Golf club head with insert

Abstract

We provide golf club heads equipped with inserts. [Solution] The golf club head comprises a metal body and a non-metallic insert. The insert forms the entire toe end of the golf club head. The insert may have an offset surface positioned on the back of the strike face of the body. A gap is formed between the insert and the strike face. The offset surface of the insert temporarily restricts the bending of the center of the strike face during impact with the golf ball. The gap between the strike face and the insert allows the strike face to flex, while the backstop prevents the strike face from flexing excessively. The golf club head may have a body with an enclosed cavity that opens toward the toe end. The insert may form the outermost surface of the toe end and may fill part of the cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 144,871, filed Feb. 2, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 203,754, filed Jul. 29, 2021. The entire contents of the above disclosures are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to methods for manufacturing iron - type golf club heads. This disclosure also relates to multi - material golf club heads and methods for manufacturing multi - material golf club heads.

Background Art

[0003] Typically, iron - type golf clubs are designed to impart a certain skill level to a golfer. For example, game - improvement iron - type golf club heads have a very flexible face that can improve potential ball speed and have a high degree of forgiveness that can improve the aim of off - center shots. Cavity - back irons are one type of game - improvement iron. At the opposite extreme, tour irons can be designed for golfers with a high level of skill. Tour irons typically have a smaller footprint than game - improvement irons and often have a solid - metal structure. Tour irons are not as forgiving, but allow a skilled golfer to shape their shots.

[0004] Hollow-body irons combine the aesthetic design of solid tour irons with the forgiveness of game-improving irons. However, hollow-body irons may have unpleasant acoustic properties and may be difficult to construct efficiently. In this technology, there is a need for a golf club head that has a simple construction, pleasant acoustic properties, high forgiveness through precisely positioned weight distribution, and performance characteristics that lead to higher shot accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] This shows a perspective exploded assembly view of a golf club head with a body and insert according to the first embodiment.

[0006] [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the insert with the body removed, and an internal weight configured to fit into the insert.

[0007] [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a rear view of the golf club head.

[0008] [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows a front view of the golf club head.

[0009] [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a rear view of the golf club head body with the insert removed.

[0010] [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a rear perspective view of the body with the insert removed.

[0011] [Figure 7] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the body along line VII-VII.

[0012] [Figure 8] It shows a cross-sectional view of the body of FIG. 5 along line VIII-VIII of FIG. 7.

[0013] [Figure 9] It shows a front view of the insert of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0014] [Figure 10] It shows a rear view of the insert of FIG. 9.

[0015] [Figure 11] It shows a rear view of the internal weight of the golf club head of FIG. 1 in one embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 12] It shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 along line XII-XII of FIG. 4.

[0017] [Figure 13] It shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 4.

[0018] [Figure 14] It shows an exploded rear view assembly diagram of a golf club head including a body and an insert in a second embodiment.

[0019] [Figure 15] It shows an assembled rear view of the golf club head of FIG. 14.

[0020] [Figure 16] It shows an assembled front view of the golf club head of FIG. 14.

[0021] [Figure 17] It shows a rear view of the body of the golf club head of FIG. 14 with the insert removed.

[0022] [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows a top view of the body with the insert removed.

[0023] [Figure 19] Figure 17 shows the toe view of the body with the insert removed.

[0024] [Figure 20] Figure 14 shows a front view of the insert in a golf club head.

[0025] [Figure 21] Figure 20 shows a rear view of the insert.

[0026] [Figure 22] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in Figure 14 along the line XXII-XXII in Figure 15. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] (definition) The terms “equipped with” and “possessing,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus containing a list of elements may include other elements that are not explicitly enumerated or that are inherently present in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus, without necessarily being limited to those elements.

[0028] Terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” and “down” in the detailed description and claims are used for descriptive purposes, where applicable, and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. Terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are capable of operating in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0029] The terms "to connect," "connected," "linked," and "connected" should be understood broadly and refer to the joining of two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. The connection (mechanically or otherwise) can be of any length of time, such as permanent, semi-permanently, or even just momentarily.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “golf club head,” “iron-type golf club head,” or “iron” refer to an iron-type golf club head. Specifically, an iron-type golf club head may be a muscle-back iron, a cavity-back iron, a blade-style iron, a hollow-body iron, a cavity-back muscle iron, a high moment of inertia iron, a wedge, a cast iron, a forged iron, or any other iron-type golf club head. A standard set of irons may consist of a 3-iron, 4-iron, 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, and a pitching wedge (PW).

[0031] As used herein, the terms “strike face” and “face panel” refer to the front surface of a golf club head configured to strike a golf ball. The term “strike face” may be used interchangeably with “club face” and “face panel.”

[0032] As used herein, the term “strike face periphery” may refer to the edge of the strike face. The strike face periphery may be located along the outer edge of the strike face where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or roll of the strike face.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “geometric center point,” “geometric center,” and “face center” can refer to the geometric center point on the outer perimeter of the strike face, at the midpoint of the clubface height of the strike face. In the same or other examples, the geometric center point may also be centered relative to an engineered impact zone, which can be defined by the area of ​​grooves on the strike face. In another approach, the geometric center point of the strike face may be located according to the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center point of the strike face can be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA 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-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) ("Flexibility Procedure").

[0034] As used herein, the term “ground surface” can refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which the golf ball is positioned. The ground surface can be a horizontal plane that is tangent to the sole of the golf club head at the address position.

[0035] As used herein, the term "loft plane" can refer to a reference plane that is tangent to the geometric center point of the strike face.

[0036] The term "loft" or "loft angle" in golf clubs refers to the angle formed between the strike face and the shaft, as measured by any suitable loft and lie machine, as described herein.

[0037] Irons are approximately less than 60 degrees, less than 59 degrees, less than 58 degrees, less than 57 degrees, less than 57 degrees, less than 56 degrees, less than 55 degrees, less than 54 degrees, less than 53 degrees, less than 52 degrees, less than 51 degrees, less than 50 degrees, less than 49 degrees, less than 48 degrees, less than 47 degrees, less than 46 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 44 degrees, less than 43 degrees, less than 42 degrees, less than 41 degrees, less than 40 degrees, and less than 39 degrees. It may have a loft angle of less than 10 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, less than approximately 30 degrees, less than approximately 29 degrees, less than approximately 28 degrees, less than approximately 27 degrees, less than approximately 26 degrees, less than approximately 25 degrees, less than approximately 24 degrees, less than approximately 23 degrees, less than approximately 22 degrees, less than approximately 21 degrees, less than approximately 20 degrees, less than approximately 19 degrees, or less than approximately 18 degrees.

[0038] In other embodiments, the irons are 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, greater than approximately 25 degrees, greater than approximately 26 degrees, greater than approximately 27 degrees, greater than approximately 28 degrees, greater than approximately 29 degrees, greater than approximately 30 degrees, greater than approximately 31 degrees, greater than approximately 32 degrees, greater than approximately 33 degrees, greater than approximately 34 degrees, greater than approximately 35 degrees, greater than approximately 36 degrees, greater than approximately 37 degrees, greater than approximately 38 degrees The loft angle may be greater than approximately 39 degrees, greater than approximately 40 degrees, greater than approximately 41 degrees, greater than approximately 42 degrees, greater than approximately 43 degrees, greater than approximately 44 degrees, greater than approximately 45 degrees, greater than approximately 46 degrees, greater than approximately 47 degrees, greater than approximately 48 degrees, greater than approximately 49 degrees, greater than approximately 50 degrees, greater than approximately 51 degrees, greater than approximately 52 degrees, greater than approximately 53 degrees, greater than approximately 54 degrees, greater than approximately 55 degrees, greater than approximately 56 degrees, greater than approximately 57 degrees, greater than approximately 58 degrees, greater than approximately 59 degrees, or greater than approximately 60 degrees.

[0039] As used herein, the “volume” of an iron can be measured as the displaced volume, enclosed by the outer surface of the club head. In some embodiments, the volume of a golf club head can be less than about 45 cc, less than about 40 cc, less than about 35 cc, less than about 30 cc, or less than about 25 cc. The total volume of the club head, including both ends, can range from 30 cc to 45 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of a club head can be about 31 cc to 38 cc (1.9 cubic inches to 2.3 cubic inches), about 31 cc to 33 cc, about 33 cc to 35 cc, about 35 cc to 37 cc, about 37 cc to 39 cc, or about 35 cc to 45 cc. In one example, a golf club head can be 39 cc (2.4 cubic inches). The volume of a golf club head, including both ends, can range from 25 cc to 35 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the club head 210 can be approximately 25cc to 30cc (1.9 cubic inches to 2.3 cubic inches).

[0040] As used herein, the “mass” of an iron can range from 240 grams (g) to 400 grams (g), including both ends. In one example, the mass can be 260 g. In another embodiment, the mass of a golf club head can range from 230 grams (g) to 300 grams (g), including both ends. In yet another example, the mass can be approximately 250 g.

[0041] (Detailed explanation) This specification describes a golf club head having a multi-material structure that provides high potential ball speed and shot accuracy. This golf club head comprises a body and an insert made of a lightweight material such as a polymer composite. The insert can be a toe insert that forms the outer surface of the club head. The toe insert partially forms the upper rail, rear section, sole, and toe end of the club head. The upper rail, rear section, and sole can be formed from multiple materials. The toe end or toe of the club head is formed by the toe insert. The toe insert can be exposed on the outer surface of the club head such that it forms the outermost surface of the toe end. The body does not form the outermost surface of the toe end.

[0042] Furthermore, the insert can be spaced a gap distance from the rear surface of the face. This gap distance allows the face panel to flex during impact, preserving potential ball speed. However, to balance this potential ball speed benefit with durability, the insert also features a backstop to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel. Typically, the center of the face is most likely to flex excessively during impact, causing structural failure in the thin-walled and unsupported strike face. The backstop on the insert described herein can temporarily contact the center of the strike face to prevent excessive flexing at the center of the strike face, thus preventing durability issues in the strike face. The backstop also results in a more uniform impact response across the entire strike face. Other insert features, such as flex control surfaces, can alter the bending properties of the face to improve potential shot accuracy.

[0043] The golf club heads described herein are iron-type golf club heads. The body may be a cast or forged metal part, and the insert may be formed from a low-density material such as a polymer composite. The body may have a thin face panel that forms the strike face. This thin face panel allows for high potential ball speed. The body may partially define a cavity or other geometric shape, such as a path for receiving or mechanically locking the insert into the body. The insert may form a portion of the outer circumference of the club head and may fill or cover the central region of the club head. In particular, the insert may form a portion of the toe end and / or upper rail, and a portion of the insert may be positioned behind the face panel. A gap may exist between the insert and the rear surface of the face panel. The insert may have a protruding backstop. This backstop is closer to the rear surface of the face panel than the rest of the insert. The insert gap distance and the backstop gap distance control the bending of the face panel during dynamic impact. The insert, in this configuration, allows for maximum strike face deflection without reaching material failure, thereby preventing durability issues with thin-walled face panels. Furthermore, the positioning and shaping of the backstop can increase the uniformity of impact response across the entire strike face.

[0044] (I. Embodiment of a tow insert) Referring to the drawings, Figures 1 to 13 illustrate a first embodiment of a multi-material golf club head 10 having a body 70 and an insert 140. The club head 10 can be a hollow-body iron. In other words, the club head 10 can be a hollow-body iron with a toe-end insert 140. The toe-end insert 140 can be exposed on the outer surface of the club head 10. The club head 10 comprises a toe end 12, a heel end 14 opposite the toe end 12, a hosel 16 connected to the heel end 14, an upper rail 18, a sole 20 opposite the upper rail 18, a strike face 26, and a rear 28. The toe-end insert 140 partially forms the upper rail 18, the sole 20, and the rear 28. The toe-end insert 140 forms the toe end 12 and the outermost surface of the toe end 12 (i.e., the surface of the club head 10 closest to the toe). Referring to Figures 4 and 7, the strike face 26 defines the geometric center 50. Figure 7 illustrates the ground surface 58 which is tangent to the sole when the club head is in the address position. The club head 10 defines the loft plane 60 which is tangent to the geometric center 50 of the strike face 26. The geometric center reference axis 52 extends through the geometric center 50 and is perpendicular to the strike face 26. Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the central reference plane 54 which is perpendicular to the ground surface 58 and coincides with the geometric center reference axis 52. A vertical reference plane 56 extends in the front-to-back direction through the golf club head 10 and perpendicular to the ground surface 58. In other words, the vertical reference plane 56 is parallel to the central reference plane 54. The offset position of the vertical reference plane 56 from the central reference plane 54 can help identify the location of certain club head features, as will be explained below.

[0045] Referring to Figure 3, the club head 10 has a length 40 measured parallel to the ground surface 58, in the direction from the heel end 14 to the toe end 12. The length 40 can be in the range of 3.0 to 4.0 inches. The length 40 can be 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4.0 inches. In one example, the length 40 of the golf club head is approximately 3.5 inches.

[0046] The body 70 can be formed from a metal. Specifically, the body 70 can be formed from a steel alloy selected from the group consisting of 450 steel, C250 steel, NiMark250 steel, 475 steel, and 17-4 steel. In other embodiments, the body 70 may include metal alloys other than steel alloys. The body 70 has a first density greater than the second density of the insert 140. In other words, the second density of the insert 140 is less than the first density of the body 70.

[0047] The insert 140 can be formed from a non-metallic material. Specifically, the insert 140 can be formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The insert 140 can be a polymer composite. The polymer resin can be thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The reinforcing fibers can be carbon fibers (sometimes called graphite fibers), fiberglass, aramid fibers such as Kevlar®, or boron fibers. In other embodiments, the reinforcing fibers can be natural fibers, including but not limited to fibers from jute, flax, ramie, hemp, sugarcane, koir, sisal, grasses, and abaca. The reinforcing fibers can be short or long fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be randomly oriented within the composite. The insert 140 can be injection molded. In other embodiments, the insert 140 may also include a lightweight metal alloy, such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy.

[0048] (i.body) Figures 1 to 3 illustrate that the club head 10 has a cylindrical body 70 configured to house an insert 140. The body 70 forms the majority of the club head 10. The body 70 defines the inner cavity 124. The body 70 of the golf club head 10 includes a face panel 72, a rear section 82, an upper wall 102, a sole section 112 including a thick sole section 114 and a thin sole section 118, a hosel transition section 106, and a cylindrical hosel 16. The rear section 82 is located on the opposite side of the face panel 72 and forms part of the rear 28 of the club head 10. The upper wall 102 forms part of the upper rail 18 of the club head 10. The upper wall 102 connects the face panel 72 and the rear section 82 at the top of the club head 10. The sole section 112 connects the face panel 72 and the rear section 82 at the bottom of the club head 10. The face panel 72, the rear section 82, the upper wall 102, and the thick sole section 114 and the thin sole section 118 are fused together to form a hosel transition section 106. The hosel transition section 106 is connected to the cylindrical hosel 16. The body 70 is configured to receive and support the insert 140, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the body 70 comprises a face panel 72 having a front surface 74 and a rear surface 76. The front surface 74 of the face panel 72 can form the entire strike face 26 of the club head 10. The rear surface 76 of the face panel 72 is located on the opposite side of the front surface 74. The rear surface 76 faces the inner cavity 124 of the club head 10. When the golf club head 10 impacts the golf ball, the rear surface 76 bends and can temporarily contact a portion of the insert 140 located behind the rear surface 76.

[0050] Referring to Figure 7, the face panel 72 has a thickness 78 measured between the front surface 74 and the rear surface 76. The face panel 72 can have a uniform thickness. The face panel 72 can have a constant thickness. The face panel 72 can have a constant thickness measured across the entire strike face 26 in the heel-toe direction and the upper rail-sole direction. The face panel thickness 78 can be in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.10 inches. In other embodiments, the face panel thickness 78 can be in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.065 inches to 0.085 inches, 0.075 inches to 0.095 inches, or 0.080 inches to 0.1 inches. In other embodiments, the face panel thickness 78 can be less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.065 inches, less than 0.070 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.09 inches, or less than 0.10 inches. For example, the face panel thickness 78 can be 0.055, 0.06, 0.061, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, or 0.10 inches. In one example, the face panel thickness 78 can be about 0.055 inches. In another example, the face panel thickness 78 can be about 0.065 inches. The thin face panel 72 promotes face bending, thereby increasing ball speed.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, the front surface of the face panel 74 may have grooves to improve the grip of the golf ball on the face panel 72 during impact. The grooves may extend in the heel-toe direction. The front surface of the face panel 74 may have 5 to 20 grooves. In some embodiments, the front surface of the face panel 74 may have 15 to 18 grooves. The face panel 72 may be formed integrally with the body 70. In other embodiments, the face panel 72 may be a separate face plate welded onto the body 70.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6, the body 70 can be generally cylindrical and define an internal cavity 124. The cylindrical body 70 defines a hollow structure with an internal cavity 124. The cylindrical body 70 can be bounded by a face panel 72, a heel end 14, a rear 28, a sole 20, and an upper rail 18. In other words, the cylindrical body 70 can be a hollow shell bounded by a face panel 72, a heel end 14, a rear 28, a sole 20, and an upper rail 18. However, as illustrated in Figure 5, the face panel 72 can extend further toward the toe end 12 than any other part of the body 70. The body 70 does not form any part of the outermost surface of the toe end 12. Referring to Figures 1 and 5-7, the internal cavity 124 is open toward the toe end 12 of the club head 10. Figure 6 illustrates the opening 126 of the inner cavity 124. Figure 5 illustrates the opening of the inner cavity 124 positioned on the vertical reference plane 56. The cavity opening 126 points to the toe end 12 of the club head 10. The cavity opening 126 can be an entrance to the inner cavity 124. The cavity opening 126 can be an access path to the inner cavity 124. The cavity opening 126 is not visible from one or more of the rear view, front view, sole view, and top view. The cavity opening 126 is never visible from the heel view. The body 70 can be shaped such that the inner cavity 124 has a cross-sectional area taken parallel to the vertical reference plane 56, which is largest at its opening 126. In some embodiments, the body 70 can be shaped such that the cavity 124 has a cross-sectional area that progressively decreases toward the heel end 14. This shaping of the cavity allows the insert to be pre-formed and then slide smoothly into the cavity 124. In addition, in some embodiments, the heel boundary of the inner cavity 124 can be positioned about 0.9 to 1.5 inches away from the central reference plane 54 toward the heel end 14.For example, the heel boundary of the inner cavity 124 can be positioned approximately 0.9 inches to 1 inch, 1 inch to 1.1 inches, 1.1 inches to 1.2 inches, 1.2 inches to 1.3 inches, 1.3 inches to 1.4 inches, or 1.4 inches to 1.5 inches from the central reference plane 54 toward the heel end 14. In some embodiments, the heel boundary of the inner cavity 124 can be positioned approximately 1.1 inches away from the central reference plane 54 toward the heel end 14. The volume and length of the inner cavity 124 are important for positioning the insert 140 behind the strike face 26.

[0053] The face panel rear surface 76, rear portion 82, upper wall 102, and sole portion 112 all define (boundary) the inward cavity 124. The face panel rear surface 76 can form the front boundary of the inward cavity 124. The rear portion 82 can form the rear boundary of the cavity 124. The upper wall 102 can form the ceiling of the cavity 124. The thick sole portion and the thin sole portion can form the bottom boundary of the cavity 124. In some embodiments, the hosel transition portion 106 can define the heel-side boundary of the cavity 124. In some embodiments, the cavity 124 partially extends into the hosel transition portion 106.

[0054] The internal cavity 124 may have a certain volume. The cavity volume may be in the range of 0.65 cubic inches to 0.90 cubic inches. For example, the cavity volume may be 0.86 cubic inches. In some embodiments, the cavity volume may be in the range of 25% to 40% of the total volume of the club head 10. In some embodiments, the cavity volume may be in the range of 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, or 35% to 40% of the total club head volume. For example, the cavity volume may be 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40% of the total club head volume.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates the upper rear surface 30 and the lower rear surface 34, which are divided by a fold 38 (also called a cross-sectional inflection point or bending line). The fold 38 extends from the toe end 12 to the heel end 14 and is located between the upper rail 18 and the sole 20. The fold 38 allows the rear 28 to flex when the club head 10 impacts the golf ball. The upper rear surface 30 may have a height 32 measured perpendicular to the ground surface 58. The upper rear surface height 32 may be greater than the lower rear surface height 36. The upper rear surface height 32 may increase from near the heel end 14 to near the toe end 12. The lower rear surface height 36 may increase from near the heel end to near the toe end 12. The fold 38 may be closer to the ground surface 58 near the heel end 14 than near the toe end 12 when the golf club head 10 is addressed.

[0056] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the face panel 72 can extend further toward the toe end 12 of the club head 10 than the rest of the body 70. The upper wall 102, rear section 82, and sole section 112 extend toward the toe end 12 but do not extend beyond the vertical reference plane 56. The vertical reference plane 56 can be offset by an offset distance 55 toward the toe end 12 of the club head from the central reference plane 54. The offset distance 55 can be in the range of 1.0 inch to 1.8 inches. For example, the offset distance 55 can be 1.4 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the offset distance 55 can be in the range of 0 inch to 1.8 inches. As a result of terminating the upper wall 102, rear section 82, and sole section 112 in or before the vertical reference plane 56, the cavity of the body also terminates toward the heel side of the vertical reference plane 56. The offset distance 55 allows the body 70 of the club head 10 to be formed such that the insert 140 and the backstop of the insert 140 are optimally positioned behind the face panel 72, as described below.

[0057] In some embodiments, the upper wall 102, rear portion 82, and sole portion 112 of the body 70 do not extend within 0.2 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.8 inches, 1.0 inch, 1.2 inches, or 1.4 inches from the outermost point or outermost surface on the clubhead toe end 12. In contrast, the face panel 72 can extend almost or completely to the toe end 12. The offset of the body 70 from the outermost surface of the toe end 12 allows the insert 140 to form the upper wall 102, rear portion 82, sole portion 112, and the rest of the toe end 12.

[0058] Referring to Figure 7, the thickness of the upper wall 102 and sole portion 112 can affect the function of the face panel 72 to flex during dynamic impact with the golf ball. The upper wall 102 may have a thickness 104 ranging from 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the upper wall thickness 104 may range from 0.030 inches to 0.032 inches, 0.032 inches to 0.034 inches, 0.034 inches to 0.036 inches, 0.036 inches to 0.038 inches, or 0.038 inches to 0.040 inches, including both ends. A thinner upper wall 102 can promote flexing of the strike face. The above thicknesses of the upper wall 102 and sole portion 112 allow for weight reduction and provide the club head 10 with sufficient strength to withstand the impact of the golf ball.

[0059] Referring to Figure 8, the sole portion 112 comprises a thick sole portion 114 and a thin sole portion 118. The thick sole portion 114 can be located behind the thin sole portion 118 when the inner cavity 124 is viewed in the front-to-back direction. The thick sole portion 114 does not extend over the entire sole 20. For example, the thick sole portion 114 can be positioned primarily on the heel side of the central reference plane 54. The thick sole portion 114 improves mass properties by distributing more weight downward and to the rear, and provides a structure for the interlocking geometric shape for the insert 140. The thin sole portion 118 connects to the face panel 72 at the front edge 22 of the sole 20. Positioning the thin sole portion 118 directly behind the front edge 22 promotes flex of the strike face 26. The thin sole portion 118 promotes greater flex of the strike face upon impact with the golf ball. The thin-walled sole portion 118 can have a thickness 120 ranging from 0.030 inches to 0.075 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness 120 of the thin-walled sole portion can range from 0.030 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.075 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness 120 of the thin-walled sole portion can range from 0.030 inches to 0.045 inches, from 0.045 inches to 0.06 inches, or from 0.06 inches to 0.075 inches. In one example, the thickness 120 of the thin-walled sole portion can be about 0.035 inches. The thick-walled sole portion 114 can have a thickness 116 greater than the thickness 120 of the thin-walled sole portion. The thickness 116 of the thick-walled sole portion can range from 0.040 inches to 0.100 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the thickened sole portion 116 is in the range of 0.040 inches to 0.050 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.070 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.090 inches, or 0.090 inches to 0.100 inches. In one example, the thickness of the thickened sole portion 116 can be approximately 0.075 inches.

[0060] (ii. Inserts) Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the golf club head 10 is equipped with a low-density insert 140 that can temporarily restrict the swing or movement of the face panel 72 during dynamic impact with the golf ball. The insert 140 prevents excessive bending of the face panel 72 or bending that would lead to breakage. The insert 140 can slide from the toe end 12 into the inner cavity 124 to form a large portion of the toe end 12. A portion of the insert 140 can be exposed at the toe end 12 and at a portion of the rear 28, sole 20, and upper rail 18. The insert 140 can form the entire outermost surface of the toe end 12.

[0061] Figure 3 illustrates that the insert 140 replaces or forms a portion of the outer circumference of the club head, such as the toe end 12 or the upper rail 18. The insert 140 can be configured to mount, connect to, and / or slide on the body 70. As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the insert 140 comprises an offset surface 144, a back surface 146 opposite the offset surface 144, an upper edge 148, and a bottom edge 150. The insert 140 can at least partially fill the inner cavity of the body 70. The insert 140 can form a portion of the rear 28, sole, upper rail 18, and toe end 12 of the club head 10. The insert 140 can form the upper portion of the toe end 12, the central portion of the toe end 12, and the bottom portion of the toe end 12. The insert 140 can be partially exposed at the toe end 12. The insert 140 can be visible from the outside, at least from the front view, toe view, and / or rear view. Figure 9 illustrates that the midplane of the insert 140 can be defined along its length 142 as the halfway point between the heel end 14 and the toe end 12 of the insert 140.

[0062] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, a gap can be formed between the offset surface 144 of the insert 140 and the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72. The gap between the insert 140 and the face panel 72 can provide space for the face panel 72 to flex during golf ball impact. Figure 12 illustrates that the gap distance 64 between the insert offset surface 144 and the rear surface 76 of the face panel (hereinafter referred to as "insert gap distance 64") can be in the range of 0.050 inches to 0.100 inches. In other embodiments, the insert gap distance 64 can be in the range of 0.05 inches to 0.075 inches, or 0.075 inches to 0.100 inches. In other embodiments, the insert gap distance 64 can be in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.095 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.080 inches, or 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches. For example, the insert gap distance 64 can be 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, or 0.100 inches. In one example, the insert gap distance 64 can be approximately 0.075 inches. The insert 140 does not contact the face panel 72 when stationary (i.e., before impact with the golf ball). In other words, the insert 140 is not in close contact with the face panel 72 when stationary. The face panel 72 is deformed under the load of the golf ball during golf ball impact, and the insert 140 contacts the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72, providing support for bending due to the impact of a specific force on the strike face 26, thereby preventing the face panel 72 from bending to a point of failure.

[0063] The insert 140 comprises a sealed portion 174 and an exposed portion 178. The sealed portion 174 and the exposed portion 178 of the insert 140 can be formed integrally. The sealed portion 174 can be located exclusively within the cavity 124. The sealed portion 174 of the insert 140 can be located at least partially on the heel end side of the vertical reference plane 56 as defined above. The sealed portion 174 can be the portion of the insert 140 located behind the face panel 72.

[0064] The exposed portion 178 can be located exclusively on the outside of the cavity 124. The exposed portion 178 of the insert 140 can be located exclusively on the toe end side of the vertical reference plane 56. The insert exposed portion 178 can form the toe end 12 of the club head 10 and a section of the rear 28 adjacent to the toe end 12. The exposed portion 178 is not positioned directly behind the face panel 72. The insert 140 can block the cavity 124 and completely seal the cavity opening 126. The insert 140 can block the entrance or access path to the cavity 124. The exposed portion 178 of the insert 140 aligns with the outer surface of the body 70 to form the outer surface of the golf club head 10. The insert 140 forms the outermost surface of the toe end 12. The body 70 does not form the toe end of the club head 10 or the outermost surface of the toe end 12 of the club head 10.

[0065] The encapsulated portion 174 can partially fill the cavity 124 of the body 70. The encapsulated portion 174 of the insert 140 may have at least one surface that is in close contact with the inner cavity wall of the body 70, in particular the wall forming the rear 28. However, near the front portion 24, the gap distance 64 separates the insert 140 from the face panel 72. The encapsulated portion 174 of the insert 140 may be in close contact with the outer periphery of the face panel 72. By supporting the outer periphery of the face panel 72, the insert 140 can be positioned at a distance from the face panel 72 in the central portion of the face panel 72.

[0066] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the upper edge 148 of the insert 140 can be in close contact with the outer periphery of the face panel 72. The upper edge 148 can contact the outer periphery of the face panel 72 in the heel-toe direction along the length of the upper rail 18. The insert 140 is in contact with the outer periphery of the face panel 72, while the rest of the insert 140 is not in contact with the face panel 72 (e.g., the central area or portion of the face panel 72). The insert 140 supports the outer periphery of the face panel 72 but does not support the central portion of the face panel 72, allowing the face panel 72 to flex during golf ball impact.

[0067] Referring to Figures 3, 4, 9, and 10, the exposed portion 178 partially forms the toe end 12 and may have an insert front surface 182 and a front edge 180. The front portion of the exposed portion 178 can be mostly covered by the body face panel 72. The insert front surface 182 is in close contact with the outer circumference of the face panel 72 in the toe direction and is positioned directly behind the outer circumference in the toe direction. The front edge 180 embraces or wraps around the toe-side outer circumference of the face panel 72, forming a portion of the outer circumference of the club head 10. The front edge 180 extends around the insert front surface 182 and forward from the insert front surface 182. The front edge 180 can support the outer circumference of the face panel 72 at the toe end 12. The front edge 180 does not contact the central portion of the face panel 72. Some alternative embodiments may omit the front edge 180, so that the face panel 72 extends uninterrupted to the outermost periphery of the tow end 12.

[0068] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the exposed portion 178 may have an outer surface that is coplanar with and connected to the outer surface of the body 70. The exposed portion 178 may form a percentage of less than 50% of the rear 28 of the club head 10. In some embodiments, the insert exposed portion 178 may form more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, or more than 30% of the rear 28. In some embodiments, the insert 140 forms about 25% of the rear 28. For example, the insert 140 may form 0.95 square inches of the rear 28, which may have a total surface area of ​​about 3.69 square inches.

[0069] The exposed portion 178 can form a percentage of less than 50% of the sole 20 of the club head 10. In some embodiments, the insert exposed portion 178 can form more than 5%, more than 10%, more than 15%, more than 20%, or more than 30% of the sole. In some embodiments, the insert 140 forms about 25% of the sole 20. The exposed portion 178 can also form a portion of the upper rail 18. As illustrated in Figure 3, the upper rail 18, sole 20, and outer surface of the rear 28 of the assembled club head 10 can be formed from multiple materials. The assembled club head 10 further includes one material at the toe end 12, or on the outermost surface of the toe end 12. The assembled club head 10 further includes one material on the strike face 26 or the front surface 74 of the face panel. The insert exposed portion 178 can be integrally attached to the toe end of the encapsulated portion 174. The insert 140 can be molded as a single component, thereby ensuring that both the encapsulated portion 174 and the exposed portion 178 are molded from the same material.

[0070] Furthermore, less than 35% of the volume of the insert 140 can be located outside the cavity 124. In other embodiments, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, or less than 10% of the volume of the insert 140 can be located outside the cavity 124. Furthermore, more than 65% of the volume of the insert 140 can be located inside the cavity 124. In other embodiments, more than 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of the volume of the insert 140 can be located inside the cavity 124.

[0071] Referring to Figure 9, the insert 140 is measured parallel to the ground surface 58 in the direction from the heel end 14 to the toe end 12 and can have a length 142 that is between 10% and 80% of the golf club head length 40. In some embodiments, the insert 40 can have a length 142 between 10% and 30%, 10% and 50%, 30% and 70%, 30% and 60%, 30% and 50%, 40% and 50%, 20% and 50%, or 50% and 80%. In some embodiments, the insert 140 has a length 142 that is about 50% of the golf club head length 40. The length of the insert 140 provides sufficient length to control the position of the backstop 152 behind the face panel 72.

[0072] In some embodiments, the insert 140 may have a volume ranging from 1 cubic inch to 6 cubic inches. In one example, the insert volume may be about 5 cubic inches. In some embodiments, the insert 140 may have a mass ranging from 10 g to 20 g, including both ends. In one example, the insert mass may be about 15.8 g. The insert 140 may have a specific gravity less than that of the body 70.

[0073] In some embodiments, the insert 140 can fill most of the cavity 124. The insert 140 can fill between 60% and 95% of the cavity 124. In some embodiments, the insert 140 can fill between 70% and 90%, 70% and 80%, 75% and 85%, or 80% and 90% of the cavity 124. For example, the insert 140 can fill about 87% of the cavity 124. In some embodiments, the insert filling portion 174 can have a volume in the range of 0.65 cubic inches to 0.86 cubic inches. The volume of the filling portion corresponds to the filling volume of the cavity 124. In other words, the empty volume of the cavity 124 can range between about 0.1 cubic inches and 0.5 cubic inches.

[0074] (a. Backstop and deflection control surface) Referring to Figure 9, the insert may include a backstop 152 protruding from (or disposed on) the insert offset surface 144, and a flex control surface 162. The backstop 152 and the flex control surface 162 may be configured to temporarily contact the face panel 72 when the face panel 72 bends during dynamic impact. The backstop 152 does not contact the face panel 72 when the golf club 10 is stationary. The backstop 152 contacts the rear surface 76 of the face panel during the dynamic impact of the club head 10 with the golf ball to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel 72. The flex control surface 162 does not have to contact the face panel 72 when the golf club 10 is stationary. In other words, in the first configuration (i.e., stationary state), the backstop 152 does not contact the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72. In the second configuration (i.e., the deformed state), the backstop 152 is in contact with the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72. The backstop 152 prevents excessive deflection of the face panel 72 during golf ball impact.

[0075] The encapsulated portion 174 partially fills the inner cavity 124 and may comprise a backstop 152 and a flex control surface 162. As described below, the backstop 152 is generally located behind and in the center of the geometric center of the strike face 26. The flex control surface 162 is located around the periphery, and most of it is generally located behind the upper toe and upper heel regions of the strike face 26. Both the backstop 152 and the flex control surface 162 may be closer to the face panel 72 than the rest of the insert encapsulated portion 174. In other words, the backstop gap distance 66 and the flex control gap distance are less than the insert gap distance 64. The backstop gap distance 66 and the deflection control gap distance allow the face panel 72 to bend without excessive deflection (i.e., the backstop 152 and / or deflection control surface 162 make temporary contact with the face panel 72 during golf ball impact).

[0076] The encapsulation portion 174 may include an offset surface 144 of the insert 140. The offset surface 144 may further include the backstop 152 and the deflection control surface 162. In other words, both the backstop 152 and the deflection control surface 162 are positioned on the front of the encapsulation portion 174. As described above, the insert gap distance 64, the backstop gap distance 66, and the deflection control gap distance work to control the bending of the face panel.

[0077] Referring to Figure 12, the backstop 152 of the insert 140 can be positioned behind and center of the strike face 26. The backstop 152 can be closer to the face panel 72 compared to the rest of the insert offset surface 144. In other words, the backstop 152 can be offset inward from the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72 by a smaller distance than the rest of the insert offset surface 144. The backstop 152 can be offset from the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72 by a backstop gap distance 66, which is less than the insert gap distance 64.

[0078] Referring to Figure 12, the backstop gap distance 66 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.065 inches. In some embodiments, the backstop gap distance 66 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches, or 0.040 inches to 0.065 inches. In other embodiments, the backstop gap distance 66 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.035 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.045 inches, 0.035 inches to 0.055 inches, or 0.045 inches to 0.065 inches. For example, the backstop gap distance 66 can be 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, or 0.065 inches. In one example, the backstop gap distance 66 can be approximately 0.025 inches. In another example, the backstop gap distance 66 can be 0.05 inches. The backstop gap distance 66 controls how much the backstop 152 sets an upper limit or limits the deflection of the face.

[0079] The backstop 152 prevents excessive flexing of the face panel 72 by limiting the distance the face panel 72 can bend before encountering resistance from the insert 140. The gap between the insert 140 and the face panel 72 facilitates face flexing without allowing excessive flexing that could result in structural failure. The insert gap distance 64 and the backstop gap distance 66 are crucial for this balance between face flexibility (which is linked to ball speed) and durability.

[0080] The backstop 152 can be positioned behind the geometric center 50 of the strike face 26. The geometric center reference axis 52 can intersect with the backstop 152. The backstop 152 protrudes from the rest of the insert offset surface 144. The backstop 152 is substantially parallel to the face panel 72 and may have a flat surface 154. The flat surface 154 of the backstop may have a surface area (also called the backstop surface area) in the range of 0.05 square inches to 0.20 square inches. In some embodiments, the backstop surface area is in the range of 0.05 square inches to 0.10 square inches, 0.10 square inches to 0.15 square inches, or 0.15 square inches to 0.20 square inches. In one example, the backstop surface area may be approximately 0.10 square inches.

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the backstop 152 may comprise an upper side 156, a toe side 158, and a heel side 160. With respect to the geometric central reference axis 52, the upper side 156 may be convex, and the toe side 158 and heel side 160 may be concave. The toe side 158 and heel side 160 may reach a rounded point at the bottom of the backstop 152. The toe side 158 and heel side 160 intersect the upper side 156 and form wing-like shapes pointing to the toe end 12 and heel end 14, respectively. The shape of the backstop 152 can facilitate temporarily restricting bending at points or areas that make the strike face 26, specifically the face panel 72, more prone to bending than desired. The flat surface 154 of the backstop may have fillet-welded connections to the backstop sides (upper side, toe side, and heel side). Furthermore, these sides of the backstop may also have fillet-welded connections to the rest of the insert 140.

[0082] Figure 9 illustrates a deflection control surface 162. The deflection control surface 162 can be closer to the face panel 72 than the rest of the insert offset surface 144. In other words, the deflection control surface 162 can be offset inward from the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72 by a smaller distance than the rest of the insert offset surface 144. In some embodiments, the backstop 152 and the deflection control surface 162 are offset inward by the same gap distance, but in other embodiments, they are offset by different distances. The deflection control surface 162, like the backstop 152, can prevent excessive deflection of the face panel 72 by limiting the distance the face panel 72 can bend before encountering resistance from the insert 140.

[0083] The distance of the deflection control surface 162 from the rear surface 76 of the face panel (hereinafter referred to as the "deflection control gap distance") can be in the range of 0 inches to 0.040 inches. In some embodiments, the deflection control gap distance (not illustrated) can be in the range of 0 inches to 0.010 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, or 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches. In some embodiments, there is no gap between the deflection control surface and the rear surface of the face panel (i.e., the deflection control gap distance is zero). The deflection control gap distance controls the extent to which the deflection control surface sets an upper limit or limits the deflection of the face. The deflection control surface, particularly its edges, can alter the impact response of the face panel 72, in addition to suppressing bending in areas of the face panel that are not intended to bend.

[0084] Figure 9 illustrates the deflection control surface 162 of the insert 140. During impact, the deflection control surface 162, in particular the deflection control edge 164, can exert a levering effect on the face panel rear surface 76. This levering effect can alter the bending properties of the face panel 72 and change the trajectory of the shot. For example, the higher the golf ball impacts the strike face 26, the more pronounced the levering effect of the deflection control surface 162 on the face panel 72, causing a downward angle or flattening of a portion of the face panel 72. This can provide some compensation for an undesirable high impact.

[0085] Figure 9 illustrates the insert 140 in a heel-toe orientation (i.e., the length 142 of the insert 140 is measured in the heel-toe direction). The flex control surface 162 can generally be positioned behind the upper toe and upper heel regions of the strike face 26, which are rarely subjected to direct impact from the golf ball. The flex control surface 162 is equipped with a flex control edge 164, which can be concave with respect to the geometric central axis 52. The flex control edge 164 arches over the sweet spot of the strike face 26. Above the flex control edge 164, the flex control surface 162 protrudes from the rest of the insert offset surface 144. The flex control surface 162 extends behind the face panel 72 to the upper, upper toe, and upper heel sides of the insert region. The deflection control surface 162 can have a surface area between approximately 0.3 square inches and 0.9 square inches. For example, the deflection control surface 162 can have a surface area of ​​0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 0.9 square inches. In some embodiments, the deflection control surface 162 has a surface area of ​​approximately 0.5 square inches. Conversely, the area of ​​the insert behind the face panel 72 has a recessed surface (i.e., an offset surface 144). The recessed surface corresponds to most of the area that experiences most impact, excluding the area corresponding to the central backstop 152 of the strike face 26. The recessed surface can have an area between approximately 1.5 square inches and 2.5 square inches. For example, the recessed surface may have an area of ​​1.5 square inches, 1.6 square inches, 1.7 square inches, 1.8 square inches, 1.9 square inches, 2.0 square inches, 2.1 square inches, 2.2 square inches, 2.3 square inches, 2.4 square inches, or 2.5 square inches. In some embodiments, the recessed surface may have an area of ​​approximately 2 square inches, and the distance between the recessed surface and the face panel 72 may be equal to the insert gap distance 64 described above.

[0086] The shaping of the deflection control edge 164 determines how much the face bends, which can alter the trajectory of the ball's flight. The deflection control edge 164 may comprise a straight segment 166, a deep arc segment 168, and a shallow arc segment 170. The straight segment 166 may begin in the lower toe-side region of the insert and extend upward and slightly inward toward the upper rail 18, but without reaching the upper rail 18. The straight segment 166 connects to the deep arc segment 168. The deep arc segment 168 is concave with respect to the geometric central reference axis 52 within the upper toe-side region of the insert 140. The deep arc segment 168 connects to the shallow arc segment 170 at approximately the midpoint, assuming a 0.5-inch increase or decrease on either side of the insert 140. The shallow arc segment 170 is also concave with respect to the geometric central axis 52. The shallow arc segment 170 extends from the upper heel-side region of the insert 140 to the upper heel edge. The shallow arc segment 170 has a mean radius of curvature greater than that of the deep arc segment 168. The mean radius of curvature of the deep arc can range from 0.55 inches to 1 inch, including both ends. The mean radius of curvature of the shallow arc can range from 0.75 inches to 2 inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the radii of curvature of the deep and shallow arcs are variable over the entire length of these segments.

[0087] In some embodiments, the deep arc segment 168 and the shallow arc segment 170 of the deflection control edge 164 can both form a single conic section with an Rho value of 0.5 inches and an endpoint separation of approximately 1.8 inches. The heel-side endpoint of the conic section may have a tangent angle of approximately 44 degrees measured from the vertical reference axis. The toe-side endpoint of the conic section may have a tangent angle of approximately 18 degrees measured from the vertical reference axis.

[0088] The shaping and positioning of the deflection control edge segment contribute to the impact response of the golf club head 10. In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 13, the deflection control edge 164 is not symmetrical with respect to the intermediate surface of the insert 140 and not symmetrical with respect to the central reference plane 54 of the club head 10. The deflection control edge 164 may have an upper fillet on the deflection control surface 162 and / or a lower fillet at the joint between the edge 164 of the insert 140 and the rest of the insert.

[0089] (b. Connection between the body and the insert) The insert 140 and the body 70 are provided with alignment features that can help secure these components together. For example, the alignment features may include meshing paths and rails, meshing grooves and shelf-like sections, one or more recesses and protrusions, meshing geometric shapes, or any other suitable geometric shapes for alignment, meshing, or snap-fitting. In some embodiments, as described below, the body 70 is provided with rails or shelf-like sections, and the insert 140 is provided with paths or grooves for receiving the rails or shelf-like sections. Alternatively, the body 70 may be provided with paths or grooves, and the insert 140 may be provided with rails or shelf-like sections. In other embodiments, the golf club head 10 may be provided with other forms of mechanical locking mechanisms for attaching the insert to the body, such as pegs, snap features, and / or tabs. In other embodiments, the body 70 and the insert 140 can be secured by a combination of adhesive and mechanical connections.

[0090] Referring to Figures 8 and 10, the golf club head 10 has alignment features in the form of an insert path 176 and an internal rail 84. The rear portion 82 of the body 70 may include the internal rail 84, which extends into a portion of the inner cavity 124. In other words, the internal rail 84 may extend away from the rear 28 of the club head 10 toward the front portion 24. The internal rail 84 may also be referred to as a cantilever rail, cantilever section, rear block, projection, or track. The internal rail 84 can function as an alignment or locking mechanism for securing the insert 140 to the body 70.

[0091] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the internal rail 84 can be aligned approximately in the heel-toe direction. The internal rail 84 connects to the hosel transition portion 106 and extends from the hosel transition portion 106 toward the toe end 12, terminating before reaching the vertical reference plane 56. The internal rail 84 is exclusively located within the cavity 124 and does not extend beyond the vertical reference plane 56. In some embodiments, the internal rail 84 does not extend beyond the central reference plane 54. In other words, in those embodiments, the internal rail 84 is entirely located on the heel side of the central reference plane 54. In some embodiments, the internal rail 84 terminates on the heel side of the central reference plane 54 between 0 and 0.4 inches, including both ends. The internal rail 84 can be configured within the cavity 124 to connect to or align the insert 140. The internal rail 84 can be formed integrally with the rest of the body rear portion 82.

[0092] Referring to Figure 8, the internal rail 84 may have a length 86 measured parallel to the ground surface 58 in the direction from the heel end 14 to the toe end 12. The internal rail length 86 can range from 15% to 25% of the golf club head length 40. For example, the internal rail length 86 can be about 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, or 25% of the golf club head length 40. In an alternative embodiment, the internal rail length 86 can range from 25% to 60% of the golf club head length 40.

[0093] In some embodiments, the internal rail 84 can be positioned substantially parallel to the sole 20 and substantially parallel to the upper rail 18, or it can be angled between the two orientations described above. The internal rail 84 may comprise a front wall 88, an upper wall 90, a bottom wall 92, and a toe side wall 94. The front wall 88 can be positioned at a distance of at least 0.030 inches, at least 0.040 inches, at least 0.045 inches, at least 0.050 inches, at least 0.060 inches, at least 0.070 inches, at least 0.080 inches, at least 0.090 inches, or at least 0.1 inches from the face panel 72. In some embodiments, the internal rail front wall 88 is positioned at a distance of about 0.1 inches from the face panel 72. The gap between the internal rail 84 and the face panel 72 allows the face panel 72 room to bend during the dynamic impact of the club head 10 with the golf ball.

[0094] Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the internal rail 84 can boundary the upper part of the undercut gap 128, which is a region of the cavity 124. The thickened sole portion 114 can boundary the bottom of the undercut gap 128. The internal rail 84 can connect to the thickened sole portion 114 behind the undercut gap 128. The undercut gap 128 can facilitate the flexing of the sole 20 during impact.

[0095] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 10, which shows a rear view of the insert 140, in some embodiments, the path 176 extends in the heel-toe direction along the back surface 146 of the insert 140 (specifically the encapsulation portion 174). The path 176 is sized to receive the internal rail 84 of the body 70. The insert path 176 can slide along the internal rail 84 of the body once the insert 140 is slid into the body cavity 124. The engagement between the insert path 176 and the internal rail 84 of the body helps to align and secure the insert 140 in the correct position within the cavity 124. Because a gap is possible between the insert 140 and the rear surface 76 of the face panel, this path-rail alignment connection helps to properly orient the insert 140 within the body cavity 124.

[0096] (c. weight) Referring to Figures 2 and 11, the golf club head 10 may include an internal weight 184 enclosed within an insert 140. The internal weight 184 extends into both the enclosed portion 174 and the exposed portion 178. The mass distribution of the golf club head 10 can be precisely controlled by the position of the high-density internal weight 184 within the low-density insert 140. In some embodiments, the golf club head 10 may further include a removable toe weight and / or multiple internal weights within the insert 140. The high-density internal weight 184 can be co-molded into the insert 140. Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view with the high-density weight 184 next to the insert 140 for comparison.

[0097] Referring to Figure 12, the internal weight 184 can be completely enclosed inside the insert 140. In some embodiments, the internal weight 184 can be partially located within the enclosed portion 174 and partially within the exposed portion 178 of the insert 140. In other embodiments, the internal weight 184 is completely located within either the enclosed portion 174 or the exposed portion 178.

[0098] Referring to Figure 11, the internal weight 184 may have an integrally connected extension portion 186 and a bulky toe portion 188. The bulky toe portion 188 may extend closer to the upper rail 18 than the extension portion 186. The bulky toe portion 188 may have a peak portion 190. The peak portion 190 extends significantly higher than the rest of the bulky toe portion 188. The extension portion 186 may be positioned lower within the insert 140 and may extend roughly in the heel-toe direction. In some embodiments, the internal weight 184 may be positioned closer to the rear 28 than to the front 24 of the club head 10. The internal weight 184 may be positioned closer to the toe end 12 than to the heel end 14.

[0099] Referring to Figures 2 and 11, in some embodiments, the golf club head 10 can further include, optionally, internal weights, toe weights, hosel tip weights, or other weight distribution elements located within the hosel 16 (not shown) to provide a desired mass distribution throughout the club head 10. Figures 2 and 11 illustrate at least one internal weight 184 that can be co-molded into the insert 140. The internal weight 184 may have a density greater than that of the body 70 and greater than that of the insert 140. In some embodiments, the internal weight 184 contains tungsten powder encapsulated within a polymer. The internal weight 184 may be positioned low within the club head and closer to the toe end 12 than to the heel end 14.

[0100] The internal weight 184 may contain tungsten material. For example, the internal weight 184 may contain tungsten powder encapsulated within a polymer or impregnated with a polymer. The polymer can be thermoplastic urethane (TPU), styrene-isoprene styrene (SIS) rubber, or any other suitable material. The durometer of the internal weight 184 can be varied depending on the type of polymer used. For example, a SIS polymer will form a softer internal weight than a TPU. The density of the internal weight 184 can be selected by the ratio of tungsten powder to polymer.

[0101] The internal weight 184 can have a mass in the range of 79g to 130g. For example, the internal weight 184 can have a mass of approximately 110g. The internal weight 184 can have a specific gravity in the range of 12 to 17. For example, the internal weight 184 can have a specific gravity of 14. The internal weight 184 can have a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of both the body 70 and the insert 140. Due to its high specific gravity, the internal weight 184 can be used to change the center of gravity of the club head 10 by positioning the internal weight 184 at a specific location within the insert 140. In an alternative embodiment, the golf club head 10 may have more than one internal weight (not shown).

[0102] In some embodiments, the toe weight (not illustrated) may be threaded and configured to screw into a toe cavity (also called a toe port) of the body or insert. For example, the body may have a threaded port configured to receive threaded toe weights of varying densities. The toe weight may alternatively be configured to receive or retain a fastener configured to engage with the toe cavity and hold the toe weight on the club head. The toe weight may be interchangeable (or removable). The toe weight may be exposed at the toe end 12. In some embodiments, the toe weight may be formed integrally with the insert 140.

[0103] Before attaching the shaft to the club head, a hosel tip weight (not shown) can be positioned within the hosel. The toe weight and hosel tip weight increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head by increasing the mass on the periphery of the club head. The combination of the hosel tip weight and internal weight 184 results in increased weight distribution on the periphery, thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the club head 10. This increased moment of inertia provides greater forgiveness and golfer confidence during golf ball impact.

[0104] The mass distribution of the club head can also be controlled and fine-tuned by injecting damping material (not illustrated) into a portion of the cavity not filled by the insert. The damping material may be hot-melt epoxy. The damping material can be injected into the cavity through a small window in the face, toe end, toe cavity, or rear. The damping material can partially or completely fill the area of ​​the cavity not filled by the insert.

[0105] (II. Embodiments of Panel Inserts) Figures 14 to 22 illustrate a second embodiment of a multi-material golf club head 210 having a body 270 and an insert 340. The club head 210 can be a cavity-back iron. In other words, the club head 210 can be a cavity-back iron with an upper rail insert 340. The club head 210 has a toe end 212, a heel end 214 opposite the toe end 212, a hosel 216 connected to the heel end 214, an upper rail 218, a sole 220 opposite the upper rail 218, a strike face 226, and a rear 228. The upper rail insert 340 partially forms the upper rail 218, the toe end 212, and / or the strike face 226. Referring to Figure 16, the strike face 226 defines a geometric center 250. The ground surface (not shown) is tangent to the sole 220 when the clubhead 210 is in the address position. The clubhead 210 defines a loft plane (not shown) that is tangent to the geometric center 250 of the strike face 226. The insert 340 can form part of the upper rail 218 and extend downward as a panel behind the strike face 226 to the sole portion. The clubhead 210 can be an open-back style iron with a body 270 having a rear sole portion and an open space between the upper rail 18 and the sole portion throughout the rear.

[0106] Referring to Figure 16, the club head 210 has a length 240 measured parallel to the ground surface, in the direction from the heel end 214 to the toe end 212. The length 240 can be in the range of 3.0 to 4.0 inches. The length 240 can be 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4.0 inches. In one example, the length 240 of the club head 210 can be approximately 3.5 inches.

[0107] The body 270 can be formed from a metal. Specifically, the body 270 can be formed from a steel alloy selected from the group consisting of 450 steel, C250 steel, NiMark250 steel, 475 steel, and 17-4 steel. In other embodiments, the body 270 may include metal alloys other than steel alloys. The body 270 has a first density greater than the second density of the insert 340. In other words, the second density of the insert 340 is less than the first density of the body 270.

[0108] The insert 340 can be formed from a non-metallic material. Specifically, the insert 340 can be formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The insert 340 can be a polymer composite. The polymer resin can be thermoplastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The reinforcing fibers can be carbon fibers (sometimes called graphite fibers), fiberglass, aramid fibers such as Kevlar®, or boron fibers. In other embodiments, the reinforcing fibers can be natural fibers, including but not limited to fibers from jute, flax, ramie, hemp, sugarcane, koir, sisal, grasses, and abaca. The reinforcing fibers can be short or long fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be randomly oriented within the composite. The insert 340 can be injection molded. In other embodiments, the insert 340 may also include a lightweight metal alloy, such as an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy.

[0109] (i.body) Referring to Figures 17-19, the body 270 is configured to receive the insert 340. The body 270 forms the majority of the club head 210. The body 270 may comprise a cylindrical hosel 216, a hosel transition portion 306, a partial upper wall 302, a sole portion 312, a face panel 272, and a toe portion 322. The hosel transition portion 306 can connect the hosel 216 to the sole portion 312, the face panel 272, and the partial upper wall 302. The partial upper wall 302 can form part of the upper rail 218 of the club head 210. The remaining part of the upper rail 218 can be formed by the insert 340, as described below. The sole portion 312 of the body 270 can connect to the bottom edge of the face panel 272. The face panel 272 can form the strike face 226 of the golf club head 210.

[0110] Referring to Figures 17 to 19, the body 270 includes a face panel 272 having a front surface 274 and a rear surface 276. The front surface 274 of the face panel 272 can form the entire strike face 226 of the club head 210. The rear surface 276 of the face panel 272 is located opposite the front surface 274. Figure 19 illustrates that the face panel 272 has a thickness 278. The thickness 278 of the face panel 272 is measured between the front surface 274 and the rear surface 276. The face panel 272 can have a uniform thickness. The face panel 272 can have a constant thickness, such that it is measured in the heel-toe direction and the upper rail-sole direction across the entire strike face 226. The face panel 272 can have a thickness value similar to or equal to the thickness 78 of the face panel 72 described above. In one example, a face panel thickness of 278 could be approximately 0.065 inches.

[0111] Figure 16 illustrates grooves provided on the front surface 274 of the face panel to improve the grip of the golf ball against the face panel 272 during impact. The grooves may extend in the heel-toe direction. The front surface 274 of the face panel may have the same or the same number of grooves as the face panel 72.

[0112] Figure 17 illustrates how the body 270 forms a portion of the toe end 212. The toe portion 322 of the body 270 can form at least a portion of the toe end 212 of the golf club head 210. In some embodiments, the toe portion 322 of the body 270 extends upward from the sole 220 and forms at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80% of the height of the toe end 212 measured perpendicular to the ground surface to the highest point of the toe end 212.

[0113] Referring to Figures 17-19, the body 270 may substantially lack material immediately behind the face panel 272. In other words, the body 270 may have no rear components except for the peripheral rear surface formed by the hosel transition portion 306, the sole portion 312, and the toe portion 322. The body 270 may be configured to allow the insert 340 to slide downward on the body 270, thereby positioning the insert 340 behind a portion of the body face panel 272.

[0114] Referring to Figure 18, the sole portion 312 of the body 270 may be provided with a path 314. The path 314 may be configured to assist in securing the insert 340. The path 314 may extend in the heel-toe direction. In some embodiments, the path 314 is angled inward into the sole portion 312. As the path 314 deepens, it may extend closer to the rear 228 of the club head 210. This angle of the path 314 can assist in locking the insert 340 onto the body 270.

[0115] (ii. Inserts) Referring to Figures 20 to 22, the golf club head 210 may be equipped with a low-density insert 340 capable of temporarily restricting the swing or movement of the face panel 272 during dynamic impact with the golf ball. The insert 340 may replace or form a portion of the outer circumference of the club head, such as the toe end 212 and the upper rail 218. The insert 340 is configured to be mounted, connected to, and / or slide on the body 270.

[0116] Most of the insert 340 can be positioned behind the face panel 272. A portion of the insert 340 forms part of the upper rail 218. Figure 20 illustrates that the insert 340 comprises a rail portion 374, an insert panel 376, a backstop 352, and a shelf portion 380. The rail portion 374 can be configured to form a section of the upper rail 218. The rail portion 374 can also form the upper region of the toe end 212 of the club head 210. As illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the rail portion 374 can be placed on top of the body toe portion 322 at the toe end 212. The lightweight insert 340 allows for a downward movement of mass within the club head 210 by extensively replacing the metal body 270 over the entire upper rail 218 and the upper region of the toe end 212. This lowers the center of gravity of the club head 210 and improves the launch characteristics of the iron.

[0117] Referring to Figure 22, the insert 340 comprises an offset surface 344 and a rear surface 346 opposite the offset surface 344. A gap exists between the offset surface 344 of the insert 340 and the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272. This gap between the insert 340 and the face panel 272 allows the face panel 272 to flex during golf ball impact. Figure 22 illustrates that the gap distance 264 (hereinafter referred to as "insert gap distance 264") between the insert offset surface 344 and the face panel rear surface 276 can be in the range of 0.050 inches to 0.100 inches. In other embodiments, the insert gap distance 264 can be in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.095 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.080 inches, or 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches. For example, the insert gap distance 264 can be 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, or 0.100 inches. In one example, the insert gap distance 264 can be approximately 0.075 inches. The insert 340 does not contact the face panel 272 when stationary (i.e., before impact with the golf ball). In other words, the insert 340 is not in close contact with the face panel 272 when stationary. During golf ball impact, the face panel 272 is deformed under the load of the golf ball, and the insert 340 contacts the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272, preventing the face panel 272 from bending to a point of failure.

[0118] Referring to Figure 20, the insert may include a backstop 352 that protrudes from (or is disposed on) the insert offset surface 344. The backstop 352 may be configured to temporarily contact the face panel 272 when the face panel 272 bends during dynamic impact. The backstop 352 does not contact the face panel 272 when the golf club 210 is stationary. The backstop 352 contacts the rear surface 276 of the face panel during the dynamic impact of the club head 210 with the golf ball to prevent excessive bending of the face panel 272. In other words, in the first configuration (i.e., in the stationary state), the backstop 352 does not contact the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272. In the second configuration (i.e., in the deformed state), the backstop 352 is in contact with the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272. The backstop 352 prevents excessive flexing of the face panel 272 during golf ball impact.

[0119] Referring to Figure 22, the backstop 352 of the insert 340 can be positioned behind and center of the strike face 226. The backstop 352 can be closer to the face panel 272 than the rest of the insert offset surface 344. In other words, the backstop 352 can be offset inward from the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272 by a smaller distance than the rest of the insert offset surface 344. Figure 22 illustrates a case where the backstop 352 is offset from the rear surface 276 of the face panel 272 by a backstop gap distance 266, which is less than the insert gap distance 264. In other words, the insert gap distance 264 can be greater than the backstop gap distance 266.

[0120] Referring to Figure 22, the backstop gap distance 266 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.065 inches. In some embodiments, the backstop gap distance 266 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches, or 0.040 inches to 0.065 inches. In other embodiments, the backstop gap distance 266 can be in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.035 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.045 inches, 0.035 inches to 0.055 inches, or 0.045 inches to 0.065 inches. For example, the backstop gap distance 266 can be 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, or 0.065 inches. In one example, the backstop gap distance 266 can be approximately 0.025 inches. In another example, the backstop gap distance 266 can be 0.05 inches. The backstop gap distance 266 controls how much the backstop 152 sets an upper limit or limits the deflection of the face.

[0121] The backstop 352 can prevent excessive flexing of the face panel 272 by limiting the distance the face panel 272 can bend before encountering resistance from the insert 340. The gap between the insert 340 and the face panel 272 facilitates face flexing without allowing excessive flexing that could result in structural failure. The insert gap distance 264 and the backstop gap distance 266 are important for the balance between face flexibility (which is linked to ball speed) and durability.

[0122] The backstop 352 can be positioned behind the geometric center 250 of the strike face 226. The backstop 352 protrudes from the rest of the insert offset surface 344. The backstop 352 may have a flat surface 354 that is substantially parallel to the face panel 272. The flat surface 354 of the backstop may have a surface area (also called the backstop surface area) that ranges between 0.05 square inches and 0.20 square inches. In some embodiments, the backstop surface area is in the range of 0.05 square inches to 0.10 square inches, 0.10 square inches to 0.15 square inches, or 0.15 square inches to 0.20 square inches. In one example, the backstop surface area may be approximately 0.10 square inches.

[0123] Referring to Figure 20, the backstop 352 may comprise an upper side 356, a toe side 358, and a heel side 360. The backstop 352 may be similar to the backstop 152 described above. With respect to the geometric center 250, the upper side 356 may be convex, and the toe side 358 and heel side 360 ​​may be concave. The toe side 358 and heel side 360 ​​may reach a rounded point at the bottom of the backstop 352. The toe side 358 and heel side 360 ​​intersect the upper side 356, forming wing-like shapes that point to the toe end 212 and heel end 214, respectively. The shape of the backstop 352 can facilitate temporarily restricting bending at points or areas where the strike face 226, specifically the face panel 272, is more prone to bending than desired. The flat surface 354 of the backstop may have fillet-welded connections to the sides of the backstop (upper side, toe side, and heel side). These sides of the backstop may also have fillet-welded connections to the rest of the insert 340.

[0124] Referring to Figures 20-22, the insert 340 comprises an insert panel 376 and a rail portion 374. The insert panel 376 can connect to the bottom of the rail portion 374 and extend behind most of the face panel 272 of the club head 210. All of the offset surfaces 344, back surfaces 346, and top edges 348 of the insert 340 may also correspond to (or be referred to as) the front surface, back surface, and top edge of the insert panel 376, respectively. In some embodiments, the offset surfaces 344 may be parallel to the insert back surface 346. In some embodiments, all of the bottom edges 350 of the insert 340 may correspond to the bottom edges of the insert panel 376. Figures 20 and 21 illustrate that the insert 340 further comprises an alignment feature 380 attached to the bottom edge of the insert panel 376, so that all of the insert bottom edges 350 are aligned on the alignment feature. For example, the alignment feature may be a shelf-like section 380, which extends downward from the insert panel 376.

[0125] Referring to Figure 22, the insert panel 376 may have a thickness 378 measured between the offset surface 344 and the back surface 346 of the insert 340. The insert panel thickness 378 may be the same as the body face panel thickness 278. In some embodiments, the insert panel 376 may be thicker or thinner than the face panel 272. The insert 340 may further include the backstop 352 described above. The majority of the insert panel 376 may be positioned behind the face panel 272 by the insert gap distance 264 described above. The backstop 352 may be positioned behind the face panel 272 by the backstop gap distance 266 described above.

[0126] Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the golf club head 210 may have alignment features and / or locking features along the upper edge 348 and bottom edge 350 of the insert 340. In this second embodiment, since the panel insert 340 is not enclosed within the body 270 (the body 270 does not have an internal cavity), the insert 340 must be secured by other means. The upper edge 348 and bottom edge 350 can be epoxy bonded to the body 270 and / or geometrically locked onto the body 270.

[0127] One means of aligning, fixing, or locking the insert bottom edge 350 to the body 270 is a shelf-like portion 380 extending downward from the insert panel 376. The shelf-like portion 380 can be connected to the bottom edge of the insert panel 376. The shelf-like portion 380 can be formed integrally with the insert panel 376. The shelf-like portion 380 can be angled to match the angle of the path 314 within the sole portion 312 of the body 270. The shelf-like portion 380 may also be called a curved shelf-like portion, an angled shelf-like portion, a wall, a fixing mechanism, a locking mechanism, or an angled extension. The shelf-like portion 380 can be angled downward and backward from the insert panel 376. The shelf-like portion 380 and the back surface 346 of the insert can form an angle 382 (hereinafter referred to as the "shelf-like portion angle 382") that ranges from 0 to 90 degrees, including both ends. In some embodiments, the shelf angle 382 can be between 0 and 25 degrees, 0 and 45 degrees, 0 and 65 degrees, 10 and 30 degrees, 20 and 40 degrees, or 30 and 60 degrees. The shelf 380 can be configured to slide, lock, or glue into the path 314 of the sole portion 312.

[0128] In some embodiments, the insert 340 further comprises a soft layer (not shown) positioned on the offset surface 344 of the insert 340. The soft layer can dampen the impact between the face panel 272 and the insert 340. The soft layer can be an elastomer material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 50 to 90, including both ends. In some embodiments, the soft layer has a Shore A hardness of 70. In some embodiments, the soft layer can be molded onto the insert panel 272 through a two-step injection molding process. In other embodiments, the soft layer can be bonded or otherwise fixed to the rest of the insert 340.

[0129] Referring to Figure 20, the insert 340 may have a length 342 that is between 10% and 80% of the golf club head length 240, measured parallel to the ground surface 258 in the direction from the heel end 214 to the toe end 212. In some embodiments, the insert 340 may have a length 342 between 10% and 30%, 10% and 50%, 30% and 70%, 30% and 60%, 30% and 50%, 40% and 50%, 20% and 50%, or 50% and 80%. In some embodiments, the insert 340 has a length 342 that is about 50% of the golf club head length 240. The length of the insert 340 provides sufficient length to control the position of the backstop 352 behind the face panel 272.

[0130] In some embodiments, the insert 340 may have a volume ranging from 1 cubic inch to 6 cubic inches, including both ends. In some embodiments, the insert volume is approximately 5 cubic inches. In some embodiments, the insert 340 may have a mass ranging from 10 g to 20 g, including both ends. In some embodiments, the insert mass is approximately 15.8 g. The insert 340 may have a specific gravity less than that of the body 270.

[0131] (III. Advantages) The golf club heads 10 and 210 described herein standardize spin and ball speed across the entire strike face. Typical irons have a thin face and an insert with a backstop, imparting high spin to golf balls struck low on the face and low spin to golf balls struck high on the face. The embodiments of the golf club heads described herein standardize spin from the sole to the upper rail.

[0132] The golf club heads 10 and 210 described herein reduce the spin imparted to a golf ball struck low on the strike face. The geometric shape of the thin face allows for greater flex in the lower portion of the strike face, thereby reducing spin. The average player strikes most balls on a portion above the geometric center of the strike face. The backstops 152 and 352 of inserts 140 and 340 can correspond to the highly used portion of the strike face. The upper portions of the backstops 152 and 352 can limit the flex of the higher portions of the face panels 72 and 272. Because the backstops 152 and 352 can limit the bending of the face within the upper portion of the strike face, the upper portion of the strike face can impart greater spin to the golf ball. Therefore, a thin face connected to an insert backstop configuration can produce a more uniform spin response across the entire face (more uniform from the sole to the upper rail).

[0133] In addition to the spin performance advantages, golf club heads 10 and 210 can increase potential ball speed compared to existing irons that do not have the thin face panels and supporting backstops described above. The thin face panels allow the strike face to dynamically store and release impact energy to the golf ball. The face panels can bend freely until they contact the backstops, at which point the backstops 152 and 352 dampen the area of ​​the face panel that is in contact with or near the backstops. The backstops 152 and 352 increase durability by preventing excessive flexing of the face panels 72 and 272. The backstops 152 and 352 also unify the flex response across the entire face, giving more consistency to the shot. Off-center shots may cause deeper flexing in areas of the face panels 72 and 272 that do not correspond positionally to the backstops 152 and 352. In this scenario, face panels 72 and 272 will not be damped by backstops 152 and 352. Typically, the strike face of a golf club head tends to store and release most of its energy at its center (hence the term "hot spot" or "sweet spot"). Therefore, damping the center of the face panel results in a more uniform response, regardless of the point of impact.

[0134] Furthermore, the rules of golf, as regulated by the United States Golf Association (USGA), limit the characteristic time (CT) of the strike face. CT is a measure of face flexibility. Thinner face panels, due to their flexibility and responsiveness, may sometimes risk exceeding the CT limits set by the rules of golf. Backstops, and optionally flex-control surfaces, act as dampers, enabling thinner (and therefore hotter, more responsive) face panels without exceeding the flexibility limits set by the rules of golf. These thinner face panels increase the potential ball speed on off-center shots compared to golf club heads with thicker face panels.

[0135] In some embodiments, the inserts 140 and 340 can improve the acoustic properties of the club heads 10 and 210. For example, in some embodiments, the amplitude generated at impact can be reduced by forming at least partially the upper rail with a polymer insert.

[0136] Clubheads 10 and 210, equipped with inserts 140 and 340, improve ball speed, ball spin, and launch conditions compared to conventional clubheads with variable face thickness (e.g., generally, the maximum center thickness tapering to the minimum thickness at the periphery of the strike face). In conventional clubheads with variable face thickness, the difference in ball speed, ball spin, and launch conditions varies widely between center hits and off-center hits. This variability in ball performance for center hits and off-center hits results in inconsistent performance. Clubheads 10 and 210 provide consistent performance (i.e., ball speed, ball spin, and launch conditions) for center hits and off-center hits. Clubheads 10 and 210 bring the performance difference between center hits and off-center hits closer together (i.e., reduce the large difference between center hits and off-center hits). The club heads 10 and 210 achieve desired performance by comprising thinned and constant-thickness face panels 72 and 272 and inserts 140 and 340 with backstops. The thinned and constant-thickness face panels 72 and 272 maximize the swing of the strike face to maximize the ball speed result. The space between the strike face and inserts 140 and 340 in a stationary state provides space for the strike face to flex. The backstops of inserts 140 and 340 temporarily contact the strike face during golf ball impact to prevent excessive flexing of the strike face. The backstops prevent the strike face from flexing to the point of breakage or reaching bending breakage.

[0137] (IV. Manufacturing Method) A first embodiment of the golf club head 10 described herein can be manufactured by a method comprising: (1) providing the body; (2) forming the insert; (3) sliding and bonding the insert 140 into the cavity 124 of the body 70; and (4) performing a finishing treatment on the club head 10. The body 70 can be cast or forged from a metallic material. For example, the body 70 can be formed using investment casting, gravity casting, die casting, sand casting, ceramic mold casting, plaster mold casting, expendable pattern casting, permanent mold casting, shell mold casting, or centrifugal casting. In some embodiments, the face panel 72 can be cast or forged separately and welded onto the front portion 24 of the club head 10 to form the body 70. Molding the insert 140 may include providing composite pellets, providing a mold, melting the pellets, injecting the composite material into the mold to form the insert 140, cooling the insert to solidify or harden it, and removing the insert from the mold. More simply, the insert 140 can be injection molded. In alternative embodiments of this method, the insert 140 may be formed by compression molding, extrusion molding, rotational molding, additive manufacturing (such as through 3D printing), or otherwise into a desired shape.

[0138] Sliding and bonding the insert 140 into the cavity 124 of the body 70 may include applying an adhesive to one or more surfaces of the body 70 and / or the insert 140. The adhesive may be epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, or any other paste or liquid having adhesive properties. After applying the adhesive, the insert 140 can be slid from the toe end 12 of the club head 10 into the body cavity. Insertion of the insert 140 is completed when the insert encapsulation portion 174 is fully present within the cavity 124 and the insert exposure portion 178 is blocked by the body 70. Finishing the club head 10 may include cleaning, polishing, painting, and / or adding weights to complete the club head 10.

[0139] A second embodiment of the golf club head 210 described herein can be manufactured by a method comprising: (1) providing a body 270; (2) molding an insert 340; (3) clipping or hooking the insert 340 into the path 314 of the body sole portion 312; (4) bonding the insert rail portion 374 to the body 270; and (5) performing a finishing treatment on the club head 210. The body 270 can be cast or forged from a metallic material, similar to the method described above for forming the body of the first embodiment. Molding the insert 340 may include providing composite pellets, providing a mold, melting the pellets, injecting the composite material into the mold to form the insert 340, cooling the insert to solidify or harden it, and removing the insert from the mold. More simply put, the insert 340 can be injection molded. In embodiments of inserts with a soft layer, the insert can be formed through a two-step injection molding process that allows the soft layer to be overmolded onto the insert 340. In alternative embodiments of this method, the insert 340 can be formed by compression molding, extrusion molding, rotational molding, additive manufacturing (such as through 3D printing), or otherwise into a desired shape.

[0140] Clipping or hooking the insert 340 onto the body may include positioning the shelf portion 380 of the insert within the path 314 of the body sole portion 312. This may require holding the insert 340 at an angle that positions the rail portion 374 behind its final position. Once the shelf portion 380 is fixed within the path 314, the insert 340 can be rotated forward to align the rail portion 374 along the upper rail 218 of the club head 210. Adhesive may be applied to one or both of the body 270 and the insert before attaching the insert 340 to the body. Finishing the club head 210 may include cleaning, polishing, painting, and / or adding weights to complete the club head 210.

[0141] Figures 1 to 22 illustrate a particular embodiment of a golf club head; however, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to illustrate, not limit, the scope of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is intended to be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. Having described the invention in relation to various embodiments, it will be understood that further modifications of the invention are possible. This application is intended to cover all modifications, uses, or adaptations of the invention that generally follow the principles of the invention, and such deviations from this disclosure are included as falling within the known and customary methods within the art to which the invention belongs.

[0142] Because the rules of golf are changed from time to time (for example, new rules may be applied, or old rules may be abolished or changed, by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Advanced Golf Club of St. Robert A. (R&A)), golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may be published, marketed, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0143] Although a specific sequence of actions has been described above, these actions may be performed in other chronological orders. For example, two or more of the above actions may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reverse order. Furthermore, one or more of the above actions may be omitted entirely. The apparatus, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0144] The replacement of one or more claim elements constitutes a reconstruction and not a prosthesis. Furthermore, advantages, other advantages and solutions to the problem have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, advantages, other advantages and solutions to the problem, and any one or more elements that give rise to or reveal any advantage, advantage or solution, do not constitute a material, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all elements of the claims unless such advantage, advantage, solution or element is expressly stated in such claims.

[0145] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described herein are not made available to the public under the principle of public disclosure if (1) they are not expressly asserted in the claims, and (2) they are equivalent or potentially equivalent to the expressive elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0146] (Examples) (I. Example 1: Comparison of Golf Ball Performance) An exemplary clubhead 10, equipped with a toe-end insert 140 that has a gap between the strike face and the backstop, is compared to a similar but controllable clubhead that lacks a gap between the strike face and the backstop. The test compares golf ball performance, such as ball spin and ball velocity, between the exemplary clubhead 10 and the controllable clubhead.

[0147] An exemplary club head 10 comprises a body 70 having a face panel 72 and an insert 140 having a backstop 152. The face panel 72 has a constant thickness of 0.065 inches. The backstop 152 is positioned at a distance of backstop gap 66 from the rear surface 76 of the face panel 72. The backstop 152 is positioned behind the central portion of the face panel 72. The backstop gap 66 is 0.025 inches at the center of the face panel 72. The insert gap 64 is 0.075 inches from the center. This gap allows the face panel to flex upon impact with the golf ball. Increased flex in the face panel returns more energy to the golf ball, improving ball speed and spin.

[0148] The contrasting clubhead, like the exemplary clubhead described above, comprises a body, a face panel, and an insert with a backstop. The backstop of the contrasting clubhead is not spaced apart from the rear surface of the face panel, but rather the backstop contacts the rear surface of the face panel. The backstop of the contrasting clubhead limits the amount of flex the face experiences upon impact with the golf ball, thereby reducing ball speed and spin.

[0149] The tests are conducted using robotic arm tests and / or player tests. The robotic arm test is performed by a single robot programmed to hit a set number of shots, each swinging identically and delivering the clubhead to the ball in the same manner for each shot. The robotic arm test can be programmed to hit the center of the strike face or any other point on the strike face, allowing for a comparison of ball velocity and spin between a representative clubhead 10 and a control clubhead, between center hits and off-center hits. The player test is conducted by multiple individual players. Each player hits approximately 10 shots with each club in increments of 5 shots. Approximately 20 players may be present for this test. Various golf ball performance values, such as ball spin, velocity, distance, and launch angle, are measured using measuring devices.

[0150] This test results in the exemplary club head 10 exhibiting increased ball performance compared to the control club head for off-center hits. For off-center hits, the exemplary club head 10 is expected to have a ball speed approximately 1 mph higher than the control club head. For off-center hits, the exemplary club head 10 is expected to have a ball spin approximately 200 rpm higher than the control club head. The exemplary club head 10 comprises a thin-walled, constant-thickness face panel 72 and an insert 140 with a backstop 152 positioned at a backstop distance 66 from the strike face. The exemplary club head 10 results in higher ball speed and ball spin because the thinned strike face flexes without hindrance. The backstop 152 temporarily engages with the strike face to prevent excessive flexing and breakage of the strike face. A contrasting clubhead with a backstop that contacts the strike face during golf ball impact results in less flex, which in turn leads to lower ball spin and speed.

[0151] (Clause 1) A golf club head comprising: a body having a face panel, a toe end, a heel end, an upper rail, a sole, and a rear portion; and an insert having a sealed portion and an exposed portion, wherein the body defines an inner cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion; the body is made of metal; the insert is made of a non-metallic material; the body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head; the inner cavity is configured to receive the insert such that the sealed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head; and the entire outermost surface of the toe end is formed by the insert.

[0152] (Clause 2) The golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, the backstop being positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during impact with the golf ball.

[0153] (Clause 3) The golf club head of Clause 2, wherein in the first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel, and in the second configuration, the backstop of the insert contacts the rear surface of the panel.

[0154] (Clause 4) The golf club head of Clause 3, wherein the insert has an insert offset surface, and the insert offset surface does not contact the rear surface of the face panel.

[0155] (Clause 5) The golf club head of Clause 4, wherein an insert offset distance is provided between the insert offset surface and the rear surface of the face panel, and a backstop offset distance is provided between the backstop and the rear surface of the face panel, and the backstop offset distance is less than the insert offset distance.

[0156] (Clause 6) The golf club head of Clause 1, wherein the insert further comprises a thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers.

[0157] (Clause 7) The golf club head of Clause 6, wherein the body is located within the inner cavity and further comprises a rail integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion, and the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

[0158] (Clause 8) The golf club head of Clause 1, further comprising an internal weight integrally formed with the insert, wherein the internal weight has a material density greater than the material density of the body and the material density of the insert.

[0159] (Clause 9) A golf club head comprising a body having a face panel with a strike face, a toe end, a heel end, an upper rail, a sole, and a rear portion, and an insert having a sealed portion and an exposed portion, wherein the body defines an inner cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion, the body is made of metal, the insert is made of non-metal, the body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head, the inner cavity receives the insert such that the sealed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head A golf club head is configured such that the strike face has a geometric center, a central reference plane extending through the geometric center and perpendicular to the ground surface when the golf club head is in the address position, a vertical reference plane extending through the golf club head in the front-to-back direction and perpendicular to the ground surface when the golf club head is in the address position, the vertical reference plane being offset by a distance of 1.0 to 1.8 inches from the central reference plane toward the toe end, the exposed portion of the insert being fully positioned toward the toe side of the vertical reference plane, and the enclosed portion being at least partially positioned toward the heel side of the vertical reference plane.

[0160] (Clause 10) The golf club head of Clause 9, wherein the insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, the backstop being positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during impact with the golf ball.

[0161] (Clause 11) The golf club head of Clause 10, wherein in a first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel, and in a second configuration, the backstop of the insert contacts the rear surface of the panel.

[0162] (Clause 12) The golf club head of Clause 9, wherein the insert further comprises a thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers.

[0163] (Clause 13) The golf club head of Clause 9, wherein the body is located within the inner cavity and further comprises a rail integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion, and the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

[0164] (Clause 14) The golf club head of Clause 9, further comprising an internal weight integrally formed with the insert, wherein the internal weight has a material density greater than the material density of the body and the material density of the insert.

[0165] (Clause 15) A golf club head comprising: a body having a face panel, a toe end, a heel end, an upper rail, a sole, and a rear portion; and an insert having a sealed portion and an exposed portion, wherein the body defines an inner cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion; the body is formed of a first material having a first density; the insert is formed of a second material having a second density, the second density being less than the first density; the body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head; the inner cavity is configured to receive the insert such that the sealed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head; the insert forms part of the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion; and no portion of the body forms the outermost surface of the toe end.

[0166] (Clause 16) The golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, the backstop being positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during impact with the golf ball.

[0167] (Clause 17) The golf club head of Clause 16, wherein in a first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel, and in a second configuration, the backstop of the insert contacts the rear surface of the panel.

[0168] (Clause 18) The golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the insert has an insert offset surface, and the insert offset surface does not contact the rear surface of the face panel.

[0169] (Clause 19) The golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the body is located within the inner cavity and further comprises a rail integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion, and the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

[0170] (Clause 20) The golf club head of Clause 15, further comprising an internal weight integrally formed with the insert, wherein the internal weight comprises a third material having a third density greater than the first density and the second density.

[0171] (Clause 21) A golf club head comprising a body having a toe end, a heel end opposite to the toe end, a hosel connected to the heel end, an upper rail, a sole opposite to the upper rail, a front edge at the front of the sole, a front portion, a rear portion, a cylindrical hosel, a hosel transition portion adjacent to the heel end, a face panel, a toe portion adjacent to the toe end, and a sole portion adjacent to the sole, and an insert having an offset surface, a back surface opposite to the offset surface, an upper edge, a bottom edge opposite to the upper edge, a rail portion, an insert panel, a backstop, and a fixing mechanism, wherein the insert is front A golf club head configured to fit onto a body such that the rail portion of the insert forms part of the upper rail, the face panel has a face panel thickness of less than 0.060 inches, the density of the insert is lower than the density of the body, the insert offset surface and the face panel define an insert gap distance in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, including both ends, and the backstop and the face panel define a backstop gap distance in the range of 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches, including both ends.

[0172] (Clause 22) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a shelf-like portion extending from the insert panel, the sole portion of the body defines a path configured to receive the shelf-like portion, and the shelf-like portion has a shape complementary to the path of the sole portion.

[0173] (Clause 23) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the shelf-like portion extends rearward from the insert panel, and the shelf-like portion and the insert back surface form an angle in the range of 0 to 45 degrees.

[0174] (Clause 24) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the insert comprises a resin and reinforcing fibers, the resin being a material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and the reinforcing fibers being a material selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, fiberglass, aramid fibers, boron fibers, jute fibers, flax fibers, ramie fibers, hemp fibers, sugarcane fibers, coir fibers, sisal fibers, grass fibers, and abaca fibers.

[0175] (Clause 25) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the insert comprises a metallic material selected from the group consisting of aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys.

[0176] (Clause 26) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the insert comprises a soft layer attached to the offset surface of the insert panel, the soft layer comprising an elastomer material.

[0177] (Clause 27) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the toe portion of the body extends upward from the sole to form at least 50% of the toe end of the club head.

[0178] (Clause 28) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the body comprises a cast steel alloy selected from the group consisting of 450 steel, C250 steel, NiMark250 steel, 475 steel, and 17-4 steel.

[0179] (Clause 29) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the toe end of the body forms a toe port, the golf club head further comprises a toe weight fitted into the toe port, and the golf club head further comprises a tip weight fitted into the hosel.

[0180] (Clause 30) The golf club head of Clause 21, wherein the length of the insert, measured in the direction from the heel end to the toe end, is between 30% and 60% of the total length of the golf club head.

[0181] Various features and advantages of this disclosure are described in the following claims.

Claims

1. It is a golf club head, The body comprises a face panel, toe end, heel end, upper rail, sole, and rear section. An insert comprising a sealed portion and an exposed portion, The body defines an inward cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion. The body is made of metal, and the insert is made of a non-metallic material. The body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head, The inner cavity is configured to receive the insert such that the enclosed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head. The entire outermost surface of the tow end is formed by the insert. Golf club head.

2. The insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the backstop is positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during golf ball impact.

3. In the first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel. The golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the backstop of the insert is in contact with the rear surface of the face panel in the second configuration.

4. The aforementioned insert has an insert offset surface, The golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the insert offset surface does not come into contact with the rear surface of the face panel.

5. The insert offset distance is provided between the insert offset surface and the rear surface of the face panel. The backstop offset distance is provided between the backstop and the rear surface of the face panel. The golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the backstop offset distance is less than the insert offset distance.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the insert further comprises a thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers.

7. The body is positioned within the inner cavity and further comprises rails integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

8. It further comprises an internal weight formed integrally with the insert, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the internal weight has a material density greater than the material density of the body and the material density of the insert.

9. It is a golf club head, The body includes a face panel with a strike face, toe end, heel end, upper rail, sole, and rear section. An insert comprising a sealed portion and an exposed portion, The body defines an inward cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion. The body is made of metal, and the insert is made of a non-metallic material. The body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head, The inner cavity is configured to receive the insert such that the enclosed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head. The aforementioned strike face has a geometric center, The central reference plane extends through the geometric center and is perpendicular to the ground surface when the golf club head is in the address position. The vertical reference plane extends in the front-to-back direction through the golf club head, and extends perpendicular to the ground surface when the golf club head is in the address position. The aforementioned vertical reference plane is offset by a distance of 1.0 inch to 1.8 inches from the central reference plane toward the tow end. The exposed portion of the insert is positioned entirely on the tow side of the vertical reference plane. The aforementioned encapsulated portion is at least partially located on the heel side of the vertical reference plane, Golf club head.

10. The insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the backstop is positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during golf ball impact.

11. In the first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein the backstop of the insert is in contact with the rear surface of the face panel in the second configuration.

12. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the insert further comprises a thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers.

13. The body is positioned within the inner cavity and further comprises rails integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

14. It further comprises an internal weight formed integrally with the insert, The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the internal weight has a material density greater than the material density of the body and the material density of the insert.

15. It is a golf club head, The body comprises a face panel, toe end, heel end, upper rail, sole, and rear section. An insert comprising a sealed portion and an exposed portion, The body defines an inward cavity bounded by the face panel, the heel end, the upper rail, the sole, and the rear portion. The body is formed of a first material having a first density, and the insert is formed of a second material having a second density. The second density is less than the first density, The body defines an opening at the toe end of the golf club head, The inner cavity is configured to receive the insert such that the enclosed portion fits inside the inner cavity and the exposed portion forms the toe end of the golf club head. The insert forms the upper rail, the sole, and a portion of the rear section. No part of the body forms the outermost surface of the tow end. Golf club head.

16. The insert further comprises a backstop protruding from the surface of the insert, The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the backstop is positioned behind the face panel to prevent excessive flexing of the face panel during golf ball impact.

17. In the first configuration, the backstop of the insert does not contact the rear surface of the face panel. The golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the backstop of the insert is in contact with the rear surface of the face panel in the second configuration.

18. The aforementioned insert has an insert offset surface, The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the insert offset surface does not come into contact with the rear surface of the face panel.

19. The body is positioned within the inner cavity and further comprises rails integrally formed with the sole and the rear portion. The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the insert further comprises a path configured to engage with the rail and slide along the rail to secure the insert to the body.

20. It further comprises an internal weight formed integrally with the insert, The golf club head according to claim 15, wherein the internal weight comprises a third material having a third density greater than the first density and the second density.

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