Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide a golf club head, a golf club, and a method of manufacturing the golf club head and the golf club.SOLUTION: A golf club head includes: a body part having an internal cavity and a face part; a first mass part and a second mass part; a first port and a second port of the body part connected to the internal cavity; a third port inside the body part connected to the internal cavity and configured so as to receive the second mass part; a port sleeve inside the second port configured so as to receive the first mass part; and a filling material in the internal cavity, connected to the port sleeve, and connected to the back face of the face part. The port sleeve can move in a direction toward the face part and a direction away from the face part in the second port.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Copyright Notice] This disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of this disclosure or related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

[0002] [Technical field] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads and methods of manufacturing golf club heads. [Background technology]

[0003] A variety of materials may be used to manufacture golf club heads (e.g., steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) By manufacturing golf club heads using multiple materials, the location of the center of gravity (CG) and / or moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head may be optimized to produce a particular trajectory and spin rate of the golf ball. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a golf club head having a golf club for any embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0005] [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 5]5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective front view of a golf club head without a face portion in accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is another perspective front view of a golf club head without a face portion for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is another perspective front view of a golf club head without a face portion for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 2 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 2 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 2 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0006] [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a face portion of a golf club head for any embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0007] [Figure 14] 1A-1C illustrate a method of manufacturing an exemplary golf club head described herein.

[0008] [Figure 15]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary face portion of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another exemplary face portion of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0009] [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a top view of a mass of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0010] [Figure 18] 1 is a side view of an exemplary mass of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 19] 10 is a side view of another exemplary mass of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0011] [Figure 20] 1 is a front view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 21] 1 is a top view of a golf club head in accordance with one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 23] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 24] 2 is another rear view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 25] 1A-1C are top and toe views of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 26]1 is a toe view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 27] 1 is a heel view of a golf club head for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 28] 28 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 29] 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 30] 30 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 23 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 31] 31 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 32] 32 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 33] 33 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 20 for one embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0012] [Figure 34] 21 is a mass of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 35] 21 is an exemplary face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 36] 21 is another exemplary face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0013] [Figure 37]FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of region 37 in FIG. 28. [Figure 38] FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of area 38 in FIG. 29.

[0014] [Figure 39] 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for certain embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 40] 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for certain embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 41] 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for certain embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 42] 21 is a pictorial representation of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 for certain embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0015] [Figure 43] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 44] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 45] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 46] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 47] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 48] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 49] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 50]1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 51] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 52] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 53] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 54] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 55] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 56] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 57] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 58] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 59] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 60] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 61] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 62] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 63] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 64] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 65] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 66] 1 is a face portion for some embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0016] [Figure 67] 1 is a front view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 68] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 69] 1 is a top view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 70] 1 is a bottom view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 71] 1 is a heel view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 72] 1 is a toe view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 73] 73 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 73-73 of FIG. 68 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 74] 74 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 74-74 of FIG. 68 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 75] 75-75 of FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 76] 76 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 76-76 of FIG. 68 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 77]77-77 of FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 78] 78 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 78-78 of FIG. 67 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 79] 79 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 79-79 of FIG. 67 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 80] 80 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 80-80 of FIG. 67 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 81] 81 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 81-81 of FIG. 67 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 82] 1 is a front view of a golf club head with the face removed for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 83] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a golf club head with the mass and badge removed for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 84] 1 is a side view of an internal mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 85] 1 is a rear view of the interior mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 86] 1 is a front perspective view of an internal mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 87] 1A-1C illustrate a method for manufacturing a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0017] [Figure 88] 1 is a front view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 89] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 90] 1 is a top view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 91] 1 is a bottom view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 92] 1 is a heel view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 93] 1 is a toe view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 94] 94 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 94-94 of FIG. 89 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 95] 95 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 95-95 of FIG. 89 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 96] 96 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 96-96 of FIG. 89 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 97] 97 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 97-97 of FIG. 89 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 98] 98 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 98-98 of FIG. 88 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 99] 89 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 99-99 of FIG. 88 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 100] 88 through a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 101]88 through line 101-101 of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 102] FIG. 2 is a rear view of a golf club head with the mass and badge removed for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 103] 1 is a front view of a golf club head with the face removed for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 104] 1 is a side view of an internal mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 105] 1 is a rear view of the interior mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 106] 1 is a front perspective view of an internal mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0018] [Figure 107] 1A-1C illustrate the configuration of a face portion of a golf club head for the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 108] 1A-1C illustrate the configuration of a face portion of a golf club head for the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 109] 1A-1C illustrate the configuration of a face portion of a golf club head for the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 110] 1A-1C illustrate the configuration of a face portion of a golf club head for the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0019] [Figure 111] 1 is a front view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 112] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 113] 1 is a top view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 114] 1 is a bottom view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 115] 1 is a heel view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 116] 1 is a toe view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 117] 117 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 117-117 of FIG. 112 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 118] 118 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 118-118 of FIG. 112 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 119] 119 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 119-119 of FIG. 112 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 120] 120 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 120-120 of FIG. 112 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 121] 121-121 of FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 122] 122 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 122-122 of FIG. 111 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 123] 123 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head taken along line 123-123 of FIG. 111 for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 124] 125-125 in FIG. 112 of a cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 125] 125-125 of FIG. 112 is another cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 126] 1 is a rear view of a port sleeve of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 127] 1 is a front view of a port sleeve of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 128] 1 is a front perspective view of a mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 129] 1 is a side view of a mass of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 130] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 131] 1 is another rear view of a golf club head for embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 132] 1 is a front view of a golf club head with the face removed for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein; [Figure 133] 1A-1C illustrate a method for manufacturing a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 134] 125-125 of FIG. 112 is another exemplary cross-sectional view of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 135] 1 is a perspective view of a filler compression portion of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 136] 10 is a rear view of another face portion of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein. [Figure 137]137 is a cross-sectional view of the face portion of FIG. 136 taken along line 137-137 of FIG. 136 of a golf club head for an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

[0020] For simplicity and clarity of explanation, the drawings show general structural aspects, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Further, elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help understand embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] 1-14, golf club 100 may include golf club head 200, shaft 104, and grip 106. Golf club head 200 may be attached to one end of shaft 104, and grip 106 may be attached to the opposite end of shaft 104. A person may hold grip 106 and swing golf club head 200 using shaft 104 to hit a golf ball (not shown). The golf club head 200 may include a body portion 210 having a toe portion 240 with a toe edge 242, a heel portion 250 with a heel edge 252 which may include a hosel portion 255 configured to receive a shaft (an exemplary shaft 104 is shown in FIG. 1 ) having a grip (an exemplary grip 106 is shown in FIG. 1 ) at one end and the golf club head 200 at an opposite end to form a golf club (an exemplary golf club 100 is shown in FIG. 1 ), a front portion 260 with a peripheral edge 261, a back portion 270 with a backwall portion 272, a top portion 280 with a top edge 282, and a sole portion 290 with a sole edge 292. The toe edge 242, the heel edge 252, the top edge 282, and the sole edge 292 may define the periphery of the body portion 210. The toe portion 240, the heel portion 250, the front portion 260, the back portion 270, the top portion 280, and / or the sole portion 290 may partially overlap one another. For example, a portion of the toe portion 240 may overlap a portion of the front portion 260, the back portion 270, the top portion 280, and / or the sole portion 290. Similarly, a portion of the heel portion 250 may overlap a portion of the front portion 260, the back portion 270, the top portion 280, and / or the sole portion 290. In another example, a portion of the back portion 270 may overlap a portion of the toe portion 240, the heel portion 250, the top portion 280, and / or the sole portion 290. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0022] The golf club head 200 may include a face portion 262 (i.e., striking surface) that may be integrally formed with the body portion 210 (e.g., one single piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the face portion 262 may be a separate piece that is coupled (e.g., adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and / or soldering) to the front portion 260. The face portion 262 may include a front surface 264 and a rear surface 266. In one example (not shown), the front portion 260 may include one or more recessed shoulders configured to receive the face portion 262 for attaching the face portion 262 to the body portion 210. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the rear surface 266 may include a peripheral edge 267 that may be attached to the peripheral edge 261 of the body portion 210. The periphery 267 of the face portion 262 may be attached to the peripheral edge 261 of the body portion 210 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and / or welding or soldering. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the periphery 267 of the face portion 262 may be welded to the peripheral edge 261 of the body portion 210 at one or more locations. Alternatively, the entire periphery 267 of the face portion 262 may be welded to the entire peripheral edge 261 of the body portion 210 (i.e., a continuous weld). The face portion 262 may include a ball striking area 268 for striking a golf ball. In one example, the center of the ball striking area 268 may be the geometric center 263 of the face portion 262. In another example, the geometric center 263 of the face portion 262 may be offset from the center of the ball striking area 268. In one example, the geometric center 263 and one or more areas near and / or surrounding the geometric center within the ball striking area 268 may provide a generally optimal location on the face portion 262 for striking the golf ball (i.e., optimal ball distance, ball speed, ball spin characteristics, etc.). In yet another example, any location at or near the geometric center 263 and within the ball striking area 268 may provide a generally optimal location on the face portion 262 for striking the golf ball.However, the ball may be struck at any location on the face portion 262 within or outside of the ball striking area 268 of any of the golf club heads described herein, resulting in particular ball flight characteristics that differ from an individual's preferred center strike. The configuration of the face portion 262 and the attachment (e.g., welding) of the face portion 262 to the body portion 210 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0023] The golf club head 200 may be associated with a ground plane 510, a horizontal mid-plane 520, and a top plane 530. In particular, the ground plane 510 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and tangent to the bottom end of the sole edge 292 when the golf club head 200 is in an address position (e.g., the golf club head 200 aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 530 may be a plane that tangent to the top end of the top edge 282 when the golf club head 200 is in an address position. The ground plane 510 and the top plane 530 may be parallel or substantially parallel. The horizontal mid-plane 520 may be vertically midway between the ground plane 510 and the top plane 530. Additionally, the golf club head 200 may be associated with a loft plane 540 that defines a loft angle 545 (α) of the golf club head 200. Loft plane 540 may be a plane tangent to face portion 262. Loft angle 545 may be defined by the angle between loft plane 540 and a vertical plane 550 that is perpendicular to ground plane 510.

[0024] The body portion 210 may be hollow, including an internal cavity 310 having an inner wall 312. The internal cavity 310 may extend between the front portion 260, the back portion 270, the top portion 280, and the sole portion 290. In the example of FIGS. 2-13, the internal cavity 310 of the body portion 210 may be enclosed and partially defined by the face portion 262. The configuration of the internal cavity 310 (e.g., height, width, volume, shape, etc.), the configuration of the internal cavity 310 relative to the body portion 210 (e.g., the volume of the internal cavity 310 relative to the volume of the body portion 210), variations in the width and height of the internal cavity 310, and access to the internal cavity 310 through one or more ports in the body portion 210 may be similar to any of the golf club heads described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0025] The back wall portion 272 of the back portion 270 may include an upper back wall portion 612 and a lower back wall portion 614. The back wall portion 272 may include a ledge portion 616 that may extend continuously or discontinuously between the toe edge 242 and the heel edge 252. The lower back wall portion 614 may be positioned further rearward of the body portion 210 than the upper back wall portion 612, with the ledge portion 616 defining a transition between the upper and lower back wall portions 612 and 614. Thus, the ledge portion 616 may extend laterally relative to the upper and lower back wall portions 612 and 614. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the ledge portion 616 may include a first ledge portion 626 and a second ledge portion 636. The first ledge 626 may extend on the backwall from the toe edge 242 to the center of the backwall 272. The second ledge 636 may extend from the center of the backwall 272 to the heel edge 252. As shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the ledge 616 may provide a relatively large mass of the body 210 below the horizontal midplane 520 and may move the mass of the body 210 below the horizontal midplane 520 further rearward on the body 210. The width of the ledge 616 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the width of the internal cavity at a particular location on the body 210. The configuration of the ledge 616 (e.g., width, segments, taper, shape, etc.) and the characteristics of the ledge 616 relative to the width of the internal cavity may be similar to any ledge or similar configuration of any golf club head described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0026] Body portion 210 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and / or internal ports (e.g., located inside body portion 210). Interior wall 312 of internal cavity 310 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13, back portion 270 may include one or more ports along or near the outer periphery of body portion 210. For example, body portion 210 may include a first set of ports 320 (e.g., shown as ports 321, 322) above horizontal midplane 520, a second set of ports 330 (e.g., shown as ports 331, 332) below horizontal midplane 520, a third set of ports 340 (e.g., shown as ports 341, 342, 343) below horizontal midplane 520, and a fourth set of ports 350 (e.g., shown as ports 351, 352) below horizontal midplane 520. The location, spacing, and any other configuration of each port in first set of ports 320, second set of ports 330, third set of ports 340, and / or fourth set of ports 350 may be similar in many respects to any of the ports described herein. Additionally, any one or more of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and / or the fourth set of ports 350 may be connected to the internal cavity 310 through which one or more filler materials may be injected into the internal cavity 310. In the example of Figures 2-13, ports 321, 331, and 351 may be connected to the internal cavity 310 via openings 361, 371, and 381, respectively. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0027] Body 210 may include one or more masses (e.g., weights), which may be integral or separate masses that may be coupled to body 210. In the example shown in FIGS. 2-13 , body 210 may include a first set of masses 420 (e.g., shown as masses 421 and 422), a second set of masses 430 (e.g., shown as masses 431 and 432), a third set of masses 440 (e.g., shown as masses 441, 442, and 443), and a fourth set of masses 450 (e.g., shown as masses 451 and 452). While the examples above describe a specific number or portion of masses, a set of masses may include a single mass or multiple masses as described herein. For example, any one or combination of adjacent sets of mass elements in the first set of mass elements 420, the second set of mass elements 430, the third set of mass elements 440, and / or the fourth set of mass elements 450 may be a single mass element. Furthermore, the first set of mass elements 420, the second set of mass elements 430, the third set of mass elements 440, and / or the fourth set of mass elements 450 may be part of the physical structure of the body 210. Each mass element in the first set of mass elements 420, the second set of mass elements 430, the third set of mass elements 440, and / or the fourth set of mass elements 450 may be similar to any mass element described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0028] The internal cavity 310 may be partially or completely filled with one or more fill materials (i.e., cavity fill materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the internal cavity 310 may be filled with a first fill material 512 and a second fill material 514. In one example, the first fill material 512 may be a rubber or rubber compound, and the second fill material 514 may be an epoxy-based material. In another example, the first fill material 512 and the second fill material 514 may be different polymeric materials. The first fill material 512 and the second fill material 514 may be similar to any fill material described herein. The first fill material 512 and / or the second fill material 514 may be bonded to all or a portion of the interior wall 312 of the internal cavity 310. In one example, the first fill material 512 and / or the second fill material 514 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties for attachment to all or a portion of the interior wall 312. In another example, the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514 may be attached to all or a portion of the interior wall 312 using one or more binders or adhesives that may be mixed with the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514, respectively. In another example, the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514 may be attached to all or a portion of the interior wall 312 using one or more binders or adhesives that may be separate from the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514, respectively. The amount (i.e., volume and / or mass) of first filler material 512 and / or second filler material 514 can be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a particular loft angle) to (i) provide vibration damping or sound damping (e.g., a consistent and / or pleasant sound and feel when striking a golf ball with golf club head 200, as perceived by each individual using golf club head 200), (ii) provide structural support for face portion 262, and / or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and / or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0029] 2-13 , a portion of the internal cavity 310, including the central portion 311 of the internal cavity 310, may be the portion of the internal cavity 310 that may generally correspond to the ball striking area 268 and may include the first filler material 512 and the second filler material 514. The width 313 of the internal cavity 310 at the central portion 311 of the internal cavity 310 may be generally greater than the width 313 of the internal cavity 310 at other portions of the internal cavity 310. Thus, the region of the internal cavity 310 behind the ball striking area 268, i.e., the central portion 311, may include a relatively larger amount of the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514. Furthermore, the configuration (i.e., size, shape, contour, volume, etc.) of the central portion 311 may depend on the loft angle 545. For example, a golf club head 200 having a relatively low loft angle may have a larger central portion 311 (i.e., greater volume, depth, height, etc.) than a golf club head 200 having a relatively high loft angle. Thus, as described herein, the amount of first filler material 512 and / or second filler material 514 within the internal cavity 310, and more specifically, the central portion 311, may be determined based on the loft angle 545 to (i) provide vibration damping or sound damping (e.g., a consistent and / or pleasant sound and feel when striking a golf ball with the golf club head 200, as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 200), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 262, and / or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and / or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0030] The contour or shape of the inner wall 312 of the internal cavity 310 may be defined by a plurality of recesses that may be recessed relative to the peripheral edge 261. In the example of FIGS. 2-13, the internal cavity 310 may include a first recess 314, a second recess 315 that may have a depth generally less than the first recess 314 (i.e., defined by the internal cavity width 313 as viewed in cross section in FIGS. 5-40), a third recess 316 that may have a depth generally less than the second recess 315, a fourth recess 317 that may have a depth generally less than the third recess 316, and a fifth recess 318 that may have a depth generally less than the fourth recess 317. The internal cavity 310 may have a greater or lesser number of recesses than those described and illustrated herein. The interior cavity 310 may include a first interior channel 325 that may extend from the toe portion 240 to the central portion 311 and a second interior channel 326 that may extend from the heel portion 250 to the central portion 311. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0031] 2-13 , the first recess 314, the second recess 315, the third recess 316, and the internal channels 325, 326 may be filled with a first filler material 512, while the remainder of the internal cavity 310 may be filled with a second filler material 514. In another example, the first recess 314, the second recess 315, and the internal channels 325, 326 may be filled with the first filler material 512, while the remainder of the internal cavity 310 may be filled with a second filler material 514. In another example, the first recess 314, the second recess 315, the internal channels 325, 326, the third recess 316, and the fifth recess 318 may be filled with the first filler material 512, while the remainder of the internal cavity 310 may be filled with a second filler material 514. In yet another example, the entire interior cavity 310 may be filled with the first filler material 512 or the first filler material. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0032] The width 522 (W F1 ) and the width 524 (W F2) may vary from toe portion 240 to heel portion 250 and / or from top 280 to sole portion 290, and / or may vary according to the shape of first recess 314, second recess 315, third recess 316, fourth recess 317, and / or fifth recess 318 depending on their location within interior cavity 310. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0033] 13, the rear surface 266 of the face portion 262 may include one or more grooves adjacent to the periphery 267 of the face portion 262. In one example, as shown in FIG. 13, the rear surface groove 269 may be a continuous groove (i.e., defining a loop) that extends adjacent to the periphery 267 in a path similar to that of the periphery 267. The rear surface groove 269 may comprise a relatively thin portion of the face portion 262. Thus, the rear surface groove 269 may increase the flexibility of the face portion 262 so that the face portion 262 provides a greater repulsive force (i.e., a greater trampoline effect) when a golf ball impacts the face portion 262, thereby providing greater velocity to the golf ball. The rear surface groove 269 may be filled entirely or partially with the first filler material 512 and / or the second filler material 514. In the example golf club head 200, the entire rear surface groove 269 may be filled with the second filler material 514. Thus, the second filler material 514 can provide structural support to the relatively thin portion of the face portion 262 defined by the rear surface groove 269. In another example, a plurality of separate grooves (not shown) may be provided in the rear surface 266 of the face portion 262 at specific locations proximate the periphery 267 to provide a specific rebound effect to the face portion 262. In yet another example, a continuous groove and / or a plurality of separate grooves (not shown) similar to the rear surface groove 269 may be provided in specific locations between the periphery 267 and the geometric center 263 of the rear surface 266 of the face portion 262 to provide a specific rebound effect to the face portion 262. The face portion of any golf club head described herein may include the rear surface groove 269. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0034] As described herein, the face portion 262 may be relatively thin to increase flex and deflection of the face portion 262 during impact with a golf ball. Additionally, the face portion 262 may include one or more grooves, such as the back groove 269, in the back surface 266 of the face portion 262, as described herein, to further enhance the flexibility of the face portion 262. The second filler material 514 may be a polymeric material having relatively high strength and rigidity to provide structural support to the face portion 262 to prevent breakage of the face portion 262 during impact with a golf ball or repeated impacts with a golf ball (i.e., face fatigue). As described herein, the second filler material 514 may be an epoxy-based material. The second filler material 514 may also have a relatively high COR, as described herein, to provide a resilience effect to the face portion 262 after impact with a golf ball. As described further herein, the first filler material 512 may be a rubber-based compound having lower strength and stiffness (i.e., softer or less stiff) than the second filler material 514 and a higher COR than the second filler material 514. Therefore, the first filler material 512 can provide additional structural support to the face portion 262. Furthermore, the relatively high COR of the first filler material 512 allows the first filler material 512 to store energy from the impact of the golf ball and provide a relatively high resilience effect to the face portion 262, thereby releasing a significant amount of energy to the golf ball (i.e., not losing much impact energy). Furthermore, the different material properties of the first filler material 512 and the second filler material 514, as described herein, can attenuate sound and vibration in different frequency ranges to achieve a more personalized sound and feel. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0035] FIG. 14 illustrates one method by which the golf club head 200 or any of the golf club heads described herein may be manufactured. In the example of FIG. 14 , the process 1400 may begin with providing the body portion 210 and the face portion 262 of the golf club head 200 (block 1410). A first filler material 512 may be bonded to the internal cavity 310 (block 1420). In one example, the first filler material 512 may be formed into one or more recesses as described herein (i.e., any recesses described herein) of the internal cavity 310 by injection molding. The first filler material 512 may then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heating / cooling cycles, depending on the material used for the first filler material 512. In another example, the first filler material 512 may be molded into the shape of one or more recesses as described herein and then bonded to the one or more recesses using a bonding agent as described herein. The face portion 262 may then be attached to the body portion 210 as described herein to seal the internal cavity 310 (block 1430). A second filler material 514 may then be injected into the internal cavity 310 through one or more of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and / or the fourth set of ports 350, which may be connected to the internal cavity 310 as described herein (block 1440). The second filler material 514 may then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heating / cooling cycles, depending on the material used for the second filler material 514. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0036] In one example, as shown in FIG. 15 , a face portion 1562, which may be any face portion described herein, may have a first thickness 1510 (T1) or a second thickness 1520 (T2). The first thickness 1510 may be the thickness of a cross section of the face portion 1562 adjacent to a groove 1568, while the second thickness 1520 may be the thickness of a cross section of the face portion 1562 below the groove 1568. For example, the first thickness 1510 may be the maximum distance between the front surface 1564 and the back surface 1566. The second thickness 1520 may be based on the groove 1568. In particular, the groove 1568 may have a groove depth 1525 (Dgroove). The second thickness 1520 may be the maximum distance between the bottom of the groove 1568 and the back surface 1566. The sum of the second thickness 1520 and the groove depth 1525 may be substantially equal to the first thickness 1510 (e.g., T2+Dgroove=T1). Thus, the second thickness 1520 may be less than the first thickness 1510 (e.g., T2 <T1)。

[0037] To lower and / or move the CG of a golf club head further rearward, such as the CG of any golf club head described herein, mass in the front portion of the golf club head can be removed by using a relatively thin face portion 1562. For example, the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 can be about 0.1 inches (2.54 millimeters) or less. In another example, the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 can be approximately 0.075 inches (1.875 millimeters) (e.g., T1 = 0.075 inches). By supporting the backwall portion of the golf club head to form an internal cavity and filling at least a portion of the internal cavity with one or more filler materials as described herein, the face portion 1562 can be relatively thin (e.g., T1 < 0.075 inches) without compromising the structural integrity, sound, and / or feel of the golf club head. In one example, the first thickness 1510 can be 0.060 inches (1.524 millimeters) or less (e.g., T1 ≦ 0.060 inches). In another example, the first thickness 1510 can be 0.040 inches (1.016 millimeters) or less (e.g., T1 ≦ 0.040 inches). The thickness of the material used to form the face portion 1562 and / or the body portion 210 can be Depending on the type, the face portion 1562 may be thinner, and the first thickness 1510 may be 0.030 inches (0.762 mm) or less (e.g., T1≦0.030 inches). The groove depth 1525 may be greater than or equal to the second thickness 1520 (e.g., Dgroove≧T2). In one example, the groove depth 1525 may be approximately 0.020 inches (0.508 mm) (e.g., Dgroove=0.020 inches). Thus, The second thickness 1520 may be approximately 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) (e.g., T2=0.010 inches). In another example, the groove depth 1525 may be approximately 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters) and the second thickness 1520 may be approximately 0.015 inches (e.g., Dgroove=T2=0.015 inches). Alternatively, the groove depth 1525 may be less than the second thickness 1520 (e.g., Dgroove <T2)。Without the support of the back wall of the golf club head and one or more filler materials used to fill the internal cavity, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts of the face by a golf ball. In contrast, a golf club head having a relatively thin face but without the support of the back wall and one or more filler materials as described herein (e.g., a cavity-back golf club head) may produce an unpleasant sound (e.g., a tinny sound) and / or feel during impact with a golf ball. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0038] Based on the manufacturing process and methods used to form a golf club head, such as any of the golf club heads described herein, the face portion 1562 may include additional material at or near the periphery of the face portion 1562. Accordingly, the face portion 1562 may also have a third thickness 1530 and a chamfer 1540. The third thickness 1530 may be greater than either the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 (e.g., T3 > T1 > T2). Notably, the face portion 1562 may be joined to the body portion of the golf club head by a welding process. For example, the first thickness 1510 may be approximately 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters), the second thickness 1520 may be approximately 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), and the third thickness 1530 may be approximately 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). Thus, the chamfer 1540 can accommodate some of the additional material when the face portion 1562 is welded to the body portion of the golf club head.

[0039] 16 , for example, the face portion 1562 may include a reinforcing section, generally shown as reinforcing section 1605, under one or more grooves 1568. In one example, the face portion 1562 may include a reinforcing section 1605 under each groove. Alternatively, the face portion 1562 may include a reinforcing section 1605 under some grooves (e.g., every other groove) or under only one groove. The face portion 1562 may include a first thickness 1610, a second thickness 1620, a third thickness 1630, and a chamfer 1640. The grooves 1568 may have a groove depth 1625. The reinforcing section 1605 may define a second thickness 1620. The first thickness 1610 and the second thickness 1620 may each be substantially equal to one another (e.g., T1=T2). In one example, the first thickness 1610 and the second thickness 1620 can each be approximately 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (e.g., T1 = T2 = 0.030 inches). The groove depth 1625 can be approximately 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), and the third thickness 1630 can be approximately 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). The groove 1568 can also have a groove width. The width of the reinforced section 1605 can be equal to or greater than the groove width. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0040] Alternatively, the face portion 1562 may vary in thickness at and / or between the top and sole portions of the golf club head. In one example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near the top portion than at or near the sole portion (e.g., the thickness of the face portion 1562 may gradually decrease from the top portion to the sole portion). In another example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near the sole portion than at or near the top portion (e.g., the thickness of the face portion 1562 may gradually decrease from the sole portion to the top portion). In yet another example, the face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker between the top and sole portions than at or near the top and sole portions (e.g., the thickness of the face portion 1562 may have a bell-shaped profile). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0041] One or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have similar or different physical characteristics (e.g., color, marking, shape, size, density, mass, volume, exterior texture, material of construction, etc.). In an example such as that shown in FIG. 17, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). Alternatively, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have a similar or different shape relative to one or more other masses of the set of masses. In another example, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have a different color, marking, shape, density, mass, volume, material of construction, exterior texture, and / or any other physical characteristic relative to one or more masses of another set of masses described herein. The characteristics of any mass or set of masses described herein may be similar to any mass or set of masses described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0042] 18 and 19 , for example, first mass 1800 and second mass 1900 may include threads, generally shown as threads 1810 and 1910, respectively, that correspond to and engage threads configured within a port for securing the port as described herein. Accordingly, one or more masses as described herein may be similar in shape and function to a screw or threaded fastener that engages with threads within a port. For example, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be threaded. One or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may not be readily removable from the golf club head body, with or without tools. Alternatively, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be readily removable (e.g., using a tool) to allow for replacement of one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein with relatively heavier or lighter masses. In another example, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be secured to the port using epoxy or adhesive to prevent the masses from being easily removed. In yet another example, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be secured to the port using both screws and a thread sealant (e.g., acrylic adhesive, cyanoacrylate adhesive, epoxy, thermoplastic adhesive, silicone sealant, or urethane adhesive) to prevent the masses from being easily removed. In yet another example, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be press-fit into the port. In yet another example, one or more masses of any of the mass sets described herein may be formed within the port by injection molding. For example, a liquid metal material (i.e., molten metal) or a plastic material (e.g., rubber, foam, or any polymeric material) may be injected or introduced into the port. After the liquid material cools and / or hardens within the port, the resulting solid material (e.g., a metal material, a plastic material, or a combination thereof) may form the mass. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0043] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 17-19 , one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may have a diameter 1710 of approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm), while one or more masses of another set of masses described herein may be of a different height. In particular, one or more masses of any set of masses described herein may be associated with a first height 1820, and one or more masses of another set of masses described herein may be associated with a second height 1920. The first height 1820 may be relatively smaller than the second height 1920. In one example, the first height 1820 may be approximately 0.125 inches (3.175 mm), while the second height 1920 may be approximately 0.3 inches (7.62 mm). In another example, first height 1820 can be approximately 0.16 inches (4.064 mm), while second height 1920 can be approximately 0.4 inches (10.16 mm). Alternatively, first height 1820 can be equal to or greater than second height 1920. While the above examples describe specific dimensions, one or more of the masses described herein can have different dimensions. In one example, any of the masses described herein can be used interchangeably with any of the ports described herein. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0044] 20-38 , the golf club head 2000 may include a body portion 2010 having a toe portion 2040 with a toe edge 2042 and a heel portion 2050 with a heel edge 2052, which may include a hosel portion 2055. A golf club shaft (such as shaft 104 shown in FIG. 1 ) may include one end coupled to hosel portion 2055 and an opposite end coupled to a golf club grip (such as grip 106 shown in FIG. 1 ) to form a golf club (such as golf club 100 shown in FIG. 1 ). The body portion 2010 may further include a front portion 2060 with a peripheral edge 2061, a back portion 2070 with a back wall portion 2072, a top portion 2080 with a top edge 2082, and a sole portion 2090 with a sole edge 2092. The toe portion 2040, heel portion 2050, front portion 2060, back portion 2070, top portion 2080, and / or sole portion 2090 may partially overlap one another. The toe edge 2042, heel edge 2052, top edge 2082, and sole edge 2092 may define the outer periphery of the body portion 2010. The golf club head 2000 may be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-type golf club head or a wedge-type golf club head. The volume of the golf club head 2000, the materials of construction of the golf club head 2000, and / or any components thereof may be similar to any golf club head described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0045] The golf club head 2000 may include a face portion 2062 (i.e., striking surface) that may be integrally formed with the body portion 2010 (e.g., one unitary piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the face portion 2062 may be a separate piece that is coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and / or soldering) to the front portion 2060 to close a front opening of the front portion 2060. The face portion 2062 may include a front surface 2064 and a rear surface 2066. The front surface 2064 may include a plurality of front surface grooves 2068 that may extend between the toe portion 2040 and the heel portion 2050. Each front surface groove 2068 has a front surface groove depth 2069 (D FG In one example, the front groove depth 2069 may be greater than or equal to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) and less than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) (0.005 inches≦D FG ≦0.025 inches). In another example, the front groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.011 inches (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.018 inches (0.445 mm) (0.011 inches≦DFG≦0.018 inches). In another example, the front groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.012 inches (0.311 mm) and less than or equal to 0.016 inches (0.400 mm) (0.012 inches≦DFG). FG ≦0.016 inches). In yet another example, the front groove depth 2069 can be greater than or equal to 0.013 inches (0.33 mm) and less than or equal to 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) (0.013 inches≦D FG ≦0.015 inches). The front groove depth 2069 and the configuration of the front groove 2068 (i.e., cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 2000. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0046] Each front groove 2068 has a front groove width 2071 (W FG In one example, the front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.011 inches (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.033 inches (0.833 mm) (0.011 inches≦W FG≦0.033 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.014 inches (0.347 mm) and less than or equal to 0.055 inches (1.406 mm) (0.014 inches≦W FG ≦0.055 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.017 inches (0.427 mm) and less than or equal to 0.062 inches (1.562 mm) (0.017 inches≦W FG ≦0.062 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.021 inches (0.521 mm) and less than or equal to 0.041 inches (1.041 mm) (0.021 inches≦W FG ≦0.041 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.640 mm) and less than or equal to 0.032 inches (0.800 mm) (0.025 inches≦W FG ≦0.032 inches). In yet another example, the front groove width 2071 can be greater than or equal to 0.027 inches (0.677 mm) and less than or equal to 0.053 inches (1.354 mm) (0.027 inches≦W FG ≦0.053 inches). The configuration of the front groove width 2071 and front groove 2068 (i.e., cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0047] In one example (not shown), the front portion 2060 may include one or more recessed shoulders configured to receive the face portion 2062 for attaching the face portion 2062 to the body portion 2010. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the back portion 2066 may include a peripheral edge 2067 that may be attached to the peripheral edge 2061 of the body portion 2010. The peripheral edge 2067 of the face portion 2062 may be attached to the peripheral edge 2061 of the body portion 2010 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and / or welding or soldering. In one example, the peripheral edge 2067 may be welded to the peripheral edge 2061 at one or more locations. In another example, the entire peripheral edge 2067 may be welded to the entire peripheral edge 2061 (i.e., a continuous weld). The construction of the face portion 2062 and the attachment (e.g., welding) of the face portion 2062 to the body portion 2010 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein, and the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0048] The golf club head 2000 may be associated with a ground plane 2410, a horizontal mid-plane 2420, and a top plane 2430. In particular, the ground plane 2410 may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and may be a plane that is tangent to the bottom end of the sole edge 2092 when the golf club head 2000 is in the address position (e.g., the golf club head 2000 is aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 2430 may be a plane that is tangent to the top end of the top edge 2082 when the golf club head 2000 is in the address position. The ground plane 2410 and the top plane 2430 may each be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal mid-plane 2420 may be vertically midway between the ground plane 2410 and the top plane 2430, and may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane 2410. Additionally, the golf club head 2000 may be associated with a loft plane 2440 that defines a loft angle 2445 (α) of the golf club head 2000. The loft plane 2440 may be a plane tangent to or flush with the face portion 2062. The loft angle 2445 may be defined by the angle between the loft plane 2440 and a vertical plane 2450 that is perpendicular to the ground plane 2410. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0049] The backwall portion 2072 may include an upper backwall 2120, a lower backwall portion 2122, and a ledge portion 2130 between the upper and lower backwall portions 2120, 2122. The ledge portion 2130 may extend outward (i.e., away from the face portion 2062) from the upper backwall 2120 to the lower backwall portion 2122 (i.e., the ledge portion 2130 may extend inward from the lower backwall portion 2122 to the upper backwall 2120 or toward the face portion 2062). Thus, the body portion upper width 2150 (W UB ) can be defined by the distance between the front surface 2064 of the face portion 2062 and the outer surface of the upper backwall portion 2120, and the body portion lower width 2152 (W LB) can be defined by the distance between the front surface 2064 of the face portion 2062 and the outer surface of the lower backwall portion 2122. In one example, the maximum value of the body portion lower width 2152 can be 1.5 times or greater than the maximum value of the body portion upper width 2150 (W LB(MAX) ≧1.5W UB(MAX) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body width 2152 may be 1.25 times or greater than the maximum value of the upper body width 2150 (W LB(MAX) ≧1.25W UB(MAX) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body width 2152 may be 1.75 times or greater than the maximum value of the upper body width 2150 (W LB(MAX) ≧1.75W UB(MAX) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body width 2152 may be more than twice the maximum value of the upper body width 2150 (W LB(MAX) ≧2.0W UB(MAX) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body width 2152 may be greater than the maximum value of the upper body width 2150 (W LB(MAX) ≧W UB(MAX) The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0050] 20 to 38 , the ledge portion 2130 may include a first ledge portion 2132 that may extend from the toe edge 2042 or a position nearby it toward the heel portion 2050, a second ledge portion 2134 that may be disposed in the center portion 2073 of the back wall portion 2072 or a position nearby it, and a third ledge portion 2136 that may extend from the heel edge 2052 or a position nearby it toward the toe portion 2040. The second ledge portion 2134 may extend between the first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136. The first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136 may also extend in a direction sloping downward toward the sole portion 2090. 20-38 , a first ledge height 2142, which may be defined by the distance between the first ledge 2132 and the ground plane 2410, may increase from the central portion 2073 toward the toe edge 2042, and a third ledge height 2146, which may be defined by the distance between the third ledge 2136 and the ground plane 2410, may increase from the central portion 2073 toward the heel edge 2052. As shown in FIGS. 20-38 , for example, the second ledge 2134 may include a first sidewall portion 2137, which may extend from the first ledge 2132 toward the top portion 2080, a central ledge portion 2138, which may extend from the first sidewall portion 2137 toward the heel portion 2050, and a second sidewall portion 2139, which may extend from the central ledge portion 2138 toward the sole portion 2090 to the third ledge 2136. The second ledge 2134 may include a second ledge height 2144 that may be defined by the distance between the central ledge 2138 and the ground plane 2410. The second ledge height 2144 may be greater than the first ledge height 2142 and the third ledge height 2146 at or near the central portion 2073. In yet another example, the ledge 2130 may be similar in some or many respects to the ledge 616 of the golf club head 200. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0051] In the example of FIGS. 20-38 , the first ledge 2132 may include a first ledge width 2162 that may decrease from the center portion 2073 toward the toe edge 2042. Thus, the widest portion of the first ledge 2132 may be where the first ledge 2132 and the first sidewall portion 2137 meet. In one example, an increase in the first ledge height 2142 and a decrease in the first ledge width 2162 may be correlated. For example, any increase in the first ledge height 2142 may correspond to a decrease in the first ledge width 2162, which may be based on a particular factor, a similar rate of change, a particular dissimilar rate of change, or a particular mathematical relationship. In another example, an increase in the first ledge height 2142 and a decrease in the first ledge width 2162 may not be correlated in any way. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0052] In the example of FIGS. 20-38 , the third ledge 2136 may include a third ledge width 2166 that may decrease from the center portion 2073 toward the heel edge 2052. Thus, the widest portion of the third ledge 2136 may be where the third ledge 2136 and the second sidewall portion 2139 meet. In one example, an increase in the third ledge height 2146 and a decrease in the third ledge width 2166 may be correlated. For example, any increase in the third ledge height 2146 may correspond to a decrease in the third ledge width 2166, which may be based on a particular factor, a similar rate of change, a particular dissimilar rate of change, or a particular mathematical relationship. In another example, the increase in the third ledge height 2146 and the decrease in the third ledge width 2166 may be uncorrelated. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0053] 20-38 , the first sidewall portion 2137 and the second sidewall portion 2139 may increase in width from the central ledge portion 2138 to the first ledge portion 2132 and from the central ledge portion 2138 to the third ledge portion 2136, respectively. The downwardly sloping configuration and increasing width of the first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136 toward the central portion 2073, and the downwardly increasing width of the first sidewall portion 2137 and the second sidewall portion 2139, may allow more mass to be placed in the toe portion 2040 and / or heel portion 2050 below the first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136, respectively, to optimize the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 2000, and more mass may be placed at or below the central portion 2073 of the backwall portion to move the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 2000 lower and further rearward. In other words, the configuration of ledge portion 2130 may provide for selectively disposing a relatively large portion of the mass of golf club head 2000 (i) beneath ledge portion 2130 near toe edge 2042, (ii) beneath ledge portion 2130 near heel edge 2052, (iii) at or near central portion 2073, and / or (iv) at or near sole edge 2092 in order to increase the MOI of golf club head 2000 and move the CG of the golf club head lower and further rearward. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0054] The body portion 2010 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and / or internal ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 2010). The one or more ports may be located anywhere in the body portion 2010. The interior wall of the body portion 2010, which defines the internal cavity 2110, may include one or more ports. In the example shown in FIGS. 20-38, the body portion may include a first port region 2225 located below the first ledge portion 2132, between the toe edge 2042 and the central portion 2073. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the first port region 2225 may include a first circumferential groove 2227, which may visually define part or all of the first port region 2225. The first circumferential groove 2227 may be a slot, channel, depression, or recess. Mass that may be removed from body portion 2010 to define first circumferential groove 2227 may be placed elsewhere in or within body portion 2010 to provide a particular MOI, CG location, and / or golf club performance characteristics without changing or substantially changing the overall mass of body portion 2010. In another example, the portion of body portion 2010 within first circumferential groove 2227 may have a different color, texture, or other visually distinct feature compared to the outside of first circumferential groove 2227 to visually define first port area 2225. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0055] 20-38, the body portion can include a second port region 2235 located below the central ledge portion 2138 of the second ledge portion 2134 and a third port region 2245 located below the third ledge portion 2136 between the heel edge 2052 and the central portion 2073. The second port region 2235 can be between the first port region 2225 and the third port region 2245. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, the third port region 2245 can include a second circumferential groove 2247 that can visually define part or all of the third port region 2245. The second circumferential groove 2247 can be a slot, channel, depression, or recess. Mass that may be removed from body portion 2010 to define second circumferential groove 2247 may be placed elsewhere in or within body portion 2010 to provide a particular MOI, CG location, and / or golf club performance characteristics without changing or substantially changing the overall mass of body portion 2010. In another example, the portion of body portion 2010 within second circumferential groove 2247 may have a different color, texture, or other visually distinct feature compared to the outside of second circumferential groove 2247 to visually define third port area 2245. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0056] The first port region 2225 may include any number of ports, and any one or more of the ports in the first port region 2225 may be connected to the internal cavity 2110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the first port region 2225 may include a first set of ports 2220 (e.g., shown as ports 2221, 2222, and 2223). The ports 2221, 2222, and 2223 may be arranged in the first port region 2225 in any manner. In one example, the ports 2221, 2222, and 2223 may be arranged to align with the contour of the sole edge 2092, similar to the ports of the golf club head 200. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the ports 2221, 2222, and 2223 may be arranged to align with the general orientation of the first ledge portion 2132. The spacing between the ports in the first set of ports 2220 may have any configuration. 20-38 , each port in the first set of ports 2220 can be spaced from an adjacent port in the first set of ports 2220 by a distance equal to or less than the port diameter of any port in the first set of ports 2220. The distance from any port in the first set of ports 2220 to the toe edge 2042 can be less than the distance from any port in the first set of ports 2220 to the heel edge 2052 or to the hosel portion 2055. The first port region 2225 can be a thicker and / or structurally reinforced portion of the backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and / or function of each port in the first set of ports 2220. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0057] The second port region 2235 may include any number of ports, any one or more of which may be connected to the interior cavity 2110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the second port region 2235 may include the second set of ports 2230 (e.g., shown as port 2231). The second port region 2235 may be at or near the central portion 2073. The second port region 2235 may be a thicker and / or structurally reinforced portion of the backwall portion 2072 to accommodate each port of the second set of ports 2230. In one example, as shown in FIG. 29 , the second port region 2235 may include a structurally reinforced portion of the backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and / or function of the port 2231. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0058] The third port region 2245 may include any number of ports, and any one or more of the ports in the third port region 2245 may be connected to the internal cavity 2110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the third port region 2245 may include a third set of ports 2240 (e.g., shown as ports 2241 and 2242). The ports 2241 and 2242 may be arranged in any manner in the third port region 2245. In one example, the ports 2241 and 2242 may be arranged to align with the contour of the sole edge 2092, similar to the ports of the golf club head 200. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the ports 2241 and 2242 may be arranged to align with the general orientation of the third ledge portion 2136. The spacing between the ports in the third set of ports 2240 may have any configuration. 20-38 , each port in the third set of ports 2240 can be spaced from an adjacent port in the third set of ports 2240 by a distance equal to or less than the port diameter of any port in the third set of ports 2240. The distance from any port in the third set of ports 2240 to the toe edge 2042 can be greater than the distance from any port in the third set of ports 2240 to the heel edge 2052 or to the hosel portion 2055. The third port region 2245 can be a thicker and / or structurally reinforced portion of the backwall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and / or function of each port in the third set of ports 2240. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0059] The first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and / or the third set of ports 2240 may include any number of ports. The location, spacing, and any other configuration of each port in the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and / or the third set of ports 2240 may be similar in many respects to any of the ports described herein. Furthermore, any one or more ports in the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and / or the third set of ports 2240 may be connected to the internal cavity 2110 through which one or more filler materials may be injected into the internal cavity 2110. In the example shown in FIGS. 20-38, the ports 2221 and 2241 may be connected to the internal cavity 2110 via the openings 2261 and 2281, respectively. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0060] 20-38, the second set of ports 2230 may include a single port 2231 having a larger diameter than any of the first set of ports 2220 and / or any of the third set of ports 2240. The port 2231 may be located at or near the central portion 2073 of the back wall portion 2072 and at or near the sole edge 2092. In one example, the diameter of the port 2231 may be 1.1 times or more and 8.0 times or less the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of the port 2231 may be two times or more the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of the port 2231 may be 2.5 times or more the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of port 2231 can be 3.5 times or greater than the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports 2240. In yet another example, the diameter of port 2231 can be greater than or equal to the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports 2240. In the examples of FIGS. 20-38, each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 is shown as cylindrical. In another example (not shown), the ports can have any shape. Accordingly, the relative size of the ports can be expressed by any dimension, such as length, width, radius, diameter, the distance between two boundaries, or any dimension corresponding to a particular geometric shape (e.g., the major and minor axes of an oval port). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0061] The body portion 2010 can include any number of ports above and / or below the first ledge 2132, the second ledge 2134, and / or the third ledge 2136. The body portion 2010 can include any number of ports above or below the horizontal midplane 2420. The body portion 2010 can include any number of ports on the toe edge 2042, the heel edge 2052, the top edge 2082, and / or the sole edge 2092. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0062] Body portion 2010 may include one or more masses (e.g., weights) at any location on body portion 2010. The one or more masses may be integral masses or separate masses that may be coupled to body portion 2010 at any exterior or interior location on body portion 2010. In the example shown in FIGS. 20-38, body portion 2010 may include a first set of masses 2320 (e.g., shown as masses 2321, 2322, and 2323), a second set of masses 2330 (e.g., shown as mass 2331), and a third set of masses 2340 (e.g., shown as masses 2341 and 2342). In the example of Figures 20-38, each mass in the first set of mass portions 2320 and the third set of mass portions 2320 can be similar to any mass portion described herein, such as mass portions 1800, 1900 of Figures 17-19. The second set of mass portions 2330 can include a single mass portion 2331 that can have a greater mass than any of the mass portions in the first set of mass portions 2320 and the third set of mass portions 2340. In one example, as shown in Figure 33, the mass portion 2331 can be cylindrical having a head portion 2333, a shaft portion 2335, and a top portion 2337 that includes a tool engagement portion 2339. The diameter 2334 of the mass portion 2331 can be greater than the length 2336 of the mass portion 2331. Thus, the mass portion 2331 may be disk-shaped, as shown in FIG. 34 , having a diameter 2334 larger as described herein than the diameter of each of the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2320 and the third set of mass portions 2340, for example, as shown as mass portions 1800 and 1900 in FIGS. 17-19 . The port 2231 may be configured to receive the mass portion 2331, which may be inserted into the port 2231 and secured by any method described herein, such as threading, press fitting, adhesive securing, or welding. In one example, as shown in FIG. 33 , the head portion 2333 may be threaded to engage with internal threads in the port 2231 to secure the mass portion 2331 within the port 2231. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0063] Each port in the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 can be configured to receive any of the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340, similar to the coupling and / or engagement of any of the mass portions and ports described herein (e.g., mass portions 1800, 1900 in FIGS. 17-19). As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, each of the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have different lengths or other physical characteristics (e.g., one or more materials of construction) as described herein. Thus, each port in the first set of ports 2220 and / or the third set of ports 2240 can receive a mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 or the third set of mass portions 2340 whose length can correspond or substantially correspond to the depth of the port. For example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 30, the depth of port 2222 can be greater than the depth of port 2241. Thus, the mass portion 2322 secured to the port 2222 may have a greater length (as shown in FIG. 19 ) than the mass portion 2341 secured to the port 2241 (as shown in FIG. 18 ). Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the inner diameter and / or depth of each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240, and / or the diameter and / or length of each of the first set of mass portions 2320, the second set of mass portions 2330, and the third set of mass portions 2340, may determine the selection of the corresponding mass portion for a uniform configuration of the mass portion relative to the outer surface of the backwall portion 2072. Furthermore, as described herein, the construction material of each mass portion, which affects the density of each mass portion, may determine the selection of the mass portion. In other words, each port may be capable of receiving a correspondingly sized mass portion having a particular total mass, as described herein. In another example, the inner diameter and / or depth of each port in the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240, and / or the diameter and / or length of each mass portion in the first set of mass portions 2320, the second set of mass portions 2330, and the third set of mass portions 2340 may determine the selection of a corresponding mass portion due to the recessed configuration of the mass portion relative to the outer surface of the backwall portion 2072.In yet another example, the inner diameter and / or depth of each of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240, and / or the diameter and / or length of each of the first set of mass portions 2320, the second set of mass portions 2330, and the third set of mass portions 2340, may determine the selection of the corresponding mass portion due to the convex configuration of the mass portion relative to the outer surface of the backwall portion 2072. Performance criteria for a particular golf club head, which may be affected by the location of the MOI and CG of the golf club head, may also determine the selection of the mass portion for the port. In one example, masses with larger mass may be located in ports closer to the toe portion than the heel portion to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head. In another example, ports closest to the center portion 2073 may receive heavier masses to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head. Each mass in the first set of masses 2320, the second set of masses 2330, and / or the third set of masses 2340 may be interchangeable with a heavier or lighter mass to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 2000. As such, the configuration of each port, the configuration of each mass, and / or the performance criteria of a particular golf club head may dictate the selection and / or placement of masses within the ports. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0064] The total mass of the mass portion 2331 may be greater than the total mass of any of the masses in the first set of masses 2320 and / or the third set of masses 2340. The total mass of the mass portion 2331 may be greater than or equal to the total mass of the first set of masses 2320 and / or the third set of masses 2340. The total mass of the mass portion 2331 may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. In one example, the mass portion 2331 may have a total mass of 2 grams or more and 30 grams or less. In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a total mass of 4 grams or more and 18 grams or less. In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a total mass of 6 grams or more and 12 grams or less. In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a total mass of 7 grams or more and 9 grams or less. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0065] The diameter of the mass portion 2331 may be determined based on one or more properties of the material from which the mass portion 2331 is constructed (e.g., material density). In one example, the mass portion 2331 may have a diameter of 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or more and 1.0 inches (25.4 mm) or less. In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a diameter of 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) or more and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a diameter of 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or more and 0.8 inches (20.32 mm) or less. In another example, the mass portion 2331 may have a diameter of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more and 0.7 inches (17.78 mm) or less. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0066] A central region or geometric center of the ports 2231 of the second set of ports 2230 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 2000. Thus, when the mass 2331 is secured to the ports 2231 as described herein, the center of gravity of the mass 2331 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 2000. As a result, the mass 2331 may be interchangeable with another mass 2331 having a smaller mass or a mass 2331 having a larger mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the CG of the golf club head 2000. In one example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the mass 2331, the CG location of the golf club head may move closer to the CG. X Less than 0.5% of the position (x-axis coordinate of CG), CG Y Less than 0.5% of the position (y-axis coordinate of the CG) and / or the CG Z In another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the mass portion 2331, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.2% of the CG z-axis coordinate. X Less than 0.35% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.35% of positions and / or CG Z In yet another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of mass 2331, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.15 of the CG. XLess than 0.25% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.25% of positions and / or CG Z The mass 2331 may be shifted by less than 0.10 of the position. As such, the mass 2331 may be interchangeable with another mass 2331 having a smaller or larger mass to provide specific performance characteristics for an individual (i.e., customize the performance of the golf club head 2000 to a particular individual) without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head 2000 and / or changing the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 2000. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0067] In one example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have a mass of 0.25 grams or more and 6.0 grams or less. In another example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have a mass of 1.25 grams or more and 5.25 grams or less. In another example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have a mass of 1.75 grams or more and 4.1 grams or less. In another example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have a mass of 0.75 grams or more and 3.5 grams or less. In yet another example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and / or the third set of mass portions 2340 can have a mass of 0.5 grams or more and 4.0 grams or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0068] The internal cavity 2110 may be partially or completely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., cavity fill materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the internal cavity 2110 may be filled with a filler material 2512, which may be similar to any of the filler materials described herein. In another example (not shown in FIGS. 20-38 ), the internal cavity 2110 may be filled with a first filler material and a second filler material, which may be similar to the golf club head 200. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the filler material 2512 may be injected into the internal cavity 2110 through one of the ports 2221, 2241, and the other of the ports 2221, 2241 may function as an exhaust port through which air in the internal cavity 2110 displaced by the filler material 2512 is exhausted. Thus, as shown in Figures 20-38, the filler material 2512 may be molded to the shape of the interior cavity 2110. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0069] In one example, the material(s) of the filler material, the physical properties (i.e., density and / or elasticity) of the material(s), and the amount (i.e., volume and / or mass) of the filler material 2512 may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a particular loft angle) to (i) provide vibration damping or sound damping (e.g., a consistent and / or pleasant sound and feel when striking a golf ball with the golf club head 2000, as perceived by each person using the golf club head 2000), (ii) provide structural support to the face portion 2062, and / or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and / or ball variability. In one example, the filler material 2512 may be formed from any type of polymeric material, such as any of the polymeric materials described herein. In one example, the filler material 2512 may be formed from a rubber or a rubber-based compound, such as any of the rubber-based compounds described herein. In another example, the filler material 2512 may be formed from a thermosetting material, such as an epoxy-based material. In another example, the filler material 2512 may be formed from a thermoplastic material. In yet another example, the filler material may be formed from a metal or metal alloy (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy) that may have a density different from the density of the material of the body portion 2010. The filler material 2512 may be attached to the interior walls of the body portion 2010 and face portion 2062 using any bonding agent or any adhesive that may be suitable for adhering or attaching the filler material 2512 to the material of the body portion 2010 and / or face portion 2062. In another example (not shown), the filler material 2512 may be a polymeric material that may include self-adhesive properties so as to adhere to the body portion 2010 and / or face portion 2062 without the use of a bonding agent or adhesive. In another example, injection molding and / or curing of the filler material 2512 can provide sufficient retention (e.g., the filler material 2512 expanding during the filling or curing process) to keep the filler material 2512 engaged with the body portion 2010 and / or face portion 2062 without the use of binders or adhesives.In yet another example, the filler material 2512 may be pre-formed and placed inside the internal cavity 2110 prior to sealing the internal cavity 2110, and / or may be attached to the interior walls of the body portion 2010 that define the internal cavity 2110. The injection molding, curing, and / or attachment of the filler material 2512 in the internal cavity 2110 may be similar to the processes described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0070] 35 , the face portion 2062 may include a face periphery that may include four peripheral sides, which may be a first peripheral side defined by a face toe edge (referred to herein as a face wedge 2740), a second peripheral side defined by a face heel edge (referred to herein as a face heel edge 2750), a third peripheral side defined by a face top edge (referred to herein as a face top edge 2780), and a fourth peripheral side defined by a face sole edge (referred to herein as a face sole edge 2790). The rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses, any of which may be referred to herein as a rear surface groove, and may define any structure on the rear surface 2066 that can relatively reduce the face thickness. In the example shown in FIG. 35 , the back surface 2066 can include a back surface groove 3500 having a first termination 3502, a first portion 3504, a first transition portion 3505, a second portion 3506, a second transition portion 3507, a third portion 3508, and a second termination portion 3510. In one example, as shown in FIG. 35 , the first termination portion 3502 can be proximate the face wedge 2740 and proximate the face sole edge 2790. The first termination portion 3502 can be circular, as shown in FIG. 35 , to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the first termination portion 3502. The first portion 3504 can extend from the first termination portion 3502 toward the face top edge 2780. In the example shown in FIG. 35 , the first portion 3504 can be linear and extend perpendicularly from the first termination portion 3502 toward the face top edge 2780. In another example, the first portion 3504 can extend from the first termination 3502 toward the face top edge 2780 with a curvature that can be similar or substantially similar to the curvature or profile of the face wedge 2740. In yet another example, the first portion 3504 can curve inward. The first portion 3504 can then transition to the second portion 3506 via a first transition portion 3505 positioned proximate the face wedge 2740 and proximate the face top edge 2780.The first transitional portion 3505 may be curved to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the first transitional portion 3505. The second portion 3506 may extend from the first transitional portion 3505 toward the face-heel edge 2750. The second portion 3506 may be linear and have the same orientation and contour as the face top edge 2780. The second portion 3506 may then transition to the third portion 3508 via the second transitional portion 3507 positioned proximate the face-heel edge 2750 and proximate the face top edge 2780. The second transitional portion 3507 may be curved to prevent or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the second transitional portion 3507. The third portion 3508 may extend from the second transitional portion 3507 toward and to the second termination portion 3510. The second portion 3506 may be linear and have the same orientation and contour as the face-heel edge 2750. The second terminal 3510 may be located proximate the face-heel edge 2750 and proximate the face-sole edge 2790. The second terminal 3510 may be circular, as shown in FIG. 35 , to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on the face portion 2062 at or near the second terminal 3510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0071] 35 , the rear groove 3500 may define an inner region 3562 and an outer region 3564 of the face portion 2062. The inner region 3562 may generally correspond to or include the portion of the face portion 2062 that can strike a golf ball. As discussed herein, the rear groove 3500 may provide a relatively thin portion of the face portion 2062 compared to the remainder of the face portion 2062. Thus, the rear groove 3500 may enhance flexure of the inner region 3562 relative to the outer region 3564 compared to a face portion 2062 without the rear groove 3500. In other words, the rear groove 3500 may provide a trampoline effect for the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062. The enhanced flexing of the medial region 3562 can enhance the rebound force of the medial region 3562 after the face portion 2062 impacts the golf ball, which can increase ball launch angle, decrease ball backspin, and / or increase ball carry distance compared to a golf club head similar to the golf club head 2000 but without the rear groove 3500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0072] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35, 37, and 38, any portion of the back groove 3500 may have a back groove width 3710 (W BG ) may include a rear groove width 3710 (W BG ) may have any value to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 2000. In one example, the rear groove width 3710 may be greater than or equal to 0.050 inches (1.270 mm) and less than or equal to 0.200 inches (5.080 mm) (0.050 inches≦W BG ≦0.200 inches). In another example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.094 inches (2.381 mm) and less than or equal to 0.156 inches (3.969 mm) (0.094 inches≦W BG ≦0.156 inches). In another example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.109 inches (2.778 mm) and less than or equal to 0.141 inches (3.572 mm) (0.109 inches≦W BG≦0.141 inches). In yet another example, the back groove width 3710 can be greater than or equal to 0.120 inches (3.048 mm) and less than or equal to 0.130 inches (3.302 mm) (0.120 inches≦W BG ≦0.130 inches). The back groove width 3710 can be constant or substantially constant (accounting for manufacturing tolerances) along any one or more portions, or the entirety, of the back groove 3500. The back groove width 3710 can vary at a particular portion or portions of the back groove 3500. Any portion of the back groove 3500 and / or any portion of the back groove 3600 can have any cross-sectional shape. Thus, the back groove width 3710 at any one or more portions can vary in accordance with a corresponding change in the cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0073] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35, 37, and 38, any portion of the back groove 3500 may have a back groove depth 3720 (D BG ) may include a rear groove depth 3720 (D BG ) may have any value to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. In one example, the rear groove depth 3720 may be greater than or equal to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm) and less than or equal to 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) (0.003 inches≦D BG ≦0.015 inches). In another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.005 inches (0.133 mm) and less than or equal to 0.009 inches (0.222 mm) (0.005 inches≦D BG ≦0.009 inches). In another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.006 inches (0.156 mm) and less than or equal to 0.008 inches (0.200 mm) (0.006 inches≦D BG ≦0.008 inches). In yet another example, the back groove depth 3720 can be greater than or equal to 0.0065 inches (0.1651 mm) and less than or equal to 0.0075 inches (0.1905 mm) (0.0065 inches≦D BG≦0.0075 inches). The back groove depth 3720 can be constant or substantially constant (accounting for manufacturing tolerances) along any one or more portions of the back groove 3500, or along the entire back groove 3500. The back groove depth 3720 can vary at a particular portion or portions of the back groove 3500. Any portion of the back groove 3500 and / or any portion of the back groove 3600 can have any cross-sectional shape. Thus, the back groove depth 3720 at any one or more portions can vary according to a corresponding change in the cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0074] 37 and 38 , the face portion 2062 can include a first face thickness 3750 (T1), a second face thickness 3752 (T2), a third face thickness 3754 (T3), and a fourth face thickness 3756 (T4). The first face thickness 3750 can be defined by the distance between the front surface 2064 and the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 at a location on the face portion 2062 that does not include any portion of the front groove 2068 and any portion of the rear groove 3500. The second face thickness 3752 can be defined by the distance between the front surface 2064 of the face portion 2062 and the bottom surface of the rear groove 3500 at a location on the face portion 2062 that includes a portion of the rear groove 3500 but does not include any portion of the front groove 2068. The second face thickness 3752 may therefore be determined by subtracting the rear groove depth 3720 from the first face thickness 3750. The third face thickness 3754 may be defined by the distance between the bottom of the front groove 2068 and the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 at a location on the face portion 2062 that does not include any portion of the rear groove 3500. The third face thickness 3754 may therefore be determined by subtracting the front groove depth 2069 from the first face thickness 3750. The fourth face thickness 3756 may be defined by the distance between the bottom of the front groove 2068 and the bottom of the rear groove 3500 at a location on the face portion 2062 that includes a portion of the front groove 2068 and an opposing portion of the rear groove 3500. Thus, the fourth face thickness 3756 may be determined by subtracting the sum of the rear groove depth 3720 and the front groove depth 2069 from the first face thickness 3750. The first face thickness 3750 may be greater than the second face thickness 3752, the third face thickness 3754, and the fourth face thickness 3756 (T1 > T2, T1 > T3, T1 > T4). The second face thickness 3752 may be greater than the fourth face thickness 3756 (T2 > T4). The third face thickness 3754 may be greater than the fourth face thickness 3756 (T3 > T4). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 , the second face thickness 3752 may be greater than the third face thickness 3754 (T2 > T3). In another example (not shown), the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than the second face thickness 3752 (T3>T2). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0075] The first face thickness 3750 can have any value to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. In one example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) (0.025 inches≦T1≦0.125). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.047 inches (1.181 mm) and less than or equal to 0.078 inches (1.969 mm) (0.047 inches≦T1≦0.078). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.054 inches (1.378 mm) and less than or equal to 0.070 inches (1.772 mm) (0.054 inches≦T1≦0.070). In another example, first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.065 inches (1.651 mm) (0.060 inches≦T1≦0.065). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0076] The second face thickness 3752 may have any value to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 2000. The value of the second face thickness 3752 may be determined by subtracting the value of the back groove depth 3720, as described herein, from the value of the first face thickness 3750. The value of the second face thickness 3752 may also be expressed as a percentage of the value of the first face thickness 3750. In one example, the second face thickness 3752 may be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 98% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.75≦T2 / T1≦0.98). Accordingly, the back groove depth 3720 may be less than or equal to 25% and greater than or equal to 2% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.02≦D BG / T1≦0.25). In another example, the second face thickness 3752 can be 70% or more and 85% or less of the first face thickness 3750 (0.70≦T2 / T1≦0.85). Thus, the back groove depth 3720 can be 30% or less and 15% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.15≦D BG / T1≦0.30). In another example, the second face thickness 3752 can be 85% or more and 95% or less of the first face thickness 3750 (0.85≦T2 / T1≦0.95). Thus, the back groove depth 3720 can be 15% or less and 5% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.05≦D BG / T1≦0.15). In yet another example, the second face thickness 3752 can be 80% or more and 90% or less of the first face thickness 3750 (0.80≦T2 / T1≦0.90). Accordingly, the back groove depth 3720 can be 20% or less and 10% or more of the first face thickness 3750 (0.10≦D BG / T1≦0.20). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0077] The third face thickness 3754 may have any value to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. The value of the third face thickness 3754 may be determined by subtracting the value of the front groove depth 2069, as described herein, from the value of the first face thickness 3750. The value of the third face thickness 3754 may also be expressed as a percentage of the value of the first face thickness 3750. In one example, the third face thickness 3754 may be greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 97% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.60≦T3 / T1≦0.97). In another example, the third face thickness 3754 may be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 85% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.75≦T3 / T1≦0.85). In another example, third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 80% and less than or equal to 95% (0.80≦T3 / T1≦0.95) of first face thickness 3750. In yet another example, third face thickness 3754 can be greater than or equal to 70% and less than or equal to 90% (0.70≦T3 / T1≦0.90) of first face thickness 3750. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0078] The fourth face thickness 3756 may have any value to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 2000. The value of the fourth face thickness 3756 may be determined by subtracting the value of the front groove depth 2069 as described herein and the value of the back groove depth 3720 as described herein from the value of the first face thickness 3750. The value of the fourth face thickness 3756 may also be expressed as a percentage of the value of the first face thickness 3750. In one example, the fourth face thickness 3756 may be greater than or equal to 45% and less than or equal to 85% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.45≦T4 / T1≦0.85). In another example, the fourth face thickness 3756 may be greater than or equal to 55% and less than or equal to 75% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.55≦T4 / T1≦0.75). In another example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 60% and less than or equal to 70% (0.60≦T4 / T1≦0.70) of first face thickness 3750. In yet another example, fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 62% and less than or equal to 68% (0.62≦T4 / T1≦0.68) of first face thickness 3750. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0079] 37 and 38 , the rear groove width 3710 can be greater than the front groove width 2071, and the rear groove depth 3720 can be less than the front groove depth 2069. In another example (not shown), the rear groove width 3710 can be greater than the front groove width 2071, and the rear groove depth 3720 can be greater than the front groove depth 2069. In another example (not shown), the rear groove width 3710 can be less than the front groove width 2071, and the rear groove depth 3720 can be greater than the front groove depth 2069. In yet another example (not shown), the rear groove width 3710 can be less than the front groove width 2071, and the rear groove depth 3720 can be less than the front groove depth 2069. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0080] In one example, the rear groove width 3710 and the rear groove depth 3720 may be similar. In another example, the rear groove width 3710 may be less than the rear groove depth 3720. In yet another example, the rear groove width 3710 may be greater than the rear groove depth 3720. In the example shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 , the rear groove width 3710 may be substantially greater than the rear groove depth 3720. The rear groove width 3710 and the rear groove depth 3720 may be determined to provide sufficient flex to the face portion 2062 without compromising the structural integrity of the face portion. In other words, the rear groove width 3710 and the rear groove depth 3720 are determined to allow the face portion 2062 to flex sufficiently to provide the rebound and trampoline effect described herein when striking a golf ball without failure, whether after one, several, or repeated extended use of the golf club head 2000 to strike a golf ball. Additionally, the values ​​of the rear groove width 3710 and rear groove depth 3720 may depend on the values ​​of the first face thickness 3750, the front groove width 2071, and / or the front groove depth 2069. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0081] As described herein, the internal cavity 2110 may be filled with one or more filler materials, such as the filler material 2512. Thus, in one example, all or a portion of the back groove 3500 may be filled with the filler material 2512. The filler material 2512 may provide structural support to a relatively thin portion of the face portion 2062 at locations within and / or near the back groove 3500. In another example, all or a portion of the back groove 3500 may be filled with a filler material that may have different physical properties than any of the filler materials within the internal cavity 2110. In yet another example, a portion of the back groove 3500 may be filled with a first filler material, while another portion of the back groove 3500 may be filled with a second filler material that has one or more different physical properties than the first filler material. The configuration of the back groove 3500 (e.g., depth, width, location on the face, cross-sectional shape) can determine the physical properties of and the amount of one or more filler materials that may be used to fill the back groove 3500 and / or the internal cavity 2110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0082] The first end 3502 and / or the second end 3510 can have any shape and / or size without sharp corners or vertices so as to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or areas at or near the rear groove 3500. In one example, the first end 3502 and / or the second end 3510 can have an elliptical or semi-elliptical shape. In another example, the first end 3502 and / or the second end 3510 can have a triangular shape with rounded vertices. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49, the first end 3502 and / or the second end 3510 can have an oval shape (i.e., a rectangle with semicircles on either side). In another example, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66, the rear groove 3500 can extend to the face periphery. In other words, any portion of the rear groove 3500 can extend to and terminate at the face periphery. 59, the rear groove 3500 may terminate in a rounded or curved end 5952 having a width equal to the rear groove width 3710, rather than having an enlarged end. Any end of any rear groove described herein may have any shape and / or no sharp corners or vertices, so as to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the rear groove. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0083] The cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500 may be free of sharp corners to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or areas at or near the back groove 3500. In one example, as shown in FIG. 37 , the cross-section of the back groove 3500 may have a wide and shallow U-shape. In another example, the cross-section of the back groove 3500 may have a deep U-shape and / or a narrow U-shape. In another example, the cross-section of the back groove 3500 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners or apexes. In yet another example, the cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500 may be semicircular or semi-elliptical. Thus, the back groove 3500 may be manufactured with any cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500 may be manufactured without sharp corners or apexes to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the back groove 3500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0084] 36, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include a rear surface groove 3600, which may be similar in many respects to the rear surface groove 269 of FIG. 13. The rear surface groove 3600 may have a rear surface groove width, a rear surface groove depth, and / or a cross-sectional shape similar to those described and illustrated herein with respect to the rear surface groove 3500. The rear surface groove 3600 may include a first portion 3604, a first transition portion 3605, a second portion 3606, a second transition portion 3607, a third portion 3608, a third transition portion 3609, a fourth portion 3610, and a fourth transition portion 3611, all of which may be continuous, extend proximate to the periphery of the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, generally follow the contours of the periphery of the face portion 2062, and lack sharp corners to prevent stress concentration areas at or near any portion of the rear surface groove 3600. As shown in FIG. 36 , the rear groove 3600 may define an inner region 3662 and an outer region 3664 of the face portion 2062. The inner region 3662 may generally correspond to or include the portion of the face portion 2062 that strikes a golf ball. Furthermore, the rear groove 3600 may provide a relatively thin portion of the face portion 2062 compared to the remainder of the face portion 2062. Thus, the rear groove 3600 may enhance flexure of the inner region 3662 relative to the outer region 3664 compared to a face portion 2062 without the rear groove 3600. In other words, the rear groove 3600 may provide a trampoline effect for the inner region 3662 of the face portion 2062. The enhanced flexure of the inner region 3662 may enhance the rebound force of the inner region 3662 after the face portion 2062 impacts a golf ball, which may increase ball speed and / or carry distance. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0085] In one example, any portion of the back groove 3500 can have a curved or chamfered shape as it changes direction to eliminate or reduce stress concentration areas in or around the back groove 3500. In one example, the first transition 3505 and / or the second transition 3507 of the back groove 3500 can be curved, as shown in FIG. 35. In another example, the first transition 3605, the second transition 3607, the third transition 3609, and the fourth transition 3611 of the back groove 3600 can be curved, as shown in FIG. 36. In another example, the first end 3502 and the second end 3510 of the back groove 3500 can be rounded, as shown in FIG. The size of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and / or the second end portion 3510 can be determined taking into consideration the first face thickness, the second face thickness, the third face thickness, the fourth face thickness, the material properties of the face portion, the method of manufacturing the face portion, and / or the wide range of deflections that the face portion 2062 can undergo from repeated impacts with a golf ball. In one example, the diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and / or the second end portion 3510 can be greater than or equal to 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) and less than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm). In another example, the diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and / or the second end portion 3510 can be greater than or equal to 0.188 inches (4.763 mm) and less than or equal to 0.313 inches (7.938 mm). In yet another example, the diameter of the circle defining first end 3502 and / or second end 3510 can be greater than or equal to 0.219 inches (5.556 mm) and less than or equal to 0.281 inches (7.144 mm). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0086] To determine the effect of rear grooves 3500 and rear grooves 3600 on the performance of golf club head 2000, specific club performance parameters were measured for three sample golf clubs, identified in FIGS. 39-42 as golf club number 1 (Club No. 1), golf club number 2 (Club No. 2), and golf club number 3 (Club No. 3). All three golf clubs were 7-iron golf clubs with golf club heads identical in all respects to golf club head 2000 as described herein, except for the configuration of the rear grooves on the rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062. Club No. 1 did not include any rear grooves, such as rear grooves 3500 or rear grooves 3600. Club No. 2 included rear grooves 3500 as described herein and shown in FIG. 35. Club No. 3 included rear grooves 3600 as described herein and shown in FIG. 36. The rear groove 3500 of club No. 2 and the rear groove 3600 of club No. 3 had a rear groove width 3710 of about 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) and a rear groove depth 3720 of about 0.007 inches (0.178 mm). The diameter of the circle defining the first end 3502 and the second end 3510 of the rear groove 3500 was about 0.25 inches (6.350 mm).

[0087] Each sample golf club was tested with a swing robot to hit a golf ball at an average golf club head speed of 84 mph to 86 mph at each of five positions on the face of the golf club head multiple times, and the average ball speed (mph), average ball launch angle (degrees), average ball backspin (rpm), and average total carry distance (yards) were measured. For example, the swing robot may be a model manufactured by the Golf Research Institute in San Diego, California. The five positions on the face were a center position, a toe position, a heel position, a low position, and a high position, all of which may be referred to herein as measurement positions. The center position was determined as the position on the face where the golf ball was typically hit by each player. In other words, the center position will statistically (e.g., greater than 75%) receive the most ball strikes. The center position was set at or about 0.75 inches above the sole edge 2092 and at a center corresponding to the front groove 2068 of the face 2062, subject to variation and / or approximation depending on measurement tolerances and / or the actual ball-striking area of ​​the face 2062 as determined by the swing robot. The toe and heel positions were set at or about 0.5 inches toward the toe and heel, respectively, from the center position, subject to variation and / or approximation depending on measurement tolerances and / or the actual ball-striking area of ​​the face 2062 as determined by the swing robot. The high and low positions were set at or about 0.25 inches toward the top and bottom, respectively, from the center position, subject to variation and / or approximation depending on measurement tolerances and / or the actual ball-striking area of ​​the face 2062 as determined by the swing robot. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0088] As shown in Figure 39, the ball speed of Club No. 3 was higher at all measurement locations than the ball speeds of Club Nos. 1 and 2. Returning to Figure 36, rear surface grooves 3600 form continuous loops on the rear surface 2066 of face portion 2062. Therefore, inner region 3662 of face portion 2062 can flex inward relative to outer region 3664 upon impact with the golf ball, enhancing the trampoline or rebound effect on the golf ball and thereby improving ball speed at all measurement locations compared to Club Nos. 1 and 3.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 40 , the launch angle of Club No. 2 was higher than the launch angles of Club No. 1 and Club No. 3 at all measurement locations. Returning to FIG. 35 , the rear grooves 3500 form a C-shaped groove in the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. Therefore, the upper portion of the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062 may have a greater inward deflection than the lower portion of the inner region 3562 when the face portion 2062 impacts the golf ball, thereby launching the golf ball at a higher launch angle. In other words, the upper portion of the inner region 3562 may have a greater trampoline or rebound effect than the lower portion of the inner region 3562, providing a higher launch angle compared to Club No. 1 and Club No. 3.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 41 , the ball backspin of Club No. 2 was lower at the center position than the backspin of Club No. 1 and Club No. 3. Returning to FIG. 35 , the rear grooves 3500 form a C-shaped groove in the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. Therefore, the central portion of the inner region 3562 of the face portion 2062 can have a greater inward deflection than the lower portion of the inner region 3562 when the face portion 2062 hits the golf ball, thereby generating less backspin on the golf ball. In other words, the relatively greater inward deflection of the upper side of the inner region 3562 can impart less backspin to the ball than Club No. 1 and Club No. 3.

[0091] 42, the ball carry distances for Club No. 2 and Club No. 3 were generally similar in the center and heel positions, but were longer in all five positions than the ball carry distance for Club No. 1. As discussed herein, the greater trampoline or rebound effect provided by the rear grooves 3500 of Club No. 2 and the rear grooves 3600 of Club No. 3 can generate greater carry distances than Club No. 1.

[0092] The configuration of the back grooves on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can affect the performance characteristics of the golf club. Thus, specific performance characteristics of the golf club can be achieved with different groove configurations. In one example, as shown in FIG. 43 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 4300 having a first portion 4304, a first transition portion 4305, a second portion 4306, a second transition portion 4307, a third portion 4308, a third transition portion 4310, a fourth portion 4312, and a fourth transition portion 4314, all of which portions define a continuous back groove 4300. The back groove 4300 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3600, except that the first portion 4304 may extend linearly between the face top edge 2780 and the face sole edge 2790 rather than following the contour of the face wedge 2740, as shown in FIG. 36 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0093] 44 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 4400 having a first termination 4402, a first portion 4404, a first transition portion 4405, a second portion 4406, a second transition portion 4407, a third portion 4408, and a second termination 4410. The back groove 4400 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3600, except that the first portion 4404 terminates at the first termination 4402 located at or near the face wedge 2740 and the face sole edge 2790, and the third portion 4408 terminates at the second termination 4410 located at or near the face heel edge 2750 and the face sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0094] 45 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 4500 having a first portion 4504, a first transition portion 4505, a second portion 4506, a second transition portion 4507, and a third portion 4508. The back groove 4500 can also include a first terminal portion 4520 that can be at or adjacent to the face-sole edge 2790 and a second terminal portion 4530 that can be at or adjacent to the face-sole edge 2790. The first terminal portion 4520 can be closer to the face wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750, and the second terminal portion 4530 can be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-wedge 2740. The back surface groove 4500 may further include a fourth portion 4501 extending from the first terminal end 4520 toward the face wedge 2740 to a third transition portion 4503 connecting the fourth portion 4501 to the first portion 4504, and a fifth portion 4512 extending from the second terminal end 4530 toward the face-heel edge 2750 to a fourth transition portion 4509 connecting the fifth portion 4512 to the third portion 4508. Thus, the back surface groove 4500 may be partially similar in configuration to the back surface groove 3500 and extend continuously across the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, except for the discontinuity defined by the gap 4540 between the first terminal end 4520 and the second terminal end 4530. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0095] 46 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 4600 having a first portion 4604, a first transition portion 4605, a second portion 4606, a second transition portion 4607, and a third transition portion 4608. The back groove 4600 can also include a first terminal portion 4620 that can be at or adjacent to the face-sole edge 2790 and a second terminal portion 4630 that can be at or adjacent to the face-sole edge 2790. The first terminal portion 4620 can be closer to the face wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750, and the second terminal portion 4630 can be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-wedge 2740. The back surface groove 4600 may further include a fourth portion 4601 extending from the first terminal end 4620 toward the face wedge 2740 to a third transition portion 4603 connecting the fourth portion 4601 to the first portion 4604, and a fifth portion 4612 extending from the second terminal end 4630 toward the face-heel edge 2750 to a fourth transition portion 4609 connecting the fifth portion 4612 to the third portion 4608. Thus, the back surface groove 4600 may be similar in configuration to the back surface groove 3600 and extend continuously across the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, except for the discontinuity defined by the gap 4640 between the first terminal end 4620 and the second terminal end 4630. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0096] 47 , the face portion 2062 may include a first back groove 4710 and a second back groove 4720. The first back groove 4710 may include a first terminal portion 4712, a first portion 4714, a transition portion 4715, a second portion 4716, and a second terminal portion 4718. The first back groove 4710 may be closer to the face wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750. The second back groove 4720 may include a first terminal portion 4722, a first portion 4724, a transition portion 4725, a second portion 4726, and a second terminal portion 4728. The second back groove 4720 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face wedge 2740. Additionally, all or a significant portion of the first rear groove 4710 and the second rear groove 4720 may be closer to the face top edge 2780 than to the face-sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0097] 48 , the face portion 2062 may include a first rear groove 4810 and a second rear groove 4820. The first rear groove 4810 may include a first terminal end 4812, a first portion 4814, a first transition portion 4815, a second portion 4816, a second transition portion 4817, and a second terminal end 4818. The first rear groove 4810 may be closer to the face top edge 2780 than the face-sole edge 2790. The second rear groove 4820 may include a first terminal end 4822, a first portion 4824, a transition portion 4825, a second portion 4826, a second transition portion 4827, and a second terminal end 4828. The second rear groove 4820 may be closer to the face-sole edge 2790 than the face-sole edge 2780. Furthermore, each of the first back groove 4810 and the second back groove 4820 can extend from at or adjacent to the face wedge 2740 to at or adjacent to the face-heel edge 2750. The first back groove 4810 can be adjacent to and follow the contours of the face wedge 2740, the face top edge 2780, and the face-heel edge 2750. The second back groove 4820 can be adjacent to and follow the contours of the face wedge 2740, the face-sole edge 2790, and the face-heel edge 2750. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0098] In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 4900 that may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3500, except for the first end 4902 and the second end 4910. Returning to the example shown in FIG. 35 , the first end 3502 and the second end 3510 may be circular and may have any diameter as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , the first end 4902 may be circular with a larger diameter than the first end 3502 of FIG. 35. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , the second end 4910 may have an oval shape (i.e., a rectangle with semicircles on either side). In another example (not shown), the first end 4902 and / or the second end 4910 may have an elliptical shape. In another example (not shown), the first end 4902 and / or the second end 4910 may have a triangular shape with rounded vertices. In yet another example (not shown), the first termination 4902, the second termination 4910, and / or any rear groove termination described herein can have any shape and / or any shape that does not have sharp corners or vertices so as to eliminate or reduce areas of stress concentration on the face portion 2062 at or near the rear groove. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0099] 50 , the face portion 2062 may include a first back groove 5010 and a second back groove 5020. The first back groove 5010 may include a first terminal end 5012, a first portion 5014, a first transition portion 5015, a second portion 5016, and a second terminal end 5018. The first back groove 5010 may be closer to the face wedge 2740 than the face-heel edge 2750. The second back groove 5020 may include a first terminal end 5022, a first portion 5024, a transition portion 5025, a second portion 5026, and a second terminal end 5028. The second back groove 5020 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face-heel edge 2740. Furthermore, each of the first back groove 5010 and the second back groove 5020 can extend from a position at or near the face top edge 2780 to a position at or near the face sole edge 2790. The first back groove 5010 can be proximate to and follow the contours of the face top edge 2780, the face wedge 2740, and the face sole edge 2790. The second back groove 5020 can be proximate to and follow the contours of the face top edge 2780, the face heel edge 2750, and the face sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0100] 51 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 5100 having a first terminal end 5102, a first portion 5104, a first transition portion 5105, a second portion 5106, a second transition portion 5107, a third portion 5108, and a second terminal end 5110. The back groove 5100 can be adjacent to and extend along the contours of the face top edge 2780, the face heel edge 2750, and the face sole edge 2790. The first terminal end 5102 can be at or adjacent to the face top edge 2780 and the face wedge 2740, and the second terminal end 5110 can be at or adjacent to the face heel edge 2790 and the face wedge 2740. Thus, the back groove 5100 may not include an elongated portion between the first terminal end 5102 and the second terminal end 5110 that extends from the face top edge 2780 toward the face sole edge 2790 at a location at or near the face wedge 2740. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0101] 52 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 5200 having a first terminal end 5202, a first portion 5204, a first transition portion 5205, a second portion 5206, a second transition portion 5207, a third portion 5208, and a second terminal end 5210. The back groove 5200 can be adjacent to and extend along the contours of the face top edge 2780, the face wedge 2740, and the face-sole edge 2790. The first terminal end 5202 can be at or adjacent to the face top edge 2780 and the face-heel edge 2750, and the second terminal end 5210 can be at or adjacent to the face-sole edge 2790 and the face-heel edge 2750. Thus, the rear groove 5200 may not include an elongated portion between the first terminal end 5202 and the second terminal end 5210 that extends from the face top edge 2780 to the face sole edge 2790 at a location at or near the face-heel edge 2750. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0102] 53 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 5300 having a first terminal end 5302, a first portion 5304, a first transition portion 5305, a second portion 5306, a second transition portion 5307, a third portion 5308, and a second terminal end 5310. The back groove 5300 can extend proximate the face wedge 2740, the face sole edge 2790, and the face heel edge 2750. The first terminal end 5302 can be at or proximate the face top edge 2780 and the face wedge 2740, and the second terminal end 5310 can be at or proximate the face top edge 2780 and the face wedge 2740. Thus, the rear groove 5300 may not include an elongated portion between the first terminal end 5302 and the second terminal end 5310 that extends from the face wedge 2740 toward the face heel edge 2750 at a location at or near the face top edge 2780. As shown in FIG. 53 , the rear groove 5300 may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 3500, but may have an inverted configuration on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 compared to the rear groove 3500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0103] 54 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 5400 having a first portion 5404, a first transition portion 5405, a second portion 5406, a second transition portion 5407, and a third portion 5408. The back groove 5400 may also include a first terminal portion 5420, which may be at or adjacent to the face top edge 2780, and a second terminal portion 5430, which may be at or adjacent to the face top edge 2780. The first terminal portion 5420 may be closer to the face wedge 2740 than to the face heel edge 2750, and the second terminal portion 5430 may be closer to the face heel edge 2750 than to the face wedge 2740. As shown in FIG. 54 , the back groove 5400 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 4600, but may have an inverted configuration on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 compared to the back groove 4600. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0104] 55 , the face portion 2062 may include a rear groove 5500 having a first portion 5504, a first transition portion 5505, a second portion 5506, a second transition portion 5507, a third portion 5508, a third transition portion 5510, a fourth portion 5512, and a fourth transition portion 5514, all of which may define a continuous rear groove 5500. The rear groove 5500 may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 4300, except that the fourth portion 5512 may have a convex shape relative to the face-sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0105] 56 , the face portion 2062 may include a rear groove 5600 having a first portion 5604, a first transition portion 5605, a second portion 5606, a second transition portion 5607, a third portion 5608, a third transition portion 5610, a fourth portion 5612, and a fourth transition portion 5614, all of which may define a continuous rear groove 5600. The rear groove 5600 may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 3600, except that the fourth portion 5612 may have a concave shape relative to the face-sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0106] In another example, as shown in FIG. 57 , the face portion 2062 can include a back groove 5700 having a first terminal end 5702, a first portion 5704, a first transition portion 5705, a second portion 5706, a second transition portion 5707, a third portion 5708, and a second terminal end 5710. The back groove 5700 can be similar in many respects to the back groove 3500, except that the back groove width 5720 of the second portion 5706 can be greater than the back groove width 5720 of the remainder of the back groove 5700. In another example, any one or more of the first portion 5704, the second portion 5706, and the third portion 5708 can have similar or different back groove widths and / or back groove depths. Any of the back grooves described herein can have portions with different or similar back groove widths and / or back groove depths. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0107] 58 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 5800 having a first portion 5804, a first transition portion 5805, a second portion 5806, a second transition portion 5807, a third portion 5808, a third transition portion 5810, a fourth portion 5812, and a fourth transition portion 5814, all of which may define a continuous back groove 5800. The back groove 5800 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3600, except that the back groove width 5820 of the second portion 5806 may vary between the first transition portion 5805 and the second transition portion 5807. As shown in the example of FIG. 58 , the back groove width 5820 may gradually increase from the first transition portion 5805 toward the second transition portion 5807 to a maximum back groove width 5822 and gradually decrease from the maximum back groove width 5822 toward the second transition portion 5807. Any portion of any back groove described herein may have portions with different or similar back groove widths and / or back groove depths, which may increase or decrease continuously (i.e., gradually), or in a discrete manner (i.e., stepwise increase or decrease). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0108] 59 , the face portion 2062 may include a first rear groove 5900 and a second rear groove 5950. The first rear groove 5900 may include a first terminal end 5902, a first portion 5904, a first transition portion 5905, a second portion 5906, a second transition portion 5907, a third portion 5908, and a second terminal end 5910. The first rear groove 5900 may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 3500. The second rear groove 5950 may extend between the first terminal end 5902 and the second terminal end 5910 and include a second groove first terminal end 5952, a second groove portion 5954, and a second groove second terminal end 5960. The second groove first end 5952 can be adjacent to the first end 5902, and the second groove second end 5960 can be adjacent to the second end 5910. Figure 59 shows examples of multiple rear grooves arranged in different configurations on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0109] 60 , the face portion 2062 may include a rear groove 6000 having a first portion 6004, a first transition portion 6005, a second portion 6006, a second transition portion 6007, a third portion 6008, a third transition portion 6010, a fourth portion 6012, and a fourth transition portion 6014, all of which may define a continuous rear groove 6000. The rear groove 6000 may be similar in many respects to the rear groove 6000 and may further include a fifth portion 6016 and a sixth portion 6018, both of which may be located between the first portion 6004 and the third portion 6008 and extend from the second portion 6006 to the fourth portion 6012. The fifth portion 6016 may be closer to the face wedge 2740 than to the face heel edge 2750. The sixth portion 6018 may be closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the face wedge 2740. The back groove 6000 may include any groove portion extending between and / or connecting any two adjacent or opposing pairs of the first portion 6004, the first transition portion 6005, the second portion 6006, the second transition portion 6007, the third portion 6008, the third transition portion 6010, the fourth portion 6012, and / or the fourth transition portion 6014. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0110] 61 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 6100 having a first terminal end 6102, a first portion 6104, a first transition portion 6105, a second portion 6106, a second transition portion 6107, a third portion 6108, and a second terminal end 6110. The back groove 5700 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3500 and may further include a fifth portion 6114 and a sixth portion 6116, both of which may be located between the second portion 6106 and the face sole edge 2790 and extend from the first portion 6104 and the third portion 6108. The fifth portion 6114 may be closer to the face top edge 2780 than the face sole edge 2700. The sixth portion 6116 may be closer to the face sole edge 2790 than the face top edge 2780. The backside groove 6100 can include any groove portion extending between and / or connecting any two adjacent or opposing pairs of the first terminal portion 6102, the first portion 6104, the first transition portion 6105, the second portion 6106, the second transition portion 6107, the third portion 6108, and / or the second terminal portion 6110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0111] 62 , the face portion 2062 can include a first rear groove 6200 and a second rear groove 6230. The first rear groove 6200 can extend diagonally across the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 and can include a first terminal portion 6202 disposed proximate the face wedge 2740 and the face top edge 2780, a second terminal portion 6206 disposed proximate the face heel edge 2750 and the face sole edge 2790, and a groove portion 6204 connecting the first terminal portion 6202 and the second terminal portion 6206. The second back groove 6230 may extend diagonally across the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 and may include a first terminal portion 6232 located proximate the face wedge 2740 and the face sole edge 2790, a second terminal portion 6236 located proximate the face heel edge 2750 and the face top edge 2780, and a groove portion 6234 connecting the first terminal portion 6232 and the second terminal portion 6236. The groove portion 6204 of the first back groove 6200 and the groove portion 6234 of the second back groove 6230 may intersect at a common groove portion 6220, which may be located in or proximate a central region of the face portion 2062. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0112] In another example, as shown in FIG. 63 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 6300 that may be circular with an inner diameter 6302 that may be within the boundary of the face portion 2062 defined by the face wedge 2740, the face heel edge 2750, the face top edge 2780, and the face sole edge 2790. The back groove 6300 may be located in a central region of the face portion 2062, as shown in the example of FIG. 63 . In another example, the back groove 6300 may be located anywhere on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. In another example, the back groove 6300 may include multiple separate or overlapping circular grooves in the back surface 2066 of the face portion. In yet another example, the back groove 6300 may include multiple separate and concentric circular grooves in the back surface 2066 of the face portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0113] In another example, as shown in FIG. 64 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 6400 that may be elliptical and located within the boundary of the face portion 2062 defined by the face wedge 2740, the face heel edge 2750, the face top edge 2780, and the face sole edge 2790. The center of the back groove 6400 may be located in a central region of the face portion 2062, as shown in the example of FIG. 64 . In another example, the back groove 6400 may be located anywhere on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. In another example, the back groove 6400 may include multiple separate or overlapping elliptical grooves in the back surface 2066 of the face portion. In yet another example, the back groove 6400 may include multiple separate, concentric, or nested elliptical grooves in the back surface 2066 of the face portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0114] 65 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 6500 having a first portion 6504, a first transition portion 6505, a second portion 6506, a second transition portion 6507, and a third portion 6508. The back groove 6500 may be similar in many respects to the back groove 3500, except that the back groove 6500 does not include the first terminal end 3502 and the second terminal end 3510 of the back groove 3500. The first portion 6504 and the third portion 6508 extend to the face-sole edge 2790. Similarly, any portion of any back groove discussed herein may extend to the face wedge 2740, the face-heel edge 2750, the face top edge 2780, or the face-sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0115] 66 , the face portion 2062 may include a back groove 6600 having a curved shape that may be concave relative to the face-sole edge 2790. The back groove 6600 may be continuous and extend from a first groove end 6602 at the face-sole edge 2790 and proximate the face-to-wedge 2740 to a second groove end 6604 at the face-sole edge 2790 and proximate the face-heel edge 2750. Similarly, any portion of any back groove discussed herein may have any straight or curved shape and extend to the face-to-wedge 2740, the face-heel edge 2750, the face-top edge 2780, or the face-sole edge 2790. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0116] Other rear groove configurations can be provided by combining any one or more of the rear grooves shown in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66, or portions of any one or more of the rear grooves shown in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66. In one example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include either or both of the rear grooves 6200, 6230 of FIG. 62 in combination with the rear groove 64 of FIG. 64. In another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include the rear groove 3600 of FIG. 36 and the rear groove 6300 of FIG. 63. In another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include the first rear groove 4710 and the second rear groove 4720 of FIG. 47 and the rear groove 5950 of FIG. 59. In another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include the rear surface groove 6500 of FIG. 65 and the rear surface groove portion 5950 of FIG. 59. In yet another example, the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include either or both of the first rear surface groove 5010 and the second rear surface groove 5020 of FIG. 50 and the rear surface groove 6300 of FIG. 63. As such, any one or more rear surface grooves or any one or more portions of each rear surface groove discussed herein and shown in FIGS. 13, 35, 36, and 43-66 can be combined to provide any configuration of rear surface grooves on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0117] As shown in the examples of FIGS. 13 , 35 , 36 , and 43-66 , the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may have any number of rear surface grooves with any configuration to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club 2000. As described herein, areas of the face portion 2062 that may be partially or completely surrounded by one or more rear surface grooves (i.e., partially or completely bounded by the rear surface grooves) may exhibit greater deflection when a golf ball strikes the face portion 2062 than areas of the face portion 2062 that surround the rear surface grooves. Thus, by providing particular rear surface groove characteristics, particular face deflection characteristics may be achieved. In one example, referring back to FIG. 50 , the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the first rear surface groove 5010 and the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the second rear surface groove 5020 may each have greater deflection than a central region of the face portion 2062. 51 , the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the rear groove 5100 may have a greater deflection closer to the face-heel edge 2750 than the portion of the rear groove 5100 closer to the face-wedge 2740. Another example, referring back to FIG. 54 , the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the rear groove 5400 may have a greater deflection closer to the face-sole edge 2790 than the portion of the rear groove 5400 closer to the face-top edge 2780. Another example, referring back to FIG. 62 , the maximum deflection of the face portion 2062 may be at or near the common groove portion 6220. Accordingly, each of the rear groove configurations shown in the examples of FIGS. 13 , 35 , 36 , and 43-66 can provide specific performance characteristics for the golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0118] The golf club head 2000 may be manufactured by any method described herein, such as the method shown in FIG. 14 . The rear groove may be manufactured together with the face portion, or may be formed in the face portion after the face portion is manufactured by any method that creates a groove, channel, slot, slit, depression, dimple, recess, or generally reduces the thickness of a portion of an object. For example, the rear groove may be machined into the back surface of the face portion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0119] 67-87, the golf club head 6700 may include a body portion 6710 having a toe portion 6740 with a toe edge 6742 and a heel portion 6750 with a heel edge 6752, which may include a hosel portion 6755. A golf club shaft (such as shaft 104 shown in FIG. 1) may include one end coupled to hosel portion 6755 and an opposite end coupled to a golf club grip (such as grip 106 shown in FIG. 1) to form a golf club (such as golf club 100 shown in FIG. 1). The body portion 6710 may further include a front portion 6760, a back portion 6770 with a back wall portion 6772, a top portion 6780 with a top edge 6782, and a sole portion 6790 with a sole edge 6792. The toe portion 6740, heel portion 6750, front portion 6760, back portion 6770, top portion 6780, and / or sole portion 6790 may partially overlap. The toe edge 6742, heel edge 6752, top edge 6782, and sole edge 6792 may define the perimeter of the body portion 6710. The golf club head 6700 may be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-type golf club head or a wedge-type golf club head. The volume of the golf club head 6700, the materials of construction of the golf club head 6700, and / or any components thereof may be similar to any golf club head described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0120] The golf club head 6700 may include a face portion 6762 (i.e., striking surface) that may be integrally formed with the body portion 6710 (e.g., one unitary piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the face portion 6762 may be a separate piece that is coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and / or soldering) to the front portion 6760 to close a front opening of the front portion 6760. The face portion 6762 may include a front surface 6764 and a rear surface 6766. The front surface 6764 may include a plurality of front grooves 6768 that may extend between the toe portion 6740 and the heel portion 6750. The front grooves 6768 may be similar in many respects to the front grooves 2068 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to the front grooves of any of the golf club heads described herein. The rear surface 6766 of the face portion 6762 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. In one example, the grooves on the rear surface 6766 may be similar in many respects to the rear grooves of the golf club head 2000, such as the rear grooves shown in FIGS. 35-38 and 43-66. In another example, the rear surface 6766 may not include any grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0121] The golf club head 6700 may be associated with a ground plane 7110, a horizontal mid-plane 7120, and a top plane 7130. In particular, the ground plane 7110 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and tangent to the bottom end of the sole edge 6792 when the golf club head 6700 is in an address position (e.g., the golf club head 6700 aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 7130 may be a plane that is tangent to the top end of the top edge 6782 when the golf club head 6700 is in an address position. The ground plane 7110 and the top plane 7130 may be parallel or substantially parallel. The horizontal mid-plane 7120 may be vertically midway between the ground plane 7110 and the top plane 7130, and may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane 7110. Additionally, the golf club head 6700 may be associated with a loft plane 7140 that defines a loft angle 7145 (α) of the golf club head 6700. The loft plane 7140 may be a plane tangent to or flush with the face portion 6762. The loft angle 7145 may be defined by the angle between the loft plane 7140 and a vertical plane 7150 that is perpendicular to the ground plane 7110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0122] The backwall portion 6772 may include an upper backwall portion 6820, a lower backwall portion 6822, and a ledge portion 6830 between the upper backwall portion 6820 and the lower backwall portion 6822. The ledge portion 6830 may extend outward (i.e., away from the face portion 6762) from the upper backwall portion 6820 to the lower backwall portion 6822 (i.e., the ledge portion 6830 may extend inward from the lower backwall portion 6822 to the upper backwall portion 6820 or toward the face portion 6762). The ledge portion 6830 may include a first ledge portion 6832 that may extend from a position at or near the toe edge 6742 toward the heel portion 6750, a second ledge portion 6834 that may be located at or near a central portion 6773 of the backwall portion 6772, and a third ledge portion 6836 that may extend from a position at or near the heel edge 6752 toward the toe portion 6740. The second ledge portion 6834 may extend between the first ledge portion 6832 and the third ledge portion 6836. The first ledge portion 6832 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 6790 to extend from a position at or near the toe edge 6742 to the second ledge portion 6834. The third ledge 6836 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 6790, extending from a position at or near the heel edge 6752 to the second ledge 6834. The ledge 6830, including the first ledge 6832, the second ledge 6834, and the third ledge 6836, may be similar in many respects (e.g., height, width, orientation, sidewall configuration, ledge transition configuration, etc.) to the ledge 2130, including the first ledge 2132, the second ledge 2134, and the third ledge 2136, respectively, of the golf club head 2000. The ledge 6830 may be similar in many respects to any of the ledges described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0123] The body portion 6710 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and / or internal ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 6710). The one or more ports may be located anywhere on the body portion 6710. The interior wall of the body portion 6710, which defines the internal cavity 6810, may include one or more ports. In one example, the body portion 6710 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 2000 as shown in FIG. 23. In another example, the body portion 6710 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 200 as shown in FIG. 3. In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87, the body portion 6710 may include a first port 6921 above the first ledge portion 6832, a second port 6931 located below the second ledge portion 6834, and a third port 6941 within the internal cavity 6810. Thus, the first port 6921 and the second port 6931 may be external ports, i.e., have port openings on an exterior surface of the body portion 6710, while the third port 6941 may be an internal port having an opening in one or more interior walls of the body portion 6710 that define the internal cavity 6810. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0124] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the first port 6921 can be located on an upper side of the first ledge portion 6832, proximate the toe edge 6742. In another example, the first port 6921 can be on the toe edge 6742. In yet another example, the first port 6921 can be on an underside of the first ledge portion 6832. The first port 6921 can have a first port opening 6926 inside the recess 7026 in the upper backwall portion 6820. The first port 6921 can be cylindrical and can extend from the first port opening 6926 to the internal cavity 6810 and connect to the internal cavity 6810 at a second port opening 6927. Thus, the first port opening 6926 can provide access to the internal cavity 6810 from outside the body portion 6710 via the second port opening 6927. As shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the first port 6921 can have a circular cross-section (i.e., a cylindrical port). In another example, the first port 6921 can be oval. In yet another example, the first port 6921 can have any shape. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the recess 7026 can be configured to receive a cover or badge 7028 that covers the first port opening 6926. In another example, the first port 6921 can be closed using a mass that can be composed of a material having a different density than the material of the body portion 6710. In yet another example, the first port 6921 can be closed using a mass that can be composed of a material having the same density as the material of the body portion 6710. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0125] In one example, the badge 7028 may display one or more alphanumeric characters, symbols, shapes, or other visual indicia indicative of particular characteristics of the golf club head 6700, such as the manufacturer of the golf club head 6700 (i.e., the brand of the golf club head 6700). Accordingly, the badge 7028 may be configured to be inserted and secured within the recess 7026. In one example, the badge 7028 may be secured within the recess 7026 using an adhesive or bonding agent. In another example, depending on the material of construction of the badge 7028, welding or soldering may be used to attach the badge 7028 within the recess 7026. In another example, the badge 7028 may be press-fit into the recess 7026. In yet another example, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the badge 7028 within the recess 7026. As described herein, the badge 7028 may cover and / or close the first port 6921. In one example, the badge 7028 may be in the form of a plate that fits within the recess 7026. In another example, the badge 7028 may further include a protrusion that can be received within the first port 6921 to close the first port 6921. In another example, the badge 7028 may be rectangular, circular, or any shape. In another example, the badge 7028 may be visible and distinguishable from the rest of the body portion 6710 by color, texture, material of construction, and / or other visual characteristics. In yet another example, the badge 7028 may be attached to the body portion 6710 such that it appears seamless with and is an integral part of the body portion 6710, i.e., indistinguishable or substantially indistinguishable from the body portion 6710. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0126] 67-87 , the second port 6931 may have a larger diameter than the first port 6921. The second port 6931 may be located at or near the central portion 6773 of the back wall portion 6772 and at or near the sole edge 6792. The second port 6931 may be located between the sole edge 6792 and the second ledge portion 6834. The second port 6931 may be similar in many respects to the second port 2231 of the golf club head 2000. The second port 6931 may have a second port outer opening 6933 on the back wall portion 6772 and a port wall 6935 extending from the second port outer opening 6933 to a second port inner opening 6937 that may be connected to the internal cavity 6810. Thus, the internal cavity 6810 is accessible from outside the body portion 6710 through the second port outer opening 6933 and the second port inner opening 6937. The second port inner opening 6937 may have a smaller diameter than the second port outer opening 6933 so as to define the port bottom 6939. In one example, the inner diameter of the second port 6931, which may define the diameter of the second port 6931 from the second port outer opening 6933 to the port bottom 6939, may be equal to or greater than 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and equal to or less than 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 6931 may be equal to or greater than 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 6931 may be equal to or greater than 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and equal to or less than 0.8 inches (20.32 mm). In yet another example, the inner diameter of the second port 6931 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) and less than or equal to 0.7 inches (17.78 mm). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0127] As described herein, the first ledge portion 6832 may extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 6790 so as to extend from a position at or near the toe edge 6742 to the second ledge portion 6834, and the third ledge portion 6836 may extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 6790 so as to extend from a position at or near the heel edge 6752 to the second ledge portion 6834. As shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the width of the first ledge portion 6832 (i.e., as measured in a direction between the lower backwall portion 6822 and the upper backwall portion 6820) may increase as the first ledge portion 6832 extends from a position at or near the toe edge 6742 to the second ledge portion 6834, and the width of the third ledge portion 6836 (i.e., as measured in a direction between the lower backwall portion 6822 and the upper backwall portion 6820) may increase as the third ledge portion 6836 extends from a position at or near the heel edge 6752 to the second ledge portion 6834. As shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the second ledge portion 6834 may partially surround the second port 6931. Thus, the second ledge portion 6834 may have a curved, semicircular, segmented, or concave shape relative to the sole edge 6792. 67-87 , the second ledge portion 6834 may include a toe-side wall 6844 extending upward from the first ledge portion 6832 to a position above the second port 6931, and a heel-side wall 6864 extending upward from the third ledge portion 6836 to a position above the second port 6931. The central ledge portion 6854 may extend between and connect the toe-side wall 6844 and the heel-side wall 6864. The second ledge portion 6834 may have any shape and may connect the first ledge portion 6832 and the third ledge portion 6836. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0128] The body portion 6710 may include any number of ports above and / or below the first ledge portion 6832, the second ledge portion 6834, and / or the third ledge portion 6836. The body portion 6710 may include any number of ports above and / or below the horizontal midplane 7120. The body portion 6710 may include any number of ports on the toe edge 6742, the heel edge 6752, the top edge 6782, and / or the sole edge 6792. Any of the ports may be connected to the interior cavity 6810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0129] The body portion 6710 may include one or more masses (e.g., weights) at any location on the body portion 6710. The one or more masses may be integral or separate masses that may be coupled to the body portion 6710 at any external or internal location on the body portion 6710. In the example shown in FIGS. 67-87, the body portion 6710 may include an external mass 7035, also referred to herein as a first mass, and an internal mass 7045, also referred to herein as a second mass. The external mass 7035 may be similar in many respects to the mass 2331 of the golf club head 2000. Accordingly, the external mass 7035 may be disk-shaped, as shown in FIG. 34. The diameter of the external mass 7035 may be determined based on one or more properties (e.g., material density) of the material from which the external mass 7035 is constructed. The second port 6931 may be configured to receive an external mass 7035, which may be inserted and secured to the second port 6931 in any manner described herein for any of the golf club heads described herein, such as by screwing (i.e., a second port 6931 with internal threads), press fitting, securing with an adhesive, or welding. The external mass 7035 may engage with the port bottom 6939 to prevent the external mass 7035 from being inserted further into the second port 6931. Thus, the inner diameter of the second port 6931 may correspond to the outer diameter of the external mass 7035. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0130] A central region or geometric center of the second port 6931 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 6700. Accordingly, when the external mass 7035 is secured to the second port 6931 as described herein, the center of gravity of the external mass 7035 may also be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 6700. As a result, the external mass 7035 may be interchangeable with another mass having a smaller mass or a mass having a larger mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the center of gravity of the golf club head 6700. In one example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 7035, the CG location of the golf club head may move closer to the CG. X Less than 0.5% of the position (x-axis coordinate of CG), CG Y Less than 0.5% of the position (y-axis coordinate of the CG) and / or the CG Z In another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 7035, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.2% of the CG z-axis coordinate. X Less than 0.35% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.35% of positions and / or CG Z In yet another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 7035, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.15% of the CG position. X Less than 0.25% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.25% of positions and / or CG Z The external mass 7035 may shift by less than 0.10% of its position. As such, the external mass 7035 may be interchangeable with another mass having a smaller or larger mass to provide specific performance characteristics for an individual (i.e., customize the performance of the golf club head 6700 to a particular individual) without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head 6700 and / or changing the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 6700. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0131] The internal mass 7045 can be located anywhere in the body portion 6710. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the internal mass 7045 can be located proximate the toe edge 6742. In another example, the internal mass 7045 can be located between the external mass 7035 and the toe edge 6742. Locating the internal mass 7045 proximate the toe edge 6742 can increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700 for improved performance. All or a portion of the internal mass 7045 can be located near the toe edge 6742 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the internal mass 7045 can have an angled shape that can generally correspond to the shape of the toe edge 6742. Thus, the top 7546 of the internal mass portion 7045 may be oriented at an obtuse angle 7547 relative to the bottom 7548 of the internal mass portion 7045 to carefully simulate the curvature of the toe edge 6742. In another example (not shown), the internal mass portion 7045 may have multiple contiguous portions positioned near the toe edge 6742 and oriented at obtuse angles relative to one another to closely simulate the curved shape of the toe edge 6742. In another example (not shown), the internal mass portion 7045 may have a curvature that can accurately or substantially accurately simulate the curved shape of the toe edge 6742 and may be positioned near the toe edge 6742. In another example, the internal mass portion 7045 may include two separate mass portions that may be positioned near the toe edge 6742. In yet another example, the internal mass portion 7045 may include multiple separate mass portions that may be positioned near the toe edge 6742 to correspond to the shape of the toe edge 6742. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0132] In the example shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the top 7546 of the interior mass 7045 may have a smaller volume than the bottom 7548, and the interior mass 7045 may have a volume that gradually increases from the top 7546 to the bottom 7548. Thus, all or a greater portion of the interior mass 7045 may be below the horizontal mid-plane 7120 to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 6700, and / or the distance between the center of gravity of the interior mass 7045 and the sole edge 6792 may be less than or substantially less than the distance between the center of gravity of the interior mass 7045 and the top edge 6782. In other words, the shape of the interior mass 7045 as provided herein allows for the interior mass 7045 to be located near the toe edge and for a relatively large portion of the interior mass 7045 to be located below the horizontal mid-plane 7120. In another example, all of the interior mass 7045 may be below the horizontal mid-plane 7120. In another example, the interior mass 7045 may include multiple interior masses positioned in the top-to-sole and toe-to-heel directions proximate the toe edge 6742, with many or all of the masses positioned below the horizontal mid-plane 7120. In another example, the interior mass 7045 may include a large portion extending near the sole edge 6792. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the interior mass 7045 can include a height 8410 in a top-to-sole direction, a width 8420 in a toe-to-heel direction, and a depth 8430 in a front-to-back direction. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the height 8410 may be greater than the width 8420, which may be greater than the depth 8430. Thus, the interior mass 7045 may extend proximate a majority of the toe edge 6742 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the depth 8430 may increase in the top-to-sole direction such that the volume and mass of the interior mass 7045 increase in the top-to-sole direction as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the depth 8430 may be greater than the width 8420. Thus, the interior mass 7045 may extend closer and further rearward than the majority of the toe edge 6742 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700 and move the center of gravity lower and further rearward of the golf club head 6700. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0134] The third port 6941 can define a recess or cavity in the body portion 6710 that can be formed to correspond to the shape of the internal mass 7045 to receive the internal mass 7045. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the third port 6941 can be shaped to completely receive the internal mass 7045 such that the outer surface of the internal mass is flush with the interior walls of the body portion 6710 that define the internal cavity 6810. The internal mass 7045 can be secured inside the third port 6941 using one or more adhesives or bonding agents, by welding or soldering, and / or by a press fit. The third port 6941 can be an integral part of the body portion 6710 and can be defined by a cavity inside the body mass 6745, which can be formed with the body portion 6710 and / or comprise the same material as the body portion 6710. The body mass portion 6745 may be located at the toe portion 6740 and may extend to the toe edge 6742 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 6745 may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 6700. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the body mass portion 6745 may be located at the toe portion 6740, extend to the toe edge 6742, and extend from the top edge 6782 to the sole edge 6792. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 6745 may vary and may depend on various characteristics of the golf club head 6700, including the loft angle 7145. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0135] The interior cavity 6810 may have a different width between the toe portion 6740 and the heel portion 6750. The interior cavity width 7310 may be smaller near the toe edge 6742 than at the center or heel portion 6750 of the body portion. Thus, a greater portion of the mass of the body portion 6710 may be closer to the toe edge 6742 than to the heel edge 6752, increasing the moment of inertia of the body portion 6710. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87, the interior cavity width 7310 may have a maximum value between the external mass 7035 and the internal mass 7045. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 74 and 80, a portion of the interior cavity 6810 may extend vertically below the external mass 7035 and be further from the face portion 6762 than a portion of the external mass 7035. 67-87, the maximum interior cavity width 7310 that may be measured in the face-back direction may be between the external mass 7035 and the internal mass 7045 in the toe-heel direction, and between the sole edge 6792 and the external mass 7035 in the top-sole direction. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0136] 67-87, a center portion of the internal cavity 6810, which may be the region of the internal cavity at or around the first port 6921, may define the largest volume of the internal cavity compared to other portions of the internal cavity 6810 to accommodate a larger volume of filler material, such as those described herein, for improved sound and vibration dampening and feel. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0137] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the second port 6931, the badge 7028, and the internal mass 7045 may be positioned between the external mass 7035 and the toe edge 6742. As described herein, the external mass 7035 may function to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 6700 and shift the center of gravity rearward. The internal mass 7045 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700. Furthermore, the bottom 7548 of the internal mass 7045 may have a greater mass than the top 7546, thereby preventing the internal mass 7045 from significantly shifting the vertical position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 6700. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0138] In one example, the badge 7028 may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion 6710 so as not to significantly affect the mass distribution of the body portion 6710. In yet another example, the badge 7028 may be made from a material having a relatively higher density, such as a material form capable of constructing any mass. Thus, the badge 7028 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 6700. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0139] The interior cavity 6810 may be partially or completely filled with one or more fill materials (i.e., cavity fill materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 67-87 , the interior cavity 6810 may be filled with a fill material 7212, which may be similar to the fill material 2512 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to any of the fill materials described herein. In another example (not shown in FIGS. 67-87 ), the interior cavity 6810 may be filled with first and second fill materials, which may be similar to the first and second fill materials 512 and 514 of the golf club head 200. 67-87, the filler material 7212 may be injected into the internal cavity 6810 through one of the first port 6921 or the second port 6931, and the other of the first port 6921 or the second port 6931 may function as an exhaust port through which air within the internal cavity 6810 displaced by the filler material 7212 or excess filler material 7212 may be exhausted. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 67-87, the filler material 7212 may be molded to the shape of the internal cavity 6810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0140] 87 , a method 8700 of manufacturing a golf club head 6700 may include forming a body portion 6710 having a first port 6921, a second port 6931, and a third port 6941 as described herein (block 8710). An internal mass portion 7045 may be secured within the third port 6941 as described herein (block 8720). A face portion 6762 may be attached to the front portion 6760 of the body portion 6710 to seal the internal cavity 6810 (block 8730). The internal cavity 6810 may be filled with a filler material 7212 through one of the first port 6921 or the second port 6931 (block 8740), and the other of the first port 6921 or the second port 6931 may function as an exhaust port to allow air within the internal cavity 6810 to escape during the filling process. A badge 7028 may be attached to the recess 7026 to cover or close the first port 6921, after which the external mass 7035 may be inserted and secured to the second port 6931 as described herein (block 8750). Any of the operations described herein may be performed in a different order. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0141] 88-106, golf club head 8800 may include a body portion 8810 having a toe portion 8840 with a toe edge 8842 and a heel portion 8850 with a heel edge 8852, which may include a hosel portion 8855. A golf club shaft (such as shaft 104 shown in FIG. 1) may include one end coupled to hosel portion 8855 and an opposite end coupled to a golf club grip (such as grip 106 shown in FIG. 1) to form a golf club (such as golf club 100 shown in FIG. 1). Body portion 8810 may further include a front portion 8860, a back portion 8870 with a back wall portion 8872, a top portion 8880 with a top edge 8882, and a sole portion 8890 with a sole edge 8892. The toe portion 8840, heel portion 8850, front portion 8860, back portion 8870, top portion 8880, and / or sole portion 8890 may partially overlap. The toe edge 8842, heel edge 8852, top edge 8882, and sole edge 8892 may define the periphery of the body portion 8810. The golf club head 8800 may be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-type golf club head or a wedge-type golf club head. The volume of the golf club head 8800, the materials of construction of the golf club head 8800, and / or any components thereof may be similar to any golf club head described herein. The golf club head 8800 may be manufactured by any method described herein, such as method 8700. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0142] The golf club head 8800 may include a face portion 8862 (i.e., striking surface) that may be integrally formed with the body portion 8810 (e.g., one unitary piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the face portion 8862 may be a separate piece that is coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and / or soldering) to the front portion 8860 to close a front opening of the front portion 8860. The face portion 8862 may include a front surface 8864 and a rear surface 8866. The front surface 8864 may include a plurality of front grooves 8868 that may extend between the toe portion 8840 and the heel portion 8850. The front grooves 8868 may be similar in many respects to the front grooves 2068 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to the front grooves of any of the golf club heads described herein. The rear surface 8866 of the face portion 8862 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. The grooves on the rear surface 8866 may be similar in many respects to the rear grooves of the golf club head 2000, such as the rear grooves shown in Figures 35-38 and 43-66. The rear surface 8866 does not have to include grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0143] The golf club head 8800 may be associated with a ground plane 9210, a horizontal mid-plane 9220, and a top plane 9230. In particular, the ground plane 9210 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and tangent to the bottom end of the sole edge 8892 when the golf club head 8800 is in an address position (e.g., the golf club head 8800 is aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 9230 may be a plane that is tangent to the top end of the top edge 8892 when the golf club head 8800 is in an address position. The ground plane 9210 and the top plane 9230 may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal mid-plane 9220 may be vertically midway between the ground plane 9210 and the top plane 9230, and may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane 9210. Additionally, the golf club head 8800 may be associated with a loft plane 9240 that defines a loft angle 9245 (α) of the golf club head 8800. The loft plane 9240 may be a plane tangent to or flush with the face portion 8862. The loft angle 9245 may be defined by the angle between the loft plane 9240 and a vertical plane 9250 that is perpendicular to the ground plane 9210. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0144] The backwall portion 8872 may include an upper backwall portion 8920, a lower backwall portion 8922, and a ledge portion 8930 between the upper backwall portion 8920 and the lower backwall portion 8922. The ledge portion 8930 may extend outward (i.e., away from the face portion 8862) from the upper backwall portion 8920 to the lower backwall portion 8922 (i.e., the ledge portion 8930 may extend inward from the lower backwall portion 8922 to the upper backwall portion 8920 or toward the face portion 8862). The ledge portion 8930 may include a first ledge portion 8932 that may extend from a position at or near the toe edge 8842 toward the heel portion 8850, a second ledge portion 8934 that may be located at or near a central portion 8873 of the backwall portion 8872, and a third ledge portion 8936 that may extend from a position at or near the heel edge 8852 toward the toe portion 8840. The second ledge portion 8934 may extend between the first ledge portion 8932 and the third ledge portion 8936. The first ledge portion 8932 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 8890 to extend from a position at or near the toe edge 8842 to the second ledge portion 8934. The third ledge 8936 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 8890, extending from a position at or near the heel edge 8852 to the second ledge 8934. The ledge 8930, including the first ledge 8932, the second ledge 8934, and the third ledge 8936, may be similar in many respects (e.g., height, width, orientation, sidewall configuration, ledge transition configuration, etc.) to the ledge 2130, including the first ledge 2132, the second ledge 2134, and the third ledge 2136, respectively, of the golf club head 2000. The ledge 8930 may be similar in many respects to any of the ledges described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0145] The body portion 8810 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and / or internal ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 8810). The one or more ports may be located anywhere in the body portion 8810. The interior wall of the body portion 8810, which defines the internal cavity 8910, may include one or more ports. In one example, the body portion 8810 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 2000 as shown in FIG. 23. In another example, the body portion 8810 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 200 as shown in FIG. 3. In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106, the body portion 8810 may include a first port 9021 above the first ledge portion 8932, a second port 9031 located below the second ledge portion 8934, and a third port 9041 within the internal cavity 8910. Thus, the first port 9021 and the second port 9031 may be external ports, i.e., have port openings on an exterior surface of the body portion 8810, while the third port 9041 may be an internal port having an opening in one or more interior walls of the body portion 8810 that define the internal cavity 8910. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0146] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the first port 9021 can be located on an upper side of the first ledge portion 8932 adjacent to the toe edge 8842. In another example, the first port 9021 can be on the toe edge 8842. In yet another example, the first port 9021 can be on an underside of the first ledge portion 8932. The first port 9021 can have a first port opening 9026 inside the recess 9126 of the upper backwall portion 8920. The first port 9021 can be cylindrical and can extend from the first port opening 9026 to the internal cavity 8910 and connect to the internal cavity 8910 at a second port opening 9027. Thus, the first port opening 9026 can provide access to the internal cavity 8910 from outside the body portion 8810 via the second port opening 9027. As shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the first port 9021 can have a circular cross-section (i.e., a cylindrical port). In another example, the first port 9021 can be oval. In yet another example, the first port 9021 can have any shape. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the recess 9126 can be configured to receive a cover or badge 9128 that covers the first port opening 9026. In another example, the first port 9021 can be closed using a mass that can be composed of a material having a different density than the material of the body portion 8810. In yet another example, the first port 9021 can be closed using a mass that can be composed of a material having the same density as the material of the body portion 8810. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0147] In one example, the badge 9128 may display one or more alphanumeric characters, symbols, shapes, or other visual marks indicative of particular characteristics of the golf club head 8800, such as the manufacturer of the golf club head 8800 (i.e., the brand of the golf club head 8800). Accordingly, the badge 9128 may be configured to be inserted and secured in the recess 9126. In one example, the badge 9128 may be secured in the recess 9126 using an adhesive or bonding agent. In another example, depending on the material of construction of the badge 9128, welding or soldering may be used to attach the badge 9128 within the recess 9126. In another example, the badge 9128 may be press-fit into the recess 9126. In yet another example, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the badge 9128 within the recess 9126. As described herein, the badge 9128 may cover and / or close the first port 9021. In one example, the badge 9128 may be in the form of a plate that fits into the recess 9126. In another example, the badge 9128 may further include a protrusion that can be received within the first port 9021 to close the first port 9021. In another example, the badge 9128 may be rectangular, circular, or any shape. In another example, the badge 9128 may be visible and distinguishable from the rest of the body portion 8810 by color, texture, material of construction, and / or other visual characteristics. In yet another example, the badge 9128 may be attached to the body portion 8810 such that it appears seamless with and is an integral part of the body portion 8810, i.e., indistinguishable or substantially indistinguishable from the body portion 8810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0148] 88-106 , the second port 9031 may have a larger diameter than the first port 9021. The second port 9031 may be located at or near a central portion 8873 of the back wall portion 8872 and at or near the sole edge 8892. The second port 9031 may be located between the sole edge 8892 and the second ledge portion 8934. The second port 9031 may be similar in many respects to the second port 2231 of the golf club head 2000. The second port 9031 may have a second port outer opening 9033 on the back wall portion 8872 and a port wall 9035 extending from the second port outer opening 9033 to a second port inner opening 9037 that may be connected to the internal cavity 8910. Thus, the internal cavity 8910 can be accessed from outside the body portion 8810 through the second port outer opening 9033 and the second port inner opening 9037. The second port inner opening 9037 can have a smaller diameter than the second port outer opening 9033 so as to define the port bottom 9039. In one example, the inner diameter of the second port 9031, which can define the diameter of the second port 9031 from the second port outer opening 9033 to the port bottom 9039, can be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 9031 can be greater than or equal to 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 9031 can be greater than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 0.8 inches (20.32 mm). In yet another example, the inner diameter of the second port 9031 can be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) and less than or equal to 0.7 inches (17.78 mm). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0149] As described herein, the first ledge portion 8932 may extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 8890 so as to extend from a position at or near the toe edge 8842 to the second ledge portion 8934, and the third ledge portion 8936 may extend in a downwardly sloping direction toward the sole portion 8890 so as to extend from a position at or near the heel edge 8852 to the second ledge portion 8934. As shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the width of the first ledge portion 8932 (i.e., as measured in a direction between the lower backwall portion 8922 and the upper backwall portion 8920) may increase as the first ledge portion 8932 extends from a position at or near the toe edge 8842 to the second ledge portion 8934, and the width of the third ledge portion 8936 (i.e., as measured in a direction between the lower backwall portion 8922 and the upper backwall portion 8920) may increase as the third ledge portion 8936 extends from a position at or near the heel edge 8852 to the second ledge portion 8934. As shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the second ledge portion 8934 may partially surround the second port 9031. Thus, the second ledge portion 8934 may have a curved, semicircular, segmented, or concave shape relative to the sole edge 8892. 88-106, the second ledge portion 8934 may include a toe-side wall 8944 extending upward from the first ledge portion 8932 to a position above the second port 9031, and a heel-side wall 8964 extending upward from the third ledge portion 8936 to a position above the second port 9031. The central ledge portion 8954 may extend between and connect the toe-side wall 8944 and the heel-side wall 8964. The second ledge portion 8934 may have any shape and may connect the first ledge portion 8932 and the third ledge portion 8936. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0150] The body portion 8810 may include any number of ports above and / or below the first ledge portion 8932, the second ledge portion 8934, and / or the third ledge portion 8936. The body portion 8810 may include any number of ports above and / or below the horizontal midplane 9220. The body portion 8810 may include any number of ports on the toe edge 8842, the heel edge 8852, the top edge 8882, and / or the sole edge 8892. Any port of the golf club head 8800 may be connected to the internal cavity 8910. The number of ports of the body portion 8810, the arrangement and / or configuration of the ports of the body portion 8810 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0151] The body portion 8810 may include one or more masses (e.g., weights) at any location of the body portion 8810. The one or more masses may be integral or separate masses that may be coupled to the body portion 8810 at any external or internal location of the body portion 8810. In the example shown in FIGS. 88-106, the body portion 8810 may include an external mass 9135, also referred to herein as a first mass, and an internal mass 9145, also referred to herein as a second mass. The external mass 9135 may be similar in many respects to the mass 2331 of the golf club head 2000. Thus, the external mass 9135 may be disk-shaped, as shown in FIG. 34. The diameter of the external mass 9135 may be determined based on one or more properties (e.g., material density) of the material from which the external mass 9135 is constructed. The second port 9031 may be configured to receive an external mass 9135, which may be inserted and secured to the second port 9031 in any manner described herein for any of the golf club heads described herein, such as by screwing (i.e., a second port 9031 with internal threads), press fitting, securing with an adhesive, or welding. The external mass 9135 may engage with the port bottom 9039 to prevent the external mass 9135 from being inserted further into the second port 9031. Thus, the inner diameter of the second port 9031 may correspond to the outer diameter of the external mass 9135. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0152] A central region or geometric center of the second port 9031 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 8800. Thus, when the external mass 9135 is secured to the second port 9031 as described herein, the center of gravity of the external mass 9135 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 8800. As a result, the external mass 9135 may be interchangeable with another mass having a smaller mass or a mass having a larger mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the center of gravity of the golf club head 8800. In one example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 9135, the CG location of the golf club head may move closer to the CG. XLess than 0.5% of the position (x-axis coordinate of CG), CG Y Less than 0.5% of the position (y-axis coordinate of the CG) and / or the CG Z In another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 9135, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.2% of the CG z-axis coordinate. X Less than 0.35% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.35% of positions and / or CG Z In yet another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 9135, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.15% of the CG position. X Less than 0.25% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.25% of positions and / or CG Z The external mass 9135 may shift by less than 0.10% of its position. As such, the external mass 9135 may be interchangeable with another mass having a smaller or larger mass to provide specific performance characteristics for an individual (i.e., customize the performance of the golf club head 8800 to a particular individual) without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head 8800 and / or changing the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 8800. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0153] The internal mass 9145 can be located anywhere in the body portion 8810. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106, the internal mass 9145 can be located proximate the toe edge 8842. In another example, the internal mass 9145 can be located between the external mass 9135 and the toe edge 8842. The location of the internal mass 9145 proximate the toe edge 8842 can increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800 for improved performance. All or a portion of the internal mass 9145 can be located near the toe edge 8842 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106, the internal mass 9145 can have an angled shape that can generally correspond to the shape of the toe edge 8842. Thus, the top 9646 of the internal mass portion 9145 may be oriented at an obtuse angle 9647 relative to the bottom 9648 of the internal mass portion 9145 to carefully simulate the curvature of the toe edge 8842. In another example (not shown), the internal mass portion 9145 may have multiple contiguous portions positioned near the toe edge 8842 and oriented at obtuse angles relative to one another to closely simulate the curved shape of the toe edge 8842, albeit in a very unobtrusive manner. In another example (not shown), the internal mass portion 9145 may have a curvature that can accurately or substantially accurately simulate the curved shape of the toe edge 8842 and may be positioned near the toe edge 8842. In another example, the internal mass portion 9145 may include two separate mass portions that may be positioned near the toe edge 8842. In yet another example, the interior mass 9145 may include multiple separate masses that may be positioned near the toe edge 8842 to correspond to the shape of the toe edge 8842. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0154] In one example shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the top 9646 of the interior mass 9145 may have a smaller volume than the bottom 9648, and the interior mass 9145 may have a volume that gradually increases from the top 9646 to the bottom 9648. Accordingly, all or a larger portion of the interior mass 9145 may be below the horizontal mid-plane 9220 to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 8800, and / or the distance between the center of gravity of the interior mass 9145 and the sole edge 8892 may be less than or substantially less than the distance between the center of gravity of the interior mass 9145 and the top edge 8882. In other words, the shape of the interior mass 9145 as provided herein allows for the interior mass 9145 to be located near the toe edge and for all or a relatively large portion of the interior mass 9145 to be located below the horizontal mid-plane 9220. In another example, all of the interior mass 9145 may be below the horizontal mid-plane 9220. In another example, the interior mass 9145 may include multiple interior masses positioned in the top-to-sole and toe-to-heel directions proximate the toe edge 8842, with many or all of the masses positioned below the horizontal mid-plane 9220. In another example, the interior mass 9145 may include a large portion that extends near the sole edge 8892. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0155] As shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the interior mass 9145 can include a height 9420 in a top-to-sole direction, a width 9430 in a toe-to-heel direction, and a depth 9440 in a front-to-back direction. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the height 9420 may be greater than the width 9430, which may be greater than the depth 9440. Thus, the interior mass 9145 may extend proximate a majority of the toe edge 8842 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the depth 9440 may increase in the top-to-sole direction such that the volume and mass of the interior mass 9145 increase in the top-to-sole direction, as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the depth 9440 may be greater than the width 9430. Thus, the interior mass 9145 may extend closer and further rearward than the majority of the toe edge 8842 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800 and move the center of gravity lower and further rearward of the golf club head 8800. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0156] The third port 9041 can define a recess or cavity in the body portion 8810 that can be formed to correspond to the shape of the internal mass 9145 to receive the internal mass 9145. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the third port 9041 can be shaped to completely receive the internal mass 9145 such that the outer surface of the internal mass is flush with the inner wall of the body portion 8810 that defines the internal cavity 8910. The internal mass 9145 can be secured to the inside of the third port 9041 using one or more adhesives or bonding agents, by welding or soldering, and / or by a press fit. The third port 9041 can be defined by a cavity inside the body mass 8845 that is an integral part of the body portion 8810, formed with the body portion 8810, and / or can include the same material as the material of the body portion 8810. The body mass portion 8845 may be located at the toe portion 8840 and may extend to the toe edge 8842 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 8845 may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 8800. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the body mass portion 8845 may be located at the toe portion 8840, extend to the toe edge 6742, and extend from a location at or near the horizontal mid-plane 9220 to the sole edge 6792. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 8845 may vary and may depend on various characteristics of the golf club head 8800, including the loft angle 9245. For example, as shown in FIGS. 72 and 93 , the loft angle 7145 of the golf club head 6700 is greater than the loft angle 9245 of the golf club head 8800. 67-106, the body mass portion 6745 has a different configuration than the body mass portion 8845. As shown in FIGS. 67-106, the third ports 6941 and 9041 and the internal mass portions 7045, 9145 may also have different configurations (e.g., height, width, depth, shape, size) that may depend on particular golf club characteristics, including loft angle, to provide the golf club head with particular performance characteristics (e.g., ball speed, distance, spin, height, trajectory).The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0157] The interior cavity 8910 may have a different width between the toe portion 8840 and the heel portion 8850. The interior cavity width 9410 may be smaller near the toe edge 8842 than at the center of the body portion or at the heel portion 8850. Thus, a greater portion of the mass of the body portion 8810 may be closer to the toe edge 8842 than to the heel edge 8852, such that the moment of inertia of the body portion 8810 is increased. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the interior cavity width 9410 may have a maximum value between the exterior mass portion 9135 and the interior mass portion 9145. In another example, as also shown in FIGS. 88-106 , a central portion of the internal cavity 8910, which may be the region of the internal cavity at or around the first port 9021, may define the largest volume of the internal cavity compared to other portions of the internal cavity 8910 to accommodate a larger volume of filler material, as described herein, for improved sound and vibration damping and feel. In yet another example, as also shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the portion of the internal cavity 8910 above the internal mass 9145, and any filler material that may be within the internal cavity 8910, may extend rearward of the internal mass 9145 above the internal cavity 9145. Thus, as described herein, the region of the internal cavity surrounding the first port 9021 may define the largest volume of the internal cavity compared to other portions of the internal cavity 8910 to accommodate a larger volume of filler material, as described herein, for improved sound and vibration damping and feel. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0158] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the second port 9031, the badge 9128, and the internal mass 9145 may be positioned between the external mass 9135 and the toe edge 8842. As described herein, the external mass 9135 may function to lower and rearwardly shift the center of gravity of the golf club head 8800. The internal mass 9145 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800. Furthermore, the bottom 9648 of the internal mass 9145 may have a greater mass than the top 9646, thereby preventing the internal mass 9145 from significantly shifting the vertical position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 8800. In one example, the size, shape, and / or location of the internal mass 9145 may be related to the loft angle 9245. A golf club head with a lower loft angle may have a higher swing speed and ball impact force than a golf club head with a higher loft angle. Thus, the shape, size, and / or location of the interior mass 9145 may vary and may be determined based on loft angle to provide a particular center of gravity location and moment of inertia for optimal golf club head performance. For example, golf club head 8800 has a smaller loft angle than golf club head 6700. As shown in FIGS. 67-106, the interior mass 7045 may have a different shape, size (e.g., different dimensions, contours, angles, and / or relative segment proportions) and location (e.g., different distance to the toe edge 8842 and / or sole edge 8892) relative to the interior mass 9145. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0159] In one example, the badge 9128 may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion 8810 so as not to significantly affect the mass distribution of the body portion 8810. In yet another example, the badge 9128 may be made from a material having a relatively higher density, such as a material form capable of constructing any mass. Thus, the badge 9128 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 8800. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0160] The internal cavity 8910 may be partially or completely filled with one or more fill materials (i.e., cavity fill materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the internal cavity 8910 may be filled with a fill material 9312, which may be similar to the fill material 2512 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to any of the fill materials described herein. In another example (not shown in FIGS. 88-106 ), the internal cavity 8910 may be filled with first and second fill materials, which may be similar to the first and second fill materials 512 and 514 of the golf club head 200. In one example, as shown in Figures 88-106, the filler material 9312 may be injected into the internal cavity 8910 through one of the first port 9021 or the second port 9031, and the other of the first port 9021 or the second port 9031 may function as an exhaust port through which air within the internal cavity 8910 displaced by the filler material 9312 or excess filler material 9312 may be exhausted. Thus, as shown in Figures 88-106, the filler material 9312 may be molded to the shape of the internal cavity 8910. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0161] As described herein, the face portion 8862 may be an integral part of the body portion 8810, may be manufactured at the same time as the body portion 8810, or, as shown in FIGS. 88-106 , the face portion 8862 may be a separate part that is plate-like and can be attached to the front portion 8860 to seal the internal cavity 8910. In another example, as shown in FIG. 107 , the face portion 8862 can define a portion of the body portion 8810 at the top portion 8880. Thus, the face portion 8862 can be L-shaped (i.e., an inverted L-shape as shown in FIG. 102 ) and can be attached to the front portion 8860 to seal the internal cavity 8910. As shown in the example of FIG. 107 , the face portion 8862 can include a face top portion 10700 that can define a portion or portions of the top portion 8880 and the top edge 8882. In another example, as shown in FIG. 108 , the face portion 8862 may define a portion of the body portion 8810 at the sole portion 8890. The face portion 8862 may thus be L-shaped and attached to the front portion 8860 to seal the internal cavity 8910. As shown in the example of FIG. 108 , the face portion 8862 may include a face-sole portion 10800 that may define a portion or portions of the sole portion 8890 and the sole edge 8892. In another example, as shown in FIG. 109 , the face portion 8862 may define a portion of the body portion 8810 at the top portion 8880 and a portion of the body portion 8810 at the sole portion 8890. The face portion 8862 may thus be C-shaped or cup-shaped and attached to the front portion 8860 to seal the internal cavity 8910. 109 , the face portion 8862 may include a face-top portion 10700 and a face-sole portion 10800, which may respectively define a portion or portions of a top portion 8880 including a top edge 8882 and a sole portion 8890 including a sole edge 8892. In another example, as shown in FIG. 110 , the face portion 8862 may define all or a portion of the body portion 8810 at the toe portion 8840. Thus, the face portion 8862 may be L-shaped and attached to the front portion 8860 to seal the internal cavity 8910.As shown in the example of Figure 110, the face portion 8862 may include a face-to-toe portion 11000, which may define a portion or portions of the toe portion 8840, including the toe edge 8842. In yet another example, the face portion 8862 may be defined by any combination of the face portions shown in Figures 88-106 and 107-110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0162] In the examples of Figures 111-135, the golf club head 11100 may include a body portion 11110 having a toe portion 11140 with a toe edge 11142 and a heel portion 11150 with a heel edge 11152 that may include a hosel portion 11155. A golf club shaft (such as shaft 104 shown in Figure 1) may include one end coupled to hosel portion 11155 and an opposite end coupled to a golf club grip (such as grip 106 shown in Figure 1) to form a golf club (such as golf club 100 shown in Figure 1). The body portion 11110 may further include a front portion 11160, a back portion 11170 with a back wall portion 11172, a top portion 11180 with a top edge 11182, and a sole portion 11190 with a sole edge 11192. The toe portion 11140, heel portion 11150, front portion 11160, back portion 11170, top portion 11180, and / or sole portion 11190 may partially overlap. The toe edge 11142, heel edge 11152, top edge 11182, and sole edge 11192 may define the periphery or boundary of the body portion 11110. The golf club head 11100 may be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-type golf club head or a wedge-type golf club head. The volume of the golf club head 11100, the materials of construction of the golf club head 11100, and / or any components thereof may be similar to any golf club head described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0163] The golf club head 11100 may include a face portion 11162 (i.e., striking surface) that may be integrally formed with the body portion 11110 (e.g., one unitary piece). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the face portion 11162 may be a separate piece that is joined (e.g., directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and / or soldering) to the front portion 11160 to close a front opening of the front portion 11160. The face portion 11162 may include a front surface 11164 and a rear surface 11166. The front surface 11164 may include a front groove 11168 that may extend between the toe portion 11140 and the heel portion 11150. The front groove 11168 may be similar in many respects to the front groove 2068 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to the front groove of any of the golf club heads described herein. The rear surface 11166 of the face portion 11162 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. In one example, the grooves on the rear surface 11166 may be similar in many respects to the rear surface grooves of the golf club head 2000, such as the rear surface grooves shown in Figures 35-38 and 43-66. In another example, the rear surface 11166 may not include grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. The face portion 11162 and its attachment to the body portion 11110, or its fabrication with the body portion 11110, may be similar in many respects to any of the face portions described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0164] Any location on the golf club head 11100 (or any golf club head described herein) may be referenced by x, y, and z coordinates of a reference coordinate system. The coordinate system has a horizontal x-axis, a vertical y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis, and a z-axis perpendicular to both the x-axis and y-axis, all of which intersect at the origin of the coordinate system. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-116, the origin 11505 of the coordinate system, or the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, z=0, may be the lowest point of the flat or planar portion of the face portion 11162, or the lowest point on the face portion 11162 before any curved transition between the face portion 11162 and the sole edge 11192. The x-axis of the coordinate system (e.g., indicated by reference numeral 11506) may extend horizontally and in a heel-to-toe direction, and the positive x-axis may extend from the origin 11505 toward the heel edge 11152. The y-axis of the coordinate system (e.g., as indicated by reference numeral 11507) may extend vertically and be perpendicular to the x-axis, with the positive y-axis extending vertically upward from the origin 11505. The z-axis of the coordinate system (e.g., as indicated by reference numeral 11508) may be perpendicular to both the x-axis and the y-axis, with the negative z-axis extending from the origin toward the back portion 11170 (the positive z-axis direction is shown in FIGS. 113 and 116). In another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at the lowest point of the toe edge 11142. In another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100. In yet another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at the geometric center of the face portion 11162. The location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be anywhere on the golf club head 11100 or outside the golf club head 11100. Additionally, the coordinate system may have the x, y, and z axes oriented differently than the coordinate system described herein (e.g., the x direction is vertical and the y direction is horizontal). Thus, any location on the golf club head 11100 may be referenced by x, y, and z coordinates relative to the reference coordinate system x=0, y=0, and z=0. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0165] The golf club head 11100 may be associated with a ground plane 11510, a horizontal mid-plane 11520, and a top plane 11530. In particular, the ground plane 11510 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and tangent to the bottom end of the sole edge 11192 when the golf club head 11100 is in an address position (e.g., the golf club head 11100 aligned to strike a golf ball). The top plane 11530 may be a plane that is tangent to the top end of the top edge 11182 when the golf club head 11100 is in an address position. The ground plane 11510 and the top plane 11530 may be parallel or substantially parallel. The horizontal mid-plane 11520 may be vertically midway between the ground plane 11510 and the top plane 11530, and may be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane 11510. Additionally, the golf club head 11100 may be associated with a loft plane 11540 that defines a loft angle 11545 (α) of the golf club head 11100. The loft plane 11540 may be a plane tangent to or flush with the face portion 11162. The loft angle 11545 may be defined by the angle between the loft plane 11540 and a vertical plane 11550 that is perpendicular to the ground plane 11510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0166] The backwall portion 11172 may include an upper backwall portion 11220, a lower backwall portion 11222, and a ledge portion 11230 between the upper backwall portion 11220 and the lower backwall portion 11222. The ledge portion 11230 may extend outward (i.e., away from the face portion 11162) from the upper backwall portion 11220 to the lower backwall portion 11222 (i.e., the ledge portion 11230 may extend inward from the lower backwall portion 11222 to the upper backwall portion 11220 or toward the face portion 11162). The ledge portion 11230 may include a first ledge portion 11232 that may extend from a position at or near the toe edge 11142 toward the heel portion 11150, a second ledge portion 11234 that may be located at or near the central portion 11173 of the backwall portion 11172, and a third ledge portion 11236 that may extend from a position at or near the heel edge 11152 toward the toe portion 11140. The second ledge portion 11234 may extend between the first ledge portion 11232 and the third ledge portion 11236. The first ledge portion 11232 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction from a position at or near the toe edge 11142 to the second ledge portion 11234. The third ledge 11236 may also extend in a downwardly sloping direction from a position at or near the heel edge 11152 to the second ledge 11234. Alternatively, the first ledge 11232 and / or the third ledge 11236 may be oriented in an upwardly sloping or horizontal direction. The ledge 11230, including the first ledge 11232, the second ledge 11234, and the third ledge 11236, may be similar in many respects (e.g., height, width, orientation, sidewall configuration, ledge transition configuration, etc.) to the ledge 2130, including the first ledge 2132, the second ledge 2134, and the third ledge 2136, respectively, of the golf club head 2000. The ledge 11230 may be similar in many respects to any of the ledges described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0167] 116, the top rail width 11183, which may be defined as the distance between the back wall portion 11172 and the face portion 11162 at the top edge 11182, may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or more and 0.35 inches (8.89 mm) or less, and the sole width 11193, which may be defined as the distance between the back wall portion 11172 and the face portion 11162 at the sole edge 11192, may be 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) or more and 1.05 inches (26.67 mm) or less. In another example, the top rail width 11183 may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or more and 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or less, and the sole width 11193 may be 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more and 1.75 inches (44.45 mm) or less. In yet another example, the ratio of the sole width 11193 to the top rail width 11183 may be greater than or equal to 2.5 and less than or equal to 3.5. Thus, a majority of the mass of the body portion 11100 may be located closer to the sole edge 11192 than to the top edge 11182 in order to position the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 relatively low or as low as possible while complying with rules established by one or more golf governing bodies to provide optimal performance for the golf club head 11100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0168] The body portion 11110 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and / or internal ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 11110). The one or more ports may be located anywhere in the body portion 11110. The interior wall of the body portion 11110 that defines the internal cavity 11210 may include one or more ports. In one example, the body portion 11110 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 2000 shown in FIG. 23. In another example, the body portion 11110 may include ports that may be similar in many respects to the ports of the golf club head 200 shown in FIG. 3. In yet another example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the body portion 11110 can include a first port 11321 above the first ledge portion 11232, a second port 11331 located below the second ledge portion 11234, and a third port 11341 within the internal cavity 11210. Thus, the first port 11321 and the second port 11331 can be external ports, i.e., have port openings on the exterior surface of the body portion 11110, while the third port 11341 can be an internal port having an opening in one or more interior walls of the body portion 11110 that define the internal cavity 11210. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0169] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the first port 11321 can be located on the upper side of the first ledge portion 11232 adjacent to the toe edge 11142. In another example, the first port 11321 can be on the toe edge 11142. In yet another example, the first port 11321 can be on the underside of the first ledge portion 11232. The first port 11321 can have a first port first opening 11326 on the back wall portion 11172 that can be raised, flush with, or recessed relative to a portion of the back wall portion 11172 surrounding the first port first opening 11326. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the first port first opening 11326 can be inside a recess 11426 in the upper back wall portion 11220. The first port 11321 may be cylindrical and may extend from the first port first opening 11326 to the internal cavity and connect to the internal cavity 11210 at the first port second opening 11327. Thus, the first port first opening 11326 may provide access to the internal cavity 11210 from outside the body portion 11110 via the first port second opening 11327. As shown in FIGS. 111-135, the first port 11321 may have a circular cross-section (i.e., a cylindrical port). In another example, the first port 11321 may be oval. In yet another example, the first port 11321 may have any shape. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the recess 11426 may be configured to receive a cover portion or badge 11428 that covers the first port first opening 11326. In another example, the first port 11321 may be closed using a mass that may be constructed from a material having a different density than the material of the body portion 11110. In yet another example, the first port 11321 may be closed using a mass that may be constructed from a material having the same density as the material of the body portion 11110. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0170] In one example, the badge 11428 may display one or more alphanumeric characters, symbols, shapes, or other visual markings that indicate particular features of or information about the golf club head 11100. Accordingly, the badge 11428 may be configured to be inserted and secured within the recess 11426. In one example, the badge 11428 may be secured within the recess 11426 using an adhesive or bonding agent. In another example, depending on the material of the badge 11428, welding or soldering may be used to attach the badge 11428 within the recess 11426. In another example, the badge 11428 may be press-fit into the recess 11426. In yet another example, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the badge 11428 within the recess 11426. As described herein, the badge 11428 may cover and / or close the first port 11321. In one example, the badge 11428 may be in the form of a plate that fits within the recess 11426. In another example, the badge 11428 may further include a protrusion that can be received in the first port 11321 to close the first port 11321. In another example, the badge 11428 may be rectangular, circular, or any shape. In another example, the badge 11428 may be visible and distinguishable from the rest of the body portion 11110 by color, texture, material of construction, and / or other visual characteristics. In yet another example, the badge 11428 may be attached to the body portion 11110 such that it appears seamless or nearly seamless with the body portion 11110 and is an integral part of the body portion 11110, i.e., indistinguishable or nearly indistinguishable from the body portion 11110. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0171] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111 to 135 , the second port 11331 may have a larger diameter than the first port 11321. The distance between the center of the second port 11331 and the sole edge 11192 may be smaller than the distance between the center of the second port 11331 and the top edge 11182. Thus, the second port 11331 may be closer to the sole edge 11192 than to the top edge 11182. The second port 11331 may be located at or near the center 11173 of the back wall portion 11172 and at or near the sole edge 11192. The second port 11331 may be located between the sole edge 11192 and the second ledge portion 11234. The second port 11331 may be similar in many respects to the second port 2231 of the golf club head 2000. The second port 11331 can have a second port first opening 11333 on the back wall portion 11172 and a port wall 11335 extending from the second port first opening 11333 to a second port second opening 11337 that can be connected to the internal cavity 11210. Thus, the internal cavity 11210 can be accessed from outside the body portion 11110 through the second port first opening 11333 and the second port second opening 11337. In one example, the inner diameter of the second port 11331 can be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 11331 can be greater than or equal to 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port 11331 can be 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or more and 0.8 inches (20.32 mm) or less. In yet another example, the inner diameter of the second port 11331 can be 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more and 0.7 inches (17.78 mm) or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0172] As shown in FIGS. 111-135, the second ledge portion 11234 can partially surround the second port 11331. Thus, in one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the second ledge portion 11234 can have a curved or semicircular shape that can surround the top of the second port 11331. Alternatively, the second ledge portion 11234 can be similar to any second ledge portion described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0173] The body portion 11110 may include any number of ports above and / or below the first ledge portion 11232, the second ledge portion 11234, and / or the third ledge portion 11236. The body portion 11110 may include any number of ports above and / or below the horizontal midplane 11520. The body portion 11110 may include any number of ports on the toe edge 11142, the heel edge 11152, the top edge 11182, and / or the sole edge 11192. Any of the ports may be connected to the internal cavity 11210. The number of ports in the body portion 11110, the arrangement and / or configuration of the ports in the body portion 11110 may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0174] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the golf club head may include a port sleeve 12610 that can be sized to be inserted into the second port 11331. The port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from any material, such as a metal, a polymer, and / or a composite material. The port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion 11110. The smaller mass of the port sleeve 12610 compared to a port sleeve 12610 constructed from a material having the same or a higher density than the material of the body portion 11110 allows the golf club head 11100 without the port sleeve 12610 (i.e., the space filled by the port sleeve 12610 is filled with a material having the same or a higher density than the material of the body portion 11110) to shift more mass to the toe region of the body portion 11110 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head or optimize the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 without changing or significantly changing the total mass of the golf club head 11100. In other words, the port sleeve 12610 can shift mass from the center of the golf club head 11100 to other portions of the golf club head 11100 to optimize the performance of the golf club head 11100. In one example, the port sleeve 12610 can reduce weight by more than 0.5 grams and less than 10 grams in the center of the golf club head 11100 and shift to other locations on the golf club head 11100 as described herein. In another example, the port sleeve 12610 can reduce weight by more than 2 grams and less than 7 grams in the center of the golf club head 11100 and shift to other locations on the golf club head 11100 as described herein. In yet another example, the port sleeve 12610 can reduce weight by more than 1 gram and less than 5 grams in the center of the golf club head 11100 and shift to other locations on the golf club head 11100 as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0175] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the port sleeve 12610 can be constructed from titanium or any titanium-based material, while all or a portion of the body portion 11110 can be constructed from steel or a steel-based material. In another example, the port sleeve 12610 can be constructed from a polymeric material. In yet another example, the port sleeve 12610 can be constructed from a composite material. For certain applications or configurations of the golf club head 11100, the port sleeve 12610 can be constructed from a material having a density greater than the density of the material of the body portion 11110, such that more mass is located at or near the center of the golf club head 11100. The port sleeve 12610 can be constructed from a material having the same or a different density than the density of the material of the body portion 11110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0176] 111-135, the port sleeve 12610 can include a sleeve body 12612 and a sleeve bezel 12614. The sleeve body 12612 can have an outer diameter sized to be movably received within the second port 11331 while coupling or engaging with the inner wall of the second port 11331 as described herein. In one example, the sleeve body 12612 can be externally threaded and mate with the threaded port wall 11335 of the second port 11331. Thus, the port sleeve 12610 can be inserted into and engage with the threaded port wall of the second port 11331 by threading it into the second port 11331. The port sleeve 12610 can include a sleeve bottom 12616 having one or more structures, such as protrusions, recesses, and / or openings, that engage with a tool to rotate the port sleeve 12610 within the second port 11331 and / or provide access to the internal cavity 11210. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the sleeve bottom 12616 can include a bottom opening 12617 that provides access to the internal cavity 11210 from the second port 11331 when the port sleeve 12610 is inside the second port 11331, and the sleeve bottom 12616 can include recesses 12618 that can be configured in a rectangular, four-quadrant arrangement to engage with a correspondingly shaped tool (not shown) to rotate the port sleeve 12610 and secure the port sleeve 12610 to the second port 11331. The tool that engages the recess 12618 may include a cylindrical protrusion that may be inserted into the bottom opening 12617 to engage the sleeve bottom 12616 and / or may function to center the tool on the sleeve bottom 12616 to engage the recess 12618. The sleeve bottom 12616 may have any structure and / or opening for engaging a corresponding tool to rotate the port sleeve 12610 within the second port 11331. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0177] The sleeve bezel 12614 can have a diameter larger than the sleeve body 12612 and larger than the inner diameter of the second port 11331. Thus, the sleeve bezel 12614 can engage with the back wall portion 11172 surrounding the second port 11331 to prevent the sleeve body 12612 from being further inserted into the second port 11331. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , a portion of the back wall portion 11172 surrounding the second port 11331 can include a recessed ledge portion 11177 that can be sized and shaped to receive the sleeve bezel 12614 therein and prevent the sleeve body 12612 from being further inserted into the second port 11331. Thus, in one example, the sleeve bezel 12614 may be flush with the back wall portion 11172 when the port sleeve 12610 is fully inserted into the second port 11331 and the sleeve bezel 12614 engages the recessed ledge portion 11177. Alternatively, the sleeve bezel 12614 may not be flush with the back wall portion 11172, and the sleeve bezel 12614 may be partially or fully raised or partially or fully recessed relative to the back wall portion 11172. In one example, the sleeve bezel 12614 may also include one or more structures for engaging a correspondingly shaped tool to secure the port sleeve 12610 to the second port 11331. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0178] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the length of the port sleeve 12610 can be greater than the length of the second port 11331. Thus, the sleeve front portion 12620 of the port sleeve 12610 can extend beyond the second port 11331 into the internal cavity 11210. When the port sleeve 12610 is threaded into the second port 11331 as described herein, the sleeve front portion 12620 can extend through the second port 11331 and enter or penetrate the internal cavity 11210. When the port sleeve 12610 is further threaded into the second port 11331, the sleeve front portion 12620 can advance further into the internal cavity 11210 until engagement of the sleeve bezel 12614 with the recessed ledge portion 11177 prevents further insertion of the port sleeve 12610 into the second port 11331. Thus, the internal cavity penetration depth of the sleeve front portion 12620 can be adjusted by threading or unthreading the port sleeve 12610 into the second port 11331, with the maximum internal cavity penetration depth being defined by the engagement of the sleeve bezel 12614 with the recessed ledge portion 11177. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0179] The body portion 11110 may include one or more masses (e.g., weights) at any location on the body portion 11110. The one or more masses may be integral or separate masses that may be coupled to the body portion 11110 at any external or internal location of the body portion 11110. In the example shown in FIGS. 111-135, the body portion 11110 may include an external mass 11435, also referred to herein as a first mass, and an internal mass 11445, also referred to herein as a second mass. The external mass 11435 may be similar in many respects to the mass 2331 of the golf club head 2000. Thus, the external mass 11435 may be disk-shaped, as shown in FIG. 34. The diameter of the external mass 11435 may be determined based on one or more properties (e.g., material density) of the material from which the external mass 11435 is constructed. The port sleeve 12610 may be configured to receive the external mass 11435, which may be inserted and secured to the port sleeve 12610 in any manner described herein with respect to any of the golf club heads described herein, such as by screwing, press fitting, adhesively securing, or welding. In other words, the port sleeve 12610 may function as a sleeve for receiving the external mass 11435. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the inner wall of the port sleeve 12610 may be threaded to engage with corresponding threads on the external mass 11435. Thus, the inner diameter of the port sleeve 12610 may correspond to the outer diameter of the external mass 11435. The external mass 11435 may be fully inserted into the port sleeve 12610 and engage with the sleeve bottom 12616. Thus, the outer surface of the external mass 11435 may define a portion of the back wall 11172 and may be flush with the sleeve bezel 12614. Alternatively, the external mass 11435 may be recessed relative to the sleeve bezel 12614 or may protrude outward relative to the sleeve bezel 12614. The external mass 11435 may be visible to anyone viewing the golf club head 11100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0180] A central region or geometric center of the second port 11331 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 11100. Thus, when the external mass 11435 is secured to the second port 11331 as described herein, the center of gravity of the external mass 11435 may be located at or near the CG of the golf club head 11100. The x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 are referred to herein as the CG, respectively. X , C.G. Y , and C.G. Z and the x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the external mass 11435 are referred to herein as CG M1X , C.G. M1Y , C.G. M1Z In one example, CG M1X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be 0.02 inches (0.51 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) or less, and / or CG M1Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less. M1X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) or less, and / or CG M1Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or less. M1X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be 0.01 inches (0.25 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.15 inches (3.81 mm) or less, and / or CG M1Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between CGM1X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less, and / or C.G. M1Z and C.G. Z may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less on the z-axis. As a result, the external mass 11435 may be interchangeable with another mass having a smaller mass or a mass having a larger mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100. In one example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 11435, the CG position of the golf club head will move closer to the CG X Less than 0.5% of the position (x-axis coordinate of CG), CG Y Less than 0.5% of the position (y-axis coordinate of the CG) and / or the CG Z In another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 11435, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.2% of the CG z-axis coordinate. X Less than 0.35% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.35% of positions and / or CG Z In yet another example, for every 1 gram increase in mass of the external mass 11435, the CG position of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.15% of the CG position. X Less than 0.25% of positions, CG Y Less than 0.25% of positions and / or CG ZIt can be shifted by less than 0.10% of the position. Therefore, the external mass portion 11435 can be replaced with another mass portion having a smaller or larger mass to provide specific performance characteristics to each person (i.e., customize the performance of the golf club head 11100 to suit a specific person) without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head 11100 and / or without changing the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 11100. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111 to 135, the entire external mass portion 11435 can be below the horizontal central plane 11520. In another example, a substantial portion of the external mass portion 11435 can be below the horizontal central plane 11520. The devices, methods, and manufactures described herein are not limited to this.

[0181] The internal mass 11445 can be located anywhere in the body portion 11110. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the internal mass 11445 can be located proximate the toe edge 11142. In another example, the internal mass 11445 can be located between the external mass 11435 and the toe edge 11142. The location of the internal mass 11445 proximate the toe edge 11142 can increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100 for improved performance. All or a portion of the internal mass 11445 can be located near the toe edge 11142 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head. Referring to FIG. 123, in one example, the minimum distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 can be 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) or less. In another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less. In another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 may be 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) or less. In another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 may be 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or less. In another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 may be 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) or less. In another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the internal mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 may be half or less of the distance between the external mass 11435 and the toe edge 11142. In yet another example, the shortest distance 11447 between the interior mass 11445 and the toe edge 11142 can be less than or equal to one-quarter of the distance between the exterior mass 11435 and the toe edge 11142. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0182] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the internal mass 11445 may have a curved shape that may correspond to or approximately correspond to the shape of the portion of the toe edge 11142 adjacent to the internal mass 11445. Thus, the internal mass 11445 may be located near the toe edge 11142 and may have the same or substantially the same curvature as the curved shape of the toe edge 11142. The shape and location of the internal mass 11445 may position the internal mass near the toe edge and have a mass distribution that closely resembles or is similar to the curvature of the portion of the toe edge adjacent to the internal mass 11445. Thus, the internal mass 11445 may increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 11100. The location of the internal mass 11445 along the y-axis and z-axis may be determined so that the internal mass 11445 does not significantly affect or shift the position of the CG of the golf club head 11100. In other words, the y and / or z coordinates of the CG of the internal mass 11445 may be the same as, substantially similar to (accounting for manufacturing tolerances), or offset by a small amount, respectively, from the y and / or z coordinates of the CG of the golf club head such that the CG of the golf club head 11100 remains relatively low and rearward of the golf club head 11100. The x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the internal mass 11445 are referred to herein as the CG, respectively. M2X , C.G. M2Y , and C.G. M2Z In one example, CG M2X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 1.5 inches (38.10 mm), and CG M2Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less, and / or CG M2Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less. M2X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 2.0 inches (50.80 mm), and CG M2Y and C.G.Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) or less, and / or C.G. M2Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) or less. M2X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be greater than or equal to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), and CG M2Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less, and / or CG M2Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between CG may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less. M2X and C.G. X The distance on the x-axis between may be 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) or more and 1.75 inch (44.45 mm) or less, and CG M2Y and C.G. Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) or less, and / or C.G. M2Z and C.G. Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) or less. In other examples, the interior mass 11445 may be similar to or substantially similar to any interior mass described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0183] The external mass 11435 and the internal mass 11445 may be strategically positioned to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100, while the internal mass 11445 may increase the MOI of the golf club head 11100. Thus, the distance between the external mass 11435 and the internal mass 11445 along the x-axis may be relatively large to increase the MOI of the golf club head 11100, while the distance between the external mass 11435 and the internal mass 11445 along the y-axis and z-axis, respectively, may be relatively small to maintain the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 at a relatively low position. In one example, the CGM1X and C.G. M2X The distance on the x-axis between may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 2.0 inches (50.80 mm), and CG M1Y and C.G. M2Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less, and / or C.G. M1Z and C.G. M2Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) or less. M1X and C.G. M2X The distance on the x-axis between may be greater than or equal to 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inches (44.45 mm), and CG M1Y and C.G. M2Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less, and / or CG M1Z and C.G. M2Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) or less. M1X and C.G. M2X The distance on the x-axis between may be 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) or more and 2.0 inches (50.80 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. M2Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) or less, and / or C.G. M1Z and C.G. M2Z The distance on the z-axis between CG may be 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) or less. M1X and C.G. M2X The distance on the x-axis between may be 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) or more and 1.75 inch (44.45 mm) or less, and CG M1Y and C.G. M2Y The distance on the y-axis between may be 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or less, and / or CG M1Z and C.G. M2Z The distance on the z-axis between may be 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) or less. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0184] In one example shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the top 11946 of the internal mass 11445 may have a smaller volume than the bottom 11948, and the internal mass 11445 may have a volume that gradually increases from the top 11946 to the bottom 11948. Thus, the distance between the center of gravity of the internal mass 11445 and the sole edge 11192 may be less than or substantially less than the distance between the center of gravity of the internal mass 11445 and the horizontal midplane 11520, such that the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 is lowered. In other words, the shape of the internal mass 11445 as provided herein allows for the internal mass 11445 to be positioned near the toe edge and for a relatively large portion of the internal mass 11445 to be positioned below the horizontal midplane 11520 and relatively near the sole edge 11192. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 111-135 , the entire interior mass 11445 can be below the horizontal mid-plane 11520. In another example, a significant portion of the interior mass 11445 can be below the horizontal mid-plane 11520. In another example, the interior mass 11445 can include multiple interior masses positioned in the top-to-sole and toe-to-heel directions proximate the toe edge 11142, with many or all of the masses positioned below the horizontal mid-plane 11520. In another example, the interior mass 11445 can include a large portion extending near the sole edge 11192. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0185] As shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the interior mass 11445 can include a height 12810 in a top-to-sole direction, a width 12820 in a toe-to-heel direction, and a depth 12830 in a front-to-back direction. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the height 12810 may be greater than the width 12820 and greater than the depth 12830. Thus, the interior mass 11445 may extend proximate a majority of the toe edge 11142 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the depth 12830 may increase in a top-to-sole direction such that the volume and mass of the interior mass 11445 increase in the top-to-sole direction, as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the depth 12830 may be greater than the width 12820. Thus, the interior mass 11445 may extend closer to and further rearward than the majority of the toe edge 11142 such that the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100 is increased and the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 is moved lower and further rearward. In one example, the height 12810 may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 1.25 inches (31.75 mm). In another example, the height 12810 may be greater than or equal to 0.8 inches (20.32 mm) and less than or equal to 1.1 inches (27.94 mm). In yet another example, the height 12810 may be greater than or equal to 0.9 inches (22.86 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.40 mm). In one example, the width 12820 and the depth 12830 may have the same value, although there may be variations due to manufacturing tolerances. In another example, the width 12820 can be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 125% of the depth 12830. In another example, the depth 12830 can be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 125% of the width 12820. In another example, the width 12820 and / or the depth 1830 can be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.70 mm). In another example, the width 12820 and / or the depth 12830 can be greater than or equal to 0.27 inches and less than or equal to 0.37 inches. In another example, the width 12820 and / or the depth 1830 can be greater than or equal to 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) and less than or equal to 0.35 inches (8.89 mm).In another example, the width 12820 and / or the depth 1830 may be greater than or equal to 10% of the height 12810 and less than or equal to 50% of the height 12810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0186] The third port 11341 can define a recess or cavity in the body portion 11110 that can be formed to correspond to the shape of the internal mass 11445 to receive the internal mass 11445. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the third port 11341 can be shaped to completely receive the internal mass 11445, such that the outer surface of the internal mass is flush with the inner wall of the body portion 11110 that defines the internal cavity 11210. The internal mass 11445 can be secured inside the third port 11341 using one or more adhesives or bonding agents, by welding or soldering, and / or by a press fit. The third port 11341 can be defined by a cavity inside the body mass 11145 that is an integral part of the body portion 11110, formed with the body portion 11110, and / or can include the same material as the material of the body portion 11110. The body mass portion 11145 may be located at the toe portion 11140 and may extend to the toe edge 11142 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100. In the example shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the body mass portion may extend from the top edge 11182 to the sole edge 11192 and from the toe edge 11142 into the internal cavity 11210. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 11145 may be determined to provide particular performance characteristics to the golf club head 11100. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the body mass portion 11145 may be located at the toe portion 11140 and extend to the toe edge 11142 and extend from the top edge 11182 to the sole edge 11192. The shape, size, volume, and / or mass of the body mass portion 11145 may vary and may depend on various characteristics of the golf club head 11100, including the loft angle 11545. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0187] The interior cavity 11210 may have a different width between the toe portion 11140 and the heel portion 11150. The interior cavity width 11710 may be smaller near the toe edge 11142 than at the center or heel portion 11150 of the body due to the presence of the body mass 11145. Thus, a greater portion of the mass of the body 11110 may be closer to the toe edge 11142 than to the heel edge 11152, such that the moment of inertia of the body 11110 is increased. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135, the interior cavity width 11710 may have a maximum value between the external mass 11435 and the internal mass 11445. As shown in the example of FIGS. 111-135, a portion of the interior cavity 11210 may extend vertically below the port sleeve 12610 and / or the external mass 11435 and may be farther from the face 11162 than portions of the port sleeve 12610 and / or the external mass 11435. Thus, in the example shown in FIGS. 111-135, the maximum interior cavity width 11710 that may be measured in the face-back direction may be between the external mass 11435 and the internal mass 11445 in the toe-heel direction, and between the sole edge 11192 and the external mass 11435 in the top-sole direction. In one example, the maximum interior cavity width 11710 may be greater than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 0.9 inches (22.86 mm). In another example, the maximum value of the internal cavity width 11710 can be 0.5 inches (12.70 mm) or more and 0.8 inches (20.32 mm) or less. In yet another example, the maximum value of the internal cavity width 11710 can be 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) or more and 0.7 inches (17.78 mm) or less. As shown in the example of FIGS. 111-135 , the portion of the internal cavity 11210 located vertically above the port sleeve 12610 and / or external mass 11435 can be farther from the face portion 11162 than the portion of the port sleeve 12610 and / or external mass 11435. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0188] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the second port 11331, the badge 11428, and the internal mass 11445 may be positioned between the external mass 11435 and the toe edge 11142. As described herein, the external mass 11435 may function to lower and shift the center of gravity rearwardly of the golf club head 11100. The internal mass 11445 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100. The internal mass 11445 may also lower and / or shift the center of gravity rearwardly of the golf club head 11100. Additionally, by having the bottom 11948 of the internal mass 11445 have more mass than the top 11946, the vertical position of the center of gravity of the golf club head 11100 can be prevented from being significantly shifted by the internal mass 11445 while still placing more mass toward the toe edge to increase the MOI of the golf club head 11100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0189] In one example, the badge 11428 may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion 11110 so as not to significantly affect the mass distribution of the body portion 11110. In yet another example, the badge 11428 may be made from a material having a relatively higher density, such as a material form capable of constructing any mass. Thus, the badge 11428 may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head 11100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0190] The internal cavity 11210 may be partially or fully filled with one or more fill materials (i.e., cavity fill materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the fill material 11612 may be a urethane elastomer material that may be cured at room temperature or above to accelerate the curing process. In one example, the fill material 11612 may be injected into the internal cavity 11210 through the first port 11321 and / or the second port 1131 such that the internal cavity 11210 is partially or completely filled. The first port 11321 may function as an injection port, while the second port 11331 may function as an exhaust port, allowing air in the internal cavity 11210 displaced by the fill material to be evacuated from the internal cavity 11210. Alternatively, the second port 11331 may function as an injection port, while the first port 11321 may function as an exhaust port. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 111-135 , the filler material 11612 may be molded to the shape of the internal cavity 11210. After the filler material 11612 is injected into the internal cavity 11210, the filler material 11612 may be allowed to cure. In one example, the filler material 11612 may be cured at room temperature. In another example, the filler material 11612 may be cured at 50 degrees Celsius. In another example, the filler material 11612 may be cured at 70 degrees Celsius. In yet another example, the filler material 11612 may be cured at 80 degrees Celsius. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto. In another example, the filler material 11612 may be similar to the filler material 2512 of the golf club head 2000 or similar to any of the filler materials described herein. In yet another example, the interior cavity 11210 may be filled with first and second filler materials that may be similar to the first and second filler materials 512 and 514 of the golf club head 200. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0191] In one example, the golf club head 11100 may have a total weight of 180 grams or more and 340 grams or less. In another example, the golf club head 11100 may have a total weight of 220 grams or more and 300 grams or less. In yet another example, the golf club head 11100 may have a total weight of 250 grams or more and 270 grams or less. In one example, the weight of the filler material may be 15 grams or more and 35 grams or less. In another example, the weight of the filler material may be 22 grams or more and 30 grams or less. In yet another example, the weight of the filler material may be 22 grams or more and 28 grams or less. The total weight of the filler material 11612 may be expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the golf club head 11100. Thus, the weight of the filler material may comprise 5% or more and 19% or less of the total weight of the golf club head 11100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0192] As described herein, the size and weight of the external mass 11435, the internal mass 11445, and / or the port sleeve 12610 can be determined to affect the moment of inertia and center of gravity location of the golf club head 11100 to provide particular performance characteristics for the golf club head 11100. The internal mass 11445 can have a total weight that is greater than the total weight of the external mass 11435, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610, and / or the sum of the total weights of the external mass 11435 and the port sleeve 12610 to increase the MOI of the golf club head 11100. In one example, the total weight of the internal mass 11445 can be greater than or equal to 10 grams and less than or equal to 20 grams. In another example, the total weight of the internal mass 11445 can be greater than or equal to 12 grams and less than or equal to 16 grams. In yet another example, the total weight of the internal mass 11445 can be greater than or equal to 13 grams and less than or equal to 15 grams. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0193] In one example, the total weight of the external mass 11435 can be 5 grams or more and 11 grams or less. In another example, the total weight of the external mass 11435 can be 7 grams or more and 9 grams or less. In another example, the total weight of the external mass 11435 can be 6 grams or more and 8 grams or less. In another example, the total weight of the external mass 11435 can be 25% or more and 75% or less of the total weight of the internal mass 11445. In another example, the total weight of the external mass 11435 can be 40% or more and 60% or less of the total weight of the internal mass 11445. In another example, the ratio of the weight of the internal mass 11445 to the weight of the external mass can be 1.0 or more. In another example, the ratio of the weight of the internal mass 11445 to the weight of the external mass can be 1.25 or more. In yet another example, the ratio of the weight of the internal mass 11445 to the weight of the external mass can be 1.25 or more and 2.0 or less. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0194] The port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from a material having a density lower than the density of the material of the body portion 11110 and the density of the material of the external mass portion 11435 so that weight savings from the use of the port sleeve 12610 can be strategically transferred to other portions of the golf club head 11100 to achieve specific performance characteristics. In one example, the port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from an aluminum-based material. In another example, the port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from a titanium-based material. In yet another example, the port sleeve 12610 may be constructed from a polymer-based material. As described herein, the external mass portion 11435 may be constructed from a material having a density higher than the density of the material of the body portion 11110. In one example, the external mass portion 11435 may be constructed from a tungsten-based material. Thus, the total weight of the external mass portion 11435 may be greater than the total weight of the port sleeve 12610. In one example, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610 may be greater than or equal to 3 grams and less than or equal to 6 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610 can be greater than or equal to 3.5 grams and less than or equal to 5 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610 can be greater than or equal to 4 grams and less than or equal to 4.75 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610 can be greater than or equal to 25% and less than or equal to 75% of the total weight of the external mass 11435. In yet another example, the total weight of the port sleeve 12610 can be greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the total weight of the external mass 11435. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0195] As described herein, the internal cavity 11210 may be partially or completely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., void filler materials), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. The amount (i.e., volume and / or mass) of the filler material may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a particular loft angle) to (i) provide vibration damping or sound damping (e.g., a consistent and / or pleasant sound and feel when striking a golf ball with the golf club head, as perceived by each individual using the golf club head), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion, and / or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and / or ball variability. The internal cavity 11210 may be filled with the filler material such that the back surface 11166 of the face portion is covered with the filler material. Thus, the filler material may provide structural support for the relatively thin portion of the face portion 11162.

[0196] The resilience of the urethane elastomer filler material 11612 of golf club head 11100, referred to herein as GC1 (i.e., Golf Club No. 1), was tested and compared to the resilience of the filler material of three exemplary golf clubs, referred to herein as GC2, GC3, and CG4. To test each golf club head, the face portion of each golf club head was cut along the periphery of the face portion with a milling machine and the face portion was carefully removed to expose the filler material intact. The resilience of the filler material in each golf club head was tested using the test equipment and procedures used by the United States Golf Association to measure the characteristic time (CT) of golf club heads, as defined in the R&A Rules Ltd. and the United States Golf Association's "Protocol for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead," TPX3004 Rev. 2.0, April 9, 2019, and the United States Golf Association's "Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead," USGA-TPX3004 Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008. In other words, the CT test equipment used by the United States Golf Association (which includes a pendulum that strikes the face of the test golf club) was used to measure the resilience of the filler material. Each golf club head was mounted in a fixture in a CT test apparatus so that the pendulum struck the face at a position approximately 0.75 inches (19.05 mm) from the leading edge of the sole edge 11192, and at that position, in the center of the face groove. Furthermore, each golf club head was mounted in the fixture so that the heel-toe direction of the golf club head was vertical (i.e., the face grooves were vertical). An accelerometer was attached to the pendulum, and the accelerometer data was sampled at 10,240 Hz to measure the maximum pendulum velocity (m / s) before contact with the infill material and the maximum pendulum velocity upon rebound after contact with the infill material. Across all tests, the average pendulum velocity upon impact with the infill material was between 0.79 and 0.81 m / s.In one example, the maximum rebound velocity obtained from multiple tests of GC1 was greater than 2.0 m / s but less than 2.09 m / s, with an average maximum rebound velocity of 2.06 m / s; the maximum rebound velocity obtained from multiple tests of GC2 was greater than 1.9 m / s but less than 1.98 m / s, with an average maximum rebound velocity of 1.95 m / s; and the maximum rebound velocities obtained from multiple tests of GC3 and CG4 were similar, greater than 1.71 m / s but less than 1.79 m / s, with an average maximum bounce velocity of 1.76 m / s. Thus, the average maximum bounce velocity of GC1 or the golf club head 11100 may be 5% greater than the maximum rebound velocity of GC2 and 15% greater than the maximum rebound velocity of GC3 and GC4. An individual's golf swing speed may vary between 60 miles per hour (27 m / s) and 170 miles per hour (76 m / s). Therefore, as evidenced by the increase in the average maximum rebound velocity of GC1 relative to the average maximum rebound velocity of GC2, CG3, and CG4, the increased rebound force or resilience of the filler material 11612 of the golf club head 11100 can significantly increase ball speed and, consequently, ball distance when a golf club having the golf club head 11100 is used by an individual.

[0197] In one example, as the port sleeve 12610 is threaded into the second port 11331, the sleeve front portion 12620 can compress the filler material 11612 between the sleeve front portion 12620 and the face portion 11162 at or near the ball striking area of ​​the face portion 11162 as the sleeve front portion 12620 penetrates the internal cavity 11210 as described herein. Thus, hammering the port sleeve 12610 into the internal cavity 11210 can preload the filler material 11612 at or around the ball striking area of ​​the golf club head 11100 to increase the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf club head 11100. The COR of the golf club head 11100 can be adjusted by the depth of penetration of the port sleeve 12610 into the internal cavity 11210. Thus, the COR of the golf club head 11100 can be adjusted by engaging the port sleeve 12610 with a tool and screwing the port sleeve 12610 into or out of the second port 11331. The COR can be adjusted to a particular value to comply with the rules of a particular golf governing body. For example, the COR of the golf club head 11100 can be adjusted to a maximum value or close to a maximum value allowed by a particular golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). In one example, the COR of the golf club head 11100 can be greater than or equal to 0.80 and less than or equal to 0.86. In another example, the COR of the golf club head 11100 can be greater than or equal to 0.82 and less than or equal to 0.85. In yet another example, the COR of the golf club head can be greater than or equal to 0.82 and less than or equal to a COR value that complies with the maximum COR value allowed by a golf governing body. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0198] 133, a method 13300 of manufacturing a golf club head 11100 includes providing a body portion 11110, a face portion 11162, an external mass portion 11435, an internal mass portion 11445, a port sleeve 12610, and a badge 11428, as described herein (block 13310). The internal mass portion 11445 is inserted into and / or attached to the body 11110 inside the third port 11341, as described herein (block 13320). The face portion 11162 is attached to the body portion 11110 so as to seal the internal cavity 11210 with the front portion 11160 of the body portion 11110 (block 13330). The port sleeve 12610 is inserted into the second port 11331 by threading it into the second port 11331 (block 13340), as described herein. In one example, the port sleeve 12610 may be fully threaded into the second port 11331, as described herein, until further penetration into the internal cavity 11210 is prevented by the sleeve bezel 12614. In another example, the port sleeve 12610 may be partially threaded into the second port 11331, as described herein, to allow the internal cavity 11210 to be pre-filled with one or more filler materials. In yet another example, the port sleeve 12610 may be partially threaded into the second port 11331 to allow a filler material to fill a portion of the second port 11331. The internal cavity 11210 may be filled with filler material from the first port 11321 or the second port 11331 (block 13350), as described herein. The filler material may then be cured at room temperature, above room temperature, and / or using one or more curing cycles. A badge 11428 may then be coupled to the body portion 11110 through the first port 11321 to close the first port 11321. As described herein, the badge 11428 may be attached to the body portion 11110 by inserting and / or securing it inside the recess 11426. The external mass portion 11435 may then be secured within the second port 11331 (block 13360), as described herein.The external mass 11435 may be removed and reinstalled within the second port 11331 as needed to change the penetration depth of the port sleeve 12610 as described herein. In other words, the preload of the filler material 11612 can be adjusted at any time. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0199] In one example, as shown in FIGS. 134 and 135 , the golf club head 11100 can include a filler compression portion 13410 between the port sleeve 12610 and the filler material 11612. The filler compression portion 13410 can have any shape, size, orientation, and / or configuration. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 134 and 135 , the filler compression portion 13410 can be annular and include a center hole 13412. The outer diameter of the filler compression portion 13410 can be the same as, larger than, or smaller than the outer diameter of the port sleeve 12610. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 134 and 135 , the filler compression portion 13410 can have an outer diameter that is the same as or substantially the same as the outer diameter of the port sleeve 12610. In another example, the sleeve front portion 12620 can include a circular recess to receive the filler compression portion 13410 therein. As the port sleeve 12610 is threaded into the second port 11331, and the sleeve front portion 12620 penetrates the internal cavity 11210 as described herein, the filler compression portion 13410 can compress the filler material 11612 behind the face portion 11162 at or near the ball striking area of ​​the face portion 11162. Thus, by driving the port sleeve 12610 into the internal cavity 11210 and using the filler compression portion 13410, the filler material 11612 can be preloaded to increase the coefficient of restitution (COR) of the golf club head 11100 as described herein. To avoid excessive force on the face portion 11162 due to the preload of the filler material 11612 and possible bulging of the face portion 11162, a portion of the filler material 11612 may flow, displace, or move due to the elasticity of the filler material 11612 into the central hole 13412 of the filler compression portion 13410 and into the gap 13450 in the port sleeve 12610 and the internal cavity 11210 around the filler compression portion 13410. Thus, the central hole 13412 and the gap 13450 can provide a degree of compression relief to the filler material 11612 to prevent bulging of the face portion 11162. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0200] The filler compression portion 13410 may be comprised of a polymer material having a higher COR than the filler material 11612. Thus, the filler compression portion 13410 may compress and rebound during use, contributing to an increase in the COR of the golf club head 11100. In other words, the filler compression portion 13410 may increase the COR of the golf club head 11100 by preloading the filler material 11612 and providing a rebound force to the face during golf ball impact. Alternatively, the filler compression portion 13410 may be comprised of a relatively harder material to preload the filler material 11612. In one example, the filler compression portion 13410 may be constructed from any filler material described herein, such as any urethane-based material, and the filler material 11612 may be comprised of a polymer material having a lower COR than the filler compression portion 13410. For example, the filler material 11612 may be comprised of a polybutadiene material or any filler material described herein. However, the filler compression section may be constructed from any type of material, and the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited thereto.

[0201] For example, as shown in FIGS. 136 and 137 , the rear surface 11166 of the face portion 11162 can include a central portion 13610 having a first thickness 13612 (T1), a peripheral portion 13620 having a second thickness 13622 (T2), and a transition portion 13630 having a third thickness 13632 (T3). The central portion 13610 generally corresponds to the ball striking area of ​​the front surface 11164 and can include at least a portion of the ball striking area, be at least partially encompassed by the ball striking area, or be completely encompassed by the ball striking area. In other words, the central portion 13610 can define the area of ​​the face portion 11162 that is likely to impact a golf ball or that is likely to experience golf ball impact for a typical golfer. The central portion 13610 can have any geometric, non-geometric, symmetrical, or asymmetrical shape. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 136 and 137 , the central portion 13610 can be elliptical. Thus, the central portion 13610 can be defined by an ellipse having a boundary 13714 (i.e., an outer periphery or rim), a major axis 13616, and a minor axis 13618. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 136 and 137 , the major axis 13616 extends in a direction between the toe portion 11140 and the heel portion 11150, and the minor axis 13618 is perpendicular to the major axis 13616. In another example, the major axis 13616 can extend in a direction between the top portion 11180 and the sole portion 11190, and the minor axis 13618 is perpendicular to the major axis 13616, such that the central portion 13610 is a vertically oriented ellipse (i.e., a vertically elongated ellipse). In yet another example, the major axis 13616 may extend in a direction that may be 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from horizontal, and the minor axis 13618 is perpendicular to the major axis 13616. In another example, the central portion 13610 may be circular (i.e., a=b in the above formula). In another example, the central portion 13610 may be rectangular or diamond shaped. In another example, the central portion 13610 may be a rounded rectangle. In yet another example, the central portion 13610 may have a compound geometric shape (e.g., two overlapping circles resembling a figure eight). The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0202] In one example, the first thickness 13612 and the second thickness 13622 can be the same or substantially the same, taking into account manufacturing tolerances. In another example, the first thickness 13612 can be greater than the second thickness 13622. In another example, the first thickness 13612 can be less than the second thickness 13622. In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.03 inches (0.762 mm) and less than or equal to 0.20 inches (5.08 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.03 inches (0.762 mm) and less than or equal to 0.09 inches (2.286 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.02 inches (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.11 inches (2.794 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.03 inches (0.762 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inches (3.175 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.04 inches (1.016 mm) and less than or equal to 0.15 inches (3.810 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.05 inches (1.270 mm) and less than or equal to 0.175 inches (4.445 mm). In another example, the first thickness 13612 and / or the second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.06 inches (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.2 inches (5.080 mm). In yet another example, first thickness 13612 and / or second thickness 13622 can be greater than or equal to 0.06 inches (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.07 inches (1.778 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0203] 136 and 137 , the transition portion 13630 has a third thickness 13632 that decreases from the central portion 13610 to a minimum thickness of the face portion 11162 adjacent the peripheral portion 13620. The back surface 11166 of the face portion 11162 may include a peripheral wall 13640 that provides an abrupt transition or change in face thickness from the transition portion 13630 to the peripheral portion 13620. Thus, the maximum thickness of the transition portion 13630 or the maximum value of the third thickness 13632 may be the same or substantially the same as the first thickness 13612, taking into account manufacturing tolerances, and the minimum thickness of the face portion 11162 may be adjacent the peripheral portion 13620. In one example, the third thickness 13632 may be greater than or equal to 0.03 inches (0.762 mm) and less than or equal to 0.06 inches (1.524 mm). In another example, third thickness 13632 can be greater than or equal to 0.02 inches (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.07 inches (1.778 mm). In another example, third thickness 13632 can be greater than or equal to 0.04 inches (1.016 mm) and less than or equal to 0.05 inches (1.27 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0204] The size of the central portion 13610 may vary depending on various physical characteristics and / or performance parameters of the golf club head 11100. In one example, the size of the central portion 13610 may depend on the loft angle 11545 of the golf club head 11100. For iron-type golf club heads, golf clubs with lower loft angles 11545 may be used to achieve high ball speeds and long ball distances, while golf clubs with higher loft angles 11545 may be used to achieve high ball trajectories and relatively shorter ball distances. As a result, golf clubs with lower loft angles 11545 may experience greater ball impact forces than golf clubs with higher loft angles 11545, potentially resulting in greater face deflection. Thus, to account for the greater impact forces experienced by golf clubs with smaller loft angles, in one example, an increase in the size of the central portion 13610 may be proportional to an increase in the loft angle 11545 of the golf club head 11100, and a decrease in the size of the central portion 13610 may be proportional to a decrease in the loft angle 11545 of the golf club head 11100. In one example, the size, shape, and / or location of the central portion 13610 may not change with and / or be independent of the loft angle 11545. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not so limited.

[0205] As described herein, the central portion 13610 can be elliptical, such that the shape and size of the central portion 13610 can be determined by the length of the major axis 13616 and the length of the minor axis 13618. In one example, the major axis 13616 can be greater than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, the major axis 13616 can be greater than or equal to 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) and less than or equal to 1 inch (25.4 mm). In another example, the minor axis 13618 can be greater than or equal to 0.10 inches (2.54 mm) and less than or equal to 0.8 inches (20.32 mm). In yet another example, the minor axis 13618 can be greater than or equal to 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). As described herein, the central portion 13610 can be circular or near-circular. Thus, the major axis 13616 and the minor axis 13618 may have the same or substantially the same value. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0206] The peripheral portion 13620 may partially or completely provide a bonding or engagement surface for attaching the face portion 11162 to the front portion 11160 of the body portion 11110 so as to seal the internal cavity 11210. Thus, the peripheral portion 13620 may provide peripheral structural support for the face portion 11162. In other words, impact forces at or around the central portion 13610 may be transmitted to the peripheral portion 13620 via the transition portion 13630 and dissipated through the body portion 11110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0207] As described herein, the size of the central portion 13610 may vary depending on various physical characteristics and / or performance parameters of the golf club head 11100. Additionally, the first thickness 13612 may vary depending on various physical characteristics and / or performance parameters of the golf club head 11100. In one example, the first thickness 13612 may depend on the loft angle 11545 of the golf club head 11100. For iron-type golf club heads, golf clubs with smaller loft angles 11545 may be used to achieve high ball speeds and long ball distances, while golf clubs with larger loft angles 11545 may be used to achieve high ball trajectories and relatively short ball distances. As a result, golf clubs with smaller loft angles 11545 may experience greater ball impact forces than golf clubs with larger loft angles 11545, potentially resulting in greater face deflection. Thus, to account for the greater impact forces experienced by golf clubs with smaller loft angles, in one example, an increase in the first thickness 13612 may be proportional to an increase in the loft angle 11545 of the golf club head 11100, and a decrease in the first thickness 13612 may be proportional to a decrease in the loft angle 11545 of the go...

Claims

1. a body portion having a volume of 100 cubic centimeters or less, the body portion having an internal cavity, a toe portion having a toe edge, a heel portion having a heel edge, a front portion having a face portion, a back portion having a backwall portion, a top portion having a top edge, and a sole portion having a sole edge, wherein a maximum distance between the top edge and the sole edge is greater than a maximum distance between the face portion and the backwall portion; a face portion coupled to the body portion; a filler material within the interior cavity and bonded to the face portion; A restitution coefficient of 0.81 or more; an external mass section; an inner mass portion having a different shape from the outer mass portion; A first port; a second port below the first port; a third port within the body configured to receive the internal mass; a port sleeve within the second port, the port sleeve having a bore configured to receive the external mass; a density less than the density of the material of the body portion; a density less than the density of the material of the outer mass; a density less than the density of the material of the interior mass; and the port sleeve having a density greater than a density of the filler material; A golf club head comprising:

2. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, a back wall portion of the body portion having a recess; an opening of the first port within the recess; The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the recess is configured to receive a cover portion to close the first port.

3. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, Further provided with a cover portion, the first port is in a back wall of the body; The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the cover portion is coupled to the back wall portion to close the first port.

4. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first port is located above a horizontal midplane of the body portion.

5. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, The golf club head is characterized in that the volume of the internal mass portion increases in a top-sole direction.

6. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, The golf club head is characterized in that the mass of the internal mass portion increases in a top-sole direction.

7. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, the diameter of the second port is substantially larger than the diameter of the first port; The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the third port has a different shape from the first port and the second port.

8. a body portion having a volume of 100 cubic centimeters or less, the body portion having an internal cavity, a toe portion having a toe edge, a heel portion having a heel edge, a front portion having a face portion, a back portion having a backwall portion, a top portion having a top edge, and a sole portion having a sole edge, wherein a maximum distance between the top edge and the sole edge is greater than a maximum distance between the face portion and the backwall portion; an external mass section; an internal mass portion; a first port connected to the internal cavity; a second port connected to the internal cavity; a third port within the body portion connected to the internal cavity, the third port configured to receive the internal mass; a port sleeve within the second port configured to receive the external mass; a filler material within the internal cavity and bonded to the port sleeve and a rear surface of the face portion; A golf club head comprising:

10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the port sleeve is movable within the second port toward and away from the face portion to adjust compression of the filler material between the port sleeve and the face portion.

9. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, a cover configured to cover the first port; A golf club head, wherein the outer surface of the cover portion is configured to convey specific visual information to a person viewing the body portion.

10. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, a distance between the first port and the toe edge is smaller than a distance between the second port and the toe edge; The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the third port and the toe edge is smaller than the distance between the second port and the toe edge.

11. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the outer mass portion has a different shape from the inner mass portion.

12. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, The golf club head is characterized in that the mass of the internal mass portion increases in a top-sole direction.

13. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, A golf club head, wherein a shape of at least a portion of the internal mass is configured to correspond to a shape of the toe edge.

14. 9. The golf club head according to claim 8, The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the interior mass defines a central viewable portion of the back wall below a horizontal midplane of the body.

15. a body portion having a volume of 100 cubic centimeters or less, the body portion having an internal cavity, a toe portion having a toe edge, a heel portion having a heel edge, a front portion having a face portion, a back portion having a backwall portion, a top portion having a top edge, and a sole portion having a sole edge, wherein a maximum distance between the top edge and the sole edge is greater than a maximum distance between the face portion and the backwall portion; a mass portion made of a material having a higher density than the material of the body portion; a port sleeve constructed of a material having a density different from that of the material of the body portion, the port sleeve having a sleeve body portion, a sleeve bottom portion at one end of the sleeve body portion, and a sleeve bezel portion at an opposite end of the sleeve body portion; a port in the backwall portion connected to the interior cavity, the port configured to receive the port sleeve; a filler material in an interior cavity between the sleeve bottom and the back surface of the face; A golf club head comprising: The coefficient of restitution is adjustable using the port sleeve; The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the sleeve bezel portion engages a portion of the back wall portion to prevent further insertion of the port sleeve into the port.

16. 16. The golf club head according to claim 15, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the port sleeve is made of a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion.

17. 16. The golf club head according to claim 15, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the port sleeve is made of a material having a lower density than a material of the mass portion.

18. 16. The golf club head according to claim 15, 1. A golf club head comprising: a port sleeve that is movable within the port sleeve in directions toward and away from the face portion to adjust compression of the filler material between the bottom of the sleeve and the back surface of the face portion.

19. 16. The golf club head according to claim 15, an internal mass coupled to an internal port of the body adjacent the toe edge; A golf club head, wherein the density of the material of the internal mass portion is greater than the density of the material of the body portion.

20. 16. The golf club head according to claim 15, an internal mass coupled to an internal port of the body adjacent the toe edge; A golf club head, wherein a shape of at least a portion of the internal mass is configured to correspond to a shape of the toe edge.

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