Low center of gravity and high MOI golf club head

Abstract

A hybrid golf club head includes a dual-purpose mass pad that simultaneously increases peripheral weighting and discretionary mass by forming at least a portion of the lap joint. A crown insert is coupled to the lap joint and thereby to a portion of the dual-purpose mass pad. The dual-purpose mass pad improves Iyy / CGy ratios, achieving higher launch and spin, thereby improving stopping power on approach shots to the green.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 501,498, filed May 11, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 382,682, filed November 7, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads having improved mass properties achieved through various mass pad arrangements and weight saving features. [Background technology]

[0003] Hybrid-type golf club heads are designed to bridge the yardage gap between fairway-type club heads and long irons. They are also a good alternative to irons for golfers who prefer to sweep the ball rather than downdrive it to contact the ball. As such, hybrids are typically used to hit long shots onto the green. Prior art hybrids are generally designed to prioritize forgiveness (by weighting the perimeter to increase MOI) and / or distance (by delofting the club head). The problem is that hybrids have difficulty generating height and spin, resulting in shots with low launch, low spin, and a low peak height. While a low launch is beneficial for increasing distance, golfers lose the ability to stop the ball on the green on approach shots (i.e., the club head loses "stopping power").

[0004] Furthermore, golf club designers continually balance the center of gravity (CG) location with the MOI of the club head. Specifically, there is an inherent trade-off between CG height and the MOI about the vertical axis, i.e., heel-toe moment of inertia. A lower CG height can produce desirable launch characteristics, such as launch angle, ball speed, and spin rate. However, lowering the CG height also lowers the heel-toe moment of inertia, resulting in decreased forgiveness. Increasing the CG height increases the moment of inertia but at the expense of launch characteristics. Therefore, designers have balanced CG height and heel-toe moment of inertia depending on the design goals and the target player's skill level. Therefore, there is a need in the art for hybrids that provide higher launch and spin while maintaining or increasing distance (i.e., improving stopping power at the same or greater distance). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] To facilitate further explanation of the present invention, the following drawings are provided:

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0008] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a toe-side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0010] [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0011] [Figure 6] 2 is a sole view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0012] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0013] [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows an internal view of the heel of the golf club head.

[0014] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0015] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0016] [Figure 11] 2 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable hosel of the golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0017] [Figure 12] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the shaft, shaft sleeve, and golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0018] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0019] [Figure 14] 2 is a rear internal perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0020] [Figure 15] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 without the crown panel.

[0021] [Figure 16] 2 is a perspective view of the heel interior of the golf club head of FIG. 1;

[0022] [Figure 17] 2 is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 without the crown panel.

[0023] [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0024] [Figure 19] 2 is a rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 without the crown panel.

[0025] [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0026] [Figure 21] 10 is a graph comparing Iyy and CGy for an exemplary club head with a control club head.

[0027] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate general structural aspects and may omit descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Further, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help understand embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0028] (definition) Described herein is a hybrid golf club head with a dual-purpose mass pad that achieves higher launch and peak height while maintaining or increasing carry distance. Increasing peak height improves stopping power on approach shots to the green. While a higher launch angle typically reduces carry distance, the hybrid golf club head described herein maintains or increases carry distance by improving mass properties and face flexure that increase ball speed. In other words, the hybrid golf club head achieves higher launch and stopping power while maintaining or increasing carry distance by improving the Iyy / CGy ratio. The hybrid golf club head with a dual-purpose mass pad improves the Iyy / CGy ratio by 1) moving mass to a more peripheral portion of the club head (i.e., the skirt lap joint) and 2) increasing discretionary mass, eliminating the need for a separate, dedicated lap joint structure.

[0029] As used herein, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are intended to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequence or chronological order. It should be understood that terms used in this manner are interchangeable 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, the terms "include" and "have," as well as 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 in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0030] As used herein, terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," etc. are merely descriptive and do not necessarily represent permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0031] As used herein, the terms "couple," "coupled," "coupling," and the like refer broadly to connecting two or more elements or signals electrically, mechanically, and / or otherwise.

[0032] As used herein, the term "Stat Area" defines the predicted variance of a set of golf shots using a 90% two-dimensional confidence ellipse (herein "Ellipse"). The center of the ellipse is defined by the average downline distance and the average off-line distance of all golf shots in the set. One radius of the ellipse is defined as the standard deviation in the downline direction, and the other radius is defined as the standard deviation in the off-line direction. The area of ​​the ellipse is the Stat Area. A smaller Stat Area represents tighter variance in a set of golf shots, and therefore indicates a golf club with higher accuracy.

[0033] 1-9 schematically illustrate various embodiments of a hybrid-type golf club head in different views. The features discussed below are illustrated on club head 100. For ease of discussion, the features illustrated on club head 100 are applicable to various embodiments of a club head according to the present invention. Any one or more of the features described in the various embodiments below may be used in combination with each other. Additionally, any one or more of the features described below may be used in a fairway-type golf club head.

[0034] The club head 100 may include a striking face 102 and a body 101 secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior cavity. The club head 100 includes a crown 110, a sole 112 opposite the crown 110, a heel 104, a toe 106 opposite the heel 104, a front end 108, and a rear end 111a opposite the front end 108. The body 101 may further include a skirt 114 disposed adjacent to the crown 110 and the sole 112 and / or a trailing edge 109. The skirt 114 may extend from near the heel 104 to near the toe 106 of the club head 100. The club head further includes a leading edge 103 located at the front end 108.

[0035] The "hybrid golf club heads" described herein, also referred to as hybrids, can be defined by certain dimensional ranges, particularly as described with respect to the inventions disclosed herein, including loft angle and volume.

[0036] The "loft angle" of a hybrid can range from about 15 degrees to 37 degrees. For example, the loft angle can range from about 16 degrees to 36 degrees. The loft angle can be about 15 degrees, 16 degrees, 17 degrees, 18 degrees, 19 degrees, 20 degrees, 21 degrees, 22 degrees, 23 degrees, 24 degrees, 25 degrees, 26 degrees, 27 degrees, 28 degrees, 29 degrees, 30 degrees, 31 degrees, 32 degrees, 33 degrees, 34 degrees, 35 degrees, 36 degrees, or 37 degrees.

[0037] The volume of the hybrid is approximately 100 cm 3 ~160cm 3 The volume of the hybrid can be in the range of about 100 cm 3 ~120cm 3 , 120cm 3 ~140cm 3 , or 140cm 3 ~160cm 3 The volume of the hybrid can be in the range of about 100 cm 3 , 105cm 3 , 110cm3 , 115cm 3 , 120cm 3 , 125cm 3 , 130cm 3 , 135cm 3 , 140cm 3 , 145cm 3 , 150cm 3 , 155cm 3 , or 160cm 3 It can be said that:

[0038] As used herein, a "fairway-style golf club head," also known as a fairway wood, can be defined by certain dimensional ranges, including, in particular, loft angle and volume.

[0039] The "loft angle" of a fairway-type club head, as defined herein, can be 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. In some embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway-type golf club head can 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 some embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway-type golf club head can be between 14 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees.

[0040] The "volume" of the fairway clubs described in this book is approximately 170 cm 3 Less than 180cm 3 Less than 190cm 3 Less than or about 200cm 3 However, the volume of a fairway club is 160 cm 3 In some embodiments, the volume of a fairway-type club head is about 150 cm 3 ~200cm 3 Between the two, approximately 160cm3 ~170cm 3 Between the two, approximately 160cm 3 ~180cm 3 Between or about 170cm 3 ~190cm 3 The volume of a fairway club can be between 200cm 3 In one exemplary embodiment, the volume of a fairway style club is 169 cm 3 is.

[0041] Club head 100 may comprise one or more body materials, such as steel, stainless steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys, etc. In some embodiments, the body material may comprise a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy or 17-4 stainless steel. In some embodiments, the body material can be formed from C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium)-steel alloy, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, 17-4 stainless steel, titanium alloys, such as, but not limited to, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti15-3-3, Ti15-5-3, Ti185, Ti6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloys, amorphous metal alloys, or other similar metals. In some embodiments, one or more portions of club head 100 can comprise a non-metallic material.

[0042] (Club Orientation and Statics) As used herein, "ground plane" refers to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball rests. The ground plane 1010 may be the horizontal plane that contacts the sole at the address position. The address position is defined in more detail below. The ground plane 1010 is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0043] As used herein, "loft plane" refers to a reference plane that is tangent to the geometric center of the striking face ("geometric center" is explained in more detail below). Loft plane 1015 is shown in FIG.

[0044] As used herein, the term "loft angle" may refer to the angle measured between the loft plane 1015 and the XY plane (defined below). The loft angle 10 is illustrated in FIG.

[0045] The club head 100 can define an "address position" (also referred to as "address"), which is used herein as the orientation of the club head such that the club head defines an intended loft angle 10 and lie angle. For example, at the address position, the loft plane 1015 and the XY plane define the intended loft angle 10 between each other. Similarly, at the address position, the hosel axis and the ground plane 1010 define the intended lie angle between each other.

[0046] 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.

[0047] As used herein, the "depth" of a golf club head can be defined as the dimension from the front to the rear of the golf club head.

[0048] As used herein, the "height" of a golf club head can be defined as the dimension from the crown to the sole of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the height of the club head can be measured according to a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0049] As used herein, the "length" of a golf club head can be defined as the heel-to-toe dimension of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the length of the club head can be measured according to a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

[0050] As used herein, the "geometric center height" of a fairway-type golf club head is the height measured perpendicular to the geometric center point of the golf club head from the ground surface.

[0051] As used herein, the "leading edge" of a club head may be identified as the sole-most portion of the periphery of the striking face.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the club head 100 used herein has a primary coordinate system centered on the geometric center 116 of the striking face 102. The primary coordinate system may include an X-axis 1040, a Y-axis 1050, and a Z-axis 1060 (see FIG. 4 ). The X-axis 1040 may extend in a heel-to-toe direction parallel to the ground contact surface 1010. The positive X-axis 1040 extends from the geometric center 116 toward the heel 104. The negative X-axis 1040 extends from the geometric center 116 toward the toe 106. The Y-axis 1050 may extend in a crown-to-sole direction and may be perpendicular to both the ground contact surface 1010 and the X-axis 1040. The positive Y-axis 1050 extends from the geometric center 116 toward the crown 110. The negative Y-axis 1050 extends from the geometric center toward the sole 112. The Z-axis 1060 can extend in the front-to-rear direction parallel to the ground contact surface 1010 and can be orthogonal to both the X-axis 1040 and the Y-axis 1050. The positive Z-axis 1060 extends from the geometric center 116 toward the striking face 102. The negative Z-axis 1060 extends from the geometric center 116 toward the rear end 111 a.

[0053] As used herein, the primary coordinate system defines an XY plane as a vertical plane extending along the X-axis 1040 and the Y-axis 1050. The primary coordinate system defines an XZ plane as a horizontal plane extending along the X-axis 1040 and the Z-axis 1060. The primary coordinate system further defines a YZ plane as a vertical plane extending along the Y-axis 1050 and the Z-axis 1060. The XY, XZ, and YZ planes are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the origin of the primary coordinate system, which is located at the geometric center 116 of the striking face 102. In these or other embodiments, the club head 100 can be viewed head-on when viewing the striking face 102 from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Additionally, in these or other embodiments, the club head 100 can be viewed in a side view or cross-sectional side view when viewing the heel 104 or toe 106 from a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.

[0054] As used herein, the "center of gravity" or "CG" of a club head may refer to the point where mass is centered within the club head. The center of gravity 60 is shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0055] The term or phrase "center of gravity location" or "CG location" may refer to the location of the center of gravity (CG) of a club head relative to a primary coordinate system. The CG location is characterized by a location along the X-axis 1040, the Y-axis 1050, and the Z-axis 1060. The term "CGx" may refer to the CG location along the X-axis 1040, measured from the geometric center 116. The term "CG height" may refer to the CG location along the Y-axis 1050, measured from the geometric center 116. The term "CGy" may be synonymous with CG height. The term "CG depth" may refer to the CG location along the Z-axis 1060, measured from the geometric center 116. The term "CGz" may be synonymous with CG depth. The term "Ygp" may refer to the CG location along the Y-axis 1050, measured from the contact surface 1010.

[0056] The golf club head further comprises a secondary coordinate system centered at the center of gravity 60. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the secondary coordinate system comprises an X′ axis 1070, a Y′ axis 1080, and a Z′ axis 1090. The X′ axis 1070 extends in a heel-to-toe direction. The positive X′ axis 1070 extends from the CG 60 toward the heel 104. The negative X′ axis 1070 extends from the CG 60 toward the toe 106. The Y′ axis 1080 extends in a sole-to-crown direction and is perpendicular to both the Z′ axis 1090 and the X′ axis 1070. The positive Y′ axis 1080 extends from the CG 60 toward the crown 110. The negative Y′ axis extends from the CG 60 toward the sole 112. The Z' axis 1090 extends in the front-to-rear direction parallel to the ground contact surface 1010 and is perpendicular to both the X' axis 1070 and the Y' axis 1080. The positive Z' axis 1090 extends from the CG 60 toward the striking face 102. The negative Z' axis 1090 extends from the CG 60 toward the rear end 111a.

[0057] The term or phrase "moment of inertia" (hereinafter "MOI") may refer to a value derived using the center of gravity (CG) location.

[0058] MOI is a measure of an object's resistance to twisting about a given axis and is calculated according to Equation 1 below:

number

[0059] Equation 1 defines the MOI of an object, denoted I, with respect to its mass (denoted dm), as the integral of the square of the perpendicular distance between the axis about which the MOI is measured and the location of the object's mass, denoted r. It is generally known that if the center of gravity (CG) of an object is known, the object can be treated as a point mass located at that CG. Treating the object as a point mass allows Equation 1 to be simplified to Equation 2 below.

number

[0060] Equation 2 states that the moment of inertia, I, of an object about a given axis is equal to the sum of the masses of all point masses of that object multiplied by the perpendicular distance between the axis along which the MOI is measured and each point mass.

[0061] The terms "MOIxx" or "Ixx" may refer to the MOI measured along the X' axis 1070. The terms "MOIyy" or "Iyy" may refer to the MOI measured along the Y' axis 1080. The terms "MOIzz" or "Izz" may refer to the MOI measured along the Z' axis 1090. The MOI values ​​MOIxx, MOIyy, and MOIzz determine how forgiving the club head 100 is on off-center impacts with a golf ball.

[0062] Described herein are hybrid golf club heads that have higher launch, spin, and peak height while maintaining or increasing carry distance. Increasing peak height improves stopping power on approach shots to the green. While a higher launch angle typically reduces carry distance, the hybrid golf club heads described herein maintain or increase carry distance by improving mass properties and face flex to increase ball speed. In other words, the hybrid golf club heads achieve higher launch and stopping power while maintaining or increasing carry distance by improving the Iyy / CGy ratio.

[0063] The one or more mass pads have a location and profile that improves the Iyy / CGy ratio. More specifically, the mass pad configuration drives CGy lower without negatively driving Iyy. As noted above, as mass moves within the golf club head, CGy typically decreases, resulting in a decrease in Iyy. However, the mass pad configuration described herein decreases CGy while maintaining Iyy, resulting in a higher launch angle with the same or increased carry distance. Furthermore, the mass pad profile facilitates manufacturing and assembly of the golf club head components.

[0064] Hybrid golf club heads may include additional features used in combination with the mass pad configuration to further improve the Iyy / CGy ratio. For example, in some embodiments, hybrid golf club heads may include a shorter and thinner striking face, increased loft, an open hosel, or various other features or combinations of features that can improve discretionary mass, increase face flexure, and / or increase launch angle.

[0065] I. Mass Pad 1. Relationships The golf club head may include at least one mass pad forming part of the lap joint. The golf club head may be, for example, golf club head 100, which is a hybrid-type golf club head. The golf club head 100 includes multiple weight components constructed and arranged to lower CGy while increasing Iyy. For example, as best shown in FIGS. 14-20 , the golf club head 100 includes a rear mass pad 124, a sole mass pad 132, a toe mass pad 128, a heel mass pad 138, and a removable weight 193. The rear mass pad 124 extends around the skirt 114 of the golf club head 100, including the rearmost portion of the club head 100, to increase Iyy while lowering CGy. The sole mass pad 132 and the removable weight 193 primarily lower CGy by providing discretionary mass proximate the sole of the club head. The heel mass pad 138 and toe mass pad 128 increase Iyy primarily by providing discretionary mass toward the outer edges of the club head. The rear mass pad 124, sole mass pad 132, toe mass pad 128, heel mass pad 138, and removable weight 193 help improve the Iyy / CGy ratio by either having a lower CG for the same Iyy or increasing Iyy for the same CGy.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 14-19 , the outer surfaces of the rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128 are recessed to form part of the rear lap joint for direct attachment of the crown panel 150. By directly bonding the crown panel to the rear mass pad 124, a separate, dedicated lap joint structure (and the associated weight) at the rear is eliminated, thereby increasing the amount of discretionary mass that can be placed at the clubhead's outer edge or adjacent the sole to lower CGy while maintaining and / or increasing Iyy, and thus improving and addressing the challenge of increasing the Iyy / CGy ratio. For example, additional discretionary mass can be added to the sole mass pad, toe mass pad, heel mass pad, and / or removable weights. A dual-purpose, cohesive lap joint mass pad structure, meaning the mass pads form part of the lap joint and maintain mass adjacent the sole and outer edge, lowers CGy and maintains and / or increases Iyy.

[0067] The toe mass and rear mass pads that form part of the lap joint surface improve the Iyy / CGy ratio by 1) moving mass further outward on the club head (i.e., the skirt lap joint) and 2) increasing discretionary mass by eliminating the need for a separate, dedicated lap joint structure. The Iyy / CGy ratio can be further improved by utilizing various other mass-saving and launch-affecting features, all of which are described herein.

[0068] A golf club head such as club head 100 having a dual purpose mass pad that forms part of the lap joint has an improved Iyy / CGy ratio such that the club head satisfies the following inequality: Iyy ≧ 20.275*CGy+373.46

[0069] The golf club head 100 has a weight of 255 kg*mm 2 ~300kg*mm 2In some embodiments, Iyy can range from 255 kg*mm 2 ~265kg*mm 2 , 265kg*mm 2 ~275kg*mm 2 , 275kg*mm 2 ~285kg*mm 2 , or 285kg*mm 2 ~300kg*mm 2 In some embodiments, Iyy is at least 255 kg*mm 2 , at least 260kg*mm 2 , at least 265kg*mm 2 , at least 270kg*mm 2 , at least 275kg*mm 2 , at least 280kg*mm 2 , at least 285kg*mm 2 , or at least 290kg*mm 2 It can be said that:

[0070] The golf club head 100 may have a CGy, as defined above, in the range of -5 to -7 mm. In some embodiments, the CGy may be in the range of -5.0 to -5.5 mm, -5.5 to -6.0 mm, -6.0 to -6.5 mm, or -6.5 to -7 mm. In some embodiments, the CGy is at most -5 mm, at most -5.5 mm, at most -6.0 mm, at most -6.5 mm, or at most -6.9 mm.

[0071] Golf club head 100 can have a Ygp, as defined above, in the range of 9 mm to 12 mm. In some embodiments, Ygp can be in the range of 9.0 mm to 9.5 mm, 9.5 mm to 10.0 mm, 10.0 mm to 10.5 mm, 10.5 mm to 11.0 mm, 11.0 mm to 11.5 mm, or 11.5 mm to 12.0 mm. In some embodiments, Ygp is at most 12.0 mm, at most 11.5 mm, at most 11.0 mm, at most 10.5 mm, at most 10.0 mm, or at most 9.5 mm.

[0072] 2. Mass Pad One way to shift the discretionary mass gained by losing excess lap joint structure is to add more strategically placed mass pads to address Iyy and CGy. The golf club head 100 may include multiple mass pads located in different areas of the body 101 to improve the Iyy / CGy ratio. Specifically, the club head 100 may include a rear mass pad 124, a toe mass pad 128, a heel mass pad 138, and a sole mass pad 132. The rear mass pad 124 may extend from the rear heel end 121 to the rear end 111a. The toe mass pad 128 may be located at the toe end 106a. The heel mass pad 138 may be located at the heel end 104a. The sole mass pad 132 may be located at the sole 112. The rear mass pad 124, the toe mass pad 128, the heel mass pad, or a mass pad (not shown) functions as a dual-purpose mass pad that provides peripheral weighting and forms part of the lap joint.

[0073] Locating the mass pad on the periphery of the golf club head 100 increases the MOI, which equates to a more forgiving golf club. The placement of the mass pad further lowers the center of gravity 60, increasing launch angle and spin, thereby advantageously increasing the stopping power of the golf club head. Thus, low and periphery weighting provides greater stopping power.

[0074] The rear mass pad 124 extends along the curvature of the outer edge of the golf club head 100 from the rear heel end 121 to the rear end 111a and has a smooth, planar rear mass pad upper surface 125. The rear mass pad 124 is located below the horizontal mid-plane of the golf club head. The rear mass pad 124 abuts the rear end 111a and may be integrally formed with a portion of the overlap interface 141. The rear mass pad 124 functions as a dual-purpose mass pad and forms a portion of the overlap interface 141. In other words, the rear mass pad 124 may function as a dual-purpose mass pad and be integrally formed with the overlap interface 140, providing a portion of the overlap interface 141. Furthermore, the rear mass pad 124 may abut the sole mass pad 132 and / or the heel mass pad 138. Additionally, the rear mass pad 124 abuts against a weight port 190 located at the rear end 111 a. The location of the rear mass pad 124 helps move the center of gravity 60 downward and rearward. Loading downward and rearward lowers the center of gravity 60 and increases the MOI. Furthermore, because the rear mass pad 124 is integrally formed with at least a portion of the lap joint 140, no additional parts or tools are required to provide a surface to which the crown panel 150 can be bonded.

[0075] The rear mass pad 124 provides discretionary mass to advantageously shift the center of gravity 60 and improve performance. The mass of the rear mass pad 124 may be between 5 grams and 20 grams. In some embodiments, the rear mass pad 124 may have a mass between 5 grams and 6 grams, between 6 grams and 7 grams, between 7 grams and 8 grams, between 8 grams and 9 grams, between 9 grams and 10 grams, between 10 grams and 11 grams, between 11 grams and 12 grams, between 12 grams and 13 grams, between 13 grams and 14 grams, between 14 grams and 15 grams, between 15 grams and 16 grams, between 16 grams and 17 grams, between 17 grams and 18 grams, between 18 grams and 19 grams, or between 19 grams and 20 grams. Lightening or heavier mass in the rear mass pad 124 allows for fine tuning of CG and MOI.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, the club head 100 may further include a weight port 190 located near the rear end 111a of the club head 100. FIG. 6 illustrates the crown panel 150 separating the weight port 190 from the rear skirt portion 162 of the crown panel 150. Additionally, a removable weight 193 may engage the weight port 190. In other embodiments, the removable weight 193 may be used in combination with the mass pads 124, 128, and 132 to reposition the center of gravity 60 to any desired location, such as lower and rearward. Low and rearward weighting increases launch angle and spin rate, improving stopping power. Improved stopping power is beneficial for golf shots that stop more predictably.

[0077] The removable weight 193 has a center of gravity 191. The center of gravity 191 may be spaced from the trailing edge 111 of the club head 100 by a removable weight offset distance 192. The offset distance 192 is measured between the removable weight center of gravity 191 and the trailing edge 111 along an axis 194 extending between the geometric center 116 of the striking face 102 and the removable weight center of gravity 191. The offset distance 192 may be between 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In some embodiments, the offset distance 192 may be between 0.1 inches and 0.2 inches, between 0.2 inches and 0.3 inches, between 0.3 inches and 0.4 inches, between 0.4 inches and 0.5 inches, between 0.5 inches and 0.6 inches, between 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches, between 0.7 inches and 0.8 inches, between 0.8 inches and 0.9 inches, or between 0.9 inches and 1 inch.

[0078] The removable weight 193 can have a mass in the range of approximately 5 grams to 30 grams. For example, in some embodiments, the removable weight 193 can have a mass in the range of 5 grams to 10 grams, 10 grams to 15 grams, 15 grams to 20 grams, 20 grams to 25 grams, or 25 grams to 30 grams.

[0079] The toe mass pad 128 comprises a stack of material integrally formed with the body at the toe end 106a of the golf club head 100. The toe mass pad 128 offsets the weight of the rear mass pad 124 and the heel mass pad 138, achieving a desirable balance of the golf club head. Additionally, the toe mass pad 128, heel mass pad 138, and rear mass pad 124 combine to provide heel-to-toe weighting for the golf club, improving Iyy. By increasing Iyy, the golf club is less likely to twist on off-center hits, creating a more forgiving golf club. Additionally, like the rear mass pad 124, the toe mass pad 128 functions as a dual-purpose mass pad and may be integrally formed with the lap joint 140 and provide a portion of the lap joint surface 141.

[0080] As described above, the toe mass pad 128 is positioned at the toe end 106a of the golf club head 100. The toe mass pad 128 may abut the sole mass pad 132 and / or the thinned portion 136. The thinned portion 136 may be located between the rear mass pad 124, the toe mass pad 128, and the sole mass pad 132. The thinned portion 136 is thinner than the rear mass pad 124, the toe mass pad 128, and the sole mass pad 132. The thinned portion 136 may be located at the toe to position CGx as close as possible to the geometric center of the club head 100. The thinned region may be located proximate to the lap joint and may abut the top surface of the lap joint between the rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128. The thinned portion 136 may have a thickness, measured as the vertical distance from the inner surface to the outer surface of the club head, of less than approximately 0.040 inches. For example, the thinned portion 136 can be less than 0.039 inches, less than 0.038 inches, less than 0.037 inches, less than 0.036 inches, less than 0.035 inches, less than 0.034 inches, less than 0.033 inches, or less than 0.032 inches.

[0081] Additionally, the toe mass pad 128 forms part of the lap joint 140 and has a smooth, planar upper surface 131. The lap joint 140 formed by the toe mass pad 128 smoothly transitions to the lap joint 140 abutting the thinned portion 136, which in turn smoothly transitions to the lap joint 140 formed by the rear mass pad 124. This smooth transition provides a uniform lap joint surface 141 for connecting the crown panel 150. The toe mass pad 128 is offset from the striking face 102 so as not to impede face flexion upon impact.

[0082] The toe mass pad 128 provides discretionary mass to advantageously move the center of gravity 60 and improve performance. The mass of the toe mass pad 128 can be between 2 grams and 15 grams. In some embodiments, the toe mass pad 128 can have a mass between 2 grams and 3 grams, between 3 grams and 4 grams, between 4 grams and 5 grams, between 5 grams and 6 grams, between 6 grams and 7 grams, between 7 grams and 8 grams, between 8 grams and 9 grams, between 9 grams and 10 grams, between 10 grams and 11 grams, between 11 grams and 12 grams, between 12 grams and 13 grams, between 13 grams and 14 grams, or between 14 grams and 15 grams. Lightening or heavier mass of the toe mass pad 128 can fine-tune CG and MOI.

[0083] The heel mass pad 138 comprises a stack of material integrally formed with the body 101 at the heel end 104a of the golf club head 100. The heel mass pad 138 offsets the weight of the toe mass pad 128 and the rear mass pad 124 to achieve a desirable balance of the golf club head. As described above, the toe mass pad 128, heel mass pad 138, and rear mass pad 124 combine to provide heel-to-toe weighting to the golf club, increasing forgiveness through improved Iyy.

[0084] Heel mass pad 138 is located at heel end 104a between lap joint heel edge transition 147 and hosel 105. Heel mass pad 138 may abut sole mass pad 132 and / or rear mass pad 124. Additionally, heel mass pad 138 resides in the area of ​​skirt 114 and further constitutes part of lap joint 140, specifically the area of ​​lap joint heel edge transition 147.

[0085] The heel mass pad 138 provides optional mass to advantageously shift the center of gravity 60 and improve performance. The heel mass pad 138 can be the lightest mass pad because the rear mass pad 124 extends at least partially to the heel end 104a and heel-directed loading is already present. The heel-directed loading is used to offset the toe-directed loading of the toe mass pad 128. The mass of the heel mass pad 138 may be between 0.5 grams and 5.0 grams. In some embodiments, the heel mass pad 138 may have a mass between 0.5 grams and 1.0 grams, between 1.0 grams and 1.5 grams, between 1.5 grams and 2.0 grams, between 2.0 grams and 2.5 grams, between 2.5 grams and 3.0 grams, between 3.0 grams and 3.5 grams, between 3.5 grams and 4.0 grams, between 4.0 grams and 4.5 grams, or between 4.5 grams and 5.0 grams. By lightening or heaviering the mass of the heel mass pad 138, the CG and MOI can be fine-tuned.

[0086] The sole mass pad 132 comprises a stack of material integrally formed with the body 101 on the sole 112 of the golf club head 100. The sole mass pad 132 may have a constant thickness or a variable thickness. Varying the thickness allows for weight distribution to designed areas within the golf club head to achieve proper loading and launch characteristics. The sole mass pad forms a portion of the inner surface 133 of the club head.

[0087] The sole mass pad 132 can have a variable thickness relative to the sole measured along the Y-axis. The sole mass pad 132 may comprise a concave lens shape, with the center of the sole mass pad 132 being thinner than the heel-toe edge of the sole mass pad 132. Additionally, the sole mass pad 132 may smoothly graduate from the center of the sole mass pad 132 to the heel-toe edge of the sole mass pad 132. Additionally, the sole mass pad 132 may abut the rear mass pad 124, the heel mass pad 138, the toe mass pad 128, the weight port 190, the thinned portion 136, and / or the hosel 105. The sole mass pad 132 adds mass low in the golf club head to lower the center of gravity 60. Typically, the sole mass pad 132 will be located rearward of the rear striking face 115 to allow the face to flex upon impact.

[0088] The sole mass pad 132 provides discretionary mass to advantageously move the center of gravity 60 and improve performance. In some embodiments, the sole mass pad 132 is the heaviest of the mass pads used to lower the center of gravity 60. The mass added by the sole mass pad 132 may be between 35 grams and 55 grams. In some embodiments, the sole mass pad 132 may have a mass between 35 grams and 37 grams, between 37 grams and 39 grams, between 39 grams and 41 grams, between 41 grams and 43 grams, between 43 grams and 45 grams, between 45 grams and 47 grams, between 47 grams and 49 grams, between 49 grams and 51 grams, between 51 grams and 53 grams, or between 53 grams and 55 grams. Lightening or heavier masses in the sole mass pad 132 allow fine tuning of the golf club head to benefit different players' swings and skill levels.

[0089] The toe mass pad 128 is connected to the rear mass pad 124. These mass pads are connected via a lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149. The upper surfaces of the toe mass pad and the rear mass pad are coplanar and define an outer edge plane 169. Furthermore, the upper surfaces of the toe mass pad and the rear mass pad can be coplanar with the upper surface of the rear body lap joint such that the rear mass pad upper surface, the toe mass pad upper surface, and the lap joint trailing edge upper surface form one continuous plane. In other words, the upper surfaces of the toe mass pad and the rear mass pad form part of the upper surface of the lap joint.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the peripheral plane has a first angle, measured in the YZ plane as the angle between the Z axis and the peripheral plane 169. The peripheral plane first angle provides an improved draft angle to aid in core piece removal during tooling. The provided first angle allows the core piece to be removed through the crown opening rather than the smaller face opening. Easier core removal reduces manufacturing time and costs. The first angle can be in the range of 1 to 15 degrees. For example, the first angle can be between 1 and 3 degrees, between 3 and 5 degrees, between 5 and 7 degrees, between 7 and 10 degrees, between 8 and 11 degrees, between 10 and 13 degrees, or between 13 and 15 degrees. The first angle can be 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, 13 degrees, 14 degrees, or 15 degrees.

[0091] As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the perimeter plane further includes a second angle, measured in the XY plane as the angle between the X-axis and the perimeter plane. The second angle can range from -2 degrees to 5 degrees, with negative degrees indicating a heel-higher position and positive degrees indicating a toe-higher position. For example, the second angle can range from -2 degrees to 0 degrees, 0 degrees to 2 degrees, 1 degree to 3 degrees, 2 degrees to 4 degrees, or 3 degrees to 5 degrees. The second angle adjusts the heel-to-toe weighting of the club head.

[0092] The outer edge plane further comprises an intersection point 166. Intersection point 166 is the point in the YZ plane (mid-plane) where outer edge plane 169 intersects with the rearmost point of the club head. In other embodiments, intersection point 166 can intersect the skirt on either the heel side or the toe side of the mid-plane.

[0093] In addition to the various mass pads, a thinned section 136 may be located at the rear of the golf club head. The thinned section 136 is an area that does not include a mass pad and has a thinned configuration. The thinned section 136 allows mass to be redistributed to the heel and toe ends to increase the Iyy of the golf club head, thereby improving forgiveness. The additional heel and toe weighting resists twisting on off-center hits, resulting in straighter golf shots. The heel and toe weighting assists in positioning the CGx.

[0094] The location of the mass pad affects the performance of the club head. For example, perimeter weighting increases the MOI, which equates to a more forgiving golf club. Additionally, low and perimeter weighting provides better stopping power. Low weighting lowers the center of gravity 60. Low weighting increases launch angle by at least 0.5 degrees. Perimeter weighting results in higher spin (discussed below). The combination of higher launch and higher spin is beneficial for golf shots that stop more predictably.

[0095] 3. Lap joint The golf club head further includes a lap joint 140 extending along the periphery of the body 101 and through the crown 110. The lap joint 140 further includes a rear body lap joint section 155, a heel body lap joint section 156, a toe body lap joint section 157, and a crown body lap joint section 158. The lap joints may be located in areas such as the crown 110, the skirt 114, the sole 112, the heel end 104a, and the toe end 106a. The lap joint 140 is integrally formed with the body 101 and provides a surface to which a crown panel 150 (described in more detail below) is joined. The crown panel 150 may include a lightweight composite material surrounding the opening 120 in the body 101.

[0096] The rear lap joint section 155 can be disposed along the periphery of the rear section from the heel end 104a to the toe end 106a. The heel body lap joint section 156 can extend upward from the rear body lap joint section 155 at the heel end 104a. Similarly, the toe body lap joint section 157 can extend upward from the rear lap joint section 155 at the toe end 106a. The crown body lap joint section extends from the heel body lap joint section 156 to the toe body lap joint section 157. The lap joint sections can all be interconnected, or in some embodiments, can be discontinuous.

[0097] The rear body lap joint section 155 is formed at the outer edge of the club head so that the rear mass pad 124, which forms part of the rear body lap joint edge 142, is located further outboard to increase the moment of inertia. The rear body lap joint section 155 is formed along the skirt 114 or periphery of the club head so that the rear body lap joint section 155 follows the overall contour of the skirt 114.

[0098] The rear body lap joint section 155 can further define an upper edge, or rear body lap joint edge 142, disposed in the outer edge plane 169. The rear body lap joint section 155 and the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be integrally formed with various components of the golf club head 100, such as the rear mass pad 124 or the toe mass pad 128. The mass pad that forms part of the rear body lap joint edge 142 and remains within the outer edge plane 169 allows the upper surface of the mass pad to have a planar profile. This simplifies manufacturing, such as requiring fewer mold pieces for casting.

[0099] Additionally, some embodiments may include a mass pad outer edge distance 139, as shown in FIG. 17 . The mass pad outer edge distance 139 may be defined as the distance measured perpendicular to any point along the rear body lap joint edge 142. This creates a mass pad outer edge zone 185 that follows the contour of the rear of the golf club head 100. This distance sets a boundary for how far the rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128, or whichever mass pad abuts the lap joint, extend from the rear body lap joint edge 142. This boundary applies only to the portion of the mass pad that extends inward perpendicular to the rear body lap joint edge 142. In other words, there may be a portion of the mass pad abutment lap joint that does not abut the mass pad. The portion that abuts the mass pad is limited by the mass pad outer edge distance 139. In some embodiments, the mass pad outer edge distance 139 may be between 0.35 inches and 0.47 inches. In other embodiments, the mass pad outer edge distance 139 may be between 0.35 inches and 0.38 inches, between 0.38 inches and 0.41 inches, between 0.41 inches and 0.44 inches, or between 0.44 inches and 0.47 inches. In other words, the mass pad, including the portion abutting the lap joint, may not extend more than 0.42 inches toward the interior cavity. The mass pad outer edge zone 185 comprises a mass pad mass of between 10 grams and 30 grams. In some embodiments, the mass pad outer edge zone 185 comprises a mass of between 10 grams and 15 grams, between 15 grams and 20 grams, between 20 grams and 25 grams, or between 25 grams and 30 grams. By maintaining the portion of the mass pad abutting the lap joint within the mass pad outer edge distance 139, discretionary weight placed on the periphery of the golf club head 100 by the mass pad is maintained.

[0100] The rear body lap joint edge 142 generally extends from the heel end 104a to the toe end 106a of the rear, or body 101, to provide a surface to which the crown panel 150 is joined. The rear body lap joint edge 142 can have an arc length of between 3.5 inches and 4.5 inches.

[0101] The rear mass pad 124 may form part of the rear body lap joint edge 142 to achieve a lower center of gravity 60 and simplify manufacturing and assembly of the golf club. In some embodiments, the rear mass pad 124 may form between 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0102] The rear mass pad 124 may form a substantial portion of the rear body lap joint edge 142, thereby positioning mass at the outer edge of the club head 100. The rear mass pad 124 may form 10% to 75% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0103] The amount of peripheral loading provided by the rear mass pad 124 can be characterized by the ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length of the rear mass pad 124 that forms part of the rear body lap joint edge 142. For example, the mass-to-length ratio can be between 0.1 and 10. As the ratio of the rear mass pad 124 to the length of the rear body lap joint edge 142 formed by the rear mass pad 124 approaches 0.1, more mass is distributed along the rear body lap joint edge 142. This, in turn, distributes more mass to the outer edge of the club head 100, improving MOI.

[0104] The toe mass pad 128 may form part of the rear body lap joint edge 142, thereby providing additional mass placement along the outer edge of the club head 100. In some embodiments, the toe mass pad 128 may form between 0.25 inches and 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0105] Alternatively, the amount of peripheral loading provided by the rear mass pad 124 can be characterized by the percentage of the area of ​​the rear body lap joint edge 142 that it provides. For example, the toe mass pad 128 can form between 5% and 60% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0106] The ratio between the mass of the toe mass pad 128 and the length over which the toe mass pad 128 forms the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 0.1 and 20. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio is approximately 16.65. As the ratio of the toe mass pad 128 to the length of the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 approaches 0.1, more mass is distributed along the rear lap joint edge 142. This, in turn, distributes more mass toward the outer edge of the club head 100, improving the MOI.

[0107] The thinned portion 136 may form part of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The thinned portion 136 may form between 2.0 inches in 1.0 inch increments of the rear body lap joint edge 142. As discussed above, the thinned portion 136 provides discretionary mass for placement in the rear mass pad and toe mass pad to fine-tune the CG and MOI characteristics of the club head.

[0108] The thinned portion 136 is an area at the outer edge of the golf club head 100 that allows for more heel-to-toe loading and abuts a portion of the lap joint 140. The thinned portion can form between 30-40% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0109] The golf club head 100 includes various mass pads that may partially form the lap joint 140. Any mass pad, including the rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128, may form between 60% and 70% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0110] The rear mass pad upper surface 125, the toe mass pad upper surface 131, and the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 all form one surface. The surface formed by all three upper surfaces 125, 131, 149 is 0.3 inches. 2 ~0.7 inch 2 The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad upper surface 125 may be 0.2 inches. 2 ~0.45inch 2The surface area of ​​the toe mass pad upper surface 131 can be between 0.05 inches 2 ~0.2 inch 2 The surface area of ​​the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 can be between 0.01 inches 2 ~0.04 inch 2 It can be between.

[0111] The rear mass pad 124, toe mass pad 128, and rear body lap joint edge 142 have upper surfaces that contribute a percentage of the total lap joint upper surface area. The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad upper surface 125 can form between 20% and 90% of the total surface area. The toe mass pad upper surface area can form between 5% and 60% of the total surface area. The surface area of ​​the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 can form between 0.5% and 15% of the total surface area.

[0112] The lap joint 140 may be continuous or discontinuous around the club head and includes a lap joint surface 141 that provides a surface to which the crown panel 150 is bonded. The lap joint surface 141 has a width that may be constant or vary around the golf club head 100. The width of the lap joint surface 141 may be between 0.050 inches and 0.300 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the overlap interface 141 can be between 0.050 inches and 0.075 inches, between 0.075 inches and 0.100 inches, between 0.100 inches and 0.125 inches, between 0.125 inches and 0.150 inches, between 0.150 inches and 0.175 inches, between 0.175 inches and 0.200 inches, between 0.200 inches and 0.225 inches, between 0.225 inches and 0.250 inches, between 0.250 inches and 0.275 inches, or between 0.275 inches and 0.300 inches.

[0113] The surface area of ​​the rear lap joint can be defined as the surface area of ​​the lap joint surface 141 along the rear lap joint edge 142, bounded by an imaginary line extending from the lap joint heel edge 143 and an imaginary line extending from the lap joint toe edge 145. In other words, the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint is the portion along the skirt of the lap joint, excluding the portion past the lap joint heel edge 143 and the lap joint toe edge 145. The surface area of ​​the rear lap joint is 0.35 inches 2 ~0.65inch 2 The rear mass pad 124 may comprise a portion of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad 124 that constitutes the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint may be between 0.15 inches. 2 ~0.35inch 2 The toe mass pad 128 may comprise a portion of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The surface area of ​​the toe mass pad 128 that constitutes the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint may be between 0.05 inches 2 ~0.2 inch 2 The thinned portion 136 may comprise a portion of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The thinned portion 136 comprising the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint may be between 0.1 inch 2 ~0.2 inch 2 It can be between.

[0114] The various mass pads and thinned areas form a percentage of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad 124 can form between 15% and 80% of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The surface area of ​​the toe mass pad 128 can form between 5% and 60% of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint. The surface area of ​​the thinned portion 136 can form between 1% and 20% of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint.

[0115] The lap joint 140 may be disposed on the crown 110, the skirt 114, and / or the sole 112. The crown panel 150 may wrap from the crown 110 to either the skirt 114 or the sole 112, or both the skirt 114 and the sole 112. The lap joint 140 further includes a lap joint edge 144. The lap joint edge 144 may be provided partially around the periphery of the lap joint 140 or may be provided entirely around the periphery of the lap joint 140. The lap joint edge 144 is an edge adjacent to the opening 120. The lap joint edge 144 further includes a lap joint heel edge 143, a rear lap joint edge 142, a lap joint toe edge 145, and a lap joint crown edge 146. The lap joint heel edge 143 and the lap joint toe edge 145 may be further divided into a lap joint heel edge transition 147 and a lap joint toe edge transition 148, respectively. The lap joint heel edge transition 147 and the lap joint toe edge transition 148 define where the lap joint edge 144 abruptly changes direction toward the lap joint crown edge 146. The lap joint heel edge transition 147 and the lap joint toe edge transition 148 may have an lap joint edge 144 that varies between 45 degrees and 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the lap joint edge 144 may vary between 45 degrees and 55 degrees, between 55 degrees and 65 degrees, between 65 degrees and 75 degrees, between 75 degrees and 85 degrees, between 85 degrees and 95 degrees, or between 95 degrees and 105 degrees.

[0116] The lap joint edge 144 rearward of the lap joint heel edge transition 147 and the lap joint toe edge transition 148 also form a plane. This plane may be angled relative to the ground contact surface 1010 due to the inclination and curvature of the lap joint edge 144. For example, this plane may be tilted in the heel-toe direction, in which case the lap joint toe edge 145 is higher than the lap joint heel edge 143. The heel-toe inclination may be between 0 and 25 degrees relative to the ground contact surface 1010. In other embodiments, the heel-toe inclination may be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 5 and 10 degrees, between 10 and 15 degrees, between 15 and 20 degrees, or between 20 and 25 degrees. The plane may also be tilted in the front-to-rear direction, in which case the lap joint heel edge 143 and the lap joint toe edge 145 are higher than the rear body lap joint edge 142. The front-to-back tilt may be between 0 and 25 degrees relative to the ground surface 1010. In other embodiments, the front-to-back tilt may be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 5 and 10 degrees, between 10 and 15 degrees, between 15 and 20 degrees, or between 20 and 25 degrees.

[0117] The lap joint 140 structure provides a simpler manufacturing method. Previous designs utilized structures such as undercuts and support pieces to attach composite materials to the golf club. Because the lap joint 140 is integral with the lower and outer edge rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128, it simplifies the manufacturing and assembly of the golf club by providing an easily accessible surface for bonding the crown panel 150. Because the lap joint 140 is formed during the casting of the body 101, complex tooling processes are not required. Undercuts and additional pieces would require more complex tooling and could make installing the crown panel 150 more difficult. Having the lap joint 140 integral with the lower and outer edge mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128 also aids in the finishing stages of manufacturing, because by bonding and grinding the crown panel 150 at the skirt 114 connection, the worker only needs to follow the contours of the rear end 111 a as the club is finished.

[0118] The arc length of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 3.5 inches and 3.75 inches, between 3.75 inches and 4.0 inches, between 4.0 inches and 4.25 inches, or between 4.25 inches and 4.5 inches. The arc length of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be greater than 3.5 inches, greater than 3.75 inches, greater than 4.0 inches, greater than 4.25 inches, or greater than 4.5 inches. The arc length of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be less than 4.5 inches, less than 4.25 inches, less than 4.0 inches, less than 3.75 inches, or less than 3.5 inches. The rear body lap joint edge can be between 4.01 inches and 4.03 inches, between 4.03 inches and 4.05 inches, between 4.05 inches and 4.07 inches, between 4.07 inches and 4.09 inches, or between 4.09 inches and 4.011 inches.

[0119] The rear mass pad 124 can be formed between 0.5 inches and 1 inch of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed between 1 inch and 1.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed between 1.5 inches and 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed between 2.0 inches and 2.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed more than 0.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed more than 1 inch of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed more than 1.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed greater than 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed greater than 2.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed less than 2.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed less than 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed less than 1.5 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed less than 1 inch of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad 124 can be formed less than 0.5 inch of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0120] The rear mass pad can form between 10% and 15% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 15% and 20% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 20% and 25% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 25% and 30% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 30% and 35% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 35% and 40% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 40% and 45% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 45% and 50% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad can form between 50% and 55% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form between 55% and 60% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form between 60% and 65% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form between 65% and 70% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form between 70% and 75% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form less than 75% of the rear body lap joint edge. The rear mass pad may form less than 70% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 65% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 60% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 55% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 50% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 45% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 40% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 35% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 30% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 25% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.The rear mass pad may form less than 20% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 15% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The rear mass pad may form less than 10% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0121] The ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length defined by the rear mass pad 124 of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 0.1 and 1.0. The ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length defined by the rear mass pad 124 of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 1.0 and 2.0, between 2.0 and 3.0, between 3.0 and 4.0, between 4.0 and 5.0, between 5.0 and 6.0, between 6.0 and 7.0, between 7.0 and 8.0, between 8.0 and 9.0, or between 9.0 and 10.0. The ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length defined by the rear mass pad 124 of the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be greater than 0.1, greater than 1.0, greater than 2.0, greater than 3.0, greater than 4.0, greater than 5.0, greater than 6.0, greater than 7.0, greater than 8.0, greater than 9.0, or greater than 10.0. The ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length defined by the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be less than 0.1, less than 1.0, less than 2.0, less than 3.0, less than 4.0, less than 5.0, less than 6.0, less than 7.0, less than 8.0, less than 9.0, or less than 10.0. Additionally, the ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length over which the rear mass pad 124 forms the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 5.0 and 6.0. The ratio of the mass of the rear mass pad 124 to the length over which the rear mass pad 124 forms the rear body lap joint edge 142 can be between 5.0 and 5.2, between 5.2 and 5.4, between 5.4 and 5.6, between 5.6 and 5.8, or between 5.8 and 6.0.

[0122] The tow mass pad 128 can form between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, between 1.00 inches and 1.25 inches, between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, or between 1.75 inches and 2.00 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The tow mass pad 128 can be greater than 0.25 inches, greater than 0.50 inches, greater than 0.75 inches, greater than 1.00 inches, greater than 1.25 inches, greater than 1.50 inches, greater than 1.75 inches, or greater than 2.00 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The tow mass pad 128 may be less than 0.25 inches, less than 0.50 inches, less than 0.75 inches, less than 1.00 inches, less than 1.25 inches, less than 1.50 inches, less than 1.75 inches, or less than 2.00 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0123] Additionally, the tow mass pad 128 can form between 5% and 10%, between 10% and 15%, between 15% and 20%, between 20% and 25%, between 25% and 30%, between 30% and 35%, between 35% and 40%, between 40% and 45%, between 45% and 50%, between 50% and 55%, or between 55% and 60% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The tow mass pad 128 can form more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, more than 25%, more than 30%, more than 35%, more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, or more than 60% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The toe mass pad 128 may form less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, less than 30%, less than 35%, less than 40%, less than 45%, less than 50%, less than 55%, or less than 60% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0124] Furthermore, the ratio of the mass of the toe mass pad 128 to the length of the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 can be between 0.1 and 2.0, between 2.0 and 4.0, between 4.0 and 6.0, between 6.0 and 8.0, between 8.0 and 10.0, between 10.0 and 12.0, between 12.0 and 14.0, between 14.0 and 16.0, between 16.0 and 18.0, or between 18.0 and 20.0. The ratio of the mass of the toe mass pad 128 to the length of the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 can be greater than 0.1, greater than 1.0, greater than 2.0, greater than 3.0, greater than 4.0, greater than 5.0, greater than 6.0, greater than 7.0, greater than 8.0, greater than 9.0, greater than 10.0, greater than 11.0, greater than 12.0, greater than 13.0, greater than 14.0, greater than 15.0, greater than 16.0, greater than 17.0, greater than 18.0, greater than 19.0, or greater than 20.0. The ratio of the mass of the toe mass pad 128 to the length of the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 can be less than 0.1, less than 1.0, less than 2.0, less than 3.0, less than 4.0, less than 5.0, less than 6.0, less than 7.0, less than 8.0, less than 9.0, less than 10.0, less than 11.0, less than 12.0, less than 13.0, less than 14.0, less than 15.0, less than 16.0, less than 17.0, less than 18.0, less than 19.0, or less than 20.0. Furthermore, the ratio of the mass of the toe mass pad 128 to the length of the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 can be between 16.0 and 17.0. The ratio between the mass of the toe mass pad 128 and the rear lap joint edge 142 formed by the toe mass pad 128 can be between 16.0 and 16.2, between 16.2 and 16.4, between 16.4 and 16.6, between 16.6 and 16.8, or between 16.8 and 17.0.

[0125] The edge of the thinned section 136 can form between 1.0 inches and 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge. The edge of the thinned section 136 can form between 1.0 inches and 1.2 inches, between 1.2 inches and 1.4 inches, between 1.4 inches and 1.6 inches, between 1.6 inches and 1.8 inches, or between 1.8 inches and 2.0 inches of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0126] The edge of the thinned portion 136 can form between 30% and 40% of the rear body lap joint edge 142. The edge of the thinned portion 136 can form between 30% and 33%, between 33% and 36%, or between 36% and 40% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0127] Any of the mass pads, including the rear mass pad 124 and the toe mass pad 128, may form alternate areas and percentages of the rear body lap joint edge 142. For example, any of the mass pads may form between 60% and 65%, or between 65% and 70% of the rear body lap joint edge 142.

[0128] The surface formed by the three upper surfaces 125, 131, and 149 is 0.3 inches 2 ~0.7 inch 2 For example, the total surface area formed by the three top surfaces 125, 131, and 149 may be between 0.3 inches 2 ~0.4 inch 2 Between 0.4 inches 2 ~0.5 inch 2 Between 0.5 inches 2 ~0.6 inch 2 Between or 0.6 inches 2 ~0.7 inch 2 It may be between.

[0129] The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad upper surface 125 is 0.2 inches 2 ~0.45inch 2 For example, the surface area of ​​the rear mass pad upper surface 125 can be between 0.2 inches 2~0.25 inch 2 Between 0.25 inches 2 ~0.30inch 2 Between, 0.30 inch 2 ~0.35inch 2 Between, 0.35 inches 2 ~0.40inch 2 Between or 0.40 inches 2 ~0.45inch 2 It can be between.

[0130] The surface area of ​​the toe mass pad upper surface 131 is 0.05 inches 2 ~0.2 inch 2 For example, the surface area of ​​the toe mass pad upper surface 131 can be between 0.05 inches 2 ~0.10 inch 2 Between, 0.10 inch 2 ~0.15 inch 2 Between or 0.15 inches 2 ~0.20 inch 2 It can be between.

[0131] The surface area of ​​the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 is 0.010 inches 2 ~0.015inch 2 Between, 0.015 inch 2 ~0.020inch 2 Between, 0.020 inch 2 ~0.025 inch 2 Between, 0.025 inch 2 ~0.030inch 2 Between, 0.030 inch 2 ~0.035inch 2 Between or 0.035 inches 2 ~0.040inch 2 It can be between.

[0132] The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad upper surface 125 can comprise alternative ranges and percentages of the total surface area, such as between 20% and 25%, between 25% and 30%, between 30% and 35%, between 35% and 40%, between 40% and 45%, between 45% and 50%, between 50% and 55%, between 55% and 60%, between 60% and 65%, between 65% and 70%, between 70% and 75%, or between 75% and 80%.

[0133] The top surface area of ​​the toe mass pad can comprise alternative ranges and percentages of the total surface area, such as between 5% and 10%, between 10% and 15%, between 15% and 20%, between 20% and 25%, between 25% and 30%, between 30% and 35%, between 35% and 40%, between 40% and 45%, between 45% and 50%, between 50% and 55%, or between 55% and 60%.

[0134] The surface area of ​​the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 can form between 0.5% and 15% of the total surface area. The surface area of ​​the lap joint trailing edge upper surface 149 can form between 0.5% and 2.0%, between 2.0% and 3.5%, between 3.5% and 5.0%, between 5.0% and 6.5%, between 6.5% and 8%, between 8% and 9.5%, between 9.5% and 11%, between 11% and 12.5%, between 12.5% ​​and 14%, or between 14% and 15%.

[0135] The surface area of ​​the rear lap joint is 0.35 inches 2 ~0.40inch 2 Between, 0.40 inch 2 ~0.45inch 2 Between, 0.45 inches 2 ~0.50inch 2 Between 0.50 inches 2 ~0.55inch 2 Between, 0.55 inches 2 ~0.60inch 2 Between or 0.60 inches 2 ~0.65inch 2 It can be between.

[0136] The rear mass pad 124 has a rear overlap bonding surface area of ​​0.15 inches. 2 ~0.20 inch 2 Between 0.20 inch 2 ~0.25 inch 2 Between 0.25 inches 2 ~0.30inch 2 Between or 0.30 inches 2 ~0.35inch 2 It is possible to form a relationship between

[0137] The toe mass pad 128 has a rear overlap bonding surface area of ​​0.05 inches. 2 ~0.20 inch 2 The toe mass pad 128 can form a gap between 0.05 inches of rear lap bond surface area. 2 ~0.10 inch 2 Between, 0.10 inch 2 ~0.15 inch 2 Between or 0.15 inches 2 ~0.20 inch 2 It is possible to form a gap between

[0138] The thinned portion 136 is 0.1 inch of rear lap joint surface area. 2 ~0.2 inch 2 The thinned portion 136 can form a gap between 0.1 inch of rear lap joint surface area. 2 ~0.15 inch 2 Between or 0.15 inches 2 ~0.20 inch 2 It is possible to form a gap between

[0139] The surface area of ​​the rear mass pad 124 can form between 15% and 25%, between 25% and 35%, between 35% and 45%, between 45% and 55%, between 55% and 65%, between 65% and 75%, or between 75% and 80% of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint.

[0140] The surface area of ​​the toe mass pad 128 can form between 5% and 15%, between 15% and 20%, between 20% and 25%, between 25% and 30%, between 30% and 35%, between 35% and 40%, between 40% and 45%, between 45% and 50%, between 50% and 55%, or between 55% and 60% of the surface area of ​​the rear lap joint.

[0141] The surface area of ​​the thinned portion 136 can form between 1% and 5%, between 5% and 10%, between 10% and 15%, or between 15% and 20% of the rear lap joint surface area.

[0142] II. Crown Panel The crown panel 150 can be formed from a lightweight material that increases the discretionary weight of the golf club head. The crown panel 150 comprises a portion of the crown, a skirt, and / or a sole. In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 comprises a portion of the crown and a portion of the skirt. In other embodiments, the crown panel 150 comprises a portion of the crown 110, the skirt 114, and a portion of the sole 112. Extending the crown panel 150 from the crown 110 to the skirt and / or the sole increases the discretionary mass available for modifying the center of gravity 60 of the club head. The crown panel 150 that wraps around the skirt further enhances the aesthetics of the club head by positioning the split line where the crown insert transitions to the metal body below the crown so that it is not visible at address. The crown panel 150, in combination with a removable weight 193, allows for more advantageous placement of the center of gravity 60.

[0143] The crown panel 150 further includes a skirt heel portion 161, a skirt toe portion 160, and a rear skirt portion 162. When the club head 100 is viewed from the sole 112, the skirt toe portion 160 and the skirt heel portion 161 may overlap the rear skirt portion 162. The crown panel 150 of the club head 100 forms a continuous portion of the skirt 114. In these embodiments, the rear skirt portion 162 of the crown panel 150 can reduce the weight of the club head 100 and provide more discretionary weight, such as the rear mass pad 124, the toe mass pad 128, and the sole mass pad 132, located below the horizontal midplane. Locating more weight below the horizontal midplane helps lower the center of gravity 60.

[0144] The rear skirt portion 162 of the crown panel 150 increases the proportion of composite material in the skirt 114. The wrap design of the crown panel 150 provides more composite material, removing mass from the crown 110 and skirt 114 and allowing more discretionary mass to shift the center of gravity 60 downward and rearward (compared to embodiments in which the crown panel 150 does not extend to the rear skirt portion 162). The configuration of the club head 100 may increase spin rate compared to a club head without the crown panel 150, including the rear skirt portion 162. Increased spin rate may be desirable for producing a hybrid or fairway wood with better stopping power. To achieve these desirable club head characteristics, the crown panel 150 may comprise a large percentage of the surface area of ​​the crown 110 and the surface area of ​​the sole 112.

[0145] The sole 112 may be defined as the portion of the club head 100 that contacts the ground surface 1010 at address. The skirt 114 of the club head 100 may be defined as the junction between the sole 112 and the crown 110 that forms the perimeter of the club head 100 behind the striking face 102. Stated differently, the skirt 4130 may be the portion of the club head 100 that transitions from the crown 110 to the sole 112.

[0146] The amount of discretionary weight added by the crown panel 150 can be characterized by the amount of surface area of ​​the crown 110 provided by the crown panel 150. Specifically, the crown panel 150 can comprise between 65% and 85% of the surface area of ​​the crown 110. In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 may comprise between 65% and 70%, between 70% and 75%, between 75% and 80%, or between 80% and 85% of the surface area of ​​the crown 110. Furthermore, the crown panel 150 may comprise between 50% and 95% of the surface area of ​​the skirt 114. In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 can comprise between 50% and 55%, between 55% and 60%, between 60% and 65%, between 65% and 70%, between 70% and 75%, between 75% and 80%, between 80% and 85%, between 85% and 90%, or between 90% and 95% of the surface area of ​​the skirt 114.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 7 , the crown panel 150 can include a transition profile 152 that separates the crown panel 150 from the body 101 on the crown 110, i.e., the crown panel transition profile 152. In some embodiments, the transition profile 152 can be concave relative to the striking face 102. In other embodiments, the transition profile 152 can be convex relative to the striking face 102, as shown in FIG. 7 . In other embodiments, the transition profile 152 can be parallel to the striking face 102. Additionally, the transition profile 152 can be skewed relative to the striking face 102. For example, the crown panel transition profile 152 can be skewed such that it is closer to the striking face 102 near the heel end 104 a than the toe end 106 a. Alternatively, the crown panel transition profile 152 can be skewed such that it is closer to the striking face 102 near the toe end 106 a than the heel end 104 a.

[0148] In other embodiments, the club head 100 can include a crown panel 150 that comprises the rear sole portion. The crown panel 150 may comprise between 3% and 16% of the surface area of ​​the sole 112. In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 can comprise between 3% and 5%, between 5% and 7%, between 7% and 9%, between 9% and 11%, between 11% and 13%, or between 13% and 16% of the surface area of ​​the sole 112.

[0149] The crown panel 150 comprises a material that is less dense than the material of the body 101. In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 can comprise a composite formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The polymer resin can comprise a thermoset or thermoplastic. The composite material of the crown panel 150 can be either a filled thermoplastic (FT) or a fiber reinforced composite (FRC). In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 can comprise a FT bonded together with FRC. Typically, a filled thermoplastic (FT) is injection molded into a desired shape. As the name suggests, a filled thermoplastic (FT) can comprise a thermoplastic resin and randomly oriented, non-continuous fibers. In contrast, a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) is formed from a resin-impregnated (prepreg) sheet of continuous fibers. A fiber reinforced composite (FRC) can comprise a thermoplastic resin or a thermoset resin.

[0150] In embodiments using a thermoplastic resin, the resin may comprise a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may comprise polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamideimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and / or other similar materials. While strength and weight are two primary properties considered for composite materials, suitable composite materials may also exhibit secondary benefits, such as acoustic properties. In some embodiments, PPS and PEEK are desirable because they typically emit a metallic acoustic response upon impact with the club head.

[0151] The reinforcing fibers may comprise carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphene fibers (or chopped graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler. In other embodiments, the composite material may comprise any reinforcing filler that adds strength, durability, and / or weight.

[0152] The density of the composite (combination of resin and fiber) forming crown panel 150 can range from about 1.15 g / cc to about 2.02 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the composite ranges from about 1.20 g / cc to about 1.90 g / cc, from about 1.25 g / cc to about 1.85 g / cc, from about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.80 g / cc, from about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.70 g / cc, from about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.40 g / cc, or from about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.45 g / cc.

[0153] Filled Thermoplastics (FT) In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 may comprise a filled thermoplastic (FT) material. In FT materials, the polymer resin should preferably incorporate one or more polymers with sufficiently high material strength and / or strength-to-weight ratio properties to withstand normal use while providing the design with the advantage of lightweight construction. Specifically, it is important that the design and materials efficiently withstand the stresses imparted during impact between the striking face and a golf ball while not contributing substantially to the overall weight of the golf club head. Generally, polymers can be characterized as having a tensile strength at yield greater than about 60 MPa (net). When the polymer resin is combined with reinforcing fibers, the resulting composite material can have a tensile strength at yield greater than about 110 MPa, greater than about 180 MPa, greater than about 220 MPa, greater than about 260 MPa, greater than about 280 MPa, or greater than about 290 MPa. In some embodiments, suitable composite materials may have a tensile strength at yield of between about 60 MPa and about 350 MPa.

[0154] In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise a plurality of dispersed, discontinuous fibers (i.e., "chopped fibers"). In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "long fibers" having a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the discontinuous "long fibers" have a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 14 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber length is about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) prior to the molding process. In other embodiments, the reinforcing fibers comprise discontinuous "short fibers" having a design fiber length of about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. It should be noted that in either case (short or long fibers), the given length is a premixed length, and due to breakage during the molding process, some fibers may actually be shorter than the stated range in the final component. In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers may be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., fiber length / diameter) greater than about 10, more preferably greater than about 50, and less than about 1500. Regardless of the particular type of discontinuous chopped fibers used, in certain configurations, the composite material may have a fiber length of from about 0.01 mm to about 25 mm, or from about 0.01 mm to about 14 mm.

[0155] The composite material may have a polymer resin content of about 40% to about 90% by weight, or about 55% to about 70% by weight. The second component composite material may have a fiber content of about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 20% to about 50% by weight, or between 30% and 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 10% to about 15% by weight, about 15% to about 20% by weight, about 20% to about 25% by weight, about 25% to about 30% by weight, about 30% to about 35% by weight, about 35% to about 40% by weight, about 40% to about 45% by weight, about 45% to about 50% by weight, about 50% to about 55% by weight, or about 55% to about 60% by weight.

[0156] In embodiments in which the crown panel 150 comprises a filled thermoplastic (FT) material, the crown panel 150 can be injection molded from composite pellets comprising both a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be embedded in the resin prior to the injection molding process. The pellets can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the crown panel 150. The FT composite material can have a melting temperature of about 210°C to about 280°C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting temperature between about 250°C to about 270°C.

[0157] In embodiments having a FT material crown panel 150, at least 50% of the fibers may be aligned generally front-to-back in the central region of the crown 110. In other words, the fibers may be aligned generally perpendicular to the striking face 113. FT material exhibits greatest strength in the direction of the fiber alignment. Therefore, orienting the fibers generally front-to-back in the crown 110 may increase the club head's durability in the front-to-back direction. The fiber alignment may correspond to the direction of material flow within the mold during the injection molding process.

[0158] In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 can be formed from a long fiber reinforced TPU material (an exemplary FT material). The long fiber TPU can comprise approximately 40% long carbon fiber by weight. The long fiber TPU can exhibit a higher modulus than short carbon fiber composites. The long fiber TPU can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in golf club heads used and / or stored in hot climates. The long fiber TPU exhibits even greater toughness and can function satisfactorily as a replacement for traditional metal components. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU has a tensile modulus of between about 26,000 MPa and about 30,000 MPa, or between about 27,000 MPa and about 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU has a flexural modulus of between about 21,000 MPa and about 26,000 MPa, or between about 22,000 MPa and about 25,000 MPa. The long fiber TPU material can exhibit a tensile elongation (at break) of between about 0.5% and about 2.5%. In some embodiments, the tensile elongation of the composite TPU material can be between about 1.0% and about 2.0%, between about 1.2% and about 1.4%, between about 1.4% and about 1.6%, between about 1.6% and about 1.8%, or between about 1.8% and about 2.0%.

[0159] Fiber-reinforced composites (FRC) In some embodiments, the crown panel 150 may comprise a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) material. Generally, FRC materials include one or more layers of unidirectional or multidirectional fiber woven fabrics that extend across the majority of a polymer. Unlike reinforcing fibers that may be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimension of the fibers used in FRC may be substantially larger / longer than the fibers used in FT materials, and may have sufficient size and properties so that they can be provided as a continuous fabric separate from the polymer. When formed from a thermoplastic polymer, the continuous fibers contained therein do not flow well, even if the polymer is freely flowable when melted. Reinforcing fibers are typically used in a range of 75 g / m 2 ~150g / m 2 It can have a surface weight (weight per area of ​​length x width) between.

[0160] FRC materials are generally formed by arranging fibers in a desired configuration and then impregnating the fibrous material with a polymeric material in an amount sufficient to provide rigidity. Thus, FT materials may have a resin content greater than about 45% by volume, more preferably greater than about 55% by volume, while FRC materials desirably have a resin content less than about 45% by volume, more preferably less than about 35% by volume. In some embodiments, the resin content of the FRC can be between 24% and 45% by volume.

[0161] Traditionally, FRC materials use two-part thermosetting epoxies as the polymer matrix, but thermoplastic polymers can also be used as the matrix. Often, FRC materials are prepared in advance before final fabrication; such intermediate materials are often called prepregs. When using thermosetting polymers, the prepregs are partially cured in an intermediate state, with final curing occurring once the prepregs are molded into their final shape. When using thermoplastic polymers, the prepregs may contain a cooled thermoplastic matrix, which can then be heated and molded into its final shape.

[0162] The FRC crown panel 150 can include multiple layers (also called multiple laminae). Each layer can include prepreg and / or can be the same thickness as prepreg. Each layer of the multiple layers can include either a unidirectional (UD) fiber fabric or a multidirectional fiber fabric (sometimes called a woven fabric). In some embodiments, the multiple layers can include at least three UD layers. The second and third layers can be angled relative to the base layer. With the base layer oriented at 0 degrees, the second and third layers can be oriented at ±45 degrees from the base layer. In some embodiments, the layers can be oriented at 0, +45, -45, +90, and -90 degrees in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the multiple layers include at least one multidirectional woven layer, typically placed as the top layer to improve the appearance of the FRC crown panel 150.

[0163] Mixed-Material The crown panel 150 may have a mixed material construction including both a fiber-reinforced composite resilient layer and a molded thermoplastic structural layer. In some preferred embodiments, the molded thermoplastic structural layer may be formed from a filled thermoplastic material (FT). As described above, the FT may comprise discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic resin material. The thermoplastic resin may be, for example, a TPU such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or a polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. The fiber-reinforced composite resilient layer may comprise a woven glass fiber, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber reinforced layer embedded in a polymer resin (or matrix). The polymer resin of the resilient layer may be thermoplastic or thermoset.

[0164] In some embodiments, the polymer resin of the fiber-reinforced composite resilient layer is the same thermoplastic material as the resin of the molded thermoplastic structural layer. In other words, the fiber-reinforced resilient layer and the molded structural layer can comprise a common thermoplastic resin. Forming the resilient layer and the structural layer from a common thermoplastic resin can strengthen the chemical bond between the layers. In these embodiments, the resilient layer and the structural layer can be bonded without the use of an intermediate adhesive. In one particular embodiment, the resilient layer of the crown panel 150 can comprise a woven carbon fiber fabric embedded in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the structural layer of the second component (200) can comprise a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer. In alternative embodiments, the crown panel 150 can be extruded, injection blow molded, 3-D printed, or any other suitable molding method. In another embodiment, the crown panel 150 can be made from SMACWRAP®.

[0165] III. Lightweight characteristics 1.Lightweight shaft support structure As described above, the club head can include one or more features that create discretionary mass. The discretionary mass can be allocated to portions of the club head that provide a low, rearward CG position, which results in higher launch golf shots. In many embodiments, the club head can include a lightweight shaft-receiving structure. The lightweight shaft-receiving structure creates discretionary mass that can be used to improve the mass properties of the club head.

[0166] 11 and 12 , the lightweight shaft-receiving structure includes a hosel 105, a shaft sleeve 178, and a screw 176. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the shaft sleeve 178 is exposed to the internal cavity 107. In many embodiments, at least a portion of the shaft sleeve tip 179 is exposed to the internal cavity. In this embodiment, the shaft sleeve 178 is not retained within the club head by an internal structure, such as a hosel tube, but rather by a structure that also forms at least a portion of the club head body exterior. In other words, the shaft sleeve 178 is primarily supported and retained by portions of the hosel walls, such as the hosel crown wall 181 and the hosel heel wall 180. In many embodiments, the shaft-receiving structure includes an upper end and a lower end. In tubeless embodiments, the shaft sleeve 178 is secured only at the upper and lower ends. The shaft sleeve is inserted through the hosel bore opening 170 and is retained at the upper end by the hosel heel wall 180 and the hosel crown wall 181. The shaft sleeve 178 can be secured to the club head using a fastener. The fastener is inserted through an opening 175 through the lower recess bottom wall 174 and coupled to the shaft sleeve tip 179 of the shaft sleeve 178. The lower recess is defined by the lower recess bottom wall 174 at the heel end of the sole and the lower recess bottom wall 174. The shaft sleeve 178 is not supported or held by the hosel tube between its upper and lower ends.

[0167] The lightweight shaft receiving structure can provide a discretionary mass of 3 grams to 12 grams compared to a similar shaft receiving structure with a hosel tube. In some embodiments, the lightweight shaft receiving structure can provide a discretionary mass of between 3 grams and 5 grams, between 4 grams and 6 grams, between 5 grams and 7 grams, between 6 grams and 8 grams, between 7 grams and 9 grams, between 8 grams and 10 grams, between 9 grams and 11 grams, or between 10 grams and 12 grams compared to a similar shaft receiving structure with a hosel tube. In some embodiments, the lightweight shaft receiving structure can provide a discretionary mass of more than 3 grams, more than 4 grams, more than 5 grams, more than 6 grams, more than 7 grams, more than 8 grams, more than 9 grams, or more than 10 grams compared to a similar shaft receiving structure with a hosel tube. Reducing the mass of the shaft receiving structure by eliminating the hosel tube improves mass properties and frees up discretionary mass to be reallocated to other areas of the club head to provide higher launch golf shots.

[0168] The lightweight shaft receiving structure does not have a continuous hosel bore due to the absence of a hosel tube. In other words, the lightweight shaft receiving structure does not have a hosel bore that extends from the hosel bore opening to the lower recess 172. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the hosel bore opens into the internal cavity 107. The hosel bore can be defined by the inner surface of the upper hosel wall. In many embodiments, the hosel bore can extend from the hosel bore opening 170, defined by the upper edge of the upper hosel wall, to the bottom of the upper hosel wall. In other embodiments, a portion of the hosel bore can be defined by the hosel wall. The hosel bore can transition into the internal cavity abruptly or gradually. The hosel bore transitions into the internal cavity as the hosel wall moves away from the shaft sleeve.

[0169] The lightweight shaft receiving structure provides a maximum amount of discretionary mass (between 3 grams and 12 grams) redistributed around the club head. The lightweight shaft receiving structure provides minimal structure due to the elimination of the hosel tube. As discussed above, the elimination of the hosel tube is possible due to the lack of structural advantages provided by prior art hosel tubes. In many embodiments, as discussed above, the discretionary mass created by the lightweight shaft receiving structure can be added to a mass pad on the sole to improve club head CG location and / or a removable weight near the rear of the club head to increase club head MOI. The shaft receiving structure provides minimal mass and structure without sacrificing durability.

[0170] 2. Fastener and bore size reduction Additionally, certain walls of the lightweight shaft receiving structure can be reduced in thickness, thereby further reducing the mass of the shaft receiving structure. To reduce the mass of the lightweight shaft receiving structure, the hosel heel wall 180, the hosel crown wall 181, the lower recess sidewall 173, and the lower recess bottom wall 174 can be substantially thinned. The hosel walls can have a minimum hosel wall thickness between 0.040 inches and 0.080 inches. In many embodiments, the hosel walls can have a minimum hosel wall thickness of less than 0.080 inches, less than 0.075 inches, less than 0.070 inches, less than 0.065 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.055 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.045 inches, or less than 0.040 inches. Providing a substantially thinner hosel wall results in more discretionary mass than a club head with a thicker wall that provides support for the shaft receiving structure.

[0171] 11 and 12, the lower recess 172 is recessed relative to the surface of the sole. The lower recess is defined by lower recess sidewalls 173 that connect the surface of the sole to a lower recess bottom wall 174. The lower recess wall can surround a substantial portion of the lower recess 172. In many embodiments, the lower recess bottom wall 174 can connect with the hosel heel wall 180 near the heel end, such that a portion of the lower recess 172 directly connects with the hosel wall at the heel end. The inclusion of the lower recess wall allows the lower recess 172 to be recessed from the surface of the sole, creating a lower opening. The provision of the lower opening allows the head of a fastener to be spaced away from the sole surface, preventing the fastener from contacting the ground during a golf swing.

[0172] To reduce the mass of the lightweight shaft-receiving structure, the lower recess wall can be substantially thin. The lower recess wall can have a minimum recess wall thickness of between 0.020 inches and 0.050 inches. In many embodiments, the lower recess wall can have a minimum recess wall thickness of less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.045 inches, less than 0.040 inches, less than 0.035 inches, less than 0.030 inches, less than 0.025 inches, or less than 0.020 inches. Providing a substantially thinner lower recess wall creates more discretionary mass than a club head with a thicker wall that provides support for the shaft-receiving structure.

[0173] IV. Launch Characteristics 1. Shallow face The golf club head may further include features to improve face flex while increasing discretionary mass. To improve face flex, the golf club head may have a relatively short face height. A shorter face height allows the face to be thinner. Face thickness is a major factor affecting ball speed; therefore, by making the face thinner, ball speed increases. A shorter (i.e., shallower) face height increases ball speed and allows the club head to achieve a high peak height while maintaining carry distance. A shallower face further increases discretionary mass.

[0174] Golf club heads with shallower (shorter) faces further increase discretionary mass. By reducing the dimensions (height and thickness) of the striking face, less mass is used to form the striking face. In some embodiments, a shallower face can save approximately 2-10 grams that can be allocated to other parts of the club head to increase the moment of inertia and / or lower the center of gravity.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 5, the golf club head has a face height HSF measured from the ground plane to the top of the face, where the face transitions from the bulge and roll profile to the crown curvature. In some embodiments, the face height HSF of the golf club head can be in the range of approximately 1.10 inches to 1.25 inches. For example, the face height HSF can be in the range of approximately 1.10 inches to 1.15 inches, 1.15 inches to 1.20 inches, or 1.20 inches to 1.25 inches. The face height in an embodiment is approximately 1.20 inches.

[0176] In some embodiments, the face thickness of the club head can have a variable thickness profile. As such, the club head has a maximum face thickness and a minimum face thickness. The maximum face thickness can range from approximately 0.069 inches to 0.075 inches. The minimum face thickness can range from approximately 0.055 inches to 0.065 inches. In one embodiment, the maximum face thickness is approximately 0.071 inches and the minimum face thickness is approximately 0.058 inches. The face thickness of the present invention can be made thinner (0.005 to 0.010 inches) by reducing the face height as described above.

[0177] 2. Loft adjustment Improving the Iyy / CGy ratio through the use of the mass pads described above improves ball speed. This allows for loft adjustment to achieve a higher launch angle. Having an improved CGy position allows for improved ball speed and carry distance by aligning the CG with the line of force. Thus, increasing the loft angle increases the launch angle. This improves the stopping power of hybrid-type clubheads, helping players keep the green, leaving shorter putts and reducing strokes. As described above, increasing launch angle while maintaining or increasing carry distance can be achieved through the placement of various mass pads and other mass-reducing features that form part of the lap joint.

[0178] Any of the above-described features may be used in any combination to provide a desired amount of discretionary mass that may be allocated to the rear mass pad 124, toe mass pad 128, heel mass pad 138, or sole mass pad 132 to improve the Iyy / CGy ratio. In one embodiment, the golf club head may include a lightweight shaft-receiving structure, a lightweight hosel wall, a shallow face, and mass pads that form an overlap joint. In other embodiments, the golf club head may include any combination of the above-described features to provide the golf club head with a low center of gravity and / or a high moment of inertia to increase ball launch angle and carry distance. A low center of gravity may increase ball speed by moving the center of gravity closer to the line of force at impact.

[0179] The golf club head 100 can have any one or more combinations of the features defined above in a fairway-type golf club head, which can achieve the same performance improvements as described above.

[0180] V. Example 1 (Comparison of Mass Properties) In the first performance test, the CGy and Iyy characteristics of the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head were compared with those of the first control club head, the second control club head, the third control club head, and the fourth control club head. The first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head had similar features to those of the club head 100 described above, i.e., included a toe mass pad and a rear mass pad, and the upper surfaces of the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad were flush with the rear body lap joint edge and the lap joint upper surface. The upper surfaces of the toe mass pad, the rear mass pad, the rear body lap joint edge, and the lap joint upper surface were all located within an outer edge plane. The outer edge plane intersected the rearmost point of the club head. Furthermore, the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad accounted for approximately 60% of the rear lap joint surface area. The first and second exemplary club heads also included 16 grams from the rear mass pad and 2 grams from the toe mass pad located within the 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance defined above. These features allowed for a lower CGy with less of a reduction in Iyy than expected.

[0181] The difference between the first and second exemplary club heads was the location of CGy and Iyy. The first exemplary club head prioritized Iyy and placed discretionary mass closer to the outer edge of the club head via the mass pad. The second exemplary club head prioritized CGy and placed more discretionary mass closer to the sole. The different CGy and Iyy were achieved by varying the amount of lap joint that made up the mass pad. The first, second, third, and fourth control club heads had conventional golf club head structures in which CGy and Iyy varied between club heads. The control club heads lacked coplanar top and rear edges, a mass pad that made up 60% of the rear lap joint surface area, and an 18-gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42-inch distance from the mass pad outer edge. The control club heads had mass pads that were centrally located within the club head. The first control club head had a CGy of -3.84 mm and a mass pad weight of 294.92 kg / mm. 2The second control club head had a CGy of -4.24 mm and a CG of 286.97 kgmm 2 The third control club head had a CGy of -5.16 mm and a CG of 271.49 kgmm 2 The fourth control club head had a CGy of -6.25 mm and a CG of 245.42 kgmm. 2 Iyy and had.

[0182] FIG. 21 is a graph plotting CGy versus Iyy for each club head. Trend lines were formed between the first control club head, the second control club head, the third control club head, and the fourth control club head. The trend lines represent the relationship between CGy and Iyy for the control club heads. The equation for the trend line was y=20.275(x)+373.46. As shown in FIG. XX, the first exemplary club head and the second exemplary club head do not lie on the trend line of the conventional club head. The first exemplary club head had a CGy of -5.31 inches and an Iyy of 278.06 kg / mm. 2 The second example club head had a CGy of -5.66 inches and a CG of 265.16 kgmm 2 Based on the trend line, the first example club head with a CGy of -5.31 mm had an Iyy of 265.83 kgmm. 2 Further, based on the trend line, the second exemplary club head with a CGy of -5.66 mm is expected to have an Iyy of 258.62 kgmm 2Thus, the first exemplary club head with a coplanar top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear lap interface surface area, and an 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance, had a 4.6% increase in Iyy compared to a configuration lacking a coplanar top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear lap interface surface area, and an 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance. Additionally, a second exemplary club head having a coplanar top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear overlap interface surface area, and an 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance, had a 2.53% increase in Iyy compared to a configuration lacking a coplanar top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear overlap interface surface area, and an 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance.

[0183] The coplanar top and rear edges, the mass pad with 60% of the rear overlap bonding surface area, and the 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance provide golf club designers with an opportunity to decrease the CGy of the golf club head and increase the Iyy of the golf club head. A golf club head with a low CGy launches the golf ball higher after impact. A higher launch is advantageous because it results in a greater propulsion angle and increased stopping power, as explained in the second performance example. It is known that as the CGy of a golf club head decreases (closer to the ground plane), Iyy also decreases. Iyy is important because it provides players with more forgiveness on off-center hits. Therefore, a balance between low CGy and high Iyy is required. Therefore, the structures of the first and second exemplary club heads further provide golf club head designers with an opportunity to increase Iyy compared to golf club heads lacking these structures with the same CGy.

[0184] VI. Example 2 (Stopping Power and Launch Player Test) In a second performance example, the resulting carry distance, total distance, roll distance, spin rate, launch angle, maximum ball flight distance, landing angle, and stat area were compared between the first exemplary club head and the second control club head. The second performance test involved 20 players hitting 10 shots with the first exemplary club head and 10 shots with the second control club head. Once the test was completed, the data for each club was averaged. The first exemplary club head, having a coplanar top and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear overlap interface surface area, and a mass pad mass of 18 grams located within a mass pad outer edge distance of 0.42 inches, achieved a CGy of -5.31 mm and a CGy of 278.06 kgmm. 2 A second control clubhead lacking a flush top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear overlap interface surface area, and 18 grams of mass pad mass within a mass pad outer edge distance of 0.42 inches had a CGy of -4.24 mm and an Iyy of 286.97 kgmm 2 Iyy and had.

[0185] The first exemplary club head produced a carry distance of 224.2 yards, a total distance of 238.3 yards, a roll distance of 14.1 yards, a spin rate of 4125 RPM, a launch angle of 11.8 degrees, a maximum ball flight distance of 30.6 yards, a landing angle of 39.6 degrees, and a stat area of ​​1426.4 square yards. The second control club head produced a carry distance of 225.5 yards, a total distance of 247.1 yards, a roll distance of 21.6 yards, a spin rate of 3562 RPM, a launch angle of 10.1 degrees, a maximum ball flight distance of 24.7 yards, a landing angle of 33.8 degrees, and a stat area of ​​1535.2 square yards. Thus, the first exemplary club head demonstrated a 1.3 yard decrease in carry distance, an 8.8 yard decrease in total distance, a 7.5 yard decrease in roll distance, a 1.7 degree increase in launch angle, a 5.3 yard increase in maximum ball flight distance, a 5.8 degree increase in landing angle, and a 108.8 square yard decrease in stat area. The first exemplary club head demonstrates a low CGy club head that increases Iyy and provides advantageous performance characteristics compared to a club head having the same CGy as described above in the first example. Data collected in the second performance example demonstrated that the reduced CGy of the first exemplary club head resulted in a 8.91 kgmm reduction in Iyy compared to the first exemplary club head. 2 Compared to the second control club head having a higher Iyy, it is shown to provide a higher launch, a higher peak height, and a reduced roll distance while maintaining, if not improving, the stud area, thus further demonstrating the importance of a smooth lap joint in the mass pad that forms part of the lap joint.

[0186] VII. Example 3 (FEA for increasing ball speed with a short face) In a third performance example, the internal energy resulting from impact was compared between the third exemplary club head and the second control club head. The third performance test utilized a simulated impact of a golf ball traveling at 100 MPH (miles per hour) at the geometric center of the third exemplary club head and the second control club head. The third exemplary club head had a face height of 1.33 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.71 inches, and a minimum face thickness of 0.58 inches. The second control club head had a face height of 1.41 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.08 inches, and a minimum face thickness of 0.66 inches. The third exemplary club head and the fourth exemplary club head had the same loft of 19 degrees. Compared to the second control club head, the third exemplary club head had a maximum face thickness that was 0.009 inches thinner, a minimum face thickness that was 0.008 inches thinner, and a face height reduction of 0.08 inches. Without the reduction in face height, the thinner face of the third exemplary club head would not have met the durability requirements. The shorter, thinner face of the third exemplary club head increases internal energy.

[0187] The results of the third performance test were as follows: The third exemplary club head had an internal energy of 55.6 lbf-inches, and the second control club head had an internal energy of 46.4 lbf-inches. In the third performance test, simulations demonstrated that the third exemplary club head had increased internal energy relative to the second control club head for similar test impacts. The third exemplary club head had 9.2 lbf-inches more internal energy than the second control club head. This increase in internal energy results in an additional ball speed of approximately 0.25 to 4 mph.

[0188] VIII. Example 4 (FEA loft added, short face loss 1.6 MPH instead of 0.7 MPH) In a fourth performance example, ball speeds resulting from impact were compared between the fourth exemplary club head and the second control club head. The fourth performance test used a simulated impact of a golf ball traveling at 100 MPH at the geometric center of the fourth exemplary club head and the second control club head. The fourth exemplary club head had a face height of 1.33 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.71 inches, a minimum face thickness of 0.58 inches, and a loft of 20 degrees. The second control club head had a face height of 1.41 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.8 inches, a minimum face thickness of 0.66 inches, and a loft of 19 degrees. The fourth exemplary club head had a maximum face thickness that was 0.009 inches thinner, a minimum face thickness that was 0.008 inches thinner, and a face height reduction of 0.08 inches compared to the second control club head. Without the reduction in face height, the thinner face of the fourth exemplary club head would not have met durability requirements. It can be seen that a one degree increase in loft between golf club heads with the same face height, thickness, other structural features, and mass properties results in a loss of 1.66 MPH in ball speed. The fourth exemplary club head lost 0.70 MPH in ball speed relative to the second control club head. Therefore, the fourth exemplary club head lost less ball speed with each degree increase in loft because its face is shorter and thinner.

[0189] IX. Example 5 (Predictive Player Test) Player performance tests were conducted to compare carry distance, total distance, roll distance, spin rate, launch angle, maximum ball flight distance, landing angle, and stat area. The tests compared the fifth exemplary club head with a second control club head. The fifth exemplary club head was similar to club head 100 described above, with a CGy of -5.31 mm, a CGy of 278.06 kgmm, and a CGy of 1.25 mm. 2The fifth exemplary club head has an Iyy of 1.33 inches, a face height of 1.33 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.71 inches, a minimum face thickness of 0.58 inches, and a loft of 20 degrees. The fifth exemplary club head has a toe mass pad and a rear mass pad, and the rear mass pad upper surface and the toe mass pad upper surface are coplanar with the rear body lap joint edge and the lap joint upper surface. The toe mass pad upper surface, the rear mass pad upper surface, the rear body lap joint edge, and the lap joint upper surface lie within an outer edge plane. The outer edge plane intersects with the rearmost point of the club head. Furthermore, the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad comprise approximately 60% of the rear lap joint surface area. The fifth exemplary club head has 16 grams from the rear mass pad and 2 grams from the toe mass pad located within the mass pad outer edge distance of 0.42 inches as defined above. The second control clubhead had a CGy of -4.24 inches and a weight of 286.97 kg / mm. 2 The second control club head had a face height of 1.41 inches, a maximum face thickness of 0.08 inches, a minimum face thickness of 0.66 inches, and a loft of 19 degrees. The second control club head lacked a mass pad with a flush top surface and rear edge, 60% of the rear overlap bonded surface area, and 18 grams of mass pad mass located within a mass pad outer edge distance of 0.42 inches. The second control club head had a mass pad centrally located within the club head.

[0190] Player performance testing indicates that the fifth exemplary club head has the same carry distance as the second control club head. Furthermore, player performance testing indicates that the fifth exemplary club head retains the advantages provided by the first exemplary club head, as described in Example 2. These include a 7.5-yard reduction in roll distance, a 1.7-degree increase in launch angle, a 5.3-yard increase in maximum ball flight height, a 5.8-degree increase in landing angle, and a 108.8-square-yard reduction in stat area. This is achieved by the shorter, thinner face of the fifth exemplary club head (as described in Examples 3 and 4) providing a higher ball speed and increasing the carry distance of the fifth exemplary club head. The fifth club head maintains the same advantages as the first exemplary club head by providing a coplanar top surface and rear edge, a mass pad comprising 60% of the rear overlap interface surface area, and an 18 gram mass pad mass located within a 0.42 inch mass pad outer edge distance, providing a lower CGy and increased Iyy compared to a club head with the same CGy as described above in the first embodiment.

[0191] Clause 1. A golf club comprises a body having a striking surface with a toe end, a heel end, a butt end, a crown, a sole, and a geometric center, and a center of gravity, wherein a loft plane is defined to be tangent to the striking surface at the geometric center, and a contact surface is defined to be tangent to the sole when the body is in an address position, a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the contact surface, and the loft angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and extends in a toe-to-heel direction parallel to the contact surface, a y-axis is defined through the geometric center and in a crown-to-sole direction perpendicular to the contact surface, a z-axis is defined through the geometric center in a front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, a y'-axis is defined through the center of gravity in a crown-to-sole direction and parallel to the y-axis, Iyy is measured as the moment of inertia about the y'-axis, and CGy is defined as the moment of inertia about the y'-axis. a crown panel having a crown panel lap interface surface bonded to the body lap interface surface; and a rear mass pad having a rear mass pad upper surface adjacent to an edge of at least a portion of the rear body lap interface section and adjacent to an upper edge of the rear body lap interface section, the rear mass pad forming a portion of the body lap interface surface at the rear body lap interface section, the crown panel being directly bonded to a portion of the rear mass pad.

[0192] Clause 2. The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a toe mass pad adjacent a toe end portion of the rear body lap joint section, the toe mass pad having a toe mass pad upper surface adjacent the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section, the toe mass pad upper surface being flush with the upper surface of the rear mass pad.

[0193] Clause 3. The golf club head according to clause 2, further comprising a sole mass pad abutting the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad.

[0194] Clause 4. The golf club head of clause 3, further comprising a thinned portion located in the rear of the internal cavity and in the internal cavity of the toe portion, the thinned portion being partially defined by the toe mass pad, the sole mass pad, and the rear mass pad.

[0195] Clause 5. The golf club head of clause 4, further having an Iyy and CGy ratio that satisfies the inequality Iyy≧20.275*CGy+373.46.

[0196] Clause 6. The golf club head of clause 5, further comprising a hosel having an upper hosel opening configured to receive a shaft, the upper hosel opening fluidly connecting an exterior of the club head with an interior of the club head and providing access to the internal cavity through the upper hosel opening, the club head comprising lower recess sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a lower recess, and a lower opening extending through the recess bottom wall, the lower opening providing a passageway from the exterior club head to the internal cavity, the lower opening configured to receive a screw, the screw threadingly engaging a shaft sleeve at the end of the shaft to secure the shaft to the club head, the shaft sleeve positioned within the internal cavity of the club head and enabling adjustment of at least one of the loft and lie of the club head.

[0197] Clause 7. The golf club head of Clause 5, further comprising a removable weight on the sole having a weight center of gravity, the weight center of gravity being located within 0.3 inches of a rear skirt of the club head.

[0198] Clause 8. The golf club head according to clause 5, wherein the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section and the upper surface of the rear mass pad are located below the body center of gravity.

[0199] Clause 9. The golf club head of clause 6, further comprising a heel mass pad positioned between the hosel and the rear mass pad.

[0200] Clause 10. The rear mass pad shall not exceed at least 0.15 inches of the total surface area of ​​the rear lap interface surface. 2 10. A golf club head according to clause 6, forming

[0201] Article 11. a golf club head, the golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, a front portion, a rear portion, a center of gravity, and a striking surface having a geometric center, wherein a loft plane is defined tangent to the striking surface at the geometric center, and a ground contact surface is defined tangent to the sole when the body is in an address position, a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the ground contact surface, the loft angle being in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and extends in a toe-to-heel direction parallel to the ground contact surface, a y-axis is defined through the geometric center and in a crown-to-sole direction perpendicular to the ground contact surface, a z-axis is defined through the geometric center in a front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis, a y'-axis is defined through the center of gravity in a crown-to-sole direction and parallel to the y-axis, Iyy is measured as the moment of inertia about the y'-axis, and CGy is a body, the center of gravity of the golf club head being located on the y'-axis; a skirt defined by the transition between the crown and the call, the skirt extending from the heel, around the rear, and to the toe, forming a periphery of the golf club head; an opening in at least a portion of the crown, the opening configured to receive a crown panel, the opening being defined by an overlapping interface edge of an overlapping interface surface, the overlapping interface surface being offset from an outer surface of the golf club head, the crown panel being adhered to the overlapping interface surface to close the opening; a rear mass pad formed on the inner sole and the rear portion; and a toe mass pad formed on the inner sole and the toe, the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad forming a portion of the overlapping interface surface to which the crown panel is directly connected.

[0202] Clause 12. The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the crown panel comprises a composite material.

[0203] Clause 13. The golf club head according to clause 12, further comprising a sole mass pad abutting the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad.

[0204] Clause 14. The golf club head of Clause 13, further comprising a thinned portion located at the rear of the internal cavity and in the internal cavity of the toe portion, the thinned portion being defined in part by the toe mass pad, the sole mass pad, and the rear mass pad.

[0205] Clause 15. The golf club head of clause 14, further comprising an Iyy to CGy ratio that satisfies the inequality Iyy≧20.275*CGy+373.46.

[0206] Clause 16. The golf club head of Clause 15, further comprising a hosel having an upper hosel opening configured to receive a shaft, the upper hosel opening fluidly connecting an exterior of the club head with an interior of the club head and providing access to the internal cavity through the upper hosel opening, the club head comprising lower recess sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a lower recess, and a lower opening extending through the recess bottom wall, the lower opening providing a passageway from the exterior club head to the internal cavity, the lower opening configured to receive a screw, the screw threadingly engaging a shaft sleeve at the end of the shaft to secure the shaft to the club head, the shaft sleeve positioned within the internal cavity of the club head and enabling adjustment of at least one of the loft and lie of the club head.

[0207] Clause 17. The golf club head of Clause 15, further comprising a removable weight on the sole having a weight center of gravity, the weight center of gravity being located within 0.3 inches of a rear skirt of the club head.

[0208] Clause 18. The golf club head according to clause 15, wherein the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section and the upper surface of the rear mass pad are located below the body center of gravity.

[0209] Clause 19. The golf club head of Clause 16, wherein the rear mass pad follows the contour of the club head.

[0210] Clause 20. A golf club head comprising: a body, a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, a front portion, a rear portion, a center of gravity, and a striking surface at the front end having a geometric center; and a body center of gravity, wherein a loft plane is defined so as to be tangent to the striking surface at the geometric center, and a ground contact surface is defined so as to be tangent to the sole when the body is in an address position, a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the ground contact surface, the loft angle being in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, and an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and is parallel to the ground contact surface in the direction from the toe end to the heel end. a y-axis is defined in a crown-sole direction passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the ground contact surface; a z-axis is defined in a fore-aft direction passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis; a y'-axis is defined in a crown-sole direction passing through the center of gravity and parallel to the y-axis; Iyy is measured as a moment of inertia about the y'-axis; and CGy is a location of the center of gravity. The body further comprises a body lap interface surface defining an opening, the body lap interface surface being disposed along a periphery of the rear section and extending along a front edge of the rear section. a rear body lap joint section extending from the heel end to the toe end and having a rear body lap joint edge; a heel body lap joint section extending upward from the rear body lap joint section at the heel end and having a heel body lap joint edge; a toe body lap joint section extending upward from the rear body lap joint section at the toe end and having a toe body lap joint edge; a crown body lap joint section extending from the heel body lap joint section to the toe body lap joint section; a crown panel having a size extending over the opening and having a crown panel lap interface surface bonded to the body lap interface surface, wherein the body further comprises a rear mass pad having a rear mass pad upper surface and a toe mass pad having a toe mass pad upper surface, wherein the rear mass upper surface, the toe mass pad upper surface, and the rear body lap interface edge are flush and lie on an outer edge plane, the outer edge plane having a first angle measured between the outer edge plane and the z-axis in a YZ plane, the first angle being in a range of 8 degrees to 10 degrees;the outer peripheral plane has a second angle measured between the outer peripheral plane and the x-axis in the XY plane, the second angle being in the range of 87 degrees to 89 degrees, and the outer peripheral plane intersects with an intersection point, the intersection point being a rearmost portion of the club head in the YZ plane.

Claims

1. A golf club head a body having a striking surface with a toe end, a heel end, a butt end, a crown, a sole, and a geometric center; With a center of gravity, a loft plane is defined tangent to the striking face at the geometric center; a ground contact surface is defined to contact the sole when the body is in an address position; a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the ground contact plane; The loft angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and extends in a toe-to-heel direction parallel to the ground contact surface; a y-axis is defined in a crown-to-sole direction passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the ground contact surface; a z-axis is defined as passing through the geometric center in the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis; a y′-axis is defined through the center of gravity in a crown-sole direction and is parallel to the y-axis; Iyy is measured as the moment of inertia about the y' axis; CGy is the location of the center of gravity along the y-axis, with the positive direction measured toward the crown; the body further comprising a body lap interface defining an opening; the body lap joint surface includes a rear body lap joint section disposed along a periphery of the rear section and extending from the heel end to the toe end; a crown panel sized to extend over the opening, the crown panel including a crown panel lap interface surface coupled to the body lap interface surface; a rear mass pad having a rear mass pad upper surface adjacent an edge of at least a portion of the rear body lap joint section and adjacent an upper edge of the rear body lap joint section, the rear mass pad forming a part of the body lap joint surface at the rear body lap joint section; The crown panel is directly bonded to a portion of the rear mass pad. Golf club head.

2. a toe mass pad adjacent to a toe end portion of the rear body lap joint section; the tow mass pad has a tow mass pad upper surface adjacent the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the toe mass pad upper surface is flush with the upper surface of the rear mass pad.

3. The golf club head of claim 2 , further comprising a sole mass pad abutting the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad.

4. a thinned portion located in the rear portion of the internal cavity and in the internal cavity of the toe portion; The golf club head of claim 3 , wherein the thinned portion is defined in part by the toe mass pad, the sole mass pad, and the rear mass pad.

5. The golf club head of claim 4 , further comprising an Iyy and CGy ratio that satisfies the inequality Iyy≧20.275*CGy+373.

46.

6. a hosel having an upper hosel opening configured to receive the shaft; the upper hosel opening fluidly connects the exterior of the club head with the interior of the club head, and the interior cavity is accessible through the upper hosel opening; the club head includes lower recess sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a lower recess, and a lower opening extending through the recess bottom wall; the lower opening provides a passageway from the outer club head to the interior cavity; the lower opening is configured to receive a screw; the screw threadingly engages a shaft sleeve at the distal end of the shaft to secure the shaft to the club head; The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein the shaft sleeve is positioned within the internal cavity of the club head to allow adjustment of at least one of the loft and lie of the club head.

7. a removable weight on the sole having a weight center of gravity; The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein the weight center of gravity is located within 0.3 inches of the rear skirt of the club head.

8. The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section and the upper surface of the rear mass pad are located below the body center of gravity.

9. The golf club head of claim 6 , further comprising a heel mass pad located between the hosel and the rear mass pad.

10. The rear mass pad comprises at least 0.15 inches of the total surface area of ​​the rear lap joint surface. ２ The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein the golf club head is formed of:

11. A golf club head, a body having a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, a front portion, a rear portion, a center of gravity, and a striking surface having a geometric center; a loft plane is defined tangent to the striking face at the geometric center; a ground contact surface is defined to contact the sole when the body is in an address position; a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the ground contact plane; The loft angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and extends in a toe-to-heel direction parallel to the ground contact surface; a y-axis is defined in a crown-to-sole direction passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the ground contact surface; a z-axis is defined as passing through the geometric center in the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis; a y′-axis is defined through the center of gravity in a crown-sole direction and is parallel to the y-axis; Iyy is measured as the moment of inertia about the y' axis; CGy is the position of the center of gravity on the y′ axis; the body; a skirt defined by the transition between the crown and the call, the skirt extending from the heel, around the rear, to the toe and forming a periphery of the golf club head; At least a portion of an opening in the crown configured to receive a crown panel, the opening comprising: the opening is defined by a lap joint edge of the lap joint surface; the overlap interface is offset from an outer surface of the golf club head; The crown panel is bonded to the overlapping joint surface to close the opening. the opening; a rear mass pad formed on the inner sole and the rear portion; and a toe mass pad formed on the inner sole and the toe; the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad form part of the lap interface to which the crown panel is directly bonded; Golf club head.

12. The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the crown panel comprises a composite material.

13. The golf club head of claim 12 , further comprising a sole mass pad abutting the rear mass pad and the toe mass pad.

14. a thinned portion located in the rear portion of the internal cavity and in the internal cavity of the toe portion; The golf club head of claim 13 , wherein the thinned portion is defined in part by the toe mass pad, the sole mass pad, and the rear mass pad.

15. The golf club head of claim 14 , further comprising an Iyy and CGy ratio that satisfies the inequality Iyy≧20.275*CGy+373.

46.

16. a hosel having an upper hosel opening configured to receive the shaft; the upper hosel opening fluidly connects the exterior of the club head with the interior of the club head, and the interior cavity is accessible through the upper hosel opening; the club head includes lower recess sidewalls and a bottom wall defining a lower recess, and a lower opening extending through the recess bottom wall; the lower opening provides a passageway from the outer club head to the interior cavity; the lower opening is configured to receive a screw; the screw threadingly engages a shaft sleeve at the distal end of the shaft to secure the shaft to the club head; The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the shaft sleeve is positioned within the internal cavity of the club head to allow adjustment of at least one of the loft and lie of the club head.

17. a removable weight on the sole having a weight center of gravity; The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the weight center of gravity is located within 0.3 inches of the rear skirt of the club head.

18. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the upper edge of the rear body lap joint section and the rear mass pad upper surface are located below the body center of gravity.

19. The golf club head of claim 16 , wherein the rear mass pad follows the contour of the club head.

20. A golf club head, a striking surface on the front end having a body, a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, a front portion, a rear portion, a center of gravity, and a geometric center; With a body center of gravity and a loft plane is defined tangent to the striking face at the geometric center; a ground contact surface is defined to contact the sole when the body is in an address position; a loft angle is defined by the loft plane and the ground contact plane; The loft angle is in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees, an x-axis is defined through the geometric center and extends parallel to the ground contact patch in a direction from the toe end to the helm end; a y-axis is defined in a crown-to-sole direction passing through the geometric center and perpendicular to the ground contact surface; a z-axis is defined as passing through the geometric center in the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis; a y′-axis is defined through the center of gravity in a crown-sole direction and is parallel to the y-axis; Iyy is measured as the moment of inertia about the y' axis; CGy is the position of the center of gravity, the body further comprising a body lap interface defining an opening; The body overlap joint surface is a rear body lap joint section disposed along a periphery of the rear section and extending from the heel end to the toe end, the rear body lap joint section including a rear body lap joint edge; a heel body lap joint section extending upward from the rear body lap joint section at the heel end and including a heel body lap joint edge; a tow body lap splice section extending upwardly from the rear body lap splice section at the toe end and including a tow body lap splice edge; a crown body lap joint section extending from the heel body lap joint section to the toe body lap joint section; a crown panel sized to extend over the opening and including a crown panel lap interface surface coupled to the body lap interface surface; the body further comprises a rear mass pad having a rear mass pad upper surface and a toe mass pad having a toe mass pad upper surface; the rear mass upper surface, the toe mass pad upper surface, and the rear body lap joint edge are flush and lie in an outer edge plane; the perimeter plane has a first angle measured between the perimeter plane and the z-axis in a YZ plane, the first angle being in the range of 8 degrees to 10 degrees; the perimeter plane has a second angle measured between the perimeter plane and the x-axis in the XY plane, the second angle being in the range of 87 degrees to 89 degrees; the outer edge plane intersects with an intersection point, the intersection point being the rearmost portion of the club head in the YZ plane; Golf club head.

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