Golf club head

Abstract

To provide a lightweight and durable golf club head that can be manufactured using a cost-effective process.SOLUTION: There is provided a golf club head including a crown defining the top surface of the club head and including a crown portion, a crown recess region formed in the crown portion and defined by a crown ledge and a bonding wall, and a crown insert 170 disposed at least partially within the crown recess region. The size and uniformity of a junction between the crown insert and the bonding wall may be determined by measuring the dimensions of the junction at critical points on the club head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a golf club head. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a golf club head such as a wood-type golf club head having a lightweight crown structure.

Background Art

[0002] Wood-type golf club heads include a load-bearing outer shell with an integral or attached impact plate. Some club heads are formed from a metallic material and have a hollow cavity. The metal body may include several parts welded together, or may include a cylindrical body with a separate sole plate or impact plate welded in place.

[0003] Today, most club heads are made from strong but lightweight metallic materials such as titanium, steel, or aluminum alloys. There are also heads formed from carbon fiber composite materials. The use of these materials is advantageous for club heads larger than those currently demanded by golfers, i.e., club heads with a volume of at least 300 cc and up to approximately 500 cc. Larger-sized club heads with conventional weights aim to provide a moment of inertia that makes it easier for some golfers to launch a golf ball into the air with greater accuracy at the impact face and a larger "sweet spot" on the club.

[0004] Titanium alloys are particularly preferred in club head designs aimed at a combination of strength and light weight. However, the material can be very expensive. Steel alloys are more economical, but because the density of steel alloys is greater than that of titanium alloys, steel club heads are limited in size in order to maintain durability within the conventional head weight.

[0005] For example, composite clubheads such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy or carbon fiber reinforced polymer are alternatives to metal clubheads. A notable advantage is that they are relatively lightweight compared to stainless steel alloys. However, these clubheads have suffered from the durability and performance quality associated with composite materials. These include higher labor costs in manufacturing and undesirable sound absorption of the composite materials.

[0006] A lightweight and durable golf clubhead that can be manufactured using a cost-effective process may be desired. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for innovation in the construction and manufacture of golf clubheads. The embodiments described herein meet this need and others.

Disclosure of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In the present disclosure, a golf clubhead including a heel portion, a toe portion, a crown, a sole, and a face will be described.

[0008] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following mode for carrying out the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] Some embodiments are directed to a golf club having a grip, a golf club shaft, and a golf club head having a hosel portion, a crown, and a sole portion, the crown defining an upper surface of the club head and including a crown portion, the crown portion including a crown recess region formed in the crown portion and defined by a crown shelf portion and a joining wall, and a crown insert at least partially disposed within the crown recess region.The golf club also includes a width dimension measured along the X-axis from the toe side of the golf club head to the heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along the Y-axis from the most forward point of the golf club head to the most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z-axis extending vertically through the crown at the midpoint of the width dimension and the midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the Y-axis, a central X-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the X-axis, a first vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central Y-axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central X-axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y-axis and the central X-axis, a first limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a first cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the first limit point, a second limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a second cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the second limit point, a third limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, a fourth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, a fifth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point.Each cross-section defines a joint gap between the crown insert and the joint wall and has a first limiting dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge of the joint wall and the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert. The first limiting dimension of each cross-section is not more than A mm, and the average variation of the first limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections is not more than 0.2 mm.

[0010] In some embodiments, A may be 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections is not more than 0.15 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections is from 0.1 mm to 0 mm.

[0011] In some embodiments, a part of the crown insert and a part of the crown portion may be of a contrasting color. In some embodiments, the crown insert may include an upper layer extending up to the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert and is visible at the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert located at the front portion of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the joint gap is visible and may not be covered by a masking layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the golf club may include a sole recess region formed in the sole portion and defined by the sole shelf portion and the joint wall, and a sole insert at least partially disposed within the sole recess region.

[0013] In some embodiments, each cross-section may have a second limiting dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the joint wall and the bottom peripheral edge of the crown insert. The second limiting dimension of each cross-section may be not more than B mm, and the average variation of the second limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections may be not more than 0.2 mm. In some embodiments, B may be 1.0 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections is 0.15 mm or less. In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limiting dimension between two or more cross-sections is from 0.2 mm to 0 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a part of the upper surface of the crown insert at the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert may be disposed below the upper surface of the crown portion in the joining wall. In some embodiments, at least a part of the upper surface of the crown insert at the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert may be disposed 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm lower in the vertical distance than the upper surface of the crown portion in the joining wall.

[0016] In some embodiments, the hosel portion may be configured to receive a sleeve mounted on the golf club shaft, and the sleeve can be positioned to adjust the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle of the golf club head.

[0017] In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion may include a shelf surface that defines a shelf gap between the shelf surface and the crown insert, and the shelf gap may be 0.3 mm or less.

[0018] In some embodiments, the thickness of the crown insert may be 1 mm or less.

[0019] In some embodiments, the golf club includes a sixth limiting point located at the toe portion of the club head, which is at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a sixth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the sixth limiting point, and a seventh limiting point located at the heel portion of the club head, which is at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a seventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the seventh limiting point.

[0020] In some embodiments, the golf club head may include a movable weight configured to move from a first position to a second position of the golf club head.

[0021] Some embodiments are directed to a golf club head including a crown that defines an upper surface of the club head, the crown including a crown portion, a crown recess region formed in the crown portion and defined by a crown shelf portion and a joining wall, and a crown insert at least partially disposed within the crown recess region.The golf club head also includes a width dimension measured along the X-axis from the toe side of the golf club head to the heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along the Y-axis from the most forward point of the golf club head to the most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z-axis extending vertically through the crown at the midpoint of the width dimension and the midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the Y-axis, a central X-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the X-axis, a first vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central Y-axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane clockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane counterclockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central X-axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane clockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane counterclockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y-axis and the central X-axis, a first limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a first cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the first limit point, a second limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a second cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the second limit point, a third limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, a fourth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, a fifth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point.Each cross-section defines a joint gap between the crown insert and the joint wall and has a first limiting dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge of the joint wall and the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert. The first limiting dimension of each cross-section is not more than A mm, the average variation of the first limiting dimension among seven or more cross-sections is not more than 0.15 mm, θ ranges from 1 degree to 45 degrees, and β ranges from 1 degree to 44 degrees.

[0022] In some embodiments, A may be 1.0 mm, and θ and β may be 30 degrees.

[0023] Some embodiments are directed to a golf club head including a hosel portion, a crown, and a sole portion, the crown defining an upper surface of the club head and including a crown portion having a crown recess region formed in the crown portion and defined by a crown shelf and a joining wall, and a crown insert at least partially disposed within the crown recess region.The golf club head also includes a width dimension measured along the X-axis from the toe side of the golf club head to the heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along the Y-axis from the most forward point of the golf club head to the most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z-axis extending vertically through the crown at the midpoint of the width dimension and the midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the Y-axis, a central X-axis intersecting the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the club head and extending parallel to the X-axis, a first vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central Y-axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central X-axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y-axis and the central X-axis, a first limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a first cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the first limit point, a second limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a second cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the second limit point, a third limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, a fourth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, a fifth limit point located in the front portion of the club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point.Each cross-section defines a joint gap between the crown insert and the joint wall and has a first limit dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge of the joint wall and the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert. The first limit dimension of each cross-section is not more than A mm, and the average variation of the first limit dimension among five or more cross-sections is not more than 0.2 mm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the hosel portion may be configured to receive a sleeve, and the sleeve may be positioned to adjust the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle of the golf club head and may be coupled to the golf club head by mechanical fasteners.

[0025] In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension among five or more cross-sections may be not more than 0.15 mm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The present invention is illustrated by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings and is not intended to be limiting, and like reference numerals in the figures indicate similar elements.

[0027]

Figure 1A

[0028]

Figure 1B

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Figure 1C

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Figure 1D

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Figure 1E

[0032]

Figure 1F

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Figure 2

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Figure 3A

[0035]

Figure 3B

[0036]

Figure 3C

[0037]

Figure 4A

[0038]

Figure 4B

[0039]

Figure 4C

[0040]

Figure 4D

[0041]

Figure 5A

[0042]

Figure 5B

[0043]

Figure 6A

[0044]

Figure 6B

[0045]

Figure 7A

[0046]

Figure 7B

[0047]

Figure 8A

[0048]

Figure 8B

[0049]

Figure 9A

[0050]

Figure 9B

[0051]

Figure 10A

[0052]

Figure 10B

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Figure 10C

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Figure 10D

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Figure 11

[0056]

Figure 12

[0057] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention will be described with reference to the details described below. The following description and figures are examples of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. To provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present invention, numerous specific details will be described. However, in certain instances, well-known details or conventional details will not be described in order to provide a concise consideration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] A golf club head composed of two or more materials (e.g., a metal material and a composite material) can provide beneficial properties to a golfer (e.g., weight properties, sound properties, size properties, and center of gravity properties). In some cases, a composite club head may include a metal body and one or more inserts containing a composite material. For example, an insert of the composite material may define a part of the crown of the club head. The composite insert can function to reduce the weight of a given club head shape without sacrificing the mechanical properties (e.g., strength and impact performance characteristics) of the club head due to the lightweight and high-strength characteristics of the composite material.

[0059] However, the durability at the joint between two materials (i.e., the position where the first material is joined to the second material) may involve problems. For example, the durability at the joint between a composite material and a metal material may involve problems. In many cases, the joint between a composite material and a metal material, which is joined by an adhesive, can be a center of stress concentration, which can lead to undesirable cracking at these joints. To avoid a large amount of stress concentration, the joint between the composite material and the metal material should be uniform and consistent. For example, the separation between the composite material and the metal material at the joint (e.g., the position of the joining adhesive) should be uniform and consistent along the joint between the materials. Further, minimizing the amount of separation between the composite material and the metal material at the joint can help avoid crack formation because it can thereby reduce the amount of adhesive located at the joint, which may be more prone to cracking than the composite material and the metal material.

[0060] However, while a uniform and consistent joint between the composite material and the metal material and / or a joint sized to a minimum may be desired, the manufacturing cost of such a joint may be a concern. This specification describes a composite insert that can be separately machined and placed into a recess or cavity on a metal club head without requiring further machining steps. Such a process can reduce costs for manufacturers and / or consumers of golf club heads and / or golf clubs.

[0061] The uniformity, consistency, and size of the joint between two materials can be characterized by measuring one or more dimensions of the separation between the two materials at the joint. The dimensions of the separation are measured at a specific location on the club head (i.e., the limit points described herein) to determine the uniformity, consistency, and / or size of the joint between the two materials. A club head having joint dimensions adjusted to have high uniformity and high consistency can help avoid the formation of undesirable stress concentrations at the joint between the two materials. Undesirable stress concentrations due to non-uniform or inconsistent dimensional tolerances can result in mechanical and / or visual defects (e.g., cracks) on the club head.

[0062] Figures 1A - 1F show a golf club head 100 having a heel side 102, a toe side 104, a front side 106 having a club face 108 and a striking face 109, a rear side 110, an upper side 114 (also called a crown) having an upper surface 116, a bottom side 118 (also called a sole or sole portion) having a bottom surface 120, a hosel (also called a hosel portion) 150, a hosel axis 154, a hosel insert 158, and a lie angle 168. The golf club head 100 has a width dimension W, a height dimension H, and a depth dimension D measured when the golf club head is positioned at an address position. The address position of the golf club head is defined as a golf club head with a lie angle of 57 degrees and the loft of the club adjusted to the designated loft of the club head. Unless otherwise specified, all measurement dimensions described herein are evaluated when the golf club head is oriented at the address position. If a golf club head with a lie angle of 57 degrees appears visually non-flat from the perspective of the front face, an alternative lie angle called the "score line lie" may be used. The score line lie is defined as the lie angle at which the score line of the substantially horizontal face is parallel to a perfectly flat ground surface.

[0063] The width dimension W of the golf club head 100 cannot exceed 5 inches, and the depth dimension D of the golf club head 100 cannot exceed the width dimension W. The height dimension H of the golf club head 100 cannot exceed 2.8 inches. In some embodiments, the depth dimension D or the width dimension W may be greater than 4.4 inches, greater than 4.5 inches, greater than 4.6 inches, greater than 4.7 inches, greater than 4.8 inches, greater than 4.9 inches, or between 4.6 inches and 5 inches. In some embodiments, the height dimension H may be greater than 2.7 inches, greater than 2.6 inches, greater than 2.5 inches, greater than 2.4 inches, greater than 2.3 inches, greater than 2.2 inches, greater than 2.1 inches, greater than 2 inches, greater than 1.9 inches, or greater than 1.8 inches. In certain embodiments, the height dimension H of the golf club head 100 may be about 63.5 mm to 71 mm (2.5 inches to 2.8 inches), the width dimension W may be about 116.84 mm to about 127 mm (4.6 inches to 5.0 inches), and the depth dimension D may be about 111.76 mm to about 127 mm (4.4 inches to 5.0 inches).

[0064] The dimensions W, D, and H are measured respectively on the horizontal lines (axes 230, 240, and 250 shown in FIGS. 3A - 3C) between the vertical protrusions of the outermost points of the heel side 102 and the toe side 104, the front side 106 and the rear side 110, and the upper side 114 and the bottom side 118. The outermost point of the heel side 102 is defined as the point on the heel that is 0.875 inches above the horizontal ground surface 140 at the address position. As shown by way of example in FIG. 3B, the outermost point of the front side may be the most forward point 280, and the outermost point of the rear side 110 may be the most rearward point 282. W is measured on the X - axis 230. D is measured on the Y - axis 240. H is measured on the Z - axis 250. The X - axis 230 and the Y - axis 240 are parallel to the ground surface 140, and the Z - axis 250 is perpendicular to the ground surface 140.

[0065] FIG. 1A further shows the face center position 136. The face center position 136 is detected by using the "USGA Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead, Revision 2.0" published on March 25, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Specifically, the face center position 136 is detected by the casting method described in Sections 6.1.4 and FIG. 6.1 of the above USGA document.

[0066] The coordinate system for measuring the CG (center of gravity) position of the golf clubhead 100 is located at the face center position 136. In one embodiment, the positive center face X-axis 130 projects toward the heel side 102 of the clubhead 100, the positive center face Z-axis 134 projects toward the upper surface 114 of the clubhead 100, and the positive center face Y-axis 132 projects parallel to the ground surface 140 toward the rear side 110 of the clubhead 100.

[0067] In some embodiments, the golf clubhead 100 may have a CG with a CG x-axis coordinate system of about -5 mm to about 10 mm, a CG y-axis coordinate system of about 15 mm to 50 mm, and a CG z-axis coordinate system of about -10 mm to about 5 mm. In some embodiments, the CG y-axis coordinate system may be about 20 mm to about 50 mm.

[0068] In some embodiments, the scolaline 138 may be located on the striking face 109 of the club face 108. In some embodiments, the projected CG position 210 shown on the club face 108 is regarded as the "sweet spot" of the golf club head 100. The projected CG position 210 is detected by balancing the golf club head 100 at a point. The projected CG position 210 is generally projected along a line perpendicular to the club face 108 of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the projected CG position 210 may be less than 2 mm above the face center position 136, less than 1 mm above the face center position 136, or at most 1 mm or 2 mm below the face center position 136.

[0069] FIG. 1B shows a bottom view of the golf club head 100 showing the bottom side 118 and the edge 112 between the top side 114 and the bottom side 118. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may be provided with a weight port 180 and an adjustable weight portion 182 located in the weight port 180. In some embodiments, the weight port 180 and the adjustable weight portion 182 may be the same as or similar to the port and weight portion described in U.S. Patent No. 7,407,447, issued on August 5, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0070] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may include a recessed channel portion 186 having a channel sidewall 188 that is in the front portion of the bottom side 118 of the golf club head 100 proximate to the club face 108. A fastener opening 184 within the channel portion 186 may be provided for engaging a hosel insert 158 to attach a shaft (e.g., club shaft 1104) to the golf club head 100 and / or to enable insertion of a mechanical fastener 163, such as a screw, to enable adjustment of the loft angle, lie angle, and / or face angle. In some embodiments, the hosel insert 158 may be configured to enable adjustment of at least one of the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,303,431, issued November 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0071] FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 1C-1C of FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, a machined face insert 190 may be welded to a front opening 198 on the golf club head 100. The face insert 190 may have a variable face thickness with an inverted recess in a central portion of the rear surface of the face insert 190. In some embodiments, a crown insert 170 may define all or a portion of the upper surface 116 of the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. The crown insert 170 may be joined to the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the crown insert 170 may rest on a crown shelf 172. In some embodiments, the crown insert 170 may be joined to the crown shelf 172. In some embodiments, the crown insert 170 may include a composite material. In some embodiments, the composite material of the crown insert 172 may be a composite layup that includes a plurality of plies or layers.

[0072] In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 172 may have a length in the range of 1 to 7 mm, 1 to 5 mm, or 1 to 3 mm. In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 172 may extend continuously around an opening 173 formed in the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 172 may extend to a part around the opening 173 formed in the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 172 may include a plurality of discontinuous portions that extend around all or a part of the opening 173 formed in the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. The crown insert 170 and the crown shelf portion 172 may be regarded as the same elements as the crown insert 442 and the crown shelf portion 450 described herein.

[0073] In some embodiments, a plurality of ribs 194 may be coupled inside the channel portion 186 to improve the sound of the golf club head 100 during collision with a golf ball.

[0074] FIG. 1D shows a plan view of the golf club head 100 in the address position. The hosel plane 156 is perpendicular to the ground surface 140 and is shown including the hosel axis 154. In addition, the nominal face angle 137 of the center face that can be adjusted by the hosel insert 158 is shown. A positive normal face angle indicates that the golf club head 108 is positioned to the right of the centerline target at a predetermined measurement point. A negative normal face angle indicates that the golf club head 108 is positioned to the left of the centerline target at a predetermined measurement point. The topline 192 is also shown in FIG. 1D. The topline 192 is defined as the intersection of the upper surface 116 of the golf club head 100 and the club face 108. In some embodiments, the paint line on the upper surface 116 may stop at the topline 192.

[0075] Figures 1D and 1E show that the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 can be defined about three axes extending through the CG 200, including a CG Z-axis 206 that extends through a CG 200 that is in a direction substantially perpendicular to the ground surface 140 when the club head 100 is in the address position, a CG X-axis 202 that is substantially parallel to the striking face 109 and substantially perpendicular to the CG Z-axis 206 and extends through the CG 200 in the heel-toe direction, and a CG Y-axis 204 that is substantially perpendicular to the CG X-axis 202 and the CG Z-axis 206 and extends through the CG 200 in the front-to-back direction. Both the CG X-axis 202 and the CG Y-axis 204 extend in a direction substantially horizontal to the ground surface 140 when the club head 100 is in the address position.

[0076] The moment of inertia about the CG X-axis 202 of the golf club head is calculated by the following equation.

Equation

[0077] In Equation 1 above, y is the distance from the CG xz plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm, and z is the distance from the CG xy plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm. The CG xz plane of the golf club head is the plane defined by the CG X-axis 202 and the CG Z-axis 206. The CG xy plane is the plane defined by the CG X-axis 202 and the CG Y-axis 204.

[0078] Furthermore, the moment of inertia about the CG Z-axis 206 of the golf club head is calculated by the following equation.

Equation

[0079] In Equation 2 above, x is the distance from the CG yz plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm, and y is the distance from the CG xz plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm. The CG yz plane of the golf club head is the plane defined by the CG Y-axis 204 and the CG Z-axis 206.

[0080] In certain implementations, the golf club head 100 may have a moment of inertia about the CG Z-axis 206 of from about 450 kg·mm2 to about 650 kg·mm2, a moment of inertia about the CG X-axis 202 of from about 300 kg·mm2 to about 500 kg·mm2, and a moment of inertia about the CG Y-axis 204 of from about 300 kg·mm2 to about 500 kg·mm2.

[0081] FIG. 1E shows a heel side view of the club head 100, providing a side view of the Y-axis 132 of the positive center face and how the CG 200 is projected onto the club face 108 at the aforementioned projected CG position 210. The nominal loft angle 220 of the center face is shown to be the angle created by the perpendicular center face vector 222 with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to the ground surface 140.

[0082] FIG. 1F shows a cross-sectional view along line 1F-1F shown in FIG. 1D. The mechanical fastener 163 can be seen more easily inserted into the fastener opening 184 for engagement with the sleeve 160 by screwing. The sleeve 160 may include a sleeve hole 162 to allow a golf club shaft (e.g., club shaft 1104) to be inserted for adhesive bonding with the sleeve 160. In some embodiments, the hosel 150 or a portion thereof (e.g., hosel insert 158) may be configured to receive the sleeve 160. In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may include a plurality of crown ribs 196 to reinforce the transition portion between the club face 108 and the top surface 116.

[0083] In some embodiments, the golf club head described herein may include one or more loft angle, lie angle, or face angle systems that are capable of adjusting the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle in combination with each other or independently of each other. For example, a portion of the hosel insert 158, the sleeve bore 162, and the golf club shaft (e.g., club shaft 1104) collectively define the longitudinal axis 164 of the assembled golf club (see FIG. 1F). In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 164 may be coaxial with the sleeve bore 162. A portion of the sleeve 160 is effective to support the shaft along the longitudinal axis 164 of the assembly, and the longitudinal axis 164 is offset from the hosel axis 154 of the hosel tube bore 152 by an offset angle 166. The hosel axis 154 is coaxial with the hosel tube bore 152. The hosel insert 158 may provide a single offset angle 166 that can be from 0 degrees to 4 degrees in 0.25 degree increments. For example, the offset angle 166 can be 1.0 degree, 1.25 degree, 1.5 degree, 1.75 degree, 2.0 degree, 2.25 degree, 2.5 degree, 2.75 degree, or 3.0 degree. The offset angle 166 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1F is 1.5 degrees. In some embodiments, the sleeve 160 may be positioned to adjust the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle of the golf club head 100.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows the hosel insert 158 and the mechanical fastener 163 removed from the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the hosel insert 158 may be the same as or similar to the adjustable hosel insert described in U.S. Patent No. 8,303,431, filed Nov. 6, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0085] Figures 3A - 3C show the X - axis 230, Y - axis 240, and Z - axis 250 with respect to the golf club head 100. As described above, the axes 230, 240, and 250 are used to measure the width W, depth D, and height H of the golf club head 100. Figures 3A - 3C also show the central X - axis, Y - axis, and Z - axis for defining a central coordinate system for the purposes of this application example.

[0086] This central coordinate system can be used to determine one or more limiting dimensions between the peripheral portion (or wall) of the crown insert and the joining wall on the club head body. These limiting dimensions are used to characterize the joint between the crown insert and the joining wall. These limiting dimensions are used to determine the separation between these two at the joint between the crown insert and the joining wall.

[0087] Adjusting these limiting dimensions to desired values can help prevent the formation of stress - concentration centers at the joint between the joining wall and the crown insert. For example, adjusting multiple limiting dimensions below a specific value can help prevent the formation of stress concentration. Further, adjusting multiple limiting dimensions to have an average variation at points below a specific value can help prevent the formation of stress concentration.

[0088] Preventing the formation of stress - concentration centers can, in a similar way, prevent the formation of cracks in these two adhesive joints at the joint between the crown insert and the joining wall. Cracks in the adhesive can result in structural and / or visual defects of the club head. By adjusting the limiting dimensions below a specific value and / or adjusting the limiting dimensions to have an average variation between points below a specific value, cracks can be eliminated.

[0089] The central Z-axis 252 is defined as an axis that is parallel to the Z-axis 250, passes through the midpoint of the width W dimension and the midpoint of the depth D dimension (hereinafter referred to as "midpoint 260" in this specification), and extends vertically through the upper side 114 of the golf club head 100. The midpoint of the width W dimension is the value obtained by dividing the total value of the width W dimension by 2. The midpoint of the depth D dimension is the value obtained by dividing the total value of the depth D dimension by 2.

[0090] The central Y-axis 242 is defined as an axis that intersects the central Z-axis 252 at the upper surface 116 of the club head 100 and extends parallel to the Y-axis 240. In other words, the central Y-axis 242 is defined by an axis that intersects the upper surface 116 at the midpoint 260 and extends parallel to the Y-axis 240. The central X-axis 232 is defined as an axis that intersects the central Z-axis 252 at the upper surface 116 of the club head 100 and extends parallel to the X-axis 230. In other words, the central X-axis 232 is defined by an axis that intersects the upper surface 116 at the midpoint 260 and extends parallel to the X-axis 230.

[0091] The central X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are used to define a vertical plane at the limit point for measuring the limit dimensions between the crown insert of the golf club head and the joining wall of the golf club head. Further, the central X-axis and Y-axis can be used in this application to define the heel portion, toe portion, front portion, and rear portion of the golf club head. FIG. 3C shows the heel portion 270, toe portion 272, front portion 274, and rear portion 276 of the club head 100. The heel portion 270 of the club head 100 is defined by the portion of the club head 100 on the heel side of the central Y-axis 242. The toe portion 272 of the club head 100 is defined by the portion of the club head 100 on the toe side of the central Y-axis 242. The front portion 274 of the club head 100 is defined by the portion of the club head 100 on the front side of the central X-axis 232. The rear portion 276 of the club head 100 is defined by the portion of the club head 100 on the rear side of the central X-axis 232.

[0092] Axes, measured values, portions, and geometric locations (e.g., center of gravity) are shown for golf club head 100 in FIGS. 1A - 1F and 3A - 3C, but these axes and measured values apply to any golf club head (e.g., golf club head 400 or golf club head 1000). The positions of the axes and the measured values of W, D, and H can vary depending on the size and shape of a given golf club head.

[0093] FIGS. 4A - 4D show a golf club head 400 according to some embodiments. Similar to golf club head 100, golf club head 400 includes a heel side 402, a toe side 404, a front side 406 having a club face 408 and a striking face 409, a rear side 410, an upper side 414 (also called a crown) having an upper surface 416, a bottom side 418 (also called a sole or sole portion) having a bottom surface 420, a hosel (also called a hosel portion) 430, and a hosel insert 432. Hosel insert 432 may be identical or similar to hosel insert 158. Golf club head 400 has width dimension W, height dimension H, and depth dimension D that may be the same as or similar to the above - described dimensions for golf club head 100 and may be measured in the same manner as the above - described method for golf club head 100.

[0094] In some embodiments, the golf club head 400 may include one or more removable shaft mechanisms. In some embodiments, the hosel insert 432 may include a removable shaft to enable adjustment of at least one of the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle of the golf club head 400 in the same manner as described for the hosel insert 158. In some embodiments, the golf club head 400 may include movable weight technology including one or more movable weight portions 434 configured to slide within recessed channel(s) 436 formed in the golf club head 400. In some embodiments, the recessed channel 436 may be formed in the bottom side 418 of the golf club head 400. In some embodiments, the recessed channel 436 proximate the club face 408 may include a fastener opening 437 for engaging the hosel insert 432 for attaching a shaft (e.g., club shaft 1104) to the golf club head 400 and / or for enabling insertion of a mechanical fastener, such as a screw, for enabling an adjustable loft angle, lie angle, and / or face angle.

[0095] The movable weight portion 434 may include a fastener 438 for removably securing the movable weight portion 434 to the club head 400. When the fastener 438 is loosened, the movable weight portion 434 becomes slidable within the recessed channel 436. When the fastener 438 is tightened, the movable weight portion 434 may be fixed at a particular position within the recessed channel 436. In some embodiments, the recessed channel(s) 436 and / or the movable weight portion(s) 434 may be the same as or similar to the channels and weight portions described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 789,838, filed July 1, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0096] In some embodiments, the golf club head 400 may include one or more bottom panels / inserts 439 (also referred to as sole panels / inserts). The bottom panel 439 may define a portion of the bottom surface 420 of the club head 400. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 439 may be a panel comprising a composite material. In some embodiments, the composite material of the bottom panel(s) 439 may be a composite layup including a plurality of plies or layers. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 439 is inserted into a recess located in the sole portion.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the carbon fiber sole panel 439 is two separate panels of carbon fiber or one continuous panel. The carbon fiber sole panel 439 may have the same level of dimensional accuracy as the crown carbon fiber panel (also referred to as the crown insert) described herein. When the carbon fiber panel on the crown or sole is not at the midpoint of the club head, a secondary alternative midpoint can be detected by measuring the maximum fore-aft dimension of a single composite panel along or parallel to the central Y-axis and the maximum heel-toe dimension of a single composite panel along or parallel to the central X-axis. The alternative secondary midpoint is defined as the intersection of the midpoint of the maximum fore-aft dimension of the composite panel (on the crown or sole) and the midpoint of the maximum heel-toe dimension of the composite panel. Once the alternative secondary midpoint is established, the composite panel can be evaluated for consistency using the same method applied to the midpoint (e.g., midpoint 260) in the central portion of the club head.

[0098] The bottom panel 439 of the composite material can help minimize the weight of the golf club head 400 without sacrificing mechanical properties due to the high strength-to-weight characteristics of the composite material. Suitable composite materials for the bottom panel 439 include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber composites and fiberglass composites. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 439 may be the same or similar to the panel described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 233,805, filed August 10, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0099] Composite panels located in either the crown region or the sole region may be made of various composite materials and polymer materials, and may be made of either a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, a thermoplastic composite laminate material or a thermoplastic carbon composite laminate material may be used. The composite material may be an injection molding material, a thermoforming material, a thermosetting composite material, or other materials suitable for applications of golf club heads.

[0100] One exemplary material is a thermoplastic continuous carbon fiber composite laminate material having carbon fibers that are long and aligned within a PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) matrix or base. One commercial example of this type of material, which is manufactured in sheet form, is TEPEX® DYNALITE 207 made by Lanxess. The material may have a fiber volume of 42% - 57% in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the material has the following weight. 2 There is the following weight.

[0101] In some embodiments, the carbon fiber crown or sole insert material may be a unidirectional carbon fiber material or a chopped carbon fiber material. In a thermosetting process, the sole or crown insert can be made of a prepreg ply of a woven or unidirectional composite fiber cloth (such as carbon fiber) that is pre-impregnated with a resin and hardener formulation that activates when heated. The prepreg ply is placed in a mold suitable for a thermosetting process, such as a foam or compression type, and is stacked / oriented with carbon fibers or other fibers oriented in different directions such as 0°, +45°, -45°, 90°, or -90° with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the prepreg sheet has a quasi-isotropic layup with a weight per unit area of about 70 g / m² or 40 g / m² to 100 g / m². In one embodiment, the epoxy resin used to impregnate the prepreg sheet (such as Newport 301) has a resin content (R / C) of about 40% or 20% - 80%. 2 or 40 g / m² 2 ~100 g / m² 2 In one embodiment, the epoxy resin used to impregnate the prepreg sheet (such as Newport 301) has a resin content (R / C) of about 40% or 20% - 80%.

[0102] The carbon fiber reinforcement material for the thermosetting sole / crown insert may be carbon fiber known as "34-700" fiber available from Grafil, Inc. (Sacramento, California), and this carbon fiber has a tensile modulus of 235 GPa (34 Msi) and a tensile strength of 4500 MPa (650 Ksi). In some embodiments, the tensile modulus is from 100 GPa to 400 GPa, and the tensile strength is from 2000 MPa to 6000 MPa.

[0103] In some embodiments, the upper visible layer of the composite layup (e.g., the upper layer 1210 shown in FIG. 12) may be 3K weave and knitted fabric and extend to the edge of the insert in the front portion of the crown insert or sole insert. The effect of generating a highly consistent first limit dimension across various limit points on the insert is that the edge of the upper layer (such as the weave) can be clearly located at the intersection of the composite insert and the body without having significant variations in the upper layer.

[0104] In some embodiments, the bottom side 418 of the club head 400 may include one or more shelf portions and joining walls that define one or more recesses configured to receive at least a portion of the bottom panel(s) 439. These shelf portions and joining walls may have a configuration similar to the crown shelf portions 450 and joining walls 454 described herein. Further, the bottom panel 439 may be positioned in the recess in the same manner as described herein for the crown insert 442. For example, the measurement and adjustment of the limit dimensions at the joint(s) between the bottom panel(s) 439 of the club head and the bottom side 418 can be performed in a manner similar to the method described herein for the crown insert 442 and the upper side 414 of the club head 400.

[0105] The upper side 414 (i.e., the crown) of the club head 400 can be defined by a crown portion 440 and a crown insert 442. The crown portion 440 and the crown insert 442 can be separately formed pieces attached by an adhesive such as a two-part epoxy. In some embodiments, the crown insert 442 may include a composite material. In some embodiments, the composite material of the crown insert 442 may be a composite layup including a plurality of plies or layers. Suitable composite materials for the crown insert 442 include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber composites and fiberglass composites as described above. In some embodiments, the crown or sole insert can be composed of a metallic material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, titanium, tungsten, magnesium, or an alloy containing one or more of these materials. In some embodiments, the crown or sole insert may be a material having a lower density than the remainder of the club head body, such as a plastic or a short fiber composite.

[0106] In some embodiments, the crown portion 440 may include a crown recess region 458 (shaded gray in FIG. 4B for illustrative purposes) defined by a crown shelf portion 450 and a joining wall 454. When assembled with the crown portion 440, the crown insert 442 can be at least partially disposed within the crown recess region 458. In some embodiments, the crown recess region 458 may receive the entire crown insert 442. In some embodiments, the crown recess region 458 may include an opening 490 formed in the club head 400.

[0107] The joining wall 454 and the crown shelf portion 450 may define all or a part of the periphery of the crown recess region 458. In some embodiments, the joining wall 454 and the crown shelf portion 450 may define a crown recess region 458 having an outer peripheral shape that completely surrounds the midpoint 260 (i.e., radially arranged in a 360-degree rotation about the midpoint 260) (see, for example, the outer peripheral shape of the crown recess region 458 in FIG. 4B). In other words, the joining wall 454 and the crown shelf portion 450 may continuously extend around the opening 490 formed in the upper side 414 of the golf club head 400.

[0108] In some embodiments, the joining wall 454 and the crown shelf portion 450 may define a crown recess region 458 having an outer edge shape that only partially surrounds the midpoint 260. For example, the crown recess region 458 may surround the midpoint 260 of the front portion of the club head 400, and all or a part of the rear portion of the club head 400 may be lacking the crown recess region. In other words, the joining wall 454 and the crown shelf portion 450 may extend to a part around the opening 490. In such an embodiment, a part of the crown insert 442 may be directly joined to the upper surface 441 of the crown portion 440 in a part of the club head 400 (the rear portion of the club head 400). In a particular embodiment, the joining wall 454 extends to a part around the opening 490 by less than 20%, less than 30%, less than 40%, less than 50%, less than 70%, less than 80%, or less than 90% of the entire periphery of the crown recess region 458.

[0109] In some embodiments, the joining wall 454 may include a plurality of separate joining wall fragments 455 that together define the joining wall 454. Similarly, in some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 450 may include a plurality of separate crown shelf portion fragments 459 that together define the crown shelf portion 450.

[0110] The crown shelf surface 452 of the crown shelf portion 450 may support the crown insert 442 within the crown recess region 458. In some embodiments, the crown shelf surface 452 may include one or more protrusions 453 to support the bottom surface 448 of the crown insert 442 (see, for example, FIG. 5A). In some embodiments, the protrusions 453 may be integrally formed with the crown shelf surface 452. In some embodiments, the protrusions 453 may be separate elements fixed (e.g., by welding or adhesion) to the crown shelf surface 452.

[0111] In some embodiments, the protrusion(s) 453 may have a height of 0.5 mm or less or a shelf gap (also known as the thickness of the joint line). In some embodiments, the height 470 may be 0.3 mm or less. In some embodiments, the height 470 may be 0.2 mm or less. In some embodiments, the height 470 may be 0.1 mm or less. The protrusion(s) 453 can help position the bottom surface 448 of the crown insert 442 at a desired distance above the crown shelf surface 452 to provide a space for an adhesive that joins the bottom surface 448 to the crown shelf portion 450. In some embodiments, there may be no protrusion(s) 453, but a shelf gap may exist. In some embodiments, the crown shelf surface 452 may define a shelf gap between the crown shelf surface 452 and the crown insert 442. For example, the crown shelf surface 452 may define a shelf gap of 0.3 mm or from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm.

[0112] In some embodiments, the protrusion(s) 453 may help to level the crown insert 442 within the crown recess region 458 (i.e., may help to ensure that the peripheral wall 444 and upper surface 443 of the crown insert 442 are properly aligned with the joining wall 454 and the upper surface 441 of the crown portion 440). In some embodiments, the different protrusions 453 on the crown shelf surface 452 may have different heights 470. In some embodiments, the crown shelf surface 452 may include a single protrusion 453 extending along the crown shelf surface 452. In some embodiments, the single crown shelf protrusion 453 may have a height 470 that varies along the crown shelf surface 452.

[0113] In some embodiments, the crown shelf 450 may include one or more regions of increased length 451. The regions of increased length 451 may be located in the toe portion, heel portion, front portion, or rear portion of the club head 400. By way of non-limiting example, the crown shelf 450 may include a front portion 472 that includes a region of increased length 451. The regions of increased length 451 may facilitate the joining of the crown insert 442 to the crown shelf 450 by providing a larger surface area for joining. In some embodiments, the regions of increased length 451 may be located in the region(s) on the crown 414 that experience the maximum stress when the club head 400 strikes a golf ball.

[0114] In some embodiments, an adhesive 480 may be used to join the crown insert 442 to the joining wall 454 and / or the crown shelf 450 (see, e.g., FIG. 5A). Suitable adhesives include, but are not limited to, epoxy resins or two-part epoxies such as DP460 manufactured by 3M (registered trademark).

[0115] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the upper surface 443 of the crown insert 442 at the upper peripheral edge 445 of the crown insert 442 may be disposed a vertical distance 460 below the upper surface 441 of the crown portion 440 at the bonding wall 454. Disposing the upper surface 443 a vertical distance 460 below the upper surface 441 may facilitate the formation of a flat surface at the intermediate surface between the crown insert 442 and the crown portion 440 after the upper surface 443 is coated with a coating layer. As used herein, the term "flat" refers to the upper surface 443 of the crown insert 442 and the upper surface 441 of the crown portion 440 that share the same geometric plane at least at their respective edges. In some embodiments, the flat surface may be flat within a deviation of + / - 0.02 mm. The flat surface at the intermediate surface between the crown insert 442 and the crown portion 440 may help to hide the location of the adhesive 480 which may not be aesthetically appealing as a material layer and / or coating layer of the crown portion 440 and the crown insert 442.

[0116] In some embodiments, the crown insert or sole insert is a different paint or color than the golf club head body. Thus, the joint gap between the crown insert or sole insert (measured by a limiting dimension such as a first limiting dimension) is visible to the user. In such cases, the crown insert or sole insert does not necessarily have to be flat (having a deviation greater than + / - 0.02) and can facilitate easy assembly by allowing a non-flat surface between the crown insert or sole insert and the club head body.

[0117] In some embodiments, there is a high color contrast between the crown / sole insert and the directly adjacent body portion on the sole or crown. When the difference in L * value between the insert and the body portion exceeds 50, the transition from dark to light color can be defined as "high contrast". In some embodiments, the contrast is defined as an L * value difference greater than 10, greater than 20, greater than 30, or greater than 40. In some embodiments, the L between the insert and the adjacent body color* The value is greater than 60 or greater than 65.

[0118] For convenience, the examples are also L * a * b * color value or L * C * Although described with respect to the CIELab color space using the h color value, other color descriptions can also be used. As used herein, L * is referred to as lightness, a * and b * are referred to as chromaticity coordinates, C * is referred to as chroma, and h is referred to as hue. In the CIELab color space, +a * is the red direction, -a * is the green direction, +b * is the yellow direction, and -b * is the blue direction. L * has a value of 100 for a perfect white diffuser. Chroma and hue are polar coordinates associated with a * and b * . The chroma (C * ) is the distance from the axis along a * =b * =0, and the hue is the angle measured counterclockwise from the +a * axis. The following description is generally based on values associated with the standard light source D65 at 10 degrees. This light source is similar to outdoor daylight illumination, but other light sources can also be used as desired. The aggregated data provided herein generally includes values for light source A at 10 degrees and light source F2 at 10 degrees. For convenience, these light sources are simply denoted as D, A, and F in the aggregated data. The terms lightness and intensity are used in the following description to refer to the CIELab coordinate L * .

[0119] The thickness of the coating on the insert or body may vary based on the type of material being coated. For example, in one embodiment, a metal body is coated with a primer layer and a paint layer having a combined thickness of about 45 - 60 micrometers, and a clear coat layer of about 50 - 60 micrometers. In another embodiment, a composite body is coated with a primer layer and a paint layer having a combined thickness of about 25 - 40 micrometers, and a clear coat layer of about 30 - 40 micrometers.

[0120] In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be 0.3 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be 0.2 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be 0.1 mm or less. In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be equal to the thickness of the coating layer applied on the upper surface 443 of the crown insert 442. In some embodiments, the coating layer of the crown insert 442 may have a color and / or surface texture different from that of the material or coating layer of the crown portion 440.

[0121] In some embodiments, the vertical distance 460 may be created by the joining wall 454 having a maximum height 462 that exceeds the thickness 468 of the crown insert 442. In some embodiments, the maximum height 462 may be in the range of 1.0 mm to 0.9 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness 468 of the crown insert 442 may be 0.75 mm or less. In some embodiments, the thickness 468 may be 0.65 mm or 1 mm or less. In some embodiments, the crown insert 442 may be composed of a composite material including six plies that define the thickness 468 of the crown insert.

[0122] In some embodiments, the crown portion 440 may have a thickness 474 in the range of 0.2 to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 450 may have a thickness 466 in the range of 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. In some embodiments, the crown shelf portion 450 may have a length 464 in the range of 1 mm to 7.5 mm, 2 mm to 6 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the region of the increased length 451 of the crown shelf portion 450 may have a length 464 in the range of 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm. A significant advantage of having a very short, consistent joint gap or first limiting dimension is that the shelf length 464 can be made as short as possible, and thus the weight that can be repositioned at the lower part of the club head to lower the CG position of the club head can be reduced.

[0123] Figure 4D shows the following geometric planes with respect to the golf club head 400. A first vertical plane 500 defined by the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400 and the central Y-axis of the golf club head 400.

[0124] A second vertical plane 502 defined by rotating the first vertical plane clockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400. In the present application, the clockwise direction is defined by the clockwise direction with respect to the upper side 414 of the golf club head (i.e., the figure shown in Figure 4D). In some embodiments, θ may be in the range of 1 degree to 45 degrees. In some embodiments, θ may be 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, or 30 degrees.

[0125] A third vertical plane 504 defined by rotating the first vertical plane counterclockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400.

[0126] A fourth vertical plane 506 defined by the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400 and the central X-axis of the golf club head 400.

[0127] A fifth vertical plane 508 defined by rotating a fourth vertical plane 506 clockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400. In some embodiments, β may be in the range of 1 degree to 44 degrees. In some embodiments, β may be 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, or 30 degrees.

[0128] A sixth vertical plane 510 defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 506 counterclockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis of the golf club head 400.

[0129] An X-Y plane 512 defined by the central Y-axis of the golf club head 400 and the central X-axis of the golf club head 400.

[0130] FIG. 4D also shows the following limit points and cross-sections for the golf club head 400. The limit points and cross-sections are used in this application to measure the limit dimensions.

[0131] A first limit point 520 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the first vertical plane 500 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, and a first cross-section 550 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the first limit point 520.

[0132] A second limit point 522 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the second vertical plane 502 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, and a second cross-section 552 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the second limit point 522.

[0133] A third limit point 524 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the third vertical plane 504 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, and a third cross-section 554 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the third limit point 524.

[0134] A fourth limit point 526 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane 508 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and a fourth cross-section 556 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the fourth limit point 526.

[0135] A fifth limit point 528 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane 510 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and a fifth cross-section 558 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the fifth limit point 528.

[0136] A sixth limit point 530 located at the front portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane 506 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and a sixth cross-section 560 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the sixth limit point 530.

[0137] A seventh limit point 532 located at the heel portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane 506 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and a seventh cross-section 562 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the seventh limit point 532.

[0138] An eighth limit point 534 located at the rear portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the first vertical plane 500 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and an eighth cross-section 564 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the eighth limit point 534.

[0139] A ninth limit point 536 located at the rear portion of the club head 400 at the intersection between the second vertical plane 502 and the upper edge portion 456 of the joining wall 454, and a ninth cross-section 566 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the ninth limit point 536.

[0140] A tenth limit point 538 located at the intersection between a third vertical plane 504 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, at the rear portion of the club head 400, and a tenth cross-section 568 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the tenth limit point 538.

[0141] An eleventh limit point 540 located at the intersection between a fifth vertical plane 508 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, at the rear portion of the club head 400, and an eleventh cross-section 570 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the eleventh limit point 540.

[0142] A twelfth limit point 542 located at the intersection between a sixth vertical plane 510 and the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454, at the rear portion of the club head 400, and a twelfth cross-section 572 taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall 454 at the twelfth limit point 542.

[0143] Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of the golf club head 400 according to several embodiments corresponding to any of the cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572. For example, as shown in Figure 5B, each cross-section has a first limit dimension 580 measured parallel to the X-Y plane 512 between the upper edge 456 of the joining wall 454 and the upper peripheral edge 445 of the crown insert 442. In other words, the first limit dimension 580 measures the joining gap between the joining wall 454 and the upper peripheral edge 445 of the crown insert 442. Small variations in the joining gap allow the visible joining gap to be shown to the golfer, thereby minimizing the need to hide defects in the joining gap by a paint layer masking or covering the joining gap. In one embodiment, the joining gap is visible to the user and does not have a paint layer or masking layer covering the joining gap region. In another embodiment, Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head having a sole insert located in the sole recess.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first limit dimension 580 may be greater than 0 mm (e.g., due to the presence of the adhesive 480 between the crown insert 442 and the bonding wall 454), but the first limit dimension 580 may be less than or equal to a specific value. In some embodiments, the first limit dimension 580 of each cross-section is less than or equal to A mm. In some embodiments, A may be equal to 4.0 mm. In some embodiments, A may be equal to 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, A may be equal to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, A may be equal to 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, A may be less than 1.0 mm. For example, A may be equal to 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm, or 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, A may be between 0.6 mm and 0.1 mm.

[0145] In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 among a plurality of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 (e.g., two or more cross-sections, or three or more cross-sections) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 among all cross-sections is 0.15 mm or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 among a plurality of or all cross-sections located in the front portion of the club head 400 is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 among a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, and 558 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the fifth cross-section 558) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 among a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, and 562 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the seventh cross-section 562) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm.

[0146] In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 between a plurality of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 (e.g., two or more cross-sections, or three or more cross-sections) is 0.05 mm or less. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 between a plurality of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 (e.g., two or more cross-sections, or three or more cross-sections) is from 0.2 mm to 0.01 mm, including sub-ranges. In other words, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 between a plurality of cross-sections may be within 0.2 mm, 0.19 mm, 0.18 mm, 0.17 mm, 0.16 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.14 mm, 0.13 mm, 0.12 mm, 0.11 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.03 mm, 0.02 mm, or 0.01 mm, or any range having any two of these values as endpoints.

[0147] In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 between a plurality of cross-sections may be less than 0.2 mm, less than 0.15 mm, less than 0.1 mm, less than 0.09 mm, less than 0.08 mm, less than 0.07 mm, less than 0.06 mm, less than 0.05 mm, less than 0.04 mm, less than 0.03 mm, less than 0.02 mm, or less than 0.01 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 between a plurality of cross-sections may be in the range of 0.5 mm to 0 mm, 0.15 mm to 0 mm, 0.2 mm to 0 mm, 0.01 mm to 0.09 mm, 0.02 mm to 0.08 mm, 0.03 mm to 0.07 mm, or 0.04 mm to 0.06 mm.

[0148] The phrase "two or more cross-sections" is described for a specific limit dimension range, but it should be understood that all dimension ranges described in this specification can also apply to three or more cross-sections, four or more cross-sections, five or more cross-sections, six or more cross-sections, seven or more cross-sections, eight or more cross-sections, nine or more cross-sections, ten or more cross-sections, eleven or more cross-sections, twelve or more cross-sections, twenty or more cross-sections, forty or more cross-sections, fifty or more cross-sections, one hundred or more cross-sections, two hundred or more cross-sections, and up to three hundred and sixty or more cross-sections. The number of cross-sections to be analyzed can vary depending on the values of β and θ selected.

[0149] Table 1 below shows the average variation of the first limit dimension 580 from the first cross-section 550 to the fifth cross-section 558 of a golf club head according to one embodiment. For the golf club head represented in Table 1, A is equal to 1.0 mm.

Table 1

[0150] In Table 1, the variation (V) of each cross-section is equal to the absolute value of the difference between the limit dimension (CD) of a particular cross-section and the average of the plurality of limit dimensions. Also, the average variation is equal to the average of the variations for the plurality of cross-sections.

[0151] In Table 1, the CD of each cross-section is averaged such that the average CD over a plurality of points results in 0.848 mm. Therefore, the absolute value is used so that each CD is subtracted from the 0.848 mm average value, resulting in the corresponding variation V. Each individual variation V can also be averaged into the "average variation" variable. Table 1 shows an average variation value of 0.0624 mm.

[0152] For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, each cross-section may also have a second limit dimension 582 that is measured parallel to the X-Y plane 512 between the joining wall 454 and the lower peripheral portion 446 of the crown insert 442. In other words, the second limit dimension 582 measures the joining gap between the joining wall 454 and the lower peripheral portion 446 of the crown insert 442. In some embodiments, the second limit dimension 582 may be greater than 0 mm (e.g., due to the presence of the adhesive 480 between the crown insert 442 and the joining wall 454), but the second limit dimension 582 may also be less than or equal to a specific value. In some embodiments, the second limit dimension 582 of each cross-section is less than or equal to B mm. The value of B may be any value as described above for A.

[0153] In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limit dimension 582 among a plurality of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 (e.g., two or more cross-sections, or three or more cross-sections) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limit dimension 582 among all cross-sections is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limit dimension 582 among a plurality of or all cross-sections located in the front portion of the club head 400 is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the average variation of the second limit dimension 582 among a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the fifth cross-section 558) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the second limit dimension 582 among a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, and 562 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the seventh cross-section 562) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0154] The value of the average variation between the second limit dimension 582 may be any value, as described above with respect to the average variation between the first limit dimension 580. Also, the average variation between the second limit dimension 582 is calculated in the same way as the average variation of the first limit dimension 580.

[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 5B, each cross-section may also have a third limit dimension 584 that is measured parallel to the X-Y plane 512 between the joining wall 454 and the midpoint 447 of the peripheral wall 444 of the crown insert 442. In other words, the third limit dimension 584 measures the joining gap between the joining wall 454 and the midpoint 447 of the crown insert 442. In some embodiments, the third limit dimension 584 may be greater than 0 mm (e.g., due to the presence of the adhesive 480 between the crown insert 442 and the joining wall 454), but the third limit dimension 584 may also be less than or equal to a particular value. In some embodiments, the third limit dimension 584 of each cross-section is less than or equal to C mm. The value of C may be any value, as described above for A.

[0156] In some embodiments, the average variation of the third limiting dimension 584 between a plurality of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572 (e.g., two or more cross-sections, or three or more cross-sections) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the third limiting dimension 584 between all cross-sections is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the third limiting dimension 584 between a plurality of or all cross-sections located in the front portion of the club head 400 is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the average variation of the third limiting dimension 584 between a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the fifth cross-section 558) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the average variation of the third limiting dimension 584 between a plurality of or all cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, and 562 (i.e., from the first cross-section 550 to the seventh cross-section 562) is 0.2 mm, 0.15 mm, or less than 0.1 mm.

[0157] The value of the average variation between the third limiting dimensions 584 may be any value, as described above with respect to the average variation between the first limiting dimensions 580. Also, the average variation between the third limiting dimensions 584 is calculated in the same manner as the average variation of the first limiting dimensions 580.

[0158] Figures 5A and 5B show a peripheral wall 444 and a joining wall 454 (i.e., an inwardly angled wall) angled toward the center of the golf club head 400. The angles of the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454 may be, for example, 10 degrees. The angles of the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454 may vary depending on the desired shape of the joint between the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454. Various non-limiting configurations of the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454 are shown in FIGS. 6A-9B. In other embodiments, FIGS. 5A-9B show cross-sectional views of a golf club head having a sole insert located in a sole recess. In other words, the joining walls shown in FIGS. 5A-9B may be joining walls formed in the sole portion of the club head 400, the shelf portions shown in FIGS. 5A-9B may be sole shelf portions, and the joining walls and the shelf portions may define a sole recess region for receiving all or a portion of the bottom panel / insert 439.

[0159] Figures 6A and 6B show, according to some embodiments, a peripheral wall 444 angled outwardly (i.e., angled toward the club face 408 of the club head 400) and a joining wall 454 angled outwardly. The angles of the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454 in FIGS. 6A and 6B may be, for example, 10 degrees. FIGS. 7A and 7B show, according to some embodiments, a peripheral wall 444 that is vertically straight and a joining wall 454 that is vertically straight. FIGS. 8A and 8B show, according to some embodiments, a peripheral wall 444 angled inwardly and a joining wall 454 angled outwardly. FIGS. 9A and 9B show a peripheral wall 444 angled outwardly and a joining wall 454 angled inwardly. The inner and outer angles of the peripheral wall 444 and the joining wall 454 in FIGS. 8A-9B may be, for example, 10 degrees.

[0160] Figures 10A - 10D show a golf club head 1000 according to several embodiments. Similar to the golf club head 100 / 400, the golf club head 1000 includes a heel side 1002, a toe side 1004, a front side 1006 having a club face 1008 and a striking face 1009, a rear side 1010, an upper side 1014 (also called a crown) having an upper surface 1016, a bottom side 1018 (also called a sole or sole portion) having a bottom surface 1020, a hosel 1030, and a hosel insert 1032. The hosel insert 1032 may be identical or similar to the hosel insert 158 / 432. The golf club head 1000 may have a width dimension W, a height dimension H, and a depth dimension D that are identical or similar to the dimensions described above for the golf club head 100, and may be measured in the same manner as the methods described above for the golf club head 100.

[0161] The upper side 1014 (i.e., the crown) of the club head 1000 may be defined by a crown portion 1040 and a crown insert 1042. The crown portion 440 and the crown insert 442 may be identical or similar to the crown portion 1040 and the crown insert 1042 discussed herein with respect to the club head 400.

[0162] Similar to the club head 400, the club head 1000 may include a crown recess region 1058 (shaded gray in FIG. 10B for illustrative purposes) defined by a crown shelf portion 1050 and a joining wall 1054. The crown shelf portion 1050 and the joining wall 1054 may be identical or similar to the crown shelf portion 450 and the joining wall 454. An adhesive may be used to join the crown insert 1042 to the crown shelf portion 1050 and / or the joining wall 1054 in the same manner as the method described above for the club head 400. Further, the limiting dimensions between the peripheral portion (or wall) of the crown insert 1042 and the joining wall 1054 may be determined and measured in the same manner as the methods described herein with respect to the club head 400.

[0163] In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may be provided with a weight port 1060 and an adjustable weight portion 1062 located at the weight port 1060. The weight port 1060 and the adjustable weight portion 1062 may be the same as or similar to the weight port 180 and the adjustable weight portion 182 described herein with respect to the club head 100.

[0164] In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may include a recessed channel portion 1070 having channel sidewalls 1072 at a front portion of the bottom side 1018 of the golf club head 1000 proximate to the club face 1008. The fastener opening 1074 within the channel portion 1070 may be provided for engaging a hosel insert 1032 to attach a shaft (e.g., club shaft 1104) to the golf club head 1000 and / or to allow insertion of a mechanical fastener 1076, such as a screw, to enable an adjustable loft angle, lie angle, and / or face angle.

[0165] In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may include one or more bottom panels 1080. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 1080 may be a panel including a composite material. The bottom panel 1080 may be the same as or similar to the bottom panel 439 described herein with respect to the club head 400.

[0166] FIG. 11 shows a golf club 1100 according to some embodiments. The golf club 1100 includes a club head 1102 and a club shaft 1104. The club shaft 1104 includes a grip end 1106 and a club head end 1108 connected to the hosel of the golf club head 1102. The grip end 1106 may include a grip 1110. The golf club head 1102 may be the same as or similar to any club head described herein (e.g., club heads 100, 400, and 1000). In some embodiments, the golf club 1100 may include one or more removable shaft mechanisms configured to adjust at least one of the loft angle, lie angle, or club face angle of the golf club head 1102. For example, the golf club 1100 may include an adjustable hosel insert configured to adjust at least one of the loft angle, lie angle, or club face angle of the golf club head 1102. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1102 may include one or more movable weights configured to slide within recess channels (s) formed in the golf club head 1102.

[0167] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head corresponding to any of cross-sections 550, 552, 554, 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566, 568, 570, and 572. FIG. 12 shows a crown insert 1200 having a peripheral wall 1202, an upper peripheral edge 1204, and a lower peripheral edge 1206. FIG. 12 also shows a crown portion 1220 having a joining wall 1222 and a crown shelf 1228.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 12, the edges of the crown insert 1200 and / or the joining wall 1222 may have a substantially circular shape in some embodiments. A substantially circular shape is defined as a corner radius that exceeds one-fourth of the thickness of the crown or sole insert. For example, an insert with a thickness of 1 mm and a corner radius of 0.25 mm is considered to have a substantially circular shape and, therefore, the extrapolation method described below is used. If there is no substantially circular shape based on the above definition, the uppermost visible edge is used to measure the first limit dimension and the lowermost edge is used to measure the second limit dimension.

[0169] When such an edge has a substantially circular shape, FIG. 12 shows a method for determining the positions of the upper peripheral edge 1204, the lower peripheral edge 1206, and the first limit point 1224. The edges 1204 and 1206, and the point 1224 are located at the location where the crown insert 1200 and the joining wall 1222 have edges formed at right angles. In other words, the substantially circular edge of the crown insert 1200 and / or the joining wall 1222 is extrapolated to the right-angled edge to determine the positions of the upper peripheral edge 1204, the lower peripheral edge 1206, and the first limit point 1224. After determining the positions of the upper peripheral edge 1204, the lower peripheral edge 1206, and the first limit point 1224, the first limit dimension 1230 and the second limit dimension 1232 can be measured in the same manner as the method described with respect to the first limit dimension 580 and the second limit dimension 582.

[0170] To determine the above limit dimensions (e.g., the first, second, and third limit dimensions) and measured values, a fragment of the crown insert (e.g., a composite crown insert), the corresponding joining wall and structure, are taken from the golf club head by holding them with a two-part epoxy, a spring clip made by LECO, part number 810-485, and a LECO powder-liquid resin in a 1:1 ratio, and can be cold-mounted processed in a cylindrical mold. The sample can be polished for high-resolution display. A high-resolution digital microscope having an ability of 200X or more, such as a Keyence VHX-700 F Degital Microscope, should be selected.

[0171] In some embodiments, a crown insert (e.g., crown insert 1200) may include a plurality of layers including, for example, an upper layer (e.g., upper layer 1210). In some embodiments, the individual layers of a crown insert or a sole insert (e.g., crown inserts 170, 442, 1042, or 1200) may be defined by individual composite plies.

[0172] The foregoing description of specific embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and will enable others to make and use the invention without undue experimentation and without departing from the general concept of the invention. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments based upon the teachings and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the terminology or phraseology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, as such terminology or phraseology would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0173] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. a grip, a golf club shaft, and a golf club head, the golf club comprising: the golf club head having a crown portion defining an upper surface of the golf club head, the crown portion having a crown recess region formed therein and defined by a crown shelf portion and a joining wall; the crown recess region including a crown opening and a crown insert at least partially disposed within the crown recess region and covering the crown opening; the crown insert including an upper peripheral edge; the golf club head further comprising a club face, a width dimension measured along an X axis from a toe side of the golf club head to a heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along a Y axis from a most forward point of the golf club head to a most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z axis extending vertically through the crown portion at a midpoint of the width dimension and a midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y axis intersecting the central Z axis at the upper surface of the golf club head and extending parallel to the Y axis, a central X axis intersecting the central Z axis at the upper surface of the golf club head and extending parallel to the X axis, a first vertical plane defined by the central Z axis and the central Y axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane clockwise by 30 degrees about the central Z axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane counterclockwise by 30 degrees about the central Z axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z axis and the central X axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane clockwise by 30 degrees about the central Z axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane counterclockwise by 30 degrees about the central Z axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y axis and the central X axis, a first limit point located at a front portion of the golf club head at an intersection between the first vertical plane and an upper edge of the joining wall, and a first cross section taken on a vertical plane perpendicular to the joining wall at the first limit point; A second limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a second cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the second limit point, A third limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, A fourth limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, A fifth limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point, A sixth limit point located in the toe portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a sixth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the sixth limit point, A seventh limit point located in the heel portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a seventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the seventh limit point, An eighth limit point located in the rear portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and an eighth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the eighth limit point, A ninth limit point located in the rear portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a ninth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the ninth limit point, A tenth limit point located in the rear portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and a tenth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the tenth limit point, An 11th limit point located at the rear side portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joint wall, and an 11th cross section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joint wall at the 11th limit point, a 12th limit point located at the rear side portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joint wall, and a 12th cross section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joint wall at the 12th limit point, and has, each cross section defines a joint gap between the crown insert and the joint wall, has a first limit dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge portion of the joint wall and the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert, the first limit dimension of each cross section is A mm or less, and the average variation of the first limit dimension between eight or more of the cross sections is 0.2 mm or less, in one or more of the first cross section to the fifth cross section, the peripheral wall of the crown insert is angled inward such that the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert is disposed closer to the club face than the bottom peripheral portion of the crown insert, the joint wall is also angled inward, golf club.

2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein A is 1.0 mm.

3. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the average variation of the first limit dimension between the two or more cross sections is 0.15 mm or less.

4. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the average variation of the first limit dimension between the two or more cross sections is 0.1 mm to 0 mm.

5. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the crown insert includes an upper layer extending to the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert and is visible at the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert located at the front side portion of the golf club head.

6. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the joint gap is visible and is not covered by a masking layer in the final product including the golf club head.

7. Each cross-section has a second limiting dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the joining wall and the bottom peripheral portion of the crown insert, the second limiting dimension of each cross-section is B mm or less, and the average variation of the second limiting dimension between two or more of the cross-sections is 0.2 mm or less. The golf club according to claim 1.

8. The golf club according to claim 7, wherein B is 1.0 mm.

9. The golf club according to claim 7, wherein the average variation of the second limiting dimension between two or more of the cross-sections is 0.15 mm or less.

10. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the crown insert at the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert is disposed 0.3 mm or less below the upper surface of the crown portion of the joining wall in a vertical distance.

11. The hosel portion of the golf club head is configured to receive a sleeve attached to the golf club shaft, and the sleeve can be positioned to adjust the loft angle, lie angle, or face angle of the golf club head. The golf club according to claim 1.

12. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the crown insert is 1 mm or less.

13. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the golf club head includes a movable weight configured to move from a first position to a second position of the golf club head.

14. The joining gap between the crown insert and the joining wall is continuous and uniform over the entire length of the joining gap between the fifth vertical plane and the sixth vertical plane. The golf club according to claim 1.

15. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert has a circular shape including a corner radius of 1 / 4 or more of the thickness of the crown insert.

16. A golf club head, A crown portion defining the upper surface of the golf club head, Formed in the crown portion and including a crown recess region defined by a crown shelf portion and a joining wall, The crown recess region includes a crown opening and a crown insert that is at least partially disposed inside the crown recess region and covers the crown opening, and the crown insert includes an upper peripheral edge, a crown portion, a club face, a width dimension measured along the X-axis from the toe side to the heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along the Y-axis from the most forward point to the most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z-axis extending vertically through the crown portion at the midpoint of the width dimension and the midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y-axis that intersects the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the golf club head and extends parallel to the Y-axis, a central X-axis that intersects the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the golf club head and extends parallel to the X-axis, a first vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central Y-axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane clockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane counterclockwise by θ degrees about the central Z-axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central X-axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane clockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane counterclockwise by β degrees about the central Z-axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y-axis and the central X-axis, a first limit point located at the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge of the joint wall, and a first cross section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joint wall at the first limit point, a second limit point located at the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge of the joint wall, and a second cross section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joint wall at the second limit point, A third limit point located at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the front side portion of the golf club head, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, A fourth limit point located at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the front side portion of the golf club head, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, Including a fifth limit point located at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the front side portion of the golf club head, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point, A sixth limit point located at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the toe portion of the golf club head, and a sixth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the sixth limit point, A seventh limit point located at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the heel portion of the golf club head, and a seventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the seventh limit point, An eighth limit point located at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the rear side portion of the golf club head, and an eighth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the eighth limit point, A ninth limit point located at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the rear side portion of the golf club head, and a ninth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the ninth limit point, A tenth limit point located at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the rear side portion of the golf club head, and a tenth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the tenth limit point, An eleventh limit point located at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, in the rear side portion of the golf club head, and an eleventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the eleventh limit point, A 12th limit point located at the intersection between the 6th vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, on the rear side of the golf club head, and a 12th cross-section taken on a vertical plane perpendicular to the joining wall at the 12th limit point, each cross-section defines a joining gap between the crown insert and the joining wall, has a first limit dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge of the joining wall and the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert, the first limit dimension of each cross-section is 1.0 mm or less, and the average variation of the first limit dimension between eight or more of the cross-sections is 0.15 mm or less, the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert has a circular shape with a corner radius of at least one-fourth of the thickness of the crown insert, θ ranges from 1 degree to 45 degrees, and β ranges from 1 degree to 44 degrees, in one or more of the first cross-section to the fifth cross-section, the peripheral wall of the crown insert is angled inward such that the upper peripheral edge of the crown insert is disposed closer to the club face than the bottom peripheral edge of the crown insert, the joining wall is also angled inward, a golf club head.

17. A golf club head, a hosel portion configured to receive a sleeve that can be arranged to adjust the loft angle, lie angle or face angle of the golf club head, a club face, a crown portion defining the upper surface of the golf club head, including a crown recess region formed in the crown portion and defined by a crown shelf portion and a joining wall, the crown recess region includes a crown opening and a crown insert at least partially disposed inside the crown recess region and covering the crown opening, the crown insert including an upper peripheral edge, the crown portion, a width dimension measured along the X-axis from the toe side to the heel side of the golf club head, a depth dimension measured along the Y-axis from the most forward point to the most rearward point of the golf club head, a central Z-axis extending vertically through the crown portion at the midpoint of the width dimension and the midpoint of the depth dimension, a central Y-axis that intersects the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the golf club head and extends parallel to the Y-axis, and a central X-axis that intersects the central Z-axis on the upper surface of the golf club head and extends parallel to the X-axis, and a first vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central Y-axis, a second vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a third vertical plane defined by rotating the first vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, a fourth vertical plane defined by the central Z-axis and the central X-axis, a fifth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees clockwise about the central Z-axis, a sixth vertical plane defined by rotating the fourth vertical plane 30 degrees counterclockwise about the central Z-axis, an X-Y plane defined by the central Y-axis and the central X-axis, a first limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a first cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the first limit point, a second limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a second cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the second limit point, a third limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a third cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the third limit point, a fourth limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fourth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fourth limit point, a fifth limit point located in the front portion of the golf club head at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge of the joining wall, and a fifth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the fifth limit point, A sixth limit point located at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the toe portion of the golf club head, and a sixth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the sixth limit point, A seventh limit point located at the intersection between the fourth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the heel portion of the golf club head, and a seventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the seventh limit point, An eighth limit point located at the intersection between the first vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the rear side portion of the golf club head, and an eighth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the eighth limit point, A ninth limit point located at the intersection between the second vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the rear side portion of the golf club head, and a ninth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the ninth limit point, A tenth limit point located at the intersection between the third vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the rear side portion of the golf club head, and a tenth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the tenth limit point, An eleventh limit point located at the intersection between the fifth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the rear side portion of the golf club head, and an eleventh cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the eleventh limit point, An twelfth limit point located at the intersection between the sixth vertical plane and the upper edge portion of the joining wall, and which is located at the rear side portion of the golf club head, and a twelfth cross-section taken on a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the joining wall at the twelfth limit point, and each cross-section defines a joining gap between the crown insert and the joining wall, has a first limit dimension measured parallel to the X-Y plane between the upper edge portion of the joining wall and the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert, the first limit dimension of each cross-section is 1.0 mm or less, and the average variation of the first limit dimension between eight or more of the cross-sections is 0.2 mm or less, in one or more of the first cross-section to the fifth cross-section and in one or more of the sixth cross-section to the twelfth cross-section, The peripheral wall of the crown insert is angled inwardly such that the upper peripheral portion of the crown insert is disposed at a position further away from the central Z-axis of the golf club head than the bottom peripheral portion of the crown insert. The golf club head in which the joining wall is also angled inwardly.

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