Iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads

Abstract

To provide irons with a good feel when a golf ball is struck.SOLUTION: An iron-type golf club head 100 includes a ball striking face and a rear weight member 106 that are engaged through one or more resilient members 130 with a connection structure 112 that creates a mass-damping effect at impact with a golf ball.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 724,024, entitled "Iron-Type Golf Clubs and Golf Club Heads," filed May 28, 2015. U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 724,024 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads, and more particularly to iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf clubs are well known in the art for use in the game of golf. Iron-type golf clubs generally have a cavity-back configuration, a muscle-back configuration, or a blade-type configuration. Amateur golfers generally prefer cavity-back clubs with perimeter weighting because they tend to produce better shots when not striking the center of the face. Blade-type irons are generally preferred by professional golfers and golfers with high skill levels because they provide better feel when striking the center of the golf ball's face and better feedback when not striking the center of the face. Blade-type irons also allow golfers to more easily create shots by imparting different types of spin to the ball, while cavity-back irons reduce or minimize the ability to create shots.

[0004] Cavity-back iron-type club heads, also known as "perimeter-weighted" irons, are known to have a concentration of mass around the rear face of the club head. This concentration of mass is typically found in raised, rib-like, perimeter-weighting elements that project rearward from the perimeter of the club face and substantially enclose a rear cavity that includes most of the rear face of the club head. In addition to placing a significant amount of mass behind the club face and away from the center of the club head, the rib-like perimeter-weighting elements act as structural reinforcements that compensate for the reduction in face thickness in the cavity region. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The following presents a general summary of aspects of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and its various features. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to provide a general overview and context for the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] According to aspects of the present invention, an iron-type golf club head may include a ball-striking face member and a rear weight member that are at least partially engaged through one or more resilient members with a connecting or engaging structure that provides a mass-damping effect upon ball impact.

[0007] As some more specific examples, aspects of the invention relate to an iron-type golf club head including: (a) a ball-striking face member including a first material having a first hardness, the face member having a rear surface; (b) a rear weight member including a second material having a second hardness, the weight member having a front surface, the front surface of the weight member and the rear surface of the face member opposing each other and defining a space therebetween; (c) at least one resilient member including a third material having a third hardness; and (d) at least one engaging member disposed within the space and optionally contacting at least one of the front and rear surfaces. These golf club heads may include one or more of the following properties and / or characteristics in any desired number and / or combination: (a) the third hardness may be less than the first hardness and / or the second hardness such that the at least one resilient member exhibits a substantially greater compression rate than the face member and the rear weight member; (b) the at least one engaging member may define at least three separated support regions within the space that limit the compression rate between the face member and the weight member, the at least three separated support regions may divide the space into an area of ​​low compression rate and an area of ​​high compression rate, the area of ​​high compression rate having a greater compression rate than the area of ​​low compression rate; and (c) the resilient member may be disposed between the weight member and the face member and located at least within the area of ​​high compression rate (optionally on all sides of the at least one engaging member).

[0008] As some further potential features, the engagement members may include one or more of the following properties or characteristics: at least one may be fixedly connected to the face member; at least one may be fixedly connected to the weight member; at least one may be integrally formed with and from the same material as the face member; and / or at least one may be integrally formed with and from the same material as the weight member. In some examples, the engagement members may be engaged with a resilient member.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the weight member may comprise one or more weight components trapped within the resilient member. As some more specific examples, if desired, the weight components may include one or more parts (e.g., made from tungsten, lead, a tungsten-containing material, a lead-containing material, etc.) embedded within a third material of the resilient member, fitted into a chamber or recess formed within the resilient member (and optionally secured therein with an adhesive, a mechanical connector, etc.), etc.

[0010] The resilient member may contact and / or be attached to one or both of the front surface of the weight member and / or the rear surface of the face member. Optionally, the resilient member may comprise two or more separate resilient member components. When two or more resilient member components are present, each resilient member component may contact and / or be attached to the front surface of the weight member and / or the rear surface of the face member.

[0011] At least one engagement member may define at least three, four, or more connection point supports, each forming a respective one of the at least three, four, or more separated support regions. The three or more connection point supports may be arranged in a linear, triangular, square or rectangular, another polygonal, and / or any other desired shape. In some exemplary configurations, the golf club head face member may include scorelines or grooves on its front surface, and at least three of the separated support regions may be arranged substantially in a straight line substantially parallel to the scorelines / grooves.

[0012] In accordance with at least some examples of the present invention, the modulus of elasticity of the third material of the resilient member is less than the modulus of elasticity of one or more (and optionally each) of the first material (of the ball-striking face member) and the second material (of the rear weight member) and is less than the modulus of elasticity of the material comprising the three or more connection point supports. In some examples, the modulus of elasticity of the material comprising the three or more connection point supports is at least 500 times the modulus of elasticity of the third material. Additionally or alternatively, the third material may be more compressible than the at least three separated support regions.

[0013] As another example, an iron-type golf club head according to some examples of the present invention may include: (a) a ball-striking face member comprising a first material having a first hardness, the face member having a rear surface; (b) a rear weight member comprising a second material having a second hardness, the weight member having a front surface, the front and rear surfaces generally opposing each other and having a space therebetween; (c) at least one resilient member comprising a third material having a third hardness; and (d) at least one engaging member disposed within the space and, optionally, contacting at least one of the front and rear surfaces. These golf club heads may include one or more of the following properties and / or characteristics in any desired number and / or combination: (a) the third hardness may be less than the first hardness and the second hardness such that the at least one resilient member exhibits a substantially greater compression rate than the face member and the rear weight member; (b) the at least one engaging member may define at least two separated support regions within the space that limit the compression rate between the face member and the weight member, the at least two separated support regions may divide the space into an area of ​​low compression rate and an area of ​​high compression rate, the area of ​​high compression rate having a greater compression rate than the area of ​​low compression rate; and (c) the resilient member may be disposed between the weight member and the face member and located at least within the area of ​​high compression rate.

[0014] In this example, the at least one engagement member may define two (or more) connection point supports, each connection point support defining a respective one of the at least two separated support regions. The elastic modulus of the third material of the elastic member may be less than the elastic modulus of each of the first and second materials (of the face member and rear weight member, respectively), the elastic modulus of the third material may be less than the elastic modulus of the materials defining the two connection point supports, and / or the third material may be more compressible than the at least two separated support regions.

[0015] A structure according to this aspect of the invention may include any of the various features, options, or variations described above for the face member, rear weight member, engagement member, and / or resilient member. As one more specific example, if desired, the face member of this exemplary golf club head may include scorelines or grooves thereon, and at least two separated support areas may be disposed along a line substantially parallel to the scorelines / grooves.

[0016] A more complete understanding of the present invention and some of its advantages can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description in light of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a rear view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0019] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is a heel side view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0020] [Figure 1D]FIG. 1 is a toe side view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0021] [Figure 1E] FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0022] [Figure 1F] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0023] [Figure 1G] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0024] [Figure 1H] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head according to some examples of the present invention, with various options or features highlighted. [Figure 1I] 1 is a rear view of a golf club head according to some examples of the present invention, with various options or features highlighted.

[0025] [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0026] [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0027] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0028] [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0029] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0030] [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0031] [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of the toe or heel side of an exemplary golf club head according to some examples of the present invention in the area of ​​a raised rib provided as part of an engagement or connecting structure (this view may also correspond to a cross-section through the raised rib element).

[0032] [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a rear view of another exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0033] [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a rear view of another exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0034] [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a rear view of another exemplary golf club head according to some examples of this invention.

[0035] [Figure 8A] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary golf club head assemblies and components according to some examples of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary golf club head assemblies and components according to some examples of the present invention.

[0036] [Figure 9] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary golf club head assemblies and components according to some examples of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 10A] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 10B] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 10C] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 11A] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 11B] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 12]10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. [Figure 13] 10A-10C illustrate golf club heads according to some examples of the present invention having different sets and arrangements of contact or connection points. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] The reader is advised that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0039] In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which illustrate, by way of example, various exemplary golf club heads, golf club head components, and golf club structures according to the present invention. It should be further understood that other specific arrangements of components and structures may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Additionally, while terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "rear," "side," "lower," and "overhead" may be used herein to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention, these terms are used herein for convenience, for example, based on examples of orientations shown in the figures and / or orientations in common usage (e.g., an address orientation, an orientation in a "standard" orientation (e.g., the orientation of the club head from which measurements are taken to determine compliance with USGA rules)). Nothing herein should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional or spatial orientation of a structure to fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0040] 1A through 1G provide various views of a first exemplary iron-type golf club head 100. This exemplary club head 100 includes a hosel member 102 (e.g., for engaging a shaft), a ball-striking face 104, and a rear perimeter weight 106 (which at least partially defines a rear hollow area 108 (i.e., a "cavity-back" structure) within the club head structure 100). The ball-striking face 104 constitutes the front surface of a ball-striking face member 110, which may have a flat plate structure or other desired structure (e.g., a flat ball-striking face plate extending on the heel side of the club head 100 and forming the hosel 102 or a portion of the hosel 102, etc.). The ball-striking face member 110 may be made from any desired material or materials, including steel, stainless steel, titanium, and / or one or more other metallic or metallic alloy materials conventionally known and used in golf club iron construction. Additionally, ball-striking face member 110 may be fabricated from one piece, or from two or more component pieces that are engaged together (e.g., by welding or other fusing techniques, by adhesives or cements, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc.) Ball-striking face member 110 may be formed by forging, casting, stamping, and / or other methods, including methods conventionally known and used in the golf club art.

[0041] 1A-1G , in this illustrated example, the raised rib element 112 extends rearward from the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face member 110 (extending rearward from the major surface 110r opposite the ball-striking face 104). This raised rib element 112 may be integrally formed as part of the ball-striking face member 110 when the ball-striking face member 110 is formed (e.g., by casting, forging, stamping, etc.), or it may be a separate component engaged with the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face member 110 in a separate step (e.g., by welding or other fusing technique, by adhesive or cement, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc.). In this illustrated example, the raised rib element 112 is semi-cylindrical, e.g., semi-circular in cross-section, and protrudes rearward from the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face member 110. As described in more detail below, other raised rib element 112 shapes may be utilized.

[0042] The exemplary club head structure 100 further includes a rear weight element 120 as a separate component located at the rear of the club head structure 100. The rear weight element 120 includes a large ring member that provides a rear surface behind the ball-striking face member 110 and forms the perimeter weight 106. In some examples, the interior surface 108a of the perimeter weight 106 structure of the rear weight element 120 may comprise a portion of the rear weight element 120 (e.g., the exposed surface of a thin plate that forms the front wall of the rear weight element 120 such that the cavity 108 does not extend completely through the rear weight element 120). However, in other examples, the surface 108a may comprise an exposed surface of another component of the club head structure 100 (e.g., such that the rear weight element 120 includes a through-hole in the cavity 108 within the perimeter weight 106). Alternatively, if desired, a portion of the cavity 108 in the rear weight element 120 may form a through-hole, and another portion of the cavity 108 may be sealed by a portion of the rear weight element 120. The rear weight element 120 may be made from any desired material or materials, including steel, stainless steel, titanium, or other metallic or metal alloy materials, polymeric materials, fiber-reinforced polymeric materials, and / or materials conventionally known and used in golf club and iron construction. The rear weight element 120 may also contain lead, tungsten, and / or other high-density materials to increase the weight of the element 120. Additionally, the rear weight element 120 may be made from one piece or from a piece of two or more components that are engaged with each other (e.g., by welding or other fusing techniques, by adhesives or cements, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc.).

[0043] 1A-1G further illustrate one or more resilient members 130 disposed between the ball-striking face member 110 and the rear weight element 120. The resilient member 130 may be made of, for example, a natural or synthetic rubber material, a polyurethane-based elastomer, a silicone material, and / or one or more other elastomeric materials, although the member 130 may be made of different types of resilient materials, including various types of resilient polymers, such as foam materials or other rubber-like materials. In some more specific examples, the resilient member 130 may be a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) vulcanizate. Furthermore, the resilient member 130 may be resilient such that the resilient member 130 compresses in response to an applied force and returns to its previous (uncompressed) state when the force is removed or sufficiently relaxed. The resilient member 130 may also be viscoelastic such that some energy loss (and therefore a mass damping effect) is associated with the return to the uncompressed state. The resilient member 130 may have a strength or hardness that is less than, or may be significantly less than, the strength / hardness of the material of the face member 110 and / or the rear weight member 120. In some examples, the resilient member 130 may have a hardness of about 70 Shore A to about 70 Shore D. The hardness may be determined, for example, by using ASTM D-2240 or another applicable test with a Shore durometer.

[0044] 1A-1G , the rear weight member 120 is configured to receive transferred energy and / or momentum from an impact between the face member 110 and the golf ball, e.g., against the ball-striking face 104, and to selectively compress the resilient member 130. The rear weight member 120 may be made, at least in part, from a heavier and / or denser material than the material of the face member 110, and the rear weight member 120 may account for approximately 30-90% of the total weight of the head 100 (and in some examples, approximately 40% to approximately 75% of the total weight of the head 100). The rear weight member 120 may be connected to the face member 110 in several different configurations and / or orientations that enable this selective compression of the resilient member 130 between the rear weight member 120 and the face member 110. Several such configurations are described below and illustrated in the figures.

[0045] More specifically, the rear weight member 120 in this exemplary structure 100 is engaged with the face member 110 such that the raised rib elements 112 of the face member 110 support or engage (directly or indirectly) the rear weight member 120 (e.g., the front surface of the perimeter weight 106). Thus, the raised rib elements 112 face rearward and face the rear weight member 120, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1G. The various components of the club head 100 may be engaged with one another such that the raised rib elements 112 securely engage both the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120, forming a point or line of engagement between these components. At this point or line of engagement, less compression occurs upon impact than within the resilient material surrounding or near the resilient member 130. The contact between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120 along the raised rib 112 may be the only point or line of direct contact between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120, at least around the periphery of the face and / or within the entire club head structure 100. A resilient member 130 may separate the face member 110 from the rear weight member 120 (and may be entirely between the rear surface 110r of the face member 110 and the front surface 120f of the weight member 120).

[0046] The engagement between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120 along the raised ribs 112 (e.g., at least in the peripheral weight region 106) may be configured and oriented to form points or lines of relatively low compression that allow for more efficient impact energy distribution from the face member to the weight member when the ball strikes that point along the line. For example, in the structure shown in FIGS. 1A-1G , the raised ribs 112 form one or more fixed lines of engagement (e.g., line segments on each of the heel and toe sides of the peripheral weight region 106) between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120. These fixed line segments of engagement extend along one or more lines that extend in the heel-to-toe direction of the club head 100, and the resilient member 130 separates the face member 110 from the rear weight member 120 at least above and below the one or more line segments of contact at the raised ribs 112. The term "fixed engagement," as used herein in this context, does not necessarily imply fixation or attachment, but instead means that the surfaces that engage with each other are more rigid, i.e., less flexible and / or compressible, and therefore behave rigidly during impact with the ball and / or transfer of energy and / or momentum. For example, the raised ribs 112 shown in FIGS. 1A-1G may fixedly engage the face member 110 with the rear weight member 120 through a non-fixed abutment (and each of the face member 110 and / or rear weight member 120 may be fixedly engaged with the resilient member 130, for example, using cement or adhesive, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.). In this manner, in the areas above and below the raised ribs 112, the face member 110 may be considered to be "compressibly coupled" to the rear weight member 120 through their less rigid connection via the resilient member 130.

[0047] Although other locations and / or orientations are possible, the raised rib 112 may be positioned and oriented to extend along a line generally parallel to one or more groove lines 114 formed on the striking face 104 of the club head 100. The groove lines 114 may be conventional grooves known and used in the art, including grooves that comply with the requirements of the USGA and / or R&A Rules of Golf. Additionally, while the vertical location of the raised rib 112 relative to the club head 100 may vary, in some examples of the present invention, the raised rib 112 is positioned such that the rear peak 112P of the raised rib 112 is located on a line extending vertically rearward from the striking face 104 through the center of gravity of the club head (e.g., point G in FIGS. 1B and 1G ). In a set of golf clubs including this type of raised rib element 112 and resilient member 130 engagement between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120, the location and / or orientation of the raised rib element 112 may vary from club to club within a set of irons (e.g., it may be positioned higher vertically on some irons compared to others). Examples of potential variations in the vertical location and / or orientation of the raised rib 112 are shown by the arrows in FIG. 1H, and examples of potential variations in the angular location and / or orientation are shown by comparing dashed line pair 112a and dotted / dash-dotted line pair 112b in FIG. 1H. Other locations, angular variations, and curved variations are also possible, such as the curved raised rib orientation shown by dashed line pair 112c and dotted / dash-dotted line pair 112d in FIG. 1I. Many variations in the curved raised ribs 112c, 112d may be utilized without departing from this invention, including variations in the height or depth of the curve apex, the toe-heel location of the curve apex, the number of curve apexes, the orientation of the curved ribs 112c, 112d relative to the face location, etc. The ribs or other engaging members form lines (straight or curved) of reduced compression within the club head (as the area around the engaging member 112 is less compressible than the resilient member 130 and / or areas away from the engaging member 112).

[0048] 1A-1G, two elastic members 130 are provided: one above the peak 112P of the raised rib element 112 and one below the peak 112P. In this manner, the peak 112P (and optionally the raised rib rather) may be visible within the rear cavity 108 of the club head 100. Note FIGS. 1A and 1B (the general location of the raised rib 112 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1B, as at least some of the rib element 112 may be covered by the elastic members 130). Other options are possible, as described in more detail below.

[0049] As previously mentioned, the resilient member 130 may be made from a material having at least some degree of resilience so that the resilient member 130 can be compressed in response to the force of striking a ball and, following compression, return to its previous (uncompressed) state. When the resilient member 130 is inserted between the face member 110 and the rear weight member 120, at least above and below the raised rib element 112, energy and / or momentum can be transferred between the rear weight member 120 and the face member 110 during ball impact, particularly when the ball strikes the face 104 at an "off-center" location above or below the rib element 112. Furthermore, the rear weight member 120 may also be configured to resist deflection of the face member 110 upon impact of the ball with the striking face 104. The resilient member 130 may be compressed and return to or beyond its uncompressed state many times after contact between the face member 110 and the ball. Each compression-recovery cycle may generally be shorter than the previous cycle, where applicable, as a result of hysteresis losses within the elastic material that result in a mass damping effect.

[0050] More specifically, when the ball is struck off-center (e.g., when the ball strikes the face 104 above or below the vertical location of the raised rib element 112), contact between the ball and the face member 110 applies a compressive force to the resilient member 130 at the location of contact below the raised rib element 112. Because the rear weight member 120 and the face member 110 are not directly engaged with each other at that vertical location (rather, the resilient member 130 is between these components), the compression of the resilient member 130 absorbs some of the energy of the impact, while the rear weight member 120 rather maintains its original energy and momentum from the force of the swing. This has a positive effect on the feel of the club when struck off-center, while providing a more “direct” feel when the ball is struck directly in front of the rib element 112.

[0051] 1A-1G, raised rib element 112 is in the form of a rounded member, and rear body member 120 directly contacts peak 112P of the rounded portion of rib member 112. When the ball strikes the face in a location directly aligned with peak 112P (e.g., point P on face 104 as shown in FIG. 1G), the player "feels" intimate contact with the ball.

[0052] The raised rib elements 112 may also take on other shapes or configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, the raised rib elements 212 in this example have a more pointed peak shape 212P (e.g., a triangular cross-sectional shape) compared to the rounded examples of FIGS. 1A-1G. Meanwhile, in the example of FIG. 2B, the raised rib elements 222 have peaks 222P with somewhat flatter sides (e.g., a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape). Alternatively (as shown in FIG. 1I), if desired, the raised ribs may extend in a curved or curvilinear longitudinal manner or path (rather than the straight longitudinal path shown in FIGS. 1A-1G).

[0053] 1G, 2A, and 2B, there is direct contact (fixed engagement) between rear body member 120 and face member 110 at the locations of raised rib elements 112, 212, 222. Optionally, if desired, each of these raised rib elements 112, 212, 222 may be at least partially exposed in final golf club head structure 100, for example, within cavity 108 (if rear body member 120 has a through hole in the cavity 108 area and elastic member 130 does not completely cover rib elements 112, 212, 222). Alternatively, if desired, the cavity 108 defined by the rear body member 120 may have a front wall such that the peaks 112P, 212P, 222P of the raised rib elements 112, 212, 222 are covered and directly engage the rear body member 120 (e.g., the peripheral weight portion 106 and / or the front wall of the rear body member 120) along all or substantially all of the length of the raised ribs.

[0054] Other options are possible. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B , if desired, the resilient member 130 may be fabricated in one or more pieces that completely cover the peaks 112P, 212P of the raised rib elements 112, 212. If desired, the thickness of the resilient member 130 between the peaks 112P, 212P and the rear body member 120 may be relatively thin (e.g., less than 5 mm thick, and in some instances less than 3 mm thick, but typically greater than about 1 mm thick) to fine-tune the amount of compression of the resilient member 130 upon impact, for example. As another option or alternative, if desired, the hardness of the material used to form the resilient member 130 may be varied to fine-tune the amount of compression upon impact and mass damping for a given thickness. Additionally, proximate the locations of peaks 112P, 212P and / or near peaks 112P, 212P, the elastic member material may have a higher hardness to gradually change the amount of compression of elastic member 130 for impacts proximate peaks 112P, 212P. In another example, the elastic member 130 material may have a hardness gradient in a direction away from rib elements 112, 212 and / or peaks 112P, 212P. The same or similar elastic member 130 structure (completely covering peaks 222P and ribs 222) may also be used in the exemplary structure shown in FIG. 2B.

[0055] In other club head structures, surface 108a within cavity 108 may constitute rear surface 110r of face member 110. In such structures, resilient member 130 may constitute or form a ring of material having an open central hole, the ring of material being between peripheral weight portion 106 of rear weight member 120 and the periphery of rear surface 110r of ball-striking face member 110.

[0056] Additionally, in the exemplary structures described above, raised rib members are provided on the rear surface 110r of the face member 110. This is also not a requirement. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, in some exemplary structures, raised ribs 412 are provided on the front surface 420f of the rear weight member 420. The peaks 412P of these raised ribs 412 can then engage the rear surface 110r of the face member 110 in a similar manner as described above. Although not shown, a rear weight member such as 420 having raised ribs 412 and peaks 412P can also be used in structures such as those shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B (with a thin layer of resilient member 130 positioned between the peaks 412P and the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face member 110).

[0057] In the embodiments described above, the raised rib elements (e.g., 112, 212, 222, 412) are shown as integral parts of the face member or weight member, but this is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, in any of the exemplary structures described above (and / or structures described in more detail below), the raised rib elements (e.g., sharp-edged ribs, rounded-edged ribs, cones, etc.) may be formed as separate pieces from the ball-striking face member 110 and / or weight member 120, 420, and this separate piece may be engaged with the ball-striking face member 110 and / or weight member 120, 420. When formed as separate pieces, the material of the separate pieces of the raised ribs may be at least as stiff as the material of the resilient member 130. This separate raised rib element 112 may be engaged with the face member 110 and / or weight member 120, 420 by welding or other welding techniques, by adhesive or cement, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc. As a further alternative, parts of the raised rib element 112 may be engaged with the resilient member 130 (e.g., by adhesive or cement, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc.). The raised rib element 112 may be a polymer material engaged with the resilient member 130, face member 110, and / or weight member 120, 420 by, for example, co-molding, etc.

[0058] 1A-1G, the rib member 112 is shown extending continuously from the heel edge to the toe edge of the ball-striking face member 110 beyond the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face member 110. Other options are possible. For example, in the exemplary golf club head structure 500 shown in FIG. 5, the rear weight member 520 is fixedly engaged with two short rib members. One short rib member 512h is provided on the heel side 106h of the perimeter weight member 106, and the other short rib member 512t is provided on the toe side 106t of the perimeter weight member 106. This type of arrangement of two short rib members (e.g., 512h, 512t) may be preferred for club head structures in which the rear weight member 520 has a through hole within the cavity region 108 (e.g., where surface 108a in FIG. 5 represents the rear surface of the resilient member 130 and / or the rear surface 110r of the ball-striking face 110). In this structure 500, if desired, the resilient member 130 may form a ring (or two half rings) underlying only the peripheral weight region 106 of the rear weight member 520 (e.g., the resilient member 130 may be in the form of a ring with a through hole, and two half rings of resilient member may be provided (one on top, one on bottom), etc.).

[0059] The configuration of FIG. 5 having two short rib members 512h and 512t may be used in any of the structures and / or variations described above, including those described above and / or shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and / or 4A-4C.

[0060] 6 shows another example club head structure 600 having multiple short rib members, including a heel rib member 612h and a toe rib member 612t, located on the heel side 106h and toe side 106t, respectively, of the peripheral weight member 106 of the rear weight member 620 (e.g., as described above with respect to example structure 500 of FIG. 5). However, this example structure 600 further includes a third short rib member 612c located in a central region of the club head structure 600. This example rear weight member 620 is fixedly engaged with these three short rib members 612h, 612c, and 612t (e.g., in the heel peripheral weight region 106h, in the toe peripheral weight region 106t, and at the front face 620f of the rear weight member 620). This type of arrangement of three short rib members (e.g., 612h, 612c, 612t) may be preferred for a club head structure in which the rear weight member 620 has a forward surface 620f where it fixedly engages at least the central short rib member 612c. Also, in this structure 600, if desired, the resilient member 130 may form a ring (or two half rings) that underlies only the peripheral weight region 106 of the rear weight member 620 (e.g., the resilient member 130 may be in the form of a ring with a through hole, two half rings (one on top, one on bottom), etc.).

[0061] In this illustrated example, the central short rib member 612c is generally aligned with a line connecting the heel rib member 612h and the toe rib member 612t, although other orientations and placements are possible. Alternatively, if desired, the central short rib member 612c may be vertically shifted up or down from the generally linear placement shown in FIG. 6. Additionally, the central short rib member 612c may extend across any desired portion or percentage of the rear cavity area 108 (e.g., 0.5% to 99.5% of the distance between ribs 612h and 612t, and in some examples, 10% to 90% of that distance, 15% to 60% of that distance, or even 20% to 40% of that distance). Alternatively, if desired, the rear weight member 620 and the face member 110 may be fixedly engaged at more than the three illustrated short rib members 612h, 612c, 612t (e.g., a fourth short rib member, a fifth short rib member, and more short rib members may be provided, optionally along the same generally linear arrangement, or in some other desired arrangement, if desired).

[0062] The configuration of FIG. 6 having three (or more) short rib members 612h, 612c, and 612t may be used in any of the structures and / or variations described above, including in any of the structures and / or variations described above and / or shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and / or 4A-4C.

[0063] 5 and 6, where multiple rib elements are provided, the rib elements are arranged in a generally linear alignment (e.g., ribs 512h and 512t are substantially in a straight line, and ribs 612h, 612c, and 612t are substantially in a straight line). Other arrangements are possible. For example, FIG. 7 shows a club head structure 700 having a rear weight member 720 mounted on two short rib elements 712h and 712t in the heel and toe perimeter weight regions 106h and 106t, similar to rib members 512h and 512t shown in FIG. 5, but in the structure 700 of FIG. 7, the short rib elements 712h and 712t are not substantially in a straight line. The rib elements 712h and 712t may be provided at any desired angle, vertical separation, and / or orientation relative to one another, may lie on a predetermined curved line (e.g., on the arc of a circle, ellipse, parabola, etc.), and / or may have no predetermined geometric relationship between their relative positioning and / or orientation. If desired, one or more additional rib elements (e.g., one or more intermediate or central ribs 612c shown in the example structure 600 of FIG. 6) may be provided in the structure 700 of FIG. 7. When one or more intermediate or central ribs are present, they may or may not lie on a common line, curve, arc, or other arrangement with respect to one or more of the heel rib 712h, toe rib 712t, and / or each other.

[0064] The configuration of Figure 7 having two (or more) short rib members 712h and 712t may be used in any of the structures and / or variations described above, including in any of the structures and / or variations described above and / or shown in Figures 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and / or 4A-4C.

[0065] 8A and 8B illustrate one exemplary golf club head structure 800 and a method of making the same according to at least some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 8A illustrates a toe view of the finished golf club head product 800, and FIG. 8B illustrates exemplary components thereof and a method of constructing it (e.g., as an exploded view). As shown in these figures, golf club head 800 includes a rear weight member 820, which in this illustrated example is integrally formed with or attached to a hosel member 802 for engaging a golf club shaft (not shown). Rear weight member 820 may comprise a cavity-back / perimeter weighting mounting structure 806 or other desired weight member structures of various types, for example, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-7.

[0066] In this example, hosel area 802 defines a heel wall 802a of club head structure 800, to which resilient member 830 and / or the heel side of face member 810 can be attached when club head 800 is assembled. Additionally, front surface 820f of peripheral weight portion 806 of rear weight member 820 (and optionally, the entire front surface 820f of rear weight member 820) also forms a surface to which at least resilient member 830 can be attached. As an alternative to simply heel sidewall 802a, if desired, hosel member 802 and / or rear weight member 820 can define two or more peripheral walls, or optionally entire peripheral chambers, within which resilient member 830 and / or face member 810 can be attached. Alternatively, if desired, the additional heel wall 802a in the hosel section 802 can be omitted (and the resilient member 830 and face member 810 may be mounted only on the forward face 820f of the rear weight member 820).

[0067] 8A and 8B, the rear surface 810r of the ball-striking face member 810 includes at least one raised rib element 812. In this illustrated example, the raised rib element 812 fits within a groove 830g formed in a front surface 830f of the resilient member 830. Alternatively, the resilient member 830 may be made from a separate piece and / or may include a gap such that the raised rib 812 can fixedly and / or directly engage at least some portion of the front surface 820f of the rear weight member 820 (e.g., at least in locations associated with the heel and toe portions of the perimeter weight 806). The ball-striking face 810, rear weight member 820, raised rib 812, and / or resilient member 830 may take any of the shapes, options, and / or alternatives described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-7.

[0068] To fabricate club head 800, (a) ball-striking face portion 810 may be engaged with resilient member 830 (e.g., surface 810r may be engaged with surface 830f having ribs 812, if any, extending into grooves 830g, e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.), and (b) resilient member 830 may be engaged with rear body member 820 (e.g., rear surface 830r may be engaged with surface 820f, e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.). These engagement steps may occur in any desired order (e.g., first, resilient member 830 may be engaged with face member 810, and then this unit may be engaged with rear body member 820, or first, resilient member 830 may be engaged with rear body member 820, and then this unit may be engaged with face member 810), or the engagement steps may occur simultaneously. Face member 810 and / or resilient member 830 may also be engaged with heel sidewall 802a of rear body member 820 / hosel member 802, if present (e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.), if desired.

[0069] In the exemplary structure 800 and method shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , the hosel member 802 is engaged with, integrally formed with, and / or otherwise connected to a rear weight member 820. Other options are possible. For example, FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary golf club head structure 900 and method of making the same in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the golf club head 900 includes a rear weight member 920, which in this illustrated example is formed separately from a hosel member 902 for engaging a golf club shaft (not shown). Rather, the hosel member 902 in this illustrated example is engaged with, integrally formed with, or otherwise connected to a face member 910. The rear weight member 920 may comprise a cavity-back / perimeter weighting mounting structure 906 or any other desired type of weight member, for example, of the various types described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-7 .

[0070] Although not shown in this example, hosel section 902 may define a heel wall (e.g., similar to heel wall 802a described above) of club head structure 900 to which the heel side of resilient member 830 and / or rear weight member 920 can be attached when club head 900 is assembled. Additionally or alternatively, front surface 920f of peripheral weight portion 906 of rear weight member 920 (and optionally the entire front surface 920f of rear weight member 920) forms a surface to which at least resilient member 930 can be attached. As an alternative to simply a heel sidewall, if desired, hosel member 902 and / or front member 910 can define two or more peripheral walls, or optionally entire peripheral chambers, within which resilient member 930 and / or rear weight member 920 can be attached. However, in this illustrated example, the additional heel wall in the hosel section 902 is omitted, and a resilient member 930 and a rear weight member 920 are attached to the rear surface 910 r of the face member 910 .

[0071] 9, the rear surface 910r of the ball-striking face member 910 includes at least one raised rib element 912. In this depicted example, the raised rib element 912 fits within a groove 930g formed in a front surface 930f of the resilient member 930. Alternatively, the resilient member 930 may be made from a separate piece and / or may include a gap such that the raised rib 912 can fixedly and / or directly engage at least some portion of the front surface 920f of the rear weight member 920 (e.g., at least in locations associated with the heel and toe portions of the perimeter weight 906). The ball-striking face member 910, the rear weight member 920, the raised rib 912, and / or the resilient member 930 may take any of the shapes, options, and / or alternatives described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-7.

[0072] To fabricate club head 900, (a) ball-striking face portion 910 may be engaged with resilient member 930 (e.g., surface 910r may be engaged with surface 930f having ribs 912, if any, extending into grooves 930g, e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.), and (b) resilient member 930 may be engaged with rear body member 920 (e.g., rear surface 930r may be engaged with surface 920f, e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.). These engagement steps may occur in any desired order (e.g., first, resilient member 930 may be engaged with face member 910, and then this unit may be engaged with rear body member 920, or first, resilient member 930 may be engaged with rear body member 920, and then this unit may be engaged with face member 910), or these engagement steps may occur simultaneously. Rear body member 920 and / or resilient member 930 may also be engaged with a heel sidewall of front member 910 / hosel member 902, if a heel sidewall is present (e.g., using one or more of adhesive or cement, other welding techniques, mechanical connectors, etc.).

[0073] The exemplary structures of Figures 1A through 9 illustrate golf club head structures in which the outer peripheral edges or sides of one or more resilient members are visible and extend continuously around at least the top, toe, and sole edges of the club head structure (and optionally are visible and extend continuously 360° around the club head peripheral structure). In at least some examples, the rear weight member is indirectly attached to the ball-striking face member at all locations (except potentially at the raised rib peak locations) by resilient elements. Even at the raised rib locations, the rear weight member and the face member may simply abut one another and are not necessarily permanently fixed to one another (e.g., not necessarily fixed by welding, welding techniques, adhesives or cements, mechanical connectors, etc.). Although other features are possible, at least some exemplary structures according to at least some embodiments of the present invention may have the features described above.

[0074] Also, in these illustrated exemplary structures, the raised rib elements extend generally in a heel-to-toe direction, for example, such that the mass damping described above is activated at least when the ball strikes the striking face above and / or below the raised rib elements. Other options are possible.

[0075] For example, rather than a rib-type structure, the rear weight member may contact and / or be secured to the face member at one or more "point" locations, with one or more resilient members positioned around the one or more "point" engagement locations. In some more specific examples, rather than a raised rib structure, the front surface of the rear weight member and / or the rear surface of the face member may include one or more raised connection points (e.g., domes, pyramids, flat-topped pyramids, or similar features) that contact and / or otherwise extend to locations near the surface of the other component. The raised connection points may provide direct contact between the rear body member and the face member (e.g., as in the direct connection shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1G, 2A, 2B, and 4A-4C), or a layer of resilient member may be between the rear body member and the face member at the raised connection points (e.g., as in the indirect connection shown and described above in connection with FIGS. 3A and 3B).

[0076] 10A-13 show example club head structures 1000, 1100, 1150, 1200, and 1300, respectively, having one, two, three, three, and four of these "point"-type engagement locations 1002. While other connection structures are possible, the point-type engagement at locations 1002 may have, for example, raised connection point structures of the type shown in FIGS. 26-33 of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0137533A1 (including, for example, structures described in paragraphs

[0152] -

[0160] therein). U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0137533A1 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connection point structures may have a cross-sectional shape in the form of a dome, curved, or rounded structure (e.g., with a cross-section shaped like element 112 in FIG. 1G), a sharp peak or more pointed pyramidal structure (e.g., with a cross-section shaped like element 212 in FIG. 2A), a shape similar to FIG. 2A but with a more rounded peak (instead of a sharp point), a flat peak or pyramidal structure (e.g., with a cross-section shaped like element 222 in FIG. 2B), etc.

[0077] The exemplary club head structures of FIGS. 10A-13 may have rear weight members, resilient members, face members, and / or hosel members of the type described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-4, 8A, 8B, and 9, for example, with outer peripheral edges or sides of one or more resilient members visible around and extending continuously at least the top, toe, and sole edges of the club head structure (and optionally visible around and extending continuously 360° around the club head peripheral structure). Thus, in at least some examples, the club head structures 1000, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1300 of Figures 10A and 11A-13, including any of the variations described above with respect to these structures, including raised ribs if necessary, may have upper, sole, toe, and heel structures and views similar to the structures shown in Figures 1C-1G, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A-4C, 8A, 8B, and 9. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 10B and 10C, the previously described raised ribs may be omitted in the structures of Figures 10A and 11A-13, and connection points 1002 may serve as fixedly engaging / incompressible connecting structures for face member 1010 and rear body member 1020 (with resilient material 1030 between these components and / or optionally positioned around connection points 1002). The connection point 1002 may be made from a hard, durable, and / or substantially incompressible material (at least compared to the material of the elastic member) so as to define one or more areas of low compression within the club head 1000, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1300 around the vicinity of the connection point 1002 (areas of higher compression are spaced away from the connection point 1002 due to the presence of the elastic material).

[0078] The connection point structure at location 1002 may be formed as an integral part with the face member or weight member, although this is not a requirement. Rather, if desired, in any of the exemplary structures described above (and / or structures described in more detail below), the connection point structure at location 1002 may be formed as a separate piece from the ball-striking face member and / or weight member, and these separate pieces may be engaged with the ball-striking face member and / or weight member. When formed as a separate piece, the material of the connection point structure at location 1002 may be at least as rigid as the material of the resilient member. The connection point structure at location 1002 may be engaged with the face member and / or weight member by welding or other fusing techniques, by adhesive or cement, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc. As a further alternative, the connection point structure at location 1002 may be a piece that is engaged with the resilient member (e.g., by adhesive or cement, by one or more mechanical connectors (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), etc.). The connection point structure at location 1002 may be comprised of a polymeric material engaged with the resilient member, face member, and / or weight member, such as by co-molding.

[0079] 10-13, the rear weight member 1020 includes a front wall 1020f where the rear weight member 1020 is engaged with the face member at a connection point 1002 (e.g., using one or more of the various connection structures described above). The front wall 1020f may completely enclose the cavity 1008 within the area within the perimeter weight member 1006, although this is not a requirement.

[0080] In the example of FIGS. 10A-10C, a single connection point 1002 is provided (although, as described above with respect to FIGS. 8A-9, the rear body member 1020 may be indirectly engaged with the ball-striking face member 1010 through the resilient member 1030, for example, by adhesive or cement, by welding techniques, etc.). If desired, the connection point location 1002 may be located such that the peak of the connection point 1002 is on a line perpendicular to the ball-striking face that passes through the center of gravity G of the club head 1000 (see, for example, FIG. 1G), although other locations are possible. In this way, the force generated by striking the ball in line with the center of gravity of the club head is maximally supported by the connection point 1002. When the ball is struck off-center with the club head face, the resilient member 1030 (which may surround the connection point 1002) compresses as described above, activating mass damping.

[0081] In the exemplary structure 1000 of FIGS. 10A-10C, the club head 1000 includes a single connection point 1002, and the resilient member 1030 is located around this connection point 1002 (e.g., at least between the face member 1010 and the rear weight member 1020 around the perimeter weight 1006 area). Thus, off-center shots in any direction from the connection point 1002 experience enhanced feel as a result of mass damping resulting from the cyclic compression-decompression of the resilient member 1030 deflection initiated by the momentum of the rear weight member 1020. The connection point location 1002 may also vary over the course of a set of irons; for example, optionally, different connection point locations 1002 may depend on the loft of the club head. Due to its relatively incompressible nature (at least compared to the higher compressibility of the resilient material), the connection point 1002 defines a low-compressibility zone or region 1002c around itself.

[0082] In the club head structure 1100 of FIG. 11A (which may have toe and heel views like those of FIGS. 10B and 10C ), two connection points 1002 are provided within a cavity 1008 of a perimeter weight 1006. The two connection points 1002 may define an increased line of face support 1102, particularly in the portion 1102a of the line 1102 between the two connection points 1002, and in this manner, the two connection points 1002 may function similarly to the generally linear raised rib structure described above. More specifically, the two connection points 1002 may define opposite ends of a support region (or region of low compression 1102c) behind the ball-striking face member 1010 that acts like the raised rib and / or region of low compression described above. Due to their relatively incompressible nature (at least compared to the higher compressibility of the resilient material), the pair of connection points 1002 defines an elongated area or region 1102c of low compressibility therearound. On strikes generally aligned with the line 1102, minimal or no compression of the resilient member 1030 is experienced, resulting in a direct, solid-feeling strike. However, on off-center strikes above and below the line 1102, the momentum of the rear weight member 1020 compresses the resilient member 1030 as described above, thereby providing mass damping generally as described above with respect to the linear ribs. Optionally, if desired, the structure 1100 of FIG. 11A may be used in combination with several raised rib structures, such as those described above with respect to FIGS. 5-7.

[0083] 11A , the line 1102 is oriented to extend parallel to the groove line on the striking face of the club head 1100. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the line 1102 may be oriented such that the line 1102 (and optionally the line segment 1102a between the connection points 1002 and / or the midpoint of that line segment 1102a) extends through the center of gravity G of the club head 1100 or intersects a line perpendicular to the striking face that passes through the center of gravity G of the club head 1100. In this manner, striking the ball in line with the center of gravity of the club head 1100 results in significantly less compression of the resilient member 1030, resulting in a more direct, solid feel, while off-center hits result in the improved feel resulting from mass damping, as described above. The connection point locations 1002 on the club head 1100 and / or their relative orientations to one another may vary over the course of a set of irons, for example, optionally with different connection point locations 1002 and / or relative orientations depending on the loft of the club head 1100.

[0084] 11B, as an alternative, a third (or more) connection points 1002 may be provided along the line 1102, if desired. As another specific example, if desired, one additional connection point 1002 may be provided on the line segment 1152a at or coincident with the center of gravity G of the club head 1100 (e.g., the additional connection point 1002 is provided on the line segment 1152a at the location marked G in FIG. 11B).

[0085] In the club head structure 1150 of FIG. 11B (which may have toe and heel views like those of FIGS. 10B and 10C ), three connection points 1002 are provided within a cavity 1008 in a perimeter weight 1006. The three connection points 1002 in this example may define an increased line 1152 of face support, particularly in the portion 1152a of the line 1152 between the connection points 1002 closest to the heel and toe ends of the club head 1150. In this example structure 1150, the three connection points 1002 may function similarly to the generally linear raised rib structure described above. More specifically, the three connection points 1002 may define a support area (or area of ​​low compression 1152c) behind the ball-striking face member 1010 that acts like the raised ribs and / or low compression areas described above. The three connection points 1002, due to their relatively incompressible nature (at least compared to the higher compressibility of the resilient material), define elongated zones or regions 1152c of low compressibility around and between them. On strikes generally aligned with line 1152, minimal or no compression of the resilient member 1030 is experienced, resulting in a direct, solid-feeling strike. However, on off-center strikes above and below line 1152, the momentum of the rear weight member 1020 compresses the resilient member 1030 as described above, thereby providing mass damping generally as described above with respect to the linear ribs. Optionally, if desired, the structure 1150 of FIG. 11B may be used in combination with several raised rib structures, such as those described above with respect to FIGS. 5-7.

[0086] 11B , the line 1152 is oriented to extend parallel to the groove line on the striking face of the club head 1100. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, the line 1152 may be oriented such that the line 1152 (and optionally the line segment 1152a between the connection points 1002 and / or the midpoint of that line segment 1152a) extends through the center of gravity G of the club head 1150 or intersects a line perpendicular to the striking face that passes through the center of gravity G of the club head 1150. In this manner, striking the ball in line with the center of gravity of the club head 1150 results in significantly less compression of the resilient member 1030, resulting in a more direct, solid feel, while off-center hits result in the improved feel resulting from mass damping, as described above. The connection point locations 1002 on the club head 1100 and / or their relative orientations to one another may vary over the course of a set of irons, for example, optionally with different connection point locations 1002 and / or relative orientations depending on the loft of the club head 1150.

[0087] The club head structure 1200 of FIG. 12 (which may have a toe and heel view like the views shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C) includes three connection points 1002 within a cavity 1008 of a perimeter weight 1006. However, in this illustrated example, the three connection points 1002 are arranged in a triangular pattern, which may define an area 1202c of increased face support (and less compressible), particularly in the area 1202a within the perimeter 1202a defined by the connection points 1002. However, as shown in FIG. 12, the area 1202c of less compressible may extend slightly outside the perimeter 1202a. 12 , the connection points 1002 may be positioned relative to one another such that the center of gravity of the club head 1200 is located within the area of ​​increased support 1202a and / or within the medial area 1202, and / or such that a line extending rearward and perpendicular to the ball-striking face member 1010 and passing through the center of gravity G of the club head 1200 passes through the area of ​​increased support 1202a and / or the medial area 1202. Optionally, in some example structures 1200, the center of gravity G of the club head 1200 may be located at the geographic center of the area of ​​increased support 1202 within the perimeter 1202a, and / or such that a line extending rearward and perpendicular to the ball-striking face member 1010 and passing through the center of gravity G of the club head 1200 passes through the geographic center of the area of ​​increased support 1202 within the perimeter 1202a.

[0088] In this exemplary club head structure 1200, striking the ball coincident with the area of ​​increased support 1202a (and / or area 1202 within perimeter 1202a) results in significantly less compression of resilient member 1030 than striking the ball outside of area of ​​increased support 1202a and / or area 1202 within perimeter 1202a. When the ball strikes area of ​​increased support 1202a and / or area 1202 within perimeter 1202a, the momentum of rear weight member 1020 compresses resilient member 1030, and the user thereby experiences an improved feel as a result of mass damping resulting from the cyclic compression-decompression of the deflection of resilient member 1030. Optionally, if desired, structure 1200 of FIG. 12 (as well as structure 1300 of FIG. 13 described below) may be used in combination with several raised rib structures, such as, for example, the structures of FIGS. 5-7.

[0089] The locations and / or orientations of the connection points 1002 (and thus the size, shape, and orientation of the areas of increased support 1202) may vary significantly in such structures 1200. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 12 , two of the connection points 1002 may be oriented to form a lower base 1202a of the triangular support region 1202 and a lower line of increased support. This lower base 1202a may be oriented to extend parallel to a groove line on the ball-striking face member 1010 of the club head 1200. In this manner, a ball striking below this lower base of support 1202a will benefit from mass damping, as described above. The connection point locations 1002 and / or their relative orientations to one another on the club head 1200 may vary over the course of a set of irons; for example, optionally different connection point locations 1002 and / or relative orientations may depend on the loft of the club head.

[0090] Other shapes and numbers of connection points 1002 may be provided to create other types of areas of increased support. FIG. 13 shows an example in which four connection points 1002 form a four-sided polygonal area of ​​increased support / low compression 1302c. In other exemplary club head structures, any desired four-sided (or more sided) polygonal area of ​​increased support may be provided. If desired, but not required, at least some of the line segments connecting adjacent connection points 1002 and forming the perimeter 1302a of the inner support area 1302 may be oriented to extend parallel to groove lines on the ball-striking face of the club head 1300. Also, if desired, the area of ​​increased support 1302a and / or the inner area 1302 within the perimeter 1302a may be positioned such that the center of gravity G of the club head 1300 is located within the area of ​​increased support 1302 and / or such that a line extending rearward and perpendicular to the ball striking face and passing through the center of gravity G of the club head 1300 passes through the area of ​​increased support 1302 and / or the inner area 1302 within the perimeter 1302a. The connection point locations 1002 on the club head 1300 and / or their relative orientations to one another may vary over the course of a set of irons, for example, optionally different connection point locations 1002, different numbers of connection points 1002, and / or relative orientations of the connection points 1002 may depend on the loft of the club head.

[0091] In various examples described above in FIGS. 10A-13, the connection points 1002 are separate elements (or engagement members) that form a low-compression region between the face member and the rear weight member. In these illustrated examples, each connection point structure 1002 is shown as a separate element integrally formed with or connected to at least one of the face member, rear weight member, and / or resilient member. However, other options are possible without departing from this invention. For example, if desired, two or more structures for the connection points 1002 may be formed from a single piece, connected by, for example, a strip or web of material, and this multi-connection point piece may then be engaged with at least one of the face member, rear weight member, and / or resilient member. A single club head may include both (a) one or more individually or integrally formed connection points 1002 and (b) one or more multi-connection point pieces.

[0092] As noted above, according to at least some examples, the modulus of elasticity and / or hardness of the material (e.g., polyurethane (including thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoset polyurethane) or elastomer) of the resilient member (e.g., 130, 830, 930, 1030) is significantly lower than the modulus of elasticity and / or hardness of one or more (and optionally each) of the material of the ball-striking face member (e.g., 110, 810, 910, 1010), the material of the rear weight member (e.g., 120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020), and / or the material of the engagement member (e.g., 112, 212, 222, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1002). In some examples, the elastic modulus of the material of the engaging member (e.g., 112, 212, 222, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1002) is at least 500 times the elastic modulus of the material of the resilient member (e.g., 130, 830, 930, 1030). The ball-striking face member, rear weight member, and / or engaging member described above may be made from a metal material, a metal alloy material, and / or a polymeric material (e.g., fiber-reinforced plastic), as described above (including materials conventionally used in golf club head construction).

[0093] With respect to these moduli of elasticity (or Young's modulus), the material of the ball-striking face member (e.g., 110, 810, 910, 1010), the material of the rear weight member (e.g., 120, 420, 520, 620, 720, 820, 920, 1020), and / or the material of the engagement member (e.g., 112, 212, 222, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812, 912, 1002) may have a Young's modulus in a range of about 15 GPa to about 300 GPa, and in some examples, in a range of about 60 GPa to about 225 GPa, or even about 70 GPa to about 200 GPa. As some more specific examples, 6-4 titanium has a Young's modulus of about 110 GPa, 17-4 stainless steel has a Young's modulus of about 195 GPa, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) or other composite material may have a Young's modulus of at least 50 GPa. Meanwhile, the resilient member (e.g., member 130, 830, 930, 1030) material (e.g., polyurethane (including thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethanes) or elastomer) may have a Young's modulus of 5000 MPa or less, and in some examples, in the range of about 500 MPa to about 5000 MPa, or even about 1000 MPa to about 4000 MPa. In at least some examples, the ball-striking face member material, rear weight member material, and / or engagement member material may have a Young's modulus at least 20 times higher, at least 50 times higher, at least 100 times higher, or even at least 500x higher than the Young's modulus of the resilient member material. Other materials having other moduli and / or other hardnesses may also be used.

[0094] conclusion While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific examples, including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and methods described above. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims. The following items are elements of the claims as filed: [Item 1] a ball-striking face member including a first material having a first hardness; a rear weight member including a second material having a second hardness; at least one resilient member including a third material having a third hardness; the weight member has a front surface, and the face member has a rear surface; the front and rear faces generally oppose one another and have a space therebetween; further comprising at least one engagement member disposed within the space and contacting at least one of the front surface and the rear surface; the third hardness is less than the first hardness and the second hardness such that the at least one elastic member exhibits a substantially greater compressibility than the face member and the rear weight member; the at least one engagement member defines at least three separated support regions within the space that limit compressibility between the face member and the weight member; the at least three separated support regions divide the space into a region of low compression and a region of high compression having a compression rate greater than the region of low compression; the elastic member is disposed between the weight member and the face member and is located at least within the high compression ratio area; Iron type golf club head. [Item 2] Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein at least one of the at least one engagement member is fixedly connected to the face member. [Item 3] Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein at least one of the at least one engagement member is fixedly connected to the weight member. [Item 4] Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein at least one of the at least one engagement member is integrally formed with the face member and made of the same material as the face member. [Item 5] 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein at least one of the at least one engagement member is integrally formed with the weight member and from the same material as the weight member. [Item 6] Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein the weight member is confined within the elastic member. [Item 7] Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein the elastic member contacts both the front surface and the rear surface. [Item 8] 8. The iron-type golf club head according to item 7, wherein the elastic member is attached to both the front surface and the rear surface. [Item 9] the at least one engagement member defines three connection point supports; Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein each connection point support portion forms one of the at least three separated support regions. [Item 10] 10. The iron-type golf club head according to item 9, wherein the three connection point supports are arranged in a straight line. [Item 11] 10. The iron-type golf club head according to item 9, wherein the three connection point supports are arranged in a triangular shape. [Item 12] the third material has a modulus of elasticity that is less than the modulus of elasticity of each of the first material and the second material; 10. The iron-type golf club head according to item 9, wherein the elastic modulus of the third material is less than the elastic modulus of the material constituting the three connection point support portion. [Item 13] the at least one engagement member defines four connection point supports; the at least three separated support regions constitute four separated support regions; Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein each connection point support portion forms one of the four separated support regions. [Item 14] Item 14. The iron-type golf club head according to item 13, wherein the four connection point supports are arranged in a polygonal shape. [Item 15] the third material has a modulus of elasticity that is less than the modulus of elasticity of each of the first material and the second material; Item 14. The iron-type golf club head according to item 13, wherein the elastic modulus of the third material is less than the elastic modulus of the material constituting the four connection point support portion. [Item 16] score lines on the face member; Item 2. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein the at least three separated support regions are substantially arranged on a straight line substantially parallel to the scoreline. [Item 17] the third material has a modulus of elasticity that is less than the modulus of elasticity of each of the first material and the second material; Item 1. The iron-type golf club head according to item 1, wherein the third material is more compressible than the at least three separated support regions. [Item 18] a ball-striking face member including a first material having a first hardness; a rear weight member including a second material having a second hardness; at least one resilient member including a third material having a third hardness; the weight member has a front surface, and the face member has a rear surface; the front and rear faces generally oppose one another and have a space therebetween; further comprising at least one engagement member disposed within the space and contacting at least one of the front surface and the rear surface; the third hardness is less than the first hardness and the second hardness such that the at least one elastic member exhibits a substantially greater compressibility than the face member and the rear weight member; the at least one engagement member defines at least two separated support regions within the space that limit compressibility between the face member and the weight member; the at least two separated support regions divide the space into a low compression ratio area and a high compression ratio area having a compression ratio greater than the low compression ratio area; the elastic member is disposed between the weight member and the face member and is located at least within the high compression ratio area; Iron type golf club head. [Item 19] the at least one engagement member defines two connection point supports; Item 19. The iron-type golf club head according to item 18, wherein each connection point support portion forms a respective support area of ​​the at least two separated support areas. [Item 20] the third material has a modulus of elasticity that is less than the modulus of elasticity of each of the first material and the second material; 20. The iron-type golf club head according to item 19, wherein the elastic modulus of the third material is less than the elastic modulus of the material constituting the two connection point support portions. [Item 21] score lines on the face member; Item 19. The iron-type golf club head according to item 18, wherein the at least two separated support regions are arranged along a line substantially parallel to the scorelines. [Item 22] the third material has a modulus of elasticity that is less than the modulus of elasticity of each of the first material and the second material; Item 19. The iron-type golf club head according to item 18, wherein the third material is more compressible than the at least two separated support regions.

Claims

1. a ball-striking face member including a ball-striking face and a rear surface opposite the ball-striking face, the rear surface of the ball-striking face member including an engagement member including a first raised rib element and a second raised rib element formed integrally with the ball-striking face member; a rear weight member including a front surface spaced from the rear surface of the ball-striking face member and defining a space therebetween; a resilient member disposed in the space and separating the ball-striking face member from the rear weight member along a periphery of the ball-striking face member, the first raised rib element and the second raised rib element each project rearwardly from the rear surface of the ball-striking face member; the first raised rib element is located on a toe portion of the ball-striking face member and the second raised rib element is located on a heel portion of the ball-striking face member; the first raised rib element and the second raised rib element are collinear; the rear weight member and the resilient member are configured to receive transferred energy from an impact between the ball-striking face member and a ball and selectively limit the compressibility of the space between the ball-striking face member and the rear weight member. Iron-type golf club head.

2. the ball-striking face member comprises a first material having a first hardness; the rear weight member comprises a second material having a second hardness; The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has at least a third hardness.

3. 3. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the elastic member has a hardness lower than that of the ball-striking face member and the rear weight member.

4. 4. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member covers the first and second raised rib elements, thereby separating the ball-striking face member from the rear weight member at the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

5. 5. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first and second raised rib elements are disposed relative to the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head such that a line passing through the first and second raised rib elements passes through the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head.

6. 6. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member contacts both the rear surface of the ball-striking face member and the front surface of the rear weight member.

7. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the elastic member has a ring shape that contacts the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

8. 7. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises two half ring members in contact with the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

9. 9. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first and second raised rib elements each have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a semicircular, a triangular, and a trapezoidal.

10. 10. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the resilient member includes complementary recesses configured to receive the first and second raised rib elements.

11. a ball-striking face member including a ball-striking face and a rear surface opposite the ball-striking face, the rear surface of the ball-striking face member comprising an engagement member including a first raised rib element, a second raised rib element, and a third raised rib element formed integrally with the ball-striking face member; a rear weight member including a front surface spaced from the rear surface of the ball-striking face member and defining a space therebetween; a resilient member disposed in the space and separating the ball-striking face member from the rear weight member along a periphery of the ball-striking face member, the first raised rib element, the second raised rib element, and the third raised rib element each project rearwardly from the rear surface of the ball-striking face member; the first raised rib element is located in a toe portion of the ball-striking face member, the second raised rib element is located in a central portion of the ball-striking face member, and the third raised rib element is located in a heel portion of the ball-striking face member; the first raised rib element, the second raised rib element, and the third raised rib element are collinear; the rear weight member and the resilient member are configured to receive transferred energy from an impact between the ball-striking face member and a ball and selectively limit the compressibility of the space between the ball-striking face member and the rear weight member. Iron-type golf club head.

12. the ball-striking face member comprises a first material having a first hardness; the rear weight member comprises a second material having a second hardness; The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the elastic member has at least a third hardness.

13. 13. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the elastic member has a hardness less than that of the ball-striking face member and the rear weight member.

14. 14. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the resilient member covers the first, second, and third raised rib elements, thereby separating the ball-striking face member from the rear weight member around the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

15. 15. The iron-type golf club head according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first, second, and third raised rib elements are disposed relative to the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head such that a line passing through the first, second, and third raised rib elements passes through the center of gravity of the iron-type golf club head.

16. 16. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the elastic member contacts both the rear surface of the ball-striking face member and the front surface of the rear weight member.

17. 17. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the elastic member has a ring shape that contacts the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

18. 17. The iron-type golf club head according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the resilient member comprises two half ring members in contact with the periphery of the ball-striking face member.

19. 19. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the first, second, and third raised rib elements each have a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a semicircular, a triangular, and a trapezoidal.

20. 20. The iron-type golf club head according to claim 19, wherein the resilient member includes complementary recesses configured to receive the first, second, and third raised rib elements.

Images