Golf club head

Abstract

A primary alignment feature comprising a paint or masking line that delineates a transition between at least a first portion of the crown comprising an area of shading or color that contrasts with a shading or color of the face.SOLUTION: The golf club head 4600 may comprise a body having a frame with a front body portion 4602 having a hosel portion 4604 with a hosel bore defining a shaft axis and a shaft axis plane, a rear ring portion, a crown opening partially formed by the front body portion and the rear ring portion, a face, and a sole, and a non-metallic crown 4620 attached to the frame, covering the crown opening, defining an interior cavity, and having a crown leading edge.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 47

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 894,523, filed August 30, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 547,519, filed December 10, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 006,561, filed August 28, 2020, now U.S. Patent No. 11,219,803, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 292,708, filed December 22, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully written herein. This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 547,519, filed December 20, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 006,561, filed August 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 894,523, filed August 30, 2019, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to golf clubs, and more particularly, to golf club alignment. [Background technology]

[0003] When a golf club head strikes a golf ball, a force is exerted on the club head at the point of impact. If the impact point coincides with the center face of the golf club head in an area of ​​the club face, typically referred to as the sweet spot, the force exerts a minimal twisting or rolling effect on the golf club. However, if the impact point does not coincide with the center face, for example, if it is outside the sweet spot, the force can cause the golf club head to twist around the center face. This twisting of the golf club head causes the golf ball to impart spin. For example, if a typical right-handed golfer strikes the ball near the toe of the club, this can cause the club to rotate clockwise when viewed from above. This, in turn, causes the golf ball to rotate counterclockwise, ultimately causing the golf ball to curve to the left. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as the "gear effect."

[0004] Bulge and roll are golf club face characteristics that are generally used to compensate for this gear effect. The term "bulge" in golf club terms typically refers to the rounded characteristic of the golf club face from the heel to the toe of the club face.

[0005] The term "roll" in golf clubs typically refers to the rounded characteristics of a golf club face from the crown to the sole of the club face. When the club face strikes a ball, the ball acquires a certain amount of backspin. Typically, this spin varies more for shots hit below the centerline of the club face than for shots hit above the centerline of the club face.

[0006] Currently, golf club alignment features, such as golf club head toplines, are painted in an imprecise manner. To paint the alignment features on golf club heads, workers who manufacture golf club heads typically apply masking stickers that provide a guide for painting the alignment features. However, it is difficult to consistently apply and align the masking stickers and other guides on the golf club heads. Because the location of the masking sticker ultimately determines the shape and angle of the alignment features, current manufacturing methods result in variability between golf club heads manufactured to the same specifications, resulting in variability in product performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present invention are directed to a golf club head comprising a body including a face, a crown, and a sole that together define an internal cavity, the golf club body including heel and toe portions and including mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes having an origin at the USGA center face, the golf club head including a primary alignment feature including a painted or masked line delineating a transition between the shading or color of the face and at least a first portion of the crown including an area of ​​contrasting shading or color.

[0008] In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a body having a face, a sole, and a crown, the crown comprising a first portion having a first color or shading and a second portion having a second color or shading, the face, crown, and sole together defining an interior cavity, the golf club body including heel and toe portions and including mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes having an origin at the USGA center face, and the golf club head includes a transition between an area of ​​shading or color on the face and at least a first portion of the crown including an area of ​​contrasting shading or color. The club head also has a secondary alignment feature including a painted or masking line that delineates a transition between a first portion of the crown including an area of ​​contrasting shade or color to the shade or color of the face and a second portion of the crown including an area of ​​contrasting shade or color to the shade or color of the first portion, the secondary alignment feature having a first elongated side having a length of about 0.5 inches to about 1.7 inches and second and third elongated sides extending from the face back toward the rear at an angle relative to the first elongated side.

[0009] In some embodiments, the golf club head comprises a body having a face, a crown, and a sole that together define an interior cavity, the golf club body also having heel and toe portions, a portion of the crown having an electronic display, the electronic display including an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display for providing active colors, the OLED display being divided into a plurality of independently operating electronic display zones.

[0010] In some embodiments, the golf club head comprises a body having a face, a crown, and a sole that together define an interior cavity, the golf club body also having a heel and a toe portion, and a portion of the crown, or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head, is covered with a dielectric coating system.

[0011] In some embodiments, a golf club head is provided with a golf club body. The golf club body includes a face, a crown, and a sole that together define an internal cavity. The golf club body also includes heel and toe portions and includes mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes with an origin at the USGA center face. At least one of the sole, crown, or face may be at least partially made of a composite material. The golf club head further includes at least a first portion of the crown including an area of ​​contrasting shading or color with the shading or color of the face, and a CG of 0 to about -4 mm. x The key alignment features include a Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) of about -2 to about 10 degrees, a 25mm target adjusted perceived face angle of about -5 to about 2 degrees toward the heel (SAPFA25H), a 25mm target adjusted perceived face angle of 0 to about 9 degrees toward the toe (SAPFA25T), a 50mm target adjusted perceived face angle of about 2 to about 9 degrees toward the toe (SAPFA50T), and a radius of curvature (Circle Fit) of about 300 to about 1000 mm.

[0012] In some embodiments, scorelines are provided at locations on the face that correspond to a center of gravity that is in a negative position relative to the x-axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the toe-side roll profile is raised higher than the center face roll profile, the heel-side roll profile is not raised higher than the center face roll profile, the crown-side bulge profile is more open than the center face bulge profile, and the sole-side bulge profile is more closed than the center face bulge profile.

[0014] In some embodiments, the golf club body includes a discretionary mass on the sole that is positioned at an angle relative to the striking face, the discretionary mass being positioned toward the toe along the negative x-axis and toward the rear along the positive y-axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] Several features and components in the following figures are shown to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the several figures may be designated by matching reference numerals for consistency and clarity.

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a toe side view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a view of the face side of the golf club head of FIG. 1A.

[0018] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A.

[0019] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1B is a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A.

[0020] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus used to measure a targeted, perceived face angle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the laser and camera placement in the device used to measure the targeted perceived face angle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0028] [Figure 8C] FIG. 1 is a side view of a golf club head fixture in a device used to measure a targeted, perceived face angle according to the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 9] 10 is a graph of variance in ball flight versus targeted, perceived face angle for four clubs having alignment features according to the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 11]A reference to the CIELAB color system.

[0033] [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a side view from the toe side of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a side view from the heel side of a golf club head with the sole and crown insert removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 14A] 1 is a top view of a golf club head with a crown insert removed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 14B] 1 is a top cross-sectional view of a front portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head with two sole inserts removed, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view from the heel side of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 19]FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the toe side of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, providing elevation markers on the golf club head at various heights relative to the ground plane.

[0042] [Figure 20a] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Figure 20b] 20b is an exaggerated comparative view of the face contours taken along cross-sectional lines AA, BB and CC of FIG. 20a, viewed from the heel side.

[0044] [Figure 20c] 20b is an exaggerated comparative view of the face contours, taken along cross-sectional lines DD, EE and FF of FIG. 20a, as viewed from the top.

[0045] [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club face with multiple measurement points and four quadrants.

[0046] [Figure 22a] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary twisted face plane.

[0047] [Figure 22b] FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary twisted face plane.

[0048] [Figure 22c] FIG. 10 is a heel elevation view of an exemplary twisted face plane.

[0049] [Figure 23] 1 shows a front view of a golf club with a predetermined set of measurement points.

[0050] [Figure 24] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more of the present embodiments.

[0051] [Figure 25] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head having engineered alignment features according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] [Figure 26] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head without a face insert attached, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] [Figure 27] 1 is a perspective view of a golf club head having a face insert installed therein according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] [Figure 28] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more of the present embodiments.

[0055] [Figure 29] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head without a face insert attached, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] [Figure 30A] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the top lip of a golf club head without a face insert attached, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] [Figure 30B] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a lower lip of a golf club head without a face insert attached thereto according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] [Figure 31] FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Figure 32]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toe side of a golf club head without a face insert attached, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] [Figure 33] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heel side of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] [Figure 34] 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] [Figure 35] 1 is a perspective view of a rear portion of a golf club head without a crown insert installed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG.

[0063] [Figure 36] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] [Figure 37] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] [Figure 38] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] [Figure 39] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] [Figure 40] 1 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] [Figure 41]1 is a toe-side perspective view of two golf club heads, including one golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and one golf club head according to the prior art. FIG.

[0069] [Figure 42] FIG.

[0070] [Figure 43] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the face insert.

[0071] [Figure 44A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a heel portion of the face insert.

[0072] [Figure 44B] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a toe portion of the face insert.

[0073] [Figure 45] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a polymer layer of a face insert.

[0074] 46-67 illustrate another exemplary golf club head, as follows.

[0075] [Figure 46] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0076] [Figure 47] FIG. 2 is a toe side view of the front portion of the club head.

[0077] [Figure 48] FIG. 2 is a toe side view of the entire club head.

[0078] [Figure 49] FIG. 2 is a heel side view of the club head.

[0079] [Figure 50] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the club head.

[0080] [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the club head.

[0081] [Figure 52] Shown from the heel side is the hosel area of ​​the club head.

[0082] [Figure 53] From the front, the hosel area of ​​the club head is shown.

[0083] [Figure 54] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the toe portion of the club head from the heel side.

[0084] [Figure 55] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heel portion of the club head from the toe side.

[0085] [Figure 56] FIG. 2 is a top view of the club head.

[0086] [Figure 57] FIG. 1 is a top view of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0087] [Figure 58] FIG. 1 is a heel side view of the club head with the crown and sole panel removed.

[0088] [Figure 59] FIG. 1 is a toe side view of the club head with the crown and sole panel removed.

[0089] [Figure 60] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the club head with the crown and sole panels removed.

[0090] [Figure 61]FIG. 1 is a front view of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0091] [Figure 62] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper front portion of the club head.

[0092] [Figure 63] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the upper front portion of the body of the club head.

[0093] [Figure 64] Shows the toe side of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0094] [Figure 65] Shows the heel side of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0095] [Figure 66] Shows the upper front-toe portion of the club head body.

[0096] [Figure 67] Shows the front heel portion of the club head body.

[0097] [Figure 68] Shows the upper front-toe portion of the club head body.

[0098] [Figure 69] Shows the front heel portion of the club head body.

[0099] [Figure 70A] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper front portion of the club head.

[0100] [Figure 70B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper front portion of the club head.

[0101] [Figure 71]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the upper front portion of the club head.

[0102] [Figure 72] FIG. 1 is a partial front view of a club head with a crown panel.

[0103] [Figure 73] FIG. 2 is a partial front view of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0104] [Figure 74] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0105] [Figure 75] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the club head with the crown panel removed.

[0106] [Figure 76] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the club head.

[0107] [Figure 77] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0108] [Figure 78] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0109] [Figure 79] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0110] [Figure 80] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0111] [Figure 81] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a club head.

[0112] [Figure 82] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a club head with the sole insert removed.

[0113] [Figure 83] FIG. 1 is a top view of the club head with the crown and face plate removed.

[0114] [Figure 84] FIG. 1 is a front view of the club head with the crown and face plate removed.

[0115] [Figure 85] FIG. 1 is a front view of the club head with the crown and face plate removed.

[0116] [Figure 86] FIG. 1 is a top view of the club head with the crown removed.

[0117] [Figure 87] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head with the crown removed.

[0118] [Figure 88] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the club head.

[0119] [Figure 89] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the club head.

[0120] [Figure 90] FIG. 1 is a front view of a club head.

[0121] [Figure 91] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the club head.

[0122] [Figure 92] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the club head.

[0123] [Figure 93] FIG.

[0124] [Figure 94]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a club head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0125] Various golf clubs as well as golf club heads with alignment features are disclosed, along with related methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed golf clubs and golf club heads are described in only a few exemplary embodiments of many. No particular term or description should be considered a limitation on the scope of this disclosure or the claims that follow.

[0126] The sport of golf is filled with many challenges. Enjoyment of the game is increased by addressing the need to hit the golf ball farther, straighter, and more skillfully. As one progresses in golfing ability, the ability to compete at golf becomes a source of enjoyment. However, mere desire alone does not simply drive one to hit the golf ball straighter or farther. Like most things, skill increases with practice through repetition or instruction, such that certain elements of the game become easier over time. However, it is also possible to improve one's level of play through technique.

[0127] More technological advancements in golf club design over the past few decades have emphasized the ability to hit the golf ball farther. Some of these developments include, among others, increased coefficient of restitution (COR), larger golf club heads, lighter golf club heads, graphite shafts for faster club speeds, and center of gravity manipulation to improve spin characteristics. Other developments have addressed golfers' shot-to-shot variability, including larger golf club heads, higher moments of inertia (MOI), and variable face thickness to increase COR for off-center shots. Still more developments have addressed golfers' consistent mishits (the most common mishit being a slice), including flight control technologies (FCT) such as loft and lie connection sleeves that adjust face angle, movable weights, sliding weight technology, and adjustable sole pieces (ASPs), among others. Such technologies can help golfers correct consistent misses and thereby address specific errors.

[0128] Modern technology has done much to improve the golfer's experience and tailor golf clubs to the needs of specific players. However, some methods are more effective than others in achieving desired playing results. For example, research suggests that for a drive of approximately 280 yards, a one-degree difference in face angle at impact can cause approximately 16 yards of lateral dispersion in the resulting shot. Similarly, in the case of a movable weight, a 12-gram change in the weight's balance, shifting it approximately 50 mm, can result in approximately 15 yards of lateral dispersion in the resulting shot. However, it is also understood that changing the lie angle of a golf club head affects the face angle, but to a much smaller extent. Thus, simply increasing the lie angle by one degree can adjust the face angle alignment of a golf club head by 0.1 degrees. Therefore, for advanced players simply trying to adjust ball flight, adjusting the lie angle may be much more granular than adjusting the face angle. However, for many golfers, slicing (as understood in the art, a shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer) is a major error, and correcting such shots is paramount to the enjoyment of the game.

[0129] One of the major challenges in the game of golf relates to the difference between perception and reality. Golf involves psychological challenges, and as a player's confidence wanes, their ability to execute a particular shot often wanes. Similarly, a player's perception of their swing or game may differ significantly from reality. Some technologies may be useful in addressing players' perceptions and helping them understand their misconceptions. For example, the technology disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095, entitled "CONTRAST-ENHANCED GOLF CLUB HEADS," filed March 18, 2011, by Beach et al., may provide players with a clearer understanding of their alignment than some of the existing technologies at the time, improving their ability to repeat their shots. However, it may be more useful to provide these players with ways to address and correct their misconceptions.

[0130] We have now surprisingly discovered that alignment features including all or a portion of the interface area between multiple areas of contrasting shades or colors on the crown of the club head and the face of the club head, and / or all or a portion of the interface area between multiple areas of contrasting shades or colors in different portions of the crown of the club head, can improve the performance of the resulting club by taking into account not only the actual alignment of the club head by the golfer during a shot, but also the golfer's perceived correction of the alignment of the club head. One example of a contrasting color or shade combination is black or metallic gray or silver, contrasted with white, but other combinations that provide, at a minimum, a "clearly noticeable difference" to the human eye are also included.

[0131] A "clearly noticeable difference" in terms of golf club head color is somewhat subjective based on individual visual acuity, but can be quantified with reference to the CIELAB color system, a three-dimensional system that defines color space for three channels or scales: one scale or axis of luminance (lightness) (L), an "a" axis running from green (-a) to red (+a), and a "b" axis running from blue (-b) to yellow (+b). This three-dimensional axis is shown in FIG. 11.

[0132] The color difference between the two colors can then be quantified using the following formula:

number

[0133] Thus, for the alignment features of the golf club of the present invention, the contrasting color difference, ΔE * ab is greater than 2.3, preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 20, even more preferably greater than 40, and even more preferably greater than 60.

[0134] For general reference, reference is made to golf club head 100 with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. One embodiment of golf club head 100 is disclosed and described with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. As referenced in Figure 1A, golf club head 100 includes a face 110, a crown 120, a sole 130, a skirt 140, and a hosel 150. The majority of golf club head 100, not including face 110, is considered the golf club body for purposes of this disclosure.

[0135] The metal wood club head 100 typically has a volume of approximately 100 cubic centimeters (cm), assuming any openings are sealed by substantially flat surfaces. 3 ), the club head 100 has a volume equal to the volume displacement of the club head 100, as measured by the United States Golf Association's "Club Head Size Measurement Procedure for Wood Clubs," November 21, 2003, Revision 1.0. In other words, for golf club heads with one or more weight ports in the head, the weight ports are assumed to be absent or "covered" by an imaginary surface, so that the club head volume is not affected by the presence or absence of the ports. In some embodiments, the golf club heads of the present application have a volume equal to the volume displacement of the club head 100, as measured by the United States Golf Association's "Club Head Size Measurement Procedure for Wood Clubs," November 21, 2003, Revision 1.0. 3 Approximately 600cm from 3 In a more specific embodiment, the head volume is between about 130 cm 3 Approximately 280cm from 3 Between or about 250cm 3 Approximately 500cm from 3 In an even more specific embodiment, the head volume is between about 300 cm 3 Approximately 500cm from 3 Between, 300cm 3 Approximately 360cm from 3 Between the two, approximately 360cm 3 Approximately 420cm from 3 Between the two, approximately 390cm 3 Approximately 500cm from 3 Between or about 420cm 3 Approximately 500cm from3 In some embodiments, the head volume is between about 370 cm 3 Approximately 500cm from 3 It is between.

[0136] For a driver, the golf club head is approximately 300cm 3 Approximately 460cm 3 and a total mass between approximately 145 g and approximately 245 g. For a fairway wood, the golf club head 10 has a volume of between approximately 100 cm 3 Approximately 250cm from 3 and a total mass between approximately 145 g and approximately 260 g. For a utility or hybrid club, the golf club head 10 has a volume between approximately 60 cm 3 Approximately 150cm from 3 and a total mass between approximately 145 g and approximately 280 g.

[0137] 1B illustrates a three-dimensional reference coordinate system 200. The origin 205 of the coordinate system 200, also known as the face center and / or center face (CF), is located at the center of the face (CF) of the golf club head 100. For a method for measuring the center of a golf club's striking face, see the USGA "Procedure for Measuring Golf Club Head Flexibility," March 25, 2005, Revision 2.0. The coordinate system 200 has a z-axis 206, a y-axis 207, and an x-axis 208 (as shown in FIG. 1B). Each axis 206, 207, and 208 is orthogonal to each other. The x-axis 208 is tangential to the face 110 and parallel to the ground plane (GP). The golf club head 100 includes a leading edge 170 and a trailing edge 180. For purposes of this disclosure, leading edge 170 is defined by a curve, and the curve is defined by a series of forward-most points, each defined as the forward-most point on golf club head 100, measured parallel to y-axis 207, for any cross-section taken parallel to the plane formed by y-axis 207 and z-axis 206. Face 110 may, in various embodiments, include grooves or scorelines. In various embodiments, leading edge 170 may also be the edge where the curvature of a particular cross-section of the golf club head substantially deviates from the roll and bulge radii.

[0138] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 1B , the x-axis 208 is parallel to the GP, where the golf club head 100 may be properly soled, and the sole 130 is positioned to contact the GP in the desired orientation of the golf club head 100. The y-axis 207 is also parallel to the GP and is perpendicular to the x-axis 208. The z-axis 206 is perpendicular to the x-axis 208, the y-axis 207, and the GP. The golf club head 100 includes a toe 185 and a heel 190. The golf club head 100 includes a shaft axis (SA) defined along the axis of the hosel 150. When assembled into a golf club, the golf club head 100 is connected to a golf club shaft (not shown). Typically, the golf club shaft is inserted into a shaft bore 245 defined in the hosel 150. Therefore, the location of the SA relative to the golf club head 100 can define how the golf club head 100 will be used. The SA is aligned at an angle 198 relative to the GP. Angle 198 (LA) is recognized in the art as the lie angle (LA) of golf club head 100. The SA and GP ground plane intersection point (GPIP) are shown for reference. In various embodiments, the GPIP may be used as a point of reference from which multiple characteristics of golf club head 100 are measured or referenced. As shown with reference to FIG. 1A , SA is located away from origin 205, and as a result, in this embodiment, SA does not directly intersect the origin or any of axes 206, 207, and 208. In various embodiments, SA may be positioned to intersect at least one of axes 206, 207, and 208 and / or origin 205. Z-axis ground plane intersection point 212 may be referenced as the point where the z-axis intersects with GP. The top view seen in FIG. 1D shows another view of golf club head 100. Shaft bore 245 can be seen defined within hosel 150.

[0139] Referring back to FIG. 1A , crown height 162 is measured and shown as the height from the GP to the highest point of crown 120 measured parallel to z-axis 206. Golf club head 100 also has an effective face height 163, which is the height of face 110 measured parallel to z-axis 206. Effective face height 163 measures from the highest point on face 110 to the lowest point on face 110 proximate leading edge 170. There is a transition between crown 120 and face 110 such that the highest point on face 110 may vary slightly from embodiment to embodiment. In this embodiment, the highest point on face 110 and the lowest point on face 110 are points where the curvature of face 110 substantially deviates from the roll radius. In some embodiments, the deviation characterizing such points may be a 10% change in radius of curvature. In various embodiments, effective face height 163 may be 2-7 mm lower than crown height 162. In various embodiments, the effective face height 163 may be 2-12 mm less than the crown height 162. The effective face position height 164 is the height from the GP to the lowest point on the face 110 measured in the direction of the z-axis 206. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 2-6 mm. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 0-10 mm. A distance 177 of the golf club head 100 measured in the direction of the y-axis 207 is also seen with reference to FIG. 1A . The distance 177 is a measurement of the length from the leading edge 170 to the trailing edge 180. In various embodiments, the distance 177 may depend on the loft of the golf club head.

[0140] For purposes of this disclosure, the above-disclosed parts and references remain consistent throughout the various embodiments of the present disclosure unless modified. Those skilled in the art will understand that references related to one embodiment may be included in various other embodiments.

[0141] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 2 , a golf club head 500 includes a painted crown 120 and an unpainted face 110. Painted or otherwise contrasting crowns have been utilized to provide golfers with alignment aids, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095, filed March 18, 2011, by Beach et al., entitled "CONTRAST-ENHANCED GOLF CLUB HEADS." Typically, golfers use the crown-to-face transition, or topline, to align the club with the desired direction of the target line. The topline transition is clearly delineated by a masking line between the painted crown and the unpainted face. While such features may have been described to some extent, the use of alignment-biasing features has not been contemplated in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that using the golf club head 500 of this embodiment, the high contrast described in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095, entitled "CONTRAST-ENHANCED GOLF CLUB HEADS," filed March 18, 2011 by Beach et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, may be beneficial in highlighting various alignment features.

[0142] For reference, a face angle tangent 505 can be seen in FIG. 2 . The face angle tangent 505 represents a tangent line to the center face 205. The face angle tangent 505 in this embodiment coincides with the x-axis 206 (as can be seen with reference to the previous figures). A top tangent 510 can also be seen in FIG. 2 . In this embodiment, the top tangent 510 is a line formed tangent to the top of the face 110 because, in this embodiment, the joint between the face 110 and the crown 120 coincides with a paint line. The top tangent 510 in some embodiments of the present disclosure follows the contours of the various paint lines on the crown 120, and one skilled in the art will understand that the top tangent 510 does not necessarily coincide with a tangent to the face 110. However, in this embodiment, the top tangent 510 is parallel to the face angle tangent 505. As such, the paint on the crown 120 can be described as appearing square to the face angle.

[0143] The purpose of highlighting such features of the golf club head 500 is to provide a basis for the alignment discussion of this disclosure. Through multiple variations in the alignment pattern, a golfer may be influenced to alter their play due to a perceived misalignment. If a player perceives the golf club head as having an open face in reference to a target, they will likely attempt to "square" the face by manually closing it. Many golfers do not want to perceive their metal wood golf club head as appearing closed because it is difficult to correct the appearance. However, even if such a player perceives the metal wood head as closed, such perception does not mean that the golf club head is consistent with a closed position relative to the target.

[0144] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 3 , golf club head 600 has a similar head geometry to golf club head 500. However, golf club head 600 has features that change the perceived angle of face 110 for the user. In this embodiment, top tangent 610 is aligned at angle 615 relative to face angle tangent 505 such that the perceived angle of the face (perceived face angle, PFA) differs from the actual alignment of face angle tangent 505. In this embodiment, angle 615 is approximately 4 degrees. In various embodiments, angle 615 may be between 2 degrees and 6 degrees. In various embodiments, angle 615 may be less than 7 degrees. In various embodiments, angle 615 may be between 5 degrees and 10 degrees. In various embodiments, angle 615 may be less than 12 degrees. In various embodiments, angle 615 may be up to 15 degrees. As shown with respect to top tangent 610, top tangent 610 is an indicator of the alignment of the edge of the contrasting painted or shaded area of ​​crown 120 delineated by the masking line between the painted crown and the unpainted face relative to the color or shade of face 110, and is a line tangent to edge 614 of the contrasting crown paint or crown shade at point 612 where edge 614 intersects a line parallel to y-axis 207.

[0145] In various embodiments, the perceived angle may be determined by finding a linear best-fit line of various points. For such an approximation, the perceived angle tangent may be determined by best-fitting points on the edge 614 at multiple coordinates on the x-axis 208 that coincide with the center face 205: point 612, points at ±5 mm of the CF 205 (points 622a, b), points at ±10 mm of the CF 205 (points 624a, b), points at ±15 mm of the CF 205 (points 626a, b), and points at ±20 mm of the CF 205 (points 628a, b). Thus, nine points along the edge 614 are defined for the best fit of the top tangent 610. In this embodiment, the perceived angle tangent is the same as the top tangent 610.

[0146] However, such a method for determining perceived angle tangent is most useful when an edge 614 of a painted or shaded area of ​​crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of face 110 includes relief of different radii along the toe and heel portions. In such an embodiment, a line tangent to edge 614 at point 612 may not adequately represent the appearance of the alignment of golf club head 600. An example of such a method can be seen with reference to FIG.

[0147] As seen in FIG. 4 , golf club head 700 includes an edge 714 of a painted or shaded area of ​​crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of face 110 and that is more aggressively rounded near toe 185 than in previous embodiments. As such, a line 711 that is literally tangent to edge 714 at point 712 coincident with y-axis 207 may not fully describe the perception. Such a line would be top tangent 710. However, as previously noted with reference to golf club head 600, points 712, 722a,b, 724a,b, 726a,b, and 728a,b can be used to form a best-fit line 730 that is aligned with a perceived angle 735 that is greater than angle 715 of top tangent 710. In various embodiments, perceived angle 735 may be within or above an increment of angle 615, or in various embodiments, up to 20 degrees. In most embodiments, the perceived angle 735 may be 8 to 10 degrees. In various embodiments, the perceived angle 735 may be 9 to 10 degrees. In various embodiments, the perceived angle 735 may be 7 to 11 degrees. In various embodiments, the perceived angle 735 may be 7 to 8.5 degrees. In various embodiments, alignment may be affected by including alignment features that do not invoke edges, such as edges 614, 714. As can be seen with reference to FIG. 5 , various embodiments of alignment features may be indicative of face angle, thus providing the golfer with the appearance of alignment without altering the paint lines.

[0148] As can be seen in FIG. 5 , golf club head 800 includes alignment feature 805. Alignment feature 805 in this embodiment includes at least one elongated side 807, which in this embodiment includes two elongated sides 807a and 807b. Alignment feature 805 in this embodiment also includes two additional sides 808a and 808b. As can be seen, alignment feature 805 is positioned such that at least one elongated side 807 is aligned generally parallel to the x-axis. As such, a golfer can use alignment feature 805 by aligning the direction of elongated side 807 in an orientation generally perpendicular to the intended target. Alignment feature 805 has a length 847 measured parallel to x-axis 208. In this embodiment, length 847 is approximately the same as the diameter of a golf ball, or approximately 1.7 inches. However, in various embodiments, length 847 may be 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, or any number of lengths included therein. If length 847 of dominant elongated side 807a or 807b is less than about 0.3 inches, the impact of alignment feature 805 in biasing the golfer's perception is substantially reduced.

[0149] However, with sufficient use, the alignment feature 805 can become the golfer's primary focus of attention, so that by modifying the placement of the alignment feature 805 relative to the x-axis 208 (which coincides with the face angle tangent 505), the golfer can bias their shot and thereby modify their result.

[0150] As can be seen with reference to FIG. 6 , golf club head 900 includes alignment feature 905. In this embodiment, alignment feature 905 includes one elongated side 907a on one side of alignment feature 905, proximate face 110. Alignment feature 905 includes several potential rear portions. In one embodiment, golf club head 900, similar to golf club head 800, includes alignment feature 905 including a potential second elongated side 907b. In another embodiment, extended rear portion 907c may also be included on elongated side 907b, or may be included separately therefrom. In this embodiment, elongated side 907b is oriented at angle 915 relative to face angle tangent 505.

[0151] In the embodiment including the second elongated side 907b, the second elongated side 907b is generally parallel to the elongated side 907a. Therefore, the embodiment is similar to the golf club head 800, but oriented at an angle 915. With the extended rear portion 907c, the orientation of such an embodiment may appear less oblique and, as a result, may be more effective in altering the golfer's perception of the club's alignment. A vertical reference line 918 is seen as a reference perpendicular to the elongated side 907a. The vertical reference line 918 intersects the elongated side 907a at a point 919 that bisects the elongated side 907a. Furthermore, the vertical reference line 918 intersects the x-axis 208 at an intersection point 921 that is located in the heel direction of the center face 205. In this embodiment, the intersection point 921 is located approximately 2 mm in the heel direction of the center face 205. In various embodiments, intersection point 921 may be approximately the same as center face 205. In various embodiments, intersection point 921 may be up to 2 mm heelward of center face 205. In various embodiments, intersection point 921 may be up to 5 mm heelward of center face 205. In various embodiments, intersection point 921 may be somewhat toeward of center face 205. In various embodiments, intersection point 921 may be ±2 mm of center face 205.

[0152] 7, another embodiment of a golf club head 1100 includes an alignment feature 1105. The alignment feature includes a first elongated side 1107a and a second elongated side 1107b. However, in this embodiment, the first elongated side 1107a is generally parallel to the face angle tangent 505 and the x-axis 208. However, the second elongated side 1107b is oriented at an angle 1115 relative to the face angle tangent 505 such that a golfer's perception of alignment may be altered.

[0153] A preferred method for measuring the perceived face angle as observed by a golfer further takes into account the fact that most golfers have a dominant left eye and that when addressing the ball with the club head, the direct line between their left eye and the center face actually intersects the topline heel direction of the center face, and therefore alignment features including the edges of painted or shaded areas of crown 120 that contrast with the color or shade of face 110 will have the greatest effect on the golfer's perception of the face angle. This perceived face angle is therefore referred to as the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) and is measured using the apparatus shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0154] The apparatus used is shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C and includes a frame 1203 holding a golf club shaft 1207 and a fixture 1205 for aligning and holding an attached golf club head 1209 at a 45-degree lie angle. The face of the golf club head 1209 is also set to a 0-degree face angle using a face angle gauge 1211. The face angle gauge may be any commonly used in the industry, such as a De la Cruz face angle gauge. After setting the loft and lie angle, the club is clamped in the fixture using a screw clamp 1213. The frame 1203 also includes mounting points 1215 for mounting two cameras 1217 and 1219 and a Calpac Laser CP-TIM-230-9-1L-635 (Fine / Precise Red Line Laser Diode Module Class ii: 1 mW / 635 nm) 1221. The center of the lens of camera 1219 is located in z, y, and z coordinates (i.e., 766 mm, 149 mm, 1411 mm) using the previously defined x, y, and z axes with the USGA center face (measured using the procedures in USGA "Procedures for Measuring Golf Club Head Flexibility," Revision 2.0, March 25, 2005) as the origin, where the positive x coordinate represents the heel position of the center face, the positive y coordinate represents the rear position of the center face, and the positive z coordinate represents a position above the center face. A laser is positioned between the two cameras.

[0155] 8C , the laser generates a line 1223 having an axis parallel to the camera axis, projecting the line along the y-axis, which is adjusted so that the line intersects with the USGA center face 1225. The point 1227 where the line intersects the edge of the painted or shaded area of ​​crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of face 110, in this case corresponding to the white painted line on crown 1229, is then physically marked on the painted line using a marker to serve as a datum or reference point. The camera is then activated to take an image of the club head including the datum or reference point 1227 and the painted line 1229.

[0156] The image from the camera is then analyzed using an image analyzer software package (which may be any recognized in the art that can import an image and use a curve fitting function to fit a line to the image). A best fit line to the paint line is then determined. In most embodiments, the best fit to the paint line is calculated by fitting the line to the equation: y = ax 2 This results in a fit to a quadratic equation of the form +bx+c. Two points are then selected for this best-fit line at arc lengths within + / - 0.25 mm from the data points. A straight line is then drawn between the two points, and a line perpendicular to this line is drawn through the data. The Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) is then measured as the angle between the perpendicular line and the y-axis.

[0157] Using this method, the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) of the golf club of the present invention may be between -2 degrees and 10 degrees, preferably between 0 degrees and 6 degrees, more preferably between 0.5 degrees and 4 degrees, even more preferably between 1 degree and 2.5 degrees, and most preferably between 1.5 degrees and 2 degrees.

[0158] [Multiple examples]

[0159] Using four identical club heads, the painted line edge of the painted or shaded area of ​​the crown 120 that contrasted with the color or shade of the face 110 was varied, and the target adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) was measured.

[0160] In addition to the target adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA), four additional measurements were taken to describe the painted line edge alignment characteristics of the four clubs, and these values ​​are summarized in Table 1.

[0161] In addition to the SAPFA, three additional angles were measured at different points measured from the data along the best fit line to the paint line edge alignment feature determined for the SAPFA. The first angle was taken at a point along the best fit line at an arc length of 25 mm in the heel direction of the data. Again for the SAPFA measurement, two points were selected at an arc length of + / - 0.25 mm from the 25 mm point. A straight line was then drawn between these two points, and a line perpendicular to this line was drawn at the 25 mm point. The angle between the perpendicular line and the y-axis was then measured. This angle was used to determine the perceived face angle ("SAPFA") at a target adjustment of 25 mm in the heel direction. 25H ").

[0162] A second angle was taken at a point along the best fit line at an arc length of 25mm towards the toe of the data. Again, for the SAPFA measurement, two points were selected at an arc length of + / - 0.25mm from the 25mm point. A straight line was then drawn between the two points, and a line perpendicular to this line at the 25mm point. The angle between the perpendicular line and the y-axis was then measured. This angle was taken as the perceived face angle ("SAPFA") at a target adjustment of 25mm towards the toe. 25T ").

[0163] Additionally, to capture any effect of rounding the paint line edge alignment feature more toward the toe of the golf club head, a third angle was taken at a point along the best fit line at an arc length of 50mm toward the toe of the data. Again, for the SAPFA measurement, two points were selected at an arc length of + / - 0.25mm from the 25mm point. A straight line was then drawn between the two points, and a line perpendicular to this line was drawn at the 50mm point. The angle between the perpendicular line and the y-axis was then measured. This angle was determined as the target adjusted perceived face angle ("SAPFA") 50mm toward the toe. 50T ").

[0164] Finally, in an attempt to explain the details of the paint line edge alignment feature, the image of the paint line edge alignment feature imported into the image analyzer for the SAPFA measurement was also calculated using the equation (xa) 2 +(yb) 2 =r 2 The line is fitted to a circle using and the radius of curvature of this circular fit line is determined and reported in Table 1 as Radius of Curvature (Circle Fit).

[0165] [Table 1]

[0166] Each club was then hit 6 to 12 times by 10 different players into a blank screen, with no trajectory or other feedback available to the players, and a Trackman3e launch monitor and TPS software package were used to calculate total variance from the center target line, including total positive variance indicating the number of yards to the right of the center target line and total negative variance indicating the number of yards to the left of the center target line. Thus, players who tend to slice the ball, i.e., produce ball flights to the right of the target line, would be assisted in producing shots closer to the target line if their golf club tended to produce more negative variance.

[0167] The graph in Figure 9 plots the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) against the average total dispersion for each club for each player's 6-12 hits. The data shows that adjusting the edge of the crown paint or shade area that contrasts with the face color or shade so that the golf club's Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) moves from -0.88 degrees, through 0.5 degrees, through 3.34 degrees, and toward 5.55 degrees results in an overall change in total dispersion from 8.6 yards to the right of the target line to 24.2 yards to the left of the target—an absolute change in total dispersion of 32.8 yards from the same clubhead—simply by manipulating the appearance of the paint line that provides the primary alignment feature.

[0168] The golf club head of the present invention has a Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) of about -2 degrees to about 10 degrees, preferably about 0 degrees to about 6 degrees, more preferably about 0.5 degrees to about 4 degrees, even more preferably about 1 degree to about 2.5 degrees, and most preferably about 1.5 degrees to about 2 degrees.

[0169] The golf club head of the present invention also has a perceived face angle ("SAPFA") that is targeted and adjusted 25 mm in the heel direction, from about -5 degrees to about 2 degrees, more preferably from about -3 degrees to 0 degrees, and even more preferably from about -2 degrees to about -1 degree. 25H ").

[0170] The golf club head of the present invention also has a perceived face angle ("SAPFA") of 0 degrees to about 9 degrees, more preferably about 1 degree to about 4.5 degrees, and even more preferably about 2 degrees to about 4 degrees, targeted and adjusted 25 mm toward the toe. 25T ").

[0171] The golf club head of the present invention also has a perceived face angle ("SAPFA") of about 2 degrees to about 9 degrees, more preferably about 3.5 degrees to about 8 degrees, and even more preferably about 4 degrees to about 7 degrees, targeted and adjusted 50 mm toward the toe. 50T ").

[0172] The golf club head of the present invention also has a radius of curvature (circle fit) of from about 300 mm to about 1000 mm, more preferably from about 400 mm to about 900 mm, and even more preferably from about 500 mm to about 775 mm.

[0173] In other embodiments, in addition to having the primary or primary alignment features described above with reference to Figures 1A through 4, the golf club head may also have secondary or secondary alignment features, including the alignment features described above with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7.

[0174] 10A and 10B, a golf club head 1400 of the present invention may include a crown having a first portion having a first color or shade and a second portion having a second color or shade, and a primary alignment feature consisting of an edge 1402 of an area of ​​paint or shade on the first portion of crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of face 110, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 and described above. Additionally, the club head may include a secondary alignment feature 1404, adjacent the face but rearward of the primary alignment feature, delineated by a second painted or masking line that delineates the transition between the first portion of the crown having an area of ​​shade or color that contrasts with the shading or color of the face and the second portion of the crown having an area of ​​shade or color that contrasts with the shading or color of the first portion. The secondary alignment feature has an elongated side 1406 having a length of about 0.5 inches to about 1.7 inches, and second and third elongated sides 1408a and 1408b extending rearward from the face and toward the rear of the elongated side 1406 at an angle relative to the elongated side 1406.

[0175] The secondary alignment feature targeting the elongated side 1406 and the secondary alignment feature comprising the second and third elongated sides 1408a and 1408b is adjusted to achieve a perceived face angle secondary alignment feature ("SAPFA"). SAFThe secondary alignment feature of the target adjusted perceived face angle ("SAPFA") may be measured by importing an image of the club head obtained by measuring for SAPFA. As shown in FIG. 10B, points 1410b and 1410a are selected, which are the innermost ends of the radial connection lines 1408b and 1408a with the elongated side 1406. A best-fit secondary line is then fitted to the secondary alignment feature between points 1410a and 1410b, and datum 1412 is determined as the center point along the arc length of the best-fit line. Again, two points at arc lengths between + / - 0.25 mm from the datum are selected for the SAPFA measurement. A straight line is then drawn between these two points, and a line perpendicular to this line is drawn in the datum. The target adjusted perceived face angle secondary alignment feature ("SAPFA") is then calculated as the angle between this perpendicular line and the y-axis. SAF ") is measured.

[0176] In some embodiments, the golf club head of the present invention also has a targeted perceived face angle secondary alignment characteristic ("SAPFA") of about -2 degrees to about 6 degrees, more preferably 0 degrees to about 5 degrees, and even more preferably about 1.5 degrees to about 4 degrees. SAF ").

[0177] The primary and secondary alignment features described herein typically utilize paint lines that demarcate the edges of areas of paint or shading on the crown that contrast with the color or shading of the face. Preferably, the contrasting colors are white in the crown area and black in the face area. Typically, the paint or shading of a golf club head is performed at the time of manufacture and is therefore fixed for the life of the club unless additional painting is performed after purchase by the owner. It would be highly advantageous if a user could adjust the profile of the alignment features using a simple method that could adjust the face angle perceived by the user in response to the ball direction trends observed by the golfer on any given day.

[0178] In some embodiments of the golf club head of the present invention, the crown comprises a rotatable or otherwise movable portion, one side of which has an edge of a painted or shaded area of ​​the crown that contrasts with the color or shade of the face, or a desired perceived face angle PFA and / or a Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) and / or a secondary alignment feature of the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) that produces a desired ball flight. SAF "). The movable portion of the crown is held in position by a fastening device, such as a screw or bolt, which is loosened to allow rotation or movement and then tightened after adjustment to fix the position of the crown.

[0179] In addition to a portion of the crown that is movable, other embodiments may have a movable layer or cover on top of the crown, with one side of the movable layer or cover having an edge of a painted or shaded area of ​​the crown that contrasts with the color or shade of the face, or may have a desired perceived face angle PFA and / or a Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) and / or a secondary alignment feature of the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA). SAF "). The movable portion of the layer or cover is held in position by a fastening device, such as a screw or bolt, or other fastening means, which is again loosened to allow rotation or movement and then tightened to fix the position of the movable layer or cover after adjustment.

[0180] In other embodiments, portions of the crown may include electronic features that can be selectively activated to produce a desired appearance, including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), printed electronics with lighting devices, embedded electronics with lighting devices, electroluminescent devices, and so-called quantum dots.

[0181] In other embodiments, a portion of the crown may be provided with a coating that changes its properties when exposed to external conditions, including, but not limited to, thermochromic coatings, photochromic coatings, electrochromic coatings, and paramagnetic paints.

[0182] In one preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head has an electronic graphic display. The display provides active color and graphic control for either the entire top portion of the crown, the layer covering at least a portion of the crown, or a portion thereof. The display may be constructed from a flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, e-ink technology, digital fabric, or other known means of active electronic color and graphic display. For example, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) (e.g., light-emitting polymers (LEPs) and organic electroluminescent (OEL)) are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in which a light-emitting electroluminescent layer is composed of a film of an organic compound. The layer typically includes a polymer substrate that allows a simple "printing" process to deposit suitable organic compounds in rows and columns onto a carrier substrate, such as at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head. The resulting matrix of pixels can emit light of different colors.

[0183] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head, or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head, is divided into multiple portions that can be controlled differently from one another, for example, one side of the alignment feature has a static face color and the other side has a second static and contrasting face color display capability.

[0184] The display is operably connected (e.g., via wires) to a microprocessor located in the golf club head. The microprocessor is further operably connected (e.g., via wires) to a data port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. The data port allows data to be sent to and received from the microprocessor. Data ports and data transfer protocols are well known to those skilled in the art. The data port (USB port) may be located in a rearward area of ​​the golf club head.

[0185] Data can be obtained from a variety of sources. In some embodiments, an internet website is dedicated to supporting the golf club head of the present invention. For example, the website may include downloadable data and protocols (e.g., colors, color patterns, images, video content, logos, etc.) that can be uploaded (via a data port, via a cable, via a computer) to the golf club head's microprocessor. As an example, the website may have multiple color patterns as well as a gallery for selecting colors to be displayed.

[0186] In some embodiments, data may be uploaded from other sources, such as DVDs, CDs, memory devices (e.g., flash memory), etc. Sources may also include mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital sales kiosks, etc. In some embodiments, data may be uploaded or downloaded via other mechanisms, such as wired or wireless mechanisms. Such mechanisms may include Bluetooth, infrared data link (IrDa), Wi-Fi, UWB, etc.

[0187] In some embodiments, one or more control buttons are located on the golf club head to allow a user to manipulate the display as desired. The control buttons are operably connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the control buttons and to send output commands that manipulate the display. The control buttons may be operably connected to the display and / or the microprocessor via one or more wires.

[0188] The microprocessor and / or display are operatively connected to a power source, such as a battery. The battery may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, the battery includes a control for powering the device on and off. All wires, data ports, and other electronic systems are adapted to sustain the impact force generated when a golfer strikes a golf ball with a golf club head.

[0189] In another embodiment of the golf club head of the present invention, a method for achieving user adjustable alignment features involves at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head being covered with a dielectric electroluminescent coating system, or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head, using, by way of example, the materials and methods described in U.S. Patent No. 6,926,972 to M. Jakobi et al., issued August 9, 2005, and assigned to BASF Corporation, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Using this technology, electroluminescence may be used in which electrical current (provided by a small battery securely mounted within the golf club head cavity) is selectively used to highlight (or remove) specific colors, thereby adjusting alignment feature orientation.

[0190] In some embodiments, the golf club head may have sensors such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 996,854, filed June 4, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the golf club may have one or more sensors for measuring swing speed, face angle, lie angle, tempo, swing path, the relationship between face angle and swing path, dynamic loft, and shaft tilt. Other measurements may include backstroke time, forward stroke time, total stroke time, tempo, impact stroke speed, impact location, backstroke length, backstroke rotation, forward stroke rotation, rotation change, lie, and loft. Further measurements may include golf shot location during play and golf shot distance data. Additional and different measurements may also be captured. Measurements may be captured during a full swing, a short game, putting, or other golf swing.

[0191] The one or more sensors may include a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a gyro sensor, a magnetometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an optical marker, or other sensors. The one or more sensors may be attached to the golf club head, integrated into the golf club's display, attached to or integrated with the golf club shaft (e.g., adjacent the thick end of the golf club grip, along the shaft, or at another location), housed within the golf club grip, and / or attached to or integrated with another portion of the golf club. In one embodiment, multiple sensors are provided on the golf club, such as on the same or different portions of the golf club. For example, a first sensor may be attached to or integrated with the golf club head, and a second sensor may be housed within the golf club grip or attached to the golf club shaft. Additional and different multiple sensor arrangements may be used.

[0192] In one embodiment, a display or another electronic feature of the golf club may display one or more of the multiple measurements on a crown or another portion of the golf club head. For example, the display or another electronic feature may be a removable display device or may be integrated into a user device such as a PDA, smartphone, iPhone, iPad, iPod, or other computing device. The one or more measurements may be displayed using an application running on the display device or using a device associated with the display or other electronic feature of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the sensor may be configured to communicate with an external device such as a computing device (e.g., a personal computer (PC), laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, mobile phone, iPhone, iPad, personal digital assistant (PDA), server computer, or another computing device, a launch monitor, a club fitting platform, or another device. In these embodiments, the one or more measurements may be displayed using an application running on the external device. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors interact with an external device, such as a video camera, to capture the one or more measurements.

[0193] Returning to reference to FIG. 1B , a coordinate system for measuring the center of gravity (CG) location is located at the face center 205. In one embodiment, the positive side of the x-axis 208 projects toward the heel side of the club head, and the negative side of the x-axis 208 projects toward the toe side of the golf club head. Additionally, the positive side of the z-axis 206 projects toward the crown side of the club head, and the negative side of the z-axis 206 projects toward the sole side of the golf club head. Finally, the positive side of the y-axis 207 projects toward the rear of the club head, parallel to the ground plane. Unless otherwise noted, as used herein, if a first location is closer to the face center 205 along the y-axis 207 than a second location, then the first location is forward of the second location; similarly, if a first location is farther from the face center 205 along the y-axis 207 than the second location, then the first location is rear of the second location. Unless otherwise noted, as used herein, if a first location is farther from the hosel portion than a second location along the x-axis 208, the first location is in a toe direction of the second location; similarly, if a first location is closer to the hosel portion than a second location along the x-axis 208, the first location is in a heel direction of the second location.

[0194] In exemplary embodiments, the projected CG location on the striking face is considered the "sweet spot" of the club head. The projected CG location is found by balancing the club head on a point. The projected CG location is generally projected along a line perpendicular to the face of the club head. In some embodiments, the projected CGy (y-axis coordinate) location is less than 2 mm above the center face location, less than 1 mm above the center face location, or up to 1 mm or 2 mm below the center face location 205. In some embodiments, the golf club head has a CG with a CGx (x-axis) coordinate between about -10 mm and about 10 mm from the center face location 205, a CGy between about 15 mm and about 50 mm, and a CGz (z-axis coordinate) between about -10 mm and about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the CGy is between about 20 mm and about 50 mm.

[0195] The golf club head also has moments of inertia defined about three axes that extend through the golf club head CG orientation, including CGz, which extends through the CG in a direction generally perpendicular to the ground plane when the club head is in the address position, CGx, which extends through the CG in a heel-to-toe direction that is generally parallel to the striking face 110 and generally perpendicular to CGz, and CGy, which extends through the CG in a front-to-back direction and generally perpendicular to CGx and CGz. Both CGx and CGy extend generally horizontally to the ground plane when the club head 100 is in the address position.

[0196] The club head and many of its physical characteristics disclosed herein are described using a "normal address position" as the club head reference position, unless otherwise indicated. In the normal address position, the club head rests on a flat ground plane. Unless otherwise noted, as used herein, "normal address position" means a club head position in which a vector normal to the center face 205 lies substantially in a first vertical plane (i.e., the vertical plane is perpendicular to the ground plane), the centerline axis of the hosel bore establishes a shaft axis that lies in a second vertical plane, and the first and second vertical planes intersect substantially perpendicularly.

[0197] The moment of inertia around the golf club head CGx is calculated by the following equation:

number

[0198] In the above equation, y is the distance from the golf club head CGxz plane to the trace mass dm, and z is the distance from the golf club head CGxy plane to the trace mass dm. The golf club head CGxz plane is the plane defined by CGx and CGz. The CGxy plane is the plane defined by CGx and CGy.

[0199] The moment of inertia around the golf club head CGy is calculated by the following equation:

number

[0200] In the above equation, x is the distance from the golf club head CGyz plane to the trace mass dm, and z is the distance from the golf club head CGxy plane to the trace mass dm. The golf club head CGyz plane is the plane defined by CGy and CGz. The CGyx plane is the plane defined by CGy and CGx.

[0201] The moment of inertia around the golf club head CGz is calculated by the following equation:

number

[0202] In the above equation, x is the distance from the golf club head CGyz plane to the trace mass dm, and y is the distance from the golf club head CGxz plane to the trace mass dm. The golf club head CGyz plane is the plane defined by CGy and CGz.

[0203] In a specific implementation, the club head is forced to approximately 450 kg mm around CGz. 2 from approximately 650 kg·mm 2 The moment of inertia between the 2 from approximately 500 kg·mm 2 The moment of inertia between the 2 from approximately 500 kg·mm 2 and a moment of inertia between

[0204] For various reasons, it may be advantageous to orient the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head toward the toe. For example, users often strike the golf ball high on the striking face (e.g., +3 to +4 mm on the z-axis) and toward the toe (e.g., −5 to −7 mm on the x-axis). By striking the ball off-center (i.e., at a location different from the projected CG location on the striking face), ball speed generally decreases, and as a result, the distance the golf ball travels decreases.

[0205] Furthermore, as explained above, hitting the ball face-to-face also creates a gear effect, which creates hook spin. Increasing the negative CGx orientation (i.e., -2 to -10 mm on the x-axis) changes the gear effect by decreasing counterclockwise (i.e., for a right-handed golfer) spin, which ultimately results in the golf ball curving to the left.

[0206] Additionally, a negative CGx orientation may be provided to maximize the moment of inertia (MOI) about the z-axis, which extends through CGz. Working in conjunction with the weighting of the golf club's hosel, the negative CGx orientation allows for a greater MOI about the z-axis by strategically distributing the club head weight to corresponding positive and negative orientations on the x-axis.

[0207] Alternatively, it may be advantageous to orient the CG of the golf club head toward the heel. For example, by increasing the positive CGx orientation (i.e., from +2 to 0 mm on the x-axis), the club head may close faster (i.e., 400-500 rpm), which will increase the local club head speed, generating a faster ball speed and, consequently, increasing the distance traveled by the golf ball.

[0208] In certain implementations, the golf club head may have a CGx between about +2 and about -10 mm. For example, for golf club heads with adjustable weights (described below), the CGx is between about -3 mm and about -4 mm. In certain implementations, the club head may have a low CGz less than 0, such as between 0 and about -4 mm. In certain implementations, the club head may have a CGz located below the geometric center of the face. In certain implementations, the club head may have a CGz greater than 400 kg·mm 2 Larger than 460 kg·mm 2 or greater than 480 kg·mm 2 The moment of inertia about CGz (also called "Izz") may be greater than 300 kg mm. The moment of inertia about CGx (also called "Ixx") may be greater than 300 kg mm. 2 The moment of inertia of the golf club head may also be expressed as a ratio, such as the ratio of Ixx to Izz. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio of Ixx to Izz is at most 0.6, or 60%. In one example, the golf club head has a moment of inertia of 300 kg mm 2Ixx greater than 500 kg mm 2 In another example, Ixx may be 280 kg mm 2 It is larger than the Izz 465 kg·mm 2 is greater than.

[0209] In certain implementations, a golf club head may have a Zup of less than 30 mm. For example, on the ground, an alternative golf head coordinate system places the head origin at the intersection of the z-axis and the ground plane, thereby providing a positive z-axis coordinate for every club head feature. As used herein, "Zup" refers to the CG z-axis location determined by this above-mentioned ground coordinate system. Zup generally refers to the height of the CG above the ground plane, measured along the z-axis.

[0210] In certain implementations, a golf club head may have a Delta 1 (i.e., a measurement of how far rearward the CG is of the golf club head body) greater than 20, such as, in certain implementations, greater than 26. More specifically, Delta 1 is the distance between the CG (in a direction pointing directly from the geometric center of the striking face to the rear of the body of the golf club face) and the hosel axis along the y-axis. It has been observed that a smaller Delta 1 value results in a lower CG projected onto the golf club head face. Thus, for disclosed golf club head embodiments in which the CG projected onto the ball-striking club face is lower than the geometric center, reducing Delta 1 can lower the projected CG and increase the distance between the geometric center and the projected CG. It should also be noted that a lower projected CG promotes higher launch and reduced backspin due to the z-axis gear effect. Thus, for certain embodiments of the disclosed golf club heads, the Delta 1 value may be relatively low in some cases, thereby reducing the amount of backspin on the golf ball and helping the golf ball obtain a desired high launch and low spin trajectory.

[0211] United States Golf Association (USGA) regulations limit golf club head shape, size, and moment of inertia. Due to these constraints, golf club manufacturers and designers struggle to produce golf club heads with maximum size and moment of inertia characteristics while maintaining all other golf club head characteristics. For example, one such constraint is the 460 cm 3 Generally, volume is measured using the water displacement method. However, the USGA recommends that any significant cavity in the sole must be 15cm 3 A series of cavities having a total volume greater than 10 ...

[0212] In some embodiments, such as in the case of a fairway wood, the golf club head is approximately 100 cm 3 Approximately 300cm from 3 For example, about 150 cm 3 Approximately 250cm from 3 Between or about 130cm 3 Approximately 190cm from 3 Between or about 125cm 3 Approximately 240cm from 3 and a total mass between about 125 g and about 260 g, or between about 200 g and about 250 g. For a utility or hybrid club, the golf club head may have a volume between about 60 cm 3 Approximately 150cm from 3 Between, or about 85cm 3 Approximately 120cm from 3 and a total mass between about 125 g and about 280 g, or between about 200 g and about 250 g. For a driver, the golf club head may have a volume between about 300 cm 3 Approximately 600cm from 3 Between the two, approximately 350cm 3 Approximately 600cm from 3 Between and / or approximately 350 cm 3 Approximately 500cm from 3and may have a total mass between about 145 g and about 1060 g, for example, between about 195 g and about 205 g.

[0213] Until now, C.G. x The position was approximately 4-6 mm toward the heel. x The position was moved approximately -1 mm in the toe direction. x The location is the same as the exemplary CG described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 171,237, filed October 25, 2018. x The club head may have a center of gravity (CG), the location of which may be defined with respect to the coordinate system shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1D and described above, and in some embodiments, the club head may have a center of gravity (CG) that is positioned in the toe direction of the center face, such as at a position no greater than −2 mm in the toe direction. x In some embodiments, the club head has a CG of 0 to -4 mm. x In some embodiments, the club head has a load capacity of 480 to 600 Kg·mm 2 or in some embodiments, 490 kg·mm 2 moment of inertia about the z-axis (I zz ) and approximately 280 to 420 kg·mm 2 or in some embodiments, 280 kg·mm 2 moment of inertia about the x-axis (I xx ) and

[0214] There are various ways to position the CG orientation of a golf club head. For example, in some embodiments, to help overcome manufacturing challenges associated with conventional golf club heads having a typical continuous crown formed of titanium or other metals, a composite crown and / or sole is provided, allowing the relatively heavy components of the crown to be replaced with a lighter material, thereby freeing up discretionary mass to be strategically allocated elsewhere within the golf club head. In certain embodiments, the crown may include a composite material having a density of less than 2 grams per cubic centimeter, such as those described herein and in the incorporated disclosures. In still further embodiments, the composite material has a density of 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter or less, or a density between 1 gram per cubic centimeter and 2 grams per cubic centimeter. Providing a lighter crown also provides the golf club head with additional discretionary mass that can be used elsewhere within the golf club head to fulfill the designer's objectives. For example, discretionary mass can be used to strategically add additional weight to the hollow interior of the golf club head or strategically position it on the exterior surface of the golf club head to shift the effective CG forward or rearward, toward the toe or heel, or both, and / or improve the desirable MOI characteristics discussed above (apart from any further CG adjustments made possible by adjustable weight features).

[0215] In some embodiments, the crown and / or sole may be formed, in whole or in part, from a composite material, such as a carbon composite formed from a composite including multiple plies or layers of fibrous material (e.g., graphite, or carbon fiber including turbostratic or graphitic carbon fiber, or a hybrid structure in which portions of both graphite and turbostratic portions are present). Some examples of these composite materials and manufacturing procedures for use in metal wood golf clubs are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,267,620), 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,140,974), 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610, and 12 / 156,947, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0216] Alternatively, the crown and / or sole may be formed from short or long fiber reinforced formulations of the previously referenced polymers. An exemplary formulation includes a nylon 6 / 6 polyamide formulation with 30% embedded carbon fiber, commercially available from RTP Company under the trade designation RTP285. The material has a tensile strength of 35,000 psi (241 MPa) as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile elongation of 2.0-3.0% as measured by ASTM D638, and a tensile strength of 3.30 x 10 as measured by ASTM D638. 6 psi (22754 MPa), a tensile modulus of 50,000 psi (345 MPa) as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural strength of 2.60 x 10 as measured by ASTM D790. 6 It has a flexural modulus of 17927 psi (17927 MPa).

[0217] Also included is a 40% carbon fiber embedded polyphthalamide (PPA) formulation commercially available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP4087UP. This material has a tensile strength of 360 MPa as measured by ISO 527, a tensile elongation of 1.4% as measured by ISO 527, a tensile modulus of 41,500 MPa as measured by ISO 527, a flexural strength of 580 MPa as measured by ISO 178, and a flexural modulus of 34,500 MPa as measured by ISO 178.

[0218] Also included is a 30% carbon fiber embedded polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) formulation commercially available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP1385UP. This material has a tensile strength of 255 MPa as measured by ISO 527, a tensile elongation of 1.3% as measured by ISO 527, a tensile modulus of 28,500 MPa as measured by ISO 527, a flexural strength of 385 MPa as measured by ISO 178, and a flexural modulus of 23,000 MPa as measured by ISO 178.

[0219] In another embodiment, the crown and / or sole are formed as a two-layer structure having an injection-molded inner layer and an outer layer comprising a thermoplastic composite laminate. The injection-molded inner layer can be formulated from a thermoplastic polymer, with preferred materials including polyamide (PA), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Typically, the thermoplastic composite laminate structure used to formulate the outer layer is a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. Continuous fibers include glass fibers (both roving and filament glass), as well as aramid and carbon fibers. Thermoplastic resins impregnated into these fibers to create the laminate material include polyamide (including, but not limited to, PA, PA6, PA12, and PA6), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurea (TPU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0220] Laminates may be formed in a continuous process in which thermoplastic matrix polymer and individual fiber structure layers are fused together under high pressure into a single consolidated laminate, and can vary in both the number of layers fused to form the final laminate and the thickness of the final laminate. Typically, multiple laminate sheets are consolidated in a dual-belt laminating press, resulting in a product with a void content of less than 2 percent and a fiber volume ranging anywhere between 35 and 55 percent, thicknesses as thin as 0.5 mm and as thick as 6.0 mm, and may contain up to 20 layers. Further information regarding the construction and method of preparation of such laminate structures is disclosed in European Patent Application EP 1923420 B1, issued February 25, 2009 to Bonded Laminates GMBH, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0221] The outer layer composite laminate structure may also be formed from the TEPEX® family of resin laminates available from bonded laminates, a preferred example of which is TEPEX® Dynalite 201, a PA66 polyamide formulation with reinforcing carbon fiber, which has a density of 1.4 g / cm 3 %, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 785 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 53 GPa as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural strength of 760 MPa as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 45 GPa as measured by ASTM D790.

[0222] Another preferred example is TEPEX® Dynalite 208, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based formulation containing reinforcing carbon fibers, which has a density of 1.5 g / cm 3 %, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 710 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 48 GPa as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural strength of 745 MPa as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 41 GPa as measured by ASTM D790.

[0223] Another preferred example is TEPEX® Dynalite 207, a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based formulation containing reinforcing carbon fibers, which has a density of 1.6 g / cm 3 %, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 710 MPa as measured by ASTM D638, a tensile modulus of 55 GPa as measured by ASTM D638, a flexural strength of 650 MPa as measured by ASTM D790, and a flexural modulus of 40 GPa as measured by ASTM D790.

[0224] There are various ways in which a multi-layer composite crown may be formed. In some embodiments, the outer layer is formed separately and discretely from the injection-molded inner layer. The outer layer may be formed using known techniques for forming thermoplastic composite laminates into the shape of a part, including, but not limited to, compression molding, rubber and conformal metal press forming, or diaphragm forming.

[0225] The inner layer may be injection molded using conventional techniques and may be secured to the outer crown layer by bonding methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, adhesive bonding including gluing, welding (preferred welding processes are ultrasonic welding, hot element welding, vibration welding, rotary friction welding or high frequency welding (Plastics Handbook, Vol. 3 / 4, pp. 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Vienna 1998)) or calendaring, or mechanical fastening including riveting or thread interaction.

[0226] Before the inner layer is fixed to the outer layer, the outer surface of the inner layer and / or the inside of the outer layer may be pretreated by means of one or more of the following treatments (disclosed in more detail in Ehrenstein, "Handbuch Kunststoff-Verbindungstechnik", Carl Hanser Verlag Munich 2004, pp. 494-504): Mechanical treatment, preferably by brushing or polishing Cleaning with a liquid, preferably an aqueous or organic solvent, to remove surface deposits Flame treatment preferably with propane gas, natural gas, city gas or butane Corona treatment (potential-loaded atmospheric pressure plasma) Non-potential atmospheric pressure plasma treatment Low-pressure plasma treatment (air and O2 atmosphere) UV treatment Chemical pretreatment, e.g. by wet chemistry with gas phase pretreatment Primers and coupling agents

[0227] A particularly preferred method of compounding may utilize a so-called hybrid molding process, in which composite laminate outer layers are insert molded into injection-molded inner layers to provide additional strength. Typically, the composite laminate structure is introduced into an injection mold as a heated flat sheet or, preferably, as a preformed part. During injection molding, the thermoplastic material of the inner layer is molded onto the inner surface of the composite laminate structure, and the materials fuse together to form a crown as a highly integrated part. Typically, the injection-molded inner layer is compounded from the same polymer family as the matrix material used in forming the composite laminate structure used to form the outer layer to ensure a good weld bond.

[0228] In addition to being formed into the desired shape of the rear body of the club head, the thermoplastic inner layer may also be formed with additional features, including one or more reinforcing ribs to provide strength and / or desirable acoustic properties, and one or more weight ports to allow for the placement of additional tungsten (or other metal) weights.

[0229] The thickness of the inner layer is typically from about 0.25 to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.25 mm.

[0230] The thickness of the composite laminate structure used to form the outer layer is typically from about 0.25 to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.25 mm, and even more preferably from 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0231] The crown or outer shell (or sole) may be formed from a composite material such as, for example, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or polymer, as described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,623,378, filed June 11, 2001, entitled "METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AND GOLF CLUB HEAD," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Additionally, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 974,437 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,608,591) describes a golf club head with a lightweight crown and sole.

[0232] The composite materials used to construct the crown and / or sole must exhibit high strength and stiffness over a wide temperature range, as well as excellent wear and abrasion behavior and be resistant to stress cracking. Such properties include: a) a tensile strength at room temperature (as measured by ASTM D638 and / or ASTM D3039) of from about 7 ksi to about 330 ksi, preferably from about 8 ksi to about 305 ksi, more preferably from about 200 ksi to about 300 ksi, and even more preferably from about 250 ksi to about 300 ksi; b) a tensile modulus at room temperature (as measured by ASTM D638 and / or ASTM D3039) of from about 0.4 Msi to about 23 Msi, preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 21 Msi, and more preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 19 Msi; c) a flexural strength at room temperature (as measured by ASTM D790) of from about 13 ksi to about 300 ksi, from about 14 ksi to about 290 ksi, more preferably from about 50 ksi to about 285 ksi, and even more preferably from about 100 ksi to about 280 ksi; d) A flexural modulus at room temperature (as measured by ASTM D790) of from about 0.4 Msi to about 21 Msi, from about 0.5 Msi to about 20 Msi, and more preferably from about 10 Msi to about 19 Msi.

[0233] Composite materials useful for forming club head components include a fiber portion and a resin portion. Generally, the resin portion functions as a "matrix" in which the fibers are embedded in a defined manner. In a club head composite, the fiber portion is configured as multiple fiber layers or plies impregnated with a resin component. The fibers in each layer have their own orientation, which typically varies from layer to layer and is tightly controlled. The typical number of layers for a striking face is significant, e.g., 40 or more. However, for a sole or crown, the number of layers can be significantly reduced, e.g., 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, 6 or more, examples of which are provided below. During the manufacture of a composite material, multiple layers (each having oriented fibers impregnated with uncured or partially cured resin, each such layer being referred to as a "prepreg" layer) are arranged one on top of the other in a "layup." After forming the prepreg layup, the resin cures to a rigid state. If desired, specific strength can be calculated by dividing the tensile strength by the density of the material. This is also known as the strength-to-weight ratio or strength / weight ratio.

[0234] In testing of specific club head configurations, it has been found that composite sections formed from prepreg plies having a relatively low fiber areal weight (Faw) provide superior attributes in some areas, such as impact resistance, durability, and overall club performance. (Faw is the fiber weight of a given amount of prepreg, measured in g / m².) 2 It is also abbreviated as gsm (grams per square meter). 2 At or below 100 g / m 2 At or below 70 g / m 2 FAW values ​​at or below 70 g / m 2 may be particularly useful. As noted, a particularly suitable fibrous material for use in forming the prepreg plies is carbon fiber. More than one fibrous material may be used. However, in other embodiments, FAW values ​​at or below 70 g / m 2 may be used. 2 Below 100g / m 2 Prepreg plies having FAW values ​​above 70 g / m may be used. 2 The main prohibitive factor for prepreg plies below this is cost.

[0235] In certain embodiments, multiple low-FAW prepreg plies can be stacked and still have a relatively uniform distribution of fibers throughout the thickness of the stack. In contrast, at comparable resin content (R / C, in percent) levels, stack plies of prepreg material with a higher FAW tend to have more significantly resin-rich regions than stack plies of low-FAW material, particularly at the interfaces of adjacent plies. Resin-rich regions tend to reduce the effectiveness of the fiber reinforcement, particularly because the forces resulting from golf ball impact are generally transverse to the fiber orientation of the fiber reinforcement. The prepreg plies used to form the panel desirably contain carbon fiber impregnated with a suitable resin, such as epoxy. An exemplary carbon fiber is "34-700" carbon fiber (available from Grafil, Sacramento, California), which has a tensile modulus of 234 GPa (34 Msi) and a tensile strength of 4500 MPa (650 Ksi). Another graphite fiber that can be used is "TR50S" carbon fiber, which has a tensile modulus of 240 GPa (35 Msi) and a tensile strength of 4900 MPa (710 ksi). Suitable epoxy resins are "301" and "350" types (available from Newport Adhesives and Composites, Irvine, California). Exemplary resin contents (R / C) are between 33% and 40%, preferably between 35% and 40%, and more preferably between 36% and 38%.

[0236] Each of the golf club heads described throughout this application may have a separate crown, sole, and / or face, which may be a composite, such as, for example, a carbon fiber reinforced epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or polymer crown, sole, and / or face.

[0237] In some embodiments, the CGx, CGy, and CGz orientations of the golf club head may be adjustable. For example, in one embodiment, the golf club head may be provided with one or more adjustable weight features, such as weight ports, tracks, and / or slots, in conjunction with one or more adjustable weights located in the one or more weight ports, tracks, and / or slots. For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,868,036, incorporated herein by reference, describes a weight track with slidable weights for adjusting the CG orientation of the golf club head. Other adjustable weight features may also be used to adjust the CG orientation.

[0238] In some embodiments, the CGx, CGy, and CGz orientations of the golf club head are aligned with the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head. In some implementations, aerodynamic drag forces on the golf club head are reduced by the shape of the striking face. For example, aerodynamic drag forces can be reduced by providing a striking face that protrudes less toward the heel side of the club head along the positive side of the x-axis 208 and more toward the toe side of the golf club head on the negative side of the x-axis 208. In other words, the striking face may be provided with a bulge oriented at a portion of the face on the negative side of the x-axis. For example, as described below, the golf club head may have a crown height to face height ratio of at least 1.12. This configuration results in more material and mass being provided along the negative side of the x-axis than along the positive side of the x-axis of the striking face, which may orient the CGx toward the negative side of the x-axis. This aerodynamic shape naturally tends to move the CGx toward the toe.

[0239] In addition to the features described above, additional aerodynamic shapes are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,858,359 and 9,861,864. For example, various characteristics may be modified to improve the aerodynamic aspects of the golf club head. In various embodiments, the volume of the golf club head may be between 430 cc and 500 cc. In various embodiments, the crown of the golf club head may be free of inversions, dimples, or concave features, such that the crown remains convex throughout its body, although the curvature of the crown may vary in various embodiments.

[0240] For example, in one embodiment, the golf club head has a face height of approximately 59.1 mm and a crown height of approximately 69.4 mm. As can be seen, the ratio of crown height to face height is 69.4 / 59.1, or approximately 1.17. In other embodiments, the golf club head may have a crown height to face height ratio of at least 1.12. Other crown height to face height ratios may be used. For example, in one embodiment, a face height of approximately 58.7 mm may be provided. In this embodiment, the corresponding crown height is approximately 69.4 mm. The crown height to face height ratio is 69.4 / 58.7, or approximately 1.18. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a face height of approximately 58.7 mm may be provided. In this embodiment, the corresponding crown height is approximately 69.4 mm. The crown height to face height ratio is 69.4 / 58.7, or approximately 1.18. As such, the ratio of crown height to face height may be between about 1 and about 2 depending on the embodiment.

[0241] In another example, a golf club head may have a minimum and / or maximum face area. For example, a larger face area generates more drag (i.e., reduces the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head). In addition to aerodynamic characteristics, the minimum and / or maximum face area may be dictated by other golf club head characteristics, such as mass savings and ball speed advantages. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the golf club head has a minimum and / or maximum face area of ​​3300 mm. 2 In another embodiment, the golf club head has a minimum face area of ​​about 3700 mm 2 Approximately 4000mm from 2 In another embodiment, the golf club head has a face area between about 3500 mm 2 Approximately 4200mm from 2 In another embodiment, the golf club head has a face area between about 4100 mm 2 Approximately 4400mm from 2 Between the two, preferably about 4200 mm 2 Approximately 4300mm from 2 In yet another embodiment, the golf club head has a face area between about 4500 mm 2 Other face areas may be used.

[0242] In some implementations, the discretionary mass is strategically positioned at an angle relative to the striking face 110, such as in the same plane as the golf club head, as the club is designed to travel on the downswing. In some embodiments, the discretionary mass is strategically provided low (along the negative z-axis), toward the rear (along the positive y-axis 207), and toward the toe (along the negative x-axis 208) to orient the mass where the air will flow, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and orienting CGx along the negative x-axis.

[0243] Examples of strategically positioned discretionary mass are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 755,319, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, as shown in Figures 12, 13, 14A, 15-19, a golf club head 300 includes an inertia generator 360 that may have an elongated center sole portion 362 that extends generally in the Y direction from a location proximate the golf club head center of gravity 350 toward the rear portion of the body, but that is also angled toward the toe, as shown and as described further below.

[0244] In one or more embodiments, golf club head 300 includes a hollow body 310 defining a crown portion 312, a sole portion 314, a skirt portion 316, and a striking face 318. Striking face 318 may be integrally formed with body 310 or may be attached to the body. Body 310 further includes a hosel 320 defining a hosel bore 324 adapted to receive a golf club shaft. Body 310 further includes a heel portion 326, a toe portion 328, a front portion 330, and a rear portion 332. Numerous features that may improve playability are included, including at least an inertia generator 360, a front channel 390, a slot or channel insert 395, one or more front channel support ribs 396, an additional rib 397 connecting front channel support ribs 396, and composite panels on soles 344, 348 and on crown 335, along with optional mass elements and other additional features described further herein. The front channel 390 may have a particular length L (which may be measured from its toe-to-heel end), a width W (e.g., measured from the front edge to the rear edge of the front channel 390, as shown in FIG. 14B ), and an offset distance OS from the front end or striking face 318 (e.g., the distance from the face 318 to the front edge of the front channel 390). During development, it was discovered that the COR characteristic length L and the offset distance OS from the face play important roles in managing durability, the sound or first mode frequency of the club head, and stresses that affect the club head's COR value. All of these parameters play important roles in overall club head performance and user perception.

[0245] A front plane 331 extends from the forward-most point of the golf club head, and a rear plane 333 extends from the rearmost point of the golf club head. Each of these planes extends from a respective point and is perpendicular to the ground plane 317. Together, the planes may be used to measure the depth of the golf club head from front to rear ("club head depth"), as shown in FIG. 12. Midway between the front plane 331 and the rear plane 333, a midpoint plane 334 extends perpendicular to the ground plane 317. As shown in FIG. 13, the center 323 is located on the striking face 318. Also shown is the CG point 325 projected onto the face. The golf club head 300 also has a skirt height 315, which may be measured from the lowest point above the ground plane where the skirt intersects with the crown. In some embodiments, the skirt height 315 may be between 25 mm and 40 mm, such as between 30 mm and 40 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm.

[0246] As best shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the center sole portion 362 has an elongated, substantially flat surface that is closer to the ground plane 317 than the surrounding portions of the sole 314 toward the toe and heel of the inertia generator 360. In certain embodiments, the inertia generator 360 is angled so that the rear end of the inertia generator is toward the toe of the front end. The angle of the inertia generator relative to the y-axis may be within a range of 10 to 25 degrees, such as between 15 and 25 degrees, e.g., between 17 and 22 degrees. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 15 , an opening 366 may be provided in the center sole portion 362, which may be used to introduce hot melt into the interior cavity of the golf club head. An inertia generator support rib 368 is also provided that may run along the inside of the golf club head below the inertia generator 360. A cross section of the inertia generator may be taken along line 24-24. Inertia generator support ribs 368 not only serve to provide structural support for the inertia generators, but may also serve to confine any hot melt that is injected using openings 366 .

[0247] 12 and 15, the inertia generator further includes a heel-direction sole surface 361 and a toe-direction sole surface 363 that slope upwardly from the center sole portion 362 to the sole 314 when viewed in a normal address position. The heel-direction sole surface 361 may have a generally triangular shape, including a base that faces generally forward and heel-direction (and may be substantially parallel to the heel sole insert 344), a first edge adjacent the center sole portion 362 that extends rearward from the toe-direction end of the base generally parallel to the center sole portion, and a second edge that extends from the heel-direction end of the base at a location on the sole 314 to a position “lifted” from the sole at or adjacent the heel-direction side of the center sole portion 362 at the rear 332 of the golf club head. The toe-facing sole surface 363 may similarly have a generally triangular shape, including a base facing generally forward and toward the toe (and which may be substantially parallel to the toe sole insert 348), a first edge adjacent the center sole portion 362 extending rearward from the heel-facing end of the base generally parallel to the center sole portion, and a second edge extending from the toe-facing end of the base at a location on the sole 314 to a location "lifted" from the sole at or adjacent the toe-facing side of the center sole portion 362 at the rear 332 of the golf club head. The inertia generators are configured in certain embodiments so that the center of gravity 365 is positioned in the toe direction of the X-axis and lower than the z-axis (or closer to the ground plane 317). In other words, the inertia generators may help move the club's overall center of gravity 350 in the toe direction, as described above, while also lowering its center of gravity and reducing Zup.

[0248] Exemplary values ​​for the center of gravity 365 of the inertial generators are listed below. In certain embodiments, the inertial generators are oriented relative to the x-axis (CG x ) between -10mm and -25mm, for example between -15mm and -20mm, on the y-axis (CG y) between 80mm and 110mm, for example between 90mm and 100mm, z-axis (CG z ) between 0 mm and -20 mm, for example between -10 mm and -20 mm, relative to the center 323 of the striking face 318.

[0249] Additionally, due to its shape and orientation, the inertia generator is configured to generally align with a typical swing path, which allows for increased inertia generated during a golf swing. Exemplary moments of inertia for the golf club head 300 are described below.

[0250] As best shown in FIG. 14A , the crown may be formed with a recessed peripheral edge or seat 338 that receives a crown insert 335, so that the crown insert is either flush with the adjacent surface of the body to provide a smooth, seamless outer surface, or alternatively, slightly recessed below the surface of the body. The crown insert 335 may cover large openings 340 (shown in FIG. 14A ) at the top and rear of the body and form part of the crown 312 of the golf club head. A heel sole insert 344 and a toe sole insert 348 may be secured to the body 310 and cover heel sole opening 342 and toe sole opening 346, respectively, in the sole-rear direction of the hosel (shown in FIGS. 16 and 18 ). Heel sole opening 342 has a heel sole ledge 343 for supporting heel sole insert 344. Similarly, toe sole opening 346 has a toe sole ledge 347 for supporting toe sole insert 348. The golf club head may include a forward mass pad 380 positioned heelward and forward on the sole 314 .

[0251] As best shown in FIG. 15 , a plurality of characteristic time (“CT”) adjustment screws 375 may be inserted through openings 374 in the striking face. A vibration-damping material, such as tuning foam 376, may be inserted through one or both of these openings into the interior cavity 394 of the golf club head 300 to adjust the CT value. For example, a vibration-damping material may be added that may lower the CT time upon hardening. Further details regarding providing CT value adjustment are provided in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 857,407, filed December 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0252] An inertia generator mass element 385, which may include a steel or tungsten weight member or other suitable material, is positioned on the rear side of the inertia generator 360. The inertia generator mass element 385 may be removably affixed to the rear of the inertia generator 360 using a fastener port 386 located on the rear of the inertia generator 360 and configured to receive a fastener 388, which may be removably inserted into the fastener port 386 through an opening 387 in the inertia generator mass element 385. The fastener port 386 and opening 387 may be threaded so that the fastener 388 can be loosened or tightened to either allow movement of the inertia generator mass element 385 or to secure it in place. The fastener may have a head that is used to tighten or loosen the fastener using a tool (not shown), and a body that may be, for example, threaded, to interact with corresponding threads on fastener port 386 and opening 387 to facilitate tightening or loosening fastener 388.

[0253] The fastener port 386 may have any of a number of different configurations to accept and / or retain any of a number of fasteners, which may include simple threaded fasteners such as those described herein, or may be any of the fasteners described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,773,360; 7,166,040; 7,452,285; 7,628,707; 7,186,190; 7,591,738; 7,963,861; 7,621,823; 7,448,963; 7,568,985; 7,578,753; ,717,804, 7,717,805, 7,530,904, 7,540,811, 7,407,447, 7,632,194, 7,846,041, 7,419,441, 7,713,142, 7,744,484, 7,223,180, 7,410,425 and 7,410,426, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0254] As shown in FIG. 17 , the hosel 320 of the golf club head has a hosel bore 324 that can accommodate a shaft connection assembly 355 that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the golf club head and can provide the user with the ability to selectively adjust the lie angle of the golf club. The shaft connection assembly 355 may include a shaft sleeve that can be mounted onto a lower end portion of the shaft (not shown), as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,303,431. A recessed port 378 is provided on the sole 314 that extends from the sole 314 toward the hosel 320, specifically within the hosel bore 324. The hosel bore 324 extends from the hosel 320 through the golf club head 310 and opens into the recessed port 378 in the sole 314 of the golf club head 300. The hosel bore may include threads configured to interface with a fastener, such as a screw. The golf club head is removably attached to the shaft by the shaft connection assembly 355 by inserting one end of the shaft connection assembly 355 (mounted to the lower end portion of the golf club shaft (not shown)) into the hosel bore 324, inserting a screw 379 (or other suitable fastening device) upward through a recessed port 378 into the sole 314, and, in the illustrated embodiment, tightening the screw 379 into the threaded opening of the shaft connection assembly 355, thereby securing the golf club head to the shaft sleeve 302. A screw capture device, such as in the form of an O-ring or washer 381, may be placed on the shaft of the screw 379 to hold the screw in place within the golf club head when the screw is loosened to allow removal of the shaft from the golf club head. For embodiments having the shaft connection assembly 355, club head mass and mass properties, including but not limited to CG position, and moments of inertia associated with measurements utilizing CG position are determined with all components of the attached shaft connection assembly 355.

[0255] Dotted lines are shown in FIG. 19 surrounding the golf club head 300. Each of these dotted lines represents a certain distance above the ground plane when the golf club head 300 is in a normal address position, so that a cross-section of the golf club head taken at one of the respective lines will be located at a consistent height above the ground plane. For example, the 10 mm cross-section line 302 represents a cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a position 10 mm above the ground plane. Furthermore: The 15mm cross section line 303 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 15mm above the ground plane: The 20mm cross section line 304 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 20mm above the ground plane: The 25mm cross section line 305 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 25mm above the ground plane: The 30mm cross section line 306 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 30mm above the ground plane: The 35mm cross section line 307 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 35mm above the ground plane: The 40mm cross section line 308 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a location 40mm above the ground plane.

[0256] As explained above, the CGx orientation of the golf club head may be moved toward the toe (along the negative x-axis) or toward the heel (along the positive x-axis) to provide for generating certain golf club head characteristics, such as increased MOI, increased ball speed, and reduced "gear effect." However, orienting the CGx toward the toe may result in the striking face of the golf club head remaining open upon impact with the golf ball. In this example, if the CGx is oriented along the negative x-axis, it may be more difficult for the user to square (e.g., release) the club head during the downswing, resulting in the user hitting the ball to the right (i.e., a "slice" or "block" shot). Conversely, orienting the CGx toward the heel may result in the striking face of the golf club head being closed upon impact with the golf ball. In this example, if CGx were oriented along the positive side of the x-axis, the club head may release early, making it more difficult for the user to keep the striking face from closing too early on the downswing, resulting in the user hitting the ball to the left (i.e., a "hook" or "pulled" shot). To overcome mis-shots resulting from negative or positive CGx orientations, visual cues may be provided to offset the CGx orientation (i.e., change the perceived angle of the face 110 to the user), thereby allowing the user to hit the ball straighter with fewer mis-hits.

[0257] As described above, in some embodiments, one or more features of the golf club head may be provided that alter the perceived angle of the face for a user. For example, referring back to FIG. 3 , the golf club head 600 includes alignment features that alter the perceived angle of the face 110 for a user. In implementations with a negative CGx orientation, the actual face angle is closed relative to the perceived topline, while alignment features are provided that alter the perceived topline relative to the striking face while making the perceived topline appear square. By closing the actual face angle relative to the perceived topline, the user closes the club head during the downswing to square the striking face at impact with the golf ball, thereby preventing a miss to the right. Conversely, in implementations with a positive CGx orientation, the actual face angle is open relative to the perceived topline, while different alignment features are provided that alter the perceived topline relative to the striking face while making the perceived topline appear square. By opening the actual face angle relative to the perceived topline, the user prevents misses to the left by opening the club head on the downswing and squaring the striking face upon impact with the golf ball.

[0258] For example, alignment features may be provided as a paint or shade of the crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of the face 110. In this example, a user tends to focus on the perceived topline created by a contrasting paint, such as a white or other color paint that contrasts with a metal striking face, even when the actual face angle is visible to the user. Users tend to ignore the actual face angle when a contrasting paint or shade is provided. Furthermore, alignment features may also provide unconscious corrections during a swing. Specifically, by perceiving the club as square when the actual face angle is open or closed relative to the perceived topline, a user naturally and unconsciously attempts to square the perceived topline upon impact with the golf ball, correcting for errors caused by the CGx orientation.

[0259] In some implementations, the alignment features may change the perceived topline from approximately 2 degrees to approximately 4 degrees more open or closed relative to the actual face angle. In some implementations, for each 5 percent change in negative or positive CGx orientation, the perceived topline is 1 degree more open or closed relative to the actual face angle (i.e., the perceived topline is more open or closed relative to the actual face angle), causing the user to have a more closed or open actual face angle at address. Depending on the golf club, each degree of change in the perceived topline may affect the lateral dispersion of the resulting shot by a predetermined amount. For example, changing the perceived topline of a driver by just 1 degree may reduce dispersion by approximately 5 yards. In another example, changing the perceived topline of a fairway wood by just 1 degree may reduce dispersion by approximately 3 yards.

[0260] In some implementations, the alignment features may be provided as a parabola defined relative to the striking face. For example, a point on the parabola defined relative to the striking face may be provided approximately 2 to 4 degrees open or closed relative to the angle of the striking face. Depending on the golf club, the radius of the alignment features may affect the lateral dispersion of the resulting shot by a predetermined amount. For example, changing the radius of the parabola defining the top line of a driver by 1 degree may reduce dispersion by approximately 5 yards. In another example, changing the radius of the parabola defining the top line of a fairway wood by 1 degree may reduce dispersion by approximately 3 yards.

[0261] In some embodiments, grooves and / or scorelines may be provided on the golf club head that alter the address position for the user, aligning the address position with the CG orientation. Referring back to FIG. 1B , the grooves and / or scorelines are located on the striking face 110, traditionally located at the center of the face (CF), which is located at the origin 205 of the coordinate system 200. By orienting the CGx along the positive or negative x-axis without moving the scorelines from the CF, the user may address the golf club head to the golf ball without aligning the CGx with the golf ball. If the user does not align the golf ball with the CGx, the user may strike the golf ball at a location on the striking face that does not correspond to the CGx location, resulting in reduced ball speed and accuracy of the golf shot. For example, with a positive CGx, striking the club in the CF does not correspond to a positive CGx orientation. Furthermore, if a user strikes the ball at a location on the striking face corresponding to a positive CGx (i.e., toward the toe of the scoreline provided for the CF), the user may believe the shot was mis-hit, resulting in the user's mishit. In some implementations, scorelines and / or grooves offset from the CF at locations on the striking face corresponding to the CGx, CGy, and CGz orientations are provided. The scorelines and grooves also function as alignment aids at address. For example, in a negative CGx example, the scorelines and / or grooves are positioned toward the toe of the CF, encouraging the user to address and strike the ball more toward the toe (i.e., aligned with the negative CGx). In this example, the scorelines and / or grooves are positioned toward the toe of the face's geometric center. The scorelines and / or grooves are then aligned for maximum performance (i.e., maximum ball speed, reduced gear effect, reduced dispersion, etc.).

[0262] Additionally, golf club designs are provided that counteract the left and right tendencies experienced by players when the ball impacts high, low, heeled, and / or toeed locations on the club head striking face. One such golf club design incorporates a "twist" bulge and roll profile, such as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,814,944 and 10,265,586 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0076705, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0263] 20a shows multiple vertical planes 402, 404, 406 and horizontal planes 408, 410, 412. More specifically, toe vertical plane 402, center vertical plane 404 (passing through the center face), and heel vertical plane 406 are spaced apart by a distance of 30 mm, measured from a center face position 414. Upper horizontal plane 408, center horizontal plane 410 (passing through the center face 414), and lower horizontal plane 412 are spaced apart by a distance of 15 mm, measured from the center face position 414.

[0264] FIG. 20b shows all three striking face roll contours A, B, and C superimposed on top of each other when viewed from the heel side of the golf club. The three face contours are defined as the face contours that intersect with three vertical planes 402, 404, and 406. Specifically, toe-side contour A is represented by a dotted line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with vertical plane 402 located on the toe side of the striking face. Center-face vertical contour B is represented by a solid line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with center-face vertical plane 404 located in the center of the striking face. Heel-side contour C is represented by a thin dashed line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with vertical plane 406 located on the heel side of the striking face. Roll contours A, B, and C can be considered three different roll contours across the striking face, taken at three different locations to illustrate the variability of roll across the face. The toe side vertical profile A is more lofted (has a positive LA degree Δ) relative to the center face vertical profile B. The heel side vertical profile C is less lofted (has a negative LA degree Δ) relative to the center face vertical profile B.

[0265] FIG. 20b shows the loft angle change 434 measured between a center face vector 416 located at the center face 414 and a toe side roll curvature A with a face angle vector 432. A vertical pin distance of 12.7 mm was measured along the toe side roll curvature A from the center location to the crown side and sole side, which locate the crown side measurement point 430 and the sole side measurement point 428. A segment line 436 connects the two measurement points. A loft angle vector 432 is perpendicular to the segment line 436. The loft angle vector 432 generates a loft angle 434 relative to the center face vector 416 located at the center face point 414. As will be explained, a larger loft angle indicates that the loft angle change (LA degrees Δ) is positive relative to the center face vector 416 and, as with the roll curvature A, an upward or higher point relative to the center face vector 416.

[0266] FIG. 20c further illustrates three striking face bulge contours D, E, and F that are superimposed on top of each other when viewed from the crown side of the golf club. The three face contours are defined as the face contours that intersect with three horizontal planes 408, 410, and 412. Specifically, crown-side contour D is represented by a dotted line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with upper horizontal plane 408 located on the upper side of the striking face toward the crown portion. Center-side contour E is represented by a solid line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with horizontal plane 408 located at the center of the striking face. Sole-side contour F is represented by a thin dashed line and is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface with horizontal plane 412 located on the lower side of the striking face. Bulge contours D, E, and F can be considered three different bulge contours across the striking face, taken at three different locations to illustrate the variability of the bulge across the face. The crown-side bulge contour D is more open (has a positive FA degree Δ defined below) compared to the center face bulge contour E. The sole-side bulge contour F is more closed (has a negative FA degree Δ when measured around the center vertical plane).

[0267] With the type of "twisted" bulge and roll profile defined above, a ball struck with the top of the face will be influenced by horizontal profile D. A typical shot impacted with the top of the club face will impact the golf ball, causing it to land to the left of the intended target. However, when the ball is impacted with the "twisted" face profile described above, horizontal profile D provides a generally right-facing curvature to counter the leftward tendency of a typical top-face shot.

[0268] Similarly, a typical shot with an impact location on the lower part of the club face will typically land to the right of the intended target. However, when the ball is impacted with the "twisted" face profile described above, the horizontal profile F provides a generally left-facing curvature to counter the rightward tendency of a typical lower face shot. It will be understood that the profiles shown in Figures 20b and 20c are severely distorted for illustrative purposes.

[0269] To determine whether a 2D profile, such as A, B, C, D, E, and F, is oriented left, right, up, or down, two measurement points along the profile can be positioned 18.25 mm from the center position or 36.5 mm apart. A first imaginary line can be drawn between the two measurement points. Finally, a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line can be drawn. The angle between the second imaginary line of the profile relative to a line perpendicular to the center face position provides an indication of how open or closed the profile is relative to the center face profile. Of course, the above method can be implemented to measure the direction of local curvature provided by a CAD software platform in a 3D or 2D model with similar results. Alternatively, the striking face of an actual golf club can be laser scanned or profiled to obtain a 2D or 3D profile before implementing the above measurement method. Examples of laser scanning devices that can be used are the GOM Atos Core 185 or the Faro Edge Scan Arm HD. If laser scanning or CAD methods are unavailable or unreliable, a "Black Gauge" manufactured by Golf Instruments Co., Oceanside, California, can be used to measure face angle and loft at specific points. Examples of gauge types that can be used include the M-310 or the Digital Manual Combination C-510, which provide a block with four pins for centering the desired measurement points. The horizontal spacing between the pins is 36.5 mm, while the vertical spacing between the pins is 12.7 mm.

[0270] When an operator uses a Black Gauge to measure a golf club for loft at a desired measurement point, two vertical pins (out of four) are used to measure the loft for the desired point equidistant from the two vertical pins that locate the two vertical points. When an operator uses a Black Gauge to measure a golf club for face angle at a desired measurement point, two horizontal pins (out of four) are used to measure the face angle for the desired point, which is equidistant from the two horizontal points located by the pins when measuring the face angle.

[0271] FIG. 20c shows a face angle 420 measured between a center face vector 416 located at the center face 414 and a crown side bulge curvature D with a face angle vector 418. A horizontal pin distance of 18.25 mm was measured along the crown side bulge curvature D from the center position to the heel side and toe side, which locate a heel side measurement point 426 and a toe side measurement point 424. A segment line 422 connects the two measurement points. The face angle vector 418 is perpendicular to the segment line 422. The face angle vector 418 generates a face angle 420 relative to the center face vector 416 located at the center face point 414. As will be explained, an open face angle indicates that the face angle change (FA degree Δ) is positive relative to the center face vector 416 and is to the right, as is the case with the bulge curvature D.

[0272] FIG. 21 shows a desired measurement point Q0 located at the center of the striking face 500. A horizontal plane 522 and a vertical plane 502 intersect at the desired measurement point Q0, dividing the striking face 500 into four quadrants. The upper toe quadrant 514, the upper heel quadrant 518, the lower heel quadrant 520, and the lower toe quadrant 516 all collectively form the striking face 500. In one embodiment, the upper toe quadrant 514 is more "open" than all other quadrants. In other words, the upper toe quadrant 514 has an aggregate face angle pointing more to the right. In other words, if multiple uniformly spaced points (e.g., a grid with multiple measurement points spaced 5 mm apart) covering the entire upper toe quadrant 514 were measured, it would have an average face angle pointing more to the right of the intended target than any other quadrant.

[0273] The term "open" is defined as having a face angle that generally points to the right of the intended target at address, while the term "closed" is defined as having a face angle that generally points to the left of the intended target at address. In one embodiment, the lower heel quadrant 520 is "closed" more than all other quadrants, meaning that it has a face angle that, in aggregate, points more to the left than any of the other quadrants.

[0274] If the edge of the striking face 500 is not visually apparent, the edge of the striking face 500 is defined as the point where the striking face radius is less than 127 mm. If the radius is not easily calculated within a computer modeling program, three points spaced 0.1 mm apart can be used as the three points used to determine the striking face radius. This series of points will define the perimeter of the striking face 500. Alternatively, if the radius is not readily available in a computer model, a 127 mm curvature gauge can be used to detect the edge of the face of an actual golf club head. The curvature gauge would be rotated about the center face point to determine the face edge.

[0275] In one illustrative example in FIG. 21 , when readily measurable computer modeling methods are not available, such as when an actual golf club head is measured, face angle and loft are measured relative to a center face point Q0. Using a Black gauge, face angle is measured by selecting two horizontal points 506, 508 along a horizontal plane 522, spaced 36.5 mm apart and centered about the center face point Q0, such that the two horizontal points 506, 508 are equidistant from the center face point Q0. Two pins from the Black gauge engage these two points to provide a face angle measurement, with the angle measurement readout provided. Additionally, loft is measured relative to the Q0 point by selecting two vertical points 512, 510 spaced 12.7 mm apart from each other. Two vertical pins from the Black gauge engage these two vertical points 512, 510 to provide a loft angle measurement, with the readout provided.

[0276] The positive x-axis 522 for face point measurements extends from the center face toward the heel and is tangent to the center face. The positive z-axis 502 for face point measurements extends from the center face toward the crown of the club head and is tangent to the center face. As explained below, the xz coordinate system at the center face is used to locate points P0-P36 and Q0-Q8 without a loft component. The positive y-axis 504 extends from the face center, is perpendicular to the face center point, and is far away from the interior volume of the club head. The positive y-axis 504 and the positive z-axis 502 will be used as reference axes when measuring face angles and loft angles in a different yz coordinate system other than the center face.

[0277] FIG. 21 further shows two critical points Q3 and Q6 located at coordinates (0 mm, 15 mm) and (0 mm, −15 mm), respectively. As used herein, the terms “1 degree twist” and “2 degrees twist” are defined as the total face angle change between the two critical point locations at Q3 and Q6. For example, “1 degree twist” would indicate that the Q3 point has a 0.5 degree twist relative to the center face Q0, and the Q6 point has a −0.5 degree twist relative to the center face Q0. Therefore, the total absolute twist between the critical points Q3 and Q6 is 1 degree, resulting in the term “1 degree twist.”

[0278] To further understand what is meant by a "twisted face," Figure 22a provides an isometric view of an exaggerated twisted striking face plane 614 of a "10 degree twist" to illustrate the concept as applied to a golf club striking face. Each point located on the golf club face has an associated loft angle change (defined as LA degrees Δ) and face angle change (defined as FA degrees Δ). Each point has an associated loft angle change (defined as LA degrees Δ) and face angle change (defined as FA degrees Δ).

[0279] FIG. 22a illustrates the center face point Q0, the two critical points Q3 and Q6 described above, and the positive x-axis 600, positive z-axis 604, and positive y-axis 602, which lie on a twisted plane in an isometric view. The center face has a vertical axis 604 that passes through the center face point Q0 and is perpendicular to the twisted plane 614. Similarly, critical points Q3 and Q6 also have reference axes 610 and 612 that are parallel to the center face vertical axis 604. The reference axes 610 and 612 are used to measure the relative face angle change and loft angle change at these critical point locations. Critical points Q3 and Q6 each have vertical axes 608 and 606 that are perpendicular to the face. Thus, face angle change is defined as the change in face angle at the critical points between the reference axes 610 and 612 and the relative vertical axes 608 and 606.

[0280] FIG. 22b shows a top view of the twisted plane 614 and further illustrates how face angle change is measured between normal axes 608, 606 at the critical points and reference axes 610, 612 parallel to the center face normal axis 604. A positive face angle change +FA degrees Δ indicates that the normal axis at the measured point points to the right of the relative reference axis. A negative face angle change −FA degrees Δ indicates that the normal axis at the measured point points to the left of the relative reference axis. Face angle change is measured in the plane generated by the positive x-axis 600 and the positive z-axis 604.

[0281] FIG. 22c shows a heel-side view of the twisted plane 614 and the loft angle change between the vertical axes 608, 606 and the reference axes 610, 612 at the critical point locations. A positive loft angle change +LA degrees Δ indicates that the vertical axis at the measured point is pointing above the relative reference axis. A negative loft angle change -LA degrees Δ indicates that the vertical axis at the measured point is pointing below the relative reference axis. The loft angle is measured in the plane generated by the positive z-axis 604 and the positive y-axis 602 for a given measurement point.

[0282] FIG. 23 shows multiple additional points Q0-Q8 spaced across the striking face in a grid pattern. In addition to the critical points Q3 and Q6 described above, heel-side points Q5, Q2, and Q8 are spaced 30 mm from a vertical axis 700 passing through the center face. Toe-side points Q4, Q1, and Q7 are spaced 30 mm from a vertical axis 700 passing through the center face. Crown-side points Q3, Q4, and Q5 are spaced 15 mm from a horizontal axis 702 passing through the center face. Sole-side points Q6, Q7, and Q8 are spaced 15 mm from the horizontal axis 702. Point Q5 is located at coordinate location (30 mm, 15 mm) in the upper heel quadrant, while point Q7 is located at coordinate location (-30 mm, -15 mm) in the lower toe quadrant. Point Q4 is located at coordinate position (-30mm, 15mm) in the upper toe quadrant, while point Q8 is located at coordinate position (30mm, -15mm) in the lower heel quadrant.

[0283] It will be understood that many degrees of twist are contemplated and the described embodiments are not limiting, for example, "0.25 degree twist", "0.75 degree twist", "1.25 degree twist", "1.5 degree twist", "1.75 degree twist", "2.25 degree twist", "2.5 degree twist", "2.75 degree twist", "3 degree twist", "3.25 degree twist", "3.5 degree twist", "3.75 degree twist", "4.25 degree twist", "4.5 degree twist", "4.75 degree twist", "5 degree twist", "5.25 degree twist", "5.5 degree twist", "5.75 degree twist", Golf clubs having a "6 degree twist," "6.25 degree twist," "6.5 degree twist," "6.75 degree twist," "7 degree twist," "7.25 degree twist," "7.5 degree twist," "7.75 degree twist," "8 degree twist," "8.25 ​​degree twist," "8.5 degree twist," "8.75 degree twist," "9 degree twist," "9.25 degree twist," "9.5 degree twist," "9.75 degree twist," and "10 degree twist" are considered other possible embodiments of the present invention. Golf clubs having twist degrees of greater than 0 degrees, between 0.25 degrees and 5 degrees, between 0.1 degrees and 5 degrees, between 0 degrees and 5 degrees, between 0 degrees and 10 degrees, or between 0 degrees and 20 degrees are contemplated herein.

[0284] Utilizing the grid pattern of Figure 23, several embodiments having a nominal center face loft angle of 9.5 degrees, a bulge of 330.2 mm, and a roll of 279.4 mm were analyzed to have "0.5 degrees twist," "1 degree twist," "2 degrees twist," and "4 degrees twist." A comparison club having "0 degrees twist" is provided for reference in contrast to the described embodiments.

[0285] For example, if a head has a bulge radius and a roll radius, it is possible to define two connecting surfaces for a desired twist face surface by specifying two different degrees of twist. In one embodiment, the hitting face has a bulge radius between 228.6 mm and 355.6 mm. In another embodiment, the hitting face has a bulge radius between 228.6 mm and 330.2 mm. Additional different bulge radii may be used.

[0286] Table 1-1 shows the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ relative to the center face for multiple points (example points Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q6) located along the vertical axis 700 and horizontal axis 702. For multiple points located away from the vertical axis 700 and horizontal axis 702, the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ are measured relative to corresponding points located on the vertical axis 700 and horizontal axis 702, respectively.

[0287] For example, for point Q4 located at coordinates (-30 mm, 15 mm) in the upper toe quadrant of the golf club head, the LA degree Δ is measured relative to point Q3, which has the same vertical axis 700 coordinate at (0 mm, 15 mm). In other words, both Q3 and Q4 have the same y coordinate location of 15 mm. Referring to Table 1-1, the LA degree Δ of point Q4 is 0.4 degrees relative to the loft angle at point Q3. The LA degree Δ of point Q4 is measured relative to point Q3, which is located in the corresponding upper toe horizontal band 704.

[0288] Furthermore, for point Q4 located at coordinates (-30 mm, 15 mm) in the upper toe quadrant of the golf club head, the FA degree Δ is measured relative to point Q1, which has the same horizontal axis 702 coordinates (-30 mm, 0 mm). In other words, both Q1 and Q4 have the same x-coordinate location of -30 mm. Referring to Table 1-1, the FA degree Δ of point Q4 is 0.2 degrees relative to the face angle at point Q1. The FA degree Δ of point Q4 is measured relative to point Q1, which is located in the corresponding upper toe vertical band 706.

[0289] To further illustrate how the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ are calculated for points located in quadrants away from the vertical or horizontal axis, the LA degree Δ of point Q8 is measured relative to a loft angle located at point Q6 in the lower heel quadrant horizontal band 708. Similarly, the FA degree Δ of point Q8 is measured relative to a face angle located at point Q2 in the lower heel quadrant vertical band 710.

[0290] In summary, the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ for all points located along either the horizontal 702 or vertical axis 700 are measured relative to the center face Q0. For points located within a quadrant (such as points Q4, Q5, Q7, and Q8), the LA degree Δ is measured relative to the corresponding point located in the corresponding horizontal band, and the FA degree Δ for a given point is measured relative to the corresponding point located in the corresponding vertical band. In Figure 23, not all bands are shown in the figure to improve the clarity of the figure.

[0291] The reason that points located within a certain quadrant have different procedures for measuring the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ is that this method eliminates any influence of bulge and roll curvature on the number of LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ within a certain quadrant. Otherwise, if a point located within a certain quadrant were measured relative to the center face, the number of LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ would depend on the bulge and roll curvature. Therefore, by utilizing the horizontal and vertical band method for measuring the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ within a certain quadrant, any excessive influence of a specific bulge and roll curvature is eliminated. Therefore, the number of LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ within a certain quadrant should be applicable across any range of bulge and roll curvature for any given head. The above-described method for measuring the LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ within a certain quadrant was applied to all examples in this specification.

[0292] The relative LA degree Δ and FA degree Δ may be applied to a driver of any loft, such as a 9.5-degree, 10.5-degree, 12-degree lofted club, or other loft angles commonly used for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, or putters.

[0293] [Relative to center face and band] [Table 1-1]

[0294] In some implementations, the "twisted" bulge and roll contour of the striking face of a golf club head may alter the perceived angle of the face for a user. For example, referring back to FIG. 21 , the upper toe quadrant 514 is "open" relative to all other quadrants of the striking face, resulting in the perceived angle of the face at address appearing open to the user. The perceived angle of the face resulting from the "twisted" bulge and roll contour of the striking face may cause the user to misalign the club's actual face angle at address, such as by setting the club's actual face angle too close to the intended target line, resulting in the user hitting the ball to the left (i.e., a "hook" or "pulled" shot). Furthermore, the perceived angle of the face resulting from the "twisted" bulge and roll contour may cause a square striking face to appear open at address, which may be aesthetically unpleasant to the user. To correct the perceived angle of the face resulting from the "twisted" bulge and roll profile, alignment features are provided that alter the perceived topline for the striking face.

[0295] In some embodiments, alignment features are provided that change the perceived angle of the face so that the user sees it as closed relative to the upper toe quadrant 514 of the striking face. In other embodiments, alignment features are provided that change the perceived angle of the face so that the user sees it as closed relative to the actual face angle. In the aforementioned embodiments, the alignment features prevent the open appearance of a “twisted” bulge and roll profile. In some embodiments, the alignment features may be provided as a color or shade of the crown 120 that contrasts with the color or shade of the face 110, or may be implemented by using a decal attached to either the crown 120 or the face 110, or even by a material removal process that removes or texturizes a coating, such as paint, PVD, CPVD, etc., from either the crown 120 or the face 110, and may further include using a laser to remove or texturize such coatings. In some embodiments, the contrasting paint or shade extends from the crown 120 onto the face 110. In some implementations, a negative CGx is provided in conjunction with a "twisted" bulge and roll profile on the striking face. In some implementations, the negative CGx counteracts some of the alignment issues caused by a "twisted" bulge profile, and vice versa. For example, a "twisted" bulge and roll profile on the striking face may be combined with one or more adjustable weights and / or discretionary masses strategically positioned at an angle relative to the striking face. Other combinations of the present embodiments may be provided.

[0296] In one embodiment, alignment features are provided that alter the perceived angle of the golf club head face relative to a "twisted" bulge and roll profile on the striking face. In this embodiment, golf club performance can also be improved by reducing the lateral dispersion of the golf club head. For example, for a right-handed golfer, lateral dispersion is measured that indicates the golf club has a tendency toward dispersion toward a right miss. The right miss may be the result of a "twisted" bulge and roll profile that causes the perceived angle of the golf club head face to appear open. The alignment features may be altered to discourage right misses, such as by altering the perceived face angle to appear closed relative to the actual face angle. The amount by which the alignment features may be altered may be based on the amount of lateral dispersion, such as altering the alignment features by approximately 1 degree relative to the intended target line for every approximately 3-5 yards of lateral dispersion from the intended target line. For a left-handed golfer, if the lateral dispersion measured indicates that the golf club has a tendency to diverge to the left, the alignment features may be altered to discourage left misses by changing the perceived face angle to appear more closed relative to the actual face angle.

[0297] In another embodiment, different alignment features are provided that alter the perceived angle of the golf club head face relative to the "twisted" bulge and roll profile on the striking face. In this embodiment, golf club performance could also be improved by reducing the lateral dispersion of the golf club head. For example, for a right-handed golfer, lateral dispersion is measured that indicates the golf club has a tendency to diverge to the left. The left miss may be the result of the "twisted" bulge and roll profile that causes the perceived angle of the golf club head face to appear closed. The alignment features may be altered to discourage left misses, such as by altering the perceived face angle to appear open relative to the actual face angle. The amount by which the alignment features may be altered may be based on the amount of lateral dispersion, such as altering the alignment features by approximately 1 degree relative to the intended target line for every approximately 3-5 yards of lateral dispersion from the intended target line. For a left-handed golfer, if the lateral dispersion measured indicates that the golf club has a tendency to diverge to the right, the alignment features may be altered to discourage right-side misses by changing the perceived face angle to appear more closed relative to the actual face angle.

[0298] In one embodiment, a method 2400 for determining alignment features for a golf club head, such as in a head with a negative CGx, a "twisted" bulge and roll, or another design, is provided, as shown in Figure 24. This method may be performed using one or more of the golf club head embodiments described above.

[0299] At step 2410, the golf club head is provided with alignment features. In one embodiment, the golf club head is a new design that is tested prior to large-scale manufacturing. In this embodiment, the golf club head may include one or more alignment features. The one or more alignment features may be based on a previous design, such as retained topline characteristics from the previous design, or may be new alignment features, such as based on a computer-aided design (CAD) model or another club head design. For example, the golf club head may have undergone a complete remodel, such as incorporating significant golf club head shape changes, or may have been slightly redesigned based on a previous golf club head design. In another embodiment, the golf club head may have only minor differences from another golf club head design, such as a different loft, which may result in differences between golf club head designs.

[0300] In step 2420, an alignment feature is measured. For example, in one embodiment using the topline as the alignment feature, the topline radius is measured. Other alignment features may be measured. Additionally or alternatively, the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) or other metrics of the golf club head may also be measured.

[0301] In step 2430, the golf club head is tested. For example, a prototype of a new golf club head design is provided for player testing. In this example, one or more players may test the golf club head. Based on the testing, the lateral dispersion of the golf club head may be measured. Other performance metrics may also be measured. The lateral dispersion may suggest that different alignment features, such as less lateral dispersion, may provide better performance. In another example, the impression of the alignment features to the user may also be measured. In this example, if the golf club head face appears too open or too closed during testing, different alignment features may improve the appeal or reliability of the golf club head to the tester.

[0302] At step 2440, alignment features are adjusted. For example, based on testing, one or more alignment features may be adjusted to enhance the performance and / or appeal of the golf club head. In this example, the topline radius may be adjusted. Based on the lateral dispersion measured during testing, the topline radius may be adjusted by 1 degree for every 5 yards of lateral dispersion for a driver and by 1 degree for every 3 yards of lateral dispersion for a fairway wood. Other adjustment amounts may be provided. Furthermore, additional and different adjustments may be provided to one or more alignment features.

[0303] After adjusting the alignment features, one or more of operations 2430 and 2440 may be repeated for additional testing and / or adjustment. In some embodiments, individual player testing, such as for individual tour players, may also be performed. At stage 2450, the adjusted alignment features are provided for manufacturing. For example, after testing and adjusting one or more alignment features, the golf club head design is manufactured.

[0304] Discretionary mass generally refers to the mass of material that can be removed from various structures to provide mass that can be distributed elsewhere to adjust one or more mass moments of inertia and / or position the golf club head center of gravity. Golf club head walls provide one source of discretionary mass. In other words, a reduction in wall thickness reduces wall mass and provides mass that can be distributed elsewhere. Thin walls, especially a thin crown, provide significant discretionary mass compared to conventional golf club heads.

[0305] For example, a golf club head formed from a steel alloy can achieve approximately 4 grams of discretionary mass for every 0.1 mm reduction in average crown thickness. Similarly, a golf club head formed from a titanium alloy can achieve approximately 2.5 grams of discretionary mass for every 0.1 mm reduction in average crown thickness. The discretionary mass achieved by using a thin crown, e.g., less than about 0.65 mm, can be used to adjust one or more of the mass moments of inertia and / or center of gravity location.

[0306] To achieve thin walls in the golf club head body, such as a thin crown, the golf club head body may be formed from a steel alloy or a titanium alloy.

[0307] Some examples of titanium alloys that can be used to form any of the striking faces and / or club heads described herein can include titanium, aluminum, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, and / or iron. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the alloy can be an α-β titanium alloy (which in one example may be referred to as a “1300” titanium alloy) containing 6.5 to 10 wt. % Al, 0.5 to 3.25 wt. % Mo, 1.0 to 3.0 wt. % Cr, 0.25 to 1.75 wt. % V, and / or 0.25 to 1 wt. % Fe, with the balance being Ti.

[0308] In another exemplary embodiment, the alloy may include 6.75 wt.% to 9.75 wt.% Al, 0.75 wt.% to 3.25 wt.% or 2.75 wt.% Mo, 1.0 wt.% to 3.0 wt.% Cr, 0.25 wt.% to 1.75 wt.% V, and / or 0.25 wt.% to 1 wt.% Fe, with the remainder including Ti.

[0309] In another exemplary embodiment, the alloy may include 7 wt.% to 9 wt.% Al, 1.75 wt.% to 3.25 wt.% Mo, 1.25 wt.% to 2.75 wt.% Cr, 0.5 wt.% to 1.5 wt.% V, and / or 0.25 wt.% to 0.75 wt.% Fe, with the balance including Ti.

[0310] In another exemplary embodiment, the alloy may include 7.5 to 8.5 wt. % Al, 2.0 to 3.0 wt. % Mo, 1.5 to 2.5 wt. % Cr, 0.75 to 1.25 wt. % V, and / or 0.375 to 0.625 wt. % Fe, with the remainder including Ti.

[0311] In another exemplary embodiment, the alloy may include 8 wt.% Al, 2.5 wt.% Mo, 2 wt.% Cr, 1 wt.% V, and / or 0.5 wt.% Fe, with the remainder including Ti. Such a titanium alloy may have the formula Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe. As used herein, reference to "Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe" refers to a titanium alloy containing the referenced elements in any of the proportions given above. Certain embodiments may also include trace amounts of K, Mn, and / or Zr, and / or various impurities.

[0312] Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe may have minimum mechanical properties of 1150 MPa yield strength, 1180 MPa ultimate tensile strength, and 8% elongation. These minimum properties may be significantly superior to other cast titanium alloys, including 6-4Ti and 9-1-1Ti, which may have the minimum mechanical properties noted above. In some embodiments, Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe has a tensile strength of about 1180 MPa to about 1460 MPa, a yield strength of about 1150 MPa to about 1415 MPa, an elongation of about 8% to about 12%, a modulus of elasticity of about 110 GPa, and a modulus of elasticity of about 4.45 g / cm. 3 and a hardness of about 43 on the Rockwell C scale (43HRC). In a particular embodiment, the Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe alloy may have a tensile strength of about 1320 MPa, a yield strength of about 1284 MPa, and an elongation of about 10%.

[0313] In some embodiments, the striking face and / or club head body may be cast from Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe. In some embodiments, the striking face and club head body may be integrally formed or cast together from Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe, depending on the particular properties desired.

[0314] The mechanical parameters of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe given above may provide unexpectedly superior performance compared to other existing titanium alloys. For example, due to the relatively high tensile strength of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe, a cast striking face having this alloy may exhibit less deflection per unit thickness when striking a golf ball compared to other alloys. This may be particularly beneficial for metalwood-type clubs designed to strike balls at high speeds, as the higher tensile strength of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe results in less deflection of the striking face, reducing the tendency of the striking face to flatten with repeated use. This allows the striking face to retain its original valve, roll, and "twist" dimensions even over extended use, including when used by advanced and / or professional golfers who tend to strike balls at high club speeds.

[0315] For further details regarding titanium casting, see US Pat. No. 7,513,296, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0316] Additionally, the thickness of the club hosel may be varied to provide additional discretionary mass, as described in US Pat. No. 9,731,176, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0317] As explained above, the location and characteristics of golf club head alignment features, such as the golf club head topline, can be important to the performance and aesthetics of a golf club. For example, a one-degree change in the perceived face angle of a golf club head may cause lateral dispersion of up to approximately five yards. Similarly, providing alignment features that change the perceived face angle of a golf club head may correct lateral dispersion caused by other characteristics of the golf club.

[0318] One or more of the present embodiments provide for the location and characteristics of one or more alignment features to be firmly crafted into the golf club head. For example, instead of masking and painting a top line on the golf club head, the top line is firmly crafted at the intersection between the molded club head body and the face insert. The club head body, such as the molded club head body, may be painted separately from the face insert, eliminating the need for special masking to provide the alignment features. In some embodiments, the transition zone between the face and the crown may be painted the same color as the rest of the molded club head body, eliminating the need to use masking lines between the transition zone and the rest of the molded club head body. After painting the molded club head body, the face may be bonded or otherwise attached to the molded part. Color contrast, finish differences, and / or texture differences between the molded club head body and the face define essential visual cues. For example, the face insert may be a single color or multiple colors. Similarly, the club head body and / or crown may also be a single color or multiple colors that contrast with the color or colors of the face insert to provide one or more alignment features. In another example, the club head body and / or crown may have one finish, such as gloss, and the face insert may have a different finish, such as matte. In yet another example, the club head body and / or crown may have one texture, such as a visible composite weave, and the face insert may have a different texture, such as a uniform or smooth-appearing texture. Additionally or alternatively, a crown insert may be bonded or otherwise attached to the cast club head body to provide a visual cue.Accordingly, the top line may be less susceptible to manufacturing variations introduced by user error, and the manufactured golf club heads may be more consistent from part to part.

[0319] In some embodiments, the face insert is formed from a composite including multiple plies or layers of a fibrous material (e.g., graphite or carbon fiber) embedded in a cured resin (e.g., epoxy), such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,016,662, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Composite face plates for use in metal wood golf clubs may be manufactured using the procedures described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,620), 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,974), 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610, and 12 / 156,947, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The composite material may be manufactured by at least the methods described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 825,138, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the face insert has a variable thickness, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 7,874,938, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0320] In some embodiments, the face is tunable (e.g., for CT, COR, or another property), such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 857,407, filed December 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0321] FIG. 25 is a top view of a golf club head having at least one crafted alignment feature. The golf club head 2500 includes a face 110, a crown 120, a sole 130 (not depicted), a skirt 140, and a hosel 150. As depicted in FIG. 25, a primary alignment feature 2514 is provided on the golf club head. The primary alignment feature 2514 may be provided as a topline that is firmly crafted at the intersection of the face 110 and a cast portion of the golf club head 2500. The topline may delineate a transition between at least a portion of the crown 120 having a contrasting and / or different shading, color, finish, and / or texture from the shading, color, finish, and / or texture of the face 110. The topline may also delineate a transition between the face 110 and another portion of the golf club body. In some embodiments, the casting of the golf club head 2500, including a portion of the crown 120, is painted a shade or color prior to attaching the face 110. The face 110 may define the characteristics of the primary alignment feature 2514. For example, the size and shape of the face 110 may change the position of the topline, the curvature of the topline, the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) of the golf club head 2500, and other characteristics of the golf club head 2500 and / or the primary alignment feature 2514.

[0322] In some embodiments, face 110 is provided, at least in part, as a composite material. Other materials may also be used. Face 110 may be bonded to golf club head 2500. Any bonding method known in the art may be utilized, including, but not limited to, adhesive bonding, including gluing, welding (preferred welding processes are ultrasonic welding, hot element welding, vibration welding, rotary friction welding, or high-frequency welding (Plastics Handbook, Vol. 3 / 4, pp. 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Vienna 1998)) or calendaring, or mechanical fastening, including riveting or thread interaction. Alternatively, face 110 may be attached to the golf club head in another manner, such as with screws, fasteners, epoxy, welding, or another attachment or bonding means. In some embodiments, the face may be welded from behind the face (i.e., from inside the cavity of the golf club head). The weld does not have to penetrate completely through the face (e.g., less than 100% weld penetration). Past club head designs have provided an intersection between the face 110 and the golf club body casting in an undesirable location for the primary alignment feature 2514. For example, past intersection locations did not provide aesthetic and visual performance cues due to durability constraints. One or more of the present embodiments provide a bonded face design that allows a crafted topline location to provide aesthetic and performance characteristics while maintaining the durability of the golf club head. For example, the crafted topline location may follow the shape of the face insert. If testing of the club head indicates lateral dispersion that is trending to the right and / or appears closed, the shape of the face insert may be modified to minimize lateral dispersion and make the club head appear more open. Similarly, if testing of the club head indicates lateral dispersion that is trending to the left and / or appears open, the shape of the face insert may be modified to minimize lateral dispersion and make the club head appear more closed.To maximize performance, the face insert may not be uniformly shaped (e.g., may not be an elliptical face insert). For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the face insert extends upward and in a heel direction toward the hosel. A portion of the face insert may also extend upward and in a toe direction.

[0323] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes a secondary alignment feature. Referring back to FIG. 25 , the secondary alignment feature 2516 may delineate a transition between a first crown portion 2518 and a second crown portion 2520. In one example, the first crown portion 2518 may have a contrasting shade or color to the shade or color of the face 110, and the second crown portion 2520 may have a contrasting shade or color to the shade or color of the first crown portion 2518. The secondary alignment feature 2516 may also be firmly machined into the club head, such as by using a crown insert. In some embodiments, the crown insert may be a composite material. Some examples of these composite materials and their manufacturing procedures for use in metal wood golf clubs are described herein and in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,620), 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,974), 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610, and 12 / 156,947, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0324] 26 is a perspective view of a golf club head having at least one crafted alignment feature without a face insert attached. In this embodiment, the golf club head 2500, or any of the disclosed components, may be cast, milled, or formed in any other manner, including metal injection molding and additive manufacturing techniques, to create a ledge 2622 (not depicted) for receiving the face insert 110. The face insert 110 may be provided as a composite material or as a separate material. For example, the face insert 110 may be a molded composite that is bonded to the ledge 2622 of the golf club head. By bonding the face insert 110 to the ledge 2622, the transition between the face 110 and the crown 120 provides a prominent topline as the primary alignment feature 2514. In some embodiments, face 110 is coupled to ledge 2622 with a seamless transition between face 110 and crown 120 that promotes desired aerodynamic and aesthetic characteristics.

[0325] The characteristics of the primary alignment feature 2514 may be defined by the face insert 110. For example, a larger face insert 110 may position the alignment feature 2514 higher on the golf club head 2500. Similarly, a smaller face insert 110 may position the alignment feature 2514 lower on the golf club head 2500. The shape of the face insert 110 may also provide the desired curvature and / or radius of the topline. Once the desired characteristics of the primary alignment feature 2514 are established, the alignment feature 2514 is hard-machined into the golf club head 2500. Hard-machining the alignment feature allows the alignment feature to be permanent and non-deformable, making it less susceptible to manufacturing errors associated with painted alignment features that use stickers or other masking during manufacturing. Therefore, the primary alignment features may be determined by the club head casting, or may be features that are milled, stamped, molded, or forged into the club head and integrated into the golf club head using a face insert.

[0326] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a golf club head having at least one crafted alignment feature to which a face insert is attached. In this embodiment, the golf club head 2500 is provided with the face insert 110 coupled to a ledge 2622 (not depicted). As depicted in FIG. 27, the primary alignment feature 2514 is a crafted topline at the intersection of the face 110 and a cast body, such as a first portion of the crown 2518. In the case of a bonded face, the joint between the face 110 and the crown 120 determines the topline 2514. Other methods of attaching the face insert, such as screws, fasteners, or another attachment method, may also be used.

[0327] Additional features of the golf club head 2500 may be facilitated by the use of the face insert 110. For example, the inclusion of a notch at the rear of the face insert 110 allows the golf club head 2500 to utilize Flight Control Technology (FCT) in the hosel 150 and have a loft and lie connection sleeve to adjust the face angle, among other things. Other characteristics of the face insert may provide multiple performance benefits. In one embodiment, the face insert 110 may provide more precise and uniform face thickness between manufactured golf club heads and may provide precise face thickness variability incorporated into the golf club head design. In one embodiment, a molded composite face insert allows for variable thickness across multiple locations on the face. In one embodiment, the center of gravity (CGx) about the x-axis may be more precisely located by using a face insert, for example, by using a variable thickness face. Furthermore, CT and coefficient of restitution (COR) requirements may be precisely achieved by molding a composite face and bonding the face to the golf club head. The composite face may also be adjustable after installation. In one embodiment, the face insert may provide a CT of greater than about 255 and a COR of about 0.835. In one embodiment, the face insert may be used to define and provide different bulge and roll characteristics for the user. For example, different face inserts may be selected to provide different bulge and roll characteristics, including torsional bulge and roll characteristics. One of a plurality of different face inserts may be selected prior to bonding the face to the golf club head; alternatively, the face insert may be interchangeable by the user or club fitter. In yet another embodiment, changing the face characteristics requires that the club head casting be altered to accommodate the new face insert.

[0328] In some embodiments, the face insert may be provided as a dark face insert surface area having a CIELab luminance (L) of less than about 40, and the light surface area of ​​the molded club head body and / or crown of the club head has a CIELab luminance of between about 50 and about 100. In some embodiments, the difference in luminance (ΔL) between the face insert and the club head body and / or crown may be at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, or another difference value greater than about 20.

[0329] In some embodiments, the face insert may be provided with a dark face insert surface area having a CIELab luminance (L) of less than about 40, and the club head body and / or crown of the club head is provided with a dark surface area having a CIELab luminance of less than about 40. For example, the difference in luminance (ΔL) between the face insert and the club head body and / or crown may be at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, or in another set of embodiments, a difference of less than about 20, or less than about 15, or less than about 10, or less than about 5.

[0330] In some embodiments, the face insert may be provided as a matte, semi-gloss, or low gloss face insert surface area having a gloss value of less than about 60, about 50, or about 40 gloss units, and the semi-gloss surface area of ​​the club head body and / or crown of the club head has a CIELab gloss value of greater than about 40, about 50, about 60, and about 70 gloss units. For example, the matte or low gloss face insert may have a gloss value of less than 10, 8, 5, 4, or 2 gloss units.

[0331] Any difference in appearance between the face insert and the club head body and / or crown may be used as an alignment feature. The club head body and / or crown may differ in appearance from the face insert by color, brightness, texture, finish, or another visual difference. For example, different finishes may be used, such as gloss, semi-gloss, low gloss, matte, or another finish. Different textures may also be used, such as textures, ridges, valleys, patterns of materials, composite weaves, and other textures manufactured into the club head components.

[0332] 28 is a flowchart of a method 2800 for countering a tendency for lateral dispersion of a golf club head. For example, the method may be used to determine alignment features for a golf club head. The method may be performed using one or more of the golf club head embodiments described herein or with another golf club head having a face, crown, and sole.

[0333] In step 2810, a primary alignment feature is provided. For example, the primary alignment feature may include a line that delineates a transition between a portion of the crown and the face. The portion of the crown may include an area having a contrasting shade or color to the shade or color of the face. The primary alignment feature may be firmly machined into the golf club head using the face of the golf club body. For example, the face may be bonded or otherwise attached to a painted golf club body. The face may be painted or provided with a different shade or color than the crown, or may be unpainted. In one embodiment, the face is provided with a composite material that contrasts in shade or color to the crown.

[0334] In step 2820, the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head is measured. The lateral dispersion tendency indicates the average dispersion from the center target line. For example, a positive lateral dispersion tendency indicates the average dispersion to the right of the center target line, and a negative lateral dispersion tendency indicates the average dispersion to the left of the center target line. For example, a prototype of a new golf club head design may be provided for player testing. In this example, one or more players may test the golf club head. Based on the testing, the lateral dispersion of the golf club head may be measured. Other performance metrics may also be measured. The lateral dispersion may suggest that different alignment features, such as less lateral dispersion, may provide better performance. In another example, the impression of the alignment features to the user may also be measured. In this example, if the golf club head face appears too open or too closed during testing, different alignment features may improve the appeal or reliability of the golf club head to the tester.

[0335] In step 2830, the primary alignment features are adjusted to provide adjusted primary alignment features, such as to counteract the golf club head's tendency toward lateral dispersion. The primary alignment features may also be adjusted in conjunction with changing face characteristics of the golf club head, such as to provide different bulge and roll characteristics, adjust CT, and define other face characteristics. In one embodiment, the primary alignment features may be adjusted to enhance the performance and / or appeal of the golf club head based on testing. In this example, the topline radius may be adjusted. Based on the lateral dispersion measured during testing, the topline radius may be adjusted by 1 degree for every 5 yards of lateral dispersion for a driver and 1 degree for every 3 yards of lateral dispersion for a fairway wood. Other adjustment amounts may also be provided. Additionally, additional and different adjustments may be provided for one or more alignment features.

[0336] After adjusting the alignment features, one or more of operations 2820 and 2830 may be repeated for additional testing and / or adjustment. In some embodiments, individual player tests, such as for individual tour players, may also be performed. In some embodiments, secondary alignment features are tested and adjusted.

[0337] At step 2840, the adjusted primary alignment features are incorporated into the golf club head. In one embodiment, the adjusted primary alignment features are incorporated into the golf club head by modifying the golf club head. The adjusted alignment features may also be provided for manufacturing the golf club head. For example, one or more alignment features may be tested and adjusted before manufacturing the golf club head design. Thus, one or more alignment features may be integrally formed into the golf club head as cast with the golf club head, such as with an integrally formed topline alignment feature.

[0338] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure without a face insert attached. In some embodiments, a transition from a portion of crown 120 to a face insert (not depicted in FIG. 29 ) provides a primary alignment feature. For example, FIG. 29 shows a front portion 330 of a golf club head, such as golf club head 2500 or another golf club head. Front portion 330 is configured to receive a face insert (not depicted in FIG. 29 ), such as face insert 110 or another face insert. Front portion 330 includes face insert support structures 2928A, 2928B. Upper face insert support structure 2928A is adjacent to or directly adjacent to crown 120. Lower face insert support structure 2928B is adjacent to or directly adjacent to sole 130.

[0339] In some embodiments, when attached to the face insert support structures 2928A, 2928B, the face insert forms part of the transition area from the face to the crown 120 and / or sole 130. For example, at least a portion of the transition area may be painted the same color or shade as at least a portion of the crown prior to attaching the face insert, providing a contrasting color or shade for the face insert relative to the painted portion of the transition area and / or crown when attached. In other embodiments, the face insert eliminates the need for a transition area from the face to the crown 120 and / or sole 130. In some embodiments, the face insert comprises at least a portion of the face insert-to-crown transition radius. By forming part of the face-to-crown transition radius, the aerodynamics of the club head may be improved by reducing turbulence and increasing annular flow of air passing from the face to the crown.

[0340] FIG. 30A is a cross-sectional view of the upper lip of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure without a face insert attached. FIG. 30A depicts an upper face insert support structure 2928A adjacent to or immediately adjacent to crown 120. Upper face insert support structure 2928A includes an upper rear support member 3046A and an upper perimeter member 3048A. Upper rear support member 3046A and upper perimeter member 3048A create an upper undercut recess 3006A that forms a lip for receiving a face insert and connecting a portion of crown 120 to upper face insert support structure 2928A.

[0341] In some embodiments, the upper face insert support structure 2928A is provided with a shape that flexes in a similar manner to the face insert when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. For example, in some golf club head designs, the face insert material, such as a composite material, is more flexible or compliant than the golf club body material, such as an aluminum or titanium alloy. In this example, slots or recesses 3008A may be provided in the upper perimeter member 3048A to increase the flexibility or compliance of the upper face insert support structure 2928A, allowing the face to flex more uniformly. Additional different shapes may be provided to increase or decrease the flexibility and compliance of one or more components of the golf club body. By flexing in a similar manner, the golf club head may be more durable and substantially prevent the face insert from separating or peeling from the golf club body.

[0342] FIG. 30B is a cross-sectional view of the lower lip of a golf club head without a face insert attached, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 30B depicts a lower face insert support structure 2928B adjacent to or immediately adjacent to the sole 130. The lower face insert support structure 2928B has a lower rear support member 3046B and a lower perimeter member 3048B. The lower rear support member 3046B and the lower perimeter member 3048B create a lower undercut recess 3006B that forms a lip for receiving the face insert and connecting a portion of the sole 130 to the lower face insert support structure 2928B.

[0343] In some embodiments, the lower face insert support structure 2928B is provided with a shape that flexes in a similar manner to the face insert when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. In the example described above, the face insert material is more flexible or compliant than the golf club body material. In this example, slots or recesses 3008B may be provided in the lower perimeter member 3048B to increase the flexibility or compliance of the upper face insert support structure 2928B, allowing the face to flex more uniformly. Additional different shapes may be provided to increase or decrease the flexibility and compliance of one or more components of the golf club body. By flexing in a similar manner, the golf club head may be more durable and substantially prevent the face insert from separating or peeling from the golf club body.

[0344] FIG. 31 is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 31 illustrates a club head 3100 including a hosel 150, a face 110, and a center face position 3110. The center face position 3110 of the face 110 and the center point position 3150 of the hosel 150 are used to define a center face y-axis position (CFY). A positive CFY creates an onset of the golf club head, extending from the center point position 3150 of the hosel 150 toward the front portion of the golf club head to the center face position 3110. For example, the onset may cause lateral dispersion, making the face appear too far forward of the hosel. A negative CFY creates an offset of the golf club head, extending from the center point position 3150 of the hosel 150 toward the rear portion of the golf club head to the center face position 3110. The leading edge position 3120 of the face 110 and the center point position 3150 of the hosel 150 are used to define the face progression (FP). The face progression is related to the face position, loft, and face height. The CFY, face progression, and alignment features all affect the performance of the golf club head, such as lateral dispersion. For example, if the CFY and / or face progression of the golf club head are altered, one or more alignment features may be provided to counteract the lateral dispersion created or reduced by the CFY and / or face progression.

[0345] In some embodiments, a high CFY (e.g., greater than about 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, or another CFY) may produce lateral dispersion to the right of the intended target line. In other embodiments, a low CFY (e.g., less than about 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, or another CFY) may produce lateral dispersion to the left of the intended target line. In some embodiments, the CFY is between about 13 mm and about 15 mm.

[0346] In some embodiments, a high face progression (e.g., greater than about 20 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, or another face progression) may create lateral dispersion to the right of the intended target line. In other embodiments, a low face progression (e.g., less than about 19 mm, 18 mm, 17 mm, or another face progression) may create lateral dispersion to the left of the intended target line. In some embodiments, the face progression is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.

[0347] In some embodiments, the golf club head is provided with at least one of a CFY of 15.5 mm or less, a CFY of 15 mm or less, a CFY of 14.5 mm or less, a CFY of 14 mm or less, a CFY of 13.5 mm or less, a CFY of 13 mm or less, a face progression of 20 mm or less, a face progression of 19 mm or less, a face progression of 18 mm or less, a face progression of 17 mm or less, and a face progression of 16 mm or less. In some embodiments, the golf club head is provided with a CFY of 17.5 mm or less. In another series of embodiments, the CFY is at least 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, or 12 mm. Similarly, in another series of embodiments, the face progression is at least 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, or 14 mm.

[0348] 32 is a toe-side perspective view of a golf club head 3200. In this embodiment, the golf club head 3200 includes a hollow body 3210. The hollow body 3210 includes a hosel 150, a crown 120 (not depicted), and a sole 130. In some embodiments, the hollow body 3210 includes a plurality of openings for receiving the face insert 110, the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 (not depicted). In some embodiments, the hollow body is a metal or composite material frame, and the face insert 110, the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 (not depicted) are at least partially composite material. The hollow body 3210 is cast with a ledge 2622 for receiving the face insert 110 (not depicted). By bonding the face insert 110 to the ledge 2622, the transition between the face 110 and the crown 120 provides a primary alignment feature 2514, such as a topline or another alignment feature. For example, the hollow body 3210 may be cast from a titanium alloy, an aluminum alloy, another alloy, or a combination thereof. The hollow body 3210 is painted prior to bonding the face insert 110 (not depicted), the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 (not depicted). By bonding the face insert and / or the crown insert, one or more alignment features are firmly machined into the golf club head 3200. The face insert 110, the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 may be bonded to the hollow body 3210, such as by first bonding the face insert 110 and then bonding the crown insert 3220 after the hollow body 3210 is painted. Alternatively, the crown insert 3220 is bonded first, followed by the face insert 110. By bonding multiple inserts after the hollow body 3210 is painted, one or more alignment features are firmly engineered into the golf club head during casting and bonding.In some embodiments, at least a portion of the crown and sole inserts 3220, 3230 are fabricated from a composite material.

[0349] In other embodiments, one or more alignment features are engineered into the golf club head by casting one or more witness lines into the golf club head. For example, one or more positive witness lines may be cast into the hollow body 3210, such as by casting a protrusion, ridge, or other raised feature in the hollow body 3210. In another example, one or more negative witness lines may be cast into the hollow body 3210, such as a depression, valley, or other recessed feature in the hollow body 3210. In some embodiments, a combination of positive and negative witness lines may be provided. One or more witness lines may be painted along with the hollow body 3210 to provide the one or more alignment features. Alternatively, or in addition, the witness lines may be used as a guide for painting one or more alignment features on the golf club head. By casting a witness line into the golf club head during manufacturing, subsequent painting of the one or more alignment features may be more precise on a part-by-part basis.

[0350] Returning to reference to FIG. 32 , in some embodiments, the hosel 150 may be adjustable, such as by the use of flight control technology (FCT) in the hosel 150. For example, the FCT may have a loft and lie connection sleeve that adjusts, among other things, the face angle. The FCT may be adjustable using threads 3255 or another connection. The hosel 150 may also have an external hosel surface 3251 and an internal hosel surface 3253. The internal hosel surface 3253 may occupy at least a portion of the face opening or area for receiving the face insert 110 (not depicted). To accommodate the internal hosel surface 3253, a notch or other feature is provided in the face insert 110 for receiving at least a portion of the hosel within the face insert 110. As described herein, the notch may reduce CFY and accommodate at least a portion of the hosel within the face insert. Additionally, by accommodating a portion of the hosel within the face insert, a portion of the face insert may extend high above the heel and follow the natural shape of the crown and / or other features of the club head. In some embodiments, the face insert 110 couples directly to the hosel 150. By accommodating at least a portion of the internal hosel surface 3253 within the face insert 110, the center face position 3110 (not depicted) of the face insert 110 may be located closer to the center point position 3150 (not depicted) of the hosel 150, which reduces CFY and increases the performance of the golf club head.

[0351] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes a slot 3295 and a weight track 3245. For example, the slot 3295 and / or the weight track 3245 may be cast into the hollow body 3210. As described below, the slot 3295 may increase the durability of the golf club head by allowing at least a portion of the hollow body 3210 to flex similarly to the face insert 110, and may increase the performance of the golf club head by preventing the face insert 110 from separating from the hollow body 3210, thereby increasing the durability of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes one or more characteristic time (CT) tuning ports. With reference to FIG. 32 , a CT tuning port 3275 is provided in the toe portion of the hollow body 3210. Another CT tuning port (not depicted) may be provided in the heel portion of the hollow body 3210. One or more CT tuning ports may be provided in additional different locations on the golf club head 3200, such as on the face insert 110 or at another location. By using one or more CT tuning ports, an adhesive or another material may be injected into the golf club head 3200 to reduce or increase the CT of the golf club head. For example, the golf club head 3200 may be manufactured with a CT that does not comply with United States Golf Association (USGA) regulations that limit the CT of golf club heads. By injecting an adhesive into the CT tuning port 3275, the CT of the golf club head is detuned to comply with USGA regulations.

[0352] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes one or more foam inserts. For example, foam insert 3276 is located within hollow body 3210. An additional foam insert is also provided proximate the toe portion (not depicted). The one or more foam inserts aid in CT tuning the golf club head by securing an adhesive or other material in place within the golf club head while the material solidifies. In addition, a rear wall may also be provided to further secure the material while it solidifies. Accordingly, the foam insert and rear wall prevent adhesive injected into adjustment port 3275 from moving too far toward the toe, heel, and rearward, allowing the golf club head to be more precisely CT tuned. Additional, different structures may be provided to secure the injected material during CT tuning.

[0353] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes a multi-material inertia generator. As described herein, the inertia generator may also be referred to as a rear winglet and a center of gravity (CG) lowering platform. The inertia generator 3285 moves discretionary mass rearward to increase inertia and move the CG projection on the face of the golf club head lower. For example, the golf club head 3200 includes an inertia generator 3285 that extends rearward and at an angle toward the toe from the front portion of the golf club head 3200 to the rear portion of the golf club head 3200. The multi-material inertia generator may include two or more materials of different densities. For example, the inertia generator 3285 includes one or more of a low-density portion 3286, a medium-density portion 3287, and a high-density portion 3288.

[0354] The low density portion 3286 may be a composite or another material, such as, for example, as part of or another component of the composite sole panel 3230. The low density portion 3286 may have a density less than about 2 g / cc, such as between about 1 g / cc and about 2 g / cc. The medium density portion 3287 may be an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, another alloy, another material, or a combination of multiple alloys or materials, such as, for example, as part of or another component of the hollow body 3210. The medium density portion 3287 may have a density greater than about 2.7 g / cc, such as between about 1 g / cc and about 5 g / cc, between about 2.0 g / cc and about 5.0 g / cc, or between about 2.5 g / cc and about 4.5 g / cc. The high density portion 3288 may be a steel alloy, a tungsten alloy, another alloy, another material, or a combination of multiple alloys or materials, such as, for example, as a rear weight or another component affixed to the inertia generator 3285. High density portion 3288 has a density greater than about 7 g / cc. For example, aluminum alloys are often about 2.7 g / cc, titanium alloys are often about 4.5 g / cc, steel alloys are often about 7.8 g / cc, and tungsten alloys are often about 19 g / cc.

[0355] Figure 33 is a toe-side perspective view of the golf club head 3200. Figure 33 provides another view of the sole 130, including the insert 3230, the inertia generator 3285, the slot 3295, the weight track 3245, and the screw 3255. The inertia generator 3285 is provided as a multi-material inertia generator, including a low density portion 3286, a medium density portion 3287, and a high density portion 3288.

[0356] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf club head 3200. FIG. 34 shows a hosel 150 including an external hosel surface 3251 and an internal hosel surface 3253. As depicted in FIG. 34 , a ledge 2622 for receiving a face insert 110 (not depicted) is joined to the internal hosel surface 3253 in an intersection region 3257. A face support portion, including the ledge 2622 or the like, intersects and intersects with the internal hosel surface 3253, allowing the internal hosel surface 3253 to interact with the face insert 110 and / or at least partially with an interior thereof. The face support portion may intersect and / or intersect with the internal hosel surface 3253 adjacent to the crown, adjacent to the sole, or adjacent to both the crown and the sole.

[0357] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the golf club head 3200 without the crown insert 3220 attached. FIG. 35 shows the club head 3200 with the hosel 150, inner hosel surface 3253, foam insert 3276, and high-density portion 3288. A ledge 3224 is provided to attach the crown insert 3220 (not shown). The ledge 3224 extends wider and closer to the front portion and face of the club head, providing additional CT tuning. For example, in addition to supporting the crown insert 3220, the width of the ledge 3224 is increased to reduce the CT of the club head. In one embodiment, the ledge 3224 width is increased from about 10 mm to about 15 mm closer to the face. During or after manufacturing, material can be removed from the ledge 3224 to increase the CT of the club head, for example, by about 8 to about 10 points. As explained above, CT tuning is typically used to reduce the CT of a club head to meet USGA constraints. If it is determined that the CT of the club head is too far below the USGA limits, the club head can be adjusted using ledge 3224 to increase the CT to approach or exceed the USGA limits.

[0358] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes support ribs 3296, 3297. For example, the support rib 3296 provides additional support for the hollow body 3210, the weight track 3245, and / or the slot 3295. The support rib 3296 may be provided over the weight track 3245 and in other areas within the hollow body 3210. The support rib 3297 may be provided to support the hollow body 3210 and the inertia generator 3285. As depicted in FIG. 35 , the hollow body 3210 includes a platform of material extending toward the inertia generator 3285, including the support rib 3297. Additional, different support ribs may be provided.

[0359] 36-37 are views of portions of the golf club head 3200. Figure 36 shows the internal hosel surface 3253 occupying at least a portion of the face opening or area for receiving the face insert 110 (not depicted). By occupying at least a portion of the face opening or area for receiving the face insert 110, face progression and onset may be reduced, increasing the performance of the golf club head 3200.

[0360] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes a mass pad 3290 in the heel portion of the golf club head. The mass pad 3290 positions discretionary mass of the golf club head 3200 toward the heel and may lower the CG and move the CG forward to change the CG projection on the face. In some embodiments, a removable and / or adjustable weight may be provided in the heel portion instead of or in addition to the mass pad 3290.

[0361] 38-39 are views of multiple portions of a golf club head 3200. As depicted in FIGS. 38-39, a ledge 2622 extends around the entire outside of the face opening to support the face insert 110 (not depicted). By extending around the entire outside, the ledge 2622 supports the entire face insert 110. In other embodiments, the ledge 3224 supports the face insert 110 in the heel, toe, crown, and sole portions. For example, the ledge 2622 supports the face insert 110 in an area defined by an approximately 10 mm band around the geometric center of the face insert 110. Other bands around the geometric center of the face insert, such as approximately 15 mm, approximately 20 mm, etc., may also be used. (Prior art only provides support in the heel and toe regions.) Additional, different structures may be used to support the face around the entire outside of the face or in an area around the geometric center of the face.

[0362] FIG. 40 is a diagram of a portion of a golf club head 3200. FIG. 40 shows an upper face insert support structure 2928A and a lower face insert support structure 2928B provided so that at least a portion of the hollow body 3210 flexes in a manner similar to the face insert 110 (not depicted) when the golf club head strikes a golf ball. Different materials (e.g., metal alloys and composites) have different flex characteristics and typically flex differently from one another. For example, slots or recesses 3008A and 3008B allow the composite face to flex more uniformly with the cast hollow body 3210. Additional different geometries may be provided within the hollow body 3210. By flexing in a similar manner, the golf club head may have greater durability and substantially prevent the face insert from separating or peeling from the golf club body.

[0363] FIG. 41 is a toe-side perspective view of two golf club heads 3200, 4100. Golf club head 3200 is one embodiment of the present disclosure, while golf club head 4100 is one embodiment of a prior art club head design. Golf club head 3200 includes several features that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the club head. For example, prior art club head 4100 has a peak crown height that is approximately aligned with the center shaft axis of the hosel, which is referred to as an acute crown. To promote better aerodynamic characteristics of golf club head 3200, the peak crown height is located toward the rear of the hosel, which is referred to as a blunt crown. Referring to FIG. 41 , the peak crown height of golf club head 4100 is located a distance C2 forward of the rear-most edge of the hosel. To promote better aerodynamic characteristics, the peak crown height of golf club head 3200 is located a distance C1 rearward of the rear-most edge of the hosel. In one embodiment, the peak crown height of the golf club head 3200 is located at least about 15 mm rearward of the rearmost edge of the hosel. Moving the peak crown height rearward allows airflow to attach to the club head longer, promoting better aerodynamics.

[0364] The skirt height of the golf club 3200 may also improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head. The golf club head 3200 has a skirt height S1, which may measure the lowest point above the ground plane where the skirt meets the crown. The golf club head 4100 has a skirt height S2. In some embodiments, the skirt height S1 is at least 20 mm and in some embodiments may be between about 25 mm and about 40 mm, for example, between 30 mm and 40 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm. Increasing the skirt height S1 of the golf club head 3200 also improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head. The golf club body has an overall body height, defined, for example, vertically or along the z-axis, from the bottom-most portion of the golf club body, or the ground plane, to the top-most portion of the crown, or the peak crown height. In some embodiments, the overall body height is 48 mm or more, 52 mm or more, 53 mm or more, 54 mm or more, 55 mm or more, 56 mm or more, 57 mm or more, 58 mm or more, 59 mm or more, or 60 mm or more. In further embodiments, the overall body height is 72 mm or less, 70 mm or less, 68 mm or less, 66 mm or less, or 64 mm or less. The golf club body also has a body length, defined, for example, horizontally or along the y-axis, from the leading edge or leading edge position of the golf club body to the rearmost portion of the golf club head or the rearmost portion of the skirt. In some embodiments, the body length is 98 mm or more, 102 mm or more, 106 mm or more, 109 mm or more, 112 mm or more, 115 mm or more, or 118 mm or more. In further embodiments, the body length is 133 mm or less, 130 mm or less, 127 mm or less, 126 mm or less, 125 mm or less, 124 mm or less, 123 mm or less, or 122 mm or less.

[0365] 42 is a front view of face insert 110. Further details regarding the structure and manufacturing process of the composite face plate are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Published Patent Applications Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2012 / 0199282. The composite face plate is attached to an insert support structure located in an opening in the front portion of the club head. Further details regarding the insert support structure are described in U.S. Patent No. RE43,801.

[0366] In some embodiments, the face insert 110 may be machined from a composite plaque, with the face insert and face plate being used interchangeably throughout, although it should be noted that the face insert 110 may be formed from a metal alloy. In one example, the composite plaque may be substantially rectangular with a length of between about 90 mm and about 130 mm or between about 100 mm and about 120 mm, preferably about 110 mm ± 1.0 mm, and a width of the plaque size and dimension of between about 50 mm and about 90 mm or between about 6 mm and about 80 mm, preferably about 70 mm ± 1.0 mm. The face insert 110 is then trimmed from the plaque to produce the desired face profile. For example, the face profile length 4212 may be between about 80 mm and about 120 mm, or between about 90 mm and about 110 mm, or between about 94 mm and about 106 mm, or between about 98 mm and about 104 mm, preferably about 102 mm. The face profile width 4211 can be between about 40 mm and about 65 mm, or between about 42 mm and about 63 mm, or between about 44 mm and about 61 mm, or between about 46 mm and about 59 mm, or between about 48 mm and about 57 mm, or between about 50 mm and about 55 mm, preferably about 53 mm. The ideal hitting location width 4213 can be between about 25 mm and about 50 mm, or between about 30 mm and about 40 mm, preferably about 34 mm. The ideal hitting location length 4214 can be between about 40 mm and about 70 mm, or between about 45 mm and about 65 mm, preferably about 55.5 mm. Continuing to refer to FIG. 42 , the face insert 110 has a face top line peripheral edge 4215, a face lower peripheral edge 4216, a face-toe transition region 4217, and a face-heel transition region 4218. In one embodiment, the face-to-toe transition area 4217 is defined by a portion of the perimeter at the toe having a radius of curvature of less than 10 mm, and in further embodiments, less than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm.Similarly, in one embodiment, the face-heel transition region 4218 is defined by a portion of the periphery at the heel having a radius of curvature of less than 10 mm, and in further embodiments, less than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm. Alternatively, the face insert 110 can be molded to provide the desired face dimensions and profile.

[0367] In embodiments in which the face insert 110 is machined from a composite plaque, the face insert 110 may be machined in one or more operations, such as a computer numerical control (CNC) or other operation. For example, starting with a composite plaque, the notch 4220 may first be machined from the plaque. Next, a circumferential chamfer may be machined around the periphery of the face insert 110. Finally, a face profile may be machined from the plaque. In some embodiments, the notch 4220, circumferential chamfer, and face profile may each be machined in a single operation, such as a single CNC operation, without removing the plaque from the CNC fixture. In other embodiments, multiple operations may be performed, such as machining one or more of the notch 4220, circumferential chamfer, or face profile that are machined separately from other features of the face. Other orders for machining multiple features may be provided, such as machining the notch after the face profile and chamfer, or machining additional features into the face insert 110, such as bond gap bumps and other features. Notch 4220 is not limited to non-metallic faceplates or inserts, and all relevant disclosures apply equally to metallic faceplates or inserts.

[0368] Additional features may be machined, molded, or cast into the face insert 110 to produce a desired face profile. For example, a notch 4220 may be machined or molded into the rear side of the heel portion of the face insert 110. For example, a notch 4220 at the rear of the face insert 110 enables the golf club head 2500 to utilize flight control technology (FCT) in the hosel 150. The notch 4220 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the hosel within the face insert 110. Alternatively or additionally, the notch 4220 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the club head body within the face insert 110.

[0369] In some embodiments, the notch 4220 or other relief portion defines a transition area on the face insert. For example, the notch 4220 or relief portion is adjacent to the heel portion of the face and extends at least about 50 mm. 2 and about 300 mm 2 Less than 200mm, preferably about 200mm 2 less than, more preferably about 75 mm 2 Approximately 150 mm from 2 Preferably, the notch area is about 1.5% to about 6% of the exterior area of ​​the face insert (e.g., the outward-facing portion of the face configured to strike a golf ball), and more preferably, the notch area is about 2% to about 3% of the exterior face insert area.

[0370] The notch may allow for a reduction in CFY by accommodating at least a portion of the hosel and / or at least a portion of the club body within the face insert, allowing the ideal impact location of the face insert to be closer to a plane passing through the center point of the hosel. The face insert 110 may be configured to provide a CFY of at least about 9 mm at or below about 18 mm, preferably between about 11.0 mm and about 16.0 mm, and more preferably at or below about 11.5 mm. The face insert 110 may be configured to provide a face progression of at least about 12 mm at or below about 21 mm, preferably at or below about 13 mm at or below about 19.5 mm, and more preferably at or below about 14.5 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between CFY and face progression is at least 2 mm and not more than 12 mm, preferably at least between 3 mm and 8 mm. In other embodiments, the difference between CFY and face progression is at least 2 mm and not more than 4 mm.

[0371] In another example, rear bumps 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D may be machined or molded into the rear side of the face insert. The rear bumps 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D may be configured to provide a bonding gap. The bonding gap is an empty space between the club head body and the face insert that is filled with adhesive during manufacturing. The rear bumps 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D protrude to separate the face from the club head body when the face insert is bonded to the club head body during manufacturing. In some cases, a bonding gap that is too large or too small can cause durability issues with the club head, the face insert, or both. Furthermore, a bonding gap that is too large can allow too much adhesive to be used during manufacturing, adding unnecessary additional mass to the club head. The rear bumps 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, 4230D may protrude by between about 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm, preferably by about 0.25 mm, hi some embodiments, the rear bumps are configured to provide a minimum bonding gap, such as a minimum bonding gap of about 0.25 mm, and a maximum bonding gap of about 0.45 mm.

[0372] Additionally, one or more of the edges of face insert 110 may be machined or molded with a chamfer. In one example, face insert 110 includes a chamfer around substantially the inner periphery edge of the face insert, such as a chamfer of between about 0.5 mm and about 1.1 mm, preferably 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the periphery chamfer is provided to prevent face insert 110 from bottoming out on the inner diameter of a recessed face opening in a golf club head configured to receive face insert 110. By providing the periphery chamfer, face insert 110 can properly fit within the recessed face opening despite manufacturing variations and other characteristics of golf club heads produced during the casting process.

[0373] 43 is a bottom perspective view of face insert 110. The face insert has a heel portion 4341 and a toe portion 4342. A notch 4220 is machined or molded into heel portion 4341. In this example, face insert 110 has a variable thickness, such as with a peak thickness 4343. Peak thickness 4343 can be between about 2 mm and about 7.5 mm, or between about 3.8 mm and about 4.8 mm, preferably 4.1 mm ± 0.1 mm, 4.25 mm ± 0.1 mm, or 4.5 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0374] In some embodiments, the face insert 110 is fabricated from multiple layers of composite material. Exemplary composite materials and methods for forming the same are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 452,370 (published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0199282), which is incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of the composite face may have scrim layers, such as to reinforce the face insert 110 with glass fibers in a scrim weave. Multiple quasi-isotropic panels (Q's) may also be included, with each Q panel using multiple plies of unidirectional composite panels offset from each other. In an exemplary four-ply Q panel, the unidirectional composite panels are oriented at 90°, -45°, 0°, and 45° to provide structural stability in each direction. Clusters of unidirectional strips (C's) may also be included, with each C using multiple unidirectional composite strips. In the exemplary four strips C, four 27 mm strips are oriented at 0°, 125°, 90°, and 55°. C's may be provided to increase the thickness of the face insert 110 in localized areas, such as at the center face at the ideal hitting location. Some Q's and C's may have additional or fewer plies (e.g., three plies rather than four) to fine-tune the thickness, mass, local thickness, and provide other characteristics of the face insert 110, such as to increase or decrease the COR of the face insert 110.

[0375] Additional composite materials and methods for forming the same are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,163,119 and 10,046,212, which are incorporated by reference. For example, the number of layers typically for a striking plate is significant, e.g., 50 or more. However, improvements have been made in the art so that the number of layers can be reduced to between 30 and 50 layers.

[0376] The following table provides examples of possible layups. These layups represent possible unidirectional plies unless noted as woven plies. The structures shown are for quasi-isotropic layups. Single layer plies have thicknesses ranging from about 0.065 mm to about 0.080 mm for a standard FAW of 70 gsm (grams per square meter) with a resin content of about 36% to about 40%. The thickness of individual plies may be changed by adjusting either the FAW or resin content, and therefore the overall thickness of the layup may be changed by adjusting these parameters.

[0377] In addition to the unidirectional composite panels oriented at 90 degrees, -45 degrees, 0 degrees, and 45 degrees, additional Q panels may be provided according to Table 2. [Table 2]

[0378] The areal weight (AW) is calculated by multiplying the density by the thickness. For the plies shown above, formed from composite material, the density is approximately 1.5 g / cm 3 and for titanium, the density is about 4.5 g / cm 3 is.

[0379] In one example, a first face insert may have a peak thickness of 4.1 mm and an edge thickness of 3.65 mm, including 12 Q's and 2 C's, resulting in a mass of 24.7 g. In another example, a second face insert may have a peak thickness of 4.25 mm and an edge thickness of 3.8 mm, including 12 Q's and 2 C's, resulting in a mass of 25.6 g. Additional thickness and mass may be provided by including additional plies in one or more of the Q's or C's, such as by using two 4-ply Q's instead of two 3-ply C's. In yet another example, a third face insert may have a peak thickness of 4.5 mm and an edge thickness of 3.9 mm, including 12 Q's and 3 C's, resulting in a mass of 26.2 g. Additional different combinations of Q's and C's may be provided for face insert 110 having a mass between about 20 g and about 30 g, or between about 15 g and about 35 g. In one set of embodiments, face insert 110 has a mass of 30 g or less, while in further embodiments, it has a mass of 28 g, 26 g, 25 g, and 24 g or less. In yet another set of embodiments, face insert 110 has a mass of at least 16 g, while in further embodiments, it has a mass of at least 18 g, 19 g, 20 g, 21 g, 22 g, and 23 g.

[0380] 44A is a cross-sectional view of a heel portion 4341 of face insert 110. Heel portion 4341 may have a notch 4220. In embodiments having a chamfer on the inner edge of face insert 110, no chamfer 4450 may be provided on notch 4220. Notch 4420 may have a notch edge thickness 4444 that is less than the non-notch edge thickness 4445 of face insert 110. Thus, the face plate perimeter has a face perimeter thickness that may vary from the non-notch edge thickness 4445 to the notch edge thickness 4444. In one embodiment, notch edge thickness 4444 is at least 10% less than the non-notch edge thickness 4445, and in further embodiments, at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% less. In another embodiment, the notch edge thickness 4444 is at least 25% of the non-notch edge thickness 4445, and in further embodiments, at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55%. For example, in one embodiment, the notch edge thickness 4444 can be between 1.5 mm and 2.1 mm, while in further embodiments, the notch edge thickness 4444 is 3.0 mm or less, 2.8 mm or less, 2.6 mm or less, 2.4 mm or less, 2.2 mm or less, 2.0 mm or less, and in one embodiment, more preferably 1.8 mm. In yet another set of embodiments, the notch edge thickness 4444 is at least 0.9 mm, and in further embodiments, at least 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.6 mm. In one embodiment, the reduced notch edge thickness 4444 extends over at least 5 mm of the circumference of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, it extends over at least 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, and 17.5 mm. In another embodiment, the reduced notch edge thickness 4444 extends over no more than 70 mm of the circumference of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, it extends over no more than 60 mm, 50 mm, 45 mm, 40 mm, and 35 mm.In one embodiment, the unnotched edge thickness 4445 is constant over at least 90 mm of the circumference of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, the unnotched edge thickness 4445 is constant over at least 110 mm, 130 mm, 150 mm, or 170 mm. In another embodiment, referring to the front view coordinate system of FIG. 61 , the unnotched edge thickness 4445 is constant over at least 90 degrees of the circumference of the face insert 110, and in further embodiments, at least 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, or 315 degrees. The unnotched edge thickness 4445 is at least 3.1 mm in one embodiment, and in further embodiments, at least 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, or 3.8 mm. In yet a further set of embodiments, the non-notched edge thickness 4445 is, in one embodiment, 4.9 mm or less, and in a further embodiment, 4.8 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.2 mm, or 4.1 mm or less. The peak thickness 4343 is, in one embodiment, greater than the non-notched edge thickness 4445, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is at least 5%, 10%, or 15% greater than the non-notched edge thickness 4445. The peak thickness 4343 is, in one embodiment, 100% greater than the reduced notch edge thickness 4444, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is at least 110%, 120%, or 130% greater than the reduced notch edge thickness 4444. The peak thickness 4343, in one embodiment, is less than 200% of the non-notched edge thickness 4445, while in further embodiments, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 190%, 180%, 170%, 160%, 150%, 140%, or 130% of the non-notched edge thickness 4445. The peak thickness 4343, in one embodiment, is less than 310% of the reduced notched edge thickness 4444, while in further embodiments, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 300%, 290%, 280%, or 270% of the reduced notched edge thickness 4444.Peak thickness 4343 is in one embodiment at least 3.9 mm, and in a further embodiment at least 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, or 4.8 mm. In yet a further set of embodiments, peak thickness 4343 is in one embodiment no more than 6.0 mm, and in a further embodiment no more than 5.9 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.7 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.1 mm, or 5.0 mm.

[0381] 44B is a cross-sectional view of the toe portion 4342 of the face insert 110. The toe portion 4342 includes a chamfer 4451 on an inner edge of the face insert 110. The chamfer 4451 has an included angle from the chamfer surface to the face insert sidewall surface that is at least 110 degrees in one embodiment, and at least 120 degrees, 130 degrees, or 140 degrees in further embodiments. Furthermore, the chamfer 4451 has a chamfer length of at least 0.5 mm in one embodiment, and at least 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm in further embodiments. In further embodiments, the chamfer length is no more than 60% of the unnotched edge thickness 4445, and in additional embodiments, no more than 50%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25%. In one embodiment, the chamfer 4452 exists over at least 90 mm of the circumference of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, it exists over at least 110 mm, 130 mm, 150 mm, or 170 mm. In another embodiment, referring to the front view coordinate system of FIG. 61 , the chamfer 4452 exists over at least 90 degrees of the circumference of the face insert 110, and in further embodiments, it exists over at least 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, or 315 degrees. In further embodiments, the face insert circumference adjacent the reduced notch edge thickness 4444 does not have the chamfer 4452. In yet a further embodiment, the notch 4220 has a radius of curvature of 25 mm or less, and in additional embodiments, radii of curvature of 22 mm, 19 mm, and 16 mm or less. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the notch 4220 has an acute angle between the notch face and the face insert sidewall surface. In some embodiments, the edge thickness 4445 can be between about 3.35 mm and about 4.2 mm, preferably 3.65 mm ± 0.1 mm, 3.8 mm ± 0.1 mm, or 3.9 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0382] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of a polymer layer 4500 of the face insert 110. The polymer layer 4500 may be provided on an outer surface of the face insert 110 to provide improved performance of the face insert 110, such as in wet conditions. Exemplary polymer layers are described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 330,486 (patented as U.S. Pat. No. 8,979,669), which is incorporated by reference. The polymer layer 4500 may include polyurethane and / or other polymer materials. The polymer layer may have a maximum polymer thickness 4560 of between about 0.2 mm and about 0.7 mm, or between about 0.3 mm and about 0.5 mm, preferably 0.40 mm ± 0.05 mm. The polymer layer may have a minimum polymer thickness 4570 of between about 0.05 mm and about 0.15 mm, preferably 0.09 mm ± 0.02 mm. The polymer layer may be configured with alternating maximum thicknesses 4560 and minimum thicknesses 4570 to create scorelines on the face insert 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, teeth and / or other textures may be provided in the thicker areas of the polymer layer 4500 between the scorelines.

[0383] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a golf club is provided. For example, the method includes providing a golf club head having a face opening, with an internal hosel surface extending into (e.g., forming a portion of) the face opening. The golf club head may also include at least one of a crown opening and / or a sole opening. The method also includes attaching a composite face insert to the golf club body, the face insert being machined from a composite plaque having a larger area than the finished face insert. For example, the composite face insert has a machined peripheral chamfer and a machined notch. The method further includes surrounding the face opening with the face insert, such as by attaching the face insert to the club head. In some embodiments, the internal hosel surface is received by a notch in the face insert. The method also includes surrounding one or more of the crown opening and / or sole opening with the crown insert and / or the sole insert. The method may further comprise attaching a golf club shaft having a shaft sleeve and tightening screws to attach the golf club shaft to the golf club head to form a golf club assembly. In some examples, the golf club head has a face progression of less than between 10 mm and 20 mm and a CFY of between 9 and 18 mm, preferably less than 16 mm.

[0384] In some embodiments, the x-axis of the golf club head is tangent to the face and parallel to the ground plane, with negative positions on the x-axis extending from the center face to the toe portion and positive positions on the x-axis extending from the center face to the heel portion. In these embodiments, the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club body relative to the x-axis is x ) can be oriented from about 0 mm to about −10 mm.

[0385] In some embodiments, a method for counteracting lateral dispersion tendencies in a golf club head is provided. For example, the golf club head may have a face, a crown, and a sole that together define an internal cavity, and the body of the golf club head has heel and toe portions and x, y, and z axes that are perpendicular to one another and have their origins at the USGA center face. The method may include providing a primary alignment feature having a line that delineates a transition between the shading or color of the face and at least a first portion of the crown having an area of ​​contrasting shading or color. The primary alignment feature may be firmly crafted into the golf club head with the face of the golf club body, and the golf club head may have a first sight adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) relative to the primary alignment feature. The method also includes measuring the lateral dispersion tendencies of the golf club head. The lateral dispersion tendency indicates an average dispersion from the center target line, with a positive lateral dispersion tendency being an average dispersion to the right of the center target line and a negative lateral dispersion tendency being an average dispersion to the left of the center target line. The method further includes adjusting the primary alignment feature to provide an adjusted primary alignment feature that counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head and incorporating the adjusted primary alignment feature into the golf club head. The adjusted primary alignment feature may have a second target adjusted perceived face angle (Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA)) of about -2 to about 10 degrees and a second radius of curvature (Circle Fit) of about 300 to about 1000 mm.

[0386] In some embodiments, the method may also include incorporating the adjusted primary alignment feature into the golf club head by modifying the golf club head. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary alignment feature counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head by providing the golf club head with a positive lateral dispersion tendency. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary alignment feature counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head by providing the golf club head with a negative lateral dispersion tendency. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary alignment feature counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head by reducing the average dispersion from the center target line. In some embodiments, the primary alignment feature is machined into the golf club head by bonding the face to the golf club body. In some embodiments, the golf club body is painted prior to bonding the face to the golf club body. In some embodiments, the adjusted primary alignment feature is adjusted to achieve a second target adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) of about -5 to about 2 degrees, with an adjustment of 25 mm in the heel direction. 25H ) and a second target adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) of 0 to approximately 9 degrees with an adjustment of 25 mm toward the toe. 25T ) and a second target adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) of about 2 to about 9 degrees with an adjustment of 50 mm toward the toe. 50T ) and

[0387] Additional Exemplary Golf Club Heads

[0388] Figure 46, Figure 47, Figure 48, Figure 49, Figure 50, Figure 51, Figure 52, Figure 53, Figure 54, Figure 55, Figure 56, Figure 57, Figure 58, Figure 59, Figure 60, Figure 61, Figure 62, Figure 63, Figure 64, Figure 65, Figure 66, Figure 67, Figure 68, Figure 69, Figure 70A, Figure 70B, Figure 71, Figure 72, Figure 73, Figure 74, Figure 75, Figure 76, Figure 77, Figure 78, Figure 79, Figure 80, Figure 81, Figure 82, Figure 83, Figure 84, Figure 85, Figure 86, Figure 87, Figure 88 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, and 94 illustrate an example golf club head 4600 comprising a face plate 4610 and an oversized crown 4620, also referred to as a crown panel, that extends to the front of the club head adjacent the upper side of the face plate 4610 and, in some embodiments, forms the topline and / or rear perimeter portion of the club head. The crown 4620 and face plate 4610 may comprise a non-metallic composite material, which, in some embodiments, results in a topline where a portion of the composite material of the crown extends adjacent a portion of the face plate. While much of this disclosure relates to the relationship between the crown 4620, face plate 4610, and related support structures, it is important to understand at the outset that the disclosure and relationships also apply to the sole plate 4640, which has a portion that wraps around the front of the club head adjacent the face plate 4610, and this may occur at the toe of the face plate 4610 as seen in FIGS. 77-81, at the heel of the face plate 4610 as seen in FIGS. 77-79, at the bottom of the face plate 4610 as seen in FIGS. 76 and 80, and any combination thereof. Likewise, the disclosure and relationships also apply to individual plates that may form only a portion of the skirt, may be located at the toe or heel, and may not constitute a portion of the sole.

[0389] The club head comprises a body 4602, which includes a hosel portion 4604 and provides primary structural support to the club head, and may comprise a face plate 4610 and a crown 4620, and in some embodiments, a sole plate 4640, one or more weights (e.g., weights 4650, 4640), and / or other features, to which various other components are coupled. In some embodiments, the body comprises a front body portion (labeled 4602) and a rear ring portion 4630 attached (e.g., welded, bonded, or mechanically attached) or integrally formed together at the heel and toe end. Whether attached together or integrally formed, the front body portion 4602 and the rear ring portion 4630 form a frame that serves as a support structure for the attachment of other components, which may include the crown 4620, face plate 4610, and / or sole plate 4640. Further, as will be disclosed in more detail below, the face plate 4610 may be attached to or integrally formed with the frame and / or the front body portion 4602, and thus may be a separate component, as will be disclosed in more detail below, but the use of the term "plate" does not suggest a separate component. Similarly, the sole plate 4640 may be attached to or integrally formed with the frame, the front body portion 4602, and / or the rear ring portion 4630, and thus may be, as will be disclosed in more detail below, but the use of the term "plate" does not suggest a separate component. Thus, in one simple embodiment, the frame is created by the front body portion 4602 and the rear ring portion 4630, whether joined or formed together, to form the upper crown opening 340 in the frame. The front body portion 4602 includes a hosel portion 4604 having a hosel bore whose center defines a shaft axis (SA).

[0390] The rear ring portion 4630, in some embodiments, may comprise a different material than the front body portion 4602. In other embodiments, the front body portion and rear ring portion are integral components of a common material. In one embodiment, the front body portion 4602 and / or the rear ring portion 4630 are formed from a metal alloy, while in further embodiments, the front body portion 4602 and / or the rear ring portion 4630 are formed from a non-metallic material, including any of those disclosed herein.

[0391] The crown 4620 may have a larger outer surface area extending over a wider area than a conventional crown. The periphery of the crown 4620 may be bonded to a recessed ledge of the body such that the crown 4620 covers the upper opening of the body. For example, as shown in FIGS. 62 and 63 , the crown 4620 may include a front portion 4622 bonded to a front or forward ledge 4680 of the body by body panel adhesive 4684. The front portion 4622 extends over and around the upper front portion of the body 4694 and is adjacent to the upper portion 4612 of the faceplate 4610. The body may also include a front opening 4696 covered by a faceplate, the peripheral portion of which is bonded by a face insert adhesive 4616 to the body's peripheral wall 4690, also referred to as ledge wall 4690, or face support ledge walls 4690 and / or 4692, also referred to as insert recess walls 4692, as seen in FIG. 63. As seen in FIG. 63, the face support ledge wall 4690 has a ledge wall length 4691 measured from the ledge wall inner peripheral edge 4695 to the insert recess wall 4692. Similarly, the insert recess wall 4692 is measured from the recess wall leading edge 6100 to the face support ledge wall 4690 along the top, while in other portions, such as the illustrated bottom, it has an insert recess wall length 4693 measured from the forward-most point of the insert recess wall 4692 to the face support ledge wall 4690, as seen in FIG. 63 , the face support ledge wall 4690 also has a ledge wall thickness 4699 that may vary slightly along the ledge wall length 4691, however, unless otherwise noted, references to the ledge wall thickness 4699 herein are the average ledge wall thickness 4699 from the ledge wall inner perimeter edge 4695 to the start of the fillet that transitions into the insert recess wall 4692. While the face support ledge wall 4690 is shown as continuous around the perimeter of the faceplate 4610, in one embodiment it is discontinuous with a ledge gap of at least X between adjacent distinct ledge wall segments, where X represents a number from 1 to 10.Additionally, the face support ledge wall 4690 may be formed from a single material around the periphery of the face plate 4610, although in one embodiment the face support ledge wall 4690 is constructed from at least two separate portions formed from different materials.

[0392] In one embodiment, the upper front portion of the body 4694, i.e., the front body portion 4602, is completely covered and not visible between the crown 4620 and the face plate 4610. This allows the top line of the club head to be formed by the juncture of the crown 4620 and the face plate 4610, which can enable a very precisely defined top line (the benefits of which are described in detail elsewhere herein). In contrast, in conventional club heads, the top line of the club head is often hand-painted and is susceptible to variations due to human error. The precise orientation and location of the top line can be defined by precisely manufacturing the combined shape of the front portion of the crown and the top portion of the face plate. This also allows for the intentional creation of slightly different custom top line orientations in different club heads, for example to affect draw bias.

[0393] Another advantage is that there is no need to paint the visible upper front portion of the body, as with conventional club heads, eliminating the problem of painted surfaces chipping or otherwise being damaged from ball strikes or other impacts. Unexpectedly, the composite material of the crown has been found to be more durable and resistant to chipping and cracking than conventional painted surfaces on metal bodies. This may be because the composite material of crown 4620 is attached to itself, forming a stronger bond than a paint layer attached to a metal body. Furthermore, the composite crown material overlying the forward surface of the body appears to provide a very strong, damage-resistant surface in the upper front region of the club head.

[0394] On the toe side of the club head, the toe portion 4624 of the crown 4620 may extend all the way to the toe-most extent of the club head or further and may be coupled to a ledge 4680 of the body. As shown in FIG. 64 , some embodiments include a rear portion 4630 of the body, which may have a complementary ledge 4636 contiguous with the ledge 4680, and the toe portion 4624 of the crown 4620 may be coupled to one or both of them. The toe end of the crown 4620 may contact and / or be coupled to walls 4688, 4638, where the body steps down into a recessed ledge. The wall 4688 in FIG. 64 is also known as the toe-side stepped wall 4688 shown in FIG. 66 . As seen in FIGS. 64 and 65 , the wall 4638, also referred to as the intermediate stepped wall 4638, joins the heel-side stepped wall 4689, seen in FIG. 67, to the toe-side stepped wall 4688. In one embodiment, the dimensions associated with the step walls 4688, 4689, 4638 are identical.

[0395] Similarly, on the heel side of the club head, the heel portion 4626 of the crown may extend all the way to the heel-most extent of the club head or further and may be connected to a body ledge 4680 of the body. As shown in FIG. 65 , the rear ring portion 4630 of the body may have a complementary ring ledge 4636 that is contiguous with the body ledge 4680, and the heel portion 4626 of the crown 4620 may be connected to one or both. The heel end of the crown 4620 may contact and / or be connected to a heel-side stepped-down wall 4689 and / or an intermediate stepped-down wall 4638, where the body steps down to the recessed ledges 4680, 4636. The ring ledge 4636 and intermediate stepped-down wall 4638 may extend around the rear of the club head so that the rear portion of the crown 4620 can also extend widely to the maximum rearward extent of the club head, as shown in FIGS. 50 and 56 .

[0396] 56, a top view coordinate system is defined with a top view origin aligned with center face 205 and located at the midpoint of center face depth dimension 4999 measured along vertical center face plane VCFP, and includes a y-axis 207 from the forward-most point of the club head on the vertical center face plane to the rear-most point of the club head on the vertical center face plane with the club head in the address position as seen in FIGS. 1A-1D. A 0-degree line extends along the vertical center face plane between the top view origin and the rear of the club head, a 90-degree line extends perpendicular to the 0-degree line from the top view origin toward the heel, a 180-degree line extends perpendicular to the 90-degree line from the top view origin and passes through center face 205, and a 270-degree line extends perpendicular to the 180-degree line from the top view origin toward the toe. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downward to create a topline over a range between 170-190 degrees, while in further embodiments, the crown 4620 bends downward to create a topline over a range between 160-200 degrees, 155-205 degrees, 150-210 degrees, 145-215 degrees, 140-215 degrees, and 135-215 degrees. However, in further embodiments, the crown 4620 bends downward to create a topline over any continuous 10-degree range, and in further embodiments, over any 20-degree range, any 30-degree range, any 40-degree range, any 50-degree range, any 60-degree range, any 70-degree range, and any 80-degree range. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downward to create the entire topline. In another embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downward adjacent the outer periphery of the faceplate 4610 over a range between 170-190 degrees, while in further embodiments this is true over a range between 160-200 degrees, 155-205 degrees, 150-210 degrees, 145-215 degrees, 140-215 degrees, and 135-215 degrees.However, in further embodiments, the crown 4620 curves downwardly adjacent the outer periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range, and in further embodiments over any 20 degree range, any 30 degree range, any 40 degree range, any 50 degree range, any 60 degree range, any 70 degree range, and any 80 degree range.

[0397] Another way of describing these relationships is shown in Figure 61, using a front view coordinate system centered on the center face 205 with the club head in the address position, with 0 degrees vertically upward, 90 degrees horizontally toward the heel, 180 degrees vertically downward, and 270 degrees horizontally toward the toe. In another embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downward adjacent to the periphery of the face plate 4610 over a range between 350-10 degrees, while in further embodiments this is true over a range between 340-20 degrees, 335-25 degrees, 330-30 degrees, 325-35 degrees, 320-40 degrees, 315-45 degrees, 310-50 degrees, 305-55 degrees, or 300-60 degrees. However, in further embodiments, the crown 4620 bends downwardly adjacent the periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range, and in further embodiments over any 20 degree range, any 30 degree range, any 40 degree range, any 50 degree range, any 60 degree range, any 70 degree range, any 80 degree range, any 90 degree range, any 100 degree range, or any 110 degree range. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwardly adjacent the periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range located between the 45 degree line and the 90 degree line, while in further embodiments, this 10 degree range is extended to 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees. Similarly, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downwardly adjacent the periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 5 degree range located between the 285 degree line and the 315 degree line, while in further embodiments, this 5 degree range extends to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or 25 degrees. [STOP HERE]

[0398] 56, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downward along the circumference of the club head such that the crown 4620 creates an outermost perimeter over any continuous 10 degree range from the 90 degree line located at the rear of the club head to the 270 degree line when viewed straight down in the top view with the club head in the design address position as seen in FIG. 56. Meanwhile, in further embodiments, the 10 degree range extends to 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, or a full 180 degrees. Additionally, in further embodiments, crown 4620 generates an outermost circumference over any continuous 10-degree range located between the 90-degree line and the 135-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 10-degree range extends to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Similarly, in further embodiments, crown 4620 generates an outermost circumference over any continuous 10-degree range located between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 10-degree range extends to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Furthermore, in other embodiments, crown 4620 generates an outermost circumference over any continuous 10-degree range located between the 300-degree line and the 60-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 10-degree range extends to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. However, in further embodiments, the crown 4620 does not curve downward around the circumference of the club head over any continuous exposed 10 degree range from the 90 degree line at the rear of the club head to the 270 degree line, thereby leaving a portion of the rear ring portion 4630 exposed when viewed straight down in a top view with the club head in the design address position, as seen in Figure 56. In further embodiments, the continuous exposed 10 degree range extends to at least 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees.Another set of embodiments limits the continuous exposed 10 degree range to no more than 135 degrees, and further embodiments limit it to no more than 125 degrees, 115 degrees, 105 degrees, 95 degrees, 85 degrees, 75 degrees, 65 degrees, 55 degrees, 45 degrees, or 35 degrees.

[0399] The extent to which the crown 4620 bends downward to create this outermost perimeter may vary, although in one embodiment, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward below the elevation of the club head center of gravity 350, referred to as Zup as seen in FIG. 13, over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, and referring again to FIG. 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between the 90-degree line and the 270-degree line located at the rear of the club head, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or a full 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between a 0-degree line and a 270-degree line located at the rear of the club head, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or a full 90. In yet a further embodiment, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between a 0-degree line and a 90-degree line located at the rear of the club head, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or a full 90.

[0400] In another embodiment, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward to an elevation below 125% of Zup over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, and referring again to FIG. 56 , the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between a 90-degree line and a 270-degree line located at the rear of the club head, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or a full 180 degrees.

[0401] In yet a further embodiment, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward to an elevation below 150% of Zup over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, and referring again to FIG. 56 , the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between a 90-degree line and a 270-degree line located at the rear of the club head, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or a full 180 degrees.

[0402] Looking now at the front portion of the club head between the 90-degree and 270-degree lines in FIG. 56, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 200% of Zup, while in another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 175% of Zup, and in yet a further embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 150% of Zup. Looking now at the front portion of the club head between the 110-degree and 145-degree lines in FIG. 56, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 200% of Zup, while in another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 175% of Zup, and in yet a further embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to an elevation below 150% of Zup.

[0403] Looking now at the forward portion of the club head between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines in FIG. 56, in one embodiment, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward to an elevation below Zup over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, and referring again to FIG. 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range located between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines in FIG. 56, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or even a full 45 degrees.

[0404] In another embodiment, looking again at the front portion of the club head between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line in FIG. 56, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward to an elevation below 175% of Zup over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, referring again to FIG. 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range located between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line in FIG. 56, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or a full 45 degrees.

[0405] In yet a further embodiment, looking again at the forward portion of the club head between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line in FIG. 56, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downward to an elevation below 150% of Zup over a predetermined range. In one such embodiment, referring again to FIG. 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range located between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line in FIG. 56, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or even a full 45 degrees.

[0406] In yet a further embodiment, looking again at the forward portion of the club head between the 270-degree line and the 90-degree line in FIG. 56, the crown 4620 has a particular aerodynamic curvature that includes any of the relationships disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 360,179, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Often such a relationship relates to the location of the crown apex 4621, or the highest point on the crown 4620 above the ground plane 317, thereby establishing the top surface 4623 seen in FIG. 61, which includes the crown apex 4621 and is parallel to the ground plane 317, referred to as the apex height, and shown in FIG. 12 as the crown height. The crown 4620 has a crown leading edge 4625, seen in FIGS. 62 and 93, and each point along the crown leading edge 4625 has a crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627, seen in FIG. 61, which is the vertical distance of any point on the crown leading edge 4625 below the top surface 4623 and varies from a maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 to a minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627, which is located on the crown leading edge 4625 adjacent the highest face point 4611, which is located at a top face elevation 4613 above the ground plane 317. The crown 4620 also has a crown peripheral edge 4631, seen in FIGS. 54, 56, and 93, which is the peripheral portion of the crown 4620 that does not include the crown leading edge 4625. The crown peripheral edge 4631 may include a crown-hosel peripheral edge portion 4632, seen in FIG. 93. As seen in FIGS. 53 and 93, in one embodiment, a portion of the crown 4620 adjacent the crown-hosel perimeter edge portion 4632 is upwardly concave.

[0407] In one embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 63 and 70B, the insert recess wall 4692 has a recess wall leading edge 6100. Similarly, the face top line peripheral edge 4215 of FIG. 42 has a face top line leading edge 4221 seen in FIGS. 70B and 75, and the face lower peripheral edge 4216 has a face lower leading edge 4222 seen in FIG. In one embodiment, when analyzing these relationships within a single vertical cross section parallel to the vertical center face plane VCFP, the crown leading edge 4625 is within 3 mm of the recess wall leading edge 6100, the recess wall leading edge 6100 is within 3 mm of the face top line leading edge 4221, and the crown leading edge 4625 is within 3 mm of the face top line leading edge 4221, while in further embodiments the 3 mm relationship is reduced to 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm or 1.0 mm. In a further embodiment, the crown leading edge 4625 overhangs the face top line leading edge 4221 by a overhang distance 4223 as seen in FIG. 70B , meaning that in a vertical cross section parallel to the vertical center face plane VCFP, the crown leading edge 4625 is further forward in the direction of the y-axis 207 than the adjacent face top line leading edge 4221, and in a further embodiment, the overhang distance 4223 is 0.15 mm or less, while in other embodiments, the overhang distance is at least 0.02 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, or 0.08 mm. While this discussion has focused on relationships within a single vertical cross section, the front view coordinate system of FIG. 61 may be used to define regions within which the disclosed relationships may apply. For example, in one embodiment, any of the multiple protruding relationships may apply over any continuous 15 degree range, while in further embodiments, the range extends to 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, 85 degrees, 95 degrees, 105 degrees, or 115 degrees, and in yet other embodiments, applies to all cross sections along the face top line peripheral edge 4215.These relationships generally apply to the portion of the face adjacent the crown leading edge 4625 and coincident vertically within any vertical cross section.

[0408] Looking now at FIG. 55 and the relationship of the bottom perimeter of the face insert 4610, i.e., the face lower perimeter edge 4216 and the face lower leading edge, here the front body portion 4602 generates the leading edge of the club head. Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 76 , the sole plate 4640 wraps upward adjacent to the face plate 4610 and has a sole plate leading edge 4641. In either case, the protruding relationship just described with respect to the crown leading edge 4625 may also apply to the recess wall leading edge 6100 in FIG. 55 and / or the sole plate leading edge 4641 in FIG. 76 .

[0409] However, in further embodiments, the opposite may be true. Thus, just as the crown leading edge 4625 protrudes to obscure the face top line leading edge from the golfer's view, a portion of the face lower leading edge 4222 may protrude from the adjacent recess wall leading edge 6100 in FIG. 55 and / or the sole plate leading edge 4641 in FIG. 76 , so that now the lower portion of the face lower leading edge 4222 prevents the golfer from noticing a separate joint around the lower portion of the face plate 4610 at address. Thus, in this embodiment, multiple components are precisely positioned, and the face top line leading edge 4221 is slightly recessed relative to the crown leading edge 4625, transitioning such that at least a portion of the face lower leading edge 4222 may protrude from the adjacent recess wall leading edge 6100 in FIG. 55 and / or the sole plate leading edge 4641 in FIG. 76 . In another embodiment, the protrusion distance 4223 in FIG. 70B may protrude by 0.15 mm or less, while in other embodiments, the protrusion distance 4223 may protrude by at least 0.02 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, or 0.08 mm. While this description has focused on relationships within a single vertical cross section, the front view coordinate system of FIG. 61 may be used to define regions within which the disclosed relationships may apply. For example, in one embodiment, any of the protrusion relationships may apply over any continuous 15-degree range, while in further embodiments, the range may extend to 25 degrees, 35 degrees, 45 degrees, 55 degrees, 65 degrees, 75 degrees, 85 degrees, or 95 degrees. In such embodiments, the transition of the face plate 4610 protruding relative to an adjacent component and recessed relative to an adjacent component is subtle in that it is not apparent along the toe-side and / or heel-side perimeter of the face plate 4610.In such an embodiment, the periphery of the face plate 4610 may have a toe-side coplanar transition point and a heel-side coplanar transition point that are coplanar with adjacent components at the coplanar transition points, i.e., neither recessed nor protruding. In one embodiment, the elevation of the toe-side coplanar transition point and / or the heel-side coplanar transition point is above the elevation of the center face 205, while in alternative embodiments, the elevation of the toe-side coplanar transition point and / or the heel-side coplanar transition point is below the elevation of the center face 205. In yet a further embodiment, the elevation of the heel-side coplanar transition point is less than the elevation of the toe-side coplanar transition point.

[0410] As seen in FIG. 70B , one embodiment has a face gap 4224 between the crown leading edge 4625 and the face top line leading edge 4221. Additionally, the face gap 4224 exists at any point along the perimeter of the face plate between it and an adjacent body component, whether located on the front body portion 4602 or the sole plate 4640. The face gap 4224 is measured parallel to the loft plane 5000. In one embodiment, the face gap 4224 is no greater than 75% of the maximum crown thickness 4629 of the portion of the crown 4620 located between the offset loft plane 5100 and the crown leading edge 4625, while in further embodiments, the face gap 4224 is no greater than 65%, 55%, 45%, or 35%. In further embodiments, the face gap 4224 is at least 5%, and in further embodiments, at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% of the maximum crown thickness 4629 of the portion of the crown 4620 located between the offset loft plane 5100 and the crown leading edge 4625. In one embodiment, consistent with multiple exemplary embodiments, no portion of the front body portion 4602 extends into the face gap 4224, meaning no portion of the front body portion 4602 extends beyond the recess wall leading edge 6100 into the face gap 4224 adjacent the crown leading edge sidewall surface. In one embodiment, the face gap 4224 is 2 mm or less, and in further embodiments, is 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, or 0.5 mm or less. As with all such relationships, the face gap 4224 may be evaluated at any vertical cross section, and the disclosed relationships may apply to any or all of the disclosed vertical cross sections. In another embodiment, the face gap 4224 is greater than the protruding distance 4223, and in further embodiments, the face gap 4224 is at least 10%, 20%, or 30% greater than the protruding distance 4223.In further embodiments, the face gap 4224 is less than 250% of the protruding distance 4223, and in further embodiments, less than 225%, 200%, 175%, or 150%.

[0411] In one embodiment, the maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 seen in FIG. 61 is at least 40% of Zup, while in further embodiments, it is at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70%. However, unlike past one-piece composite club heads, in another embodiment, the maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 is no more than 120% of Zup, while in further embodiments, it is no more than 110%, 100%, 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75%. In another embodiment, the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 is at least 10% of Zup, while in further embodiments, it is at least 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, or 34%. However, in other embodiments, the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 is 35% or less of Zup, while in further embodiments, it is 32.5%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 27%, 26%, 25%, 24%, 23%, or 22% or less. In further embodiments, the maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 is at least 100% greater than the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627, and in further embodiments, it is at least 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200% greater. In one embodiment, the maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown leading edge 4625 located between the vertical center face plane and the hosel portion 4604, and the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown leading edge 4625 located between the vertical center face plane and the toe 185. In yet a further embodiment, the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown leading edge 4625 that lies between the vertical center face plane and a parallel plane that contains the crown apex 4621 .In another embodiment, the head is divided along a vertical center face plane that passes through center face 205 and the heel maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance is compared to the toe maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance. In another embodiment, the heel maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance is at least 10% greater than the toe maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance, and in further embodiments, at least 15%, 20%, or 25% greater. Additionally, in another embodiment, the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance 4627 is greater than the effective face position height 164 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0412] 42 and 61, in the mounted position, the face-toe transition region 4217 has a highest face-toe transition region elevation measured vertically from the ground plane 317 and a lowest face-toe transition region elevation also measured vertically from the ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the toe crown-to-face junction point 4800 is adjacent to a face perimeter point at the face-toe transition region 4217 having the highest face-toe transition region elevation, such as in the embodiment of FIG. 61. However, in another embodiment, the toe crown-to-face junction point 4800 is adjacent to a face perimeter point at a face-toe transition region 4217 having a face-toe transition region elevation that is less than the highest face-toe transition region elevation, such as in the embodiment of FIG. In yet a further embodiment, the toe crown-face junction point 4800 is adjacent to the face perimeter point at the face to transition region 4217 having the lowest face to transition region elevation.

[0413] 42 and 61, in the mounted position, the face-heel transition region 4218 has a highest face-heel transition region elevation measured vertically from the ground plane 317 and a lowest face-heel transition region elevation also measured vertically from the ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the heel side crown-face junction point 4700 is adjacent to the face perimeter point at the face-heel transition region 4218 having the highest face-heel transition region elevation, such as in the embodiment of FIG. 61. However, in another embodiment, the heel side crown-face junction point 4700 has a heel side junction point elevation and the toe side crown-face junction point 4800 has a toe side junction point elevation, measured vertically from the ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the toe side junction point elevation is at least 10% greater than the heel side junction point elevation, and in further embodiments, is at least 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30% greater. However, in other embodiments, the toe side turnoff point elevation is less than 120% greater than the heel side turnoff point elevation, and in further embodiments, less than 110%, 100%, 90%, 80% or 70%.

[0414] In one embodiment, the heel crown-face junction point 4700 has a heel junction point elevation greater than the highest face-heel transition region elevation, as seen in FIGS. 84 and 85 , and in further embodiments, the elevation difference between the two elevations is 12 mm or less, and in additional embodiments, 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, or 4 mm or less. However, in another embodiment, the heel crown-face junction point 4700 is adjacent to a face perimeter point at a face-heel transition region 4218 that has a face-heel transition region elevation less than the highest face-heel transition region elevation. In yet a further embodiment, the heel crown-face junction point 4700 is adjacent to a face perimeter point at a face-heel transition region 4218 that has the lowest face-heel transition region elevation. As seen in FIG. 84 , the location of the heel crown-face junction point 4700 can be defined by a heel crown-face junction horizontal offset distance measured from the vertical center face plane VCFP, which in one embodiment is at least 40 mm, and in further embodiments, is at least 42 mm, 44 mm, or 46 mm. In another embodiment, the heel crown-face junction horizontal offset distance is 70 mm or less, and in additional embodiments, is 66 mm, 62 mm, 60 mm, 58 mm, 56 mm, or 54 mm or less. Similarly, as seen in FIG. 84 , the vertical location of the heel crown-face junction point 4700 can be defined by a heel crown-face junction vertical offset distance measured vertically from the elevation of the center face 205. In one embodiment, the heel crown-face junction vertical offset distance is less than 16 mm above the center face 205, and in further embodiments, is less than 14 mm, 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, or 6 mm.In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 84 , the edge of the crown 4620, i.e., a portion of the crown-hosel outer periphery edge portion 4632, extends vertically plus or minus 5 degrees from the heel crown-face junction point 4700 to its intersection with the vertical forward hosel plane 3252 seen in FIG. 56. However, in another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 72 , the edge of the crown 4620, i.e., a portion of the crown-hosel outer periphery edge portion 4632, extends upward from the heel crown-face junction point 4700 to the vertical forward hosel plane 3252 with a curved edge that, in the illustrated embodiment, is concave toward the center face 205, and in one embodiment, the curved edge has a radius of curvature that is less than 25 mm, and in further embodiments, less than 20 mm, 17.5 mm, 15 mm, or 12.5 mm.

[0415] Referring again now to the front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 and the previous disclosure that the face support ledge wall 4690 can be formed from multiple materials around the periphery of the faceplate 4610. One such embodiment comprises a first ledge wall region formed from a first ledge wall material having a first ledge wall material density and a second ledge wall region formed from a second ledge wall material having a second ledge wall material density greater than the first ledge wall material density. FIG. 94 illustrates one such embodiment comprising a first ledge wall region 4710 and a second ledge wall region 4720. In further embodiments, the second ledge wall material density is at least 25% greater than the first ledge wall material density, and in further embodiments, at least 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250%, or 275% greater. In a further embodiment, the first ledge wall material density is less than 5 g / cc, in another embodiment less than 3 g / cc, and in yet a further embodiment less than 2 g / cc. The second ledge wall material density is in one embodiment at least 4 g / cc, in another embodiment at least 7 g / cc, and in yet a further embodiment at least 10 g / cc.

[0416] 63 , the following disclosure is applicable to all face support ledge wall 4690 embodiments, whether a single continuous face support ledge wall 4690, a face support ledge wall 4690 comprised of multiple separate sections spaced apart from one another but formed from the same material, or a face support ledge wall 4690 comprising multiple separate sections, whether spaced apart from one another and whether formed from different materials. The ledge wall 4690 has an average ledge wall thickness 4699 from the ledge wall inner perimeter edge 4695 to the start of the fillet transition to the insert recess wall 4692. One embodiment includes a first ledge wall having a first ledge wall average thickness 4699 from the ledge wall inner peripheral edge 4695 to the start of the fillet transition to the insert recess wall 4692, and a second ledge wall having a second ledge wall average thickness 4699 from the ledge wall inner peripheral edge 4695 to the start of the fillet transition to the insert recess wall 4692. In one embodiment, the second ledge wall average thickness is less than the first ledge wall average thickness, while in another embodiment, the second ledge wall average thickness is at least 10% less than the first ledge wall average thickness, and in further embodiments, at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% less. In another set of embodiments, the second ledge wall average thickness is 40-80% of the first ledge wall average thickness, and in further embodiments, 45-75%, 50-70%, or 55-65%. In one particular embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 1.1 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 1.0 mm or less; in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 1.15 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.95 mm or less; in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 1.20 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.90 mm or less; and in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 1.25 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.85 mm or less.In one particular embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 0.875 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.86 mm or less; in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 0.90 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.85 mm or less; in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 0.925 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.84 mm or less; and in another embodiment, the average ledge wall thickness and / or the average first ledge wall thickness is at least 0.95 mm and the average second ledge wall thickness is 0.83 mm or less.

[0417] Referring again to the front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 , in one embodiment, the first ledge wall region 4710 of FIG. 94 includes at least 90 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610, while in further embodiments, it includes at least 145 degrees, 180 degrees, 190 degrees, 200 degrees, 210 degrees, 220 degrees, 230 degrees, 240 degrees, 250 degrees, 260 degrees, 270 degrees, or 280 degrees. In one embodiment, the first ledge wall region 4710 includes the entire top circumference located from the 90-degree line to the 270-degree line. In further embodiments, the first ledge wall region 4710 includes at least 10 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 225-degree line and the 270-degree line, while in further embodiments, that 10-degree range extends to 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, or 35 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first ledge wall region 4710 includes at least 10 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 135-degree line and the 90-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 10-degree range extends to 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the first ledge wall region 4710 includes no more than 350 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610, while in further embodiments, includes no more than 340, 330, 320, 310, 300, 290, 280, 270, or 260 degrees. While in exemplary embodiments the first ledge wall region 4710 is continuous, in some embodiments it is discontinuous and formed from separate sections, along with the entire ranges referenced above. Indeed, one such embodiment comprises at least two distinct sections of the first ledge wall region 4710, while further embodiments comprise at least three distinct sections, at least four distinct sections, or at least five distinct sections.

[0418] Similarly, with continued reference to the front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 , in one embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 in FIG. 94 includes at least 10 degrees around the perimeter of the faceplate 4610, while in further embodiments, it includes at least 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, or 100 degrees. In one embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 includes at least 10 degrees around the perimeter of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 180 degree line and the 90 degree line, while in further embodiments, that 10 degree range extends to 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, or 50 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 includes at least 10 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 180-degree line and the 270-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 10-degree range extends to 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 degrees. In yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the second ledge wall region 4720 is located above the Zup, while in further embodiments, at least a portion of the second ledge wall region 4720 is located 205 above the center face. In one embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 includes at least 5 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 270-degree line and the 0-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees. In another embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 includes at least 5 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610 in the area between the 0-degree line and the 90-degree line, while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range extends to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 degrees. In yet another embodiment, the second ledge wall region 4720 includes no more than 180 degrees around the circumference of the faceplate 4610, while in further embodiments, includes no more than 170, 160, 150, 140, 130, 120, 110, 100, 90, or 80 degrees.94, the second ledge wall region 4720 is continuous, while in some embodiments, it is discontinuous and formed from separate sections, along with the entire ranges referenced above. In fact, one such embodiment comprises at least two separate sections of the second ledge wall region 4720, while further embodiments comprise at least three separate sections, at least four separate sections, or at least five separate sections. The second ledge wall region 4720 may be formed as part of a forward insert that also forms a portion of the sole, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 560,054, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0419] The crown may also extend close to and / or into the hosel portion of the body 4602. As shown in FIGS. 50 and 53, the front heel portion of the crown 4628 may extend into and around the hosel portion of the body 4602, with the forward edge wrapping over the front side of the hosel adjacent the heel end of the face plate 4610. As shown in FIG. 67, the body may have a recessed surface 4682 that cuts into the hosel portion to receive the front heel portion of the crown 4628.

[0420] 67 , the recessed surface 4682 can have a heel-side step-down wall 4689 extending downwardly around a portion of the hosel portion 4604 and around the heel side of the face receiving portion of the forward body portion 4602, which may transition into an insert recess wall 4692 and be coupled to a side of the face plate 4610. The heel-side step-down wall 4689 has a heel-side step-down wall length 4697, as seen in FIG. 67 . As seen in FIG. 66 , on the front-toe side of the body, the ledge 4688, also referred to as the toe-side step-down wall 4688, can similarly wrap all the way around to the insert wall recess 4692, just as the front-toe portion of the crown wraps down to the toe end of the face plate. The toe-side step-down wall 4688 has a toe-side step-down wall length 4698, as seen in FIG. 66 . 67, the point where the heel step-down wall 4689 intersects with the insert recess wall 4692 is the heel crown-face junction point 4700. Referring again to FIG. 66, the point where the toe step-down wall 4688 intersects with the insert recess wall 4692 is the toe crown-face junction point 4800. The locations of the heel crown-face junction point 4700 and the toe crown-face junction point 4800, as well as the relationship between the step-down walls, their lengths, and the insert recess wall 4692, all significantly affect the performance and durability of the club head.

[0421] Thus, the topline can extend along the entire top edge of the face plate 4610 from the adjacent heel-side step wall 4689 at the heel end to the adjacent toe-side step wall 4688 at the toe end. As seen in FIG. 65 , a wall 4638, also referred to as the intermediate step wall 4638, joins the heel-side step wall 4689 to the toe-side step wall 4688. The illustrated embodiment demonstrates the importance of the bond gap facilitating feature or BGPF, which not only ensures that the crown leading edge 4625 protrudes from the adjacent portion of the face plate 4610 at the toe-side crown-face junction point 4800 in FIG. 66 , but also ensures that the crown perimeter edge 4631, seen in FIGS. 54, 56, and 93, also protrudes from the adjacent portion of the forward body portion 4602 at the toe-side crown-face junction point 4800 in FIG. 66 . As such, all projecting relationships associated with the crown leading edge 4625 also apply to the crown perimeter edge 4631 with respect to adjacent portions of the forward body portion 4602 and / or rear ring portion 4630, including the intermediate step-down wall 4638, which includes the curvature of the crown 4620 adjacent the crown perimeter edge 4631. However, the analysis of the curvature of the crown 4620 adjacent the crown perimeter edge 4631 is performed relative to the vertical head perimeter edge plane 4998 and the offset vertical head perimeter edge plane 4997 seen in FIGS. 49 and 92, where the offset vertical head perimeter edge plane 4997 is parallel to the vertical head perimeter edge plane 4998 but offset by the vertical head perimeter offset plane distance toward the center of gravity of the club head. Without reference to FIG. 56, the vertical head perimeter edge plane 4998 is tangent to any analysis point located on the perimeter of the club head. For example, if the analysis point is located where the 270-degree line intersects the club head periphery, the vertical head periphery edge plane 4998 will be approximately parallel to the y-axis and therefore the 0-degree line, while if the analysis point is located at the intersection of the 315-degree line and the club head periphery, the vertical head periphery edge plane 4998 will be approximately parallel to the 225-degree line.Then, for any analysis point, an evaluation cross section is cut along a vertical evaluation plane perpendicular to the vertical head perimeter edge plane 4998, and the crown curvature is evaluated at the vertical evaluation plane between the analysis point and the offset vertical head perimeter edge plane 4997. Now, once this is defined, one skilled in the art will understand that all embodiments relating to crown curvature adjacent the faceplate 4610 are applicable to crown curvature between the vertical head perimeter edge plane 4998 and the offset vertical head perimeter edge plane 4997, including the disclosed three-point method, five-point method, and associated radii of curvature.

[0422] This is particularly subtle at the heel crown-face junction point 4700 seen in FIG. 67 , whereby, in one embodiment, the crown-hosel outer perimeter edge portion 4632 seen in FIGS. 72 , 90 and 93 is flush with the adjacent front body portion 4602 at the heel step-down wall 4689, but the crown leading edge 4625 still protrudes from the face plate 4610, thereby ensuring that the top edge of the face plate 4610 is hidden from the golfer's view at address, while also ensuring that the crown-hosel outer perimeter edge portion 4632 does not significantly protrude from the adjacent front body portion 4602 as it extends upward from the heel crown-face junction point 4700, which illustrates the importance of the heel step-down wall length 4697 and its relationship to the curvature of the front body portion 4602, the bond gap facilitating features, the insert recess wall length 4693, and the thickness of the crown 4620 and face plate 4610. In fact, this is further complicated in embodiments where the crown peripheral edge 4631 also protrudes from the toe-side step wall 4688 and / or the intermediate step wall 4638. In one embodiment, the heel-side step wall length 4697 is greater than the toe-side step wall length 4698.

[0423] 68 and 69, the insert recess wall length 4693 is not constant around the entire circumference of the face insert 110. As seen in the embodiments of FIGS. 61, 66, and 68, at the toe-side crown-to-face junction point 4800, the insert recess wall length 4693 varies by an amount equal to the toe-side step-down wall length 4698. Thus, utilizing a front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 centered on the center face 205 with 0 degrees vertically upward, 90 degrees horizontally toward the heel, 180 degrees vertically downward, and 270 degrees horizontally toward the toe, in one embodiment, the variation in the insert recess wall length 4693 occurs in the quadrant between 270 degrees and 0 degrees, while in a further embodiment, the variation occurs at a location in the 280-315 degree region, and in additional embodiments, the variation occurs at a location in the 285-305 degree or 290-300 degree region. In a further embodiment, seen in Figures 67 and 69, ignoring for the moment the internal hosel surface 3253, at the heel crown-face junction point 4700 the insert recess wall length 4693 changes by an amount equal to the heel step wall length 4697, and so, again referring to the front view coordinate system shown in Figure 61, the change in insert recess wall length 4693 occurs in the quadrant between 0 and 90 degrees, and in a further embodiment, between 45 and 90 degrees, while in another embodiment, between 60 and 85 degrees, and in yet another embodiment, between 70 and 85 degrees.

[0424] Meanwhile, in a further embodiment seen in FIGS. 67 and 69 , a portion of the internal hosel surface 3253 extends beyond a portion of the face support ledge wall 4690, but does not extend beyond the recess wall leading edge 6100 and / or the forward-most point of the insert recess wall 4692 adjacent to the internal hosel surface 3253 that extends beyond the portion of the face support ledge wall 4690. In one embodiment, the curved nature of this portion of the internal hosel surface 3253 produces a varying insert recess wall length 4693, as best seen in FIGS. 67 and 69 . Thus, referring again to the front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 , in one embodiment, the insert recess wall length 4693 is not constant at some location in the 45-135 degree range, while in a further embodiment it is not constant at some location in the 60-120 degree range, and in yet a further embodiment it is not constant at some location in the 70-110 degree range. In another embodiment, the insert recess wall length 4693 in any of the disclosed regions varies from a maximum insert recess wall length to a minimum insert recess wall length, with the maximum insert recess wall length being at least 10% greater than the minimum insert recess wall length, while in further embodiments the maximum insert recess wall length is at least 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% greater than the minimum insert recess wall length. In still further embodiments, the maximum insert recess wall length is no more than 150% greater than the minimum insert recess wall length, and in additional embodiments, no more than 140%, 130%, 120%, 110%, 100%, and 90% greater than the minimum insert recess wall length.

[0425] While the above paragraph discloses a portion of the internal hosel surface 3253 extending beyond a portion of the face support ledge wall 4690 but not beyond the recess wall leading edge 6100, those skilled in the art will understand how this applies equally to embodiments in which the face plate 4610 is joined to the front body portion 4602 without the use of a face support ledge wall 4690, for example, by butt welding or other butt joining techniques along the insert recess wall 4692. In such embodiments, the front body portion 4602 adjacent the face opening has an inner surface adjacent the insert recess wall 4692, and the internal hosel surface 3253 extends beyond the adjacent inner surface (i.e., between the inner edge of the insert recess wall 4692 and the outer edge of the insert recess wall 4692), but notably does not extend beyond the forward-most edge of the insert recess wall 4692. Therefore, all notch disclosures are equally applicable to metal face plates 4610 and their peripheries to accommodate the internal hosel surface 3253 extending into the area between the inner edge of the insert recess wall 4692 and the outer edge of the insert recess wall 4692 and achieve all disclosed advantages.

[0426] Looking specifically now to the change in insert recess wall length 4693 that occurs at the toe crown-face bifurcation point 4800 in Figures 61, 66, and 68, in one embodiment, the minimum insert recess wall length is at least 5% less than the maximum insert recess wall length, and in a further embodiment, the minimum insert recess wall length is at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25% less than the maximum insert recess wall length. In a further set of embodiments, the minimum insert recess wall length is 5-75% less than the maximum insert recess wall length, while in further embodiments, the minimum insert recess wall length is 10-65%, 15-60%, or 20-55% less than the maximum insert recess wall length. In one embodiment, the insert recess wall length 4693 is at least 2 mm, while in further embodiments it is at least 2.5 mm or 3.0 mm, and in further embodiments the insert recess wall length 4693 is no more than 5.0 mm, and in further embodiments it is no more than 4.75 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.25 mm, or 4.0 mm.

[0427] On the bottom of the club head 4600, in some embodiments, a sole insert 4640 is coupled to a sole support ledge 4690 of the body seen in FIG. 60 , with the forward surface of the sole support ledge 4690 being part of the front body portion 4602 and the rear and lateral surfaces of the sole support ledge 4690 being part of the rear ring portion 4630. The sole insert 4640, like the crown, may include any of the non-metallic low-density composite materials disclosed herein to reduce mass.

[0428] While many of the disclosed embodiments relate to an interface associated with the crown 4620 coupled to the frame and wrapping toward the face plate 4610, all of the disclosed relationships apply equally to one or more sole panels 4640 wrapping toward the face plate 4610, skirt panels wrapping toward the face plate 4610 at the heel and / or toe, and / or rear ring portions 4630 wrapping toward the face plate 4610. For example, FIG. 81 shows a sole insert 4640 that wraps around the front body portion 4602 and terminates at the adjacent face plate 4610 on the toe side of the club head. In this embodiment, the aforementioned toe-side crown-to-face junction point 4800 is shown, but now a first sole-face junction point 4910 and a second sole-face junction point 4920 are also present. In this embodiment, the first sole-face junction point 4910 occurs where the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 and the front body portion 4602. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second sole-face junction point 4920 occurs where the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 and the front body portion 4602. While in FIGS. 81 and 82 the sole insert 4640 only wraps around the adjacent face plate 4610 in an area between approximately 285 degrees and 260 degrees, with reference to the front view coordinate system shown in FIG. 61 , the area may be much larger, as seen in FIG. 80 where the second sole-face junction point 4920 is located between 180 degrees and 90 degrees. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second sole-face junction point 4920 may be adjacent to the heel crown-face junction point 4700.Similarly, while the embodiment of FIGS. 81 and 82 has a portion of the front body portion 4602 exposed between the crown 4620 and the sole insert 4640, specifically between the toe-side crown-face junction point 4800 and the first sole-face junction point 4910, this is not required, and in one embodiment, the first sole-face junction point 4910 is adjacent the toe-side crown-face junction point 4800 without any exposed portion of the front body portion 4602, as seen in FIG. 77. Additionally, the sole insert 4640 may wrap around and adjacent the face plate 4610 in multiple distinct areas, as seen in the shaded areas of FIGS. 77, 78, and 79. Thus, as seen in FIG. 77, the sole insert 4640 may additionally have a third sole-face junction point 4930 and a fourth sole-face junction point 4940.

[0429] In one embodiment, a portion of the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 at an elevation above the center face 205, while in another embodiment, a portion of the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 at an elevation both above the center face 205 and below the center face 205. Further, in another embodiment, a portion of the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 at an elevation above the Zup, while in another embodiment, a portion of the sole insert 4640 is adjacent to the face plate 4610 at an elevation both above the Zup and below the Zup.

[0430] 61 , in one embodiment, the sole insert 4640 is curved about the front body portion 4602 adjacent the periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range, and in further embodiments, any 20 degree range, 30 degree range, 40 degree range, 50 degree range, 60 degree range, 70 degree range, 80 degree range, 90 degree range, 100 degree range, or 110 degree range. In one embodiment, the sole insert 4640 is curved about the front body portion 4602 adjacent the periphery of the faceplate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range located between the 285 degree line and the 180 degree line, while in further embodiments, this 10 degree range extends to 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees, while in further embodiments, the range is located between the 285 degree line and the 225 degree line. In another embodiment, the sole insert 4640 curves about the front body portion 4602 adjacent the periphery of the face plate 4610 over any continuous 10 degree range located between the 90 degree line and the 180 degree line, while in further embodiments, this 10 degree range extends to 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, or 30 degrees, while in further embodiments, the range is located between the 90 degree line and the 135 degree line. In further embodiments, the sole insert 4640 curves about the front body portion 4602 adjacent the periphery of the face plate 4610 over a continuous range of 145 degrees or less, and in further embodiments, 135 degrees, 125 degrees, 115 degrees, 105 degrees, 95 degrees, 85 degrees, 75 degrees, 65 degrees, 55 degrees, 45 degrees, 35 degrees, or 25 degrees or less.

[0431] Those skilled in the art will understand that all of the disclosed relationships associated with the crown 4620, including but not limited to the toe side step wall 4688, heel side step wall 4689, intermediate step wall 4638, rear ring portion 4630, face plate 4610, insert recess wall length 4693, heel side step wall length 4697, and interface with toe side step wall length 4698, apply equally to the sole insert 4640 and individual toe skirt inserts and / or heel skirt inserts.

[0432] The phrases "adjacent to" or "adjacent the" are used throughout with reference to the proximity of a particular component relative to the perimeter of the face plate 4610, i.e., the edge of the crown 4620, the edge of the sole insert 4640, and / or the edge of the skirt panel. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the use of the term face plate should not be inferred as being limited to a separate face component or insert that is joined to the club head; rather, the perimeter of the face plate is also applicable to (a) a separate face component that is joined to the club head and has a separate perimeter edge after joining, as seen in most of the illustrated embodiments, and (b) a separate face component that is bonded flush with the club head but does not have a separate perimeter edge after joining, and (c) a separate face component that is joined to the club head but does not have a separate perimeter edge after joining (such as by welding and brazing), as seen in FIGS. 87-89, and (d) an integrally cast or molded forward portion of the club head, including the striking face. Regardless of these circumstances, the perimeter edge of the face plate 4610 may be readily identified. In situation (a), the perimeter of the face plate is a separate perimeter edge left when the face plate is joined to the club head. However, in situation (b), careful cross-section of the club head or analysis of the individual component blueprints would allow one skilled in the art to identify the perimeter edge of the face plate 4610.In the case of situation (c), if the fusion of the face plate 4610 and the club head has occurred by welding or the like, a person skilled in the art would be able to identify the center of the fusion zone 9000 seen in FIG. 89 by cross-sectioning the club head and establishing the perimeter of the face plate 9020 by offsetting the center of the fusion perimeter 9010 seen in FIGS. 87 and 89 outward by a 3 mm offset distance 9099, or by analyzing the design drawings of the individual components to establish the design component perimeter and offsetting the design component perimeter by a 3 mm offset distance 9099; if the fusion of the face component and the club head has not occurred by brazing or the like, the face insert will often still be similar in size to that used in the fusion joint, and similarly, a person skilled in the art would be able to identify the center of the joint by cross-sectioning the club head and establishing the perimeter of the face plate by offsetting the center of the joint perimeter outward by a 3 mm offset distance 9099, or by analyzing the design drawings of the individual components to establish the design component perimeter and offsetting the design component perimeter by a 3 mm offset distance 9099. For situation (d), which involves an integrally cast or molded forward portion of the club head including the striking face, the periphery of the face plate is defined as a series of points where the striking face radius is less than 127 mm; if the radius is not easily calculated in a computer modeling program, three points spaced 0.1 mm apart along a line passing through the center face 205 may be used as the three points used to determine the striking face radius; alternatively, a 127 mm curvature gauge aligned with the face center 205 and rotated through 360 degrees in FIG. 61 may be used to find multiple locations on the edge of the face where the curvature drops to 127 mm, and the joining of these locations establishes the periphery of the face plate.

[0433] Now, once the perimeter of the face plate is established, regardless of its structure, a number of different methods may be used to determine whether another component is “adjacent to” or “adjacent the” perimeter of the face plate 4610. The first method, referred to as the simple proximity method, uses a predefined proximity distance, which can be thought of as a string having a length equal to the predefined proximity distance separating a first end and a second end, whereby the first end of the string is positioned at a point on the perimeter of the face plate and the string is in contact with the outer surface of the club head. Then, if the other component (i.e., the edge of the crown 4620, sole insert 4640, and / or skirt insert) is contacted by the second end of the string, then the other component is “adjacent to” or “adjacent the” perimeter of the face plate 4610. In one embodiment, the predefined proximity distance is 4 mm, while in further embodiments, it is 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, or 0.75 mm.

[0434] The second method is called the offset plane method. In the offset plane method, a loft plane 5000 is first established in a vertical plane that passes through the face center 205 and is perpendicular to the shaft axis plane, which is called the vertical center face plane, sometimes abbreviated as VCFP. The loft plane 5000 is defined as a plane that is tangent to the face center 205 of the club head, as seen in Figure 70A. The point where the loft plane 5000 touches the face center 205 is called the loft plane origin.

[0435] Now, with the loft plane 5000 established and the discussion regarding the vertical center face plane completed, an analysis of other vertical cross sections passing through the face plate 4610 will be described. Again, this procedure is applicable to any vertical cross section passing through the face plate 4610 that is perpendicular to the shaft axis plane, which is a vertical plane that contains the shaft axis SA and is perpendicular to the ground plane 317. For example, with reference to FIG. 61 , the 0-180 degree line lies within the center face plane and corresponds to the z-axis 206. However, to analyze the relationship associated with an offset vertical cross section located −5 millimeters in the toe direction from the vertical center face plane, the curvature of the face plate 4610 must be taken into account. Thus, the loft plane 5000 is shifted −5 mi...

Claims

1. A golf club head, It has a face, a sole, a crown, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the face has a face center and defines a loft plane tangent to the face center and an origin for x-, y-, and z-axes, the x-axis being tangent to the face at the origin and parallel to a ground plane, the y-axis being perpendicular to the x-axis and extending away from the face center and parallel to the ground plane, and the z-axis extending vertically from the face center and perpendicular to the ground plane; a vertical center face plane including the y-axis and the z-axis, and dividing a toe side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a toe-most extent of the golf club head and a heel side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a heel-most extent of the golf club head; a frame having a front body portion attached to a rear body portion; the rear ring portion extends from a rear ring heel end to a rear ring toe end; the front body portion has a face opening, a front ledge extending rearward of the face opening, and a front ring portion extending rearward of the face opening and reaching a front ring heel end and a front ring toe end, the front ring heel end being attached to the rear ring heel end at the heel side, and the front ring toe end being attached to the rear ring toe end at the toe side, the forward ring heel end and the forward ring toe end are located at least 15 mm rearward of the loft plane; the rearing portion is formed from a rearing metal material having a rearing density and a rearing tensile strength of less than 3 g / cc; the front body portion is formed from a front body metal material having a front body density and a front body tensile strength of 4.5 g / cc or less; at least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals; a face plate attached to the front body portion and closing the face opening; a hosel portion having a hosel bore defining a shaft axis and a shaft axis plane; a crown opening defined in part by the forward ledge and the rear ring portion; a non-metallic crown attached to the forward ledge and the rear ring portion, covering the crown opening, and formed from a non-metallic crown material having a non-metallic crown density and a non-metallic crown tensile strength of at least 200 megapascals; At least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is greater than the non-metallic crown tensile strength, a front body weight attached to the front body portion; a rear ring weight attached to the rear ring portion; The golf club head has a center of gravity having a CG x-axis coordinate CGx of -5 mm to 5 mm relative to the face center, a CG y-axis coordinate CGy of 20 mm to 50 mm relative to the face center, a CG z-axis coordinate CGz of -10 mm to 0 mm relative to the face center, a Zup height of 18 to 30 mm above the ground plane, CG x-axis, CG y-axis, CG z-axis, and a center of gravity of 280 to 440 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia around the x-axis Ixx, 465 to 700 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia about the z-axis Izz, a club head mass of 180 to 210 grams, and a club head mass of 390 to 500 cm ３ A golf club head having a volume of

2. The front ring heel end and the front ring toe end are located at least 20 mm behind the loft plane, and the rear ring weight is at least 7 g / cm ３ The golf club head of claim 1 having a rear wing weight density of

3. 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein, in a top view, the golf club head comprises a top view coordinate system having a top surface origin coincident with the face center and at a midpoint of a center face depth dimension measured along the vertical center face plane from a forward-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane to a rear-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane, a 0-degree line extends along the vertical center face plane between the top surface origin and the rear ring portion, a 90-degree line is perpendicular to the 0-degree line and extends from the top surface origin toward the hosel portion, a 180-degree line is perpendicular to the 90-degree line and extends from the top surface origin and passes through the face center, and a 270-degree line is perpendicular to the 180-degree line and extends from the top surface origin away from the hosel portion, and the non-metallic crown generates an outermost periphery of the golf club head over a continuous 5-degree range located between the 90-degree line and the 180-degree line.

4. The golf club head of claim 3 , wherein the non-metallic crown defines the outermost periphery of the golf club head over a continuous 20 degree range located between a 270 degree line and a 0 degree line.

5. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein the non-metallic crown defines the outermost periphery of the golf club head over a continuous 20 degree range located between a 0 degree line and a 90 degree line.

6. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the non-metallic crown forms the outermost periphery of the golf club head over a continuous 10 degree range located between a 90 degree line and a 180 degree line, a continuous 30 degree range located between a 270 degree line and a 0 degree line, and a continuous 30 degree range located between a 0 degree line and a 90 degree line.

7. 7. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the non-metallic crown forms the outermost periphery of the golf club head over a continuous 5 degree range located between the 180 degree line and the 270 degree line and over a continuous 15 degree range located between the 90 degree line and the 180 degree line.

8. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein no portion of the non-metallic crown extends below the Zup height over a continuous 30 degree range located between the 270 degree line and the 90 degree line and toward the trailing edge.

9. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the non-metallic crown has a crown leading edge, a crown apex, and a top surface parallel to the ground plane, the crown leading edge being positioned vertically below the top surface by a crown leading edge apex offset distance, and the crown leading edge apex offset distance being 40% to 120% of the Zup height.

10. The golf club head of claim 9 , wherein the crown leading edge apex offset distance is less than or equal to 100% of the Zup height.

11. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the crown leading edge apex offset distance varies from a minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance to a maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance, and the maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance is at least 100% greater than the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance.

12. The maximum crown leading edge apex offset distance is at least 200% greater than the minimum crown leading edge apex offset distance, the crown leading edge apex offset distance is less than or equal to 100% of the Zup height, the CG y-axis coordinate CGy is at least 33 mm, and the moment of inertia Ixx is at least 300 kg mm ２ and the moment of inertia Izz is at least 480 kg mm ２ The golf club head according to claim 11, wherein:

13. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein the front ring heel end and the front ring toe end are located at least 25 mm rearward of the loft plane, the front body tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals, and the front body metal material is different from the rear ring metal material.

14. The golf club head of claim 13 , wherein the face plate is formed from a face plate material different from the front body metal material.

15. The golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the rear ring tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals.

16. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein at least 50% of the outer surface of the face plate has a face average surface roughness of at least 2.0 microns, and the face plate has a face mass of 16 to 35 grams.

17. 17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the face plate comprises a face insert unidirectional prepreg ply having a face insert resin elongation to break of at least 2.3%, and the face mass is 30 grams or less.

18. 18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the non-metallic crown includes a crown unidirectional prepreg ply having a crown resin elongation to break, and the face insert resin elongation to break is greater than the crown resin elongation to break, and the face mass is 28 grams or less.

19. 20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the crown resin elongation to fracture is less than 1.9% and the face mass is 26 grams or less, the golf club head has a body length of 115 to 130 mm, and the face plate has a face profile length of 94 to 106 mm and a face profile width of 48 to 57 mm.

20. The golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the face plate is adhesively bonded to the front body metal material.

21. the front ring heel end and the front ring toe end are located at least 30 mm behind the loft plane, the golf club head has a CT value of greater than about 255, the CG y-axis coordinate CGy is at least 33 mm, and the moment of inertia Ixx is at least 300 kg mm ２ and the moment of inertia Izz is at least 480 kg mm ２ 21. The golf club head according to claim 20, wherein:

22. 21. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein the face plate has a face mass of 16 to 35 grams, a face profile length of 90 to 110 mm, a face profile width of 44 to 61 mm, and the golf club head has a body length of 112 to 130 mm.

23. a forward ledge between the crown opening and the faceplate having a forward ledge thickness that varies from a minimum forward ledge thickness to a maximum forward ledge thickness; a maximum front ledge thickness on the toe side of the golf club head of at least 1.1 mm; a maximum front ledge thickness on the heel side of the golf club head of at least 1.1 mm; a minimum front ledge thickness on the toe side of the golf club head of 0.85 mm or less; and the minimum front ledge thickness on the heel side of the golf club head is 0.85 mm or less. The golf club head according to claim 5 .

24. The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein the front body metallic material of the portion of the front body portion located above the height of the origin has a front body density that is no more than twice the density of the non-metallic crown.

25. 25. The golf club head of claim 24, wherein the front ring heel end and the front ring toe end are located at least 25 mm rearward of the loft plane, and the front body tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals.

26. 6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein a crown height to face height ratio is at least 1.12, the golf club head has an overall body height of 60 to 66 mm and a body length of 112 to 130 mm, a peak crown height is located a distance C1 of at least 15 mm rearward from a rearmost end of the hosel portion, and the face plate has a face profile length of 90 to 110 mm and a face profile width of 44 to 61 mm.

27. A golf club head, It has a face, a sole, a crown, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the face has a face center and defines a loft plane tangent to the face center and an origin for x-, y-, and z-axes, the x-axis being tangent to the face at the origin and parallel to a ground plane, the y-axis being perpendicular to the x-axis and extending away from the face center and parallel to the ground plane, and the z-axis extending vertically from the face center and perpendicular to the ground plane; a vertical center face plane including the y-axis and the z-axis, and dividing a toe side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a toe-most extent of the golf club head and a heel side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a heel-most extent of the golf club head; a frame having a front body portion attached to a rear body portion; the rear ring portion extends from a rear ring heel end to a rear ring toe end; the front body portion has a face opening and a front ledge extending rearward of the face opening, and the front body portion is attached to the rear ring heel end at the heel side and to the rear ring toe end at the toe side; the rearing portion is formed from a rearing metal material having a rearing density and a rearing tensile strength of less than 3 g / cc; the front body portion is formed from a front body metal material having a front body density and a front body tensile strength of 4.5 g / cc or less; at least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals; a face plate attached to the front body portion and closing the face opening; a hosel portion having a hosel bore defining a shaft axis and a shaft axis plane; a crown opening defined in part by the forward ledge and the rear ring portion; a non-metallic crown attached to the forward ledge and the rear ring portion, covering the crown opening, and formed from a non-metallic crown material having a non-metallic crown density and a non-metallic crown tensile strength of at least 200 megapascals; At least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is greater than the non-metallic crown tensile strength, a rear ring weight attached to the rear ring portion; The golf club head has a center of gravity having a CG x-axis coordinate CGx of -5 mm to 5 mm relative to the face center, a CG y-axis coordinate CGy of 20 mm to 50 mm relative to the face center, a CG z-axis coordinate CGz of -10 mm to 0 mm relative to the face center, a Zup height of 18 to 30 mm above the ground plane, CG x-axis, CG y-axis, CG z-axis, and a center of gravity of 280 to 440 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia around the x-axis Ixx, 465 to 700 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia about the z-axis Izz, a club head mass of 180 to 210 grams, and a club head mass of 390 to 500 cm ３ and has a volume of In a top view, the golf club head comprises a top view coordinate system having a top surface origin coincident with the face center and at a midpoint of a center face depth dimension measured along the vertical center face plane from a forward-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane to a rear-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane, a 0-degree line extending along the vertical center face plane between the top surface origin and the rear ring portion, a 90-degree line perpendicular to the 0-degree line extending from the top surface origin toward the hosel portion, a 180-degree line perpendicular to the 90-degree line extending from the top surface origin and passing through the face center, and a 270-degree line perpendicular to the 180-degree line extending from the top surface origin away from the hosel portion, and the non-metallic crown a continuous 5 degree range located between the 90 degree line and the 180 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 270 degree line and the 0 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 0 degree line and the 90 degree line; forming the outermost periphery of the golf club head, and located between a 270-degree line and a 90-degree line, and over a continuous 30-degree range located toward the trailing edge, no portion of the non-metallic crown extends below the Zup height.

28. A golf club head, It has a face, a sole, a crown, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the face has a face center and defines a loft plane tangent to the face center and an origin for x-, y-, and z-axes, the x-axis being tangent to the face at the origin and parallel to a ground plane, the y-axis being perpendicular to the x-axis and extending away from the face center and parallel to the ground plane, and the z-axis extending vertically from the face center and perpendicular to the ground plane; a vertical center face plane including the y-axis and the z-axis, and dividing a toe side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a toe-most extent of the golf club head and a heel side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a heel-most extent of the golf club head; the front body portion has a face opening and a forward ledge extending rearwardly of the face opening, the front body portion being formed from a front body metal material having a front body density and a front body tensile strength of at least 475 megapascals; a face plate adhesively bonded to the front body metal material and closing the face opening; a hosel portion having a hosel bore defining a shaft axis and a shaft axis plane; a crown opening defined in part by said forward ledge; a non-metallic crown attached to the anterior ledge, covering the crown opening, and formed from a non-metallic crown material having a non-metallic crown density and a non-metallic crown tensile strength of at least 200 megapascals; a rear weight attached to the golf club head; The golf club head has a center of gravity having a CG x-axis coordinate CGx of -5 mm to 5 mm relative to the face center, a CG y-axis coordinate CGy of 20 mm to 50 mm relative to the face center, a CG z-axis coordinate CGz of -10 mm to 0 mm relative to the face center, a Zup height of 18 to 30 mm above the ground plane, CG x-axis, CG y-axis, CG z-axis, and a center of gravity of 280 to 440 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia around the x-axis Ixx, 465 to 700 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia about the z-axis Izz, a club head mass of 180 to 210 grams, and a club head mass of 390 to 500 cm ３ and has a volume of In a top view, the golf club head comprises a top view coordinate system having a top surface origin coincident with the face center and at a midpoint of a center face depth dimension measured along the vertical center face plane from a forward-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane to a rear-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane, a 0-degree line extending along the vertical center face plane between the top surface origin and a rear ring portion, a 90-degree line perpendicular to the 0-degree line extending from the top surface origin toward the hosel portion, a 180-degree line perpendicular to the 90-degree line extending from the top surface origin and passing through the face center, and a 270-degree line perpendicular to the 180-degree line extending from the top surface origin away from the hosel portion, and the non-metallic crown a continuous 5 degree range located between the 90 degree line and the 180 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 270 degree line and the 0 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 0 degree line and the 90 degree line; forming the outermost periphery of the golf club head, The golf club head, wherein the density of the front body is less than or equal to two times the density of the non-metallic crown, and the face plate is formed from a face plate material different from the front body metal material.

29. A golf club head, It has a face, a sole, a crown, a leading edge, and a trailing edge, the face has a face center and defines a loft plane tangent to the face center and an origin for x-, y-, and z-axes, the x-axis being tangent to the face at the origin and parallel to a ground plane, the y-axis being perpendicular to the x-axis and extending away from the face center and parallel to the ground plane, and the z-axis extending vertically from the face center and perpendicular to the ground plane; a vertical center face plane including the y-axis and the z-axis, and dividing a toe side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a toe-most extent of the golf club head and a heel side of the golf club head between the vertical center face plane and a heel-most extent of the golf club head; a frame having a front body portion attached to a rear body portion; the rear ring portion extends from a rear ring heel end to a rear ring toe end; the front body portion has a face opening and a front ledge extending rearward of the face opening, and the front body portion is attached to the rear ring heel end at the heel side and to the rear ring toe end at the toe side; the rearing portion is formed from a rearing metal material having a rearing density and a rearing tensile strength of less than 3 g / cc; the front body portion is formed from a front body metal material having a front body density and a front body tensile strength of 4.5 g / cc or less; at least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is at least 475 megapascals; a face plate attached to the front body portion and closing the face opening; a hosel portion having a hosel bore defining a shaft axis and a shaft axis plane; a crown opening defined in part by the forward ledge and the rear ring portion; a non-metallic crown attached to the forward ledge and the rear ring portion, covering the crown opening, and formed from a non-metallic crown material having a non-metallic crown density and a non-metallic crown tensile strength of at least 200 megapascals; At least one of the rear ring tensile strength and the front body tensile strength is greater than the non-metallic crown tensile strength, a rear ring weight attached to the rear ring portion; The golf club head has a center of gravity having a CG x-axis coordinate CGx of -5 mm to 5 mm relative to the face center, a CG y-axis coordinate CGy of 20 mm to 50 mm relative to the face center, a CG z-axis coordinate CGz of -10 mm to 0 mm relative to the face center, a Zup height of 18 to 30 mm above the ground plane, CG x-axis, CG y-axis, CG z-axis, and a center of gravity of 280 to 440 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia around the x-axis Ixx, 465 to 700 kg mm ２ CG moment of inertia about the z-axis Izz, a club head mass of 180 to 210 grams, and a club head mass of 390 to 500 cm ３ and has a volume of In a top view, the golf club head comprises a top view coordinate system having a top surface origin coincident with the face center and at a midpoint of a center face depth dimension measured along the vertical center face plane from a forward-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane to a rear-most point of the golf club head in the vertical center face plane, a 0-degree line extending along the vertical center face plane between the top surface origin and the rear ring portion, a 90-degree line perpendicular to the 0-degree line extending from the top surface origin toward the hosel portion, a 180-degree line perpendicular to the 90-degree line extending from the top surface origin and passing through the face center, and a 270-degree line perpendicular to the 180-degree line extending from the top surface origin away from the hosel portion, and the non-metallic crown a continuous 5 degree range located between the 90 degree line and the 180 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 270 degree line and the 0 degree line; a continuous 20 degree range located between the 0 degree line and the 90 degree line; forming the outermost periphery of the golf club head, The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the front body metal material is different from the rear ring metal material, the front body density is less than or equal to twice the density of the non-metallic crown, and the face plate is formed from a face plate material different from the front body metal material.

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