Club head having enhanced club head face and related methods

Abstract

To provide devices and methods for preventing the face of a club head from buckling when the face of the club head becomes thinned.SOLUTION: Provided is a golf club head, in which a reinforcing element 120 includes a looped rib 127 having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, the looped rib has a rib height, a face surface is closer to a rear surface in the proximity of the face center than proximate the face periphery, the face surface includes a face thickness, an outer edge face of the reinforcing element is filleted against the rear face using a fillet with a radius in a predetermined range, an inner peripheral edge surface includes a rib span in a predetermined range, a center thickness from a face center to a rear center is less than or equal to a predetermined length, the lip part extends from the heel end to the toe end around the reinforcing element, and the lip part has an associated lip height.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 169,089, filed June 1, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 266,074, filed December 11, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 280,035, filed January 18, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 7,278, filed May 15, 2014. This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 023,819, filed July 11, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 101,926, filed January 9, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 146,783, filed April 13, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Various characteristics of a golf club can affect the performance of the golf club. For example, the center of gravity, moment of inertia, and coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club are each characteristics of the golf club that can affect performance.

[0004] The center of gravity and moment of inertia of a golf club's club head are functions of the mass distribution of the club head. In particular, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head, farther from the face of the club head, and / or closer to the toe and heel ends of the club head may change the center of gravity and / or moment of inertia of the club head. For example, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head and / or farther from the face of the club head may increase the flight angle of a golf ball struck with the club head. On the other hand, increasing the flight angle of the golf ball may increase the distance traveled by the golf ball. Furthermore, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the toe and / or heel ends of the club head may affect the moment of inertia of the club head, which may change the forgiveness of the golf club.

[0005] Furthermore, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club may be a function of at least the flexibility of the face of the club head, which in turn may be a function of the face geometry (e.g., height, width, and / or thickness) and / or the material properties (e.g., Young's modulus) of the face. That is, maximizing the height and / or width of the face and / or minimizing the thickness and / or Young's modulus of the face may increase the flexibility of the face, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head, and increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club, which is essentially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball, may increase the distance the golf ball travels after impact, reduce the spin of the golf ball, and / or increase the ball speed of the golf ball.

[0006] However, although thinning the face of a club head may allow mass from the face to be redistributed to other portions of the club head and may make the face more flexible, thinning the face of a club head may also increase flexing in the face to the point where it buckles and breaks. Thus, there is a need for devices and methods to prevent the face of a club head from buckling when the face of the club head is thinned.

[0007] To facilitate further explanation of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a top, rear, and toe side view of a club head according to one embodiment.

[0009] [Diagram 2] 2 is a top, front, heel-side view of a club head in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0010] [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram of a conventional club head according to one embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a conventional club head taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing a stress-strain analysis of a face of the conventional club head simulating impact with a golf ball (not shown) with a resulting bending by a factor of three, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG.

[0012] [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0013] [Figure 6] 1 is a top, rear, and toe side view of a club head according to one embodiment.

[0014] [Figure 7] 7 is a top, front, and toe side view of a club head in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6.

[0015] [Figure 8] 5 is a side view of the alternative embodiment club head of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0016] [Figure 9] 9 is a top, rear, heel side view of a club head in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0017] [Figure 10] 1 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for providing a golf club head.

[0018] [Figure 11] 11A-11C illustrate an exemplary operation of providing an augmentation device according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.

[0019] [Figure 12] 1A-1C are diagrams of one embodiment of layers of vibration-damping features.

[0020] [Figure 13] 5 is a side view of the club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2.

[0021] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf club according to one embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 15] 1 is a top and rear view of a club head according to one embodiment.

[0023] [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the club head according to the embodiment of FIG. 15 taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 15.

[0024] [Figure 17] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.

[0025] For simplicity and clarity, the drawings comprehensively illustrate structures, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Moreover, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. The same reference symbols in different drawings refer to the same elements.

[0026] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or chronological sequence. It will be understood that terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and, for example, the embodiments described herein may be performed in other orders than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, "comprises," "having," and conjugations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive inclusive, and a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0027] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and the like, in the specification and claims are for purposes of explanation and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. It will be understood that these terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that embodiments of the devices, methods, and / or articles described herein can operate, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0028] The terms "coupled," "coupled," "couple," "coupling," and the like should be understood broadly and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and / or otherwise. Two or more mechanical elements can be mechanically coupled without being electrically or otherwise coupled. The coupling can be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent, or only momentarily.

[0029] "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be interpreted broadly to include any type of mechanical coupling.

[0030] The absence of the words "removably," "detachable," and the like, near a word such as "connected," does not imply that the connection, etc. of the subject matter is or is not detachable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head further includes a face element. The face element includes a face surface located at the front end, the face surface including a face center and a face periphery. The face element also includes a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center. The golf club head further includes a stiffening device located at the rear surface. In these embodiments, an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects with the rear center. Further, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and equidistant from the top and bottom ends, the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and equidistant from (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. Further, in these embodiments, the reinforcing device comprises a reinforcing element having a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising a looped rib. Meanwhile, the face surface may be closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery.

[0032] Other embodiments include a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head further comprises a face element. The face element comprises a face surface located at the front end, the face surface comprising a face center and a face periphery. The face element also comprises a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center. The golf club head further comprises a reinforcement device located at the rear surface. And, the golf club head further comprises a peripheral wall element (i) extending from the rear surface toward and away from the front end, and (ii) extending entirely around a periphery of the rear surface. The peripheral wall element includes a first peripheral wall portion extending along the rear periphery of the rear face at a top end and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the rear periphery of the rear face at a bottom end. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, the y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and the z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center. Additionally, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant from the top end and the bottom end, the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end and is equidistant from the toe end and the heel end, and the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end and is (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) equidistant from the top end and the rear end. Further in these embodiments, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element with a geometric center located generally on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcement element comprising a closed circular loop rib, and the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head having a center thickness from the face center to the rear center that is approximately 0.203 centimeters or less, and at least a portion of the second peripheral wall being thinner than the face element proximal to the face periphery.

[0033] Some embodiments further include an insert at least partially filling the cavity of the reinforcing element formed by the looped rib. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity can also be partially covered by a badge. The badge can be separate from the insert or integral with the insert. In other embodiments, the badge can be integral with the reinforcing element. The insert can be a lightweight material, less than about 3 g, so as not to significantly affect the center of gravity of the swing of the golf club head. In alternative embodiments, the insert can be a weight greater than about 3 g, such as about 5 g to about 10 g, and can contribute to the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head.

[0034] Further embodiments have vibration damping features disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head to reduce noise, produce a more desirable sound, and reduce vibrations of the golf club head. The vibration damping features can be composed of vibration damping foil, rubber, or other vibration-damping or vibration-removing materials or compositions, such as pressure-sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymers. The vibration damping features can be pressure-sensitive, resulting in a reduction or elimination of vibrations from the golf club head when a golf ball is struck. The vibration damping features provide a more desirable sound to the golf club head in combination with obtaining better performance in thin-faced golf club heads. The vibration damping features are at least partially applied to the rear surface of the golf club head. The vibration damping features can also be applied to the reinforcement element. The vibration damping features can further be applied to all or a portion of the cavity of the reinforcement element. The cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity of the rear surface can also be partially covered by the vibration damping feature. The central cavity can also be partially covered by a badge and the vibration dampening feature can be disposed beneath the badge.

[0035] Further embodiments include a method of providing a golf club head, the method including providing a face element including: (i) a face surface located at a front end and including a face center and a face periphery; and (ii) a rear surface located at a rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery; and providing a reinforcement device at the rear surface. In these embodiments, the golf club head includes a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Further, an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through the rear center. Furthermore, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and equidistant from the top and bottom ends, the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and equidistant from (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. Meanwhile, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element having a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending from the rear face toward and away from the front end, the reinforcement element comprising looped ribs. Also, the face surface may be closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery.

[0036] Some embodiments include a golf club. The golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head coupled to the shaft. The golf club head includes a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. The golf club head further includes a face element. The face element includes a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery. The face element also includes a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center located generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery. The golf club head further includes a stiffening device located at the rear surface. In these embodiments, an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through the rear center. Further, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends and equidistant from the top and bottom ends, the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends and equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and equidistant from (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends. In these embodiments, the reinforcing device further comprises a reinforcing element having a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending outward from the rear face toward and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising looped ribs. Meanwhile, the face surface may be closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery.

[0037] Turning to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a top, rear, toe-side view of a club head 100 according to one embodiment, while Figure 2 illustrates a top, front, heel-side view of the club head 100 according to the embodiment of Figure 1. The club head 100 is exemplary only and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The club head 100 may be used in many different embodiments or examples not expressly shown or described herein.

[0038] In general, the club head 100 may comprise a golf club head. The golf club head 100 may be part of a corresponding golf club. For example, the golf club 1400 ( FIG. 14 ) may comprise a golf club head 100 coupled to a shaft 1490 and a grip 1495. Further, the golf club head may be part of a set of golf club heads and / or the golf club may be part of a set of golf clubs. For example, the club head 100 may comprise any suitable iron-type golf club head. In some embodiments, the club head 100 may comprise a muscle-back iron-type golf club head or a cavity-back iron-type golf club head. Nevertheless, although the club head 100 is generally described with respect to an iron-type golf club head, the club head 100 may comprise any other suitable type of golf club head, such as, for example, a wood-type golf club head (e.g., a driver club head, a fairway wood club head, a hybrid club head, etc.) or a putter golf club head. In general, the club head 100 may comprise any suitable material, although in many embodiments, the club head 100 comprises one or more metallic materials. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0039] For reference, club head 100 includes a top end 101 and a bottom end 102 opposite top end 101, a front end 203 (FIG. 2) and a back end 104 opposite front end 203 (FIG. 2), and a toe end 105 and a heel end 106 opposite to toe end 105. Club head 100 also includes an x-axis 107, a y-axis 108, and a z-axis 109.

[0040] Meanwhile, the x-axis 107, the y-axis 108, and the z-axis 109 form a Cartesian reference coordinate system for the club head 100. Thus, the x-axis 107, the y-axis 108, and the z-axis 109 are perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the x-axis 107 extends through the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and is equidistant between the top end 101 and the bottom end 102, the y-axis 108 extends through the top end 101 and the bottom end 102 and is equidistant between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106, and the z-axis 109 extends through the front end 203 (FIG. 2) and the back end 104 and is equidistant (i) between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106, and (ii) between the top end 101 and the back end 102.

[0041] In implementation, the club head 100 comprises a club head body 110. The club head body 110 may be solid, hollow, or partially hollow. When the club head body 110 is hollow and / or partially hollow, the club head body 110 may comprise a shell structure and may further be filled and / or partially filled with a filler material that is different from the material of the shell structure. For example, the filler material may include a plastic foam.

[0042] The club head body 110 includes a face element 111 and a reinforcement device 112. In many embodiments, the club head body 110 can include a peripheral wall element 113.

[0043] In many embodiments, the face element 111 comprises a face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and a rear surface 115. In turn, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) comprises a face center 216 (FIG. 2) and a face periphery 217 (FIG. 2), and the rear surface 115 comprises a rear center 118 and a rear periphery 119. The face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may refer to a striking face or striking plate of the club head 100 and may be configured to impact a ball (not shown), such as, for example, a golf ball. In many embodiments, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may comprise one or more scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2).

[0044] In these or other embodiments, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) can be located at the front end 203 (FIG. 2), and the rear surface 115 can be located at the rear end 104. Additionally, the rear surface 115 can be generally opposite the face surface 214 (FIG. 2), the rear center 118 can be generally opposite the face center 216 (FIG. 2), and the rear periphery 119 can be generally opposite the face periphery 217 (FIG. 2). Generally, in many examples, the face center 216 (FIG. 2) can refer to the geometric center of the face surface 214 (FIG. 2). Thus, in these or other examples, the face center 216 (FIG. 2) can refer to a location on the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) that is generally equidistant between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106, and further generally equidistant between the top end 101 and the bottom end 102. In various examples, the face center may refer to the face center as defined in United States Golf Association: Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead, USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, p. 6, May 1, 2008 (Retrieved May 12, 2014 from http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Test-Protocols-For-Equipment), which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, in some examples, the rear center 118 may refer to the geometric center of the rear face 115.

[0045] For reference, the x-axis 107 and the y-axis 108 may extend generally parallel to the face surface 214 (FIG. 2), and the z-axis 109 may extend generally perpendicular to the face surface 214 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, each of the x-axis 107, the y-axis 108, and the z-axis 109 may intersect the rear center 118 such that the rear center 118 comprises the origin of a Cartesian reference coordinate system formed by the x-axis 107, the y-axis 108, and the z-axis 109.

[0046] In various embodiments, the scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2) may each include one or more grooves and may extend between the toe end 105 and the heel end 106. In these or other embodiments, the scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2) may be generally parallel to the x-axis 107.

[0047] In many embodiments, the reinforcing device 112 comprises one or more reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121). The reinforcing device 112 and / or reinforcing elements 120 are located at the posterior surface 115 and extend outwardly from the posterior surface 115 toward the posterior end 104 and away from the anterior end 203 ( FIG. 2 ). In many embodiments, each reinforcing element of the reinforcing elements 120 comprises a peripheral surface and a geometric center. In these or other embodiments, the geometric center of one or more of the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) can be located approximately at the z-axis 109. For example, the reinforcing element 121 can comprise a peripheral surface 126 and a geometric center 130.

[0048] The reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement elements 120 are configured to reinforce the face element 111 while allowing the face element 111 to flex, such as when the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) impacts a ball (e.g., a golf ball). As a result, the face element 111 may be thinned to allow mass from the face element 111 to be redistributed to other portions of the club head and the face element 111 to be more flexible, but may not buckle and break under the resulting flexing. Advantageously, because the face element 111 may be thinner when implemented with the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement elements 120 than when implemented without the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement elements 120, the center of gravity, moment of inertia, and coefficient of restitution of the club head 100 may be altered to improve the performance characteristics of the club head 100. For example, implementation of the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element 120 may increase the flight distance of a golf ball struck by the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) by increasing the launch angle of the golf ball (e.g., by approximately 1 / 10th of a degree to approximately 3 / 10ths of a degree), increase the ball speed of the golf ball (e.g., by approximately 0.1 miles per hour (mph) (0.161 kilometers per hour (kph) to approximately 3.0 mph (4.83 kph)), and / or reduce the spin of the golf ball (e.g., by approximately 1 to 500 revolutions per minute). In these examples, the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element 120 may have the effect of countering some of the gearing on the golf ball imparted by the face surface 214 (FIG. 2).

[0049] Testing of golf clubs comprising an embodiment of the golf club head 100 was conducted. Overall, when compared to an iron golf club with a standard reinforced striking face and custom tuning ports, the testing showed greater forgiveness as indicated by a higher moment of inertia about the x-axis and / or y-axis, and a smaller statistical area where the golf ball impacts the face of the golf club head. In some tests, the moment of inertia about the x-axis increased by approximately 2%, the moment of inertia about the y-axis increased by approximately 4%, and / or the statistical area where the golf ball impacts the face of the golf club head decreased by approximately 15 to 50 percent. Additionally, there was an increase in ball velocity of the golf ball, an increase in launch angle of the golf ball, and / or a decrease in spin of the golf ball. As an example, when testing an embodiment of the golf club 100 on a 5-iron golf club, it was observed that the ball speed of the golf ball increased by approximately 1.5 mph (2.41 kph), the launch angle of the golf ball increased by approximately 0.3 degrees, and the spin of the golf ball decreased by approximately 250 revolutions per minute (rpm). In another example, when testing an embodiment of the golf club 100 on a 7-iron golf club, it was observed that the ball speed of the golf ball increased by approximately 2.0 mph (3.22 kph), the launch angle of the golf ball increased by approximately 450 rpm, with little change in the degree of the launch angle of the golf ball. As a further example, when testing an embodiment of the golf club 100 on a wedge iron golf club, it was observed that the ball speed of the golf ball increased by approximately 0.1 degrees, and the spin of the golf ball decreased by approximately 200 rpm, with little change in the degree of the launch angle of the golf ball.

[0050] In particular, in many instances, when face element 111 includes score lines 223 (FIG. 2) and face element 111 is thinned without implementing reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element 120, buckling and fracture of face element 111 may occur at the bottom of score lines 223, particularly at score lines 223 (FIG. 2) proximate face center 216 (FIG. 2), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described below with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0051] The club head 100 having the reinforcement device 112 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (FIG. 5) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102. The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the area between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 of the club head 100 having the reinforcement device 112. The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

[0052] Specifically, moving forward in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional club head 300 according to one embodiment. Club head 300 may be similar to club head 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), but unlike club head 100, club head 300 lacks strengthening devices and strengthening elements on rear surface 315 of face element 311 of club head 300. Club head 300 includes one or more scoring lines 323 on face surface 314 of club head 300. Rear surface 315 may be similar to rear surface 115 (FIG. 1), face element 311 may be similar to or identical to face element 111 (FIG. 1), face surface 314 may be similar to or identical to face surface 214 (FIG. 2), and / or scoring lines 323 may be similar to or identical to scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2). Additionally, the absent stiffening device may be similar to stiffening device 112 (FIG. 1) and the absent stiffening element may be similar to stiffening element 120 (FIG. 1). Meanwhile, FIG. 4 illustrates a stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-sectional view of club head 300 taken along section line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 3, simulating face surface 314 of club head 300 impacting a golf ball (not shown) with a resulting bending by a factor of three.

[0053] 4, the face element 311 behaves similarly to a support beam and thus includes a neutral axis 436. The portion of the face element 311 between the face surface 314 and the neutral axis 436 is in compression, and the portion of the face element 311 between the neutral axis 436 and the rear surface 315 is in tension. Stresses first build up at the face surface 314 and the rear surface 315 and move inward toward the neutral axis 436. However, unlike a support beam, the face element 311 also includes score lines 323 in the portion of the face element 311 that is in compression. If the face element 311 is flexed too much, it may reach mechanical yield of the face element 311 at the bottom of the score lines 323. Without the score lines 323, the face element 311 would normally be expected to break first in the portion of the face element 311 that is under tension, but the score lines 323 cause breakage first in the portion of the face element 311 that is under compression. That is, the face element 311 may break at the score lines 323 before the remainder of the face element 311 reaches a high enough stress level to cause breakage. Iron-type club heads may be more susceptible to breakage at the score lines 323 because iron-type club heads tend to be flat at the face surface 314, unlike wood-type golf club heads, which tend to be convex at the face surface 314. As a result, even when a wood-type golf club head flexes at the face surface 314, the face surface 314 may still curve outwardly somewhat. On the other hand, when an iron-type golf club head flexes at the face surface 314, the face surface 314 bends into a concave shape which may increase the degree of compression in the portion of the face element 311 that is under compression.

[0054] 1 and 2, the implementation of the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 may enable increased overall flexion in the face element 111 as well as enhanced local flexion in the score lines 223 (FIG. 2), particularly in those score lines 223 proximal to the face center 216 (FIG. 2). The reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 may provide these benefits by increasing the local thickness of the face element 111, thereby making it stiffer and harder in those locations. In effect, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 may act to pull the neutral axis of the face element 111 away from the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and closer to the rear surface 115.

[0055] However, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 may also provide these benefits when implemented as a closed structure (e.g., one or more looped ribs) because such a closed structure may resist deformation as a result of circumferential (i.e., hoop) stress acting on the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120. For example, the circumferential (i.e., hoop) stress acting on the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 may prevent opposing sides of the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120 from rotating away from each other, thereby reducing bending.

[0056] Additionally, the strengthening device 112 and strengthening elements 120 absorb a substantial portion of the stresses on the club head 100 upon impact, thereby preventing the stresses from being absorbed by other portions of the club head 100 upon impact, such as the face element 111, the face surface 214, and the rear surface 115. Directing the stresses toward the strengthening device 112 and strengthening elements 120 improves the durability of the face element 111 and the club head 100 compared to a club head 300 lacking the strengthening devices and strengthening elements, or compared to a club head having the strengthening device 112 without or with fewer strengthening elements 120.

[0057] In implementation, the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) may be implemented in any suitable shape (e.g., polygonal, elliptical, circular, etc.) and / or any suitable configuration configured to perform the intended functions of the reinforcing device 112 and / or reinforcing element 120 described above. Additionally, when the reinforcing element 120 comprises multiple reinforcing elements, two or more of the reinforcing elements 120 may be similar to another and / or two or more of the reinforcing elements 120 may be different from another.

[0058] In some embodiments, the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) can be symmetrical about the x-axis 107 and / or the y-axis 108. When the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) are implemented in an oblong shape, in many embodiments, the largest dimension (e.g., long axis) of the reinforcing element can be parallel and / or collinear with one of the x-axis 107 or the y-axis 108. However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (e.g., long axis) can be angled relative to the x-axis 107 and / or the y-axis 108 as desired. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) can be centered on the z-axis 109, but in some embodiments, one or more of the reinforcing elements 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) can be offset from the center of the z-axis 109, such as offset toward one or two of the top end 101, the bottom end 102, the toe end 105, and the heel end 106.

[0059] In many embodiments, each reinforcing element (e.g., reinforcing element 121) of reinforcing element 120 can comprise one or more looped ribs 127 (e.g., looped rib 122). Specifically, reinforcing element 121 can comprise looped rib 122. In these or other embodiments, when looped rib 127 comprises multiple looped ribs, looped ribs 127 can be concentric with one another about a point and / or axis (e.g., z-axis 109). In other embodiments, when looped rib 127 comprises multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped ribs 127 can be non-concentric. Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, two or more of looped ribs 127 can overlap. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, looped rib 122 can comprise elliptical looped ribs, and in some of these embodiments, looped rib 122 can comprise circular looped ribs. As noted above, implementing reinforcing elements 120 as looped ribs 127 can be advantageous due to the circumferential (e.g., hoop) stress provided by the closed structure of looped ribs 127. In many embodiments, one or more of looped ribs 127 (or each of looped ribs 127) is a continuous closed loop.

[0060] In these or other embodiments, each looped rib of looped ribs 127 comprises an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. In turn, in these embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of each reinforcing element (e.g., reinforcing element 121) comprises the outer peripheral surface of its corresponding looped rib (e.g., looped rib 122). For example, looped rib 122 can comprise outer peripheral surface 128 and inner peripheral surface 129. Moreover, inner peripheral surface 129 can be steep and substantially perpendicular to the trailing surface at rib height 540 (FIG. 13).

[0061] In some embodiments, one or more outer peripheral surfaces of the reinforcing element 120 (e.g., the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) may be filleted relative to the rear surface 115. In these or other embodiments, one or more inner peripheral surfaces of the looped ribs 127 (e.g., the inner peripheral surface 129 of the looped ribs 122) may be filleted relative to the rear surface 115. Filleting the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 (e.g., the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) relative to the rear surface 115 may allow for a smooth transition of the reinforcing element 120 (e.g., the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) to the rear surface 115. Additionally, filleting the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 (e.g., the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) relative to the rear surface 115 may direct stresses from an impact towards the reinforcing element 120 and away from the face surface 214. Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface of a reinforcing element (e.g., outer peripheral surface 126 of reinforcing element 121) or the inner peripheral surface of looped rib 127 (e.g., inner peripheral surface 129 of looped rib 122) may be filleted relative to trailing surface 115 with a fillet 117 having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the outer peripheral surface 126 relative to trailing surface 115 may range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters. For further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the inner peripheral surface 129 relative to trailing surface 115 may range from approximately 0.012 centimeters to approximately 2.0 centimeters, approximately 0.50 centimeters to approximately 3.0 centimeters, or approximately 1.0 centimeters to approximately 4.0 centimeters.

[0062] In some embodiments, the peripheral edge surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted directly to the trailing surface 115. In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at the rib height 540 to the face thickness at the trailing surface 115.

[0063] In some embodiments, the club head 100 can further include a lip 552 on the rear surface 115 of the club head 100. With reference to FIGS. 15-17, in the illustrated embodiment, the lip 552 extends from the heel end 106 to the toe end 105 around the reinforcing element 120 of the club head 100. In these or other embodiments, the fillet 117 on the peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 can transition into the lip 552, such that the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at the rib height 540 to the minimum thickness 544, and then gradually increases from the minimum thickness 544 to the face thickness at the lip height 554. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 can be greater than the center thickness 537, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 can be approximately equal to the center thickness 537, or the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 can be less than the center thickness 537. In the embodiment shown in Figures 15-16, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 is greater than the center thickness 537. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 is approximately equal to the center thickness 537.

[0064] In many embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 corresponds to the flexure of the face plate and ball speed. As the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 decreases, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 may flex more during impact with a golf ball. The increased flexure of the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 upon impact may increase the deflection of the face plate, increasing the energy transfer to the golf ball and increasing the ball speed. For example, the golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 17 having a minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 approximately equal to the center thickness 537 produces a ball speed up to one mile per hour (mph) faster than the club head 100 shown in FIGS. 15-16 having a minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 greater than the center thickness 537.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the reinforcing element 121 comprises a looped rib 122, the looped rib 122 can comprise a cavity 131. In other embodiments, when the reinforcing element 121 comprises a looped rib 122, the looped rib 122 does not comprise a cavity 131. In embodiments without a cavity 131, the center thickness 537 (FIGS. 5 and 13) can be greater than in embodiments with a cavity 131 and can be measured from the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) to the distal end of the looped rib 122 (e.g., the center thickness 537 (FIG. 5) plus the rib height 542 (FIG. 5)), and can be less than or equal to the face thickness at the rib height 542 (FIGS. 5 and 13). The cavity 131 is defined by the inner circumferential surface 129 and the rear surface 115. In some embodiments, the cavity 131 can be a central cavity. In many embodiments, the cavity 131 can be devoid of any contents, such as, for example, a weighted insert. In other embodiments, the cavity 131 can accommodate an insert 805, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0066] As discussed in some detail above, by implementing the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element 120, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) can be closer to (i.e., thinner) the rear face 115 proximal to the face center 216 (FIG. 2) than proximal to the face periphery 217 (FIG. 2) (e.g., at the face periphery 217). In some embodiments, the portion of the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximal to the face center 216 (FIG. 2) can refer to the portion of the surface area of ​​the face surface 214 that borders the face center 216 (FIG. 2) and represents approximately 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 5 percent, 10 percent, or 20 percent of the total surface area of ​​the face surface 214. In these or other embodiments, that portion of the surface area of ​​the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) can correspond to the portion of the surface area of ​​the rear face 115 that is covered by the reinforcing element 121. Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the portion of the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximal to the face periphery 217 (FIG. 2) can refer to the area of ​​the face surface 214 surrounded by the face periphery 217 and an interposed boundary located approximately 0.10 centimeters, 0.20 centimeters, 0.25 centimeters, 0.50 centimeters, 1.00 centimeters, or 2.00 centimeters from the face periphery 217 (FIG. 2).

[0067] Moving forward briefly, FIGS. 5 and 13 show a cross-sectional view of the club head 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2. The club head 100 may have a center thickness 537. The center thickness 537 may refer to the distance from the face center 216 (FIG. 2) to the rear center 118 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be between approximately 0.150 cm and approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the center thickness 537 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In some embodiments, the center of the reinforcing element 120 may be at least partially filled. For example, the center of the reinforcing element 120 may be filled with a vibration damping material or vibration damping feature (e.g., insert 805 (FIG. 8)), or other material. In many embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be less than the face thickness at the rib height 540. In other embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be approximately equal to the face thickness at the rib height 540. The face thickness at the rib height 540 can be the rib height 540 plus the center thickness 537. In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 on the outside of the reinforcing element 120 can be greater than the center thickness 537, but less than the face thickness at the rib height 540. In other embodiments, the face thickness 542 can be the same as the center thickness 537.

[0068] In some embodiments, the face thickness at the rib height 540 can be from approximately 0.30 cm to approximately 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at the rib height 540 can be from approximately 0.30 cm to approximately 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at the rib height 540 can be from approximately 0.40 cm to approximately 0.60 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at the rib height 540 can be from approximately 0.50 cm to approximately 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at the rib height 540 can be greater than 0.30 cm, greater than 0.40 cm, greater than 0.50, or greater than 0.60 cm.

[0069] In some embodiments, the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120 can vary. FIGS. 15-16 show a top 545 of the outer face plate of the reinforcing element 120 having a top thickness 546 and a bottom 547 of the outer face plate of the reinforcing element 120 having a bottom thickness 548. In some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be the same as the bottom thickness 548 (FIGS. 5 and 13). In these embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be less than the top thickness 546 and the bottom thickness 548, and the top thickness 546 and the bottom thickness 548 can be less than the face thickness at the rib height 540. In some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be different from the bottom thickness 548 (FIGS. 15-16). For example, in some embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be less than the top thickness 546, which can be less than the bottom thickness 548, and the bottom thickness 548 can be less than the face thickness at the rib height 540. For further examples, in some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be less than the center thickness 537, which can be less than the bottom thickness 548, and the bottom thickness 548 can be less than the face thickness 540 at the rib height 540.

[0070] In many embodiments, the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, the bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.150 cm to approximately 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the bottom thickness 548 can be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm.

[0071] In many embodiments, the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120 can be approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.2 inches (0.150 cm) and the center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.2 inches (0.150 cm) without requiring a backing material for support (e.g., without using a filler material such as an elastomer located behind the face plate). For example, the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120 can be approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.2 inches (0.150 cm) without having an elastomer or other flexible material located behind the outer face thickness 542 of the reinforcing element 120. In other examples, the center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.08 inches to approximately 0.2 inches (0.150 cm) without having an elastomer or other flexible material located behind the face center thickness 537.

[0072] Typically, the face plate of a golf club head is designed to maximize ball velocity (e.g., by reducing face plate thickness) for a particular swing speed requirement. Generally, the force at impact with a club head decreases with swing speed, so face plate thickness can be reduced with lower swing speed durability requirements (e.g., for a women's golf club head compared to a men's golf club head). For example, a club head with a lower swing speed durability requirement can have a lower center thickness 537, a lower face thickness at the rib height 540, a lower top thickness 546, a lower bottom thickness 548, or any combination of the thickness reductions discussed above, compared to a club head with a higher swing speed durability requirement. In some embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.08 inches (0.150 cm) to approximately 0.1 inches (0.250 cm), the top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.08 inches (0.150 cm) to approximately 0.1 inches (0.250 cm), and the bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.08 inches (0.150 cm) to approximately 0.1 inches (0.250 cm), enabling the club head 100 to withstand swing speeds of less than 100 miles per hour (mph) (160.9 kilometers per hour, kph), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or less than 60 mph (96.6 kph). In some embodiments, the center thickness 537 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, the top thickness 546 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 can be approximately 0.200 cm to approximately 0.300 cm, allowing the club head 100 to withstand swing speeds of less than 130 mph (209.2 kph), less than 120 mph (193.1 kph), less than 110 mph (177.0 kph), less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), or less than 90 mph (144.8 kph).

[0073] In many embodiments, the score lines 223 can have a depth of approximately 0.030 cm to approximately 0.060 cm. In some embodiments, the score lines 223 can have a depth of less than 0.060 cm, less than 0.055 cm, less than 0.050 cm, less than 0.045 cm, less than 0.040 cm, or less than 0.035 cm. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 15-16, the score lines 223 have a depth of approximately 0.046 cm. As discussed herein, measurements for the center thickness 537, the face thickness 542 on the outside of the reinforcing element 120, the top thickness 546, and the bottom thickness 548 are taken in areas of the faceplate that are free of score lines. Thus, a faceplate thickness measured within a score line 223 will be lower (depending on the depth of the score line) than an associated faceplate thickness measured outside or next to the score line 223 in the same area of ​​the faceplate.

[0074] In some embodiments, the rib width can vary across the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1), and in some embodiments, the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) and / or the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) can comprise a maximum rib span 538. The maximum rib span 538 can refer to the maximum distance measured parallel to the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) from one side of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) to the opposing side of the opposite inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). Thus, when the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises an elliptical looped rib, the maximum rib span 538 can refer to the major axis of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). Additionally, when the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) comprises a circular looped rib, the maximum rib span 538 can refer to the diameter of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1). Notably, in many embodiments, maximum rib span 538 may be measured at the midpoint of inner perimeter surface 129 (FIG. 1).

[0075] In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 can be between approximately 0.609 cm and approximately 1.88 cm. In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 can be approximately 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, if the maximum span 538 is too large (e.g., greater than approximately 1.88 cm), the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) may be insufficient to reinforce the score line 223 (FIG. 2) closest to the face center 216 (FIG. 2). On the other hand, in these or other embodiments, if the maximum span 538 is too small (e.g., less than approximately 0.609 cm), the looped rib 122 may be insufficient to reinforce the score line 223 (FIG. 2) closest to the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). In general, these upper and lower limits for the maximum rib span 538 can be a function of the size of the face element 111 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, there can be two or more ribs 621 and 641, for example as shown in FIG. 6. In this case, the inner or outer diameter of the larger rib span or rib 641 (FIG. 6) can be greater than 1.88 centimeters, and the inner or outer diameter of the smaller rib span or rib 621 (FIG. 6) can be less than 0.609 centimeters.

[0076] Additionally, the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can include a rib thickness 539. The rib thickness 539 can refer to the distance between the inner peripheral surface 129 (FIG. 1) of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) and the outer peripheral surface 128 (FIG. 1) of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) measured parallel to the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the thickness of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary throughout the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1), and the rib thickness 539 can be the maximum rib thickness of the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). In many embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 0.050 cm to approximately 1.50 cm. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 0.05 cm. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 0.25 centimeters or greater. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 0.50 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 0.75 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 1.00 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 1.25 centimeters. In some embodiments, the rib thickness 539 can be approximately 1.50 centimeters. In various embodiments, when the looped rib 127 (FIG. 1) comprises a plurality of looped ribs, two or more of the looped ribs 127 (FIG. 1) can comprise the same rib thickness and / or two or more of the looped ribs 127 (FIG. 1) can comprise different rib thicknesses. Notably, in many embodiments, the rib span 539 can be measured at the midpoint of the inner perimeter surface 129 (FIG. 1) and / or the outer perimeter surface 128 (FIG. 1).

[0077] Further still, looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can have a rib height 540. Rib height 540 can refer to the vertical distance from rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) to the center location of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) furthest from rear surface 115 (i.e., where outer peripheral surface 128 (FIG. 1) meets inner peripheral surface 129 (FIG. 1). In these or other embodiments, rib height 540 can be approximately 0.3048 centimeters or greater. In some embodiments, rib height 540 can be approximately 0.1778 cm to approximately 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 can be approximately 0.17 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.23 cm, 0.26 cm, 0.29 cm, or 0.30 cm. In many embodiments, rib height 540 can be approximately 0.2 inches (0.512 cm) or less. In some embodiments, the height of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1) can vary throughout looped rib 122, and rib height 540 can be the maximum rib height of looped rib 122 (FIG. 1). In various embodiments, when looped rib 127 (FIG. 1) comprises multiple looped ribs, two or more of looped ribs 127 (FIG. 1) can comprise the same rib height and / or two or more of looped ribs 127 (FIG. 1) can comprise different rib heights.

[0078] In many embodiments, the center thickness 537, maximum rib span 538, rib thickness 539, and / or rib height 540 may vary depending on one or more of each other. For example, the center thickness 537 may be a function of the rib thickness 539 and the rib height 540. That is, if the rib thickness 539 and / or the rib height 540 increases, the center thickness 537 may be reduced, and vice versa. On the other hand, the rib thickness 539 and the rib height 540 may vary depending on each other. For example, increasing the rib thickness 539 may allow for a reduction in the rib height, and vice versa.

[0079] 1 and 2, in many embodiments, the peripheral wall element 113 can comprise a first peripheral wall portion 124 and a second peripheral wall portion 125. The peripheral wall element 113 extends (i) at least partially around (e.g., all around) the rear peripheral edge 119 of the rear face 115, (ii) outwardly from the rear face 115 toward the rear end 104, and (iii) away from the front end 203 (FIG. 2). Meanwhile, the first peripheral wall portion 124 can extend along the rear peripheral edge 119 of the rear face 115 at the top end 101, and the second peripheral wall portion 125 can extend along the rear peripheral edge 119 of the rear face 115 at the bottom end 102. In many embodiments, the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element 120 are spaced apart and / or located away from the peripheral wall element 113 at the rear surface 115 such that the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element 120 float at the rear surface 115. Allowing the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element 120 to float may allow the face element 111 to bend generally symmetrically about the face center 216 ( FIG. 2 ).

[0080] In many embodiments, the club head body 110 can comprise (i) an upper surface 132 at least partially at the first peripheral wall 124 and / or the top end 101, and / or (ii) a sole surface 133 at least partially at the second peripheral wall 125 and / or the bottom end 102. Thus, in some embodiments, the first peripheral wall 124 can comprise at least a portion of the upper surface 132, and / or the second peripheral wall 125 can comprise at least a portion of the sole surface 133. Further, the upper surface 132 can abut the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the top end 101, and / or the sole surface 133 can abut the face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) at the bottom end 102.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second peripheral wall 125 can be approximately equal to or thinner than a thickness at the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ) and / or face element 111 proximal to the face perimeter 217. For example, the second peripheral wall 125 can be equal to or thinner than a thickness at a portion of the second peripheral wall 125 proximal to the face perimeter 217 ( FIG. 2 ) (i.e., where the second peripheral wall 125 meets the face element 111) at the face perimeter 217 and / or face element 111 proximal to the face perimeter 217. Implementing this portion of second peripheral wall 125 to a thickness equal to or thinner than face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2) and / or face elements 111 proximal to face perimeter 217 can prevent stress risers from forming in second peripheral wall 125 when face surface 214 (FIG. 2) impacts a golf ball.

[0082] The rear surface 115 comprises a first rear portion and a second rear portion. The first rear portion can refer to the portion of the rear surface 115 that is covered by the peripheral wall element 113, and the second rear portion can refer to the remaining portion of the rear surface 115. In many embodiments, the reinforcing elements 121 (e.g., the looped ribs 122) can cover approximately 25 percent or more of the surface area of ​​the second rear portion of the rear surface 115 and / or approximately 40 percent or less of the surface area of ​​the second rear portion of the rear surface 115. In other embodiments, the reinforcing elements 121 (e.g., the looped ribs 122) can cover approximately 30 percent or more of the surface area of ​​the second rear portion of the rear surface 115. In some embodiments, the reinforcing elements 121 (e.g., the looped ribs 122) can cover approximately 25 percent, 28 percent, 31 percent, 34 percent, 37 percent, or 40 percent of the surface area of ​​the second rear portion of the rear surface 115.

[0083] Additionally, the club head body 110 may include a hosel 134 or any other suitable mechanism (e.g., a bore) for receiving a shaft and coupling it to the club head 100 and / or the club head body 100. The other suitable mechanism may be similar to the hosel 134 in one or more respects.

[0084] However, generally speaking, the hosel 134 can be located at or proximate to the heel end 106. Although a shaft is not shown in the drawings, the hosel 134 can be configured to receive a shaft (i.e., through an opening in the hosel 134), such as, for example, a golf club shaft. Thus, the hosel 134 can receive the shaft and, when the hosel 134 receives the shaft, can allow the shaft to be coupled (e.g., permanently or removably) to the club head 100 and / or club head body 110.

[0085] Further, in some embodiments, the second peripheral wall 125 can include a weight cavity 135. In these embodiments, the weight cavity 135 can be configured to receive a removable or permanent weighted insert. The weighted insert can be positioned within the weight cavity 135 such that the weighted insert is located closer to the bottom end 102 of the club head 100 than the center of gravity of the club head 100. In other words, the weighted insert can be positioned within the weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of the club head 100 is located closer to the top end 101 of the club head 100 than the weighted insert. The weighted insert can be configured to change the center of gravity of the club head 100.

[0086] Continuing in the drawings, Figure 6 illustrates a top, rear, toe-side view of a club head 600 according to one embodiment, while Figure 7 illustrates a top, front, toe-side view of the club head 600 according to the embodiment of Figure 6.

[0087] Club head 600 may be similar to or identical to club head 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, club head 600 may include a reinforcement device 612, which may include a reinforcement element 620. Reinforcement device 612 may be similar to or identical to reinforcement device 112 (FIG. 1), and reinforcement element 620 may be similar to or identical to reinforcement element 120 (FIG. 1).

[0088] The reinforcing element 620 may comprise a first reinforcing element 621 and a second reinforcing element 641. The first reinforcing element 621 and / or the second reinforcing element 641 may each be similar to the first reinforcing element 121 (FIG. 1). Thus, the first reinforcing element 621 may comprise a first looped rib 622 and the second reinforcing element 641 may comprise a second looped rib 642. The first looped rib 622 and / or the second looped rib 642 may each be similar to the looped rib 122 (FIG. 1).

[0089] In these embodiments, the first reinforcing element 621 and / or the first looped rib 622 can comprise a circular looped rib, and the second reinforcing element 622 and / or the second looped rib 642 can comprise an elliptical looped rib. The second reinforcing element 622 and / or the second looped rib 642 can surround the first reinforcing element 621 and / or the first looped rib 622. In many embodiments, the major axis of the elliptical looped rib can be approximately parallel to the x-axis of the club head 600. The x-axis can be approximate to or the same as the x-axis 107 (FIG. 1). In the same or different embodiments, the minor axis of the elliptical looped rib can be non-parallel to the y-axis of the club head 600. The y-axis can be approximate to or the same as the y-axis 108 (FIG. 1).

[0090] The club head 600 having the reinforcement device 612 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (not shown) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102. The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the area between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 of the club head 600 having the reinforcement device 612. The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

[0091] In another embodiment, FIG. 8 shows a side view of the club head 800 according to another embodiment of FIG. 1 along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2. The club head 800 shown in FIG. 8 shows an insert 805 in the cavity 131. FIG. 9 shows a top, rear, heel side view of the club head 800 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the insert 805 can be a vibration dampening feature. The insert 805 can be a non-metallic material, an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or another material such as foam. The insert 805 can be used to tune the sound and feel of the club head 800. By absorbing or damping vibrations, the insert 805 improves the feel of the club head 800. In addition, the insert 805 absorbs the sound of the golf ball striking the face, which makes the golf club 800 feel less hollow and more solid. In a further embodiment, the cavity 131 can be at least partially covered by a badge (not shown). The badge may be separate from or integral with the insert 805. In other embodiments, the badge may be integral with a reinforcing element, such as reinforcing element 120 (FIG. 1).

[0092] In some cases, the insert 805 may weigh less than about 3 g so as not to significantly affect the swing weight or center of gravity of the club head 800. In other embodiments, the insert 805 may weigh more than about 3 g, such as about 5 g to about 10 g, and may contribute more to the swing weight and / or center of gravity of the club head 800. In some embodiments, the insert 805 may be attached to the cavity 131 using epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, vibration dampening features, or high strength tape such as 3M™ VHB™ tape. In other embodiments, the insert 805 may be poured directly into the cavity 131 and glued. Badges may be glued using similar adhesives. In some embodiments, the insert 805 or badges may be flush with the looped ribs 122 (FIG. 1) at the top of the rib height 540, or they may be below the rib height 540 when fully assembled.

[0093] In some embodiments, at least one vibration dampening feature (e.g., insert 805 ( FIG. 8 ) may be disposed on the rear face 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800. The vibration dampening feature may produce a more desirable sound from the golf club head 800 upon impact. The thin face element 111 ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf club head 800 may generate undesirable sounds when striking a golf ball. The vibration dampening feature may reduce vibrations, which may result in a more desirable sound upon impact with the thin face element 111 ( FIG. 1 ). The vibration dampening component may provide a more desirable noise reduction during use. The vibration dampening features may increase the confidence of a user of the golf club head 800. The vibration dampening features may also reduce the vibration shock felt by a user of the golf club when striking a golf ball. Additionally, the vibration dampening features may reduce vibration fatigue, resulting in less wear on the golf club 800 and various features, such as, but not limited to, the cavity 131 and the weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). Reduced vibration fatigue may also reduce the risk of loosening or displacing parts, such as, but not limited to, the insert 805 of the cavity 131 and the insert in the weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). Reduced vibration fatigue may increase the performance life of the golf club head 800.

[0094] As seen in FIG. 12, in further embodiments, the vibration damping feature can comprise at least one layer of viscoelastic vibration damping material. The vibration damping material can include a pressure sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer and aluminum foil in a vibration damping foil 1202, such as 3M™ Vibration Damping Foil Tape 2552. The vibration damping foil 1202 can comprise an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the vibration damping feature can comprise at least one viscoelastic adhesive layer 1203, which can comprise a composition of various layers of at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a viscoelastic foam tape, and / or a high strength tape, such as 3M™ VHB™ tape. In some embodiments, the vibration damping feature can comprise various layer combinations of at least one of the viscoelastic adhesive 1203, the vibration damping foil 1202, and / or the badge 1201.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the vibration damping feature may be disposed on the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800, which comprises a rear surface material, such as steel 1204. In another embodiment, the vibration damping feature may be disposed within the cavity 131 of the golf club head 800 or above or below the insert 805. The vibration damping feature may be located at various locations on the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ) of the golf club head 800. Generally, the vibration damping feature is located at least partially under the outline of the badge on the rear surface 115 ( FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the vibration damping feature is disposed under the entire outline of the badge. In other embodiments, the vibration damping feature is disposed at least partially under only certain areas of the outline of the badge, such as the aluminum area or the elastomer area. The vibration damping feature may be disposed only under at least a portion of the peripheral area of ​​the outline of the badge. In some embodiments, the vibration damping feature may be disposed at least partially within the cavity 131 of the golf club head 800. The vibration dampening feature may be disposed at least partially above or below the insert 805 within the cavity 131. In many embodiments, the arrangement of the vibration dampening feature on the golf club head 800 includes various combinations where the foil is disposed at least partially below the badge, at least partially above the insert 805, at least partially within the weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1), and / or at least partially within the cavity 131. In some embodiments, the vibration dampening feature is disposed such that it covers at least 10 percent of the surface area of ​​the rear face 115 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the vibration dampening feature can cover at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 percent of the surface area of ​​the rear face 115.

[0096] The club head 800 with the insert 805 may also have a uniform transition thickness 550 (FIG. 8) extending from the front end 203 to the bottom end 102. The uniform transition thickness 550 absorbs stresses directed to the area between the front end 203 and the bottom end 102 of the club head 800 with the insert 805. The uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, the uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

[0097] The golf club heads 100, 300, 600, 800 may be part of a set of club heads having varying loft angles. In some embodiments, the center thickness 537, the face thickness 542 outside the reinforcement elements 120, the top thickness 546, the bottom thickness 548, the face thickness at the rib height 540, or a combination of the aforementioned thicknesses may vary with the loft angle of the club heads within the set of club heads.

[0098] Turning now to the next drawing, FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart for one embodiment of a method 1000 for providing a golf club head. Method 1000 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1000 may be used in many different embodiments or examples not expressly shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the acts, steps, and / or processes of method 1000 may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the acts, steps, and / or processes of method 1000 may be performed in any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more of the acts, steps, and / or processes in method 1000 may be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the golf club head may be similar to or identical to golf club head 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), golf club head 600 (FIGS. 6 and 7), and / or golf club head 800 (FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0099] The method 1000 may include an operation 1001 of providing a face element. The face element may be similar to or identical to the face element 111 (FIG. 1).

[0100] The method 1000 may include an operation 1002 of providing a reinforcement device. The reinforcement device may be similar to or identical to the reinforcement device 112 (FIG. 1). FIG. 11 illustrates an example operation 1002 according to the embodiment of FIG.

[0101] For example, operation 1002 may include operation 1101 of providing a first reinforcing element. The first reinforcing element may be similar to or identical to any one of first reinforcing element 121 (FIG. 1), reinforcing element 621 (FIG. 6), reinforcing element 120 (FIG. 1), and / or any one of reinforcing elements 620 (FIG. 6).

[0102] Additionally, activity 1002 may include activity 1102 of providing a second reinforcement element. The second reinforcement element may be similar to or identical to any one of second reinforcement element 641 (FIG. 6) and / or reinforcement element 620 (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, activity 1101 and activity 1102 may be performed substantially simultaneously. In other embodiments, activity 1102 may be omitted.

[0103] 10, method 1000 may include operation 1003 of providing a peripheral wall element. The peripheral wall element may be similar to or identical to peripheral wall element 113 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, operation 1003 may be omitted.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method 1000 may include an operation 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity within the reinforcement device provided in operation 1002. In some embodiments, operation 1004 may be omitted.

[0105] In many embodiments, two or more of the operations 1001-1004 may be performed sequentially or substantially contemporaneously with one another. In these or other embodiments, the operations 1001-1004 may be performed using any suitable manufacturing technique (e.g., casting, forging, molding, machining, joining, etc.).

[0106] Although the golf club head and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. For example, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that operations 1001-1004 of FIG. 10 and operations 1101 and 1102 of FIG. 11 may be comprised of many different procedures, processes, and operations and may be performed in many different orders by many different modules, that any element of FIG. 1-4 may be modified, and that the above discussion of some of these embodiments is not necessarily a complete description of all possible embodiments.

[0107] Additionally, although the above examples may be described in connection with iron-type golf club heads, the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as wood-type golf clubs, putter-type golf clubs, etc. Alternatively, the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

[0108] Further examples of such modifications and other alternatives are contemplated as well as other permutations of different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures set forth in the preceding description. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to illustrate, but not limit, the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the scope of the application be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

[0109] Clause 1: A golf club head comprising: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; a face element, the face element including a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center located generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery; and a reinforcement device located at the rear surface, wherein an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and passes through the x-axis and 1. A golf club head comprising: a reinforcing element having a geometric center that is substantially on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear surface toward and away from the rear surface; a reinforcing element having a geometric center that is substantially on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear surface toward and away from the front surface; a reinforcing element having a geometric center that is substantially on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear surface toward and away from the front surface; and a reinforcing element having a geometric center that is substantially on the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear surface toward and away from the front surface;

[0110] Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the face surface includes one or more scoring lines extending between the toe end and the heel end.

[0111] Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, comprising an iron-type golf club head.

[0112] Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein at least one of the rear surface is closer to the face surface at the face center than proximate the face periphery and the center thickness from the face center to the rear center is approximately 0.203 centimeters or less.

[0113] Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein at least one of the looped rib is symmetrical about the x-axis and the looped rib is symmetrical about the y-axis.

[0114] Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 5, wherein the looped rib comprises an elliptical looped rib.

[0115] Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 6, wherein the elliptical loop rib comprises a circular loop rib.

[0116] Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element has an outer peripheral surface, the looped rib has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element has the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted relative to the rear surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the looped rib is filleted relative to the rear surface.

[0117] Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the looped rib has an inner perimeter surface, the looped rib has a cavity defined by the inner perimeter surface and a rear surface, and the cavity is devoid of a weighted insert.

[0118] Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the looped rib has an inner circumferential surface, the looped rib has a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the cavity receiving an insert.

[0119] Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or a foam.

[0120] Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the cavity is at least partially covered by the badge.

[0121] Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the badge is integral with the insert.

[0122] Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the insert weighs approximately 3 grams or less.

[0123] Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the combined weight of the insert and badge is approximately 8 grams or less.

[0124] Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the rear surface at least partially comprises a vibration-damping feature disposed thereon.

[0125] Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the vibration damping feature comprises at least one of a vibration-damping foil disposed on a rear surface of the golf club head, a badge at least partially covering the rear surface of the golf club head, and a badge at least partially covering the cavity.

[0126] Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein the vibration-damping foil is located between the badge and at least one of the rear face and the cavity of the golf club head.

[0127] Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein the badge comprises at least one aluminum region, and the vibration-damping foil is located between the aluminum region and at least one of the rear face and the cavity of the golf club head.

[0128] Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a peripheral wall element extending outwardly from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the peripheral wall element comprising a first peripheral wall portion extending along the periphery of the rear face at a top end and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the periphery of the rear face at a bottom end.

[0129] Clause 21: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein at least a portion of the second perimeter wall is thinner than a face element proximate the face perimeter.

[0130] Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the second peripheral wall includes a weight cavity configured to receive a weighted insert.

[0131] Clause 23: The golf club head of clause 18, wherein the weighted insert has a weight between approximately 5 grams and approximately 10 grams.

[0132] Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the rear surface has a first rear surface portion and a second rear surface portion, the peripheral wall element extends entirely around the periphery of the rear surface and covers the first rear surface portion, the second rear surface portion has a surface area, and the reinforcing element covers at least approximately 25 percent of the surface area.

[0133] Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element has an outer peripheral surface, the looped rib has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element has the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib, and the inner peripheral surface has a maximum rib span of approximately 0.609 centimeters or more and approximately 1.88 centimeters or less.

[0134] Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element has an outer peripheral surface, the looped rib has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element has the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib, and a rib thickness between the inner peripheral surface of the looped rib and the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib is approximately 0.0508 centimeters to approximately 1.448 centimeters.

[0135] Clause 27: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the looped rib has a rib height, the rib height being from approximately 0.1778 centimeters to approximately 0.3048 centimeters.

[0136] Clause 28: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the looped rib has an inner periphery surface, the inner periphery surface of the looped rib at the rib height being substantially perpendicular to the trailing surface.

[0137] Clause 29: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the looped rib has a rib height, the rib height being greatest at an intermediate region of the looped rib.

[0138] Clause 30: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, the looped rib comprises a first looped rib, and the reinforcing device comprises a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element comprises a second looped rib, the second looped rib being approximately concentric with the first looped rib.

[0139] Clause 31: An iron-type golf club head, comprising: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; a face element, the face element comprising: a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery; a reinforcement device located at the rear surface; and (i) a peripheral wall element extending from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the peripheral wall element including a first peripheral wall portion extending along the peripheral edge of the rear surface at a top end and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the peripheral edge of the rear surface at a bottom end, wherein an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center; and a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and generally perpendicular to the x-axis. , passing through the rear center, a z-axis extending generally perpendicular to a face surface and generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis passing through the rear center, the x-axis extending through the toe end and the heel end equidistant from the top end and the bottom end, the y-axis extending through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end, and the z-axis extending through the front end and the rear end (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) equidistant from the top end and the rear end, wherein the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element having a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending from the rear face toward and away from the front end, the reinforcement element comprising a closed circular loop rib, and wherein the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head, a center thickness from the face center to the rear center being approximately 0.203 centimeters or greater, and at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion being thinner than a face element proximal to the face periphery.

[0140] Clause 32: An iron-type golf club head as described in Clause 27, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, the reinforcing device comprises a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element comprises a closed elliptical loop-shaped rib surrounding the closed circular loop-shaped rib, the closed elliptical loop-shaped rib being generally concentric with the closed circular loop-shaped rib, and the closed elliptical loop-shaped rib having a major axis generally parallel to the x-axis.

[0141] Clause 33: A method of providing a golf club head, comprising: providing a face element comprising: a face surface located at a front end and having a face center and a face periphery; and a rear surface located at a rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery; and providing a reinforcement device at the rear surface, wherein the golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, wherein an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, and a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface. and wherein the stiffening element extends along a geometric centerline of the rear surface, extends generally perpendicular to an x-axis and a y-axis and passes through a rear center, the x-axis extends through the toe and heel ends equidistant from the top and bottom ends, the y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends (i) from the toe and heel ends and (ii) equidistant from the top and rear ends, and wherein providing a stiffening device includes providing a stiffening element with a geometric center located generally on the z-axis, the stiffening element extending out from the rear surface toward and away from the front end, the stiffening element including looped ribs, and a face surface being closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery.

[0142] Clause 34: The method of clause 29, wherein the looped rib has an inner peripheral surface, the looped rib has a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and a rear surface, the central cavity receiving an insert.

[0143] Clause 35: The method of clause 29, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element and the looped rib comprises a first looped rib, and providing the reinforcing device further comprises providing a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element comprises a second looped rib, and the second looped rib is substantially concentric with the first looped rib.

[0144] Clause 36: A golf club comprising: a shaft; a golf club head coupled to the shaft, the golf club head having a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, a face element, the face element having a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery, a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface having a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery, and a reinforcement device located at the rear surface, wherein an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, and a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, 11. A golf club comprising: a z-axis extending generally perpendicular to a face surface, extending generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passing through a rear center; an x-axis extending through the toe and heel ends equidistant from the top and bottom ends; a y-axis extending through the top and bottom ends equidistant from the toe and heel ends; and a z-axis extending through the front and rear ends (i) from the toe and heel ends and (ii) equidistant from the top and rear ends; a reinforcement device comprising a reinforcement element having a geometric center located generally on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending outward from the rear surface toward and away from the front end; the reinforcement element comprising looped ribs; and a face surface being closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery.

[0145] Clause 37: A golf club head comprising: a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; a face element, the face element including a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center; and a reinforcement device located at the rear surface, wherein an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface and extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through the rear center, and the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end. 16. A golf club head comprising: a y-axis extending through the top and bottom ends equidistant from the toe and heel ends; and a z-axis extending through the front and rear ends (i) from the toe and heel ends and (ii) equidistant from the top and rear ends; wherein the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element having a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcement element comprising a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the face surface being closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcement element is filleted to the rear face with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater; and the inner circumferential surface including a maximum rib span of approximately 0.609 centimeters or greater to approximately 1.88 centimeters.

[0146] Clause 38: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the face surface includes one or more scoring lines extending between the toe end and the heel end.

[0147] Clause 39: The golf club head of Clause 37, further comprising a lip located on a rear surface of the club head.

[0148] Clause 40: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the rear surface is at least one of closer to the face surface at the face center than proximate the face periphery and a central thickness from the face center to the rear center is approximately 0.203 centimeters or less.

[0149] Clause 41: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein at least one of the looped rib is symmetrical about the x-axis and the looped rib is symmetrical about the y-axis.

[0150] Clause 42: The golf club head of clause 41, wherein the looped ribs comprise elliptical looped ribs.

[0151] Clause 43: The golf club head of clause 42, wherein the elliptical looped rib comprises a circular looped rib.

[0152] Clause 44: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the looped rib is filleted relative to the rear surface.

[0153] Clause 45: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the looped rib includes a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the cavity being devoid of a weighted insert.

[0154] Clause 46: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the looped rib includes a cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the cavity receiving an insert.

[0155] Clause 47: The golf club head of clause 46, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or a foam.

[0156] Clause 48: A golf club head as described in Clause 46, wherein the rear surface at least partially comprises a vibration damping feature disposed thereon, the vibration damping feature comprising at least one of a vibration damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head, a badge at least partially covering the rear surface of the golf club head, and a badge at least partially covering the cavity.

[0157] Clause 49: The golf club head of clause 48, wherein a vibration-damping foil is located between the badge and at least one of the rear face and the cavity of the golf club head.

[0158] Clause 50: The golf club head of clause 37, further comprising a peripheral wall element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the peripheral wall element comprising a first peripheral wall portion extending along the periphery of the rear face at a top end and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the periphery of the rear face at a bottom end.

[0159] Clause 51: A golf club head as described in Clause 37, wherein the reinforcing element has an outer peripheral surface, the looped rib has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element has the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib, and a rib thickness between the inner peripheral surface of the looped rib and the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib is approximately 0.0508 centimeters to approximately 1.448 centimeters.

[0160] Clause 52: A method of providing a golf club head, comprising the steps of: providing a face element comprising: a face surface located at a front end and having a face center and a face periphery; and a rear surface located at a rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center; and providing a reinforcement device at the rear surface, wherein the golf club head comprises a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, an x-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, a z-axis extends generally perpendicular to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through the rear center, and the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end equidistant from the top end and the bottom end. a y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and a z-axis extends through the front and rear ends equidistant (i) from the toe and heel ends, and (ii) from the top and rear ends, wherein providing a reinforcement device includes providing a reinforcement element with a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcement element comprising a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the face surface being closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcement element is filleted to the rear face with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater, and the inner circumferential surface includes a maximum rib span of approximately 0.609 centimeters or greater to approximately 1.88 centimeters.

[0161] Clause 53: The golf club head of clause 52, wherein the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by an inner circumferential surface and a rear surface, the central cavity receiving an insert.

[0162] Clause 54: A golf club head as described in Clause 52, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element and the looped rib comprises a first looped rib, and providing the reinforcing device further includes providing a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element comprises a second looped rib, and the second looped rib is generally concentric with the first looped rib.

[0163] Clause 55: A golf club comprising: a shaft; a golf club head coupled to the shaft, the golf club head having a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, a face element, the face element having a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery, a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface having a rear center and a rear periphery approximately opposite the face center, and a reinforcement device located at the rear surface, wherein an x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center, a y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face surface and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and passes through the rear center, a z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face surface and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and passes through the rear center, the x-axis passes through the toe end and the heel end. a y-axis extends through the top and bottom ends equidistant from the toe and heel ends, and a z-axis extends through the front and rear ends equidistant from (i) the toe and heel ends and (ii) the top and rear ends, the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element with a geometric center located approximately on the z-axis, the reinforcement element extends from the rear face toward and away from the front end, the reinforcement element comprises a looped rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the face surface is closer to the rear face proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery, the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcement element is filleted to the rear face with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or more, and the inner circumferential surface includes a maximum rib span of approximately 0.609 centimeters or more to approximately 1.88 centimeters.

[0164] The golf club heads and related methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the above discussion of some of these embodiments is not necessarily a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may disclose alternative embodiments.

[0165] Substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a correction. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause or make more pronounced 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 within such claim.

[0166] Because the Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be repealed or amended, by golf's standards organizations and / or governing bodies, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment to which the devices, methods, and products described herein relate may or may not comply with the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment to which the devices, methods, and products described herein relate may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as either compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The devices, methods, and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0167] Furthermore, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein will not be made available to the public under the doctrine of public domain if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) is an equivalent or potential equivalent of an explicit element and / or limitation in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. The features of the technology described in this specification are listed below. (Feature 1) A golf club head, a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center; The face element comprising: a reinforcement device located on the rear surface, an x-axis extends substantially parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center; a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis, and passes through the rear center; a z-axis extends substantially perpendicular to the face surface, extends substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and passes through the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end; the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end at a position equidistant from (i) the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) the top end and the rear end; the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element having a geometric center located substantially on the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises a looped rib having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the face surface is closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater; The golf club head, wherein the inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to about 0.609 centimeters to about 1.88 centimeters. (Feature 2) 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face surface includes one or more scoring lines extending between the toe end and the heel end. (Feature 3) 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising a lip located on the rear surface of the club head. (Feature 4) the rear surface is closer to the face surface at the face center than proximate the face periphery; and 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center thickness from the face center to the back center is less than or equal to approximately 0.203 centimeters. (Feature 5) the looped rib is symmetrical about the x-axis; and 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the looped rib is symmetrical about the y-axis. (Feature 6) 6. The golf club head of feature 5, wherein the looped rib comprises an elliptical looped rib. (Feature 7) 7. The golf club head of feature 6, wherein the elliptical looped rib comprises a circular looped rib. (Feature 8) 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the looped rib is filleted relative to the rear surface. (Feature 9) the looped rib includes a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the rear surface; 2. The golf club head of feature 1, wherein the cavity is devoid of a weighted insert. (Feature 10) the looped rib includes a cavity defined by the inner circumferential surface and the rear surface; 2. The golf club head of feature 1, wherein the cavity accommodates an insert. (Feature 11) 11. The golf club head of feature 10, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or a foam. (Feature 12) the rear surface at least partially comprising a vibration damping feature disposed thereon; The vibration dampening feature comprises: a vibration-damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head; a badge at least partially covering the rear face of the golf club head; and and a badge at least partially covering the cavity. 11. The golf club head according to feature 10. (Feature 13) The vibration-damping foil is connected to the badge. the rear surface of the golf club head; and and at least one of the cavities. 13. The golf club head according to feature 12. (Feature 14) a peripheral wall element extending from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the peripheral wall element comprising: a first peripheral wall extending along the peripheral edge of the rear face at the upper end; 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising: a second peripheral wall extending along the periphery of the rear face at the bottom end. (Feature 15) the reinforcing element having a peripheral edge surface; the looped rib has an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element comprises the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib; 2. The golf club head of feature 1, wherein a rib thickness between the inner peripheral surface of the looped rib and the outer peripheral surface of the looped rib is approximately 0.0508 centimeters to approximately 1.448 centimeters. (Feature 16) 1. A method of providing a golf club head, comprising: a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery; providing a face element comprising: a rear surface at the rear end generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface comprising a rear center generally opposite the face center, and a rear periphery; providing a reinforcement device on the posterior surface; The golf club head, a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, an x-axis extends substantially parallel to the face plane and passes through the rear center; a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis, and passes through the rear center; a z-axis extends substantially perpendicular to the face surface, extends substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and passes through the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end; the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end at a position equidistant from (i) the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) the top end and the rear end; providing the reinforcement device includes providing a reinforcement element having a geometric center located substantially on the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises a looped rib having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the face surface is closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater; The method, wherein the inner periphery includes a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to about 0.609 centimeters to about 1.88 centimeters. (Feature 17) the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the central cavity accommodates an insert. (Feature 18) the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element; the looped rib comprises a first looped rib; the step of providing a reinforcement device further comprises the step of providing a second reinforcement element; the second reinforcing element comprises a second looped rib; 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the second looped rib is substantially concentric with the first looped rib. (Feature 19) A golf club, A shaft, A golf club head coupled to the shaft, a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center generally opposite the face center and a rear periphery; and a face element comprising: a reinforcement device located on the rear surface; and a golf club head comprising: an x-axis extends substantially parallel to the face plane and passes through the rear center; a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis, and passes through the rear center; a z-axis extends substantially perpendicular to the face surface, extends substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and passes through the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end; the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end at a position equidistant from (i) the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) the top end and the rear end; the reinforcement device comprises a reinforcement element having a geometric center located substantially on the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises a looped rib having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the face surface is closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of approximately 0.012 centimeters or greater; and the inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to about 0.609 centimeters to about 1.88 centimeters; Golf club.

Claims

1. A golf club head, a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear periphery opposite the face center; The face element comprising: a reinforcement device located on the rear surface, an x-axis extends parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center; a y-axis extends parallel to the face surface, extends perpendicular to the x-axis, and passes through the rear center; a z-axis extends perpendicular to the face surface, perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and passes through the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end; the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end, (i) from the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) equidistant from the top end and the rear end; the reinforcement device comprising a reinforcement element having a geometric center located substantially on the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises a looped rib having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the looped rib has an associated rib height; the face surface is closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the face surface having an associated face thickness; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of curvature between 0.012 centimeters and 2.0 centimeters; the inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to 0.609 centimeters to 1.88 centimeters; a center thickness from the face center to the rear center is 0.203 centimeters or less; a lip portion extends around the reinforcing element from the heel end to the toe end; The lip has an associated lip height.

2. the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface; the rear surface at least partially comprising a vibration damping feature disposed thereon; The vibration dampening feature comprises: a vibration-damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head; a badge at least partially covering the rear face of the golf club head; and 2. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising: a badge at least partially covering the cavity.

3. The vibration-damping foil is connected to the badge. the rear surface of the golf club head; and The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein the cavity is located between at least one of the first and second cavities.

4. the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface; the central cavity receiving an insert; The golf club head of claim 2 , wherein the badge is integral with the insert.

5. 5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the fillets of the peripheral surface of the reinforcing element transition to the lip portion, and the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillets from the face thickness at a rib height to a minimum thickness and gradually increases from the minimum thickness to the face thickness at the lip portion height.

6. The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein a minimum thickness between the reinforcing element and the lip is greater than the center thickness.

7. The golf club head of claim 5 , wherein a minimum thickness between the reinforcing element and the lip is approximately equal to the center thickness.

8. 8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face thickness at rib height is between 0.30 and 0.70 centimeters.

9. 9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face thickness outside of the reinforcing elements is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters.

10. the face thickness outside the reinforcing elements is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters; 9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the center thickness is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters.

11. A golf club head, a top end and a bottom end opposite the top end; a front end and a rear end opposite the front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and including a face center and a face periphery; a rear surface located at the rear end and generally opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear periphery generally opposite the face center; The face element comprising: a reinforcement device located on the rear surface, an x-axis extends substantially parallel to the face surface and passes through the rear center; a y-axis extends generally parallel to the face surface, extends generally perpendicular to the x-axis, and passes through the rear center; a z-axis extends substantially perpendicular to the face surface, extends substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis, and passes through the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end at a position equidistant from the top end and the bottom end; the y-axis extends through the top end and the bottom end equidistant from the toe end and the heel end; the z-axis extends through the front end and the rear end, (i) from the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) equidistant from the top end and the rear end; the reinforcement device comprising a reinforcement element having a geometric center located substantially on the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; the reinforcing element comprises a looped rib having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface; the looped rib has an associated rib height; the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface; the central cavity receives an insert; the face surface is closer to the rear surface proximate the face center than proximate the face periphery; the face surface having an associated face thickness; the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of curvature between 0.012 centimeters and 2.0 centimeters; the inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of greater than or equal to 0.609 centimeters to 1.88 centimeters; a center thickness from the face center to the rear center is 0.203 centimeters or less; a lip portion extends around the reinforcing element from the heel end to the toe end; The lip has an associated lip height.

12. the rear surface at least partially comprising a vibration damping feature disposed thereon; The vibration dampening feature comprises: a vibration-damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head; and at least one of a badge at least partially covering the rear face of the golf club head, and a badge at least partially covering the cavity. The golf club head of claim 11.

13. The vibration-damping foil is connected to the badge. the rear surface of the golf club head; and and at least one of the cavities. The golf club head of claim 12.

14. the looped rib includes a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface; the central cavity receiving an insert; The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein the badge is integral with the insert.

15. 15. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the fillets of the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element transition to the lip portion, and the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillets from the face thickness at a rib height to a minimum thickness and gradually increases from the minimum thickness to the face thickness at the lip portion height.

16. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein a minimum thickness between the reinforcing element and the lip is greater than the center thickness.

17. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein a minimum thickness between the reinforcing element and the lip is approximately equal to the center thickness.

18. 18. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the face thickness at rib height is between 0.30 and 0.70 centimeters.

19. 19. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the face thickness outside of the reinforcing elements is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters.

20. the face thickness outside the reinforcing elements is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters; 19. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the center thickness is between 0.150 and 0.300 centimeters.

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