Multi-component golf club head

Abstract

[0006] Embodiments of golf club heads having enclosed weight members are described herein. In many embodiments, the club head includes a body having a front end, a rear end, a heel end, a toe end, a top rail, and a sole, the body including a front body defining the front end and a rear body coupled to the front body and formed of a second material having a second density, a plurality of weight receptacles defined in one or both of the front body and the rear body, and one or more weight members received in the weight receptacles and formed of a third material having a third density, the one or more weight members being completely enclosed between the front body and the rear body.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 812,803, filed Mar. 1, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Golf club heads designed to concentrate mass in specific areas of the club head typically include external weight members received in external receptacles defined on the exterior surface of the club head. Such designs lack the "look and feel" of a one-piece club head construction (e.g., a forged club head). There is a need in the art for a golf club design that allows for customization of weight distribution while maintaining the aesthetics and feel of a tour iron. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front toe side of a golf club head.

[0004] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the golf club head of FIG.

[0005] [Diagram 3] 3 is a side view of the toe side of the golf club head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0006] [Figure 4] 4 is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0007] [Diagram 5] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the rear and heel side of the golf club head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0008] [Figure 6] 6 is an exploded front and heel side perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1. FIG.

[0009] [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

[0010] [Figure 8] 8 is another cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 of FIG.

[0011] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the rear and toe side of another golf club head.

[0012] [Figure 10] 10 is a front and heel side perspective view of the golf club head of FIG.

[0013] [Figure 11] 11 is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG.

[0014] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a top view of the golf club head of FIG.

[0015] [Figure 13] 13 is an exploded front and heel side perspective view of the golf club head of FIG.

[0016] [Figure 14] 14 is another exploded perspective view of the front and heel side of the golf club head of FIG.

[0017] [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 9 taken along line 15-15 of FIG.

[0018] [Figure 16] 16 is another cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 9 taken along line 16-16 of FIG.

[0019] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings generally depict structures, and descriptions and details regarding well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf club and its manufacturing method. Additionally, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the golf club and its manufacturing method. The same reference numbers in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0020] When terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. are used in the specification and claims, they are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the golf club and method of manufacture embodiments described herein can be practiced, for example, in an order other than that shown or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprises," "includes," and "having," as well as any variations thereof, are intended to be non-exclusive inclusive, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0021] When terms such as "left", "right", "front", "rear", "upper", "below", "side", "lower", "upper" and the like are used in the specification and claims, they are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein may be practiced in other orientations than those illustrated or described herein, for example. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as directly or indirectly connected, whether physically, mechanically or otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Described herein is a golf club head including a body having a multi-piece construction and one or more internal weight members. The club head includes a body formed of a front body joined to a rear body. The internal weight members are completely enclosed between the front body and the rear body. The club head design closely resembles the appearance of a one-piece construction club head (e.g., a forged club head) but provides better feel and swing characteristics (e.g., low and far CG, high MOI, etc.). The club head design also provides superior adaptability compared to one-piece construction club heads. For example, the number, placement, and material properties (e.g., density) of the weight members can be customized at the time of manufacture to suit a user's specific preferences. The internal weight member design also provides superior acoustic characteristics compared to club heads having external weight members. For example, the internal weight member club design does not produce rattling sounds that can occur when using an externally weighted club head. The size, shape, or material properties or aesthetic characteristics of the front or rear body may also be tailored at the time of manufacture to suit a user's particular preferences or to tailor the club head to particular playing conditions. For example, at the time of manufacture, a user may select a particular rear body from a group of rear bodies having different sizes, shapes, material properties (e.g., density, strength, acoustic properties, etc.), or aesthetic properties (e.g., color, surface texture, visual pattern, etc.), where each of the different rear bodies corresponds to the same front body, resulting in a club head having particular desired performance and / or aesthetic characteristics.

[0023] 1-8 illustrate a golf club head 100 including a multi-piece construction and one or more internal weight members 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the club head 100 is an iron-type club head 100. However, the multi-piece construction and internal weight member design are equally applicable to other types of club heads (e.g., drivers, woods, putters, hybrids, etc.). For example, as discussed below, FIGS. 9-16 illustrate a putter-type club head 200 including a multi-piece construction and one or more internal weight members 204 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. (Driver loft angle and volume)

[0024] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 9 degrees, less than about 8 degrees, or less than about 7 degrees. The loft angle of the club may be between 7 degrees and 12 degrees.

[0025] Additionally, in many embodiments, the club head volume is greater than about 400cc, greater than about 425cc, greater than about 450cc, greater than about 475cc, greater than about 500cc, greater than about 525cc, greater than about 550cc, greater than about 575cc, greater than about 600cc, greater than about 625cc, greater than about 650cc, greater than about 675cc, or greater than about 700cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume may be between about 400cc and 600cc, between about 425cc and 500cc, between about 500cc and 600cc, between about 500cc and 650cc, between about 550cc and 700cc, between about 600cc and 650cc, between about 600cc and 700cc, or between about 600cc and 800cc. (Fairway wood loft angle and volume)

[0026] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the club head may be between 12 degrees and 35 degrees, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0027] In many embodiments, the volume of the club head is less than about 400cc, less than about 375cc, less than about 350cc, less than about 325cc, less than about 300cc, less than about 275cc, less than about 250cc, less than about 225cc, or less than about 200cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the club head may be about 150cc-200cc, about 150cc-250cc, about 150cc-300cc, about 150cc-350cc, about 150cc-400cc, about 300cc-400cc, about 325cc-400cc, about 350cc-400cc, about 250cc-400cc, about 250cc-350cc, or about 275-375cc. (Hybrid loft angle and volume)

[0028] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0029] In many embodiments, the club head volume is less than about 200cc, less than about 175cc, less than about 150cc, less than about 125cc, less than about 100cc, or less than about 75cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume may be between about 100cc and 150cc, between about 75cc and 150cc, between about 100cc and 125cc, or between about 75cc and 125cc. (Loft angle of iron)

[0030] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is less than about 50 degrees, less than about 49 degrees, less than about 48 degrees, less than about 47 degrees, less than about 46 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 44 degrees, less than about 43 degrees, less than about 42 degrees, less than about 41 degrees, or less than about 40 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees. (Wedge loft angle)

[0031] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is less than about 64 degrees, less than about 63 degrees, less than about 62 degrees, less than about 61 degrees, less than about 60 degrees, less than about 59 degrees, less than about 58 degrees, less than about 57 degrees, less than about 56 degrees, less than about 55 degrees, or less than about 54 degrees. Additionally, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than about 46 degrees, greater than about 47 degrees, greater than about 48 degrees, greater than about 49 degrees, greater than about 50 degrees, greater than about 51 degrees, or greater than about 52 degrees. (Putter loft angle)

[0032] In many embodiments, the club head may have a loft angle of less than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the club head may have a loft angle of 0-5 degrees, 0-6 degrees, 0-7 degrees, or 0-8 degrees. For example, the club head may have a loft angle of less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5 degrees. As a further example, the club head may have a loft angle of 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees.

[0033] 1-4, an iron-type club head 100 includes a body 108 having a front end 112, a back end 116 opposite the front end 112, a hosel 120 for securing the club head 100 to an end of a golf club shaft (not shown), a heel end 124 adjacent the hosel 120, a toe end 128 opposite the heel end 124, a top rail 132, and a sole 136 opposite the top rail 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end 112 defines a strike face or hitting surface 140 that extends between the heel end 124 and the toe end 128 and between the top rail 132 and the sole 136. In other embodiments, the club head 100 may include a separately constructed face plate (not shown) that couples to the body 108 at the front end 112 and defines a hitting surface.

[0034] In many embodiments, the body 108 of the club head 100 includes two separately formed pieces, including a front body 144 and a rear body 148 joined to the front body 144. The front body 144 and the rear body 148 include first and second mating surfaces 152, 156 (FIGS. 5 and 6) that abut and engage with one another to join the rear body 148 to the front body 144. The rear body 148 may be attached to the front body 144 using an epoxy, adhesive, staking, welding (e.g., laser welding, plasma welding, etc.), mechanical fastening, or any other suitable method. In many embodiments, the front body 144 defines at least some regions of the overall body 108 (e.g., front end, top rail, etc.) and the rear body 148 defines the same or other regions of the body 108 (e.g., rear end, heel, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 144 defines the front end 112, including the striking face 140, the hosel 120, and the heel end 124, the toe end 128, the top rail 132, and a portion of the sole 136. Meanwhile, the rear body 148 defines the rear end 116, and the heel end 124, the toe end 128, the top rail 132, and a portion of the sole 136. Thus, by varying the size or shape of either the front body 144 or the rear body 148, the dimensions of one or more regions of the body 108 (e.g., the sole 136) can be customized to suit the needs of a particular user or to suit the conditions of a particular golf course, as discussed below.

[0035] The corresponding first and second mating surfaces 152, 156 may have a width measured in a heel-toe direction. The width of the first and second mating surfaces 152, 156 may vary between about 2.5 inches and 4.5 inches. In many embodiments, the width of the portions of the first and second mating surfaces 152, 156 may be between about 2.5 inches and 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches and 3.0 inches, 3.0 inches and 3.25 inches, 3.25 inches and 3.5 inches, 3.5 inches and 3.75 inches, 3.75 inches and 4.0 inches, 4.0 inches and 4.25 inches, or 4.25 inches and 4.5 inches. The width of the first mating surface 152 and the second mating surface 156 may be 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, 3.50 inches, 3.75 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.25 inches, or 4.5 inches.

[0036] 5 and 6, the club head 100 also includes one or more internal weight members 104 enclosed within the body 108 between the front body 144 and the rear body 148. The weight members 104 are formed from a material having a density relatively greater than the density of the material forming the front body 144 and the rear body 148. An internal weight receiver 160 is provided in one or both of the first mating surface 152 and the second mating surface 156 to selectively receive (i.e., threadedly engage, press fit, etc.) the one or more weight members 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight receiver 160 is provided in the first mating surface 152 of the front body 144. The weight members 104 may be secured within the weight receiver 160 using an epoxy, adhesive, a press fit, a mechanical fastener, or any other suitable method. The front body 144 and the rear body 148 are joined at mating surfaces 152, 156 to enclose and secure the weight members 104 within the combined body 108. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the weight receivers 160 receives a corresponding weight member 104 (i.e., the number of weight members 104 corresponds to the number of weight receivers 160). In other embodiments, some of the weight receivers 160 may receive weight members 104 while other weight receivers 160 may remain empty.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 144 defines six weight receivers 160 for receiving six weight members 104. In other embodiments, the club head 100 may include fewer or more than six weight receivers 160 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or more than eight weight receivers) for receiving fewer or more than six weight members 104 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, or more than eight weight members). As shown, all of the illustrated weight receivers 160 and weight members 104 are cylindrical and have approximately the same shape and volume. In other embodiments, the volume of the weight receivers 160 may vary and the weight receivers 160 may be any other suitable geometric shape including spherical, conical, frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the volume of the weight members 104 may vary, and the weight members 104 may be spherical, conical, frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape corresponding to the volume and shape of each weight receptacle 160. Each of the weight members 104 may be formed of the same material, or some of the weight members may be formed of different materials having different material properties (e.g., density, hardness, etc.). In an alternative embodiment, the rear body 148 may further define an internal weight receptacle (not an external weight receptacle) capable of receiving one or more weight members. This may provide a rear CG like a golf club head having an external weight member while maintaining the appearance of a one-piece construction. Referring to FIG. 7, the first mating surface 152 of the front body 144 is divided into a generally planar upper first mating surface 164 and a lower first mating surface 168, defining a mating surface angle A therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface angle A is approximately 130 degrees. In other embodiments, mating surface angle A may be between about 60 degrees and 175 degrees. For example, mating surface angle A may be about 60 degrees, 75 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 115 degrees, 120 degrees, 125 degrees, 130 degrees, 135 degrees, 140 degrees, 145 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, or 175 degrees.

[0038] The upper first mating surface 164 is closer to the top rail 132 and extends generally parallel to the striking surface 140. In other embodiments, the upper first mating surface 164 may not be parallel to the striking surface 140, in which case the upper first mating surface 164 defines an acute angle with respect to the striking surface 140. The lower first mating surface 168 is closer to the sole 136 and defines an acute angle with respect to the striking surface 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight receiver 160 is defined within the lower first mating surface 168. When the weight member 104 is installed within the weight receiver 160, it is positioned closer to the sole 136 than the top rail 132. This tends to lower the CG of the club head 100 toward the sole 136. In other embodiments (not shown), the weight receiving portion may instead be defined within the second mating surface 156 of the rear body 148, in which case the installed weight member 104 is located relatively far from the striking surface 140 and tends to move the CG away from the striking surface 140.

[0039] The upper first mating surface 164 and the lower first mating surface 168 may have a width measured in a heel-toe direction and a height measured in a top rail-sole direction. The width of the upper first mating surface 164 and the lower first mating surface may vary between about 2.5 inches and 4.5 inches. In many embodiments, the width of the upper first mating surface 164 and the portion of the lower first mating surface 168 may be about 2.5 inches to 2.75 inches, 2.75 inches to 3.0 inches, 3.0 inches to 3.25 inches, 3.25 inches to 3.5 inches, 3.5 inches to 3.75 inches, 3.75 inches to 4.0 inches, 4.0 inches to 4.25 inches, or 4.25 inches to 4.5 inches. The width of the upper first mating surface 164 and the portion of the lower first mating surface 168 may be 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.75 inches, 4.0 inches, or 4.25 inches.

[0040] The height of the corresponding upper first mating surface 164 may vary between about 1 inch and 3 inches. In many embodiments, the height of the portion of the upper first mating surface 164 may be about 1 inch to 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches to 2 inches, or 2.5 inches to 3 inches. In alternative embodiments, the height of the portion of the upper first mating surface 164 may be about 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, or 3 inches.

[0041] The lower first mating surface 168 may have a height measured generally in a top rail-sole direction. The height of the lower first mating surface 168 may vary between about 0.1 inches and 1 inch. In many embodiments, the height of the portion of the lower first mating surface 168 may be about 0.1 inches to 0.2 inches, 0.2 inches to 0.3 inches, 0.3 inches to 0.4 inches, 0.4 inches to 0.5 inches, 0.5 inches to 0.6 inches, 0.6 inches to 0.7 inches, 0.7 inches to 0.8 inches, 0.8 inches to 0.9 inches, or 0.9 inches to 1.0 inches. In other embodiments, the height of the portion of the lower first mating surface 168 may be 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inches.

[0042] The front body 144 is made of a relatively denser material than the material of the rear body 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 144 is made of 17-4 stainless steel. In other embodiments, the front body 144 of the club head 100 may be made of any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the front body 144 may be formed from carpenter grade 455 steel, carpenter grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel. The front body 144 may be formed by any one or any combination of forging, casting, co-casting, die casting, milling, 3D printing, or any other method suitable for manufacturing a golf club head.

[0043] In many embodiments, the density of the front body 144 may be between about 1% and about 300% greater than the density of the rear body 148. For example, the density of the front body 144 may be between 1% and 5%, 5% and 10%, 10% and 15%, 15% and 20%, 20% and 25%, 20% and 30%, 30% and 35%, 35% and 40%, 40% and 45%, 45% and 50%, 50% and 55%, 55% and 60%, 60% and 65%, 65% and 70%, 70% and 80% greater than the density of the rear body 148. %~75%, 75%~80%, 80%~85%, 85%~90%, 90%~100%, 100%~105%, 105%~110%, 110%~115%, 115%~120%, 120%~125%, 125%~130%, 130%~135%, 135%~140%, 140%~145%, 145%~150%, 150% ~155%, 155%~160%, 160%~165%, 165%~170%, 170%~175%, 175%~180%, 180%~185%, 185%~190%, 190%~200%, 200%~205%, 205%~210%, 210%~215%, 215%~220%, 220%~225%, 225%~23 It may be 0%, 230%-235%, 235%-240%, 240%-245%, 245%-250%, 250%-255%, 255%-260%, 260%-265%, 265%-270%, 270%-275%, 275%-280%, 280%-285%, 285%-290%, or 290%-300% greater. In alternative embodiments, the density of the anterior body 144 may be about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 100%, about 110%, about 120%, about 130%, about 140%, about 150%, about 160%, about 170%, about 180%, about 190%, about 200%, about 210%, about 220%, about 230%, about 240%, about 250%, about 260%, about 270%, about 280%, about 290%, or about 300% greater than the posterior body 148.

[0044] The rear body 148 is made from a relatively lower density material than the material of the front body 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear body 148 is made from a composite material such as a thermoplastic composite material ("TPC") (e.g., DuPont™ Vizilon® TPC, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc.). In other embodiments, the rear body 148 of the club head 100 may be made from any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the rear body 148 may be formed of Carpenter Grade 455 steel, Carpenter Grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel. The rear body 148 may be formed by any one or any combination of forging, casting, co-casting, die casting, milling, 3D printing, or any other method suitable for manufacturing a golf club head. In other embodiments, the rear body 148 may be made of the same material as the front body 144.

[0045] The weight member 104 is made of a material that is relatively denser than the material of the front body 144 and the rear body 148. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight member 104 is made of tungsten. In other embodiments, the weight member 104 may be made of any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the weight member 104 may be formed from Carpenter Grade 455 steel, Carpenter Grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel.

[0046] The number, composition, or location of the weight members 104 may be strategically varied to obtain a desired weight of the golf club head 100 or to obtain desired swing characteristics of the golf club head 100. That is, by varying the number, composition, or location of the weight members 104 installed within the weight receptacles 160, the overall weight, weight distribution, center of gravity ("CG"), and / or moment of inertia ("MOI") of the club head 100 may be customized to suit the user's preferences and specific playing conditions. For example, in some embodiments, some of the weight receptacles 160 located proximate the heel end 124 and the toe end 128 may each receive a weight member 104, while the remaining centrally located weight receptacles 160 may remain unused. In such examples, the MOI may be relatively greater and the overall weight of the club head 100 may be relatively reduced, since more weight is distributed to the peripheral areas of the club head 100, as compared to a club head in which all weight receptacles are uniformly used. As another example, in some embodiments, some of the weight receivers 160 located near the heel end 124 and the toe end 128 may receive weight members 104 that are relatively small in size or made of a material with a relatively low density, while the remaining weight receivers 160 located in the center may receive weight members 104 that are relatively large in size or made of a material with a relatively high density. In such an arrangement, more weight is distributed in the center region of the club head 100, which tends to reduce the MOI and increase the overall weight of the club head 100. As another example, in some embodiments, some of the weight receivers 160 located near the toe end 128 may be used, while other weight receivers 160 located near the heel end 124 may remain unused. In such an arrangement, the CG of the club head 100 tends to shift toward the toe end 128.

[0047] 7, the sole 136 of the body 108 defines a sole surface 172 that extends between the toe end 128 and the heel end 124, and between the striking face 140 and the rear end 116. The sole surface 172 includes a sole surface front portion 176 defined by the front body 144 and a sole surface rear portion 180 defined by the rear body 148. The sole surface front portion 176 extends generally from the striking face 140 to the first mating surface 152 (specifically, to the lower first mating surface 168). The sole surface rear portion 180 extends generally from the second mating surface 156 to a rear surface 184 defined by the rear end 116.

[0048] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative rear body 150 that can be used in the golf club head 100 in place of the rear body 148. The rear body 150 includes many of the same features as the rear body 148, except that, compared to the rear body 148 described above, the rear body 150 includes a modified sole surface rear portion 182 that has a relatively large size and a relatively large extent between the second mating surface 156 and the rear surface 184. Thus, when coupled to the front body 144 as shown in FIG. 8, the rear body 150 provides a larger sole surface 174 (i.e., a sole surface 174 having a larger area) compared to the sole surface 172 shown in FIG. 7. The rear body 150 may be formed of the same material as the rear body 148 (e.g., a thermoplastic composite material), and the front body 144 may be formed of a material that is different and denser than the material of the rear bodies 148, 150. By enlarging or creating a larger sole surface 172 (compared to FIG. 7), the golf club head 100 can be made to resemble a game-improving club head without the need for a large and / or deep cavity (i.e., without any cavity).

[0049] For example, the rear sole surface portions 180, 182 may form up to 50% of the sole surface 172, 174. In many embodiments, the rear sole surface portions 180, 182 may form 0%-5%, 5%-10%, 10%-15%, 15%-20%, 20%-25%, 25%-30%, 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, or 45%-50% of the sole surface 172, 174. In alternative embodiments, the rear sole surface portions 180, 182 may form less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the sole surface portions 172, 174.

[0050] In this regard, the club head 100 (FIG. 7) including the rear body 148 may be better suited for harder or more compact playing surfaces (e.g., golf courses located in desert climates). The relatively small area of ​​the resulting sole surface 172 allows the club head 100 to penetrate the playing surface to an appropriate depth during a golf swing without bouncing too hard off the relatively compact ground. On the other hand, the club head 100 (FIG. 8) including the rear body 150 may be better suited for softer or wetter playing surfaces (e.g., golf courses located in wet or humid climates). The relatively large area of ​​the resulting sole surface 174 allows the club head 100 to penetrate the playing surface to an appropriate depth during a golf swing without sinking too deeply into the relatively soft ground. Because each of the rear bodies 148, 150 is made from a lower density material than the material of the front body 144, and because the weight member 104 is carried by the front body 144, the difference in size between the rear bodies 148 and 150 has a relatively weak effect on the overall weight, weight distribution, CG location, and MOI of the club head 100.

[0051] In addition to size and shape, the aesthetic characteristics of the front body 144 and / or rear body 148 may also be customized during manufacture of the club head 100. For example, a user may choose from multiple aesthetic options for the front body 144 and rear body 148, including different colors, surface patterns, textures, etc., to create a variety of club head combinations.

[0052] By enclosing the weight member 104 between the front body 144 and the rear body 148, the club head 100 closely resembles the appearance of a one-piece club head (e.g., a forged club head) while providing the improved feel, swing characteristics (e.g., high MOI, etc.), and adaptability provided by the customizable weight member 104. The weight member 104 and weight receiver 160 allow the golf club head 100 to be adapted and customized during manufacturing while appearing to be one-piece in use. Also, because the enclosed weight member 104 does not rattle within an external bore, the golf club head 100 provides superior acoustic properties compared to club heads with external or mechanically secured weight members. Additionally, the weight member 104 provides a beneficial cost advantage since it can be simply a metal material without the need for polishing or finishing as is typically required for external weight members.

[0053] 9-16 illustrate another golf club head 200 including a multi-piece construction and one or more internal weight members 204 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The club head 200 is a putter-type club head. The club head 200 is similar to the club head 100 and includes substantially the same structure as the club head 100. Thus, the following description focuses primarily on the structure and features that differ from the embodiment described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8. The features and elements described above in connection with FIGS. 1-8 are labeled with reference numbers in the 200 series in FIGS. 9-16. It should be understood that features of the club head 200 that are not explicitly described below have the same characteristics as the features of the club head 100.

[0054] 9-12, a putter-type club head 200 includes a body 208 having a front end 212, a rear end 216 opposite the front end 212, a hosel opening 220 for securing the club head 200 to the end of a golf club shaft (not shown), a heel end 224 adjacent the hosel opening 220, a toe end 228 opposite the heel end 224, a top end or crown 232, and a sole 236 opposite the crown 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end 212 defines a strike face or hitting surface 240 extending between the heel end 224 and the toe end 228 and between the crown 232 and the sole 236. In other embodiments, the club head 200 may include a separately constructed face plate (not shown) coupled to the body 208 at the front end 212 and defining a hitting surface.

[0055] In many embodiments, the body 208 of the club head 200 includes two separately formed pieces, including a front body 244 and a rear body 248 that is joined to the front body 244. The front body 244 and the rear body 248 include first and second mating surfaces 252, 256 (FIGS. 13 and 14) that contact and engage one another to join the rear body 248 to the front body 244. The rear body 248 may be attached to the front body 244 using an epoxy, adhesive, staking, welding (e.g., laser welding, plasma welding, etc.), mechanical fastening, or any other suitable method. In many embodiments, the front body 244 defines at least some of the overall area of ​​the body 208 (e.g., front end, crown, etc.) and the rear body 248 defines the same or other areas of the body 208 (e.g., rear end, sole, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 244 defines the front end 212, including the striking face 240, the hosel opening 220, the crown 232, and portions of the heel end 224, the toe end 228, and the rear end 216, while the rear body 248 defines a majority of the sole 236 and portions of the heel end 224, the toe end 228, and the rear end 216. Thus, by varying the size or shape of either the front body 244 or the rear body 248, the dimensions of one or more regions of the body 208 (e.g., the sole 236) can be customized to suit the needs of a particular user or for the conditions of a particular golf course.

[0056] 13 and 14, the club head 200 also includes one or more internal weight members 204 enclosed within the body 208 between the front body 244 and the rear body 248. The weight members 204 are formed from a material having a density relatively greater than the density of the material forming the front body 244 and the rear body 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear body 248 includes a pair of receiving banks 288 projecting upwardly from the second mating surface 256. Specifically, one receiving bank 288 is disposed adjacent each of the heel end 288 and the toe end 288, with each receiving bank 288 extending generally vertically between the front end 288 and the rear end 288. Each receiving bank 288 is provided with an internal weight receiver 260 for selectively receiving the weight member 204. The weight members 204 may be secured within the weight receiver 260 using an epoxy, adhesive, a pressure fit, a mechanical fastener, or any other suitable method.

[0057] The front body 244 includes a pair of recesses 292 corresponding to the receiving banks 288, each recess 292 receiving a corresponding receiving bank 288 when the rear body 248 is coupled to the front body 244. In other embodiments, the receiving bank 288 including the weight receiver 260 may instead be provided on the front body 244 and may project downwardly from the first mating surface 252. Similarly, the rear body 248 may instead include a recess 292 receiving the receiving bank 288 when the front body 244 and rear body 248 are coupled. The front body 244 and rear body 248 are joined at the mating surfaces 252, 256 to enclose and secure the weight member 204 within the combined body 208. In the illustrated embodiment, each weight receiver 260 receives a corresponding weight member 204 (i.e., the number of weight members 204 corresponds to the number of weight receivers 260). In other embodiments, some of the weight receivers 260 may receive weight members 204 while other weight receivers 260 may remain empty.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 244 includes four weight receptacles 260 defined in each receptacle bank 288 (for a total of eight weight receptacles 260). The eight weight receptacles 260 shown receive eight corresponding weight members 204. In other embodiments, the club head 200 may include fewer or more than eight weight receptacles 260 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more than 15 weight receptacles) to receive fewer or more than eight weight members 204 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, or more than 15 weight members). As shown, all of the illustrated weight receivers 260 and weight members 204 are cylindrical and each have approximately the same shape and volume. In other embodiments, the volume of the weight receivers 260 may vary, and the weight receivers 260 may be any other suitable geometric shape, including spherical, conical, frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the volume of the weight members 204 may vary, and the weight members 204 may be spherical, conical, frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape corresponding to the volume and shape of each weight receiver 260. The weight members 204 may each be formed of the same material, or some weight members may be formed of different materials having different material properties (e.g., density, hardness, etc.). Additionally, by enclosing the weight members 204 between the front bodies 244 and 248, the weight members 204 may simply be a metallic material without the need for polishing or finishing as required for external weight members, providing beneficial cost advantages.

[0059] The front body 244 is made from a relatively lower density material than the material of the rear body 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the front body 244 is made from a thermoplastic composite material ("TPC") (e.g., DuPont™ Vizilon® TPC, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc.). In other embodiments, the front body 244 of the club head 200 may be made from any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the front body 244 may be formed from Carpenter Grade 455 steel, Carpenter Grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel. The front body 244 may be formed by any one or any combination of forging, casting, co-casting, die casting, milling, 3D printing, or any other method suitable for manufacturing a golf club head.

[0060] The rear body 248 is made of a material that is relatively denser than the material of the front body 244. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear body 248 is made of 17-4 stainless steel. In other embodiments, the rear body 248 of the club head 200 may be made of any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the rear body 248 may be formed of Carpenter Grade 455 steel, Carpenter Grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel. The rear body 248 may be formed by any one or any combination of forging, casting, co-casting, die casting, milling, 3D printing, or any other method suitable for manufacturing a golf club head. In other embodiments, the rear body 248 may be made of the same material as the front body 244.

[0061] The weight member 204 is made of a material that is relatively denser than the material of the front body 244 and the rear body 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the weight member 204 is made of tungsten. In other embodiments, the weight member 204 may be made of any one or any combination of titanium, aluminum, tungsten, other steel alloys (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, etc.), titanium alloys (e.g., Ti 7-4, Ti 6-4, T-9S, Ti SSAT2041, Ti SP700, Ti 15-0-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti 3-8-6-4-4, Ti 10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-185, or any combination thereof), aluminum alloys, or composite materials. In other embodiments, the weight member 204 may be formed from Carpenter Grade 455 steel, Carpenter Grade 475 steel, C300 steel, C350 steel, Ni-Co-Cr steel alloy, heat-treated steel alloy, or 565 steel.

[0062] The number, composition, or location of the weight members 204 may be strategically varied to obtain a desired weight of the golf club head 200 or to obtain a desired swing characteristic of the golf club head 200. That is, by varying the number, composition, or location of the weight members 204 installed in the weight receptacles 260, the overall weight, weight distribution, center of gravity ("CG"), and / or moment of inertia ("MOI") of the club head 200 may be customized to suit the user's preferences and specific playing conditions. For example, in some embodiments, to obtain a relatively lighter club head 200, some of the weight receptacles 260 may each receive (i.e., threadedly engage, press fit, etc.) a weight member 204, and the remaining centrally located weight receptacles 260 may remain unused. In such an embodiment, the overall weight of the lighter club head 200 is relatively less compared to a club head in which all of the weight receptacles are uniformly used. Thus, to provide an equivalent striking force to the ball, the lighter club head 200 requires a relatively longer stroke or swing distance when striking a golf ball. Such a lightened club head 200 may be preferred for a beginner golfer. In other embodiments, all of the weight receivers 260 may receive the weight members 204 or the weight receivers may receive the relatively heavy weight members 204 to obtain a relatively heavy club head 200. Thus, to impart an equivalent striking force to the ball, a heavier club head 200 requires a relatively shorter stroke or swing distance when striking a golf ball. Such a heavy club head 200 may be preferred for a highly skilled golfer. As another example, in some embodiments, some of the weight receivers 260 located near the rear end 216 may be used, and other weight receivers 260 located near the front end 212 may remain unused. Such an arrangement tends to shift the CG of the club head 200 toward the rear end 216.

[0063] The size and / or shape of the front body 244 and / or rear body 248 may be customized to suit the preferences of each user at the time of manufacture of the club head 200. Additionally, the aesthetic characteristics of the front body 244 and / or rear body 248 may also be customized at the time of manufacture. For example, a user may choose from a number of aesthetic options for the front body 244 and rear body 248, including different colors, surface patterns, textures, etc.

[0064] By enclosing the weight member 204 between the front body 244 and the rear body 248, the club head 200 can closely resemble the appearance of a one-piece club head (e.g., a forged club head) while achieving the better feel, swing characteristics (e.g., low and away CG, high MOI, etc.), and fit provided by the customizable weight member 204. The weight member 204 and weight receiver 260 allow the golf club head 200 to be fitted and customized during manufacturing while appearing to be one piece in construction during use. Also, because the enclosed weight member 204 cannot rattle within the exterior bores, the golf club head 200 achieves superior acoustic characteristics compared to club heads with external or mechanically secured weight members.

[0065] The substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a repair. Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions, and elements that may give rise to or make more noticeable any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims, unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly recited in the claim.

[0066] Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted and old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A), etc.), golf equipment to which the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein relate may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment to which the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein relate may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

[0067] Although the above examples may have been described in the context of wood-type golf clubs, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to various types of golf clubs, including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, crossovers, any hollow body type golf club, or may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0068] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not claimed by the public under the doctrine of attribution if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not expressly recited in the claims and (2) is or may be equivalent to the explicit elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0069] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention described.

[0070] (Item 1) A golf club head, comprising a body having a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a top rail, and a sole opposite the top rail, the body comprising a front body defining the front end, the heel end, the toe end, the top rail, and a portion of the sole and formed of a first material having a first density, and a back end coupled to the front body defining the rear end, the heel end, the toe end, the top rail, and a portion of the sole and formed of a second material having a second density. and a rear body formed of a second material having a third density, a plurality of weight receiving portions defined in one or both of the front and rear bodies, and one or more weight members received in the weight receiving portions and formed of a third material having a third density, wherein the one or more weight members are completely enclosed between the front and rear bodies, the first density being greater than the second density and the third density being greater than the first density.

[0071] (Item 2) A golf club head as described in Item 1, wherein the front body includes a first mating surface, the rear body includes a second mating surface that mates with the first mating surface to join the rear body to the front body, a receiving bank protruding away from one of the first mating surface and the second mating surface, and the weight receiving portion defined within the receiving bank.

[0072] (Item 3) The golf club head described in Item 2, wherein the receiving bank includes a first receiving bank positioned adjacent to the heel end and a second receiving bank positioned adjacent to the toe end, and the first receiving bank and the second receiving bank extend generally vertically between the front end and the rear end.

[0073] (4) A golf club head comprising: a front body including a striking surface and a first mating surface opposite the striking surface; a rear body having a second mating surface that mates with the first mating surface to join the rear body to the front body; a weight receiving portion defined in the first mating surface; and one or more weight members received in the weight receiving portion and completely enclosed between the front body and the rear body, wherein the front body and the rear body together define a top rail and a sole opposite the top rail, and the first mating surface is divided into a generally planar upper first mating surface extending near the top rail and a generally planar lower first mating surface extending near the sole and oriented at an angle relative to the upper first mating surface, and the weight receiving portion is defined in the lower first mating surface.

[0074] (Item 5) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the upper first mating surface extends generally parallel to the striking surface.

[0075] (Item 6) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the angle is between 60 degrees and 175 degrees.

[0076] (Item 7) A golf club head as described in item 4, wherein each weight receiving portion receives a weight member.

[0077] (Item 8) A system of golf club heads, comprising a first golf club head and a second golf club head, the first golf club head including a first front body, a first rear body joined to the first front body, and one or more first weight members enclosed between the first front body and the first rear body, the first front body and the first rear body together defining a first sole surface of the first golf club head, the first rear body defining a first sole surface portion of the first sole surface, and the second a second front body identical to the first front body, a second rear body joined to the second front body, and one or more second weight members enclosed between the second front body and the second rear body, the second front body and the second rear body together defining a second sole surface of the second golf club head, the second rear body defining a second sole surface portion of the second sole surface, the second sole surface portion having a larger area than the first sole surface portion.

[0078] (Item 9) The system described in item 8, wherein each of the first front body and the second front body is formed of a first material, and each of the first rear body and the second rear body is formed of a second material different from the first material.

[0079] (Item 10) The system described in Item 8, wherein each of the first front body and the second front body includes a weight receiving portion that receives the first weight member and the second weight member, respectively. (Item 11) The golf club head according to item 1, wherein the first density is at least 25% greater than the second density. (Item 12) The golf club head of item 1, wherein the first density is at least 75% greater than the second density. (Item 13) The golf club head of item 4, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 10% of the sole surface. (Item 14) The golf club head of item 4, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 20% of the sole surface. (Item 15) The golf club head of item 4, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 30% of the sole surface. (Item 16) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the density of the front body is greater than the density of the rear body. (Item 17) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the density of the front body is at least 25% greater than the density of the rear body. (Item 18) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the density of the front body is at least 75% greater than the density of the rear body. (Item 19) The golf club head according to item 4, wherein the golf club head has no cavity.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a body having a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, a heel end, a toe end opposite the heel end, a top rail, and a sole opposite the top rail, The body includes: a front body defining the front end, the heel end, the toe end, the top rail, and a portion of the sole, the front body being formed from a first material having a first density; a rear body welded to the front body, the rear body defining the rear end, the heel end, the toe end, the top rail, and a portion of the sole, the rear body being formed from a second material having a second density; a plurality of weight receiving portions defined in one or both of the front body and the rear body; one or more weight members received in the weight receiving portion and formed of a third material having a third density; the one or more weight members are completely enclosed between the front body and the rear body; the first density is greater than the second density; The third density is greater than the first density.

2. The front body includes a first mating surface. the rear body includes a second mating surface that mates with the first mating surface to join the rear body to the front body; a receiving bank projects away from one of the first mating surface and the second mating surface; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the weight receiver is defined within the receiver bank.

3. The receiving bank includes a first receiving bank disposed adjacent to the heel end and a second receiving bank disposed adjacent to the toe end, The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein the first receiving bank and the second receiving bank extend generally longitudinally between the front end and the rear end.

4. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first density is at least 25% greater than the second density.

5. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the first density is at least 75% greater than the second density.

6. A golf club head, a front body including a striking surface and a first mating surface opposite the striking surface, the front body being formed from a first material having a first density; a rear body welded to the front body and formed from a second material having a second density, the rear body having a second mating surface that mates with the first mating surface to couple the rear body to the front body; one or more weight receiving portions defined in the first mating surface; one or more weight members received within the one or more weight receiving portions and completely enclosed between the front body and the rear body, the one or more weight members being formed of a third material having a third density; the first density is greater than the second density; the third density is greater than the first density; the front body and the rear body together define a top rail and a sole opposite the top rail; the first mating surface being divided into a generally planar upper first mating surface extending proximate the top rail and a generally planar lower first mating surface extending proximate the sole and oriented at an angle relative to the generally planar upper first mating surface; The weight receiving portion is defined in the generally planar lower first mating surface of the golf club head.

7. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein the generally planar upper first mating surface extends generally parallel to the striking face.

8. 8. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the angle is between 60 degrees and 175 degrees.

9. The golf club head according to claim 6 , wherein each of the weight receiving portions receives a respective one of the weight members.

10. A golf club head as described in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 10% of the sole surface.

11. A golf club head as described in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 20% of the sole surface.

12. A golf club head as described in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the portion of the rear body that forms part of the sole surface forms at least 30% of the sole surface.

13. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein the density of the front body is greater than the density of the rear body.

14. 14. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the density of the front body is at least 25% greater than the density of the rear body.

15. 15. The golf club head of claim 6, wherein the density of the front body is at least 75% greater than the density of the rear body.

16. The golf club head of claim 6 , wherein the golf club head is cavity-free.

17. 1. A system for a golf club head, comprising: A first golf club head; a second golf club head; the first golf club head includes a first front body, a first rear body welded to the first front body, and one or more first weight members enclosed between the first front body and the first rear body; the first front body and the first rear body together define a first sole surface of the first golf club head; the first rear body defines a first sole surface portion of the first sole surface; the second golf club head includes a second front body identical to the first front body, a second rear body welded to the second front body, and one or more second weight members enclosed between the second front body and the second rear body; the second front body and the second rear body together define a second sole surface of the second golf club head; the second rear body defines a second sole surface portion of the second sole surface; the first front body and the second front body are formed from a first material having a first density; the first rear body and the second rear body are formed from a second material having a second density; the one or more first weight members and the one or more second weight members are formed from a third material having a third density; the first density is greater than the second density; the third density is greater than the first density; The second sole surface portion has a larger area than the first sole surface portion.

18. 20. The system of claim 17, wherein the first front body and the second front body each include a weight receiver for receiving the first weight member and the second weight member, respectively.

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