Golf club head with face reinforcement structure

Abstract

There is a need for driver-type golf club heads that are designed to deliver maximum performance for golfers with slow and medium swing speeds. [Solution] The golf club head includes a thin crown 102, a thin sole 103, a mass-efficient weighting system, and a thin faceplate to maximize performance gains (e.g., ball distance, impact efficiency, and ball speed) for individuals with a swing speed of less than 85 mph. Furthermore, in order to achieve a lightweight golf club head (having a thin crown, a thin sole, a mass-efficient weighting system, and a thin faceplate), the golf club head further includes a crown-faceplate bridge 106 and a sole-faceplate bridge 107 for controlling the characteristic time (CT) characteristics of the golf club head.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to golf clubs. In particular, the present disclosure relates to golf club heads having one or more thickened regions.

[0002] (Data of Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 076,859, filed Sep. 10, 2020; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 073,849, filed Sep. 2, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 944,968, filed Dec. 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] Golf can be played by a wide variety of individuals generally categorized by age, gender, physical strength, and flexibility. Thus, because the group of individuals (or golfers) is diverse, golf club manufacturers often design golf clubs that accommodate a full range of golfers, including those with slow, medium, and fast swing speeds. Accordingly, often, because golf club manufacturers design golf clubs that accommodate all individuals, individuals with slow and medium swing speeds may be using golf clubs that are not optimally adapted to their unique swing signatures. In exchange, many golfers sacrifice impact efficiency, and as a result, ball flight distance is far from maximized. Thus, there is a need in the art for a golf club head, more specifically, a driver-type golf club head designed to provide maximum performance for golfers with slow and medium swing speeds.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] [Figure 1] An exterior heel and rear perspective view of a golf club head is illustrated.

[0005] [Figure 2] Figure 1 illustrates the outer top or crown of a golf club head.

[0006] [Figure 3] Figure 1 illustrates the outer bottom or sole of a golf club head.

[0007] [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows an external front view of the golf club head at the address position.

[0008] [Figure 5] Figure 4 illustrates a rear interior view of a faceplate with variable face thickness located at the address position.

[0009] [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head with a weight assembly attached.

[0010] [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head without the weight assembly attached.

[0011] [Figure 8] Figure 1 illustrates a rear internal view of a golf club head that has a sole-face plate bridge and a crown-face plate bridge.

[0012] [Figure 9] Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of the crown-faceplate bridge.

[0013] [Figure 10] Figure 1 illustrates a rear internal view of a golf club head that has a sole-face plate bridge.

[0014] [Figure 11] Figure 10 shows a close-up view of the sole-faceplate bridge.

[0015] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0016] For the sake of simplicity and clarity in the illustrations, these drawings illustrate general patterns of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. In addition, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to others to help improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure. The same reference numeral in different drawings refers to the same element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] This specification presents golf clubs, in particular lightweight, wood-type golf clubs designed for golfers with swing speeds below 85 mph (e.g., low and medium swing speeds). Generally, the lightweight golf clubs described herein may feature a thin crown, a thin sole, a mass-efficient weighting system, and / or a thin faceplate to maximize performance gains (e.g., ball distance, impact efficiency, and ball speed) for individuals with swing speeds below 85 mph. Furthermore, to achieve a lightweight golf club (having a thin crown, a thin sole, a mass-efficient weighting system, and a thin faceplate), the golf club head further includes a crown-faceplate bridge and a sole-faceplate bridge for controlling the characteristic time (CT) characteristics of the club head.

[0018] The production of golf clubs specifically targeting the inherent swing speed layers (i.e., low and medium swing speeds) allows for the use of golf clubs configured to accommodate a full range of golfers (i.e., low, medium, and high swing speeds), rather than the use of these golf clubs by individuals, enabling the use of golf clubs that conform to their own swing signatures. Therefore, this reduces the need to produce golf club heads that can withstand the extreme load (and / or stress) conditions imposed by high swing speeds for durability purposes. As a result, the golf club heads described herein can have a reduced club head mass-to-volume ratio, improved mass distribution, and a thinner face plate.

[0019] In the description and claims, terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth," if present, are used for the purpose of distinguishing between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that these terms, when used in this manner, are mutually interchangeable in appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments described herein can operate in an order other than, for example, the order illustrated herein or described in other aspects. Further, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any of their inflected forms, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but rather may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0020] In the description and claims, terms such as "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "above ~", and "below ~" are used for descriptive purposes, if present, and are not necessarily used to describe permanent relative positions. It should be understood that these terms, when used as such, are mutually interchangeable under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the apparatus, method, and / or product described herein can operate in orientations other than those illustrated or described in other ways in this specification.

[0021] The golf club head described in this specification can be a driver-type club head, a fairway wood-type golf club, or a hybrid-type club head as follows. In many embodiments, the golf club head can be a wood-type golf club head (i.e., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, or a hybrid-type golf club head). A driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, and a hybrid-type golf club head can be characterized by the loft angle, head volume, and / or head weight as described above. 1. Loft Angle - Driver

[0022] The term "driver-type golf club head" described in this specification can be defined by the loft angle.

[0023] In many embodiments, the loft angle of a driver-type club head can be less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 9 degrees, less than about 8 degrees, or less than about 7 degrees. 2. Loft Angle - Fairway Wood

[0024] As used herein, the term “fairway wood type golf club head” may be defined by one or more of the following: loft angle or club head material.

[0025] In many embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway wood type club head can be less than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than approximately 33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately 31 degrees, or less than approximately 30 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head can be greater than approximately 12 degrees, greater than approximately 13 degrees, greater than approximately 14 degrees, greater than approximately 15 degrees, greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, or greater than approximately 20 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway wood type club head can be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees. 3. Materials - Fairway Woods

[0026] The material for a fairway wood type golf club head can be any material used to construct conventional golf club heads. For example, the material for a fairway wood type golf club head can be any one or a combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloy, steel alloy for making a fairway wood type golf club head, or any other known metallic or composite material. In many embodiments, fairway wood type golf club heads are constructed from titanium alloys and / or composite materials. 4. Loft Angle - Hybrid

[0027] As used herein, the term “hybrid type golf club head” may be defined by one or more of the following: loft angle or club head material.

[0028] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid club head can be less than approximately 40 degrees, less than approximately 39 degrees, less than approximately 38 degrees, less than approximately 37 degrees, less than approximately 36 degrees, less than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than approximately 33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately 31 degrees, or less than approximately 30 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid club head can be greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately 23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, or greater than approximately 25 degrees. 5. Materials - Hybrid

[0029] The material for a hybrid golf club head can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material for a hybrid golf club head can be constructed from any one or a combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloy, steel alloy for making a hybrid golf club head, or any other known metal or composite material. In many embodiments, the hybrid golf club head can be constructed from titanium alloy and / or composite material.

[0030] Before any embodiment of this disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the construction details and arrangement of components as expressed in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings in the application. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible and can be implemented or carried out in various ways.

[0031] The following describes a lightweight golf club head with a mass-conserving faceplate and a mass-conserving body, compared to a golf club head designed for swing speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. Both the body and the faceplate form a golf club head that defines a hollow interior. The body comprises a crown, sole, toe, heel, and rear section that define the internal cavity. The crown, sole, toe, and heel of the body define openings configured to receive the faceplate.

[0032] As described above, in many embodiments, the faceplates described herein can be designed according to specific swing speed layers. As a non-limiting example, a first user layer with a swing speed of less than 85 miles per hour (mph) can use a golf club with a thinner faceplate (and thus a less mass-intensive faceplate) than a second user layer with a swing speed exceeding 100 miles per hour (mph). This allows the first user layer to experience faster ball speeds and increased ball distance (due to increased face flex resulting from the thinner faceplate) compared to using a golf club head designed for the second user layer, while both maintain their durability. In this specific scenario, the durability issues arising from the thinning of the faceplate do not readily manifest (for the first user layer) due to low to medium impact speeds, but the thinning of the faceplate thickness may result in an unrestricted increase in CT.

[0033] In many embodiments, to adequately control or modify the characteristic time characteristics (CT) across the entire faceplate (while maintaining a thin and lightweight faceplate), the faceplate may have a variable thickness profile, which tunes the CT by allowing for thickening only in desired areas. However, in contrast, for golf club heads designed for swing speeds faster than 100 mph, simply implementing a variable face thickness profile would likely be insufficient to adequately control the CT. Therefore, to further control, modify, and / or reduce the characteristic time characteristics (CT) of the clubhead, crown-faceplate bridges and sole-faceplate bridges are formed internally and integrally within the clubhead.

[0034] The variable thickness of the faceplate may include an outer edge region, a toe region, a heel region, an upper transition region, a lower transition region, and a central region. The outer edge region can be substantially elliptical and is tangent to the toe region, heel region, upper transition region, lower transition region, and central region. The toe region extends from the boundaries of the outer edge, upper transition region, and lower transition region. The heel region extends from the boundaries of the outer edge, upper transition region, and lower transition region. The central region extends from the upper and lower transition regions and is tangent to the upper and lower transition regions. In many embodiments, the variable thickness (VFT) of the faceplate can be defined as extending from the heel end of the golf club head to the center of the faceplate, and from the toe end of the golf club head to the center of the faceplate, with the outermost edge being the outermost region, followed by the heel portion and the toe portion, the upper transition region and the lower transition region, and finally the central region.

[0035] Generally, the portion of the golf club head with the greatest characteristic time measurement can typically be found in (1) toward the geometric center of the faceplate, (2) offset from the geometric center toward the toe of the faceplate, (3) offset from the geometric center toward the apex of the faceplate, or a combination thereof. These areas may potentially have characteristic time measurements that are at, near, or approaching the CT threshold (i.e., the USGA and R&A CT limit). Therefore, in one or more embodiments of thin-walled faceplates, it may be desirable to reduce the CT in the toe portion of the faceplate and increase the CT in the heel portion of the faceplate. In these cases, the toe region of the VFT can have a greater thickness than the heel region of the VFT. This results in a faceplate that is more rigid in the toe portion and more flexible in the heel portion. Partially, this results in a more uniform CT across the entire faceplate.

[0036] As described above, while having a faceplate with a variable face thickness profile facilitates the control (and / or reduction) of CT, simply implementing VFT is insufficient to adequately control CT due to the increased face deflection caused by a thin and lightweight faceplate. Therefore, to further adjust CT without adding mass-intensive features, the golf club head may be equipped with a crown-faceplate bridge and / or a sole-faceplate bridge. The crown-faceplate bridge and / or sole-faceplate bridge can be positioned in areas of the golf club head where the displacement and / or stress experienced during impact with the golf ball is low. This allows for strengthening / thickening of specific parts of the transition region between the faceplate and the crown, and / or specific parts of the transition region between the faceplate and the sole, resulting in localized and / or specialized stiffening that adjusts the dynamic response characteristics (i.e., CT) of the golf club head to a degree where the effect on impact ball velocity is negligible. Golf club head composition and setup

[0037] Furthermore, to achieve a lightweight golf club that satisfies a predetermined mass / volume ratio, the golf club head features a thinner crown, thinner sole, a more mass-efficient weighting system, and a thinner faceplate compared to conventional club heads designed for swing speeds exceeding 100 mph. Thinning these structural features (i.e., a thinner crown, thinner sole, more mass-efficient weighting system, and thinner faceplate) increases the flexibility of the golf club head, which correlates with an increase in CT (Chart Transform). Therefore, to limit (or offset) the increase in CT and ensure the club complies with USGA standards, the golf club head further features crown-faceplate bridges and / or sole-faceplate bridges to control (or reduce) the characteristic time (CT) properties of the club head without increasing the faceplate thickness (i.e., without limiting the flexibility of the faceplate). The club head achieves these properties at swing speeds below 85 mph.

[0038] In many embodiments, a golf club head comprises a club head body (which may also be referred to as the "body"). The club head body forms a toe (or toe portion), heel (or heel portion), crown (or crown portion), sole (or sole portion), rear portion, and a faceplate opening configured to receive a faceplate. The faceplate can provide a surface adapted to impact with the golf ball. The rear portion is spaced rearward from the faceplate. The sole portion is located between the faceplate and the rear portion and is defined as being stationary on the ground plane (or playing surface) at the address position. The crown (or crown portion) may be formed on the opposite side of the sole (or sole portion). The faceplate may be defined by the sole, crown, heel, and toe of the golf club head.

[0039] As previously stated, the golf club head can be configured to be in the “address position.” Unless otherwise described or stated, the golf club head is in the address position for all reference measurements, ratios, and / or descriptive parameters. The address position can be described as the state in which (1) the sole of the golf club head is stationary on the ground plane, the ground plane is in contact with and parallel to the playing surface, and (2) the faceplate can be substantially perpendicular to the ground plane.

[0040] The faceplate of a club head defines its geometric center. In some embodiments, the geometric center can be located at the geometric center point of the outer circumference of the faceplate and at the midpoint of the face height. In the same or other examples, the geometric center can also be centered relative to the engineering impact zone, which can be defined by the area of ​​grooves on the faceplate. Alternatively, the geometric center of the faceplate can be located according to the regulations of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center of the faceplate can be identified according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibilitly-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) ("Flexibility Procedure").

[0041] The club head further defines a loft plane tangent to the geometric center of the faceplate. Face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane, between the apex of the outer periphery of the faceplate near the crown and the bottom of the outer periphery of the faceplate near the sole. In these embodiments, the outer periphery of the faceplate may be positioned along the outer edge of the faceplate, where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or contour of the faceplate.

[0042] The geometric center of the faceplate further defines a coordinate system whose origin is located at the geometric center of the faceplate, and this coordinate system has an X' axis, a Y' axis, and a Z' axis. The X' axis extends through the geometric center of the faceplate in the direction from heel to toe of the clubhead. The Y' axis extends through the geometric center of the faceplate in the direction from crown to sole of the clubhead, perpendicular to the X' axis, and the Z' axis extends through the geometric center of the faceplate in the direction from the front end (e.g., the faceplate) to the rear end of the clubhead, perpendicular to the X' and Y' axes.

[0043] The coordinate system defines an X'Y' plane extending through the X' and Y' axes. The X'Y' plane extends parallel to the hosel axis (not shown) and is positioned at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the club head from the loft plane 164. Furthermore, the X' axis can be positioned at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the hosel axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. In these or other embodiments, the club head can be viewed from a front view (Figure 4) when the faceplate is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. I. Implementation

[0044] Many of the golf club head embodiments shown below (Figures 1 to 11) illustrate driver-type golf club heads 100 configured to enhance performance for golfers with swing speeds below 85 miles per hour (mph). Furthermore, as described below, the enhanced performance may be at least in part the result of the crown-faceplate bridge 106 and / or sole-faceplate bridge 107, the thin-walled crown 102, the thin-walled sole 103, the lightweight and flexible faceplate 105 with a variable thickness profile 111, and the mass-efficient weight system 104. As discussed below, the combination of these features and attributes helps to enhance club head performance for golfers with swing speeds below 85 miles per hour while preventing durability and CT issues. Mass characteristics of golf club heads

[0045] Referring to Figures 1 to 11, the body 101 and face plate 105 of the golf club head 100 are joined together to define a hollow internal cavity. The body 101 comprises a crown 102, sole 103, toe 108, heel 109, and rear portion 110, which define the hollow internal cavity. The crown 102, sole 103, toe 108, and heel 109 of the body define an opening configured to receive the face plate 105. The face plate 105 can provide a surface adapted to impact with the golf ball. The rear portion 110 is spaced rearward from the face plate 105. The sole 103 is located between the face plate 105 and the rear portion 110 and is defined as being stationary on the ground plane 120 (or playing surface) at the address position. The crown 102 may be formed on the opposite side of the sole 103.

[0046] By manufacturing golf club heads for use by golfers with swing speeds below 85 mph, the structural mass of many club head features (i.e., crown, sole, faceplate, etc.) can be reduced (or thinned) compared to what was traditionally required for golf club heads used by golfers with swing speeds exceeding 100 mph (conventional golf clubs). This results in a significantly more flexible golf club head than conventional golf clubs, which in turn increases the club head's CT (Core Threshold) characteristics. Therefore, by implementing an integrally formed crown-faceplate bridge or sole-faceplate bridge, it is possible to locally thicken areas of the club head that inherently have high CT without having to add thickness (or mass) to the entire faceplate. In conventional club heads, the main option for reducing the club head's CT characteristics is to thicken the entire face (rather than just the periphery). Therefore, crown-faceplate bridges and sole-faceplate bridges help in the manufacture of lightweight golf club heads. In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be about 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, or 9 grams lighter than a conventional golf club head. Driver-type golf club head

[0047] To achieve a lightweight (but durable) golf club head 100, the total mass of the golf club head 100 can be between approximately 190 grams and 200 grams. In many embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head 100 can be between approximately 190 grams and 192 grams, between approximately 192 grams and 194 grams, between approximately 194 grams and 196 grams, between approximately 196 grams and 198 grams, or between approximately 198 grams and 200 grams. In further embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head 100 can be less than 200 grams, less than 199 grams, less than 198 grams, less than 197 grams, less than 196 grams, less than 195 grams, less than 194 grams, less than 193 grams, less than 192 grams, or less than 191 grams. In other embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head 100 can be approximately 190 grams, 191 grams, 192 grams, 193 grams, 194 grams, 195 grams, 196 grams, 197 grams, 198 grams, 199 grams, or 200 grams. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, the total club head mass (i.e., the club head body coupled to the faceplate) is approximately 194 grams. For comparison purposes, a conventional golf club head designed for swing speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour has a total club head mass exceeding 203 grams.

[0048] The production of a lightweight golf club head 100 does not necessarily mean a trade-off (or reduction) in the volume of the club head 100. For example, the volume of the golf club head 100 can be between approximately 444cc and approximately 460cc. In many embodiments, the volume of the golf club head 100 can be between approximately 444cc and approximately 448cc, between approximately 448cc and approximately 450cc, between approximately 450cc and approximately 452cc, between approximately 452cc and approximately 454cc, between approximately 454cc and approximately 456cc, between approximately 456cc and approximately 458cc, or between approximately 458cc and approximately 460cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the golf club head 100 can be approximately 444cc, 445cc, 446cc, 447cc, 448cc, 449cc, 450cc, 451cc, 452cc, 453cc, 454cc, 455cc, 456cc, 457cc, 458cc, 459cc, or 460cc. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 11, the total volume of the club head 100 is 460cc.

[0049] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 is defined as the mass-to-volume ratio between the mass of the golf club head and the volume of the golf club head.

number

[0050] By maintaining a mass-to-volume ratio of less than 0.44 for the 100 golf club head, individuals with slower swing speeds can swing freely and naturally without sacrificing the forgiveness (MOI) typically associated with larger volume club heads. This ratio is achieved through various characteristics, which are described in more detail below. Fairway wood golf club head

[0051] To achieve a lightweight (but durable) golf club head, the total mass of the golf club head can be between approximately 180 grams and 198 grams. In many embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head can be between approximately 180 grams and 182 grams, between approximately 182 grams and 184 grams, between approximately 184 grams and 186 grams, between approximately 186 grams and 188 grams, between approximately 188 grams and 190 grams, between approximately 190 grams and 192 grams, between approximately 192 grams and 194 grams, between approximately 194 grams and 196 grams, or between approximately 196 grams and 198 grams. In further embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head can be less than 198 grams, less than 197 grams, less than 196 grams, less than 195 grams, less than 194 grams, less than 193 grams, less than 192 grams, less than 191 grams, less than 190 grams, less than 189 grams, less than 188 grams, less than 187 grams, less than 186 grams, less than 185 grams, less than 184 grams, less than 183 grams, less than 182 grams, or less than 181 grams. In other embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head can be approximately 180 grams, 181 grams, 182 grams, 183 grams, 184 grams, 185 grams, 186 grams, 187 grams, 188 grams, 189 grams, 190 grams, 191 grams, 192 grams, 193 grams, 194 grams, 195 grams, 196 grams, 197 grams, or 198 grams. For comparison purposes, a conventional fairway wood type golf club head designed for swing speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour has a total club head mass between 200 and 208 grams.

[0052] The production of lightweight golf club heads does not necessarily mean a trade-off (or reduction) in club head volume. For example, the volume of a golf club head can be between approximately 165cc and 180cc. In many embodiments, the volume of a golf club head can be between approximately 165cc and 170cc, between approximately 170cc and 175cc, or between approximately 175cc and 180cc. In other embodiments, the volume of a golf club head can be approximately 165cc, 166cc, 167cc, 168cc, 169cc, 170cc, 171cc, 172cc, 173cc, 174cc, 175cc, 176cc, 177cc, 178cc, 179cc, or 180cc.

[0053] In many embodiments, the golf club head is defined as the mass-to-volume ratio, which is the ratio between the mass of the golf club head and the volume of the golf club head.

number

[0054] By maintaining a golf club head with a mass-to-volume ratio of less than 1.07, individuals with slower swing speeds can swing freely and naturally without sacrificing the forgiveness (MOI) typically associated with larger-volume club heads. This ratio is achieved through various features described in more detail below. A similar mass-to-volume ratio can also be achieved with hybrid-type golf club heads. Crown of a golf club head

[0055] As described above, by creating a golf club head used only by golfers whose swing speed is simply below 85 mph, it becomes possible to reduce (or thin) the structural mass of many of the club head's features (i.e., the crown, sole, faceplate, etc.) compared to what was traditionally required (for durability purposes) in golf club heads designed for golfers whose swing speed exceeds 100 mph (conventional golf clubs). Thinning the crown of the golf club head results in a lower and deeper center of gravity, which helps to launch the golf ball into the air more quickly at impact. However, this allows for the creation of a golf club head with a thinner crown-to-face transition area than conventional golf clubs, which may consequently lead to an increase in the club head's CT (Climate Tone) characteristics. Therefore, by locally implementing an integrally formed crown-to-faceplate bridge that fuses with some of the surrounding areas of the club head in a tangent manner, it is possible to reduce the CT while maintaining a thin crown and negligibly increasing the club head mass.

[0056] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 can achieve certain head mass and volume targets by having a crown 102 with a relatively smaller wall thickness (than a standard club that must maintain durability against impacts exceeding 100 mph). As defined above, the crown 102 of the golf club 100 is the top surface of the club head when viewed from above by an individual or golfer (not shown), and is the part of the club visible from the address position. The crown 102 can be segmented (or divided) into three distinct length portions (i.e., a front portion 125, a middle portion 126, and a rear portion 127) measured in a front-to-rear direction from the rear of the golf club head 110 to the faceplate 105.

[0057] The front portion 125 of the crown 102 is proximal to the face plate 105 and can be defined as the front 1 / 6 (and / or having 1 / 6 of the length) of the crown length. The rear portion 127 of the crown 102 is proximal to the rear portion 110 of the golf club head 100 and is defined as the rear 2 / 6 (and / or having 2 / 6 of the length) of the crown length. The middle portion 126 of the crown 102 is located between the front portion 125 and the rear portion 127 and is defined as the middle 3 / 6 (and / or having 3 / 6 of the length) of the crown length.

[0058] In this embodiment or other embodiments, the thickness of the crown 102 can vary from near the front portion 125 of the crown 102 to near the rear end 110 of the crown 102, and / or from near the heel portion of the crown 102 to near the toe portion of the crown 102, or in any direction along the crown 102 of the golf club head. As illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, in many embodiments, the thickness of the crown 102 can be measured from the inner crown surface 128 to the outer crown surface 129, decreasing from near the front end to the rear end of the golf club head 100.

[0059] For example, in many embodiments, the wall thickness of the front portion 125 of the crown 102 can be between 0.019 inches and 0.031 inches. In other embodiments, the wall thickness of the front portion 125 of the crown 102 can be less than approximately 0.031 inches, less than approximately 0.030 inches, less than approximately 0.029 inches, less than approximately 0.028 inches, less than approximately 0.027 inches, less than approximately 0.026 inches, less than approximately 0.025 inches, less than approximately 0.024 inches, less than approximately 0.023 inches, less than approximately 0.022 inches, less than approximately 0.021 inches, or less than approximately 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the wall thickness of the front portion 125 of the Crown 102 can be approximately 0.019 inches, approximately 0.020 inches, approximately 0.021 inches, approximately 0.022 inches, approximately 0.023 inches, approximately 0.024 inches, approximately 0.025 inches, approximately 0.026 inches, approximately 0.027 inches, approximately 0.028 inches, approximately 0.029 inches, approximately 0.030 inches, or approximately 0.031 inches.

[0060] In the same or alternative embodiment, the thicknesses of the middle portion 126 and the rear portion 127 of the crown 102 can be the same or substantially equivalent. For example, in many embodiments, the thicknesses of the middle portion 126 and the rear portion 127 of the crown 102 can be between 0.014 inches and 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the thicknesses of the middle portion 126 and the rear portion 127 of the crown 102 can be less than about 0.020 inches, less than about 0.019 inches, less than about 0.018 inches, less than about 0.017 inches, less than about 0.016 inches, or less than about 0.015 inches. In other embodiments, the thicknesses of the middle portion 126 and the rear portion 127 of the crown 102 can be about 0.014 inches, about 0.015 inches, 0.016 inches, 0.017 inches, 0.018 inches, 0.019 inches, or 0.020 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the middle portion 126 of the crown can be a transition region from the thickest front portion 125 to the thinnest rear portion 127 of the crown.

[0061] To put it another way, in many embodiments, approximately 85% of the crown 102 may have a wall thickness of approximately 0.017 inches, and the reaming portion of the crown 102 may have a wall thickness of approximately 0.031 inches. For comparison purposes, a conventional golf club head that maintains durability against swing speeds exceeding 100 mph has an average wall thickness of 0.031 inches across the majority of the crown. Sole of a golf club head

[0062] As described above, by creating a golf club head designed for use by golfers with swing speeds below 85 mph, it becomes possible to reduce (or thin) the structural mass of many features of the club head (i.e., the crown, sole, faceplate, etc.) compared to what was traditionally required of golf club heads used by golfers with swing speeds exceeding 100 mph (conventional golf clubs). By thinning the sole of the golf club head, the faceplate can deform and bend more than conventional club heads that maintain durability above 100 mph (i.e., the more the faceplate swings, the faster the ball speed). However, this makes it possible to create a golf club head with a thinner sole-face transition area than conventional golf clubs, which may consequently result in an increase in the club head's CT characteristics. Therefore, by locally implementing an integrally formed sole-face plate bridge that fuses with several surrounding areas of the club head in a manner tangent to them, it is possible to reduce (or control) the CT while maintaining a thin sole and with an increase in club head mass that is negligible.

[0063] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 can achieve certain head mass and volume targets by having a sole 103 with a relatively smaller thickness (than a standard club that must maintain durability against impacts exceeding 100 mph). As defined above, the sole 103 of the golf club head 100 is located between the face plate 105 and the rear portion 110 and rests on the ground plane 120 (or playing surface) at the address position. The sole 103 can be segmented (or divided) into three distinct length portions (i.e., a front sole portion 130, a middle sole portion 131, and a rear sole portion 132) measured in the front-rear direction from the face plate to the rear of the golf club head.

[0064] The front sole portion 130 of the sole 103 is proximal to the face plate 105 and can be the front one-third (and / or having one-third the length) of the sole length. The rear sole portion 132 of the sole 103 is proximal to the rear 110 of the golf club head and is defined as the rear one-third (and / or having one-third the length) of the sole length. The middle sole portion 131 of the sole is located between the front sole portion 130 and the rear sole portion 132 and is defined as the middle one-third (and / or having one-third the length) of the sole length.

[0065] In this embodiment or other embodiments, the thickness of the sole 103, measured from the inner sole surface 133 to the outer sole surface 134, can vary from near the front portion of the sole to near the rear end of the sole, and / or from near the heel portion of the sole to near the toe portion of the sole, or in any direction along the sole of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the thickness of the sole 103 can decrease from near the front end to the rear end 110 of the golf club head 100.

[0066] For example, in many embodiments, the thickness of the front portion 130 of the sole 103 can be between 0.019 inches and 0.031 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the front portion 130 of the sole 103 can be less than approximately 0.031 inches, less than approximately 0.030 inches, less than approximately 0.029 inches, less than approximately 0.028 inches, less than approximately 0.027 inches, less than approximately 0.026 inches, less than approximately 0.025 inches, less than approximately 0.024 inches, less than approximately 0.023 inches, less than approximately 0.022 inches, less than approximately 0.021 inches, or less than approximately 0.020 inches. In another embodiment, the thickness of the front portion 130 of the sole 103 can be approximately 0.019 inches, approximately 0.020 inches, approximately 0.021 inches, approximately 0.022 inches, approximately 0.023 inches, approximately 0.024 inches, approximately 0.025 inches, approximately 0.026 inches, approximately 0.027 inches, approximately 0.028 inches, approximately 0.029 inches, approximately 0.030 inches, or approximately 0.031 inches.

[0067] In the same or alternative embodiment, the thicknesses of the middle portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the sole 103 can be the same or substantially equivalent. For example, in many embodiments, the thicknesses of the middle portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the sole 103 can be between 0.014 inches and 0.022 inches. In other embodiments, the thicknesses of the middle portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the sole 103 can be less than about 0.022 inches, less than about 0.021 inches, less than about 0.020 inches, less than about 0.019 inches, less than about 0.018 inches, less than about 0.017 inches, less than about 0.016 inches, or less than about 0.015 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the middle portion 131 and the rear portion 132 of the sole 103 can be approximately 0.014 inches, approximately 0.015 inches, approximately 0.016 inches, approximately 0.017 inches, approximately 0.018 inches, approximately 0.019 inches, approximately 0.020 inches, approximately 0.021 inches, or approximately 0.022 inches. In alternative embodiments, the middle portion 131 of the sole can be a transition region from the thickest front portion 130 to the thinnest rear portion 132.

[0068] To put it another way, in many embodiments, the entire sole 103 can have a thickness of less than approximately 0.030 inches. In alternative embodiments, about 97% of the sole can have a thickness of less than approximately 0.028 inches. For comparison purposes, a conventional golf club head that maintains durability against swing speeds exceeding 100 mph has an average sole thickness of 0.030 inches across the majority of the sole. Features of the faceplate

[0069] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, in order to partially control the CT across the entire faceplate 105 (while maintaining a thin faceplate, thin crown 102, and thin sole 103), the faceplate 105 may have a variable thickness profile 111, which allows the CT to be tuned by anticipating thickening only in desired areas. In the illustrated embodiment, the variable thickness profile 111 of the faceplate 105 may include an outer edge region 112, a toe region 113, a heel region 114, an upper transition region 115, a lower transition region 116, and a central region 117. The thickness of the faceplate 105 is about 5% to 7% thinner than that of conventional golf club heads that must maintain durability against swing speeds exceeding 100 mph. However, simply implementing a variable face thickness profile to control the characteristic time characteristics (CT) would be insufficient due to the greater flexing / bending characteristics resulting from the thin faceplate and lightweight clubhead. Therefore, to control, modify, and / or reduce the characteristic time characteristics (CT) of the clubhead, crown-faceplate bridges and sole-faceplate bridges are integrally formed within the clubhead.

[0070] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 can be viewed in the XY' plane and in a direction perpendicular to the faceplate 105, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. When the golf club head 100 is viewed in the XY' plane and in a direction generally perpendicular to the faceplate 105, the golf club head 100 can be defined by a coordinate system having an X' axis 122 extending in the heel-toe direction through the geometric center 121 of the faceplate 105, and a Y' axis 123 extending in the top-bottom (or crown-sole) direction through the geometric center 121.

[0071] The X' axis 122 horizontally divides the golf club head 100 into an upper region and a lower region. The upper region of the golf club head is bounded by the X' axis 122, the crown 102, and the maximum heel-toe width of the club head 100. The lower region of the golf club head is bounded by the X' axis 122, the sole 103, and the maximum heel-toe width of the golf club head 100. The Y' axis 123 vertically separates the club head into a left region and a right region. The left region can be bounded by the Y' axis 123 and the toe end 108 of the golf club head 100. The right region can be bounded by the Y' axis 123 and the heel 109 of the golf club head 100. Furthermore, the X' axis 122 and the Y' axis 123 are perpendicular to each other, forming four faceplate quadrant regions.

[0072] The four faceplate quadrant regions can be defined as the center-high toe quadrant 135, the center-low toe quadrant 136, the center-high heel quadrant 137, and the center-low heel quadrant 138 when the golf club head 100 is at rest on the ground plane 120 at the address position. The center-high toe quadrant 135 extends from the geometric center 121 and extends to the upper left faceplate region. The center-low toe quadrant 136 extends from the geometric center 121 and extends to the lower left faceplate region. The center-high heel quadrant 137 extends from the geometric center 121 and extends to the upper right faceplate region. The center-low heel quadrant 138 extends from the geometric center 121 and extends to the lower right faceplate region.

[0073] As described above, the variable thickness 111 of the faceplate 105 may include an outer peripheral region 112, a toe region 113, a heel region 114, an upper transition region 115, a lower transition region 116, and a central region 117. The outer peripheral region 112 can be substantially elliptical and is tangent to the toe region 113, the heel region 114, the upper transition region 115, the lower transition region 116, and the central region 117. The toe region 113 can be tangent to the outer peripheral region 112, the upper transition region 115, and the lower transition region 116. The heel region 114 can be tangent to the outer peripheral region 112, the upper transition region 115, and the lower transition region 116. The central region 117 is tangent to the upper transition region 115 and the lower transition region 116. In many embodiments, the VFT can be defined as extending from the heel end of the golf club head to the center of the striking surface (or face plate) and / or from the toe end of the golf club head to the center of the striking surface (or face plate), with the outermost region being the peripheral edge 112, followed by the heel portion 114 and the toe portion 113, the upper transition region 115 and the lower transition region 116, and finally the central region 117.

[0074] In many embodiments, the outer edge 112 can define the outermost region of the faceplate 105 and is tangent to the toe region 113, heel region 114, upper transition region 115, lower transition region 116, and central region 117.

[0075] In many embodiments, the toe region 113 with variable face thickness 111 can extend only across the entire center-low toe quadrant 136 and center-high toe quadrant 135, and cannot extend into the center-low heel quadrant 138 and center-high heel quadrant 137. In the same or alternative embodiment, the toe region 113 can have a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the toe region 113 can have a variable thickness. The toe region 113 has a certain surface area on the back surface of the faceplate 105. As illustrated in Figure 8, the surface area of ​​the toe region 113 is larger than the surface area of ​​the heel region 114.

[0076] Furthermore, in many embodiments of the thin-walled striking face (or faceplate 105), it is desirable to reduce the CT in the toe portion 113 of the faceplate and increase the CT in the heel portion 114 of the faceplate 115. For illustrative purposes, the toe portion 113 of the variable face thickness 111 can have a greater thickness than the heel portion 114 of the variable face thickness 111. This results in a faceplate 105 that is more rigid in the toe portion 113 and more flexible in the heel portion 114 (and produces a more uniform CT response throughout the faceplate 105).

[0077] In many embodiments, the thickness of the toe portion 113 of the VFT 111 can be between approximately 0.081 inches and approximately 0.087 inches. In many embodiments, the thickness of the toe portion 113 of the variable face thickness 111 can be between approximately 0.081 inches and approximately 0.082 inches, between approximately 0.082 inches and approximately 0.083 inches, between approximately 0.084 inches and approximately 0.085 inches, or between approximately 0.086 inches and approximately 0.087 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the toe portion 113 of the VFT 111 can be approximately 0.081 inches, approximately 0.082 inches, approximately 0.083 inches, approximately 0.084 inches, approximately 0.085 inches, approximately 0.086 inches, or approximately 0.087 inches.

[0078] The heel region 114 with variable face thickness 111 can only extend across the entirety of both the center-low heel quadrant 138 and the center-high heel quadrant 137, and cannot extend into the center-low toe quadrant 136 and the center-high toe quadrant 135. In many embodiments, the heel region 114 can have a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the heel region 114 can have a variable thickness 111. The heel region 114 has a certain surface area on the back surface of the faceplate 105. As illustrated in Figure 8, the surface area of ​​the heel region 114 is less than the surface area of ​​the toe region 113.

[0079] As previously mentioned, in order to reduce CT in the toe portion of the faceplate and increase CT in the heel portion of the faceplate, the toe portion 113 of the variable faceplate thickness can have a greater thickness than the heel portion 114. This results in a faceplate 105 that is more rigid in the toe portion 113 and more flexible in the heel portion 114 (and produces a more uniform CT response throughout the entire faceplate 105).

[0080] In many embodiments, the thickness of the heel portion 114 of the VFT can be between approximately 0.075 inches and approximately 0.080 inches. In many embodiments, the thickness of the heel portion 114 of the variable face thickness 111 can be between approximately 0.075 inches and approximately 0.076 inches, between approximately 0.076 inches and approximately 0.077 inches, between approximately 0.077 inches and approximately 0.078 inches, between approximately 0.078 inches and approximately 0.079 inches, or between approximately 0.079 inches and approximately 0.080 inches. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the heel portion 114 of the VFT 111 can be approximately 0.075 inches, approximately 0.076 inches, approximately 0.077 inches, approximately 0.078 inches, approximately 0.079 inches, or approximately 0.080 inches.

[0081] As further illustrated in Figure 5, most of the upper transition region 115 is bounded by at least one of the x-axis 122 (i.e., the upper region), the toe portion, the heel portion, and / or the outer circumference of the top portion of the faceplate. In many embodiments, the upper transition region 115 abuts against or contacts the heel portion, toe portion, and top portion of the faceplate and extends inward toward the central region 117. The upper transition region 115 has a transition thickness that varies at least in the direction from the toe portion and heel portion toward the central region. In many embodiments, the thickness of the upper transition region is greater than the thickness of the heel portion and / or toe portion.

[0082] Continuing to refer to Figure 8, most of the lower transition region 116 can border with at least one of the x-axis 122 (i.e., the lower region), the toe portion, the heel portion, and / or the bottom periphery of the faceplate. In many embodiments, the lower transition region 116 abuts against or contacts the heel portion, toe portion, and bottom portion of the faceplate and extends inward toward the central region. The lower transition region 116 has a transition thickness that varies at least in the direction from the toe portion and / or heel portion toward the central region. In many embodiments, the thickness of the lower transition region 116 is greater than the thickness of the heel portion and / or toe portion.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 117 of the variable thickness profile 111 has an elliptical (or elliptical) shape. The shape of the central region defines a major axis extending generally in the heel-toe direction and a minor axis extending generally in the apex-bottom direction. The major and minor axes intersect at the center of the central region. The major axis extends along the length of the central region, and the minor axis extends along the maximum width of the central region. In this particular embodiment, the major axis of the central region extends parallel to (and / or at an angle to) the x-axis 122.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 117 has a thickness of 0.133 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the central region can vary from 0.070 inches to 0.25 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness of the central region can range from 0.07 inches to 0.1 inches, 0.09 inches to 0.1 inches, 0.095 inches to 0.105 inches, 0.1 inches to 0.12 inches, 0.105 inches to 0.115 inches, 0.11 inches to 0.12 inches, 0.115 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.12 inches to 0.13 inches, and 0.125 inches to 0.13 inches. The diameter can be up to 5 inches, 0.13 to 0.14 inches, 0.135 to 0.145 inches, 0.14 to 0.15 inches, 0.145 to 0.155 inches, 0.15 to 0.17 inches, 0.16 to 0.18 inches, 0.17 to 0.2 inches, 0.19 to 0.22 inches, or 0.21 to 0.25 inches. In many embodiments, the central region 350 can constitute less than 5%, less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, or less than 30% of the total surface area of ​​the faceplate 320. For example, the central region can constitute 2-10%, 5-10%, 2-15%, 5-15%, or 5-20% of the total surface area of ​​the faceplate.

[0085] In the illustrated embodiment, the center of the central region can be offset toward the toe from the geometric center of the faceplate. In an alternative embodiment, the center of the central region can be located at the geometric center of the faceplate.

[0086] The central region has a first side or toe side and a second side or heel side. The first and second sides of the central region are separated by a minor axis. The first side is positioned between the minor axis and the toe portion, and the second side is positioned between the minor axis and the heel portion. The length of the first side, measured along the major axis, is equivalent (or substantially similar) to the length of the second side.

[0087] In many embodiments, the combined length of the first and second sides can be greater than about 0.75 inches, greater than about 0.80 inches, greater than about 0.85 inches, greater than about 0.90 inches, greater than about 0.95 inches, or greater than about 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the combined length of the first and second sides can be about 0.89 inches, 1.0 inch, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, or 1.4 inches.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region 117 further has a top-side length measured along the minor axis from the center of the central region toward the top, and a bottom-side length measured along the minor axis from the center of the central region toward the bottom. In this embodiment, the top-side length and the bottom-side length are equivalent (or substantially similar) in length.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiments, the top and bottom lengths are approximately 0.25 inches. In other embodiments, the top and / or bottom lengths can be between 0.05 inches and 1.0 inch. For example, in some embodiments, the top and / or bottom lengths can be between 0.05 inches and 0.25 inches, between 0.15 inches and 0.35 inches, between 0.25 inches and 0.45 inches, between 0.35 inches and 0.55 inches, between 0.45 inches and 0.65 inches, between 0.55 inches and 0.75 inches, between 0.65 inches and 0.85 inches, or between 0.75 inches and 0.1 inches.

[0090] The total mass of the faceplate 105 can be between approximately 60 grams and 66 grams. In many embodiments, the mass of the faceplate can be between approximately 60 grams and 61 grams, between approximately 61 grams and 62 grams, between approximately 62 grams and 63 grams, between approximately 63 grams and 64 grams, between approximately 64 grams and 65 grams, or between approximately 65 grams and 66 grams. In further embodiments, the total mass of the faceplate can be less than 66 grams, less than 65 grams, less than 64 grams, less than 63 grams, less than 62 grams, or less than 61 grams. In other embodiments, the total mass of the faceplate can be approximately 60 grams, approximately 61 grams, approximately 62 grams, approximately 63 grams, approximately 64 grams, approximately 65 grams, or approximately 66 grams. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, the total mass of the faceplate 105 is 62.8 grams. For comparison, the total mass of a conventional faceplate that maintains durability against swing speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour is approximately 66.3 grams. In many embodiments, the faceplate 105 can be approximately 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, or 9 grams lighter than a conventional faceplate. Golf club head weight system

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the golf club head 100 further forms a mass-efficient adjustable weight system 104 designed for swing speeds below 85 mph. In particular, the mass-efficient adjustable weight system 104 shown below has only a center weight position 140 and a heel weight position 141, and no toe weight position (not shown). This is because golfers with swing speeds below 85 mph typically suffer from a tendency to miss to the right, and therefore, introducing a heel bias weight position is unnecessary and would increase the structural mass of the golf club head 100. The weight system shown below provides slice shot correction of approximately 8 to 10 yards.

[0092] Referring to Figures 1, 3, 6, and 7, the golf club head has a single slot 142 near the rear end 110 of the golf club 100. In many embodiments, the single slot 142 can be used as a geometric receiving structure for a weight assembly 143. The single slot 142 can be defined by an internal slot surface 144 that is substantially perpendicular to the sole 103. The internal slot surface 144 can be defined by a slot length 145. The single slot 142 is further defined by a slot bottom surface 146 that is perpendicular to the internal slot surface 144 and substantially parallel to the sole 103. The slot 142 is further defined by a top surface 147 that is perpendicular to the internal slot surface 144 and substantially parallel to the sole 103. In many embodiments, the slot bottom surface 146 does not extend as far toward the rear of the golf club head as the slot top surface 147. The slot further comprises at least two side walls 148, 149 at the heel-facing end and the central portion of the golf club head. The internal slot surface 144, bottom surface 146, top surface 147, and the two side walls 148, 149 define a channel that opens to the rear and bottom of the golf club head, thereby exposing at least a portion of the outer and lower surfaces of the weight assembly when the slot 142 receives the weight assembly 143.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiments, the inner surface 144 of the slot may define two windows (i.e., a central window (which may also be referred to as the central weight position 140) and a heel-side window (which may also be referred to as the heel weight position 141). Each of these windows contains a weight assembly mounting point within a single slot 142. In many embodiments, the central window 140 and the heel-side window 141 are threaded to receive threaded fasteners 150.

[0094] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 may further include a fencing plate 151, which is a portion of the sole 103 of the golf club head 100 and can extend to span across the slot 142. The fencing plate 151 may include a portion or all of the bottom surface 146.

[0095] In many embodiments, the slot length 145 on the inner surface of the slot can vary between 2.0 inches and 4.0 inches. For example, the slot length 145 can be greater than 2.0 inches, greater than 2.5 inches, greater than 3.0 inches, or greater than 3.5 inches. The slot length on the inner surface 144 of the slot is 2.0 inches or greater.

[0096] Furthermore, the slot 144 may have an asymmetrical shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the slot varies non-uniformly in the heel-toe direction. This asymmetrical shape helps to securely fasten the weight assembly 143 within the channel defined by the slot 144. Due to the asymmetrical shape of the slot 144, the weight assembly 143 cannot slide across the entire length of the channel. Rather, the weight assembly 143 must be removed and placed at one of two distinct positions 140, 141.

[0097] Furthermore, the slot 144 may have a height 152 measured from the top surface 147 of the slot to the bottom surface 146 of the slot, and the slot height 152 is the channel height 152. In most embodiments, the slot 144 may have a variable height, which is not consistent in the heel-toe direction. The non-uniform height of the slot 144 is essential for the safety of the weight assembly within the slot 144, because the variable height 152 of the channel allows only two weight positions to align the weight assembly with either the heel-side window 141 or the center window 140. Due to the non-uniform height 152 of the slot 144, the weight assembly 143 cannot slide laterally across the entire length of the channel. Rather, the weight assembly 143 must be removed and placed at one of the two distinct positions 140, 141. This prevents golfers from being presented with an endless number of positional options, which could lead to confusion in determining the shot shape and flight of the golf ball.

[0098] The variable height 152 of slot 144 can vary in the range of 0.2 inches to 0.6 inches. The variable height 152 of slot 144 may be 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, or 0.6 inches.

[0099] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may be equipped with a casing plate 151, thereby allowing a portion of the sole 103 of the golf club head 100 to extend across the slot 144. The casing plate 151 functions to increase the aerodynamics of the channel, thereby assisting in the proper insertion of the weight member 153 into the slot 144. The casing plate 151 can have any desired geometric structure that covers a specific portion of the slot 144 or the entire slot 144. In some embodiments, the enclosure plate 151 can cover 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 20%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the slot. Less coverage provided by the enclosure plate across the slot directly correlates to a lighter clubhead, and vice versa.

[0100] Referring to Figures 1, 6, and 7, the weight assembly 143 is attached to the golf club head 100 by screwing the weight member 153 (i.e., the weight assembly) having a fastener 150 into either the threaded heel-side window 141 or the threaded central window 140.

[0101] Continuing to refer to Figures 1, 6, and 7, the variable weight assembly (also referred to as weight assembly 143) comprises a single weight member 153 and a single mechanical fastener (or fastener 150). The weight member 153 is configured to be positioned within a slot 144 of the golf club head 100. The weight member 153 comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a side wall extending between the outer and inner surfaces, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a window extending from the outer surface to the inner surface via the weight member. This window further comprises window threads on the internal portion of the window. When the weight assembly 143 is removed from the slot 144 by means of the window threads in the weight member window, the fastener 150 is retained within the weight member 153. The lower surface of the weight member further comprises a recess configured to receive the slot bottom surface formed by an extension of the sole. The extension of the sole comprises a fencing plate. The enclosure plate provides additional stability to the weight assembly when the weight assembly is mounted in a manner that it is screwed into the slot.

[0102] Due to the limited size of the slot structure, the mass of the slot structure 144 is very small compared to the total mass of the golf club head 100. The mass of the slot structure 144 may be less than 10.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 100.

[0103] In many embodiments, the mass of the weight member 153 is in the range of 12 to 18 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of the weight member 153 is in the range of 12g to 13g, 13g to 14g, 14g to 15g, 15.0g to 16.0g, 16.0g to 17.0g, or 17.0g to 18.0g. The mass of the weight assembly 143 can be 12g, 13g, 14g, 15g, 16g, 17g, or 18g. In many embodiments, the mass of the weight assembly 143 (weight member 153 and fastener 150) is in the range of 12 to 20 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of the back weight assembly is in the range of 12g to 14g, 14g to 16g, 16g to 18g, or 18.0g to 20.0g. The mass of the weight assembly can be 12g, 13g, 14g, 15g, 16g, 17g, 18g, 19g, or 20g.

[0104] Due to the efficient arrangement of the weight system, resulting from the mass of the adjustable weight system 104 and the presence of only a central weight position and a heel weight position, and no toe weight position, it is possible to achieve a lighter golf club head 100 while still achieving a deep club head center of gravity position 1 greater than 43 mm. The deep club head center of gravity position 163 can be measured from the geometric center 121 of the face plate 105 to the center of gravity position 163 of the club head, parallel to the ground plane 120. In many embodiments, the club head center of gravity position 163 can be greater than 44 mm, greater than 45 mm, greater than 46 mm, greater than 47 mm, greater than 48 mm, greater than 49 mm, or greater than 50 mm. Having a lighter golf club head 100 while maintaining a deep club head center of gravity position 163 is beneficial, as it helps in the production of a high MOI golf club head while maintaining a high ball flight during the course of the golf ball's flight.

[0105] In many embodiments, the club head 100 is larger than approximately 2250 g·cm², larger than approximately 2500 g·cm², larger than approximately 2750 g·cm², larger than approximately 3000 g·cm², larger than approximately 3250 g·cm², larger than approximately 3500 g·cm², larger than approximately 3750 g·cm², larger than approximately 4000 g·cm², larger than approximately 4250 g·cm², larger than approximately 4500 g·cm², approximately The crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx is greater than 4750 g·cm², greater than approximately 5000 g·cm², greater than approximately 5250 g·cm², greater than approximately 5500 g·cm², greater than approximately 5750 g·cm², greater than approximately 6000 g·cm², greater than approximately 6250 g·cm², greater than approximately 6500 g·cm², greater than approximately 6750 g·cm², or greater than approximately 7000 g·cm².

[0106] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy that is greater than approximately 4500 g·cm², greater than approximately 4750 g·cm², greater than approximately 5000 g·cm², greater than approximately 5250 g·cm², greater than approximately 5500 g·cm², greater than approximately 5750 g·cm², greater than approximately 6000 g·cm², greater than approximately 6250 g·cm², greater than approximately 6500 g·cm², greater than approximately 6750 g·cm², or greater than approximately 7000 g·cm².

[0107] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a weight greater than approximately 7000 g·cm², greater than approximately 7250 g·cm², greater than approximately 7500 g·cm², greater than approximately 7750 g·cm², greater than 8000 g·cm², greater than 8500 g·cm², greater than 8750 g·cm², greater than 9000 g·cm², greater than 9250 g·cm², greater than 9500 g·cm², greater than 9750 g·cm², greater than 10000 g·cm², greater than 10250 g·cm², and 10500 g The total moment of inertia (i.e., the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy) is greater than 10750 g·cm², greater than 11000 g·cm², greater than 11250 g·cm², greater than 11500 g·cm², greater than 11750 g·cm², or greater than 12000 g·cm², greater than 12500 g·cm², greater than 1300 g·cm², greater than 13500 g·cm², or greater than 14000 g·cm². Crown-Faceplate Bridge

[0108] Many of the aforementioned features of the golf club head can be designed within the golf club head 100 because of the implementation of the crown-face plate bridge 106. The crown-face plate bridge 106 is positioned within the low-stress and / or low-displacement regions of the club head 100, allowing for localized reinforcement of the specific crown portion 102 and face plate portion 105 without affecting the performance of the club head 100 (i.e., ball speed). By locally reinforcing the crown portion and face plate portion through the crown-face plate bridge 106, the area of ​​high CT characteristics can be reduced (without increasing the overall face thickness) with an effect on impact ball speed that is negligible. In many embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge 106 can mimic a gusset-like structure when reinforcing / expanding specific portions of the transition region 118.

[0109] In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 extends from the inner surface 128 of the crown to the inner rear surface of the faceplate 105. As illustrated by Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is present only within the front portion 125 of the crown. Alternatively, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is not present within the middle portion 126 or rear portion 127 of the crown 102, but only within the front portion of the crown 102.

[0110] Continuing to refer to Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9, the golf club head 100 further includes a continuous transition region extending between the sole and the crown. The continuous transition region 118 includes a crown transition region 154 and a sole transition region 155. The crown transition region 154 can extend completely or partially from the heel end to the toe end and extends between the face plate 105 and the crown 102. In many embodiments, the continuous transition region 118 completely surrounds the striking face and is positioned between the striking face and the crown. The continuous transition region 118 includes at least one crown-face plate bridge 106. The continuous transition region is curved and has no sharp angles or points. In many embodiments, the radius of curvature of the continuous transition region 118 is between 0.15 inches and 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the crown transition region 154 is between 0.30 inches and 0.80 inches. The portion of the crown-faceplate bridge 106 that lies within the transition region 118 has a certain or variable radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the transition region 118.

[0111] The club head 100 may further include at least one crown-face plate bridge 106 positioned entirely inward within its hollow body, near the striking face 105. The crown-face plate bridge 106 is located near or in contact with the striking face 105, between the heel 109 and the toe 108, and provides rigidity to the striking face 105 near the region with the highest CT. In many embodiments, the striking face 105 experiences maximum CT characteristics between the midplane 156 and the nearest toe end of the crown 102, and between the midplane 156 and the nearest heel end of the sole 103. Thus, the crown-face plate bridge 106 can be positioned based on the structure of the golf club head to reduce CT characteristics only in the required region. The crown-face plate bridge 106 can mimic a gusset structure when reinforcing / enlarging (or thickening) specific parts of the transition region.

[0112] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 may have a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane parallel to the midpoint plane 156. For example, the heel-side plane may be positioned toward the heel of the golf club head 100 and away from the midpoint plane 156, and the toe-side plane may be positioned toward the toe of the golf club head 100 and away from the midpoint plane 156. In many embodiments, the heel-side plane may be positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the midpoint plane toward the heel, and the toe-side plane may be positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the midpoint plane toward the toe. For example, the heel plane can be positioned at a distance of 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, or 0.80 inches from the midplane 156. For example, the toe plane can be positioned at a distance of 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, or 0.80 inches from the midplane. In a further embodiment, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is in contact with the heel plane and the toe plane and can exist entirely between the heel plane and the toe plane, but extends through the midplane 156.

[0113] The crown-faceplate bridge 106 is integrated with the internal continuous transition region 118, the crown 102, and / or the sole 103. The crown-faceplate bridge 106 does not have a weld bead, adhesive, or any other known joining method.

[0114] The crown-face plate bridge 106 can be used to locally thicken specific areas of the club head 100. A club head having the crown-face plate bridge 106 can eliminate mass from the rest of the club head 100, resulting in an optimized mass-to-volume ratio (as described above) that accommodates lower swing speeds. This reduction in mass-to-volume ratio can lead to improvements in ball speed, flight path, and distance.

[0115] In many embodiments, the mass of the crown-face plate bridge 106 can be 3 grams or less. Minimizing the weight of the crown-face plate bridge 106 improves clubhead characteristics by ensuring that the above mass / volume relationship is satisfied, while reducing the likelihood that the golf club head will have a CT value that falls outside the designed threshold. In alternative embodiments, the mass of the crown-face plate bridge 106 can be between approximately 0.5 grams and approximately 1 gram, between approximately 1 gram and approximately 2 grams, or between approximately 2 grams and approximately 3 grams. In other embodiments, the mass of the crown-face plate bridge can be approximately 0.5 grams, approximately 1 gram, approximately 2 grams, or approximately 3 grams.

[0116] In embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the golf club head 100 includes at least one crown-face plate bridge 106 that intersects a midplane 156 (of the golf club head) and extends beyond the midplane 156 toward the heel and / or toe of the golf club head. The midplane 156 divides the heel-toe width of the golf club head into two equal parts. The crown-face plate bridge 106 can be defined by at least length, width, and thickness. The crown-face plate bridge length is measured perpendicular to the midplane 156 in the heel-toe direction. The crown-face plate bridge width is measured parallel to the midplane in the front-rear direction. In many embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge 106 has a heel-toe center 157 that divides its length into two equal parts. In the same or another embodiment, the crown-face plate bridge has a front-rear center that divides its width into two equal parts. In other words, at least one heel end 158 and / or toe end 159 of the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is partially distal to the midplane intersection and / or spaced away from the midplane intersection. In an alternative embodiment, the entire crown-faceplate bridge 106 can be positioned between the midplane 156 and the heel or toe end, but without intersecting the midplane.

[0117] In some embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge 106 is aligned such that the heel-toe center is coplanar with the clubhead midplane 156. In other embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge 106 is offset from the midplane 156. In some of these embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge center is offset from the midplane by only 0.5 inches to 1.0 inch. For example, the crown-face plate bridge center can be offset from the midplane 156 by 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the reinforcement area center is offset from the midplane by only 1.0 inch to 2.0 inches. For example, the reinforcement center can be offset from the midplane by 1.0 inch, 1.1 inch, 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch, 1.4 inch, 1.5 inch, 1.6 inch, 1.7 inch, 1.8 inch, 1.9 inch, or 2.0 inch.

[0118] The crown-faceplate bridge length does not extend entirely from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head. It extends along a portion of the heel-toe length in the transition region where the crown-faceplate bridge is located. In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge length can be between 0.75 inches and 4 inches. For example, the crown-faceplate bridge length can be between 0.75 inches and 1 inch, between 1 inch and 1.25 inches, between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, between 1.75 inches and 2 inches, between 2 inches and 2.25 inches, between 2.25 inches and 2.5 inches, between 2.5 inches and 2.75 inches, between 2.75 inches and 3 inches, between 3 inches and 3.25 inches, between 3.25 inches and 3.5 inches, between 3.5 inches and 3.75 inches, or between 3.75 inches and 4 inches. In alternative embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge length can be 0.75 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.25 inches, 1.50 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.75 inches, or 4.0 inches. In some embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge length can be between 15% and 85% of the length of the transition region from the heel end to the toe end.

[0119] As described above, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is at least partially located within the transition region 118. In some embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width extends across the entire front-to-rear width of the transition region. In some embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width extends across only a portion of the front-to-rear width of the transition region. In these embodiments and some of the other embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width extends beyond the transition region onto either the crown or the sole. The crown-faceplate bridge width can be between 50% and 100% of the transition region width. In some embodiments where the crown-faceplate bridge extends beyond the transition region, the crown-faceplate bridge width can be greater than the transition region width. In these embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width can be up to 150% of the crown-faceplate bridge width.

[0120] The crown-faceplate bridge width does not extend completely from the faceplate 105 to the rear of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width can be between 0.40 inches and 0.80 inches. For example, the crown-faceplate bridge width can be between 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches, between 0.50 inches and 0.6 inches, between 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches, or between 0.7 inches and 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge width can be approximately 0.40 inches, approximately 0.45 inches, approximately 0.50 inches, approximately 0.55 inches, approximately 0.60 inches, approximately 0.65 inches, approximately 0.70 inches, approximately 0.75 inches, or approximately 0.80 inches.

[0121] In many embodiments, the crown-face plate bridge 106 is integrally formed with at least the portion of the club head to which the crown-face plate bridge 106 is in contact (i.e., without weld beads, adhesives, etc.). Alternatively, the crown-face plate bridge 106, the transition region, and the portion of the crown to which the crown-face plate bridge 106 is joined are made of the same material or a combination of materials.

[0122] In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 generally has a protruding rectangular shape when viewed from the top surface. In other embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 may have one of the following shapes: oval, circular, trapezoidal, rounded rectangle, square, rounded square, or another polygon. In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is substantially parallel with respect to its length. In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is substantially parallel with respect to its width.

[0123] The crown-faceplate bridge 106 may have variable or constant thickness over its entire width and / or length. In some of these embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 has a constant, untapered thickness over its entire width and / or length. In other embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 has a constant thickness over only one of its width or length, and a variable (or tapered) thickness over its entire width or length.

[0124] In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 106 is thickest at its center. In these embodiments, the thickness of the crown-faceplate bridge tapers circumferentially (or radially) from the center, and the center of the reinforced region has a rounded or pointed peak. In other words, the thickness of the crown-faceplate bridge decreases linearly or curvilinearly in all directions away from the center (both width and length). The taper rate varies in one direction relative to another based on the dimensions of the crown-faceplate bridge, thereby ensuring that the thickness of the crown-faceplate bridge is the same at all edges of the crown-faceplate bridge. The thickness can taper linearly, curvilinearly, or in a stepped manner toward its edges in the directions away from the center toward the front, rear, heel, and toe ends. The front, rear, heel end 158, and toe end 159 edges of the crown-face plate bridge are tapered so that they transition substantially seamlessly with the surrounding club head. In other words, the thickness of the crown-face plate bridge is reduced at its outer edge to the thickness of the surrounding golf club head to prevent the presence of a substantial lip or step that differentiates the reinforced area from the surrounding club head.

[0125] In some embodiments, the front-rear cross-sectional shape of the crown-faceplate bridge differs from the heel-toe cross-sectional shape of the crown-faceplate bridge. In other embodiments of these embodiments, the front-rear cross-sectional shape of the crown-faceplate bridge is similar to the heel-toe cross-sectional shape of the crown-faceplate bridge. In some embodiments, the reinforced region has a slightly curved cross-sectional shape. Sole-Faceplate Bridge

[0126] Many of the aforementioned features of the golf club head 100 can be designed within the golf club head 100 because it implements at least one sole-faceplate bridge 107. The sole-faceplate bridge 107 can be positioned within low-stress and / or low-displacement regions of the club head to locally reinforce the specific sole portion 103 and faceplate portion without affecting the performance of the club head (i.e., ball speed). By locally reinforcing the sole portion and faceplate portion through the sole-faceplate bridge 107, the area of ​​high CT characteristics can be reduced (without increasing the overall face thickness) with an effect on impact ball speed that is negligible. In many embodiments, the crown-faceplate bridge 107 can mimic a gusset-like structure when reinforcing / enlarging specific portions of the club head.

[0127] In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 extends from the inner surface 133 of the sole to the inner rear surface of the faceplate 105. As illustrated by Figures 10 and 11, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is located only within the front portion of the sole 103. Alternatively, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is not located within the middle portion 131 or the rear portion 132 of the sole 103, but only within the front portion 130 of the sole 103.

[0128] As described above, the golf club head 100 further includes a continuous transition region 118 extending between the sole 103 and the crown 102. The continuous transition region 118 includes a crown transition region 154 and a sole transition region 155. The sole transition region 155 may extend completely or partially from the heel end to the toe end and extends between the face plate 105 and the sole 103. In many embodiments, the continuous transition region 118 completely surrounds the striking face 105 and is positioned between the striking face 105 and the sole 103. The continuous transition region 118 includes at least one sole-face plate bridge 107. The continuous transition region 118 is curved and has no sharp angles or points. In many embodiments, the radius of curvature of the continuous transition region 118 is between 0.15 inches and 0.80 inches. In many embodiments, the radius of curvature of the continuous transition region 118 is approximately 0.15 inches, 0.16 inches, 0.17 inches, 0.18 inches, 0.19 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.21 inches, 0.22 inches, 0.23 inches, 0.24 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.27 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.43 inches, 0.44 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.46 inches These are 0.47 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.51 inches, 0.52 inches, 0.53 inches, 0.54 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, or 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the sole transition region 155 is between 0.30 inches and 0.80 inches.In many embodiments, the radius of curvature of the sole transition region 155 is approximately 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.43 inches, 0.44 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.46 inches, 0.47 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.51 inches, 0.52 inches, 0.53 inches. The dimensions are 0.54 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, or 0.80 inches. The portion of the sole-faceplate bridge 107 that exists within the continuous transition region 118 has a certain or variable radius of curvature that matches the radius of curvature of the transition region 118.

[0129] The club head 100 may further include at least one sole-face plate bridge 107 positioned inward within the hollow body, near the striking face 105. The sole-face plate bridge 107 is positioned near or in contact with the striking face 105, between the heel and the toe, and provides rigidity to the striking face 105 near the region with the highest CT. In many embodiments, the striking face 105 experiences maximum CT characteristics between the midplane 156 and the nearest toe end of the sole 103, and between the midplane 156 and the nearest heel end of the sole 103. Thus, the sole-face plate bridge 107 is positioned based on the structure of the golf club head to reduce CT characteristics only in the necessary regions.

[0130] In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 may have a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane parallel to the midpoint plane 156. For example, the heel-side plane may be positioned toward the heel of the golf club head 100 and away from the midpoint plane 156, and the toe-side plane may be positioned toward the toe of the golf club head 100 and away from the midpoint plane 156. In many embodiments, the heel-side plane may be positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the midpoint plane toward the heel, and the toe-side plane may be positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the midpoint plane toward the toe. For example, the heel plane and / or toe plane can be positioned at a distance of 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, or 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane 156. In a further embodiment, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 may be adjacent to the heel plane and the toe plane and may exist between the heel plane and the toe plane, but extending through the intermediate plane 156.

[0131] In many embodiments, the sole-face plate bridge 107 is integrally formed with at least the portion of the club head to which the sole-face plate bridge 107 is in contact (i.e., without weld beads, adhesives, etc.). Alternatively, the sole-face plate bridge 107, the transition region, and the portion of the sole to which the sole-face plate bridge 107 is joined are made of the same material or a combination of materials.

[0132] The sole-face plate bridge 107 can be used to locally thicken the club head. A club head having the sole-face plate bridge 107 can eliminate mass from the rest of the club head 100, resulting in an optimized mass-to-volume ratio that accommodates slower swing speeds. This reduction in mass-to-volume ratio can lead to improvements in ball speed, flight path, and distance.

[0133] In many embodiments, the mass of the sole-face plate bridge 107 can be 3 grams or less. Minimizing the weight of the sole-face plate bridge 107 improves clubhead characteristics by ensuring that the above mass / volume relationship is satisfied, while reducing the likelihood that the golf club head will have a CT value that falls outside the designed threshold. In alternative embodiments, the mass of the sole-face plate bridge 107 can be between approximately 0.5 grams and approximately 1 gram, between approximately 1 gram and approximately 2 grams, or between approximately 2 grams and approximately 3 grams. In other embodiments, the mass of the sole-face plate bridge can be approximately 0.5 grams, approximately 1 gram, approximately 2 grams, or approximately 3 grams.

[0134] In embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the golf club head 100 includes at least one sole-face plate bridge 107 that intersects the midplane 156 and extends beyond the midplane 156 toward the heel and / or toe of the golf club head. The sole-face plate bridge 107 can be defined by at least length, width, and thickness. The sole-face plate bridge length is measured perpendicular to the midplane 156 in the heel-toe direction. The sole-face plate bridge width is measured parallel to the midplane in the front-rear direction. In many embodiments, the sole-face plate bridge 107 has a heel-toe center that divides its length into two equal parts. In the same or another embodiment, the sole-face plate bridge 107 has a front-rear center that divides its width into two equal parts. In other words, at least one end of the sole-face plate bridge is partially distal to the intersection of the midplane 156. In an alternative embodiment, the entire sole-faceplate bridge can be positioned between the midplane and the heel or toe end, but without intersecting the midplane.

[0135] In some embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is aligned such that the heel-toe center 160 is coplanar with the clubhead midplane 156. In other embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is offset from the midplane 156. In some of these embodiments, the center of the sole-faceplate bridge is offset from the midplane 156 by only 0.5 inches to 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the center of the sole-faceplate bridge is offset from the midplane by only 1.0 inch to 2.0 inches.

[0136] The sole-faceplate bridge length does not extend entirely from the heel end to the toe end. It extends along a portion of the heel-toe length in the transition region where the sole-faceplate bridge is located. In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge length can be between 0.75 inches and 4 inches. For example, the sole-faceplate bridge length can be between 0.75 inches and 1 inch, between 1 inch and 1.25 inches, between 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, between 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, between 1.75 inches and 2 inches, between 2 inches and 2.25 inches, between 2.25 inches and 2.5 inches, between 2.5 inches and 2.75 inches, between 2.75 inches and 3 inches, between 3 inches and 3.25 inches, between 3.25 inches and 3.5 inches, between 3.5 inches and 3.75 inches, or between 3.75 inches and 4 inches. In some embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge length can be between 15% and 85% of the length of the transition region from the heel end to the toe end.

[0137] As described above, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is at least partially located within the transition region 118. In some embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width extends across the entire front-to-rear width of the transition region. In some embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width extends across only a portion of the front-to-rear width of the transition region. In these embodiments and some of the other embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width extends beyond the transition region 118 onto the sole 103. The sole-faceplate bridge width can be between 50% and 100% of the transition region width. In some embodiments where the sole-faceplate bridge extends beyond the transition region, the sole-faceplate bridge width can be greater than the transition region width. In these embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width can be up to 150% of the sole-faceplate bridge width.

[0138] The sole-faceplate bridge width does not extend completely from the faceplate 105 to the rear of the golf club head 100. In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width can be between 0.40 inches and 0.80 inches. For example, the sole-faceplate bridge width can be between approximately 0.40 inches and 0.50 inches, between approximately 0.50 inches and 0.6 inches, between approximately 0.6 inches and 0.7 inches, or between approximately 0.7 inches and 0.80 inches. In other embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge width can be approximately 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.75 inches, or 0.80 inches.

[0139] In many embodiments, the sole-face plate bridge is integrally formed with at least the portion of the club head in contact with the sole-face plate bridge. The sole-face plate bridge, the transition region, and the portion of the sole on which the sole-face plate bridge is located are made of the same material or a combination of materials.

[0140] In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 generally has a protruding rectangular shape when viewed from the top surface. In other embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 may have one of the following shapes: oval, circular, trapezoidal, rounded rectangle, square, rounded square, or another polygon. In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is substantially parallel with respect to its length. In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is substantially parallel with respect to its width.

[0141] The sole-faceplate bridge 107 may have variable or constant thickness over its entire width and / or length. In some of these embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 has a constant, untapered thickness over its entire width and / or length. In other embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 has a constant thickness over only one of its width or length, and a variable (or tapered) thickness over its entire width or length.

[0142] In many embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is thickest at its center. In these embodiments, the thickness of the sole-faceplate bridge tapers circumferentially (or radially) from the center, and the center of the reinforced area has a rounded or pointed peak. In other words, the thickness of the sole-faceplate bridge 107 decreases linearly or curvilinearly in all directions away from the center (both width and length). The taper rate varies in one direction relative to another based on the dimensions of the sole-faceplate bridge, thereby ensuring that the thickness of the sole-faceplate bridge is the same at all edges of the sole-faceplate bridge. The thickness tapers linearly, curvilinearly, or in a stepped manner toward its edges in the directions away from the center toward the front, rear, heel, and toe ends. The edges of the sole-faceplate bridge at the front, rear, heel end 161, and toe end 162 are tapered so that they transition substantially seamlessly with the surrounding golf club head. In other words, the thickness of the sole-faceplate bridge 107 is reduced at its edges to the thickness of the surrounding golf club head to prevent the presence of a substantial lip or step that differentiates the sole-faceplate bridge from the surrounding club head.

[0143] In some embodiments, the front-rear cross-sectional shape of the sole-faceplate bridge differs from the heel-toe cross-sectional shape of the sole-faceplate bridge. In other embodiments of these embodiments, the front-rear cross-sectional shape of the sole-faceplate bridge is similar to the heel-toe cross-sectional shape of the sole-faceplate bridge. In some embodiments, the sole-faceplate bridge has a slightly curved cross-sectional shape. Example 1

[0144] To analyze the effectiveness of the golf club head embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11 and to obtain quantifiable information regarding ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate characteristics, a two-club player test experiment was conducted. Specifically, the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 11 were benchmarked against a control standard club that maintains durability against swing speeds exceeding 100 mph.

[0145] The two-club player test procedure was conducted with 22 golfers, each hitting a total of 20 shots. Each player hit 5 shots using the experimental clubhead, followed by 5 shots using a standard control club, repeating this process until a total of 20 shots were taken. After each swing, ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate characteristics were recorded and logged.

[0146] The tested golf club heads (or experimental clubs) shown in Figures 1 to 11 were driver-type golf club heads with a loft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees, a swing weight of C8, a head weight of 191.1 grams, and a head volume of 460 cc. The control standard club was a driver-type golf club head with a loft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees, a swing weight of D3.0, a head weight of 201 grams, and a head volume of 460 cc.

[0147] Typically, assuming everything is equal (i.e., the same swing speed, etc.), reducing the mass of the club head results in a decrease in ball speed because the momentum of the moving object (i.e., the golf ball) is the product of the mass of the golf club head and the velocity of the golf club head. Therefore, typically, increasing the mass of the club head that collides with the golf ball results in a faster ball speed. However, this was not the case. Specifically, the experimental club, which was 8.1 grams lighter than the control standard club, produced a 0.5% faster ball speed while achieving a similar launch angle. Therefore, it can be concluded that the increased flex of the golf club head, resulting from thinning many of the structural elements of the club head, is superior to, and / or matches, the performance gain typically associated with heavier golf clubs. This is particularly important because the increased distance can compensate for strokes lost due to increased player variability. Example 2

[0148] FEA experiments were conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the golf club head embodiments described herein and to obtain quantifiable information regarding changes in CT, ball velocity loss, and added mass to the club head by implementing one or more crown-faceplate bridges or sole-faceplate bridges. Specifically, the positioning of the crown-faceplate bridges and / or sole-faceplate bridges exemplified in Figures 8 to 11 was simulated individually and together to identify the effectiveness of each feature individually (and together) based on changes in club head CT, ball velocity loss, and added structural mass to the club head. The control standard club is the golf club head shown in Figures 1 to 11, which has a thin crown, thin sole, thin faceplate, and a mass-efficient weight system, and does not have either a crown-faceplate bridge or a sole-faceplate bridge.

[0149] The FEA experiment was a virtual study conducted to simulate an actual CT test performed by the USGA. In the virtual FEA experiment, a steel hammer was impacted at three specified velocities identified by the USGA test protocol. During the impact, the rigid body acceleration and rigid body velocity of the hammer were plotted. Subsequently, data from all three impacts were collected and plotted on a new curve, with the Y-intercept being the calculated CT value.

[0150] The only difference between the tested golf club heads and the control standard clubs was the addition of either a crown-to-face plate bridge or a sole-to-face plate bridge, or both. The first simulated golf club head included only a sole-to-face plate bridge weighing approximately 1 gram and had no crown-to-face plate bridge. This first simulated golf club head reduced the CT by 2.7 microseconds and decreased ball speed by approximately 0.3 miles per hour compared to the control standard club. The second simulated golf club head included only a sole-to-face plate bridge weighing approximately 2 grams and had no crown-to-face plate bridge. This second simulated golf club head reduced the CT by 12.5 microseconds and decreased ball speed by approximately 0.5 miles per hour compared to the control standard club. The third simulated golf club head included only a crown-to-face plate bridge weighing approximately 2 grams and had no sole-to-face plate bridge. This simulated third golf club head reduced the CT by 12.3 microseconds and decreased ball speed by approximately 0.33 miles per hour compared to a standard control club. The simulated fourth golf club head included both a sole-faceplate bridge weighing approximately 1 gram and a crown-faceplate bridge weighing approximately 1 gram. This simulated fourth golf club head reduced the CT by 6.6 microseconds and decreased ball speed by approximately 0.51 miles per hour compared to a standard control club. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of controlling CT across the entire faceplate (using the crown-faceplate bridge and / or sole-faceplate bridge) while maintaining a lightweight clubhead by minimizing the mass added to the clubhead without increasing the perimeter thickness of the faceplate.

[0151] Clause 1 A hollow golf club head comprising a crown, sole, striking face, toe end, heel end, and rear, wherein the crown, sole, striking face, and rear combine to form an internal cavity, the striking face is opposite the rear and close to the crown and sole, the sole rests on the ground plane when the club head is in the address position, the toe end is opposite the heel end, the sole is opposite the crown, the striking face further comprises a geometric center point and an intermediate plane extending through the geometric center point in the direction from the striking face to the rear of the golf club head, the intermediate plane being perpendicular to the ground plane, and the golf club head further comprises a crown transition region and a sole transition region, the crown transition region being the striking face A hollow golf club head comprising a crown-face plate bridge and a sole-face plate bridge, wherein the sole transition region is formed between the striking face and the sole, the crown transition region has a first transition region thickness, the sole transition region has a second transition region thickness, the golf club head further comprises a crown-face plate bridge and a sole-face plate bridge, the crown-face plate bridge is fully positioned within the crown transition region, the sole-face plate bridge is positioned within the sole transition region, the crown-face plate bridge has a first reinforced region thickness, the sole-face plate bridge has a second reinforced region thickness, the first reinforced region thickness is greater than the crown transition region thickness, and the second reinforced region thickness is greater than the sole transition region thickness.

[0152] Clause 2 The hollow golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the crown-faceplate bridge further has a first reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a first reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, and the sole-faceplate bridge further has a second reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a second reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, wherein the first reinforced area width varies along the first reinforced area length and the second reinforced area width varies along the second reinforced area length.

[0153] Clause 3: The hollow golf club head of Clause 2, wherein the length of the first reinforced area varies along the width of the first reinforced area, and the length of the second reinforced area varies along the width of the second reinforced area.

[0154] Clause 4 A hollow golf club head of Clause 2, further comprising a heel plane and a toe plane, wherein the heel plane and the toe plane are parallel to the intermediate plane, the heel plane is positioned toward the heel end of the golf club head and spaced apart from the intermediate plane, the toe plane is positioned toward the toe end of the golf club and spaced apart from the intermediate plane, the heel plane is positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane, the toe plane is positioned at a distance of 0.75 to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane, and the first reinforcement area width and the second reinforcement area width are in contact with the boundary of the heel plane and the toe plane and exist between the heel plane and the toe plane.

[0155] Clause 5 The hollow golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is integrally formed within the crown transition region, and the sole-face plate bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region.

[0156] Clause 6 A hollow golf club head of Clause 1, further comprising: a first intersection of the intermediate plane defined by the intersection with the crown-face plate bridge; and a second intersection of the intermediate plane defined by the intersection with the sole-face plate bridge, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is in contact with the first intersection and extends beyond the first intersection in both the heel and toe directions; and the sole-face plate bridge is in contact with the second intersection and extends beyond the second intersection in both the heel and toe directions.

[0157] Clause 7 A hollow golf club head according to Clause 6, wherein the mass of the club head is approximately 194 grams and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc, so that the mass-to-volume ratio of the club head is between 0.40 and 0.44.

[0158] Clause 8 A hollow golf club head according to Clause 7, wherein the center of gravity of the club head is greater than 43 mm when measured parallel to the ground plane from the geometric center point of the striking face.

[0159] Clause 9 The hollow golf club head of Clause 8, wherein the rear portion of the golf club head further comprises a single slot, the single slot comprising an inner slot surface, a bottom slot surface, a top slot surface, and two side walls of the slot, the inner slot surface, the bottom slot surface, the top slot surface, and the two side walls of the slot cooperate to form a slot channel that opens to the outer rear portion of the golf club head and the sole, the inner slot surface further comprises only a central weight position and a heel weight position and no toe weight position, the central weight position and the heel weight position have weight assembly mounting points, and the golf club head further comprises a movable weight assembly, the weight assembly being removablely mounted to only one of the central weight position and the heel weight position.

[0160] Clause 10 A hollow golf club head comprising a crown, sole, striking face, toe end, heel end, and rear, wherein the crown, sole, striking face, and rear combine to form an internal cavity, the striking face is opposite the rear and close to the crown and sole, the sole rests on the ground plane when the club head is in the address position, the toe end is opposite the heel end, the sole is opposite the crown, the striking face further comprises a geometric center point and an intermediate plane extending through the geometric center point in the direction from the striking face to the rear of the golf club head, the mass of the striking face is less than 63 grams, the intermediate plane is perpendicular to the ground plane, and the golf club head further comprises a crown transition region and a sole transition region, the crown transition A hollow golf club head comprising a transition region formed between the striking face and the crown, a sole transition region formed between the striking face and the sole, the crown transition region having a first transition region thickness, the sole transition region having a second transition region thickness, the golf club head further comprising a crown-face plate bridge and a sole-face plate bridge, the crown-face plate bridge being fully positioned within the crown transition region, the sole-face plate bridge being positioned within the sole transition region, the crown-face plate bridge having a first reinforcement region thickness, the sole-face plate bridge having a second reinforcement region thickness, the first reinforcement region thickness being greater than the crown transition region thickness, and the second reinforcement region thickness being greater than the sole transition region thickness.

[0161] Clause 11 The hollow golf club head of Clause 10, wherein the crown-faceplate bridge further has a first reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a first reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, and the sole-faceplate bridge further has a second reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a second reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, wherein the first reinforced area width varies along the first reinforced area length and the second reinforced area width varies along the second reinforced area length.

[0162] Clause 12 The hollow golf club head of Clause 11, wherein the length of the first reinforced area varies along the width of the first reinforced area, and the length of the second reinforced area varies along the width of the second reinforced area.

[0163] Clause 13 A hollow golf club head of Clause 11, further comprising a heel plane and a toe plane, wherein the heel plane and the toe plane are parallel to the intermediate plane, the heel plane is positioned toward the heel end of the golf club head and spaced apart from the intermediate plane, the toe plane is positioned toward the toe end of the golf club and spaced apart from the intermediate plane, the heel plane is positioned at a distance of 0.55 to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane, the toe plane is positioned at a distance of 0.75 to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane, and the first reinforcement area width and the second reinforcement area width are in contact with the boundary of the heel plane and the toe plane and exist between the heel plane and the toe plane.

[0164] Clause 14 The hollow golf club head of Clause 10, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is integrally formed within the crown transition region, and the sole-face plate bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region.

[0165] Clause 15 The hollow golf club head of Clause 10, further comprising: a first intersection of the intermediate plane defined by the intersection with the crown-face plate bridge; and a second intersection of the intermediate plane defined by the intersection with the sole-face plate bridge, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is in contact with the first intersection and extends beyond the first intersection in both the heel and toe directions; and the sole-face plate bridge is in contact with the second intersection and extends beyond the second intersection in both the heel and toe directions.

[0166] Clause 16 The hollow golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the mass of the club head is approximately 194 grams and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc, so that the mass-to-volume ratio of the club head is between 0.40 and 0.44.

[0167] Clause 17 A hollow golf club head as described in Clause 16, wherein the center of gravity of the club head is greater than 43 mm when measured parallel to the ground plane from the geometric center point of the striking face.

[0168] Clause 18 The hollow golf club head of Clause 17, wherein the rear portion of the golf club head further comprises a single slot, the single slot comprising an inner slot surface, a bottom slot surface, a top slot surface, and two side walls of the slot, the inner slot surface, the bottom slot surface, the top slot surface, and the two side walls of the slot cooperate to form a slot channel that opens to the outer rear portion of the golf club head and the sole, the inner slot surface further comprises only a central weight position and a heel weight position, and no toe weight position, the central weight position and the heel weight position having weight assembly mounting points, and the golf club head further comprises a movable weight assembly, the weight assembly being removablely mounted to only one of the central weight position and the heel weight position.

[0169] Clause 19: A hollow golf club head as described in Clause 10, wherein the mass of the faceplate is between approximately 61 grams and 62 grams.

[0170] Clause 20 The hollow golf club head of Clause 10, wherein the mass of the faceplate is 62.8 grams.

Claims

1. It is a hollow golf club head, It comprises a crown, sole, striking face, toe end, heel end, and rear part, and the crown, sole, striking face, and rear part combine to form an internal cavity. The striking face is located on the opposite side of the rear and is close to the crown and the sole. The sole remains stationary on the contact plane when the club head is in the address position. The toe end is on the opposite side of the heel end, and the sole is on the opposite side of the crown. The striking face further has a geometric center point and an intermediate plane that extends from the striking face to the rear of the golf club head through the geometric center point, The aforementioned intermediate plane is perpendicular to the ground plane, The golf club head further comprises a crown transition region and a sole transition region. The crown transition region is formed between the striking face and the crown. The sole transition region is formed between the striking face and the sole. The crown transition region has a first transition region thickness, The sole transition region has a second transition region thickness, The golf club head further comprises a crown-face plate bridge and a sole-face plate bridge, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is fully positioned within the crown transition region, and the sole-face plate bridge is positioned within the sole transition region. The crown-face plate bridge has a first reinforced area thickness, and the sole-face plate bridge has a second reinforced area thickness. The thickness of the first reinforced region is greater than the thickness of the crown transition region. The thickness of the second reinforced region is greater than the thickness of the sole transition region. Hollow golf club head.

2. The crown-faceplate bridge further has a first reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a first reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, The sole-face plate bridge further has a second reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a second reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, The width of the first reinforced region varies along the length of the first reinforced region. The width of the second reinforced region varies along the length of the second reinforced region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 1.

3. The length of the first reinforced region varies along the width of the first reinforced region. The length of the second reinforcement region varies along the width of the second reinforcement region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 2.

4. It further includes a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane, The heel-side plane and the toe-side plane are parallel to the intermediate plane. The heel-side plane is positioned in the direction toward the heel end of the golf club head and is spaced apart from the intermediate plane, and the toe-side plane is positioned in the direction toward the toe end of the golf club and is spaced apart from the intermediate plane, The heel-side plane is positioned at a distance of 0.55 inches to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane. The tow-side plane is positioned at a distance of 0.75 inches to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane. The first reinforced area width and the second reinforced area width are adjacent to the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane, and exist between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane. The hollow golf club head according to claim 2.

5. The crown-faceplate bridge is integrally formed within the crown transition region, and the sole-faceplate bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 1.

6. The intermediate plane further comprises a first intersection point defined by the intersection with the crown-faceplate bridge, and a second intersection point defined by the intersection with the sole-faceplate bridge. The crown-faceplate bridge is in contact with the first intersection and extends beyond the first intersection in both the heel and toe directions. The sole-face plate bridge is in contact with the second intersection and extends beyond the second intersection in both the heel direction and the toe direction. The hollow golf club head according to claim 1.

7. The mass of the club head is approximately 194 grams, and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc, so that the mass-to-volume ratio of the club head is between 0.40 and 0.

44. The hollow golf club head according to claim 6.

8. The center of gravity of the club head is greater than 43 mm when measured parallel to the ground plane from the geometric center point of the striking face. The hollow golf club head according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned rear portion of the golf club head further comprises a single slot, The single slot defines the slot's internal surface, the slot's bottom surface, the slot's top surface, and the two slot's side walls. The inner surface of the slot, the bottom surface of the slot, the top surface of the slot, and the two side walls of the slot cooperate to form a slot channel that opens to the outer rear of the golf club head and the sole. The inner surface of the aforementioned slot further has only a central weight position and a heel weight position, and does not have a toe weight position. The central weight position and the heel weight position have weight assembly mounting points, The golf club head further comprises a movable weight assembly, the weight assembly being removablely mounted at only one of the central weight position and the heel weight position. The hollow golf club head according to claim 8.

10. It is a hollow golf club head, It comprises a crown, sole, striking face, toe end, heel end, and rear part, and the crown, sole, striking face, and rear part combine to form an internal cavity. The striking face is located on the opposite side of the rear and is close to the crown and the sole. The sole remains stationary on the contact plane when the club head is in the address position. The toe end is on the opposite side of the heel end, and the sole is on the opposite side of the crown. The striking face further has a geometric center point and an intermediate plane that extends from the striking face to the rear of the golf club head through the geometric center point, The mass of the aforementioned striking face is less than 63 grams. The aforementioned intermediate plane is perpendicular to the ground plane, The golf club head further comprises a crown transition region and a sole transition region. The crown transition region is formed between the striking face and the crown. The sole transition region is formed between the striking face and the sole. The crown transition region has a first transition region thickness, The sole transition region has a second transition region thickness, The golf club head further comprises a crown-face plate bridge and a sole-face plate bridge, wherein the crown-face plate bridge is fully positioned within the crown transition region, and the sole-face plate bridge is positioned within the sole transition region. The crown-face plate bridge has a first reinforced area thickness, and the sole-face plate bridge has a second reinforced area thickness. The thickness of the first reinforced region is greater than the thickness of the crown transition region. The thickness of the second reinforced region is greater than the thickness of the sole transition region. Hollow golf club head.

11. The crown-faceplate bridge further has a first reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a first reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, The sole-face plate bridge further has a second reinforced area width measured in the heel-toe direction and a second reinforced area length measured in the front-rear direction, The width of the first reinforced region varies along the length of the first reinforced region. The width of the second reinforced region varies along the length of the second reinforced region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 10.

12. The length of the first reinforced region varies along the width of the first reinforced region. The length of the second reinforcement region varies along the width of the second reinforcement region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 11.

13. It further includes a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane, The heel-side plane and the toe-side plane are parallel to the intermediate plane. The heel-side plane is positioned in the direction toward the heel end of the golf club head and is spaced apart from the intermediate plane, and the toe-side plane is positioned in the direction toward the toe end of the golf club and is spaced apart from the intermediate plane, The heel-side plane is positioned at a distance of 0.55 inches to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane. The tow-side plane is positioned at a distance of 0.75 inches to 0.80 inches from the intermediate plane. The first reinforced area width and the second reinforced area width are adjacent to the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane, and exist between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane. The hollow golf club head according to claim 11.

14. The crown-faceplate bridge is integrally formed within the crown transition region, and the sole-faceplate bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region. The hollow golf club head according to claim 10.

15. The intermediate plane further comprises a first intersection point defined by the intersection with the crown-faceplate bridge, and a second intersection point defined by the intersection with the sole-faceplate bridge. The crown-faceplate bridge is in contact with the first intersection and extends beyond the first intersection in both the heel and toe directions. The sole-face plate bridge is in contact with the second intersection and extends beyond the second intersection in both the heel direction and the toe direction. The hollow golf club head according to claim 10.

16. The hollow golf club head of claim 15, wherein the mass of the club head is approximately 194 grams and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc, so that the mass-to-volume ratio of the club head is between 0.40 and 0.

44.

17. The center of gravity of the club head is greater than 43 mm when measured parallel to the ground plane from the geometric center point of the striking face. The hollow golf club head according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned rear portion of the golf club head further comprises a single slot, The single slot defines the slot's internal surface, the slot's bottom surface, the slot's top surface, and the two slot's side walls. The inner surface of the slot, the bottom surface of the slot, the top surface of the slot, and the two side walls of the slot cooperate to form a slot channel that opens to the outer rear of the golf club head and the sole. The inner surface of the aforementioned slot further has only a central weight position and a heel weight position, and does not have a toe weight position. The central weight position and the heel weight position have weight assembly mounting points, The golf club head further comprises a movable weight assembly, The weight assembly is detachably mounted at only one of the central weight position and the heel weight position. The hollow golf club head according to claim 17.

19. The mass of the faceplate is between approximately 61 grams and 62 grams. The hollow golf club head according to claim 10.

20. The mass of the faceplate is 62.8 grams. The hollow golf club head according to claim 10.

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