Multi-element golf club head

Abstract

Disclosed are embodiments of a golf club head comprising a first component and a second component that are joined together to enclose a hollow interior. The first component comprises at least a striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension. In some embodiments, the first component also comprises a weight channel at its rear end and one or more braces attached to the striking face return and the rear extension. The second component comprises a crown portion, a sole-toe portion, and a sole-heel portion. The density of the second component is less than the density of the first component. In some embodiments, the first component mass is 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment and, more particularly, to multi-element golf club heads and methods of manufacturing multi-element golf club heads. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, club head mass is the sum of structural mass and discretionary mass. In an ideal club design with a constant total swing weight, structural mass would be minimized (without sacrificing resiliency), thereby providing the designer with sufficient discretionary mass for arbitrary placement to customize and maximize club performance. Structural mass generally refers to the mass of material required to provide the club head with structural resiliency to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design dependent, and the designer has relatively little control over a particular mass distribution. Conversely, discretionary mass is any additional mass (beyond minimum structural requirements) that may be added to a club head design solely to customize the performance and / or forgiveness of the club. There is a need in the art for alternative designs to all metal golf club heads to provide a means to maximize discretionary mass to maximize club head moment of inertia (MOI) and lower / rear center of gravity (CG), and provide options for golf ball flight manipulation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a rear view of the assembled golf club head.

[0004] [Figure 1B] 1 shows a bottom view of an assembled golf club head.

[0005] [Figure 1C] 1 shows a front perspective view of an assembled golf club head.

[0006] [Figure 1D] 1D shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head having a loft plane, a ground plane, and a Z-axis taken along line 1D-1D of FIG. 1B.

[0007] [Figure 1E] 1 shows a front view of an assembled golf club head having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a hosel axis.

[0008] [Figure 1F] 1 shows an assembly diagram and an exploded diagram of a golf club head.

[0009] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of a second component of the golf club head.

[0010] [Figure 3A] 1 shows a front inside view of a second component of a golf club head.

[0011] [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a front interior view of a second component of a golf club head according to one embodiment.

[0012] [Figure 4] 1 shows a front top view of a first component of a golf club head.

[0013] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a top view of a first component of a golf club head.

[0014] [Figure 6] 1 is a rear view of a first component of a golf club head showing a mid-plane passing through the strike face center parallel to the ground plane.

[0015] [Figure 7A] 6 shows a cross section of the first component of FIG. 6 taken along reference line 610 of FIG.

[0016] [Figure 7B] 7 shows a cross-section of the first component of FIG. 6 taken along reference line VIIA-VIIA of FIG. 6.

[0017] [Figure 7C] 6A shows a cross-section of the first component of FIG. 6 taken along reference line VIIB-VIIB of FIG. 6.

[0018] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a bottom view of a first component of a golf club head.

[0019] [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole of the first component of the golf club head.

[0020] [Figure 10] 1 shows an enlarged rear view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

[0021] [Figure 11] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the mass of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

[0022] [Figure 12] 1 illustrates a sole rear extension mass of a first component of a golf club head with a removable weight recess and a recessed weight recess.

[0023] [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a removable weight with a threaded fastener.

[0024] [Figure 14] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a removable weight with a threaded fastener.

[0025] [Figure 15] 1 illustrates the first component of a golf club head showing a cast support bar.

[0026] [Figure 16A] 13 shows a side view of a recessed weight for fitting into the recessed weight recess of FIG. 12.

[0027] [Figure 16B] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the embedded weight.

[0028] [Figure 17] 1 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to a second embodiment.

[0029] [Figure 18] 18 shows a perspective view of a first component of the club head of FIG. 17.

[0030] [Figure 19A] FIG. 19 shows a sole view of the first component of FIG. 18 with a movable weight in a central location.

[0031] [Figure 19B] FIG. 19 shows a sole view of the first component of FIG. 18 with a moveable weight in a toe position.

[0032] [Figure 19C] FIG. 19 shows a sole view of the first component of FIG. 18 with a moveable weight in a heel position.

[0033] [Figure 20] 18 shows an enlarged side view of a golf club head similar to that of FIG. 17 with a weight channel and moveable weight in a central location.

[0034] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an enlarged rear view of the weight channel of FIG. 20.

[0035] [Figure 22] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Diagram 23] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 24] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Diagram 25] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

[0039] [Figure 26] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension, according to one embodiment.

[0040] [Figure 27] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a rear sole extension with varying width, according to one embodiment.

[0041] [Figure 28] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a rear sole extension with varying width, according to one embodiment.

[0042] [Figure 29] 1 illustrates a front view of a second component of a golf club head according to one embodiment.

[0043] [Diagram 30] 1 illustrates a front view of a second component of a golf club head according to one embodiment.

[0044] [Diagram 31] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled sole rear extension on the toe side according to one embodiment.

[0045] [Diagram 32] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled heel-side sole rear extension, according to one embodiment.

[0046] [Diagram 33] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled sole rear extension, according to one embodiment.

[0047] [Diagram 34] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having an angled sole rear extension, according to one embodiment.

[0048] [Diagram 35] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a return portion with an angled rear end, according to one embodiment.

[0049] [Diagram 36] 1 illustrates a sole view of a golf club head having a return portion with a rear offset portion, according to one embodiment.

[0050] [Figure 37] 1 illustrates a perspective crown view of a first component of a golf club head including a crown and a sole return including a weight channel and a crown brace according to one embodiment.

[0051] [Figure 38] FIG. 38 shows a side view of the first component of FIG. 37.

[0052] [Figure 39] FIG. 38 shows a top view of the first component of FIG. 37.

[0053] [Diagram 40] 38 illustrates a front view of a segmented second component of a golf club head configured to couple to the first component of FIG. 37.

[0054] [Diagram 41] 13 shows an exploded view of a golf club head according to a third embodiment.

[0055] [Diagram 42] 13 illustrates a second portion inner extension of an alternative embodiment of a golf club head.

[0056] [Diagram 43] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with toe and heel skirt braces.

[0057] [Diagram 44] A top view of the golf club head of FIG. 43 is shown.

[0058] [Diagram 45] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with toe and heel skirt braces and a crown brace.

[0059] [Figure 46] 46 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 45.

[0060] [Figure 47] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension.

[0061] [Figure 48] 48 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 47.

[0062] [Figure 49] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with a toe and heel side crown brace attached to the center of the sole extension.

[0063] [Figure 50] 50 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 49.

[0064] [Figure 51] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension and toe and heel skirt braces.

[0065] [Figure 52] A top view of the golf club head of FIG. 52 is shown.

[0066] [Figure 53] 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example fourth embodiment with parallel toe and heel side crown braces attached to the sides of the sole extension and toe and heel side skirt braces.

[0067] [Figure 54] A top view of the golf club head of FIG. 53 is shown.

[0068] [Figure 55] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a golf club head according to an example of a fourth embodiment with intersecting crown braces and toe and heel side skirt braces.

[0069] [Figure 56] FIG. 56 shows a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 55.

[0070] [Figure 57] 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club head according to a fifth embodiment.

[0071] [Figure 58] 54 shows a sole perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 53.

[0072] [Figure 59] 54 shows a perspective view of the first component of the club head of FIG. 53.

[0073] [Figure 60] 54 illustrates an alternative exploded view of the golf club head of FIG. 53.

[0074] [Figure 61] 1 shows a first method for manufacturing a golf club head.

[0075] [Figure 62] 4 shows a second method for manufacturing a golf club head.

[0076] [Figure 63] 4 shows a third method for manufacturing a golf club head.

[0077] [Figure 64] 1 shows a graph of simulated rear weight relative vertical displacement after center impact for a series of test club head components.

[0078] [Figure 65] 65 shows a graph of rear weight relative vertical displacement after center impact for selected test club head components from the simulation of FIG. 64.

[0079] [Figure 66] This is an enlargement of the graph in Figure 65.

[0080] [Figure 67] 1 shows a graph of simulated rear weight relative vertical displacement after toe side impact for selected test club head components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] Described herein is a hollow golf club head that includes two major components. The first component is metallic. The second component is non-metallic. The second component may include a single portion or multiple portions. The metallic first component includes a striking portion and a sole extension. The non-metallic second component includes a rear portion of the crown and wraps around to include a portion of the sole. The first component includes a load bearing or structural area of ​​the golf club head and also includes a majority of the mass of the golf club head. The first component includes a rearwardly extending sole portion, with the majority of the golf club mass being at the rearmost portion of the extension, with the first portion forming a "T" shape when viewed from above. The first component may further include a bridge or crown brace that extends to the rear portion of the golf club head. This configuration provides discretionary mass that can be redistributed to improve the location of the center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI). The improved CG and MOI provide a more accurate ball flight compared to traditional all-metal golf club heads. The golf club heads discussed herein may include a driver-type golf club head, a fairway-type golf club head, or a hybrid-type golf club head.

[0082] The denser "T" shaped sole of the first component is bonded to a less dense encapsulated crown second component, optimizing mass properties by reducing the mass of the crown and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head lower. The weight saved from the second component can be redistributed to other locations of the golf club head to further optimize the CG and increase the MOI. The CG of the golf club head can be shifted downward toward the rear of the golf club head including a first component and a second component, the second component including a second material having a second density lower than the density of the first material, as compared to an alternative golf club head including only a first material having a constant density.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the club head may be a hollow wood-type golf club head formed by bonding a first component to a second component to form a closed interior volume therebetween. The first component may include both the striking face and a portion of the sole and may be formed from a metal or metal alloy. The second and third components may form at least a portion of the crown and may further encase to form both the heel and toe portions of the sole. In this design, the metal first component extends between the polymeric heel portion of the sole and the polymeric toe portion of the sole.

[0084] "A", "an", "said", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of an item is present, and a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., amounts or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about", regardless of whether "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the numerical value described allows for a degree of imprecision (with a degree of approach to the precision of the value, near the value, or reasonably close to the value; approximately). If the imprecision provided by "about" is not understood in the art in this ordinary sense, "about" as used herein indicates at least the variation that may result from the ordinary method of measuring and using such parameters. Also, the disclosure of a range includes all values ​​and further subranges within the entire range. Each value within the range and the endpoints of the range are all disclosed herein as separate embodiments. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated items but do not exclude the presence of other items. As used herein, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When terms such as first, second, third, etc. are used to distinguish various items from one another, these designations are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.

[0085] It should be understood that, if any, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular sequence or chronological order, and that terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, e.g., the embodiments described herein may operate in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "have," and any variations thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not descriptively listed in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0086] The terms "left," "right," "front," "rear," "up," "down," "above," "below," and the like, if any, in this specification and claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily to describe permanent relative positions. Such used terms should be understood to be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and / or article of manufacture described herein are operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. For consistency and accuracy, all directional references used in this application assume that the referenced golf club head is resting on a level, flat ground such that the predefined loft and lie angles of the head are achieved. The "front" or "front portion" of a golf club head generally refers to the side of the golf club head (as viewed perpendicular to the ground) that includes the strike face of the golf club. Conversely, the rear portion of the club head can include the portion of the club behind the strike face and / or that follows the strike face at impact.

[0087] Other features and aspects will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before any embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or configuration and arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure can support other embodiments and can be implemented or carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of a specific embodiment is not intended to limit the present disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. I) First embodiment of golf club head

[0088] Described herein is an embodiment of a golf club head (100) that includes two components, a first component (300) and a second component (200). As shown in Figures 1A-1E, the golf club head defines a striking face (170), a return portion (177), a hosel (140), a crown (110), a sole (120), a heel end (160), a toe end (150), a trailing edge (130) at the rearmost portion of a rear end (180), the hosel (140), and a hosel adapter attachment recess (195) in the sole portion.

[0089] The golf club head (100) further defines a loft plane (198) that is tangent to the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). A face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane between an upper end of the perimeter of the striking face near the crown (110) and a lower end of the perimeter of the striking face near the sole (120). In these embodiments, the perimeter of the striking face can be located along the outer edge of the striking face (170) where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or roll of the striking face (170).

[0090] 1D and 1E, the striking face center (175) defines a coordinate system with an origin at the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). The coordinate system has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis (190) is a horizontal axis that extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction from the heel end (160) to the toe end (150) of the golf club head (100) and is parallel to the ground plane (105) when the club head (100) is in an address position. The Y-axis (192) is a vertical axis that extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction from the crown (110) to the sole (120) of the golf club head (100) and is perpendicular to the X-axis (190). The Z-axis (196) extends through the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170) in a direction from the striking face (170) toward the rear end (180) of the golf club head (100) and is perpendicular to the X-axis (190) and Y-axis (192).

[0091] The coordinate system defines an XY plane extending through the X-axis (190) and the Y-axis (192), an XZ plane extending through the X-axis (190) and the Z-axis (196), and a YZ plane extending through the Y-axis (192) and the Z-axis (196), where the XY, XZ, and YZ planes are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the origin of the coordinate system at the striking face center (175) of the striking face (170). The XY plane extends parallel to the hosel axis (199) and is positioned at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the golf club head (100) from the loft plane. The hosel axis (199) is tilted relative to the X-axis (190) at a predetermined angle referred to as the lie angle. The hosel axis (199) can be tilted relative to the X-axis (190) by a lie angle between 58 degrees and 65 degrees. In some embodiments, the hosel axis (199) is positioned at a lie angle of 60 degrees relative to the X-axis (190) when viewed perpendicular to the XY plane.

[0092] The sole (120) is the lower hemisphere of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the sole (120) may be defined as the portion of the golf club head visible when viewed from the bottom when the club is at address. The skirt of the golf club head (100) may be defined as the junction between the sole (120) and the crown (110), specifically forming the perimeter of the club head behind the striking face (170).

[0093] The golf club head (100) may have a hollow body structure that defines a closed interior cavity (185). The outer shell of the golf club head (100) may comprise a first component (300) and a second component (200) that cooperate and / or combine to at least partially define an outer boundary of the interior cavity (185) (i.e., each component (200, 300) defines at least a portion of the outer boundary of the interior cavity (185)).

[0094] Referring to FIG 1F, the first component (300) is generally T-shaped when viewed from the sole. The sole of the first component (300) has a sole rear extension (500) with a mass (510) that houses at least one weight at the rearmost end of the sole extension (500). The second component (200) forms the majority of the remainder of the golf club head not formed by the first component (300). This configuration lowers the CG of the assembled golf club head and moves the CG toward the rear of the assembled golf club head.

[0095] The first component (300) includes a first material having a first density. The first material includes a metallic material. The second component (200) includes a second material including a second density. The second component (200) includes a non-metallic material. The first and second components (300, 200) each include a first component mass and a second component mass. In some embodiments, the first component (300) may be integrally formed as a single component, and thus the first component includes a single material. In some embodiments, the first component (300) may be integrally formed with portions of the first component excluding the removable and / or replaceable mass portion. Alternatively, the first component (300) may include a separately formed striking face insert including a different material (i.e., a third material) than the remainder of the first component (300).

[0096] The second non-metallic component (200) is bonded to, wrapped around, or encircled by the first metallic component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100). The second component rear edge (230) connects the second component crown portion (205) and the second component sole portion (212, 214) such that they wrap around the first component (300).

[0097] The material density (i.e., first density) of the first component (300) is greater than the material density (i.e., second density) of the second component (200). The mass percentage of the first component (300) may be in the range of 85% to 96% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). For example, the first component percentage of the mass of the golf club head may be 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, or 96%. The mass percentage of the second component (200) may be in the range of 4% to 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). The first component (300) includes a rear extension (500) at the sole, the rear extension (500) having a mass (510). The mass (510) is at the rear end of the rear extension (500) and begins at the forward end of the weight port and terminates at the rear edge (130). The mass (510) may comprise 20%-35% of the mass of the hollow multi-element golf club head (100). Locating the majority of the golf club head's mass at the rearmost location of the golf club head provides functionally desirable mass characteristics. For example, the rearmost location of the mass (510) may lower the CG of the golf club head, which may improve launch characteristics.

[0098] A) First component

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1F and 4-8, the first component (300) may include a striking face (170) having a return portion (177) and a rear extension (500). The return portion (177) may form at least a portion of the crown (400), a portion of the sole (120), the hosel (140), a portion of the heel end (160), a portion of the toe end (150), and a recessed lip (450) (also referred to as a bonded extension surface). The rear extension (500) connects to the return portion (177) and extends rearwardly therefrom. The rear extension (500) forms at least a portion of the sole and is disposed substantially perpendicular to the striking face (170). The rear extension (500) extends from a rear end of the return portion (177) toward the rear edge (130) of the club head (100). The striking face return portion (177) defines a rearward profile in a heel-to-toe direction. In other embodiments, the rearward profile of the first component (300) can extend from the heel end (160) toward the toe end (150) with a straight profile, a positive parabolic profile, a bell-shaped profile, or any other profile relative to the striking face (170).

[0100] 1E and 4, the first component (300) comprises a hosel bore (145) defining a hosel axis (199), a striking face center (175), a forward crown (400) having a forward crown width (405), and a first component trailing edge (130). Some embodiments may further comprise a first component crown turbulator (430) having a first component crown turbulator toe (432) and a first component crown turbulator heel (434).

[0101] The first component may include a recessed lip (450, also referred to as a first component lip or bond extension surface) configured to overlap a portion of the second component (200) and together form the golf club head (100). The first component lip (450) may bound a first component peripheral edge (462) having a first component crown lip (455) and a first component tab (457). The first component tab (457) and a matching groove in the second component align the first component (300) to the second component (200) during assembly and also add mechanical support to prevent lateral movement between the first component (300) and the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component does not include a groove to receive the first component tab (457). In these embodiments, the first component tab (457) provides a predetermined space (i.e., a bonding gap) between the first and second components. This predetermined space allows the adhesive to provide a uniform and even bond across the lap joint.

[0102] The first component lip (450) is recessed from the exterior surface of the golf club head (100) to accommodate the combined thickness of the overlapping lip of the second component (200) and any adhesive securing the two components together. Referring to Figures 5, 9 and 10, the first component (300) comprises a first component lip recessed offset (459), a first component sole lip (460), a first component sole rear extension (500), a first component sole rear extension mass (510) having a mass interior forward boundary (1050, corresponding to the forward extension boundary 918 shown in Figure 9), one or more mass interior ribs (520), and a removable weight recess (540) having a threaded fastener receiving boss (542). 1F, the first component lip (455) is configured to be covered by a portion of the second component (200) when the first component (300) is bonded to the second component (200) to form the golf club (100). The first component (300) may be bonded to the second component (200) preferably with an adhesive disposed between the overlapping surfaces of the first and second components.

[0103] 7A, the lip of the first component has a width (730) that can range from 0.125 inches to 0.275 inches. For example, the lip width (730) of the first component can be 0.125 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.200 inches, 0.022 inches, 0.225 inches, 0.250 inches, or 0.275 inches.

[0104] The first component recessed offset (459) is the offset distance of the lip (455) from the exterior surface of the first component (300) toward the interior of the golf club head. The recessed offset (459) may range from 0.060 inches to 0.160 inches toward the interior of the golf club head (100). In other embodiments, the recessed offset (459) may range from 0.060 inches to 0.150 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.140 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.160 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.150 inches, or 0.090 inches to 0.160 inches. For example, the recessed offset (459) may be 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, 0.150 inches, or 0.160 inches.

[0105] The first component lip (450) can include a thickness. The thickness of the first component lip (450) can range from 0.007 inches to 0.030 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first component lip (450) can be about 0.007 inches to 0.009 inches, 0.009 inches to 0.011 inches, 0.011 inches to 0.013 inches, 0.013 inches to 0.015 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.017 inches, 0.017 inches to 0.019 inches, 0.019 inches to 0.021 inches, 0.021 inches to 0.023 inches, 0.023 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.027 inches, or 0.027 inches to 0.030 inches.

[0106] 5, the first component has a rear extension at the sole that allows most of the mass of the assembled golf club head to be moved down and toward the rear of the sole of the assembled golf club. The rear extension (500) extends from and is integral with the return portion (177) and allows impact stresses to propagate all the way to the rear of the sole, helping to balance the distribution of impact stresses in the golf club head.

[0107] 5, the first component lip (450) includes a first component crown lip (455) and a first component sole lip (460). The first component lip (450) may have other portions.

[0108] With reference to Figure 6, a plane (610) parallel to the ground contact surface (105) and intersecting the striking face center (175) defines the bottom view of the first component (300) shown in Figure 7A. With reference to Figures 7A and 8, a rear extension portion (500) extends from the rear periphery of the striking face return sole portion (810) toward the rear end (180) of the golf club head (100).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 7A , the first component (300) comprises a first component sole heel extension (710), a first component sole toe extension (720), a first component lip (460) having a first component lip width (730), a first component trailing edge (740), and a first component sole rear extension mass (510) having a vertical lip (750) and a mass trailing edge shelf (760).

[0110] The rear extension (500) has more mass at the rearmost position of the extension. Placing the mass at the rearmost position allows for manipulation of the rear sole extension position to significantly affect the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. With reference to FIGS. 57-60, in some embodiments, the first component rear extension (500) can include sole holes (555). The sole holes function to move the mass further closer to the rearmost end of the rear extension (500). As discussed above, locating the mass at the rearmost end allows the CG to move rearward, thereby increasing the moment of inertia of the club head. The addition of the sole holes (555) creates more discretionary mass to be placed at the rearmost end of the rear extension (500).

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, the first component (300) includes a striking face return sole portion rear extension (500) having a first component sole portion rear extension length (505) and a first component sole portion rear extension width (507). The first component (300) includes a striking face return sole portion (810) having a striking face return sole portion width (815), a first component sole portion toe extension (820) having a first component sole portion toe extension length (825), and a first component sole portion heel extension (830) having a first component sole portion heel extension length (835). The rear extension length (505) is measured from the rear perimeter of the striking face sole return portion (810) toward the rear end (180). The rear extension length (505) can range from 2.5 inches to 4.5 inches. The return sole portion width (815) is measured rearward from the loft plane (198) to the rear perimeter of the striking face return portion (177), which is the sole portion of the first component perimeter edge (462). The rear extension length (505) and the striking face return sole portion width (815) together comprise the overall sole length of the golf club head (100) measured from the loft plane (198) along the sole (120) to the rear end (180). The rear extension width (507) is the width of the rear extension (500). The rear extension width (507) is measured heel to toe from the rear perimeter of the striking face return sole portion (810), which is the sole portion of the first component perimeter edge (462). The rear extension width (507) is less than the overall width of the sole (120) of the golf club (100). The width of the rear extension (507) can range from 25% to 85% of the overall width of the sole (120). The width of the rear extension (507) can range from 25% to 85% of the overall width of the sole (120). In some embodiments, the width of the rear extension (507) can range from 0.4 inches to 2.5 inches.

[0112] 7A and 8, the first component sole portion rear extension (500), toe extension (720), and heel extension (710) together form a T-shape. The first component sole portion rear extension (500) forms a toe angle (850) with respect to the toe extension (720) and forms a heel angle (855) with respect to the heel extension (710). The first component (300) further comprises a removable weight recess (540) having a plurality of removable weight recess tabs (546).

[0113] 5, 7A, and 8, the striking face return (177) extends rearwardly from the striking face perimeter essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). The striking face (170) and striking face return (177) comprise a forward portion of the assembled golf club head. The striking face return (177) includes a striking face return crown portion (400) having a striking face return crown portion width (405) and a return sole portion (810) having a striking face return sole portion width (815). The striking face return crown portion (400) includes a rear perimeter that forms a profile on the crown (110) from the heel end (160) of the crown (110) to the toe end (150) of the crown (110). The striking face return crown portion width measured from the striking face (170) toward the rear end (180) may vary. The maximum width of the striking face return crown portion (405) may be located at the toe end (150) or the heel end (160). In other embodiments, the maximum width of the striking face return crown portion (405) may be located in an intermediate region between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). The width of the striking face return crown portion (405) may be at least 0.8 inches, at least 1.0 inches, at least 1.2 inches, or at least 1.4 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the striking face return crown portion (405) may range from 1.0 inches to 1.5 inches. For example, the maximum width of the striking face return crown portion (405) may be 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, or 1.5 inches. The width of the second component crown portion (405) may be similar to the crown portion as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 693,490, now U.S. Patent No. 7,601,078.

[0114] The striking face return (177) of the first component (300) can have a thickness extending between the outer surface and the inner surface of the striking face return (177). The thickness of the first component (300) can range from 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first component (300) can range from 0.010 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.040 inches to 0.10 inches, or 0.10 inches to 0.25 inches. For example, the thickness of the first component (300) can be 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, or 0.040 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first component (300) can vary at the striking face (170), at the return crown portion (400), at the first component sole portion (310), at the first component sole heel extension (710), at the first component sole toe extension (720), and at the first component sole rear extension mass (510).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 5, the crown turbulators (430) located on the return crown (400) are protrusions that affect the aerodynamics of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the return crown (400) can include an indentation on its inner surface. The indentation corresponds to the crown turbulators (430) and gives the turbulators (430) the same thickness (wall thickness measured between the inner and outer surfaces) as the remainder of the return crown (400). However, in other embodiments, one or more of the crown turbulators (430) can be filled to give them a greater thickness than the remainder of the return crown (400). The increased thickness of the return crown (400) at the one or more filled crown turbulators (430) can increase the durability of the golf club head (100) by increasing the stiffness of at least a portion of the return crown (400).

[0116] 5, 7B and 7C, the crown turbulators (430) may be classified as toe turbulators (432) and heel turbulators (434). In some embodiments, one or more of the crown turbulators (430) may be filled with a material (solid) such that there is no corresponding indentation on the inner surface of the return crown (400). In some embodiments, one or more of the toe turbulators (432) may be filled. In some embodiments, one or more of the heel turbulators (434) may be filled. The area of ​​the crown return (400) with one or more filled turbulators may be stiffer or more rigid than the area of ​​the crown return (400) with unfilled turbulators. A solid turbulator has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the crown return (400).

[0117] 7B and 7C, in some embodiments, the thickened region (436) of the crown return portion (400) has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the remainder of the crown return portion (400). In general, the crown return portion (400) may have a thickness of the striking face return (177) as described above. However, in some embodiments, the thickness of the return crown portion (400) may increase within the thickened region (436) by up to 0.002 inches, 0.003 inches, 0.004 inches, 0.005 inches, 0.006 inches, 0.007 inches, 0.008 inches, 0.009 inches, or 0.010 inches. The thickened region (436) may be a patch, a rectangular region, a bounded area, and / or a shape that at least partially covers one or more of the crown turbulators (430). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7B, the bounded region covers two of the heel turbulators (434). The turbulators are filled (solid) within the bounded area (436). Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view depicting filled crown turbulators (430).

[0118] When a golf ball impacts the golf club (100), the first component (300) including the crown return portion (400) flexes. This flexing of the crown return portion (400) of the first component (300) can induce stresses in the second component that interfaces with the first component lip (450). The second component (200) can be placed in a portion where the crown return portion (400) of the first component (300) is at risk of material failure if it is repeatedly flexed beyond a certain threshold. Adding a thickened region (436) can locally increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the crown return portion (400) adjacent to a portion of the second component that may be at risk of material failure after repeated impacts. The increased cross-sectional area of ​​the crown return portion (400) in the thickened region (436) reduces stresses, thereby increasing the durability of the club head (100).

[0119] Manipulating the position of the rear sole extension (500) provides a means to manipulate the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 7A, and 8, the first component sole portion can extend from a center near the striking face toward a toe end forming a toe end extension (720) of the first component sole portion, toward a heel end forming a heel end extension (710) of the first component sole portion, and toward a rear end forming a rear extension (500) of the first component sole portion. The first component sole portion toe extension (720), the first component sole portion heel extension (710), and the first component sole portion rear extension (500) can form a "T" shaped profile. In some embodiments, the toe extension can have a first component sole portion toe end extension length (825) ranging from 1.50 inches to 2.00 inches from the YZ plane toward the toe end (150). For example, the first component sole toe extension (720) can have a first component sole toe extension length (825) of 1.50 inches, 1.60 inches, 1.70 inches, 1.80 inches, 1.90 inches, or 2.00 inches toward the toe end (150). In some embodiments, the first component sole heel extension (710) can have a first component sole heel extension length (835) ranging from 0.90 inches to 1.40 inches from the YZ plane toward the heel end (160). For example, the first component sole heel extension (710) can extend 0.90 inches, 1.10 inches, 1.20 inches, 1.30 inches, or 1.40 inches. The first component sole rear extension (500) can extend 2.30 inches to 2.90 inches toward the rear of the striking face return portion (177). For example, the first component sole rear extension portion (500) can extend from the striking face return portion (177) a distance of 2.30 inches, 2.40 inches, 2.50 inches, 2.60 inches, 2.70 inches, 2.80 inches, or 2.90 inches.

[0120] Shifting the first component sole rear extension (500) (or simply "rear extension") closer to the toe (150) or heel (160) of the golf club head (100) provides one means of manipulating the mass properties of the assembled golf club head and altering the ball flight. When manufacturing the first component (300), moving the rear extension (500) toward the toe (150) or heel (160) of the golf club (100) changes the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. If the rear extension (500) is moved toward the toe (150) by reducing the first component sole toe extension (825), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) will also move toward the toe (150). When the first component sole rear extension (500) is moved toward the heel end (160) of the golf club head (100), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) also moves toward the heel end (160).

[0121] The first component (300) comprises a surface area ranging from 27 to 41 square inches of the total surface area of ​​the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the first component (300) can range from 25 to 43 square inches, 25 to 28 square inches, 28 to 31 square inches, 31 to 34 square inches, 34 to 37 square inches, 37 to 40 square inches, or 40 to 43 square inches. For example, 25 square inches, 27 square inches, 29 square inches, 31 square inches, 33 square inches, 35 square inches, 37 square inches, 39 square inches, 41 square inches, 43 square inches, etc.

[0122] The first component (300) can include materials such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys. In some implementations, the first component (300) can include a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a driver-type club head, the first component (300) can include a titanium material. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a fairway wood-type club head, the first component (300) can include a steel material.

[0123] In many embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast. In other embodiments, the first component (300) can be forged, pressed, rolled, extruded, machined, electroformed, 3-D printed, or any suitable forming technique. With reference to FIG. 15, in embodiments in which the first component (300) is cast, the first component (300) can further comprise a plurality of cast support bars, including one or more heel end cast support bars (1510) and one or more toe end cast support bars (1512). 1) First Component Rear Sole Extension

[0124] As mentioned above, the first component includes the striking face and striking face return (177). These portions of the golf club head (100) receive and distribute impact forces when the golf club strikes a ball. The rear extension (500) is integrally formed with the remainder of the first component (300) and extends from the striking face return sole portion (810). Additionally, the mass of the rear extension (500) resists torque forces caused by an off-center impact of the striking face. In many embodiments, the first component sole portion toe end extension (720) and the first component sole portion heel end extension (710) can be parallel to the striking face (170) and have a constant width from front to rear. In other embodiments, the toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) can increase and / or decrease in width toward the toe end (150) and heel end (160) and include various widths. In some embodiments, the first component sole portion toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) can include a width ranging from 1.0 inch to 1.5 inch. For example, the toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) can be 1.00 inch, 1.10 inch, 1.20 inch, 1.30 inch, 1.40 inch, or 1.50 inch.

[0125] In many embodiments, the first component sole portion rear extension (500) can include an increasing width, a decreasing width, and / or a width of one side (507) from the rear boundary of the striking face return sole portion (810) toward the rear end (180). In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) can include a width (507) ranging from 1.0 inches to 3.5 inches. For example, the rear extension can be 1.0 inches, 1.25 inches, 1.50 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.00 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.50 inches, 2.75 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.25 inches, or 3.50 inches. In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) includes a width that varies in the fore-aft direction. Specifically, the rear extension (500) can include a width that increases in the front-to-aft direction. In these embodiments, the width of the rear extension (500) has a minimum adjacent the striking face return sole portion (810) and a maximum adjacent the rear of the club head. Increasing the width of the rear extension (500) toward the rear of the club head allows the rear extension (500) to support a weight or weight system. Varying the width of the rear extension (500) so that the minimum width is adjacent the striking face return sole portion (810) reduces mass adjacent the face return portion and allows this saved weight to be redistributed around the periphery of the club head. In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) can include a decreasing width in the front-to-rear direction. Narrowing the width of the rear extension toward the rear of the club head can provide additional structural support for a weight or weight system attached to the rear extension (500).

[0126] In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2, the first component sole portion rear extension (500) may extend perpendicular to the striking face (170) and may be centered between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) may extend closer to the toe end (150) or closer to the heel end (160). The rear extension (500) may be offset by 0.05 inches to 1.0 inches toward the heel end (160). For example, the rear extension (500) may be offset by 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inches toward the heel end (160). The first component sole rear extension (500) can be offset by 0.05 inch to 1.0 inch toward the toe end (150). For example, the rear extension (500) can be offset by 0.1 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.6 inch, 0.7 inch, 0.8 inch, 0.9 inch, or 1.0 inch toward the toe end (160).

[0127] When the first component sole rear extension (500) is offset toward the toe (150), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) may be offset up to 0.150 inches toward the toe (150) as compared to a similar golf club head with the sole rear extension (500) in the center. For example, the center of gravity may be offset by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches toward the toe (150). When the first component sole rear extension (500) is offset toward the heel end (160), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) may be offset toward the heel end (160) by up to 0.150 inches. For example, the center of gravity may be offset toward the heel end (160) by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. The offset of the center of gravity affects ball flight characteristics by biasing the golf club head toward a fade-mitigated or draw-mitigated position at impact.

[0128] 31 and 32, another means of manipulating the mass properties of a golf club head is to vary the angle of the rear sole extension relative to the striking face of the first component. The sole rear extension of the first component can have a rear extension axis (504). The rear extension axis (504) can extend through the center of the sole extension when viewed from the sole. The rear extension axis (504) can be located such that, when viewed from the sole, it is approximately equidistant from both sides of the sole rear extension (500) at any point along the axis (504). As shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the rear extension (500) itself can be positioned such that the rear extension axis intersects the YZ plane (193) at a rear extension angle (508). In some embodiments, the rear extension axis (504) can intersect the YZ plane (193) at a point proximate to the rear end of the return portion (177). The rear extension angle (508) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear extension angle (508) can range from 0 to 10 degrees, 0 to 20 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 40 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 10 to 30 degrees, 10 to 40 degrees, 10 to 45 degrees, 20 to 30 degrees, 20 to 40 degrees, 20 to 45 degrees, 30 to 40 degrees, or 30 to 45 degrees. Figures 25-28, 33, and 34 show other embodiments with angled sole extensions, as described below.

[0129] Since the weight is secured within the removable weight recess (540), adjusting the angle of the rear extension (500) positions the removable weight toward the heel or toe on the club head (100). By angling the rear extension (500), the club (100) can be weighted to have a draw bias when the extension (500) is angled toward the heel of the club head (100). In other embodiments, angling the rear extension (500) toward the toe of the club head (100) results in a fade bias on the club head.

[0130] With reference to FIG. 8, the angulation of the rear extension (500) may also be understood as the angle between the end of the sole rear extension (500) and the return (177). The first component sole rear extension toe angle (850) and the first component sole rear extension heel angle (855) are supplementary angles (i.e., the two angles add up to 180 degrees). In one embodiment, the toe angle (850) and the heel angle (855) are each 90 degrees, and thus the rear extension (500) is essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). In another embodiment, the toe angle (850) and the heel angle (855) may each vary between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, as long as the two angles remain supplementary angles. For example, the toe angle (850) can be 100 degrees, while the heel angle (855) is a complementary 80 degrees. In this example, the mass (510) is angularly offset toward the heel end (180) of the golf club head (100).

[0131] Other combinations of toe angle (850) and heel angle (855) may be 110 degrees and 70 degrees, 120 degrees and 60 degrees, 130 degrees and 50 degrees, or 135 degrees and 45 degrees. The center of gravity of the golf club head will be offset toward the location of the rear mass (510). For example, the center of gravity may be offset toward the heel end (160) by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. Similarly, the toe angle is decreased and the heel angle is increased. For example, the combination of toe angle (850) and heel angle may be 80 degrees and 100 degrees, 70 degrees and 110 degrees, 60 degrees and 120 degrees, 50 degrees and 130 degrees, or 45 degrees and 135 degrees. For example, the center of gravity may be offset by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches toward the toe end (160). This angular offset may be desirable to position the club head center of gravity toward the toe end by placing more rear mass toward the rear heel portion or rear toe portion to affect ball flight characteristics. In other embodiments, the angular offsets can be combined differently with the first component sole portion rear extended toe angle (850) and the first component sole portion rear extended heel angle (855) to produce different club head center of gravity locations and different ball flight characteristics. 2) Mass of the rear sole extension of the first component

[0132] As mentioned above, the first component comprises the majority of the mass of the assembled golf club head. The rear extension (500) allows a portion of the golf club's mass to be located away in the sole of the club head towards the rear of the club head. The rear extension (500) allows for mass at the rear of the golf club head to further affect the CG and MOI of the golf club head. The sole-rear extension mass (510) of the first component alone can comprise 20% to 35% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). Locating this mass at the rearmost part of the rear extension (500) is an important aspect to control the mass properties of the golf club head (100) during the manufacturing of the first component (300).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 9, the first component sole rear extension mass (510) comprises a threaded receiver (545), one or more weight recess tabs (546), and a mass (510) having a heel outer boundary (910), a toe outer boundary (915), and a forward outer boundary (918).

[0134] Referring to FIG. 10, the mass (510) further comprises a plurality of internal ribs (520) having an internal rib width (523). The plurality of internal ribs (520) can include two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or more than four ribs. The plurality of internal ribs (520) mate with or are attached to an inner surface of the removable weight recess (540) of the rear extension mass. The internal ribs (520) can reduce undesirable vibrations in the mass (510), which is desirable since the majority of the mass of the golf club head (100) is located toward the rear of the golf club head. The mass (510) further comprises a vertical lip (750) having a vertical lip height (1150) and a mass trailing edge shelf (1042) having a shelf length (1048), a shelf height (1044), and a shelf width (1046). The shelf length (1048) is approximately the same as the rear extension width (507) and varies as the width of the mass (510) varies.

[0135] The shelf (1042) provides a mating surface for a portion of the second component when the first and second components are joined to form an assembled golf club head. The mass (510) further includes an interior forward boundary (1050) and a vertical lip length (1052).

[0136] Referring to Figure 8, a view of the rear mass (510) is bisected by the YZ plane (193). As shown in Figure 11, the mass includes an interior length (1110), a maximum mass height (1112), and a vertical lip height (1150). The interior rib further includes a rib height (1120) and a rib length (1122).

[0137] The internal rib width (523) can range from 0.025 inches to 0.100 inches. For example, the internal rib width (523) may be 0.025 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.075 inches, or 0.100 inches. The internal rib height (1120) ranges from 25% to 100% of the removable weight recess depth (1216). The internal rib length (1122) can range from 0.100 inches to 1.500 inches. For example, the interior rib length (1122) may be 0.100 inches, 0.200 inches, 0.300 inches, 0.400 inches, 0.500 inches, 0.600 inches, 0.700 inches, 0.800 inches, 0.900 inches, 1.000 inches, 1.100 inches, 1.200 inches, 1.300 inches, 1.400 inches, or 1.500 inches.

[0138] The mass (510) has a maximum mass height (1112) located approximately along the top of the mass vertical lip (750). The mass (510) decreases in thickness as it approaches the heel outer boundary (910), the toe outer boundary (915), and the front outer boundary (918). The maximum mass height (1112) includes a maximum thickness of the mass (510). The maximum thickness of the mass (510) can range from 0.40 inches to 0.70 inches. For example, the maximum thickness of the mass (510) may be 0.40 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.60 inches, or 0.70 inches. 3) The first component: removable and embedded weights

[0139] To allow further control of the mass properties of the assembled golf club head, a removable weight recess and a removable weight are provided, the mass of the removable weight being able to fine-tune the mass properties of the golf club head once assembled. The removable weight recess (540) further comprises a plurality of removable weight recess tabs. The plurality of removable weight recess tabs may be two tabs, three tabs, four tabs, five tabs, or more than four tabs.

[0140] 12, it may be desirable to further increase the mass located at the rearmost portion of the golf club head. The mass (510) may further comprise a recessed weight recess (1220). Thus, a recessed weight (1600) (configured to be received in the recessed weight recess (1220)) may be provided that includes a recessed weight material having a density greater than the first density of the first material of the first component (300).

[0141] 13, the removable weight (1300) may include materials such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, metal alloys, composite polymeric materials, or any combination thereof. In many embodiments, the sole weight may be tungsten. The removable weight (1300) has a mass.

[0142] The mass of the removable weight (1300) can range from 1.0 grams to 35.0 grams. For example, the mass of the removable weight (1300) may be 1.0 grams, 1.5 grams, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams, 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, 20.0 grams, 21 grams, 22 grams, 23 grams, 24 grams, 25 grams, 26 grams, 27 grams, 28 grams, 29 grams, 30 grams, 31 grams, 32 grams, 33 grams, 34 grams, or 35 grams.

[0143] 8 and 13, the removable weight (1300) is configured to be received within the removable weight recess (540). The removable weight (1300) further comprises a through hole approximately in the center of the removable weight (1300). The through hole is configured to receive a removable weight threaded fastener (1320) such that the threaded fastener (1320) is threadably received within the threaded receiving boss (542) to enable the removable weight (1300) to be secured within the removable weight recess (540).

[0144] 14, the removable weight (1300) further includes a thickness (1430), a plurality of removable weight offsets (1434), and a plurality of removable weight grooves (1438). The plurality of removable weight offsets (1434) may be two offsets, three offsets, four offsets, five offsets, or more than five offsets. The plurality of removable weight grooves (1438) may be two grooves, three grooves, four grooves, five grooves, or more than five grooves. The offsets (1434) are configured to slightly offset the removable weight (1300) from the walls of the removable weight recess (540) when the removable weight (1300) is received within the removable weight recess (540). The removable weight groove (1438) is configured to receive the removable weight recess tab when the removable weight (1300) is received within the removable weight recess (540).

[0145] 16A and 16B, the embedded weight (1600) has a mass. The mass of the embedded weight (1600) can range from 1.0 grams to 20.0 grams. For example, the embedded weight (1600) mass can be 1.0g, 2.0g, 3.0g, 4.0g, 5.0g, 6.0g, 7.0g, 8.0g, 9.0g, 10.0g, 11.0g, 12.0g, 13.0g, 14.0g, 15.0g, 16.0g, 17.0g, 18.0g, 19.0g, or 20.0g.

[0146] The embedded weight (1600) comprises a tungsten material, a tungsten alloy material, a polymer matrix with tungsten particles embedded therein, or any other suitable material having a density greater than the first material density. The embedded weight (1600) is configured to fit within the embedded weight recess (1220) and be permanently secured within the embedded weight recess. The embedded weight (1600) may be permanently secured using an adhesive, by swaging or other press-fit methods, or by using a suitable mechanical attachment means. B) The second component

[0147] The golf club head (100) comprises a first component (300) and a non-metallic, lightweight second component (200) configured to be joined together to form a hollow golf club head (100). As shown in Figures 1F, 2 and 3, the second component (200) can comprise at least a portion of the crown (110), the sole (120), the trailing edge (130), and the rear notch (240). With particular reference to Figures 1F and 2, the second component (200) includes a second component crown portion (205), a second component sole heel portion (214), a second component sole toe portion (212), a second component peripheral end portion (220), a second component sole rear notch (240) having a second component sole rear notch width (242) and a second component sole rear notch height (244), and a second component sole rear edge (230). In some embodiments, not shown, the second component may include only a portion of the crown. In these embodiments, the sole rear notch (240) may surround the crown (205).

[0148] As illustrated in Figures 1-4, the second component crown portion (205) wraps over the trailing edge (130) and integrally forms a portion of the sole that is complementary to the first component. The heel and toe sole portion (214) (212) of the second component formed by the second component (200) can include a triangular shape disposed between the toe end extension and the trailing end extension, and a triangular shape disposed between the trailing end extension and the heel end extension of the first component. In other embodiments, the sole portion formed by the second component (200) can include a circle, a square, an oval, any other polygonal shape, or a shape having at least one curved surface that is complementary to the sole portion of the first component (100). The second component (200) may include a single monolithic component that is completely formed together without the need for further joining. For example, the second component (200) can be formed by injection molding a single monolithic component that includes a single material.

[0149] Alternatively, the second component (200) may comprise a number of separately formed portions that are subsequently permanently joined by adhesives, sonic welding, fusion, or other permanent joining methods appropriate to the materials used in forming the number of separately formed portions. For example, the crown portion (205), toe portion (212), and heel portion (214) of the second component may be separately formed from the same or different materials. The second component portions can then be adhesively bonded to form the complete second component (200). Such formation of separate portions that are subsequently joined may be advantageous when using materials such as two-way carbon fiber prepreg materials. Two-way carbon fiber prepregs cannot be easily applied to certain small curvatures and cannot be easily formed as a single piece to reach the desired second component (200) shape. The use of such materials results in the need to form separate sole portions (212) and (214) that are subsequently bonded to the remainder of the second component (200) by adhesives or other methods.

[0150] Alternatively, multiple second components may be remotely coupled to the first component without being coupled to each other.

[0151] The second component of the golf club head (100) may include a thickness. The thickness of the second component may range from 0.030 inches to 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second component is 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.045 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.055 inches, 0.045 inches to 0.055 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.065 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.070 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.075 inches to 0.085 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.085 inches to 0.095 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.100 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.200 inches to 0.300 inches, 0.300 inches to 0.400 inches, or The thickness of the second component may range from 0.400 inches to 0.500 inches. For example, the thickness of the second component may be 0.008 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, or 0.065 inches. The thickness of the second component may further vary from the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the second component may vary across the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge of the second component.

[0152] In some embodiments, the second component further comprises an internal rib or an internal thickened section. When referring to an internal rib or an internal thickened section, this disclosure is intended to refer to a portion of the club body having a varying interior surface contour that exhibits a relatively greater thickness (measured perpendicular to the exterior surface of the component) than the non-thickened areas of the second component. In each instance, the term "interior" is intended to mean a feature that is not readily perceptible from the outside of the club head. In other words, the exterior surface retains a clear or substantially clear contour across the feature and adjacent the structure.

[0153] The internal ribs or internal thickened sections may provide additional strength and / or stiffness to the club head through various mechanisms. First, the thickened ribs / sections may function as struts / gussets that provide a structural framework for the components. In this way, the design of the structure itself can promote strength. Additionally, the presence of the thickened sections can assist in controlling the direction, speed and uniformity of the polymer flow during casting. In that way, the orientation of the embedded fibers can be controlled so that any anisotropic parameters of the material itself are oriented to support the objectives of the club head. In this regard, the thickened sections can provide both an engineered structure and an engineered material. Finally, in some embodiments, the first component may include reinforcing features such as upright struts configured to be secured to the second component. In such designs, the thickened sections can provide suitable bonding locations so that the thickened material can distribute any transmitted loads without the risk of fatigue or fracturing the relatively thin sections.

[0154] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component thinned sections (250) having one or more crown thinned sections (255) and one or more sole thinned sections (257). The second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component internal ribs (260) having one or more crown internal ribs (262) and one or more sole internal ribs (264). The plurality of internal ribs (260) may be two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or more than four ribs. The crown (262) and sole (264) internal ribs are between the second component thinned sections (250). The crown (262) and sole (264) internal ribs may comprise the maximum thickness of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component internal ribs (260) can be similar to the ribs described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 076,511 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,700,768), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The second component internal ribs (260) can reduce stress on the golf club head (100) and improve sound during impact.

[0155] The plurality of second component thinned sections (250) have a thickness. The thickness of the plurality of second component thinned sections (250) can range from 0.008 inches to 0.035 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the thinned sections (250) can range from 0.008 inches to 0.015 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, or 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches. For example, the thickness of the thinned sections (250) can be 0.008 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, or 0.035 inches. The thickness of the internal ribs or thickened sections can be up to 0.010 inches thicker than the rest of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the second component lacks internal ribs and thinned sections.

[0156] As generally shown in FIG. 3B, in yet another embodiment, the second component includes a central thickened section (270) surrounded by a relatively thin crown thinned section (255). In one configuration, the central thickened section (270) has a total area of ​​about 1.5 to about 3.0 square inches. In another configuration, the central thickened section (270) has a total area of ​​about 2.0 to about 2.5 square inches. In some embodiments, the central thickened section (270) is slightly trapezoidal, with at least a portion (272) of the thickened section (270) closer to the face and / or forward end (274) being wider than a portion of the thickened section (270) further from the face. Such width dimension is preferably taken parallel to a horizontal centerline of the face extending between the heel and toe of the club head. As further shown, the central thickened section (270) may be spaced from the forward end (274) by a distance (d) greater than about 0.8 inches, or between 0.8 inches and 1.0 inches, 1.0 inches and 1.2 inches, or 1.2 inches and 1.4 inches. In some embodiments, the distance (d) is about 1.25 inches.

[0157] In some embodiments (not shown), the second component may further comprise a thickened front strip running along the periphery or forward end (274) of the second component (200). The thickened strip may have a thickness comparable to the rear edge (230) and / or the central thickened section (270). The thickened front strip provides structural strength to the forward end (274). A thickness transition area exists between the thickened front strip and the crown thin section (255) to reduce stress transmission across the crown. The second component comprises a mass percentage of the total mass of the golf club head (100). The mass percentage of the second component may range from 4% to 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), or may be approximately 10 grams to 25 grams. In other embodiments, the mass percentage of the second component may range from 4% to 15%. For example, the mass percentage of the second component may be 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

[0158] The second component includes an exterior surface area ranging from 17 to 25 in. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the second component can range from 15 to 27 in., 15 to 18 in., 18 to 21 in., or 21 to 25 in. For example, the surface area of ​​the second component can be 15 in., 17 in., 19 in., 21 in., 23 in., or 25 in. 1) Second Component Material

[0159] The second component (200) comprises a material that is less dense than the material of the first component. In some embodiments, the second component can comprise a composite formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The polymer resin can comprise a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin. The composite of the second component (200) can be either a filled thermoplastic (FT) or a fiber reinforced composite (FRC). In some embodiments, the second component (200) can comprise a FT combined with a FRC. Filled thermoplastics (FT) are typically formed into the desired shape by injection molding. As the name suggests, filled thermoplastics (FT) can comprise a thermoplastic resin and randomly oriented discontinuous fibers. Conversely, fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) are formed from resin impregnated (prepreg) sheets of continuous fibers. Fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) can comprise a thermoplastic or a thermosetting resin.

[0160] In embodiments having a thermoplastic resin, the resin can include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin can include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamideimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and / or other similar materials. While strength and weight are the two primary properties considered for composite materials, suitable composite materials may also exhibit secondary benefits such as acoustic properties. In some embodiments, PPS and PEEK are desirable because they generally emit a metallic-ringing acoustic response when impacted.

[0161] The reinforcing fibers can include carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphite fibers (or chopped graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In other embodiments, the composite material can include any reinforcing filler that adds strength, durability, and / or weight.

[0162] The density of the composite material (resin and fiber composite) forming the second component (200) can range from about 1.15 g / cc to about 2.02 g / cc. In some embodiments, the composite material density ranges from about 1.20 g / cc to about 1.90 g / cc, about 1.25 g / cc to about 1.85 g / cc, about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.80 g / cc, about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.70 g / cc, about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.40 g / cc, or about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.45 g / cc. Filled Thermoplastic (FT)

[0163] For FT materials, the polymer resin should preferably incorporate one or more polymers with sufficiently high material strength and / or strength / weight ratio properties to withstand typical use while providing weight saving benefits to the design. Specifically, it is important for the design and materials to efficiently withstand the stresses imposed during impact between the striking face and the golf ball without substantially contributing to the total weight of the golf club head. Generally, the polymer can be characterized by a yield tensile strength of greater than about 60 MPa (neat). When the polymer resin is combined with reinforcing fibers, the resulting composite material can have a yield tensile strength of greater than about 110 MPa, greater than about 180 MPa, greater than about 220 MPa, greater than about 260 MPa, greater than about 280 MPa, or greater than about 290 MPa. In some embodiments, suitable composite materials may have a yield tensile strength of about 60 MPa to about 350 MPa.

[0164] In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers include a plurality of dispersed discontinuous fibers (i.e., "chopped fibers"). In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers include discontinuous "long fibers" having a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the discontinuous "long fibers" have a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 14 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber length is about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) prior to the molding process. In another embodiment, the reinforcing fibers include discontinuous "short fibers" having a design fiber length of about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. Note that in either case (short or long fibers), the given length is a premixed length, and that due to breakage during the molding process, some fibers may actually be shorter than the stated range in the final component. In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers may be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., fiber length / diameter) of greater than about 10, or more preferably greater than about 50, and less than about 1500. Regardless of the type of discontinuous chopped fibers used, in certain configurations, the composite material may have a fiber length of about 0.01 mm to about 25 mm, or about 0.01 mm to about 14 mm.

[0165] The composite material may have a polymer resin content of about 40% to about 90% by weight, or about 55% to about 70% by weight. The second component composite material may have a fiber content of about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 20% to about 50% by weight, 30% to 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 10% to about 15% by weight, about 15% to about 20% by weight, about 20% to about 25% by weight, about 25% to about 30% by weight, about 30% to about 35% by weight, about 35% to about 40% by weight, about 40% to about 45% by weight, about 45% to about 50% by weight, about 50% to about 55% by weight, or about 55% to about 60% by weight.

[0166] In embodiments in which the second component (200) comprises a filled thermoplastic (FT) material, the second component (200) can be injection molded from one composite pellet containing both polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be embedded in the resin prior to injection molding the second component. The pellet can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the second component (200). The FT composite material can have a melting point of about 210°C to about 280°C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting point of about 250°C to about 270°C.

[0167] In an embodiment of the second component (200) with FT material, at least 50% of the fibers may be aligned generally along the front-to-rear direction in the central region of the crown (110). In other words, the fibers may be aligned generally perpendicular to the striking face (170). The FT material exhibits maximum strength in the fiber direction. Thus, the fibers aligned generally along the front-to-rear direction of the crown (110) may improve the durability of the club head in the front-to-rear direction. The fiber alignment may correspond to the direction of material flow during the injection molding process.

[0168] When the golf club head (100) strikes a golf ball, the impact can cause the location of the mass at the rear end (180) of the rear extension (500) to move vertically, along the Y-axis (192). Upon impact, the sole rear extension (500) flexes upward, exerting stress on the crown portion (205) of the second component. The crown portion is compressed between the rear extension (500) of the first component and the front portion of the first component (300). Thus, in embodiments of the second component (200) with FT, aligning the fibers in the direction of the expected compressive stress upon impact reduces the likelihood of failure of the composite of the second component (200).

[0169] In some embodiments, the second component (200) may be formed from a long fiber reinforced TPU material (an example of a FT material). The long fiber TPU may include about 40% by weight of long carbon fiber. The long fiber TPU may exhibit a high modulus of elasticity that is greater than that of short carbon fiber compounds. The long fiber TPU may withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in golf club heads that are used and / or stored in high temperature environments. The long fiber TPU may exhibit even higher toughness and serve as a replacement for traditional metal components. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU may include a tensile modulus between about 26,000 MPa and about 30,000 MPa, or between about 27,000 MPa and about 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, the long fiber TPU may include a flexural modulus between about 21,000 MPa and about 26,000 MPa, or between about 22,000 MPa and 25,000 MPa. The long fiber TPU material can exhibit a tensile elongation (at break) of about 0.5% to about 2.5%. In some embodiments, the tensile elongation of the composite TPU material can be about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 1.2% to about 1.4%, about 1.4% to about 1.6%, about 1.6% to about 1.8%, or about 1.8% to about 2.0%. Fiber Reinforced Composites (FRC)

[0170] In some embodiments, the second component (200) can include a fiber reinforced composite (FRC) material. FRC materials generally include one or more layers of unidirectional or multidirectional fiber fabrics that extend across a larger portion of a polymer. Unlike the reinforcing fibers that can be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimensions of the fibers used in FRC can be substantially larger / longer than those used in FT materials and can have sufficient size and properties so that they can be provided as a continuous fabric separate from the polymer. When formed with thermoplastic polymers, the included continuous fibers are generally not flowable, even if the polymer is freely flowable when melted. Reinforcing fibers are generally 75 g / m 2 From 150 g / m 2 It may have an areal weight (ratio of weight to the product of length and width) of 0.01 mm.

[0171] FRC materials are generally formed by placing fibers in desired locations and then impregnating the fiber material with a sufficient amount of polymeric material to provide stiffness. Thus, FT materials can have a resin content greater than about 45% by volume, or more preferably greater than about 55% by volume, while FRC materials desirably have a resin content less than about 45% by volume, or more preferably less than about 35% by volume. In some embodiments, the resin content of FRC materials can range from 25% to 45% by volume.

[0172] FRC materials traditionally use two-part thermosetting epoxies as the polymer matrix, although it is also possible to use thermoplastic polymers as the matrix. Often, FRC materials are pre-prepared prior to final fabrication, and such intermediate materials are often called prepregs. When thermosetting polymers are used, the prepregs are partially cured in an intermediate form, with final curing occurring once the prepregs are formed into their final shape. When thermoplastic polymers are used, the prepregs may include a cooled thermoplastic matrix that can be subsequently heated and molded into the final shape.

[0173] The FRC second component (200) can comprise multiple layers (also referred to as multiple thin films). Each layer can comprise and / or is the same thickness as the prepreg. Each of the multiple layers can comprise a unidirectional fabric (UD) or a multidirectional fabric (also referred to as a woven fabric). In some embodiments, the multiple layers can comprise at least three UD layers. The second and third layers can be angled relative to the base layer. With the base layer oriented at 0 degrees, the second and third layers can be oriented at ±45 degrees from the base layer. In some embodiments, the layers can be oriented at 0 degrees, +45 degrees, -45 degrees, +90 degrees, -90 degrees, in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the multiple layers can comprise at least one multidirectional woven layer, typically placed as a top layer, to improve the appearance of the FRC second component (200). mixed material

[0174] The second component (200) can have a mixed material structure including both a fiber reinforced composite elastic layer and a molded thermoplastic structural layer. In some preferred embodiments, the molded thermoplastic structural layer may be formed from a filled thermoplastic material (FT). As mentioned above, the FT can be discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic resin can be, for example, a TPU such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or a polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. The fiber reinforced composite elastic layer can be a woven glass, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber reinforced layer embedded in a polymer resin (or matrix). The polymer resin of the elastic layer can be thermoplastic or thermoset.

[0175] In some embodiments, the fiber reinforced composite elastic layer is a thermoplastic material similar to the resin of the molded thermoplastic structural layer. In other words, the fiber reinforced elastic layer and the molded thermoplastic structural layer can comprise a common fiber plastic resin. Forming the elastic layer and the structural layer using a common fiber plastic resin can form a strong chemical bond between the layers. In these embodiments, the elastic layer and the structural layer can be bonded without the use of an intermediate adhesive. In certain embodiments, the elastic layer of the second component can comprise a carbon fiber cloth embedded in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and the structural layer of the second component can comprise a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer. In other embodiments, the second component can be extrusion molded, injection blow molded, 3-D printed, or any other suitable molding means. Cross-connecting members

[0176] In alternative embodiments, the second component (200) may have one or more internal cross-connecting members (not shown). The cross-connecting members may provide additional structural rigidity or acoustic control. The internal cross-connecting members may include members connecting internal non-adjacent portions of the second component (200). For example, the cross-connecting members may connect an inner surface of the second component crown portion (205) to one of the second component sole heel portion (214) or the second component sole toe portion (212). The internal cross-connecting members may include a length that extends completely from the inner surface of the forward most end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the second component rear edge portion (230), or the internal cross-connecting members may include a length that does not extend completely from the inner surface of the forward most end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the second component rear edge portion (230). The internal cross-connecting members include a thickness. The thickness of the internal cross connect members can range from 0.01 inch to 0.25 inch. For example, the thickness of the internal cross connect members can be 0.01 inch, 0.05 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.20 inch, or 0.25 inch. II) Second embodiment of golf club head (including weight channel)

[0177] The second embodiment golf club head (2100) shown in Figure 17 includes a first component (2300) having a weight channel and a second component (2200) bonded onto the first component (2300). The first component (2300) of the golf club head (2100) may be similar to the first component (300) of the golf club head (100) except for the weight system. The second component (2200) of the golf club head (2100) may be similar to the second component of the golf club head (100) described above. The golf club head (2100) defines a striking face (2170), a striking face return (2177), a hosel (2140), a crown (2110), a sole (2120), a heel end (2160), a toe end (2150), a skirt (2125) with a trailing edge (2130) at a rearmost portion of a rear end (2180), and a sole hosel adapter attachment recess (2195). The skirt (2125) can extend between the crown (2110) and the sole (2120) around the periphery of the club head, rearward of the hosel (2140).

[0178] As shown in Figure 18, the first component (2300) can include a rear extension (2500). The rear extension (2500) can include a portion of the sole (2120). The rear extension (2500) includes a weight channel (2540). The weight channel (2540) is exposed at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2300) and the sole (2120).

[0179] The weight channel (2540) is configured to receive the movable weight (2350) in one of three positions. The weight (2350) can be secured to the weight channel (2540) by a threaded fastener (2320). The weight (2350) can be positioned in a toe position, a center position, or a heel position. The weight channel (2540) comprises a mounting wall (2542) and a sole wall (2550). The mounting wall (2542) can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the sole (2120). The sole wall (2550) can be oriented approximately parallel to the main sole (2120), but recessed inward by a distance equal to the height of the mounting wall (2542). The movable weight (2350) can comprise an elongated, trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable weight. The movable weight (2350) can comprise an inner wall and a connecting wall. The movable weight (2350) can include an inner wall and a connecting wall. The inner wall is flush with the sole wall (2550) of the weight channel (2540). The connecting wall is flush with the mounting wall (2542) when the weight (2350) is mounted in one of three positions.

[0180] The mass of the movable weight (2350) can range from 1.0 grams to 35.0 grams. For example, the mass of the movable weight (2350) may be 1.0 grams, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams, 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, 20.0 grams, 21.0 grams, 22.0 grams, 23.0 grams, 24.0 grams, 25.0 grams, 26.0 grams, 27.0 grams, 28.0 grams, 29.0 grams, 30.0 grams, 31.0 grams, 32.0 grams, 33.0 grams, 34.0 grams, or 35.0 grams. Concentration of mass in the weight channel (2540) at the rear end (2180) of the club head can strategically locate the head's center of gravity and improve the launch characteristics of the golf club.

[0181] The mounting wall 2542 of the weight channel 2540 includes three threaded holes corresponding to the three weight positions. The mounting wall 2542 includes a toe threaded hole 2544, a center threaded hole 2546, and a heel threaded hole 2548. The moveable weight 2350 is positioned in the toe position by placing the connecting wall of the weight 2350 flush with the mounting wall 2542 of the channel 2540 and fastening a fastener 2320 in the toe threaded hole 2544. The moveable weight 2350 is positioned in the center position by placing the connecting wall of the weight 2350 flush with the mounting wall 2542 of the channel 2540 and fastening a fastener 2320 in the center threaded hole 2546. The movable weight (2350) is positioned in the heel position by placing the connecting wall of the weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2540) and securing the fastener (2320) within the heel threaded hole (2548).

[0182] As illustrated in the sole view of FIG. 19A, when the movable weight (2350) is located in the center position, the golf club (2100) is configured to not provide a draw or fade bias. When the weight (2350) is located in the toe position, the weight (2350) provides a fade bias to the club head, as illustrated in FIG. 19B. When the weight (2350) is located in the heel position, the weight (2350) provides a draw bias to the club head, as illustrated in FIG. 19C. If the weight (2350) has a larger mass, the weight (2350) will create a larger fade or draw bias when located on the toe or heel side, respectively. A larger separation distance between the toe, center, and heel positions may also increase the fade or draw bias. Thus, in some embodiments, the mass of the movable weight (2350) may be balanced with the separation distance of the weight positions to achieve a desired shot bias.

[0183] 20 and 21, when the moveable weight (2350) is received in the weight channel (2540), the moveable weight (2350) is offset from the sole wall (2550) of the weight channel (2540) by a gap. The gap or offset distance (2557) may be measured as the minimum distance between the moveable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550). The offset distance (2557) may be between approximately 0.004 inches and 0.050 inches. In some embodiments, the offset distance (2557) can be between about 0.004 inches to 0.010 inches, 0.006 inches to 0.010 inches, 0.008 inches to 0.012 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.014 inches, about 0.012 inches to 0.016 inches, 0.014 inches to 0.018 inches, 0.016 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, or 0.040 inches to 0.050 inches. A larger offset distance (2557) can allow the movable weight (2350) to oscillate or vibrate up and down after the golf club head impacts the golf ball. This vibration can transfer stress to the fasteners (2320), threaded holes (2544, 2546, 2548), and / or weight channels (2540) that can cause deterioration over time.

[0184] Reducing the vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350) may relieve stress by more than 10%, more than 20%, more than 30%, or more than 40% compared to a similar design that allows the movable weight (2350) to deflect vertically. In some embodiments, reducing the vertical deflection of the weight (2350) results in stresses of less than about 40% according to finite element analysis (FEA) simulations. The vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350) (towards the crown or sole) is related to the vibration amplitude of the movable weight (2350). The vertical deflection of the movable weight (2350) may be limited by the offset distance (gap size) between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550) as described above. In some embodiments, to maintain durability by reducing the vertical deflection of the moveable weight (2350), the offset distance should be less than 0.04 inches, less than 0.03 inches, less than 0.02 inches, less than 0.01 inches, less than 0.009 inches, less than 0.008 inches, less than 0.007 inches, less than 0.006 inches, or less than 0.005 inches.

[0185] Vertical deflection and vibration of the weight (2350) can also be controlled by inserting a robust tape (2558), such as a very high bond (VHB) tape, between the movable weight (2350) and the sole wall (2550). The VHB tape (2558) fills a majority of the gap. In some embodiments, the VHB tape (2558) fills the gap completely. The VHB tape (2558) can reduce or eliminate vibration of the movable weight (2350).

[0186] The first component (2300) includes a sole portion rear extension (2500), a striking face return crown portion (2400), and a striking face return sole portion (2810). The striking face return sole portion (2810) includes a heel extension (2830) and a toe extension (2820). The heel extension (2830) includes a rear wall (2832). The toe extension (2820) includes a rear wall (2822).

[0187] The first component rear extension (2500) comprises a toe sidewall (2522) and a heel sidewall (2532) that connect the weight channel (2540) to the striking face sole return (2810). The rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and the toe extension rear wall (2822) can form a toe sidewall angle (2850). The toe sidewall angle (2850) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. The rear extension heel sidewall (2532) and the heel extension rear wall (2832) can form a heel sidewall angle (2855). The heel sidewall angle (2855) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) is approximately equal to the heel sidewall angle (2855). In other embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) are supplementary angles (their sum is approximately equal to 180 degrees). In these embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (2822) and the heel extension rear wall (2832) lie in approximately the same plane (the toe rear wall (2822) and the heel rear wall (2832) are approximately parallel when viewed from the sole). For example, the toe sidewall angle (2850) can be an acute angle, while the heel sidewall angle (2855) can be a supplementary angle.

[0188] With reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 22, some embodiments include obtuse toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). With reference to FIG. 23, some embodiments include toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) of about 90°. With reference to FIG. 24, some embodiments include acute toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). An embodiment with an obtuse toe and heel sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) can smoothly distribute stresses rearward in the sole (2120). The obtuse angle can increase the strength of the sole (2120) and support the sole rear extension (2500). However, an embodiment with an acute angle can include a first component with a smaller mass than an embodiment with an obtuse angle or a 90 degree angle. Thus, embodiments having acute toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) can allow for improved weight characteristics, such as a high MOI.

[0189] The weight channel (2540) can fan outwardly beyond a major portion of the rear sole extension (2500), as shown in the embodiment of Figures 19-21. In these embodiments, where the weight channel (2540) extends in the toe and heel directions, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) each have a bend adjacent to the weight channel (2540). In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 22, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) can be straight. In some implementations, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) can be parallel to the rear extension heel sidewall (2532). In some embodiments, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) can be non-parallel to the rear extension heel sidewall (2532). The rear extension (2500) can extend to different locations from the return portion (2810). This shift in the position of the rear extension (2500) can affect how the rear extension (2500) is angled relative to the return section (2810). The rear extension axis (2504) is proximate to the center of the rear extension (2500). The rear extension axis (2504) extends between a forward midpoint (2502) of the rear extension and a central threaded hole (2546) of the weight channel (2540). The forward midpoint (2502) is located midway between the toe side intersection point (2824) and the heel side intersection point (2834). The toe side intersection point (2824) is the point where the toe extension rear wall (2822) intersects and connects with the rear extension toe side wall (2522). Similarly, the heel side intersection (2834) is the point where the heel-extended rear wall (2832) intersects and connects with the rear-extended heel sidewall (2532). The toe side and heel side intersections (2824 and 2834) can be located anywhere along the rear end of the forward sole portion (2810). In some embodiments, the connections between the toe / heel extended rear walls (2822 / 2832) and the rear extended sole / heel sidewalls (2522 / 2532), respectively, are filled, beveled, or chamfered.

[0190] The sole rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300) can be angled with respect to the intersection plane (2840). As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 22-28, the intersection plane (2840) coincides with the toe-side intersection (2824) and the heel-side intersection (2834). In some embodiments, the intersection plane (2840) extends parallel to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, such as those in FIGS. 19-24, the rear extension (2500) extends rearward in a straight line, such that the intersection plane (2840) and the rear extension axis (2504) form an angle of approximately 90 degrees when viewed from the sole. In some embodiments, such as those in FIGS. 25-28, the intersection plane (2840) and the rear extension axis (2504) intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees.

[0191] The toe side shaft angle (2860) is measured (in the sole view) from the intersection plane (2840) to the rear extension shaft (2504) on the toe side of the rear extension shaft (2504). The heel side shaft angle (2865) is measured (in the sole view) from the intersection plane (2840) to the extension shaft (2504) on the heel side of the rear extension shaft (2504). The toe side shaft angle (2860) and the heel side shaft angle (2865) are supplementary angles (added to 180 degrees).

[0192] Referring to FIG. 25, in some embodiments, the rear extension is attached to the striking face sole return (2810) closer to the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100) than to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100). In these embodiments, the toe side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees and the heel side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains centrally located at the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). Due to the location of the rear extension (2500) of the first component, the second component (2200) can occupy a larger portion of the heel side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the heel sole portion (2214) of the second component can be larger than the toe sole portion (2212) of the second component.

[0193] Referring to FIG. 26, in some embodiments, the rear extension is attached to the striking face sole return (2810) closer to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) than to the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100). In this embodiment, the toe side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees and the heel side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains centrally located at the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). Due to the location of the rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300), the second component (2200) can occupy a larger portion of the toe side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the toe sole portion (2212) of the second component can be larger than the heel sole portion (2214) of the second component. The attachment location of the rear extension can alter the weight and launch characteristics of the golf club head (2100).

[0194] 27 and 28, in some embodiments, the rear extension can have a variety of widths. In these embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) may not be complementary angles (may not sum to 180 degrees). In some embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be acute angles, reducing the weight of the first component and allowing for greater perimeter weight in the club head. In other embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be obtuse angles, increasing the durability of the sole and simplifying the manufacturing assembly of the golf club head (2100).

[0195] The rear extension width (2507) is measured in a heel-to-toe direction behind the rear perimeter of the forward sole portion (2810). The rear extension width (2507) is less than the overall width of the sole (2120) of the golf club (2100). The rear extension width (2507) can be in the range of 25% to 85% of the overall width of the sole (2120). The rear extension width (2507) can be 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80% or 85% of the overall width of the sole (2120). The width of the rear extension adjacent the weight channel (2540) can be in the range of 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The rear extension width (8507) between the toe-side intersection (2824) and the heel-side intersection (2834) can be in the range of 1 inch to 5 inches. The rear extension width (2507) may be greater adjacent the weight channel (2540), as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, or may be greater adjacent the return section (2810).

[0196] 37 and 38, the location of the sole extension (2500) of the first component (2300) can also be understood in relationship to the striking face (2170) and the XYZ coordinate system. The rear extension angle (2508) can be measured between the rear extension axis (2504) and the YZ plane (193) in a sole view. In some embodiments, the rear extension axis (2504) can intersect the YZ plane adjacent to the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). In other embodiments, the rear extension axis (2504) can intersect the YZ plane at a point between the return portion (2177) of the club head (2100) and the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). The rear extension angle (2508) can range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear extension angle (2508) can be in the range of 0 degrees to 10 degrees, 0 degrees to 20 degrees, 0 degrees to 30 degrees, 0 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 20 degrees, 10 degrees to 30 degrees, 10 degrees to 40 degrees, 10 degrees to 45 degrees, 20 degrees to 30 degrees, 20 degrees to 40 degrees, 20 degrees to 45 degrees, 30 degrees to 40 degrees, or 30 degrees to 45 degrees.

[0197] In the embodiment of FIG. 37, the rear extension axis (2504) intersects the YZ plane adjacent to or at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). The front end of the rear extension (2500) is located closer to the heel end (2160) than the toe end (2150). Moving the front end of the rear extension (2500) affects the CG and MOI of the club head (2100) because the first component (2300) is denser than the second component. Placement of more of the first component (2300) in the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) increases the mass in the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100).

[0198] In the embodiment of FIG. 38, the rear extension axis (2504) intersects the YZ plane adjacent to or at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100). The front end of the rear extension (2500) is located closer to the toe end (2150) than the heel end (2160). Placement of more of the first component (2300) in the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100) increases the mass in the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100).

[0199] With reference to FIG. 39, in some embodiments, the trailing end (2410) of the return section (2177) may be angled with respect to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, the trailing end (2410) may be aligned with the intersecting plane (2840). In other embodiments, the trailing end (2410) is at least partially curved or angled and is not fully aligned with the intersecting plane (2840). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 40, a portion of the trailing end (2410) may be parallel to the XY plane (191) while the intersecting plane (2840) is angled with respect to the XY plane (191). A trailing end angle (2411) may be defined between the intersecting plane (2840) and the XY plane (191). The trailing end angle (2411) may range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the rear end angle (2411) can range from 0 to 10 degrees, 10 to 20 degrees, 20 to 30 degrees, or 30 to 45 degrees. The angulation of the rear end (2410) places more mass at the heel end (2160) or toe end (2150) of the club head (2100).

[0200] 40, in some embodiments, a portion of the rear end (2410) is offset from the remainder of the rear end (2410). For example, a portion of the rear end (2410) on the toe side of the rear extension (2500) (hereinafter, "rear toe side (2412)") may be further forward than a portion of the rear end (2410) on the heel side of the rear extension (2500) (hereinafter, "rear heel side (2413)"). The rear toe side (2412) may be offset from the rear heel side (2410) by a distance (2414). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 40, the rear heel side (2413) may be offset from the rear heel side (2410) by a distance (2414). ) is offset rearwardly from the rear toe side (2412) a distance (2414). In other embodiments, the rear toe side (2412) may be offset rearwardly from the heel side (2413). In yet other embodiments, the rear end (2410) of the return portion (2177) may be arcuate, parabolic, tapered, or shaped to contribute to particular mass properties and / or impact durability of the first component (2300). Second component

[0201] As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the second component can include a crown portion (2205), a rear edge portion (2230), a sole-toe portion (2212), and a sole-heel portion (2214). The crown portion (2205) connects the sole-toe portion (2212) and the sole-heel portion (2214). The rear edge portion (2230) connects the crown portion (2205) to the sole-toe portion and the heel portion (2212 and 2214). The crown portion (2205), the sole-toe portion (2212), and the sole-heel portion (2214) define a rear notch (2240) on the sole side of the second component (2200). In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 29, the rear notch 2240 is cut into the sole only. 30, the rear notch 2240 is cut into both the sole and crown portions (2205). Embodiments cutting into both the sole and crown portions (2205) allow more space for the weight channel (2540) of the first component (2300) at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100).

[0202] The sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (2214) of the second component can be sized to correspond to the dimensions of the first component (2300), as shown in FIGS. 22-28. For example, the sole toe portion (2212) of the second component can be approximately the same size as the sole heel portion (2214) when the rear extension portion (2500) is centrally located, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 22-24. In embodiments in which the rear rear extension axis (2504) is angled relative to the intersecting plane (2840), the sole toe portion (2212) can be smaller or larger than the sole heel portion (2214), as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 25 and 26.

[0203] In some embodiments, the second component (2200) can be secured to the first component (2300) in a manner similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment. In some embodiments, the materials of the first component (2300) and the second component (2200) can also be similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment. III) Third embodiment of golf club head (including crown brace and separate second component)

[0204] The third embodiment (3100) of the golf club head shown in FIG. 37-FIG. 41 and FIG. 53 includes a first component (3300) and a second component (3200) that is joined onto the first component (3300). The first component (3300) includes a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). The first component (3300) of the third embodiment golf club head may be similar to the first components (300 and 1300) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100) except for the addition of the crown brace (3560). The second component (3200) may include a toe portion (3212) and a heel portion (3214). The toe and heel portions (3212 and 3214) may be separate components. Except for the two-component design, the second component (3200) of the golf club head may be similar to the second components (200 and 2200) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100). The golf club head defines a striking face (3170), a return portion (3177), a hosel (3140), a crown (3110), a sole (3120), a heel end (3160), a toe end (3150), and a skirt (3125) having a trailing edge (3130) at the rearmost portion of a rear end (3180). The skirt (3125) may extend along the periphery of the club head behind the hosel (3140) between the crown (3110) and the sole (3120).

[0205] 40 and 41, the toe portion (3212) of the second component may include a toe center edge (3220) configured to lie along the center of the crown (3110) when the golf club head is fully assembled, a toe maximum crown width (3222) measured from the toe center edge (3220) to the toe end (3150), and a toe maximum crown length (3224) measured from the front end to the rear end. The heel portion (3214) of the second component may include a heel center edge (3216) configured to lie along the center of the crown (3110) when the golf club head is fully assembled, a heel maximum crown width (3217) measured from the heel center edge (3216) to the heel end (3160), and a heel maximum crown length (3218) measured from the front end to the rear end.

[0206] The toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have the same maximum length (3224 and 3218). Alternatively, the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have a maximum length (3224 and 3218) that may vary, one greater than the other. The toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have the same maximum width (3222 and 3217). Alternatively, the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) may have a maximum width (3222 and 3217) that may vary, one greater than the other. The maximum length may be between 3.0 inches and 6.0 inches. The maximum length can be 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

[0207] As shown in FIG. 37-39, the first component (3300) of the third embodiment may include both a sole rear extension (3500) and a crown brace (3560). The sole rear extension (3500) houses a weight channel (3540) at its rear end (3180). The crown brace (3560) is attached to the forward crown portion (3400) and the sole rear extension (3500). The crown brace (3560) is attached to the sole rear extension (3500) adjacent to the weight channel (3540) at the rear end (3180) of the club head. As shown in FIG. 39, the crown brace (3560) and the weight channel (3540) of the rear extension (3500) may form a hammer head shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the crown brace (3560) and rear extension (3500) connection may be fillet, round, or other shapes.

[0208] The crown brace (3560) can provide support to prevent the sole rear extension (3500) from bending too far up when the golf club head impacts a golf ball. Because the weight channel (3540) houses the moveable weight (3350), the weight channel (3540) holds a significant amount of mass. The weight channel (3540) and the mass of the weight (3350) are supported by the sole rear extension (3500). However, impact with a golf ball can cause the weight channel (3540) portion of the rear extension (3500) to bend up. This upward bending of the rear extension (3500) can create compressive stresses in the crown (3110). In some embodiments, these stresses can cause fractures or cracks in the second component (3200) that forms the majority of the crown (3110). The crown brace (3560) can provide support to prevent stress-inducing flexing (or clamshell effect) of the sole rear extension (3500). In other words, the crown brace (3560) can reduce vibration and oscillation of the weight channel (3540).

[0209] In some embodiments, the sole rear extension (3500) and crown brace (3560) may both be angled, similar to how the sole rear extensions (500 and 2500) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100) are angled. In some embodiments, the crown brace (3560) is positioned at an angle different from the angle of the sole rear extension (3500).

[0210] 39, the crown brace (3560) comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis (3565). The crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) bisects the crown brace (3560) along its maximum length. In some embodiments, the crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) can be offset toward the heel or toe end of the golf club head parallel to the rear extension axis (2504), or alternatively non-parallel to the rear extension axis (2504) such that the crown brace longitudinal axis (3565) forms an acute angle with respect to the rear extension axis (2504).

[0211] The crown brace (3560) may include a toe side edge (3562) and a heel side edge (3564). The crown brace (3560) may include a width (3561) measured from the toe side edge (3562) to the heel side edge (3564). The crown brace width (3561) may range from 0.05 inches to 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the crown brace width (3561) may range from 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches, 0.1 inches to 0.2 inches, 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches, 0.3 inches to 0.5 inches, 0.3 inches to 0.6 inches, or 0.4 inches to 0.7 inches. In some embodiments, the crown brace width may be approximately 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.75 inches, or 0.8 inches. The crown brace width (3561) may affect or determine the mass of the crown brace (3560). To keep the mass to a minimum, the crown brace (3560) may be designed to weigh less than 0.6g, less than 0.5g, less than 0.4g, less than 0.3g, less than 0.2g, or less than 0.1g.

[0212] 40 and 41, the two portions of the second component (3200) may each include a crown (3110), a sole (3120), and a rear edge (3130) portion. The toe portion (3212) may be configured to mate and be secured to a circumferential lip or ledge (not shown) of the first component (3300). In particular, the toe portion (3212) may be configured to engage the rear extension toe sidewall (3522) and overlap the crown brace toe sidewall (3562). The heel portion (3214) may be configured to engage the rear extension heel sidewall (3532) and overlap the crown brace heel sidewall (3564).

[0213] Because the second component (3200) comprises two separate parts (3212 and 3214), the second component (3200) may be assembled onto the first component (3300) in two steps. For example, first, the toe portion (3212) may be slid onto the first component (3300) in a toe-to-heel direction. The heel portion (3214) may be slid onto the first component (3300) separately in a heel-to-toe direction. As described in more detail below, because the second component (3200) may be assembled onto the first component from the heel and toe sides, the first component (3300) may have a more complex profile. The materials of the first (3300) and second (3200) components may be similar to those described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment.

[0214] When the two second component parts (3212 and 3214) are assembled onto the first component, the two parts (3212 and 3214) may be positioned to completely cover the crown brace (3560). Completely covering the crown brace (3560) may ensure a strong bonded joint between the two parts (3212 and 3214) and the first component (2300). The two parts (3212 and 3214) may be positioned such that no portion of the crown brace (3560) is exposed to the exterior of the golf club head.

[0215] In an alternative embodiment, the club head (3100) may be formed without the crown brace (3560), but still include two second component portions (3212 and 3214). The two second component portions (3212 and 3214) may include a center edge internal extension, by which the component portions (3212 and 3214) are connected. The internal extensions may extend along the entire center edge of each portion, or along only a portion of the center edge of each portion. The internal extensions may extend inwardly toward the golf club head interior, parallel to each other and generally parallel to the Y-axis. The heel portion (3214) may have a heel internal extension (3234). The toe portion (3212) may have a toe internal extension (3232). The internal extensions may each have an internal extension length of 0.1 inches to 1.0 inches. The internal extension length can be 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inches.

[0216] 42, in some embodiments, the internal extensions (3232 and 3234) may be positioned to abut one another when the golf club head is assembled. The internal extensions (3232 and 3234) may be mechanically secured to one another with mechanical or press-fit fasteners, or they may be adhesively secured via an epoxy or other suitable adhesive.

[0217] In another alternative embodiment, the golf club head (3100) may be formed of a single, integral second component, similar to the second components (200 and 2200) described above for the first and second embodiments (100 and 2100), rather than two separate second component parts. This alternative embodiment may include a crown brace (3560), which serves to support the weight channel (3540) and the single second component. IV) Fourth embodiment of golf club head (including two or more braces)

[0218] A fourth embodiment (4100) of the golf club head includes a first component (4300) and a second component (not shown) that is bonded onto the first component (4300). In this fourth embodiment, the first component (4300) may have more than one brace, support, bridge, or span extending between the forward crown portion (4400) and the sole-rear extension portion (4500). The brace may reduce vibration and oscillation of the rear end of the club head and increase durability. The second component (not shown) of the fourth embodiment may be a single, integral second component similar to the second component (200 or 2200) or may be a separate (split) second component similar to the second component (3200).

[0219] The golf club head (4100) may be similar to the golf club heads (100, 2100, and 3100) described above. Although the complete golf club head (4100) is not shown in Figures 43-56, the golf club head (4100) may form the same components as the golf club heads (100, 2100, and 3100) described above. The golf club head (4100) defines a striking face (4170 similar to 170, 2170, 3170), a return portion (similar to 177, 2177, 3177), a hosel (4140 similar to 140, 2140, 3140), a crown (similar to 110, 2110, 3110), a sole (similar to 120, 2120, 3120), a heel end (similar to 160, 2160, 3160), a toe end (similar to 150, 2150, 3150), and a skirt (similar to 125, 2125, 3125) having a trailing edge (similar to 130, 2130, 3130) at the rearmost portion of the rear end (4180 similar to 180, 2180, 3180).

[0220] As shown in Figures 43-56, the golf club head (4100) may include a first component (4300) having various brace configurations. All variations of the first component (4300) include a striking face (4170), a forward crown portion (4400), a forward sole portion (4810), and a sole rear extension (4500) connected to the forward sole portion (4810). The rear extension (4500) may include a toe side edge (4522), a heel side edge (4532), and a weight channel (4540) configured to allow attachment of a moveable weight (4350) at the rear edge (4130) of the golf club head (4100). The weight channel (4540) and the movable weight (4350) may be similar to the weight channel (2540, 3540) and the movable weight (2350, 3350) of the golf club head (2100, 3100) as described above primarily with reference to Figures 17-21 and 41. The first component (4300) may also include a perimeter lip (4450) that is offset inwardly around the edges of the forward crown portion (4400), the forward sole portion (4810), and the sole rear extension portion (4500). The perimeter lip (4450) may be similar to a shelf and may function as a lap joint when the second component (4200) is attached to the first component (4300). The brace may reduce impact-induced vibration or oscillation of the weight channel (4540) at the rear end (4180), thereby reducing stress experienced by the entire lap joint. Reducing stresses at the lap joints increases the durability of the lap joint bond and helps prevent delamination.

[0221] All variations of the first component (4300) may also include two or more braces (also called supports, bridges, spans, or connecting members). The two or more braces may provide stability to the weight channel (4540) and reduce oscillation and vertical displacement of the rear weight channel after the golf club head (4100) impacts a golf ball. The two or more braces may also increase the lateral stiffness of the rear extension (4500) of the first component (4300).

[0222] In the variation shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, the first component (4300) includes a toe skirt brace (4566) and a heel skirt brace (4568). The toe skirt brace (4566) may extend from the return portion to the rear end of the club head. More specifically, the toe skirt brace (4566) may extend from the forward crown and sole portions (4400 and 4810) to the rear extension portion (4500) at the rear edge of the club head (4100). The toe skirt brace (4566) and the heel skirt brace (4568) are configured to be located at the same height as the perimeter lip (4450) of the first component (4300). In other words, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) may be flush with the perimeter lip (4450). The second component (4200) may mate with and completely cover the toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568) when the club head (4100) is assembled.

[0223] In the variation shown in Figures 45 and 46, the first component (4300) includes a toe skirt brace (4566), a heel skirt brace (4568), and a central crown brace (4560). The toe skirt brace (4566) and the heel skirt brace (4568) may be similar to the toe and skirt braces (4566 and 4568) described above for the variation of Figures 43 and 44. The crown brace (4560) may be similar to the crown brace (3560) described above for the golf club head (3100) shown in Figures 37-42. The central crown brace (4560) may extend from the forward crown portion (4400) to a rear extension (4500) at the rear edge of the club head (4100). The central crown brace (4560) may be located approximately midway between the toe end (4150) and the heel end (4160) of the club head (4100). From a top view, such as FIG. 46, the central crown brace (4560) may be approximately perpendicular to the XY plane (191). The orientation of the central crown brace (4560) may approximately bisect the sole rear extension (4500).

[0224] The variation shown in Figures 47 and 48 includes a toe brace (4557) and a heel brace (4559), both of which are connected to the outer edge of the rear extension (4500). The toe brace (4557) may extend rearward from the forward crown portion (4400) and be attached to the toe edge (4522) of the rear extension (4500) at the rear edge (4532) of the club head (4100). Similarly, the heel brace (4557) may extend rearward from the forward crown portion (4400) and be attached to the heel edge (4532) of the rear extension (4500) at the rear edge (4130) of the club head (4100). The toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be attached to the front crown portion (4400) at a location that, from a top view, divides the front crown portion (4400) into approximately one-third. In other words, from a top view, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are attached to the front crown portion (4400) such that, when measured along the rear edge of the front crown portion (4400), the distance between the toe end (4150) of the club head (4100) and the toe brace (4557) is approximately equal to the distance between the toe brace (4557) and the heel brace (4559), which is also approximately equal to the distance between the heel brace (4559) and the heel end (4160) of the club head (4100).

[0225] 48, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be separated by a greater distance toward the trailing edge (4130) at the rear end (4180) of the golf club head (4100). From the top view, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be within the footprint of the sole rear extension (4500).

[0226] The variation shown in Figures 49 and 50 includes a toe brace (4557) and a heel brace (4559), both of which are connected to the center of the rear extension (4500). As described above for the variation of Figures 47 and 48, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may be attached to the front crown portion (4400) at a location that, from a top view, divides the front crown portion (4400) into approximately one-third. However, in the variation of Figures 49 and 50, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) are separated by a smaller distance toward the rear (4130) at the rear end (4180) of the golf club head (4100). The toe brace (4557) may join with the heel brace (4559) prior to or at the connection with the rear extension (4500) at the rear end (4180). As shown in FIG. 50, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) may form a V-shaped pattern from a top view.

[0227] The variation shown in Figures 51 and 52 includes four braces: a toe brace (4557), a heel brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel skirt brace (4568). The toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) of the variation of Figures 51 and 52 may be similar to the toe and heel braces of the variation of Figures 47 and 48 described above. The toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) of the variation of Figures 51 and 52 may be similar to the toe and heel skirt braces of the variation of Figures 43 and 44 described above.

[0228] The variation shown in Figures 53 and 54 includes four braces: a toe brace (4557), a heel brace (4559), a toe skirt brace (4566), and a heel skirt brace (4568). The toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) of the variation of Figures 53 and 54 may extend from the forward crown portion (4400) to the rear extension (4500) at the rear edge (4130) of the club head rear end (4180). From a top view, the toe brace (4557) and heel brace (4559) may be oriented approximately perpendicular to the XY plane (191). In some embodiments, the toe and heel braces (4557 and 4559) can be aligned such that their top view footprints generally follow the edges (4522 and 4532) of the sole rear extension (4500).

[0229] 53 and 54, in some embodiments, the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe brace (4557) may be less than the distance between the heel brace (4559) and the heel end (4160) when measured along the rear edge of the front crown portion (4400). In other embodiments, the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe brace (4557) may be approximately equal to the distance between the heel brace (4559) and the heel end (4160) when measured along the rear edge of the front crown portion (4400). Both the distance between the toe end (4150) and the toe brace (4557) and the distance between the heel end (4160) and the heel brace (4559) may be less than the distance between the toe brace (4557) and the heel brace (4559).

[0230] The variation shown in Figures 55 and 56 comprises two crisscrossing braces, a first brace (4570) and a second brace (4572). The first brace (4570) extends from a heel half of the forward crown portion (4400) to a toe half of the rear extension portion (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the rear end (4180). The second brace (4572) extends from a toe half of the forward crown portion (4400) to a heel half of the rear extension portion (4500) at the trailing edge (4130) of the rear end (4180). The first and second braces (4570 and 4572) cross each other to form a crisscross. In the embodiment of FIG. 56 shown, the first and second braces (4570 and 4572) crisscross approximately midway between the forward crown portion (4400) and the rear extension portion (4500) adjacent the trailing edge (4130). The crisscrossing braces (4570 and 4572) may form an X-shape or an hourglass shape when viewed in a top view. In some embodiments, the crisscrossing braces (4570 and 4572) are shifted toward the toe end (4150) or heel end (4160) to achieve the desired structural support.

[0231] Any of the aforementioned braces may comprise a thickness. The brace thickness, measured from the outer surface of the brace to the inner surface of the brace, may be approximately 0.015 inches to 0.035 inches. In some embodiments, the brace thickness may be 0.015 inches, 0.016 inches, 0.017 inches, 0.018 inches, 0.019 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.021 inches, 0.022 inches, 0.023 inches, 0.024 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.026 inches, 0.027 inches, 0.028 inches, 0.029 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.031 inches, 0.032 inches, 0.033 inches, 0.034 inches, or 0.035 inches. Braces located on the crown (not skirt braces) may comprise a width similar to the crown brace width (3561) described above for the club head (3100).

[0232] Any of the aforementioned braces may have a brace width similar to the crown brace width (3561) described above. The width of each brace may affect or determine the mass of the brace. To keep the mass at a reasonable level, the braces in the club head (4100) may be designed to have a total weight that is, together, less than 0.6g, less than 0.5g, less than 0.4g, less than 0.3g, less than 0.2g, or less than 0.1g. In some embodiments, the total weight of the braces is equal to 0.6g, 0.5g, 0.4g, 0.3g, 0.2g, or 0.1g. Thus, in some cases, in embodiments with more braces, the brace width may be less than the brace width in embodiments with fewer braces.

[0233] The two or more braces described above may increase the durability of the golf club head. More specifically, the braces may reduce possible vertical oscillations of the weight channel (4540) of the sole rear extension (4500). The braces may also reduce lateral movement of the weight channel (4540). In a club head lacking the braces described herein, the impact force experienced when the golf club head (4100) strikes a golf ball may induce vibration and oscillation of the rear extension due to the high concentration of weights in the weight channel and the movable weights. The vertical displacement of the rear edge (4130) of the rear extension (4500) may be measured in a simulation to quantify the possible oscillations. A larger vertical displacement at impact corresponds to a lower durability, since a larger amplitude of oscillation may cause material fatigue. The braces described above reduce the vertical displacement of the rear edge (4130) at impact, thus increasing the durability of the club head (4100).

[0234] The two or more braces described above may define or form the boundaries of an opening in the first component (4300). An opening may also be referred to as a void, an area without material, or an empty region. The two or more braces may define three, four, five, six, or more openings in the first component (4300). In the variation of Figs. 43 and 44, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) form part of the boundaries of the crown opening, part of the boundaries of the toe sole opening, and part of the boundaries of the heel sole opening. The rear extension (4500) and the striking face return also form part of the boundaries of the toe and heel sole opening. In the variation of Figs. 45 and 46, the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568) and the forward crown portion (4400) surround and define two crown openings separated by the central crown brace (4560). The variation of Figures 45 and 46 may have toe and heel-sole openings similar to the variation of Figures 43 and 44.

[0235] In the variation of Figures 47 and 48, the toe and heel side braces (4557 and 4559) define a central crown opening and two side openings. The crown openings intersect the skirt and span a portion of the crown and a portion of the sole, respectively. The variation of Figures 49 and 50 is similar except that the central crown opening has a generally triangular shape. In the variation of Figures 51-54, the braces define five openings. The skirt braces (4566 and 4568), crown braces (4557 and 4559), rear extension (4500), and forward crown portion (4400) define three crown openings. The skirt braces (4566 and 4568), striking face return, and sole extension (4500) define a toe sole opening and a heel sole opening.

[0236] In the variation of Figures 55 and 56, the brace defines six openings. The crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) define the front and rear triangular openings. The front crown portion (4400) and the crisscross brace configurations (4570 and 4572) form the edges of the front triangular opening. The rear extension portion (4500) and the crisscross brace configurations (4570 and 4572) form the edges of the rear triangular opening. The toe and heel crown openings are formed between the central crisscross braces (4570 and 4572) and the toe and heel skirt braces (4566 and 4568). Additionally, the skirt braces (4566 and 4568), the strike face return, and the sole extension portion (4500) define the toe and heel sole openings.

[0237] During and immediately after impact with a golf ball, the rear weight (4350) and weight channel (4540) of the first component (4300) may swing vertically relative to the remainder of the golf club head (4100). For a first component without any braces, the 30 to 35 gram rear weight (4350) may swing greater than 0.3 inches without the additional support of the second component (4200). For a first component (4300) with two or more braces, the 30 to 35 gram rear weight (4350) may swing up to 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches without the additional support of the second component (4200). In some embodiments, the rear weight (4350) may deflect a maximum of 0.03 inches to 0.06 inches, 0.04 inches to 0.07 inches, 0.05 inches to 0.08 inches, 0.05 inches to 0.10 inches, 0.10 inches to 0.15 inches, or 0.15 inches to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the rear weight (4350) may deflect a maximum of about less than 0.3 inches, less than 0.2 inches, less than 0.18 inches, less than 0.16 inches, less than 0.14 inches, less than 0.12 inches, less than 0.10 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.04 inches, or less than 0.02 inches.

[0238] In some embodiments with two crown braces and no skirt brace, the 30 to 35 gram rear weight (4350) may swing up to 0.09 inches to 0.18 inches or 0.10 inches to 0.15 inches (perpendicular to the rest of the club head) even without the additional support of the second component (4200). In some embodiments with two skirt braces and no crown brace, the rear weight (4350) may swing up to 0.10 inches to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments with two skirt braces and at least one crown brace, the rear weight (4350) may swing up to 0.03 inches to 0.10 inches, or less than 0.10 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, or less than 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, variations with parallel toe and heel braces provide more support (less deflection) than variations with crisscross or angled (non-parallel) braces. V) Fifth embodiment of golf club head

[0239] A fifth embodiment of a golf club head (5100) shown in FIGS. 53-56 includes a first component (5300) having a weight channel (5540) and a sole opening (5555), a second component (5200) bonded onto the first component (5300), and a sole panel (5556) covering the sole cavity (5555) in the first component (5300). The first component (5300) of the fifth embodiment golf club head (5100) may be similar to the first components (300 and 1300) of the golf club heads (100 and 2100) except for the sole opening (5555). The second component (5200) of the golf club head (5100) may be similar to the second component of the golf club head (100) described above. The second component (5200) of the golf club head (5100) may be similar to the second component of the golf club head (100) described above. The golf club head (5100) defines a striking face (5170), a return portion (5177), a hosel (5140), a crown (5110), a sole (5120), a heel end (5160), a toe end (5150), a rear edge (5130) at the rearmost portion of the rear end (5180), the hosel (5140), and a sole portion hosel adapter attachment recess (5195).

[0240] As shown in FIG. 57, the first component (5300) may include a rear extension (5500). The rear extension (5500) further includes a toe span (5557) and a heel span (5559). The toe span (5557) extends toward and connects to a rear end (5180). The heel span (5559) extends toward and connects to a rear end (5180) opposite the toe span (5557). The toe span (5557), the heel span (5559), the rear end (5180), and the return portion (5177) form a sole opening (5555). The sole opening (5555) functions to remove dense material of the first component (5300) towards the rear end (5180) of the first component (5300). The sole opening (5555) further allows a sole panel (5556) of a different material to cover and seal the sole opening (5555) to create a multi-material sole (5120), leading to increased MOI and improved acoustic properties.

[0241] The sole opening (5555) can be any shape, but in most embodiments, the sole opening (5555) is generally rectangular. The sole opening (5555) is curved with the general shape of the sole (5120). In some embodiments, the sole opening (5555) can be square, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or any other desired shape.

[0242] The sole opening (5555) comprises a width (5574), the width (5574) being measured from the toe span (5557) to the heel span (5559). In most embodiments, the sole opening (5555) has a greater width closer to the return portion (5177) than the opening width closer to the rear end (5180). This feature helps to remove as much high density mass as possible from the center of the club head (5100), allowing the mass to be redistributed to the rear end (5180) of the club head (5100). However, in some embodiments, the sole opening (5555) width may be equal or uniform from the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sole opening (5555) width may be greater near the rear end (5180) than the opening width near the return portion (5177).

[0243] The sole opening width (5574) can be 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. The width (5574) can be 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 ... In the embodiment, the width of the opening may be 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.3 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

[0244] Further, the sole opening (5555) comprises a length (5576), the length (5576) being measured from the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). In most embodiments, the sole opening (5555) has a length near the heel span (5559) that is equal to the length near the toe span (5557). This feature helps balance the club head in the heel-to-toe direction. In some embodiments, the length near the heel span (5559) may be less than the length near the toe span (5557), removing mass from the toe and placing more at the heel to affect a draw or hook shot. In contrast, in some embodiments, the length near the toe span (5557) may be less than the length near the heel span (5559), removing mass from the heel and placing more near the toe to affect a slice or fade shot.

[0245] The sole opening length (5576) can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. The length (5576) can be from 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.3 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 ... 0 inches, 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

[0246] A toe span (5557) and a heel span (5559) connect the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). The toe span (5557) and the heel span (5559) of the rear extension (5500) may comprise a portion of the sole (5120). The rear extension (5500) comprises a weight channel (5540). The weight channel (5540) is exposed at the rear end (5180) of the club head (5300) and at least a portion of the sole (5120).

[0247] The weight channel (5540) is configured to receive the movable weight (5350) in one of three positions. The weight (5350) may be secured to the weight channel (5540) by a threaded fastener (5320). The weight (5350) may be positioned in a toe position, a center position, or a heel position. The weight channel (5540) includes a mounting wall (5542) and a sole wall (5550). The mounting wall (5542) may be oriented generally perpendicular to the sole (5120). The sole wall (5550) may be oriented generally parallel to the main sole (5120), but may recess inward a distance equal to the height of the mounting wall (5542). The movable weight (5350) may include an elongated trapezoidal shape, or any other suitable weight. The movable weight (5350) may include an inner wall and a connecting wall. The inner wall lies flush against the sole wall (5550) of the weight channel (5540). The connecting wall lies flush against the mounting wall (5542) when the weight (5350) is mounted in one of three positions.

[0248] The mounting wall (5542) of the weight channel (5540) includes three threaded openings corresponding to the three weight positions. The mounting wall (5542) includes a toe threaded opening (5544), a center threaded opening (5546), and a heel threaded opening (5548). The moveable weight (5350) is located in the toe position by positioning the connecting wall of the weight (5350) flush against the mounting wall (5542) of the channel (5540) and fastening the fastener (5320) in the toe threaded opening (5544). The moveable weight (5350) is located in the center position by positioning the connecting wall of the weight (5350) flush against the mounting wall (5542) of the channel (5540) and fastening the fastener (5320) in the center threaded opening (5546). The movable weight (5350) is positioned in the heel position by positioning the connecting wall of the weight (5350) flush against the mounting wall (5542) of the channel (5540) and securing the fastener (5320) within the heel threaded opening (5548).

[0249] When the movable weight (5350) is located in a center position (similar to the golf club (2100) as shown in the sole view of FIG. 19), the golf club (5100) is configured to not impart a draw or fade bias. When the weight (2350) is located in a toe position (similar to the golf club (2100) as shown in FIG. 20), the weight (2350) imparts a fade bias to the club head. When the weight (5350) is located in a heel position (similar to the golf club head (2100) as shown in FIG. 21), the weight (5350) imparts a draw bias to the club head.

[0250] The first component (5300) includes a sole rear extension (5500), a front crown portion (5400), and a forward sole portion (5810). The forward sole portion (5810) includes a heel extension (5830) and a toe extension (5820). The heel extension (5830) includes a rear wall (5832). The toe extension (5820) includes a rear wall (5822).

[0251] The first component rear extension (5500) includes a toe sidewall (5522) and a heel sidewall (5532) that connect the weight channel (5540) to the striking face sole return (5810). The toe sidewall (5522) is formed by a toe side span (5557) opposite the sole opening (5555). Similarly, the heel sidewall (5532) is formed by a heel side span (5559) opposite the sole opening (5555). The rear extension toe sidewall (5522) and the toe extension back wall (5822) can form a toe sidewall angle (5850). The toe sidewall angle (5850) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. The rear extension heel sidewall (5532) and the heel extension back wall (5832) can form a heel sidewall angle (5855). The heel sidewall angle (5855) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) is approximately equal to the heel sidewall angle (5855). In other embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) and the heel sidewall angle (5855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (5850) and the heel sidewall angle (5855) are supplementary angles (their sum is approximately equal to 180 degrees). In such embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (5822) and the heel extension rear wall (5832) are disposed in approximately the same plane (the toe rear wall (5822) and the heel rear wall (5832) are approximately parallel when viewed from the sole). For example, the toe sidewall angle (5850) can be an acute angle, while the heel sidewall angle (5855) is a supplementary obtuse angle.

[0252] The second component (5200), similar to the second component (2200) as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, may include a crown portion (5205), a rear edge portion (5230), a sole-toe portion (5212), and a sole-heel portion (5214). The crown portion (5205) connects the sole-toe portion (5212) and the sole-heel portion (5214). The rear edge portion (5230) connects the crown portion (5205) to the sole-toe and heel portions (5212 and 5214). The crown portion (5205), the sole-toe portion (5212), and the sole-heel portion (5214) define a rear notch on the sole side of the second component (5200). The rear notch may be similar to the rear notch (2240) described for the second embodiment with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 29, the rear notch (2240) cuts only into the sole. In other embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 30, the rear notch (2240) cuts into both the sole and crown portions (5205). Embodiments that cut into both the sole and crown portions (5205) allow more room at the rear end (5180) of the club head (5100) for the weight channel (5540) of the first component (5300).

[0253] In some embodiments, the second component (5200) may be secured to the first component (5300) in a manner similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) and second club head embodiments (2100). In some embodiments, the materials of the first (5300) and second (5200) components may also be similar to that described above for the first golf club head (100) embodiment.

[0254] The contour of the rear sole extension (5500) may mechanically lock or hold the second component (5200) onto the first component. The fan-shaped rear extension (5500) with weight channels (5540) prevents the rigid portion from sliding onto the first component (5300). To overcome this manufacturing challenge, the second component (5200) may comprise a semi-rigid or flexible material, allowing the second component (5200) to bend around or onto the first component. In such embodiments, the second component (5200) may snap or lock into place. In some embodiments, the fan-shaped contour of the rear sole extension (5500) allows the second component (5200) to be secured to the first component (5300) without the use of adhesives or with less adhesives.

[0255] The golf club head (5100) further comprises a sole panel (5556), which covers the sole opening (5555) of the first component (5300). Once the sole panel (5556) covers the sole opening (5555), it joins with the toe span (5557), the heel span (5559), and the rear end (5180) to form the entire sole (5120). The sole panel (5556) is of the same shape as the sole opening (5555), such that the sole panel (5556) covers the entire sole opening (5555) by joining to the rear end (5180), the toe span (5557), the heel span (5559), and the forward sole portion (5810). In most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) is glued to the sole opening (5555).

[0256] Like the sole opening (5555), the sole panel (5556) can be any shape, but in most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) is generally rectangular. The sole panel (5556) is curved with the general shape of the sole (5120). In some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) can be square, rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, triangular, polygonal, pentagonal, hexagonal, trapezoidal, or any other desired shape.

[0257] The sole panel (5556) has a width, the width being measured from the toe span (5557) to the heel span (5559). In most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) has a greater width closer to the return portion (5177) than the panel width closer to the rear end (5180). This feature helps to match the contour of the sole opening (5555) and provide an enclosed golf club head (5100). Similar to the width of the sole opening (5555), in some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) width may be equal or uniform from the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sole panel (5556) width may be greater near the rear end (5180) than the panel width near the return portion (5177).

[0258] The sole panel width can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. Widths include 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 inches, 3.0 inches , 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches.

[0259] Additionally, the sole panel (5556) comprises a length, the length being measured from the return portion (5177) to the rear end (5180). In most embodiments, the sole panel (5556) has a length near the heel span (5559) that is equal to the length near the toe span (5557). This feature helps the sole panel (5556) match the exact length of the sole opening (5555). In some embodiments, the length near the heel span (5559) may be less than the length near the toe span (5557). In contrast, in some embodiments, the length near the toe span (5557) may be less than the length near the heel span (5559).

[0260] The sole panel length can be from 0.5 inches to 6.0 inches. The lengths are 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.1 inches, 2.2 inches, 2.3 inches, 2.4 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.6 inches, 2.7 inches, 2.8 inches, 2.9 inches, 3.0 inches, 3.1 inches, 3.2 ... , 3.4 inches, 3.5 inches, 3.6 inches, 3.7 inches, 3.8 inches, 3.9 inches, 4.0 inches, 4.1 inches, 4.2 inches, 4.3 inches, 4.4 inches, 4.5 inches, 4.6 inches, 4.7 inches, 4.8 inches, 4.9 inches, 5.0 inches, 5.1 inches, 5.2 inches, 5.3 inches, 5.4 inches, 5.5 inches, 5.6 inches, 5.7 inches, 5.8 inches, 5.9 inches, or 6.0 inches. VI) Manufacturing method First Method

[0261] Referring to FIG. 61, a first embodiment method (10) for manufacturing a golf club head (100) includes the steps of forming a first component (300), forming a second component (200), applying an adhesive to the first component lip (450), aligning the second component (200) to the first component (300), mating the second component (200) to the first component (300) such that the second component (200) covers the lip (450), and curing the adhesive to permanently secure the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form a hollow golf club head (100) (step 4040 of FIG. 50). The method 10 may be used to form a golf club head similar to the first, second, third or fourth golf club head (100, 2100, 3100 or 4100) described above. For simplicity, reference numbers in the method described below will refer to the first club head (100), however, the method (10) is applicable to all of the above club heads (100, 2100, 3100 or 4100) or variations thereof.

[0262] Referring to FIG. 15, as described above, the first component (300) may further include a plurality of cast support bars, including one or more heel end cast support bars (1510) and one or more toe end cast support bars (1512). The cast support bars stabilize the cast portion of the first component (300) as the metal cools after casting. The stabilization provided by the cast support bars prevents the front of the cast component from folding toward or away from the first component sole rear extension (500) while the component cools after casting. The cast support bars are removed from the cast first component (300) and are not present in the finished golf club head (100).

[0263] An alternative method of manufacturing a golf club head (100) includes the steps of casting a first component (300), molding a wax pattern of the first component (300), adding a wax support bar to the wax pattern, investing the modified wax pattern, casting the investment, trimming the metal casting support bar (1510, 1512), forming the first component (300), and forming the second component (200). The method includes the steps of: applying an adhesive to the first component (300); aligning the second component (200) to the first component (300); mating the second component (200) to the first component (300) so that the second component (200) covers the lip (450); and curing the adhesive to permanently secure the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form the hollow golf club head (100). If a support bar is added to the wax pattern, the attachment point of the support bar is the inner surface of the first component (300) wax pattern to avoid marring or distortion of the outer surface of the first component (300). The advantage of adding the support bar is that the first component casting is supported against distortion during the cooling stage after casting.

[0264] The first component (300) may be coupled to the second component (200) at the first component lip (450) to form the body of the golf club head (100). The first component lip (450), including the crown lip (455), sole lip (460) and mass vertical lip (750), is completely covered by the second component (200) when the first component (300) is coupled to the second component (200) to form the body of the golf club head (100). The second component sole rear cutout (240) comprises a portion of the peripheral edge (220) at the trailing edge (230). When the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) at the first component lip (450) (to form the body of the golf club head (100)), a portion of the peripheral end (220) of the trailing edge (230) is joined along the mass trailing edge shelf (1042).

[0265] The first component (300) can be bonded to the second component (200) by an adhesive. In many embodiments, an adhesive, such as glue, epoxy, epoxy gasket, tape (e.g., VHB tape), or any other adhesive material, can be placed at the junction of the second component (200) and the first component lip (450). In some embodiments, the first component tab (457) on the first component lip (450 and 455) can abut the second component (200) leaving a gap between the first component lip (450 and 455) and the second component (200). This gap can accommodate the adhesive. The gap can have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tab (457) has a uniform height. The uniform height of this gap can create a uniform bond between the first component and the second component. In other embodiments, the second component (200) may be coupled to the first component (300) by fasteners, clips, press fit, or any other suitable attachment means (not shown). In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be coupled to the second component (200) by adhesive along with suitable mechanical attachment means. In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be coupled to the second component (200) using laser welding to heat the second component (200) material to bond it to the first component (300) material.

[0266] In some embodiments, the surface of the first component (300) is not offset from the surface of the second component (200) when the first component is bonded to the second component to form the golf club head 100. When the first component (300) is bonded to the second component (200) to form the golf club head (100), the nominal outer surface of the first component is not offset above or below the nominal outer surface of the second component at the junction of the bond (i.e., the outer surfaces of the first component (300) and second component (200) are coplanar). Second Method

[0267] 62, a second method (20) of manufacturing a golf club head (100) includes the following steps: (step 1:21) casting an unfinished first component, (2:22) cutting a portion of the unfinished first component to form a finished first component, (3:23) injection molding a second component, (4:24) permanently fastening the second component to the first component, and (5:25) completing the club head. The second method 20 may be used to form golf club heads similar to the first, second, third or fourth golf club heads (100, 2100, 3100 or 4100) described above. For simplicity, the reference numbers in the following method description refer to the first club head (100), however, the method (20) may be applicable to any of the previously described club heads (100, 2100, 3100, or 4100) or variations thereof.

[0268] Forming the first component in the first step (21) can begin with casting an unfinished version of the first component (300). The first component (300) can be cast as a complete club head with a thinned area. The majority of the thinned area can be located approximately where the second component (200) will later be attached. A peripheral section around the end of the thinned area will eventually form the lip (450) of the first component (300). The unfinished first component is cast with the thinned area because the thinned area helps the first component retain its desired shape during the casting process. Casting the first component (300) without the thinned area may result in some warping or other casting quality issues. Thus, casting with the thinned area that is later removed ensures that the first component maintains its desired shape so that the second component (200) can fit correctly over it during step 3.

[0269] After the unfinished first component is removed from the mold in which it was cast, a laser is used to cut out the unwanted portions of the thinned region (second step:22), leaving only the peripheral section that will form the lip of the second component (450). The lip can be ground or polished as needed. In some embodiments, the striking face (170) of the club head is integrally cast as part of the first component (300). In other embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast without the striking face (170) (with an opening or void in the front of the first component). In these embodiments, the face plate is provided separately by casting or forging the face plate from a metallic material. The face plate can be conventionally welded, laser welded, or swaged into the front opening of the first component (300).

[0270] The third step (23) can include injection molding the second component. The third step (23) can include providing a composite material (typically in pellet form), melting the composite material, injecting the molten composite material into a mold to form the unfinished second component, cutting the sprue, and grinding the gate area to finish the second component (200). As described above, the composite material can include a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The composite material can be provided in pellets that include both resin and fibers. The composite pellets are melted and injected into a mold to form the unfinished second component. The injection molding process of the third step (23) can be similar to the injection molding process disclosed in Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application No. PCT / US2020 / 047702, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0271] The fourth step (24) can include applying an adhesive (such as a two-part epoxy) to the first component lip (450), aligning and placing the second component (200) on the first component lip (450), and allowing the adhesive to dry. One or more first component tabs (457) on the lips (450) and (455) can provide a gap between the first component lip (450) and the second component. This gap can accommodate the adhesive. The gap can have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tabs (457) have a uniform height. This uniform height of the gap can create a uniform bond between the first component (300) and the second component (200).

[0272] In some embodiments of this second method (20), a functionalized bonding film or layer can be used in place of an adhesive. The functionalized bonding film can be provided in one or more strip areas that correspond to the shape and sides of the first component lip (450, 455). The functionalized bonding film includes a first and a second side. The film can be configured to bond with the material of the first component on the first side and with the material of the second component on the second side. The adhesive film can bond the first and second components together when placed under the required temperature and pressure conditions for a set time.

[0273] After the adhesive is applied to the first component lip (450, 455), the second component may be placed or slid over the first component lip. The second component may be slid over the first component lip until the outer edge of the second component contacts the remainder of the first component. As shown in FIG. 5, the first component lip includes a recessed offset (459) that the second component fills when the club head is assembled. A third step may further include allowing the adhesive to dry and bonding the first component to the second component.

[0274] The fifth step (25) may include polishing, cleaning, coating, and / or painting the club head. In some embodiments, the fifth step (25) may further include placing a removable weight (1300) within the weight recess (540) and securing the removable weight (1300) using fasteners. In other embodiments, the fifth step (25) may further include placing a moveable weight (2350) within the weight channel (2540) and securing the moveable weight utilizing fasteners. Third Method

[0275] As shown in Fig. 63, the third method (30) includes the following steps: (Step 1:31) forming a first component, (Step 2:32) providing a second component as a toe portion (3212) and a heel portion (3214), (Step 3:33) fastening the second component toe portion (3212) to the first component (3300), (Step 4:34) fastening the second component heel portion (3214) to the first component (3300), and (Step 5:35) completing the club head. The first step (31) may include casting the unfinished first component, laser cutting unnecessary portions of the unfinished first component, and optionally welding a face plate to the first component to form a completed first component. The third method (30) may be used to form a golf club head similar to the third or fourth golf club head (3100 or 4100) described above. For simplicity, the reference numerals in the following method description refer to the third club head (3100), but the method (30) may be applicable to any of the aforementioned club heads (3100 or 4100) or variations thereof.

[0276] The first step (31) of forming the first component (3300) may be similar to steps 1 and 2 (21 and 22) of the second method (20) described above. However, in this manufacturing process, the crown brace (3560) remains after laser cutting of the unfinished first component. The finished first component includes an opening at the heel side (configured to receive the second component heel portion (3214)) and an opening at the toe side (configured to receive the second component toe portion (3212)).

[0277] The second step (32) of providing the second component (3200) may be similar to step 3 (23) of the second method (20) described above. However, in the third manufacturing process (30), the second component (3200) is provided as two separate components, namely, a toe portion (3212) and a heel portion (3214). In some embodiments, the toe portion (3212) and the heel portion (3214) may be injection molded simultaneously from the same sprue and gate and then separated from each other. In other embodiments, the toe portion (3212) and the heel portion (3214) are injection molded individually at different times. After injection molding, the toe and heel portions (3212 and 3214) are finished by cutting or grinding any excess material that entered the mold that was left from the gate of the mold.

[0278] Steps three and four (33 and 34) may be performed in any desired order. Step three (33) includes dispensing adhesive onto a circumferential lip (not shown) of the first component (3300), sliding the toe portion (3212) onto the lip of the first component (3300), and allowing the adhesive to cure / set. The toe portion (3212) may be assembled onto the first component (3300) by sliding it in a toe-to-heel direction. Step four (34) includes dispensing adhesive onto a circumferential lip of the first component (3300), sliding the heel portion (3214) onto the lip of the first component (3300), and allowing the adhesive to cure / set. The heel portion (3214) may be assembled onto the first component (3300) by sliding it in a heel-to-toe direction. In some embodiments of the method, steps three and four (33 and 34) involve first applying adhesive, then sliding the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) individually onto the first component (3300), and then bonding to allow the adhesive to dry.

[0279] Because the toe portion (3212) and heel portion (3214) are geometrically configured to slide onto the first component (3300) from the side, the first component (3300) may have a profile at the rear end of the club head that would not be possible otherwise. For example, in embodiments with a one-piece second component, the second component must generally slide onto the first component (3300) in a back-to-front direction. This directional assembly required for the one-piece second component dictates that the first component must have a profile with an appropriate draft angle. For example, in some embodiments with a one-piece second component, the sole rear extension cannot have an area with a width smaller than the rear edge of the extension. In this regard, forming the second component as two components (toe and heel) allows the first component to have a complex profile that is not limited by a back-to-front directional draft angle. VII) T-shaped design feature

[0280] As mentioned above, the hollow golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) embodiments described herein may include at least two major components: A metallic first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) includes a striking portion and a sole extension (500, 2500, 3500, 4500, or 5500) that forms a "T" shape. A non-metallic second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) wraps around the first component to include a rear portion of the crown (110, 2110, 3110, 4110, or 5110) and also includes a portion of the sole (120, 2120, 3120, 4120, or 5120). The denser "T" shaped sole of the first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) is joined to a less dense, crown-encasing second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) to optimize mass properties by reducing the mass of the crown and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head lower. The weight saved from the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) can be redistributed to other locations on the golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) to further optimize the CG, increase the MOI, and manipulate the shape of the shot trajectory.

[0281] The CG of the golf club head (100, 2100, 3100, 4100, or 5100) can move downward toward the rear of the golf club head including a first component (300, 2300, 3300, 4300, or 5300) and a second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200), the second component (200, 2200, 3200, 4200, or 5200) including a second material having a second density lower than the first material density, as compared to an alternative golf club head including only a first material having a constant density. Working Example Example 1

[0282] The comparative and example club heads of the present application are compared in Table 1. The comparative club heads are entirely metal, but have a similar total mass and volume as the example club heads. The example club heads were similar to the first embodiment golf club head described above. The example club heads included a metallic first component and a polymeric second component attached to the first component and enclosing a hollow interior. The first component included a striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension on the sole. The second component included a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion. [Table 1]

[0283] The comparative example club head and the example club head are approximately 445 cm 3 The comparative club, constructed entirely of metal materials, has a CG height above the ground surface (105) of 0.895 inches CGy. The example golf club head has a CGy of 0.887 inches. It is desirable to reduce the value of CGy. The CGy of the example golf club head is 0.008 inches lower than that of the comparative club.

[0284] As stated above, CGz is measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane (198) as the distance located from the striking face center (175) toward the rear end of the golf club head. A larger CGz is located further back on the golf club and is beneficial for ball flight control. The CGz of the comparative club is 1.913 inches. The example golf club head has a CGz of 1.986 inches. The CGz of the example golf club head is 0.073 inches rearward than the CGz of the comparative club.

[0285] The location of the CG helps determine the ball's launch characteristics (e.g., ball trajectory, ball spin, and ball speed), moment of inertia (MOI), and performance characteristics (e.g., swing speed, square during impact). A high MOI helps prevent rotation of the golf club head during the swing and squares the striking face during impact with the ball. Impacting the ball with a square striking face helps ensure a straighter ball path and optimal height / trajectory compared to slicing or hooking the ball when the striking face is not square. A lower CG also increases ball speed and spin, which can add distance and prevent the ball from rolling backwards upon landing.

[0286] The MOI of the example golf club head is greater than that of the comparative golf club. The IXX and IYY MOI values ​​are the MOI values ​​about the X-axis (190) and the Y-axis (192), respectively. A higher MOI is desirable because it helps prevent the golf club head from rotating during the swing and helps to square the striking face during impact with the ball. The comparative golf club has an IXX value of 584.45 and an IYY value of 834.30. The example golf club head has an IXX value of 652.71 and an IYY value of 875.94. The example golf club head has an 11.7% improvement in IXX and a 5.0% improvement in IYY over the comparative golf club.

[0287] The ball flight of a golf ball struck by the example golf club head has improved CGy and CGz values, which translates directly to improved IXX and IYY values. The improved CG value leads to lower ball spin at impact, which leads to a longer carry for the ball flight.

[0288] In an alternative embodiment, embedded high density weights were added to the example golf club head. The example golf club head with the weights has a CGy of 0.890 inches and a CGz of 2.013 inches. The CGy of the example golf club head with the weights is 0.005 inches less than the CGy of the comparative golf club head, but the CGz of the example golf club head with the weights is 0.100 inches greater than the CGz of the comparative golf club head. The example golf club head with the weights has an IXX value of 678.31 and an IYY value of 901.78. Both of these MOI values ​​are 16% and 8.1% greater than the IXX and IYY of the comparative golf club head, respectively. Example 2

[0289] A series of club head components were compared to each other through finite element analysis (FEA) simulation testing of a golf ball impact with each club head. The club head components were metal components including at least a face, a striking face return, and a sole extension with a rear weight channel that holds a movable weight at a central location. The components tested were fully unassembled club heads. They did not include a second component having a lower density. Rather, the testing isolated the metal club head components because a simulation and comparison of a single component can be more accurate than a complex simulation of an assembled club head. The simulation testing examined the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight after a central face impact with a golf ball traveling at 80 mph. The rear weight in the simulation had a mass of 32 grams.

[0290] The series of club head components included first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth test components. The first test component was similar to the first component (300) of the first golf club head (100) described above, except that the first test component included a rear weight channel that held a moveable weight in a central location rather than a single rear weight. The first test component did not have any brace between the striking face return and the rear edge of the rear extension.

[0291] The second test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 43 and 44. The second test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566) and a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568). The third test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 45 and 46. The third test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), and a central crown brace (similar to 4560).

[0292] The fourth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of Figures 47 and 48. The fourth test component had a toe brace (similar to 4557) and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe brace and heel brace of the fourth test component were separated by a larger width toward the rear end of the fourth test component. The fifth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of Figures 49 and 50. The fifth test component had a toe brace (similar to 4557) and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe brace and heel brace of the fifth test component were separated by a smaller width toward the rear end of the fifth test component, such that they formed a V-shape from a top view.

[0293] The sixth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 51 and 52. The sixth test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe brace (similar to 4557), and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe and heel braces of the sixth test component were separated by a greater width toward the rear end of the sixth test component. The seventh test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of FIGS. 53 and 54. The seventh test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), a toe brace (similar to 4557), and a heel brace (similar to 4559). The toe and heel braces of the seventh test component were parallel to one another.

[0294] The eighth test component was similar to the first component (4300) of the fourth golf club head (4100) described above, specifically the variation of Figures 55 and 56. The eighth test component had a toe skirt brace (similar to 4566), a heel skirt brace (similar to 4568), and a pair of crisscrossing braces (similar to first brace 4570 and second brace 4572 described above).

[0295] When a golf ball impacts the club head off-center relative to the center of gravity line, the golf club head exerts a torque around the center of gravity. The center of gravity line is a theoretical line that extends nearly perpendicular to the face and coincides with the center of gravity. The induced torque effect around the center of gravity caused by the impact off-line is known in the golf industry as gearing. The relative movement of some of the test components cannot be accurately measured based on a fixed coordinate system because the gearing may contribute to the measurement. For example, if the golf ball hits the face above the center of gravity line, the gearing may cause the rear movable weight to move downward. Therefore, when measuring the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight channel and the weight, the measurement must be made with respect to a coordinate system that follows the overall movement of the golf club head.

[0296] To perform accurate simulation testing, a coordinate system was established within each test component. The coordinate system was linked to a theoretical plane. The theoretical plane was parallel to the loft plane and offset 1.25 inches behind the loft plane. This is because this area of ​​the golf club head is well away from the critical stress zones in the crown and sole. Isolating the theoretical plane from the critical stress zones isolates the anchor coordinate system and allows the coordinate system to accurately follow the overall movement of the club head components. Tying the coordinate system to the overall movement of the club head components allows for accurate measurement of the relative vertical bending of the movable weight. For purposes of this example, "relative vertical bending" should be understood to mean bending in the sole-to-crown direction parallel to the loft plane (and theoretical plane). In other words, the relative vertical bending is a measure of the amplitude of the impact-induced oscillation of the rear weight relative to the other test golf club head components.

[0297] As shown graphically in FIG. 64, the rear weights of the first test component (without braces) bent over 0.3 inches. The second test component (with toe and heel skirt braces) showed improvement with the rear weights bending a maximum of approximately 0.15 inches. The fifth test component (with V-shaped toe and heel braces) showed a maximum relative vertical weight displacement of approximately 0.12 inches. The fourth test component (with rearwardly wide toe and heel braces) performed similarly to the fifth test component. The fourth test component showed a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.11 inches. The eighth test component (with skirt braces and crisscross crown braces) showed a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.075 inches. The third, sixth, and seventh test components performed better than any of the other components.

[0298] The graph in FIG. 65 shows the third, sixth, and seventh test components compared to the baseline first test component. The graph in FIG. 66 is an expanded view of the graph in FIG. 65. As shown in the graph in FIG. 66, the third test component (with a skirt brace and a central crown brace) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.065 inches. The sixth test component (with a skirt brace and rearwardly wide toe and heel braces) exhibited a slightly lower maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.057, and the seventh test component (with a skirt brace and parallel toe and heel braces) exhibited a maximum relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.054 inches.

[0299] The rear weight that bends upwards more will rebound downwards more and will involve greater material fatigue and stress in the sole rear extension. For a fully assembled golf club head having the two-component design described herein, the lip or overlap joint structure connecting the first and second components is at risk of delamination if the rear weight oscillates or vibrates at high amplitudes (high values ​​of relative vertical displacement). Thus, the test components exhibiting smaller relative vertical displacements of the rear weight will produce more durable golf club heads. This simulation test showed that adding braces to the first component improved the durability of the golf club head. In particular, the inclusion of a combination of two skirt braces, a toe brace, and a heel brace on the first component (such as in Figures 51-54) provided the best stability to the rear weight and therefore the greatest durability.

[0300] The performance of the complete golf club head is superior to that of the series of club head components tested (i.e., the metal first component). For the golf club head embodiments described herein, the second component, typically including a polymeric material, provides some support to the first component. The attached second component reduces the relative vertical displacement of the rear weight. Thus, any component in the series of tested club head components can form a sufficiently durable club head when coupled with a properly designed second component. However, a first component (metal) with a smaller relative vertical displacement of the rear weight can be coupled to a thinner, lighter, or less durable second component to arrive at an equally durable overall club head. Example 3

[0301] A second comparison was made between the first test component, the third test component, and the seventh test component described in Example 2 above. This comparison test was made through a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation test of a golf ball impact with each club head. The simulation test examined the relative vertical displacement of the rear weights after a toe-side (off-center) face impact with a golf ball traveling at 80 mph. The face was impacted 1 inch toward the toe end from the geometric center of the face.

[0302] As shown in the graph of FIG. 67, the first test component (without a brace) exhibited a rear weight relative vertical displacement of over 0.5 inches. The third test component (with a skirt brace and a central crown brace) exhibited a maximum rear weight relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.1 inches. The seventh test component (with a skirt brace and parallel toe and heel side braces) exhibited a maximum rear weight relative vertical displacement of approximately 0.08 inches. This comparison shows that the braces increase club head durability not only for center hit shots, but also for off-center hit shots.

[0303] The substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a rearrangement, not a repair. Moreover, advantages, other benefits, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to particular embodiments. However, the advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that cause or make evident any advantage, advantage, or solution, do not constitute a critical, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all elements of a claim, unless such advantage, advantage, solution, or element is expressly recited in such claim.

[0304] Because the rules of golf change from time to time (new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be repealed or modified, by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the devices, methods, and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the methods, devices, and / or products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, devices, and / or products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0305] Custom within the industry, rules set by golf organizations such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the R&A, and naming conventions may augment this description of terms without departing from the scope of this application.

[0306] Although the above examples may be described in relation to hollow body golf clubs, the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs, or the devices, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing poles, ski poles, etc.

[0307] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described in this specification are not offered to the public under the doctrine of disclosure if the embodiments and / or limitations are (1) not expressly claimed in the claims and (2) equivalent or potentially equivalent to the expressive elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0308] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are described in the following sections.

[0309] Item 1: A golf club head comprising a body, the body comprising a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a rear edge, the body further comprising a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to the striking face return and the rear extension, and a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole-toe portion, and a sole-heel portion, the second component configured to bond to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head, the first component comprising a first material having a first density. the second component comprises a second material having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density, the striking face having a striking face center, the weight channel being centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head, the striking face return of the first component extends rearwardly from the striking face and comprises a forward crown portion and a forward sole portion, the rear extension extends from the forward sole portion of the striking face return toward the rear end, the rear extension further comprises a rear extension axis extending through a center of the rear extension, and a first component mass is between 85% and 96% of the mass of the golf club head.

[0310] Item 2: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the crown brace is attached to the front crown portion of the striking face return and to the sole rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head.

[0311] Item 3: The golf club head of item 2, wherein the crown brace and the weight channel have a hammerhead shape.

[0312] Item 4: The golf club head of item 2, wherein the crown brace further comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis, the crown brace having a maximum length, and the crown brace longitudinal axis bisects the crown brace along the maximum length.

[0313] Item 5: The golf club head of item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the heel end parallel to the rear extension axis.

[0314] Item 6: The golf club head of item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the toe end parallel to the rear extension axis.

[0315] Item 7: The golf club head of item 4, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the rear extension axis so as to form an acute angle with respect to the rear extension axis.

[0316] Item 8: The golf club head of item 4, wherein an X-axis extends from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head and through the striking face center in a direction parallel to a ground contact surface when the club head is in an address position, a Y-axis extends from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and through the striking face center in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, a Z-axis extends from the striking face to a rear end of the golf club head and through the striking face center in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, a loft plane approximately parallel to the striking face and tangent to the striking face center forms a loft angle with respect to the ground contact surface, an XY plane extends through the X-axis and the Y-axis, and a YZ plane extends through the Y-axis and the Z-axis.

[0317] Item 9: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the weight channel is exposed at the rear end of the body and at the sole.

[0318] Item 10: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a movable weight in one of three positions.

[0319] Item 11: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the rear extension includes a toe sidewall and a heel sidewall extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the striking face return.

[0320] Item 12: The golf club head of item 10, wherein the weight channel further comprises a mounting wall having three screw holes, the three screw holes comprising a toe screw hole, a central screw hole, and a heel screw hole, the central screw hole being located at a midpoint of the length of the mounting wall.

[0321] Item 13: The golf club head of item 1, wherein the rear extension has a rear extension width measured in a heel-to-toe direction rearward of a rear periphery of the forward sole portion of the striking face return, the rear extension width being in the range of 25% to 85% of an overall width of the sole.

[0322] Item 14: The golf club head of item 13, wherein the rear extension width adjacent the weight channel can range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

[0323] Item 15: The golf club head of item 12, wherein the movable weight is secured by a threaded fastener attached to one of the three threaded holes.

[0324] Item 16: The golf club head of item 12, wherein the weight channel further comprises a sole wall, the sole wall extending inward from the sole, the mounting wall being oriented approximately perpendicular to the sole, and the sole wall extending inward a distance approximately equal to the height of the mounting wall.

[0325] Item 17: A golf club head comprising a body, the body comprising a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a trailing edge, the body further comprising a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a plurality of crown braces, and a second component comprising a crown portion, a sole-toe portion, and a sole-heel portion, the second component configured to bond to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head, the first component comprising a first material having a first density, the second component comprising a second material having a second density, 16. A golf club head comprising: a first component having a first density and a second material having a first density, the first density being greater than the second density; the striking face having a striking face center, the weight channel being centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head; the striking face return of the first component extending rearwardly from the striking face and comprising a first component crown portion and a first component sole portion, the rear extension extending from the first component crown portion of the striking face return toward the rear end, the rear extension further comprising a rear extension axis extending through a center of the rear extension, and a first component mass being 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head.

[0326] Item 18: The golf club head of item 17, wherein the plurality of crown braces define openings in the first component, the number of openings being selected from the group consisting of three, four, five, and six openings.

[0327] Item 19: The golf club head of item 17, wherein the plurality of crown braces comprises two crown braces, each of the two crown braces attached to the forward crown portion and attached to the rear extension portion adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head.

[0328] Item 20: The golf club head of item 19, wherein the two crown braces are attached to the rear extension at different points.

Claims

1. A golf club head, It has a body, the body includes a striking face, a back end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a trailing edge; The body further comprises: a first component including the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a crown brace attached to the striking face return and the rear extension; a second component including a crown portion, a sole-toe portion, and a sole-heel portion; the second component is configured to couple to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head; the first component comprises a first material having a first density; the second component comprises a second material having a second density; the first density is greater than the second density; the striking face having a striking face center; the weight channel is centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head; the striking face return of the first component extends rearwardly from the striking face and includes a forward crown portion and a forward sole portion; the rear extension extends from the forward sole portion toward the rear end of the striking face return; the rear extension further comprises a rear extension axis extending through a center of the rear extension; A golf club head, wherein a first component mass is between 85% and 96% of the mass of said golf club head.

2. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the crown brace is attached to the front crown portion of the striking face return and to the rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head.

3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the crown brace and the weight channel have a hammerhead shape.

4. The crown brace further comprises a crown brace longitudinal axis; the crown brace has a maximum length; The golf club head of claim 2 or 3, wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis bisects the crown brace along the maximum length.

5. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the heel end parallel to the rear extension axis.

6. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is offset toward the toe end parallel to the rear extension axis.

7. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein the crown brace longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the rear extension axis so as to form an acute angle with the rear extension axis.

8. an X-axis extends from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head and through the center of the striking face in a direction parallel to the ground plane when the golf club head is in an address position; a Y-axis extends from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and perpendicular to the X-axis through the center of the striking face; a Z-axis extends from the striking face to the rear end of the golf club head and through a center of the striking face in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis; a loft plane that is substantially parallel to the striking face and tangent to a center of the striking face forms a loft angle with respect to the ground contact surface; an XY plane extends through the X-axis and the Y-axis; The golf club head according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein a YZ plane extends through the Y axis and the Z axis.

9. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the weight channel is exposed at the rear end of the body and at the sole.

10. The golf club head of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a moveable weight in one of three positions.

11. The golf club head of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the rear extension comprises a toe sidewall and a heel sidewall extending between the weight channel and the forward sole portion of the striking face return.

12. the weight channel further comprises a mounting wall having three threaded holes; The three screw holes include a toe side screw hole, a central screw hole, and a heel side screw hole, The golf club head of claim 10 , wherein the central screw hole is located at a midpoint of the length of the mounting wall.

13. the rear extension has a rear extension width measured in a heel-to-toe direction rearward of a rear periphery of the forward sole portion of the striking face return; The golf club head of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the rear extension width is in the range of 25% to 85% of the overall width of the sole.

14. The golf club head of claim 13 , wherein the rear extension width adjacent the weight channel can range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

15. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein the movable weight is secured by a threaded fastener attached to one of the three threaded holes.

16. the weight channel further comprising a sole wall, the sole wall extending inwardly from the sole; the mounting wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole; The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein the sole wall is recessed inwardly a distance approximately equal to a height of the mounting wall.

17. A golf club head, It has a body, the body includes a striking face, a back end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, a skirt, and a trailing edge; The body further comprises: a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, a rear extension having a weight channel, and a plurality of crown braces; a second component including a crown portion, a sole-toe portion, and a sole-heel portion; the second component is configured to couple to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head; the first component comprises a first material having a first density; the second component comprises a second material having a second density; the first density is greater than the second density; the striking face having a striking face center; the weight channel is centrally located at the rear end of the golf club head; the striking face return of the first component extends rearwardly from the striking face and includes a forward crown portion and a forward sole portion; the rear extension extends from the front crown portion toward the rear end of the striking face return; the rear extension further comprises a rear extension axis extending through a center of the rear extension; A golf club head, wherein a first component mass is between 85% and 96% of the mass of said golf club head.

18. the plurality of crown braces defines a number of openings in the first component; 18. The golf club head of claim 17, wherein the number of openings is selected from the group consisting of three, four, five and six openings.

19. the plurality of crown braces comprises two crown braces; 19. The golf club head of claim 17 or 18, wherein each of the two crown braces is attached to the front crown portion and to the rear extension adjacent the weight channel at the rear end of the golf club head.

20. The golf club head of claim 19 , wherein the two crown braces are attached to the rear extension at different points.

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