Golf club head with support to limit faceplate deformation

Abstract

During impact with the golf ball, it is necessary to allow elastic deformation of the golf club's faceplate while also limiting that elastic deformation to reduce the risk of irreversible plastic deformation of the golf club's faceplate. [Solution] The golf club head includes a body having a face plate 34 having a striking surface and an inner surface on the opposite side, a rear end 38, and a sole 30 connecting the face plate to the rear end. The face plate, rear end, and sole define a partial cavity. An insert 100 is located within the cavity, and the insert has an insert surface that faces and is set back from the inner surface of the face plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 313,214, filed on March 25, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to golf clubs, and more particularly to supports that allow for reversible elastic deformation of the face plate of a golf club while also imposing deformation limits to reduce the risk of irreversible plastic deformation.

Background Art

[0003] Golf clubs come in various forms such as woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, or putters, for example. These clubs generally differ in head shape and design (e.g., the difference between woods and irons), club - head material, shaft material, club length, and club loft.

[0004] Generally, during impact with a golf ball, the face plate of a golf club undergoes a certain amount of deformation. More specifically, the face plate undergoes elastic deformation in the form of flexure such that it flexes upon impact with the golf ball and springs back. This elastic deformation increases the coefficient of restitution (COR). A higher COR increases the kinetic energy transferred to the golf ball upon impact, generally increasing the speed of the golf ball and the distance the golf ball travels.

[0005] In some golf clubs, the face - plate thickness is decreased to increase the flexure of the face plate during impact. However, excessive flexure of the face plate can lead to irreversible plastic deformation over time. Plastic deformation of the face plate reduces the amount of elastic deformation and the resulting available "spring effect", ultimately reducing the ability of the club head to generate optimal golf - ball speed and golf - ball distance. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] While golf clubs have a variety of known designs, they are required to allow for elastic deformation of the clubface during impact with the golf ball, while also limiting that elastic deformation to reduce the risk of irreversible plastic deformation of the clubface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a golf club head including one or more embodiments of the delayed support disclosed herein.

[0008] [Figure 2] This is a first side view of the club head shown in Figure 1, which displays the faceplate.

[0009] [Figure 3] This is a second side view of the club head shown in Figure 1, which shows the back side opposite to that of Figure 2.

[0010] [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a top view of the club head.

[0011] [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the club head in Figure 1 with the delay support removed, along line 5-5 in Figure 4.

[0012] [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a delay support used with a golf club head.

[0013] [Figure 7] This is a second perspective view of the delayed support shown in Figure 6, opposite to the one shown in Figure 6.

[0014] [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the delay support of FIG. 6 along line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

[0015] [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the golf club of FIG. 1 having the insert of FIG. 6 located within the cavity portion along line 9-9 of FIG. 4.

[0016] [Figure 9A] Cross-sectional view of the golf club of FIG. 1 defining a large gap between the insert and the face plate along line 9-9 of FIG. 4 with an embodiment of the insert of FIG. 6 located within the cavity portion.

[0017] [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the golf club of FIG. 1 along line 5-5 of FIG. 4 with another embodiment of the delay support located within the cavity portion.

[0018] [Figure 11] Front view of the club head of FIG. 1.

[0019] [Figure 11A] [[ID=三十二]]Front view of an embodiment of the delay support used with the golf club head of FIG. 11.

[0020] [Figure 11B] Side perspective view of the delay support of FIG. 11A.

[0021] [Figure 11C] Front view of an embodiment of the delay support used with the golf club head of FIG. 11.

[0022] [Figure 11D] Side perspective view of the delay support of FIG. 11C.

[0023] [Figure 12A]Figures 11, 11A, and 11B show side cross-sectional views of the golf club head and delay insert along line 12A-12A.

[0024] [Figure 12B] Figures 11, 11A, and 11B show a top cross section of the golf club head and delay insert along line 12B-12B. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The golf club head disclosed herein comprises a body including a face plate having a striking surface and an inner surface opposite to it, a rear end, and a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end. The inner surfaces of the face plate, the rear end, and the sole partially define a cavity. An insert is located within the cavity and has an insert surface facing and away from the inner surface of the face plate. In many embodiments, the insert surface allows a desired amount of deflection (or deformation) in the face plate during impact, while simultaneously reinforcing the face plate before plastic deformation occurs. In other embodiments, the insert can be sufficiently far from the face plate so as not to support the face plate during impact.

[0026] In other embodiments, the golf club head comprises a body including a face plate, a rear end, and a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end. The face plate, rear end, and sole partially define a cavity. The rear end has an inner surface facing the cavity. An insert is located within the cavity and has an insert surface facing and away from the inner surface of the rear end.

[0027] In other embodiments, the golf club head comprises a body including a face plate having a striking surface and a first inner surface opposite to it, a rear end, and a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end. The face plate, rear end, and sole partially define a cavity, and the rear end has a second inner surface facing the cavity. A projection connects to one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface. The projection has a contact surface facing and away from the other of the first and second inner surfaces.

[0028] As disclosed herein, the term “loft” or “loft angle” of a golf club refers to the angle formed between the clubface and the shaft, which is measured by any appropriate loft and lie instrument.

[0029] Where applicable, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., in this specification and the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily intended to describe a specific consecutive or older order. Terms used in this manner should be understood to be interchangeable in appropriate contexts, so as to allow the embodiments described herein to be operable, for example, in an order other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “contains” and “having,” and any inflections thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus containing a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements that are not expressly enumerated or specific to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0030] Where applicable, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” etc., in this specification and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes only and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. Terms used in this manner should be understood to be replaceable in appropriate circumstances so that the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and / or embodiments of the manufactured articles described herein can be operated, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0031] The terms "couple," "couples," "connected," and "linked" should be understood broadly as meaning to connect two or more elements mechanically or otherwise. The connection (mechanically or otherwise) may last for any length of time, for example, permanently, semi-permanently, or even just for a moment.

[0032] Other features and aspects will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before describing any embodiment of this disclosure in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details, configurations, and arrangements of components described or shown in the following description or drawings. This disclosure can support other embodiments and can be implemented or performed in a variety of ways. It should be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit this disclosure to all variations, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0033] For the sake of discussion and understanding, and for the sake of explanation only, in the following detailed description, the golf club head 10 will be described as an iron. It should be understood that an iron is provided to illustrate one or more embodiments of a delay support, as disclosed herein, that allows for elastic deformation of the faceplate of the golf club during impact with a golf ball and limits the elastic deformation to reduce the risk of irreversible plastic deformation of the faceplate of the golf club. The disclosed embodiments of the delay support can be used in any desirable iron, wood, hybrid, or other golf club in which the faceplate deforms during impact with a golf ball and there is a risk of elastic deformation of the faceplate. For example, the club head 10 may include, but is not limited to, a driver, fairway wood, hybrid, 1-iron, 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron, 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron, 9-iron, pitching wedge, gap wedge, utility wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge, and / or putter.In addition, the 10 golf club heads range from approximately 3 degrees to approximately 65 degrees (3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18). 5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5, 33, 33.5, 34, 34.5, 35, 35.5, 36 36.5, 37, 37.5, 38, 38.5, 39, 39.5, 40, 40.5, 41, 41.5, 42, 42.5, 43, 43.5, 44, 44.5, 45, 45.5, 46, 46.5, 47, 47.5, 48, 48.5, 49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53. It may have a loft that can be in the range of 5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61, 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, and / or 65 degrees (but not limited to these).

[0034] For a more detailed explanation, refer to one or more embodiments of “delayed support.” A delayed support represents one or more structural components that support or reinforce the faceplate during impact with the golf ball. However, the support is delayed during impact to allow a desired amount of deformation or deflection of the faceplate before the support reduces, limits, minimizes, or stops the deformation or deflection, so as not to undergo plastic deformation. By allowing a certain amount of deformation or deflection, the faceplate generates a favorable spring-like effect.

[0035] I) Golf club head Referring next to the figures, Figures 1 to 4 show embodiments of a golf club head 10 incorporating one or more embodiments of the delayed support disclosed herein. The golf club head 10 includes a body 14 having a toe or toe end 18 opposite the heel or heel end 22. The body 14 also includes an upper or top line or crown 26 opposite the sole or bottom 30. The body 14 carries a face plate or striking plate or club face 34 (shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 4) that defines a striking surface 36 (shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 4) and is opposite the rear end or back or rear or underside 38 (shown in Figures 3 to 4). A plurality of grooves 40 (shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4) are arranged on the face plate 34. The golf club head 10 also includes a hosel 44 having a hosel axis 48 (shown in Figure 2) extending through the center of the hosel 44. The hosel 44 is configured to receive a golf club shaft (not shown) that carries a grip (not shown).

[0036] The faceplate 34 further includes a thickness measured between the striking surface 36 of the faceplate 34 and the first inner surface 72. In some embodiments, the faceplate 34 may have a uniform thickness. The uniform thickness may be in the range of 0.025 to 0.150 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the thickness may be within 0.025 to 0.050, 0.030 to 0.070, 0.040 to 0.090, 0.040 to 0.110, 0.050 to 0.125, 0.050 to 0.150, 0.60 to 0.150, or 0.65 to 0.150 inches.

[0037] In other embodiments, the faceplate 34 may include a variable face thickness (VFT) (not shown). A faceplate 34 with a VFT can have a greater thickness in areas experiencing the highest stress and a lower thickness in areas experiencing lower stress. For example, in many embodiments, the periphery of the faceplate 34 may experience lower stress and can have less thickness than the center of the faceplate 34, which can have a greater thickness to experience higher stress. In some embodiments, the VFT may have a minimum thickness of less than 0.10 inches and a maximum thickness of less than 0.25 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the minimum thickness can be less than 0.10, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, 0.05, 0.04, or 0.03 inches, and the maximum thickness can be less than 0.25, 0.24, 0.23, 0.22, 0.21, 0.20, 0.19, 0.18, 0.17, 0.16, 0.15, 0.14, 0.13, 0.12, 0.11, 0.10, 0.09, 0.08, 0.07, 0.06, or 0.05 inches. The thickness of the VFT region of the faceplate 34 can vary between the minimum and maximum thicknesses.

[0038] The faceplate 34 may include any material, such as titanium, steel, aluminum, tungsten, beryllium nickel, beryllium copper, titanium alloy, alloy steel, composite materials, ceramics, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the faceplate 34 may include materials such as 17-4 steel, 455 steel, 475 steel, 8620 steel, 1025 steel, Ti6-4, SP700, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr alloy steel, 565 steel, or any other suitable material. In some further embodiments, any of the aforementioned materials may undergo a heat treatment process to alter or achieve desired material properties.

[0039] Referring to Figure 9, the sole 30 of the club head 10 may include a uniform sole thickness 35 extending from near the face plate 34 toward the rear end 38. In the shown embodiment, the inner surface 26 of the sole 30 follows the three-dimensional contour of the outer surface of the sole 30, and its thickness remains substantially constant from near the face plate 34 toward the rear end 38 and from near the toe end 18 toward the heel end 22. In some embodiments, the sole thickness 35 can be in the range of 0.015 to 0.085 inches. In other embodiments, the sole 30 may have a uniform thickness that falls within the ranges of 0.020 to 0.075, 0.025 to 0.070, 0.030 to 0.065, or 0.040 to 0.060. In other embodiments, the sole 30 may have a uniform thickness of less than 0.085 inches, less than 0.080 inches, less than 0.075 inches, less than 0.070 inches, less than 0.065 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.055 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.045 inches, or less than 0.040 inches. In other embodiments, the sole 30 may have a uniform thickness of 0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, or 0.085 inches.

[0040] In other embodiments, the sole 30 of the club head 10 may comprise multiple layers (not shown) having different thicknesses. For example, in some embodiments, the sole 30 may comprise a transition region comprising a first layer adjacent to the face plate 34 having a first substantially constant thickness, and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, the second layer having a second substantially constant thickness less than the first substantially constant thickness. In some embodiments, the transition region may further comprise a third layer adjacent to the second layer, the third layer having a third substantially constant thickness less than the first and second substantially constant thicknesses. In other embodiments, the transition region may comprise any number of layers similar to the stepped sole disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 920,480.

[0041] Referring next to Figures 2 and 4, the golf club head 10 includes a center of gravity or CG 52 that defines the origin of a coordinate system including the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and z-axis 64. The x-axis 56 (shown in Figure 4) extends from the toe end 18 through the center of gravity 52 of the club head 10 to the heel end 22. The y-axis 60 (shown in Figure 2) extends from the top 26 through the sole 30 through the center of gravity 52 of the club head 10. The z-axis 64 (shown in Figure 4) extends from the faceplate 34 through the back surface 38 through the center of gravity 52 of the club head 10. To further guide the description of the novel invention herein, the x-axis 56 and z-axis 64 are configured to coincide with numbers on an analog clock in Figure 4. The z-axis 64 extends between 12 o'clock ("12" passing through the faceplate 34) and 6 o'clock ("6" passing through the back surface 38), and the x-axis 56 extends between 3 o'clock ("3" passing through the toe end 18) and 9 o'clock ("9" passing through the heel end 22).

[0042] Referring now to Figure 5, the faceplate 34, back surface 38, and sole 30 of the golf club head 10 partially define the cavity 68. More specifically, the back surface or first inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34, the inner surface or upper surface of the sole 30, and the front surface or front or inner surface of the back surface 38 of the club head 10 partially define the cavity 68. To better illustrate the cavity 68, please note that Figure 5 shows the cavity 68 without any delay support or insert.

[0043] During impact, the faceplate 34 deforms or flexes in an approximate direction of movement 84 (shown in Figure 5) from the faceplate 34 toward the back surface 38. Some flexing in direction 84 is desirable to achieve a spring-like effect that increases golf ball speed and distance, but excessive flexing may cause plastic deformation of the faceplate 34. When plastic deformation occurs, the faceplate 34 flexes less (or no flexing at all), thereby failing to achieve the intended spring-like effect and resulting in less than optimal golf ball speed and distance. To reduce (or avoid) the risk of plastic deformation by providing some flexing (or elastic deformation) of the faceplate 34 while also limiting the flexing, the golf club head 10 includes a delay support or insert 100.

[0044] II) Inserts Referring to Figures 6 to 8, embodiments of the insert 100 are shown. In this embodiment, the insert 100 is in the form of a custom tuning port ("CTP") weight 100 configured to be received by the cavity 68 or otherwise positioned. The weight 100 can be any suitable or desired insert, and may be made from one or more materials, including, but is not limited to, steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composite materials, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, plastics, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the weight 100 may be made from the same material as the golf club head 10, or from a different material. In some embodiments, the weight 100 may be inserted into the cavity 68 after the golf club head 10 has been manufactured. In other embodiments, the weight 100 may be formed in the cavity 68 during the manufacturing of the golf club head 10 (e.g., during casting, forging, etc.), and may, in particular, be formed integrally with the rest of the golf club head 10 as a single piece.

[0045] The insert 100 includes a bottom surface or first end 128 configured to contact the inner surface or base surface 76 of the cavity 68, a top surface or second end 132 opposite to the bottom surface 128, and a front portion configured to face the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 when the insert 100 is positioned within the cavity 68. The front portion further includes a first surface or first insert surface 104 and a second surface or second insert surface 108 (shown in Figures 6 and 8). The first surface 104 is configured to contact the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 during impact and is adjacent to and offset from the second insert surface 108, which is configured to be spaced apart or offset from the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 during impact. In the shown embodiment, an arched boundary 112 defines the transition between the first surface 104 and the second surface 108. In the shown embodiment, the first surface 104 includes a first arm 116 adjacent to the heel end 118 of the insert 100, and a second arm 120 adjacent to the toe end 116 of the insert 100, both of which can extend at least partially from near the bottom end 128 to near the top end 132. The first surface 104 further includes a cross member 124 adjacent to the bottom end 128 of the insert 100, extending from the heel end 118 to the toe end 116. The first arm 116 and the second arm 120 can transition into the cross member 124 near the bottom end 128 to define an overall "U" or "horseshoe" shape. Furthermore, the arms 116, 120, and the cross member 124 (i.e., the first surface 104) can reside within a common plane 126 (shown in Figure 6). In other embodiments, the first and second insert surfaces may have any shape in the front portion of the insert 100. For example, in some embodiments, the first surface 104 may lack one or more of the arms 116, 120, and / or cross members 124. In further examples, in some embodiments, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may form a triangle, circle, rectangle, polygon, or any other suitable shape.

[0046] Referring again to Figure 6, in the shown embodiment, the first surface 104 includes 30% of the front portion of the insert 100. In other embodiments, the first surface 104 includes a range of 5% to 50% of the front portion of the insert 100. For example, in some embodiments, the first surface 104 can contact between 5% to 15%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 25%, 20% to 30%, 25% to 35%, 30% to 40%, 35% to 45%, or 40% to 50% of the front portion of the insert 100. In further shown embodiments, the arms 116, 120 have a width including 20% ​​of the total or maximum width of the insert 100 (from the heel end 118 to the toe end 116). In other embodiments, the arms 116, 120 can have a width ranging from 5% to 40% of the total or maximum width of the insert 100. For example, in some embodiments, the arms 116, 120 may have widths ranging from 5% to 15%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 25%, 20% to 30%, 25% to 35%, or 30% to 40% of the total or maximum width of the insert 100. Furthermore, in the shown embodiments, the cross member 124 has a height (from the bottom end 128 to the first end 132) that includes 20% of the total or maximum height of the insert 100. In other embodiments, the cross member 124 may have a height ranging from 5% to 50% of the total or maximum height of the insert 100. For example, in some embodiments, the cross member 124 may have a height ranging from 5% to 15%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 25%, 20% to 30%, 25% to 35%, 30% to 40%, 35% to 45%, or 40% to 50%.

[0047] In many embodiments, an insert 100 having one or more arms 116, 120 has the advantage of preventing the insert 100 from loosening from the back of the cavity after repeated use, because the arms 116, 120 help maintain the position of the insert 100 within the cavity when it makes impact with the golf ball (for example, the arms 116, 120 can prevent the insert from shifting forward within the cavity due to the force of impact with the golf ball).

[0048] Referring next to Figure 8, the second surface 108 can be an inclined or tapered surface offset from the first surface 104. In particular, the second surface 108 extends from near the bottom surface 128 toward the top surface 132. In the shown embodiment, the distance between the first surface 104 (or alternatively, the plane 126) and the second surface 108 in a direction perpendicular to the second surface 108, or perpendicular to the plane 126, increases from the bottom surface 128 toward the top surface 132. For example, at the first position 136, the second surface 108 is offset from the first surface 104 by a distance D1. By comparison, at the second position 140, which is closer to the top surface 132 (or further from the bottom surface 128) than the first position 136, the second surface 108 is offset from the first surface 104 by a distance D2, where D2 is greater than D1.

[0049] In the shown embodiments, the inclined or tapered second surface 108 may include a taper angle defined by the angle between the second surface 108 and the plane 126. In various embodiments, the taper angle can be greater than 0°. For example, the taper angle can be in the range of about 0.01° to about 20°, about 0.10° to about 15°, about 0.10° to about 10°, about 0.10° to about 5°, about 0.10° to about 2°, or about 0.10° to about 1.5°. In some embodiments, the taper angle can be about 10° or less, about 7.5° or less, about 5° or less, about 3° or less, about 2° or less, or about 1° or less.

[0050] Furthermore, the distance between the second surface 108 in a direction perpendicular (or right-angle) to plane 126 and plane 126 (shown in Figure 6) is not constant along the y-axis 60 (shown in Figure 2) or in the direction from the top 26 to the sole 30, or it changes (e.g., increases or decreases). In other words, the second surface 108 is spaced apart from plane 126 by a gap 144, and the width of the gap 144 changes (e.g., increases or decreases) along part of the second surface 108 and / or along part of plane 126. Therefore, the distance between plane 126 and the second surface 108, perpendicular to plane 126, is smaller at the first end 148 of the second surface 108 (see Figure 9) than at the second end 152 of the second surface 108 (see Figure 9) (where the first end 148 of the second surface 108 is closer to the bottom surface 128 (shown in Figure 6) than the second end 152).

[0051] The distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 (i.e., the offset between the first surface 104 and the second surface 108) can range from 0.001 inches to 0.125 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 can be in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.01 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.02 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.03 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.04 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.05 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.06 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.050 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.090 inches, or 0.001 inches to 0.10 inches. Furthermore, the maximum distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 may be greater than 0.005 inches, greater than 0.020 inches, greater than 0.030 inches, greater than 0.040 inches, greater than 0.050 inches, greater than 0.060 inches, greater than 0.075 inches, greater than 0.100 inches, or greater than 0.125 inches. Furthermore, the minimum distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 may be less than 0.100 inches, less than 0.075 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.040 inches, less than 0.030 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.010 inches, less than 0.005 inches, or less than 0.001 inches.

[0052] In other embodiments of the insert 100, the second surface 108 can be offset by a uniform distance from the plane 126. Thus, the distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 in a direction perpendicular (i.e., right-angle) to the plane 126 is constant along a portion of the second surface 108 (e.g., neither increasing nor decreasing). Thus, the distance between the plane 126 perpendicular to the plane 126 and the second surface 108 is the same near the bottom end 128 and the top end 132 of the insert 100.

[0053] Furthermore, the second surface 108 can be offset by a variable non-uniform distance from the plane 126, which changes according to an arbitrary contour. Thus, the distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 in a direction perpendicular (i.e., right-angle) to the plane 126 can vary at various positions along the second surface 108. For example, the distance between the second surface 108 and the plane 126 in a direction perpendicular (i.e., right-angle) to the plane 126 can increase, decrease, and then increase again along the y-axis 60 or x-axis 3.

[0054] Referring now to Figure 10, another embodiment of the club head 10 includes another embodiment of the insert 200. In this embodiment, the insert 200 is shown as a projection or protrusion 200 configured to extend into the cavity 68 from the first inner surface 72 of the face plate 34 toward the second inner surface 80 of the rear end 38. The projection 200 can be of any appropriate length, diameter, or associated dimensions. For example, the projection 200 can be sized to fill up to a portion of the cavity 68. Furthermore, the projection 200 can be made from one or more materials, including, but not limited to, steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, composite materials, other metals, metal alloys, polymers, plastics, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, the projection 200 can be made from the same material as the golf club head 10, or it can be made from a different material. In various embodiments, the protrusion 200 can be coupled to the faceplate 34 or otherwise attached, or the protrusion 200 can be formed integrally with the faceplate 34 as a single part during the manufacturing of the golf club head 10 (e.g., during casting, forging, etc.). In other embodiments, the protrusion 200 can also be positioned at any desired location on the first inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 (e.g., along the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64). In one or more embodiments, multiple protrusions 200 can be positioned at various locations on the first inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34.

[0055] In Figure 10, the protruding portion 200 is separated from the inner surface 80 by a gap 208 and includes a contact surface 204 located on the opposite side. The gap 208 can range from approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.125 inches, approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.075 inches, or approximately 0.020 inches to approximately 0.040 inches.

[0056] In other embodiments of the club head 10, the projection or protrusion 200 is configured to extend into the cavity 68 from the second inner surface 80 of the rear end 38 toward the first inner surface 72 of the face plate 34. The projection 200 can be of any appropriate length, diameter, or associated dimensions. For example, the projection 200 can be sized to fill up to the majority of the cavity 68. In various further embodiments, the projection 200 can be coupled to or otherwise attached to the rear end 38, or the projection 200 can be formed integrally with the rear end 38 as a single piece during the manufacturing of the golf club head 10 (e.g., during casting, forging, etc.). In other embodiments, the projection 200 can also be positioned at any desired location on the second inner surface 80 of the rear end 38 (e.g., along the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64). In one or more embodiments, multiple protrusions 200 can be arranged at various positions on the second inner surface 80 of the rear end portion 38.

[0057] Figures 11A and 11B show another embodiment of the insert 300 configured to be received by or otherwise positioned in the cavity 68 of the club head 100 (Figure 11). The insert 300 is similar to the insert 100, with similar numbering referring to similar functions. The insert 300 differs from the insert 100 in that the front surface 310 of the insert 300 comprises a first insert surface 304 and a second insert surface 308 having different configurations.

[0058] In the shown embodiment, the first insert surface 304 includes a first arm 316 extending along the toe end 314 of the insert from near the bottom surface 328 to near the top surface 332, and a second arm 320 extending along the heel end 318 of the insert from near the bottom surface 328 to near the top surface 332. The first surface 304 of the insert 300 lacks a cross member extending along or adjacent to the bottom surface 328 of the insert 300.

[0059] In the shown embodiment, the first surface 304 of the insert 300 further comprises one or more ribs 340 configured to contact the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. In the shown embodiment, the first arm 316 and the second arm 320 of the first surface 304 of the insert 300 each comprise ribs 340 extending from near the top surface 332 to near the bottom surface 328 of the insert 300. In other embodiments, the first surface 304 of the insert 300, the first arm 316 of the first surface 304, and / or the second arm 320 of the first surface 304 may comprise any number of ribs extending in any direction. In many embodiments, one or more ribs 340 are configured to contact the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34.

[0060] In other embodiments, the first insert surface 304 may have one or more projections 346 instead of, or in addition to, one or more ribs 340. In these embodiments, one or more projections 346 may be configured to contact the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. For example, referring to Figures 11C and 11D, the first insert surface 304 may have one or more spherical projections 346 near the heel end 318 and one or more spherical projections 346 near the toe end 314. In these embodiments, the projections 346 may have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, triangular, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, or any other polygon, or a shape having at least one curved surface. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the contact area between the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 and the projections 346 may be less than the contact area between the ribs and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34.

[0061] In the shown embodiment, the second surface 308 of insert 308 has a curved profile rather than the tapered, angular, linear profile of insert 100. The second surface 308 of insert 300 is curved in a direction extending from near the bottom surface 328 of insert 300 to near the top surface 332 of insert 300, and in a direction extending from near the heel end 318 of insert 320 to near the toe end 314 of insert 320. The curvature of the second surface 308 of insert is concave with respect to the first surface 304 of insert 300. In other embodiments, the second surface of insert can vary according to an arbitrary profile with respect to the first surface of insert.

[0062] III) Inserts for golf club heads Referring now to Figure 9, an insert 100 relating to the faceplate 34 is shown. The first surface 104 and the second surface 108 are located in the front portion of the insert 100 facing the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. The first surface 104 is in contact with the inner surface 72, while the second surface 108 is offset from the inner surface 72. In other embodiments, a portion of the first surface 104 may be in contact with the inner surface 72, while the second surface 108 is offset from or spaced apart from the inner surface 72.

[0063] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 9A, the first surface 104 of the insert 100 contacts 25% of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 within the cavity. In other embodiments, the first surface 104 of the insert can contact a portion of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 within the cavity, ranging from 0.5% to 30%. For example, in some embodiments, the first surface 104 of the insert 100 can contact portions of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 between 1% and 5%, between 0.5% and 10%, between 1% and 15%, between 1% and 20%, or between 1% and 25% within the cavity. In the embodiments shown in Figures 12A and 12B, one or more ribs 240 on the first surface 204 of the insert 100 contact 2% of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 within the cavity. In other embodiments, one or more ribs 240 or projections 346 on the first surface 204 of the insert may contact a portion of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 within a range of 1% to 30% within the cavity. For example, in some embodiments, one or more ribs 240 or projections 346 on the first surface 204 of the insert 100 may contact a portion of the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 within a range of 1% to 5%, 1% to 10%, 1% to 15%, 1% to 20%, or 1% to 25% within the cavity. In the shown embodiments, an inclined or tapered second surface 108 may include a taper angle defined by the angle between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. In various embodiments, the taper angle may be greater than 0°. For example, the taper angle can be in the range of about 0.01° to about 20°, about 0.10° to about 15°, about 0.10° to about 10°, about 0.10° to about 5°, about 0.10° to about 2°, or about 0.10° to about 1.5°. In some embodiments, the taper angle can be about 10° or less, about 7.5° or less, about 5° or less, about 3° or less, about 2° or less, or about 1° or less. In the shown embodiments, the inclined or tapered second surface 108 may include an inclination ratio or taper ratio or inclination degree.As shown in Figures 9 to 9A, the inclination of the second surface 108 is negative (decreases when viewed from left to right). Therefore, in various embodiments, the inclination can be in the range of approximately -0.005 to approximately -0.500, approximately -0.010 to approximately -0.400, approximately -0.015 to approximately -0.300, approximately -0.015 to approximately -0.200, or approximately -0.020 to approximately -0.200. In some embodiments, the inclination of the second surface 108 can be approximately -0.400 or greater (e.g., -0.390, -0.385, etc.), approximately -0.300 or greater (e.g., -0.290, -0.285, etc.), or approximately -0.200 or greater (e.g., -0.190, -0.185, etc.). In other embodiments, the inclination ratio of the second surface 108 can be positive (increasing when viewed from left to right, as shown in the diagram provided in Figure 5). Thus, in various embodiments, the inclination ratio can be in the range of about 0.005 to about 0.500, about 0.010 to about 0.400, about 0.015 to about 0.300, about 0.015 to about 0.200, or about 0.020 to about 0.200. In some embodiments, the inclination ratio of the second surface 108 can be about 0.400 or less (e.g., 0.390, 0.385, etc.), about 0.300 or less (e.g., 0.290, 0.285, etc.), or about 0.200 or less (e.g., 0.190, 0.185, etc.).

[0064] In the shown embodiment, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 is not constant or varies (e.g., increases or decreases) along the y-axis 60 or in the direction from the top 26 to the sole 30. In other words, the second surface 108 is spaced apart from the inner surface 72 by a gap 144, and the width of the gap 144 varies (e.g., increases or decreases) along part of the second surface 108 and / or part of the inner surface 72 to define an inclined second surface 108. Thus, the distance between the inner surface 72 and the second surface 108 perpendicular to the inner surface 72 is smaller at the first end 148 of the second surface 108 than at the second end 152 of the second surface 108 (the first end 148 of the second surface 108 is closer to the sole 30 than the second end 152).

[0065] The distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 (i.e., the width of the gap 144) can range from approximately 0.001 inches to approximately 0.125 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be in the range of 0.005 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.01 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.02 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.03 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.04 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.05 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.06 inches to 0.125 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.050 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.001 inches to 0.090 inches, or 0.001 inches to 0.10 inches. Furthermore, the maximum distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be greater than 0.005 inches, greater than 0.020 inches, greater than 0.030 inches, greater than 0.040 inches, greater than 0.050 inches, greater than 0.060 inches, greater than 0.075 inches, greater than 0.100 inches, or greater than 0.125 inches. Furthermore, the minimum distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be less than 0.100 inches, less than 0.075 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.040 inches, less than 0.030 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.010 inches, less than 0.005 inches, or less than 0.001 inches. Figures 9 and 9A show embodiments of the insert 100 having different maximum distances between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. The exemplary insert 100 shown in Figure 9A includes a larger maximum distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 than the exemplary insert shown in Figure 9A.

[0066] In the embodiments shown in Figures 9, 9A, 12A, and 12B, the distance between the second surface 108 perpendicular to the inner surface 72 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 increases further along the second surface 108 toward the center of the faceplate 34 as it moves away from the sole 30 (or toward the crown 26). In these embodiments, the maximum distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 is located near the center of the face, which experiences the most bending upon impact with the golf ball. Placing the maximum distance near the center of the face can increase the face flex near the center of the face and / or eliminate the limitation of bending near the center of the face. Thus, the face bending maintained or increased at the center of the face is transmitted to the golf ball upon impact, thereby increasing ball speed and travel distance compared to clubheads with inserts located adjacent to the back of the face and near the center of the face.

[0067] In other embodiments, the insert 100 can be repositioned along the y-axis 60 either within or partially outside the cavity 68, and the first end 148 can be positioned further from the sole 30 than the second end 152. Thus, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34, perpendicular to the inner surface 72, decreases along the second surface 108 as the distance from the sole 30 increases (or as it gets closer to the crown 26).

[0068] In other embodiments of the club head 10, the second surface 108 can be offset by a uniform distance from the inner surface 72 of the face plate 34. Thus, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 is constant along a portion of the second surface 108 (e.g., neither increasing nor decreasing). Thus, the distance between the inner surface 72 and the second surface 108 perpendicular to the inner surface 72 is the same at the first end 148 and the second end 152 of the second surface 108.

[0069] In other embodiments of the club head 10, the second surface 108 can be offset from the inner surface 72 of the face plate 34 by a variable non-uniform distance. Thus, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 can vary at various positions along the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64. For example, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 may increase, decrease, or remain the same along the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64. In some embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 may increase, decrease, and then increase again along the y-axis 60. In other embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 may be minimum near the bottom end 128 of the insert 100 and maximum near the top end 132 of the insert 100. In other embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 may be minimum near the heel end 118 and toe end 114 of the insert 100 and maximum near the center of the insert 100. In other embodiments, the distance between the second surface 108 and the inner surface 72 in a direction perpendicular (or right) to the inner surface 72 may be minimum near the bottom end 128, heel end 118, and toe end 114 of the insert and maximum near the center and top end 132 of the insert 100.

[0070] The embodiments of the insert 100 shown in Figures 6 to 9 show a first surface 104 and a second surface 108 on the insert, but in other embodiments, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may be located on other components of the club head 10.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may be located on the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. In this embodiment, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may face the insert 100. The insert 100 may have surfaces facing the inner surface 72 in the plane 126, but spaced apart from it (for example, the opposing surface of the insert 100 may have substantially the same contour as the inner surface 72 shown in Figure 9). A portion of the first surface 104, up to its entirety, may be in contact with the opposing surface of the insert 100, while the second surface 108 may be offset from the opposing surface of the insert 100. The first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may be located on the inner surface 72 rather than the insert 100, but may have substantially similar geometry, inclination, spacing, angles, and / or distances as described above.

[0072] In another embodiment, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may be located on the side of the insert 100 facing the inner surface 80 of the back edge 38. Thus, the insert 100 is in contact with the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34, but as described above, the gap 144 is in this case between the inner surface 80 and the second surface 108. A portion of the first surface 104, up to its entirety, is in contact with the inner surface 80, while the second surface 108 may be offset from the inner surface 80. The first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may have substantially similar geometry, inclination, spacing, angles, and / or distances, as described above.

[0073] In another embodiment, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may be located on the inner surface 80 of the back edge 38. In this embodiment, the first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 may face the insert 100. The insert 100 is in contact with the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34, but as described above, the gap 144 is between the insert 100 and the second surface 108 on the inner surface 80. A portion of the first surface 104, up to its entirety, may be in contact with the opposing surface of the insert 100, while the second surface 108 may be offset from the opposing surface of the insert 100. The first surface 104 and / or the second surface 108 are located on the inner surface 80 rather than the insert 100, but may have substantially similar geometry, inclination, spacing, angles, and / or distances as described above.

[0074] IV) Delayed Support Inserts During impact with the golf ball, the faceplate 34 of the clubhead 10 having inserts 100, 300 undergoes deformation or bending. The faceplate 34 generally deforms or bends in the direction of movement toward the rear end 38, i.e., direction 84. The inserts acting as delayed supports are configured such that the faceplate 34 continues to deform or bend until part of or all of the gap 144 is crushed. For example, the faceplate 34 may deform or bend until its inner surface 72 collides with (or contacts) the inserts 100, 300, more specifically, until it collides with the second surfaces 108, 208 of the inserts 100, 300. In other embodiments, part of the gap 144 is partially or completely crushed, and therefore part of the second surfaces 108, 208 contacts or supports the inner surface of the faceplate 34. In yet another embodiment, a first portion of the gap 144 may be partially collapsed, while a second portion of the gap 144 may be completely collapsed. For example, the gap 144 or a portion of it may be partially collapsed (e.g., at a first position of the gap 144 defined by the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64). In addition, or alternatively, the gap 144 or a portion of it may be completely collapsed (e.g., at a second position of the gap 144 defined by the x-axis 56, y-axis 60, and / or z-axis 64). The amount and / or location of gap collapse may depend on various factors, including, but are not limited to, the impact position of the golf ball on the faceplate 34 (e.g., in the toe 18 direction, heel 22 direction, crown 26 direction, sole 30 direction, at the "sweet spot", etc.), the golfer's swing speed, and so on.

[0075] After the gap 144 collapses, the inserts 100 and 300 partially deform, further increasing the deformation or deflection of the faceplate 34. After the insert 100 can no longer deform, the movement of the faceplate 34 stops. Thus, the inserts 100 and 300 support the faceplate 34 to prevent further deformation or deflection, reducing the risk of reaching irreversible plastic deformation. The faceplate 34 and insert 100 then return to their pre-impact positions (i.e., the gap 144 is reformed), generating a desirable spring-like effect that results in increased golf ball velocity and increased golf ball travel distance.

[0076] In these embodiments, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 is less than the maximum deflection of the faceplate 34. In many embodiments, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be between 0.010 and 0.060 inches, between 0.010 and 0.050 inches, between 0.010 and 0.040 inches, between 0.010 and 0.030 inches, or between 0.010 and 0.020 inches for a clubhead 10 having delay supports 100, 300. For example, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be less than 0.070 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.040 inches, less than 0.030 inches, or less than 0.20 inches for a club head 10 having delay supports 100, 20. The deflection of the faceplate 34 of a club head 10 having delay support inserts 100, 300 is determined by the material of the faceplate 34, the thickness or thickness characteristics of the faceplate 34, the material of the inserts 100, 300, and the distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34.

[0077] To further describe the operation of the clubhead 10 having inserts 100, 300 during impact with a golf ball, in some embodiments, the maximum thickness of the gap 144 can be 0.0125 inches. During impact, the faceplate 34 deforms or flexes by 0.0125 inches until the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 collides with (or contacts) the inserts 100, 300, more specifically, until it collides with the second surface 108 of the insert 100, crushing the gap 144. The inserts 100, 300 can then partially deform by a further 0.0125 inches to further increase the deformation or flex of the faceplate 34. For example, in some embodiments, the second surface 108 of the insert 100 can deform by a further 0.0125 inches before supporting the faceplate 34 so as not to deform further. Thus, the total deformation or flex of the faceplate 34 is approximately 0.0250 inches.

[0078] In another embodiment of the club head 10, the insert 200 with a protrusion can have sufficient rigidity to minimize deformation when it comes into contact with the face plate 34 upon impact with the golf ball. Thus, the insert 200 provides support to the face plate 34 after the gap 208 collapses, minimizing further deformation or deflection of the face plate 34.

[0079] During impact with the golf ball, the faceplate 34 of the clubhead 10 having the protrusion 200 undergoes deformation or deflection. The faceplate 34 generally deforms or deflects in a direction of movement 84 toward the rear end 38. The faceplate 34 continues to deform or deflect until the gap 208 collapses and the contact surface 204 of the protrusion 200 collides with (or otherwise contacts) the inner surface 80 of the cavity or the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34. After the contact surface 204 collides with the inner surface 80 or inner surface 72, the protrusion 200 restricts the movement of the faceplate 34 by limiting further deformation or deflection of the faceplate 34. The protrusion 200 then supports the faceplate 34 to prevent further deformation or deflection, reducing the risk of reaching irreversible plastic deformation. The faceplate 34 then returns to its pre-impact position (i.e., the gap 208 is reformed), generating a desirable spring-like effect that results in increased golf ball velocity and increased golf ball travel distance.

[0080] V) Unrestricted Inserts During impact with the golf ball, the faceplate 34 of the clubhead 10 having the insert 100 undergoes deformation or deflection. The faceplate 34 generally deforms or deflects in the direction of movement toward the rear end 38, i.e., in direction 84. The inserts 100, 300 are configured so as not to restrict the deflection of the face during impact. The faceplate 34 will continue to deflect until it reaches its maximum deflection without completely crushing the gap 144 or contacting the second surfaces 108, 208 of the inserts 100, 300. In these embodiments, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 is greater than the maximum deflection of the faceplate 34.

[0081] In many embodiments, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be between 0.010 and 0.060 inches, between 0.010 and 0.050 inches, between 0.010 and 0.040 inches, between 0.010 and 0.030 inches, or between 0.010 and 0.020 inches for a club head 10 having inserts 100, 300 with unrestricted support. For example, the maximum distance between the second surfaces 108, 208 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34 can be less than 0.070 inches, less than 0.060 inches, less than 0.050 inches, less than 0.040 inches, less than 0.030 inches, or less than 0.20 inches for a club head 10 having inserts 100, 300 with unrestricted support.

[0082] After the faceplate 34 reaches its maximum deflection, it returns to its pre-impact position without contacting the second surfaces 108 and 208 of the inserts 100 and 300. The returning faceplate 34 generates a desirable spring-like effect that results in an increase in golf ball speed and golf ball travel distance. Furthermore, since the faceplate 34 is not restricted by the inserts 100, the impact energy is not absorbed by the inserts, and therefore the faceplate 34 can return to its pre-impact position, transferring a large proportion of the energy from the impact back to the ball, increasing ball speed and travel distance.

[0083] VI) Advantages of club heads with inserts A club head 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 as described herein can increase face flex at impact compared to a club head 10 having inserts positioned adjacent to the face (i.e., without gaps 144, 208, and 344). The increased face flex can increase energy transfer to the golf ball at impact, thus resulting in increased ball speed and distance.

[0084] Furthermore, clubheads 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 as described herein, in which a portion of the insert contacts the faceplate 34 at impact, dampen vibrations compared to clubheads having inserts that are spaced away from or do not contact the faceplate. The damped vibrations due to the portion of the insert that contacts the faceplate allow the clubhead to maintain similar acoustic characteristics (e.g., a low pitch, deep sound at impact) to clubheads having inserts positioned adjacent to the face. In contrast, clubheads having inserts that are spaced away from or do not contact the faceplate may produce undesirable high-pitched sounds at impact with the golf ball.

[0085] Therefore, the club head 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 can balance increased ball speed with the acoustic performance of the club head at impact with the golf ball. For example, the club head 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 increases face flex and ball speed simultaneously compared to current club heads with inserts having other configurations, while maintaining or improving the acoustic characteristics at impact with the golf ball.

[0086] In many embodiments, a clubhead 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 can produce up to 2 miles per hour more ball speed compared to a similar clubhead having inserts positioned adjacent to the face, while maintaining the low-frequency, deep-pitched sound at impact of a clubhead with inserts positioned adjacent to the face.

[0087] The vibration and acoustics of a clubhead can be measured using a hammer test, in which a hammer strike is applied to a region of the faceplate having natural frequency modes, and a sensor is used to measure the vibration frequency of the clubhead in response to the hammer strike. The hammer test can be used to determine the differences in frequency, vibration, and / or acoustics of clubheads 10 having inserts 100, 200, and 300 compared to a similar clubhead lacking an insert that at least partially contacts the inner surface of the faceplate, or compared to a similar clubhead having an insert that fully contacts the inner surface of the faceplate.

[0088] VII) How to make it A method is provided for manufacturing a club head 10 having a delay support 100. The method includes providing a body 14 having a crown 26, a sole 30, a face plate 34, a hosel 44, and a cavity 68. The insert 100 can then be placed in the cavity 68 and optionally further attached to one or more surfaces 72, 76, 80 defining a portion of the cavity 68 (see Figure 5).

[0089] A method for manufacturing a club head 10 having a delay support 200 may include providing a body 14 having a crown 26, a sole 30, a face plate 34, a hosel 44, and a cavity 68. The projection 200 can be coupled to one of two opposing inner surfaces 72, 80 defining a portion of the cavity 68 (see Figure 10), or it can be formed integrally with one of the two opposing inner surfaces 72, 80 defining a portion of the cavity 68.

[0090] The method for manufacturing the club head 10 described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The method can utilize many different embodiments or examples not specifically shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the processes of the described method can be carried out in any suitable order. In other embodiments, one or more of the processes can be combined, separated, or skipped.

[0091] VIII) Example 1 An exemplary clubhead 10 is described herein. The exemplary clubhead 10 has a faceplate 34 made of 17-4 steel, with a maximum faceplate thickness of 0.105 inches near the center of the faceplate, a minimum faceplate thickness of 0.095 inches near the periphery of the faceplate, a uniform sole thickness of 0.055 inches, and an insert 300 with a maximum distance of 0.060 inches between the second surface 308 of the insert 300 and the inner surface 72 of the faceplate 34, and a contact area percentage of 2.1% between the second surface 308 of the insert 300 and a portion of the inner surface of the faceplate 34 within the cavity. When tested at a swing speed of 92 mph, the exemplary clubhead 10 yielded approximately 0.035 inches of face deflection and approximately 2 mph increased ball speed compared to a control clubhead.

[0092] In this example, the control clubhead is a similar clubhead with a faceplate containing 17-4 steel, a minimum faceplate thickness of 0.068 inches near the center of the faceplate, a maximum faceplate thickness of 0.080 inches near the periphery of the faceplate, a uniform sole thickness of 0.055 inches, and the insert 300 having a maximum distance of 0.0 inch between the second surface of the insert and the inner surface of the faceplate (for example, the insert is located directly next to the faceplate with no gap), and the contact area percentage between the second surface 308 of the insert 300 and a portion of the inner surface of the faceplate 34 within the cavity is 100%. When tested at a swing speed of 92 mph, the control clubhead exhibited approximately 0.025 inches of face deflection, or produced a ball speed 2 mph slower than the exemplary golf head described herein. Therefore, the exemplary club head 10 received 40% more face flex upon impact with the golf ball compared to the control club head, and also achieved a ball speed of 2 miles per hour. In these embodiments, the exemplary and control club heads were heat-treated at 1050 degrees Celsius for 1.5 hours, followed by heat-treatment at 550 degrees Celsius for 4 hours, thereby obtaining similar material properties for the exemplary and control face plates.

[0093] The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction, not a repair. Furthermore, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, no benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any element(s) that may produce or make more apparent any benefit, advantage, or solution should be construed as an essential, necessary, or indispensable feature or element of such claim unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly stated in any or all of the claims.

[0094] Because the rules of golf can change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be deleted or modified by the standard organization and / or governing body of golf, e.g., the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Advanced Golf Club of St. David (R&A), etc.), the golf equipment relating to the devices, methods, and manufactured articles described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, the golf equipment relating to the devices, methods, and manufactured articles described herein may be advertised, marketed, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The devices, methods, and manufactured articles described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0095] While the above embodiments may be described in relation to iron-type golf clubs, the apparatus, methods, and articles described herein can also be applied to other types of golf clubs, such as driverwood-type golf clubs, fairwaywood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles described herein can also be applied to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0096] Furthermore, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not available to the public under the principle of public ownership if (1) embodiments and / or limitations are not expressly claimed in the claims and (2) are potential equivalents of obvious elements and / or limitations of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. Various features and advantages of this disclosure are described in the following claims: Item 1 It is a golf club head, The main body, A faceplate having a striking surface and an inner surface opposite to it, Rear end, and The body includes a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end, wherein the face plate, the rear end, and the sole partially define a cavity. An insert located within the cavity, having an insert surface that faces and is separated from the inner surface of the faceplate, A golf club head equipped with [specific features / features]. Item 2 The golf club head according to item 1, wherein the face plate is configured to deform in the direction of the rear end during impact with the golf ball, and the insert surface is configured to restrict the movement of the face plate during impact. Item 3 The golf club head according to item 1, wherein the insert surface has a first end and a second end that is further away from the sole than the first end, and the distance between the inner surface and the insert surface in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface is not constant from the first end to the second end. Item 4 A golf club head of item 3, wherein the distance is greater at the second end than at the first end. Item 5 The golf club head of item 3, wherein the aforementioned distance is greatest at the second end. Item 6 A golf club head according to item 4, wherein a portion of the insert surface is in contact with the inner surface. Item 7 A golf club head of item 3, wherein the maximum distance between the inner surface and the insert surface is in the range of 0.005 to 0.125 inches. Item 8 A golf club head of item 3, wherein the maximum distance between the inner surface and the insert surface is greater than 0.075 inches. Item 9 It is a golf club head, The main body, Faceplate, Rear end, and A body comprising a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end, wherein the face plate, the rear end, and the sole partially define a cavity, and the rear end has an inner surface facing the cavity, An insert located within the cavity, having an insert surface that faces and is separated from the inner surface of the rear end, A golf club head equipped with [specific features / features]. Item 10 The golf club head according to item 9, wherein the face plate is configured to deform in the direction of the rear end during impact with the golf ball, and the insert surface is configured to restrict the movement of the face plate during impact. Item 11 The insert surface has a first end and a second end that is further away from the sole than the first end, and the distance between the inner surface and the insert surface in a direction perpendicular to the inner surface is not constant from the first end to the second end, as described in item 9 of the golf club head. Item 12 A golf club head of item 11, wherein the distance is greater at the second end than at the first end. Item 13 The golf club head of item 11, wherein the aforementioned distance is greatest at the second end. Item 14 A golf club head of item 11, wherein a portion of the insert surface is in contact with the inner surface. Item 15 A golf club head of item 11, wherein the maximum distance between the inner surface and the insert surface is in the range of 0.005 to 0.125 inches. Item 16 A golf club head of item 11, wherein the maximum distance between the inner surface and the insert surface is greater than 0.075 inches. Item 17 It is a golf club head, The main body, A faceplate having a striking surface and a first inner surface opposite to it, Rear end, and A body comprising a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end, wherein the face plate, the rear end, and the sole partially define a cavity, and the rear end has a second insert surface facing the cavity, A projection having a contact surface that is connected to one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface, and that faces and is separated from the other of the first inner surface and the second inner surface, A golf club head equipped with [specific features / features]. Item 18 The golf club head according to item 17, wherein the face plate is configured to deform in the direction of the rear end during impact with the golf ball, and the contact surface is configured to restrict the movement of the face plate during impact. Item 19 The golf club head according to item 17, wherein the distance between the contact surface and the other surface of the first inner surface and the second inner surface is 0.04 inches or less. Item 20 The golf club head according to item 17, wherein the projection is integrally formed as part of one of the first inner surface and the second inner surface.

Claims

1. It is a golf club head, The main body, A faceplate having a striking surface and an inner surface opposite to it, Rear end, and A body comprising a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end, wherein the inner surface of the face plate, the inner surface of the rear end, and the inner surface of the sole partially define a cavity, An insert located within the aforementioned cavity, A first end configured to contact the inner surface of the sole, The second end opposite to the first end, The front portion of the faceplate is configured to face the inner surface, and the front portion of the faceplate is A first insert surface that is in contact with the inner surface of the faceplate and is located between the first end and the second end, A second insert surface is located adjacent to the first insert surface and offset from the first insert surface, and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the faceplate, defining the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the faceplate. Insert and A golf club head equipped with [specific features / features].

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the second insert surface includes a taper angle such that the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate in a direction perpendicular to the second insert surface increases from near the first end to the second end.

3. The golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the taper angle is between 0.01° and 20°.

4. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the second insert surface is concave with respect to the face plate in a direction extending from near the bottom surface of the insert to near the top surface of the insert, and in a direction extending from near the heel end of the insert to near the toe end of the insert.

5. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate is in the range of 0.005 to 0.060 inches.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate is in the range of 0.060 to 0.125 inches.

7. The first insert surface is, A cross member adjacent to the first end, extending from the heel end to the toe end of the insert, A first arm adjacent to the heel end and a second arm adjacent to the toe end, extending at least partially from the first end to the second end, The golf club head according to claim 1, having a U-shape.

8. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the second insert surface is in contact with 0.5% to 10% of the inner surface of the face plate within the cavity.

9. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the face plate is configured to deform in the direction of the rear end during impact with the golf ball, and the insert surface is configured to restrict the movement of the face plate during impact.

10. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the face plate is configured to deform in the direction of the rear end during impact with the golf ball, and the face plate does not come into contact with the second surface of the insert during impact.

11. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the sole of the club head has a uniform thickness of less than 0.060 inches.

12. It is a golf club head, The main body, A faceplate having a striking surface and an inner surface opposite to it, Rear end, and A body comprising a sole connecting the face plate to the rear end, wherein the inner surface of the face plate, the inner surface of the rear end, and the inner surface of the sole partially define a cavity, An insert located within the aforementioned cavity, A first end configured to contact the inner surface of the sole, The second end opposite to the first end, The front portion of the faceplate is configured to face the inner surface, and the front portion of the faceplate is A first insert surface having one or more ribs or projections, which is in contact with the inner surface of the faceplate and located between the first end and the second end, A second insert surface is located adjacent to the first insert surface and offset from the first insert surface, and is spaced apart from the inner surface of the faceplate, Insert and A golf club head equipped with [specific features / features].

13. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the second insert surface includes a taper angle such that the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate in a direction perpendicular to the second insert surface increases from near the first end to the second end.

14. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the taper angle is between 0.01° and 20°.

15. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the second insert surface is concave with respect to the face plate in a direction extending from near the bottom surface of the insert to near the top surface of the insert, and in a direction extending from near the heel end of the insert to near the toe end of the insert.

16. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate is in the range of 0.005 to 0.060 inches.

17. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the distance between the second insert surface and the inner surface of the face plate is in the range of 0.060 to 0.125 inches.

18. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the first insert surface comprises a first arm adjacent to the heel end and a second arm adjacent to the toe end, and the first arm and the second arm extend at least partially from the first end to the second end.

19. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the second insert surface is in contact with 0.5% to 10% of the inner surface of the face plate within the cavity.

20. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the sole of the club head has a uniform thickness of less than 0.060 inches.

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