therefore, the purpose of the FEA comparison was to demonstrate the changes in other performance factors resulting from the addition of different types of elastic members.

[0112] In a first performance test, the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head were compared with a first control club head. The first control club head consisted of a standard club head. The first exemplary club head consisted of a club head having an elastic member similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 and a structure similar to that of the standard club head (i.e., body structure, face thickness, etc.). The second exemplary club head consisted of a club head having an elastic member similar to that illustrated in FIG. 17 and a structure similar to that of the standard club head (i.e., body structure, face thickness, etc.), and as described above, exhibited bending characteristics similar to that of an elastic member having a flexion zone.

[0113] The FEA analysis simulated the internal energy (measured in pound-force inches) of the sample club heads. To simulate actual swing conditions, the sample club heads were tested at a swing speed of 100 miles per hour. The first performance test results are shown in FIG. 19. The first exemplary club head had a peak internal energy of approximately 70.0 pound-force inches. The second exemplary club head had a peak internal energy of approximately 72.0 pound-force inches. The first control club head had a peak internal energy of approximately 73.5 pound-force inches. As depicted in the plot of FIG. 19, there is no significant decrease in internal energy from the first control club head to the second exemplary club head. Thus, there is no significant decrease in internal energy between the standard club head and a club head of a similar structure having an elastic member. When compared to the standard club head, an elastic member with a more flexible base results in a smaller decrease in internal energy than an elastic member with a relatively stiff base.

[0114] B. Example 2: FEA Control and Flexible Members - Effect of Face Thickness on Internal Energy This specification describes a comparison of finite element analyses performed on three wood-type club heads, two of which include flexible elastic members similar to those described above. The finite element analysis (FEA) simulated the internal energy of each club head under different structural conditions. As described above, adding elastic members to a club head can produce performance improvements, such as uniform impact response across the striking face. Therefore, the purpose of the FEA comparison was to demonstrate the changes in other performance factors resulting from the addition of different types of elastic members.

[0115] In a second performance test, the second exemplary club head and the third exemplary club head (described above) were compared to the first control club head (described above). The second exemplary club head and the first control club head are described above in Example 1. The third exemplary club head consisted of a club head having a similar structure to the second exemplary club head, but with a striking face that was 0.01 inches thinner.

[0116] The FEA analysis simulated the internal energy of the sample club heads with the same parameters as described in Example 1 above. The second performance test results are shown in FIG. 20. The second exemplary club head, like Example 1, had a peak internal energy of approximately 72.0 lb-force inches, while the first control club head had a peak internal energy of approximately 73.5 lb-force inches. The third exemplary club head had a peak internal energy of approximately 89.8 lb-force inches. As depicted in the plot in FIG. 20, there is a significant increase in internal energy from the first control club head and the second exemplary club head to the third exemplary club head, 22% and 24.7%, respectively.

[0117] (C. Example 3: Behavior of Contacting Members During Impact) Further described herein is a comparison of finite element analyses performed on two wood-type club heads with two different elastic members. The finite element analysis (FEA) simulated the reaction forces between the contact members and the striking face and the relative z-displacement of each club head under different constructions. As discussed above, adding elastic members to a club head can produce performance improvements, such as uniform impact response across the striking face. Therefore, the purpose of the FEA comparison was to demonstrate the differences in all performance parameters between the different types of elastic members.

[0118] The third performance test compared the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head described above. The first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head are described in Example 1 above. The FEA analysis simulated the reaction force (measured in pounds-force) between the contact member and the striking face of the sample club head. In addition, the FEA simulated the displacement of the tip of the free end of the sample club head measured in the Z direction, perpendicular to the loft plane. The sample club head was tested at a swing speed of 100 miles per hour to simulate actual swing conditions.

[0119] The third performance test results are shown in Figures 21A and 21B. The first exemplary club head had a reaction force of approximately 79.0 lb-force at the peak of golf ball compression. The second exemplary club head had a reaction force of approximately 22.5 lb-force at the peak of golf ball compression. The reaction force directly correlates to the displacement of the free end tip. The first exemplary club head had a z-displacement of approximately 0.0157 inches at the peak of ball compression. The second exemplary club head had a z-displacement of approximately 0.0394 inches at the peak of ball compression.

[0120] FIG. 21A shows that the greatest resistance provided by the first exemplary club head occurs at the peak of the golf ball's compression. This is not the case for the second exemplary club head. The resistance force applied to the striking face by the resilient member of the second exemplary club head is less at the peak of the golf ball's compression compared to other points during impact, as shown in FIG. 21A . Combined with the data shown in FIG. 21B , the resilient member of the second exemplary club head moves farther from the striking face and provides less support at the peak of the golf ball's compression compared to the first exemplary club head. The second exemplary club head provides less support under high impact forces than under low impact forces, which helps to equalize the impact force across the face. Additionally, FIG. 21A shows that the slope of the reaction force over time is gentler for the first exemplary club head compared to the second exemplary club head. For the first exemplary club head, the load between the contact member and the base is more evenly distributed throughout impact. For the second exemplary club head, at these steeper angles, resistance is greater from the base end than from the contact member. The peak compression behavior of the golf ball for the second exemplary club head is more advantageous than the peak compression behavior of the golf ball for the first exemplary club head because it results in less loss of ball velocity.

[0121] (item) Item 1. A golf club head comprising: a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a front portion, and a rear portion that define an internal cavity; a striking face located in the front portion, the striking face having a rear surface facing the internal cavity and a striking surface opposite the rear surface; and a resilient member disposed within the internal cavity and comprising a base and a contact member, the base having a base end and a free end, the base end being coupled to the internal surface of the sole and the free end being proximate the rear surface of the striking face, the contact member being coupled to the base and configured to continuously engage the rear surface of the striking face when at rest.

[0122] Item 2. The golf club according to Item 1, wherein the base of the elastic member comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a front surface and a first rear surface, the second arm having a second front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of support members extending from the first rear surface to the second front surface within a relatively rigid region.

[0123] Item 3. The golf club according to item 1, wherein the contact member is spherical.

[0124] Item 4. The golf club head according to Item 1, wherein the elastic member has a base height measured as the distance from the ground surface to the highest point of the base in a direction parallel to the y-axis, and the base height is between 0.50 inches and 1.50 inches.

[0125] Item 5. The golf club head according to item 1, wherein the base has a mass between 0.50 grams and 3.00 grams.

[0126] Item 6. The golf club of item 1, wherein the striking face defines a thickness measured between the striking surface and the rear surface, the thickness being 10% less than the thickness of a club without a resilient member.

[0127] Item 7. The golf club according to item 1, wherein the contact member is made of a different material than the base.

[0128] Item 8. The golf club according to item 7, wherein the contact member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and flexible TPE material.

[0129] Item 9. The golf club head according to item 8, wherein the contact member has a hardness between 45A and 100A.

[0130] Item 10. The golf club according to item 7, wherein the base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of composite, titanium, aluminum, and steel.

[0131] Item 11. A golf club head comprising: a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a front portion, and a rear portion that define an internal cavity; a hitting face located in the front portion, the hitting face having a rear surface facing the internal cavity and a hitting surface opposite the rear surface; and the sole having an inner surface facing the internal cavity and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The hitting face; and an elastic member disposed within the internal cavity and comprising a base and a contact member, the base having a base end and a free end, the base end being coupled to the inner surface of the sole and the free end being proximate to the rear surface of the hitting face, the contact member being coupled to the base and configured to continuously engage the rear surface of the hitting face when at rest, the base further comprising a relatively rigid portion extending from the base end to a middle portion and a relatively flexible portion extending from the middle portion to the free end.

[0132] Item 12. The golf club according to item 11, wherein the base of the elastic member comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a front surface and a first rear surface, the second arm having a second front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of support members extending from the first rear surface to the second front surface within a relatively rigid region.

[0133] Item 13. The golf club according to item 11, wherein the contact member is spherical.

[0134] Item 14. The golf club head according to item 11, wherein the elastic member has a base height measured as the distance from the ground surface to the uppermost point of the base in a direction parallel to the y-axis, and the base height is between 0.50 inches and 1.50 inches.

[0135] Item 15. The golf club head according to item 11, wherein the base has a mass between 0.50 grams and 3.00 grams.

[0136] Item 16. The golf club of item 11, wherein the striking face defines a thickness measured between the striking surface and the rear surface, the thickness being 10% less than the thickness of a club without a resilient member.

[0137] Item 17. The golf club according to item 11, wherein the contact member is made of a different material than the base.

[0138] Item 18. The golf club according to item 17, wherein the contact member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and flexible TPE material.

[0139] Item 19. The golf club head according to item 18, wherein the contact member has a hardness between 45A and 100A.

[0140] Item 20. The golf club according to item 17, wherein the base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of composite, titanium, aluminum, and steel.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a front portion, and a rear portion defining an interior cavity; a striking face located in the front portion, the striking face includes a rear surface facing the internal cavity and a striking surface opposite the rear surface; the striking face, the sole having an interior surface facing the interior cavity and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface; a resilient member disposed within the internal cavity, the resilient member comprising a base and a contact member; Equipped with the base has a proximal end and a free end, the proximal end is coupled to the interior surface of the sole and the free end is proximate the rear surface of the striking face, and the contact member is coupled to the base and configured to continuously engage the rear surface of the striking face when at rest. Golf club head.

2. 2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the base of the resilient member comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm having a front surface and a first rear surface, the second arm having a second front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of support members extending from the first rear surface to the second front surface within a relatively stiff region.

3. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the contact member is spherical.

4. the elastic member has a base height measured as the distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the base in a direction parallel to the y-axis; 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the base height is between 0.50 inches and 1.50 inches.

5. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the base has a mass between 0.50 grams and 3.00 grams.

6. 10. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the striking face defines a thickness measured between the striking surface and the rear surface, the thickness being 10% less than the thickness of a club without a resilient member.

7. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the contact member is made of a different material than the base.

8. The golf club of claim 7 , wherein the contact member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and flexible TPE material.

9. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the contact member has a hardness between 45A and 100A.

10. The golf club of claim 7 , wherein the base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of composite, titanium, aluminum, and steel.

11. A golf club head, a crown, a sole, a heel end, a toe end, a front portion, and a rear portion defining an interior cavity; a striking face located in the front portion, the striking face includes a rear surface facing the internal cavity and a striking surface opposite the rear surface; the striking face, the sole having an interior surface facing the interior cavity and an exterior surface opposite the interior surface; a resilient member disposed within the internal cavity, the resilient member comprising a base and a contact member; Equipped with the base has a proximal end and a free end, the proximal end is coupled to the interior surface of the sole and the free end is proximate the rear surface of the striking face, the contact member is coupled to the base and is configured to continuously engage the rear surface of the striking face when at rest; The golf club head further includes a relatively rigid section extending from the base end to an intermediate section, and a relatively flexible section extending from the intermediate section to the free end.

12. 12. The golf club of claim 11, wherein the base of the resilient member comprises a first arm and a second arm, the first arm comprising a front surface and a first rear surface, the second arm comprising a second front surface and a rear surface, and a plurality of support members extending from the first rear surface to the second front surface within a relatively stiff region.

13. The golf club of claim 11 , wherein the contact member is spherical.

14. the elastic member has a base height measured as the distance from the ground plane to the uppermost point of the base in a direction parallel to the y-axis; The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the base height is between 0.50 inches and 1.50 inches.

15. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the base has a mass between 0.50 grams and 3.00 grams.

16. 12. The golf club of claim 11, wherein the striking face defines a thickness measured between the striking face and the rear face, the thickness being 10% less than the thickness of a club without a resilient member.

17. The golf club of claim 11 , wherein the contact member is made of a different material than the base.

18. 18. The golf club of claim 17, wherein the contact member is made from a material selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and flexible TPE material.

19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the contact member has a hardness between 45A and 100A.

20. 18. The golf club of claim 17, wherein the base is made of a material selected from the group consisting of composite, titanium, aluminum, and steel.

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