A club head with well-balanced impact performance characteristics and swing performance characteristics.

Abstract

The specification describes a golf club head having a sole profile resembling a typical crown profile and a crown profile resembling a typical sole profile. The inventive golf club head described herein has a flattened sole and a more curved crown. This structure can result in a lower center of gravity (CG) and reduced air resistance by delaying airflow separation over the crown. The golf club head structure described herein also increases optional weight and / or repositions optional weight to increase its distance from the club head CG, resulting in a lower and more rearward positioned CG and an increased moment of inertia (MOI).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the interests of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 070,565, filed on 26 August 2020, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a golf club head. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a club head having balanced impact performance characteristics and swing performance characteristics using reversed crown curvature and sole curvature. [Background technology]

[0003] Various golf club head design parameters, such as volume, center of gravity, and moment of inertia, affect impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, velocity, forgiveness) and swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact). Often, club head designs focused on improving impact performance characteristics may negatively impact swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance), or vice versa. Therefore, in this field, there is a need for club heads that have improved impact performance characteristics balanced with improved swing characteristics. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0004] [Figure 1A] This is a bottom view of a golf club head according to one embodiment.

[0005] [Figure 1B] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head.

[0006] [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a front view of the golf club head.

[0007] [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top view of a golf club head.

[0008] [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in Figure 1, along line II.

[0009] [Figure 5] This is a front view of a golf club head that does not have a curvature profile.

[0010] [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a front view of a golf club head having a curvature profile.

[0011] [Figure 7A] This is a hosel diagram of a golf club head that does not have a curvature profile.

[0012] [Figure 7B] Figure 1 is a hosel diagram of a golf club head that has a curvature profile.

[0013] [Figure 8] This is a dimensional hosel diagram of a golf club head that does not have a curvature profile.

[0014] [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a dimensional hosel diagram of a golf club head having a curvature profile.

[0015] [Figure 10] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a golf club head.

[0016] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0017] For simplicity and clarity, the drawings illustrate general construction methods, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure. Furthermore, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to a consistent scale. For example, some dimensions of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to others to help improve understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. The same reference numeral in different drawings indicates the same element. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] This specification describes a golf club head having a sole contour similar to a typical crown contour and a crown contour similar to a typical sole contour. In other words, the golf club head of this invention described herein has a flattened sole and a more curved crown. This structure can consequently produce a lower center of gravity (CG) and reduced air resistance by delaying the separation of airflow over the crown. The structure of the golf club head described herein can further increase and / or change the position of any weight to increase the distance of the weight from the club head CG, resulting in a lower and rearward-positioned CG and an increased moment of inertia (MOI).

[0019] The golf clubs described below use several relationships to maintain or increase the clubhead moment of inertia (MOI) using a lower and rearward CG position, while simultaneously reducing air resistance. Balancing the relationships between CG, MOI, and drag leads to improved impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, ball speed, and forgiveness) and swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the clubhead at impact, swing speed). The desired balance can be adjusted by modifying the mass distribution, curvature, and surface shape.

[0020] The golf club head shape described herein leads to improved aerodynamic characteristics compared to a golf club head 100' having similar CG position and MOI. Air resistance is reduced by maximizing crown height while maintaining a low CG position. This combination results in increased airflow acceleration in the front portion of the crown, thereby delaying airflow separation towards the rear. Transition profiles between the striking face and crown, striking face and sole, and / or crown and sole along the rear end of the golf club head provide means to further reduce air resistance. The use of turbulators and reduction of hosel size further reduces air resistance, particularly at the impact position. Furthermore, this golf club head has a curvature profile having a smaller heel-toe crown radius of curvature and a larger heel-toe sole radius of curvature.

[0021] The golf club described herein has a downward and rearward CG and a high MOI, as specified. This golf club also has a high crown-sole moment of inertia (Ixx) and heel-toe moment of inertia (Iyy). The downward and rearward CG and increased MOI are achieved by increasing the arbitrary weight or by changing the position of the arbitrary weight area on the golf club head so that it is positioned at the maximum distance from the head CG. The arbitrary weight is increased by thinning the crown and / or using optimized materials. The removal of the arbitrary weight and its position at the maximum distance from the CG are made possible by using removable weights and an improved face striking face shape.

[0022] Where applicable, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., in this specification and the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and are not necessarily intended to describe a specific consecutive or older order. Terms used in this manner should be understood to be interchangeable in appropriate contexts, so as to allow the embodiments described herein to be operable, for example, in an order other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “contains” and “having,” and any inflections thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus containing a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements that are not expressly enumerated or specific to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0023] Where applicable, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” etc., in this specification and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes only and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. Terms used in this manner should be understood to be replaceable in appropriate circumstances so that the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and / or embodiments of the manufactured articles described herein can be operated, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0024] A “driver-type golf club head,” also known as a driver, may be defined by a specific range of dimensions, as described herein. Specifically, as described with respect to the invention disclosed herein, a driver has a loft angle, volume, length, depth, and height within the range defined below.

[0025] The “clubhead depth” of a driver is as described herein and may be measured as follows: The driver depth is greater than 4.5 inches, greater than 4.6 inches, greater than 4.7 inches, greater than 4.8 inches, greater than 4.9 inches, or greater than 5.0 inches. The clubhead length is measured as described below: The driver length is greater than 4.5 inches, greater than 4.6 inches, greater than 4.7 inches, greater than 4.8 inches, greater than 4.9 inches, or greater than 5.0 inches.

[0026] The “loft angle” of a driver is described herein and may be defined by a driver club head having a loft angle of less than approximately 16 degrees, less than approximately 15 degrees, less than approximately 14 degrees, less than approximately 13 degrees, less than approximately 12 degrees, less than approximately 11 degrees, or less than approximately 10 degrees.

[0027] The driver capacity may be as described herein and may be greater than approximately 400cc, greater than approximately 425cc, greater than approximately 450cc, greater than approximately 475cc, greater than approximately 500cc, greater than approximately 525cc, greater than approximately 550cc, greater than approximately 575cc, greater than approximately 600cc, greater than approximately 625cc, greater than approximately 650cc, greater than approximately 675cc, or greater than approximately 700cc.

[0028] The clubhead height is as described herein and is measured as follows: The driver height is greater than 2.0 inches and less than 3.0 inches, less than 2.9 inches, less than 2.8 inches, less than 2.7 inches, or less than 2.6 inches. The driver face height is between 1.3 inches (33 mm) and 3.8 inches (71 mm). The driver has a mass between 185 grams and 225 grams.

[0029] The term “geometric center” as used herein may be defined as follows: The geometric center may be the geometric center point around the striking face and the midpoint of the face height. Alternatively, the geometric center may also be the center with respect to the designed impact zone, which can be defined by the area of ​​grooves on the striking face. Another approach is that the geometric center of the striking face may be determined based on the definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center of the striking face may be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA’s Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf Club-Head / ) (“Flexibility Procedure”).

[0030] The term “loft plane” as used herein may be defined as follows: The loft plane is tangent to the geometric center of the striking face. Face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane between the upper end of the striking face perimeter near the crown and the lower end of the striking face perimeter near the sole. In these embodiments, the striking face perimeter can be located along the outer edge of the striking surface 104 where the curved surface deviates from the bulge and / or undulation of the striking face.

[0031] The X'Y'Z' coordinate system described herein is based on the geometric center of the striking face. The driver dimensions described herein can be measured based on the coordinate system defined below. The geometric center of the striking face defines a coordinate system having an origin located at the geometric center of the striking face, and this coordinate system has an X' axis, a Y' axis, and a Z' axis. The X' axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in the direction from heel to toe of the club head. The Y' axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in the direction from crown to sole of the club head, perpendicular to the X' axis, and the Z' axis extends through the geometric center of the striking face in the direction from front to rear of the club head, perpendicular to the X' and Y' axes.

[0032] The X'Y'Z' coordinate system described herein defines the X'Y' plane extending through the X' and Y' axes, the X'Z' plane extending through the X' and Z' axes, and the Y'Z' plane extending through the Y' and Z' axes. The X'Y', X'Z', and Y'Z' planes are all perpendicular to each other and intersect at the origin of the coordinate system, which is located at the geometric center of the striking face. The X'Y' plane extends parallel to the hosel axis, which extends along the center of the lumen of the hosel structure and is positioned at an angle corresponding to the loft angle from the loft plane of the club head. Furthermore, the X' axis is positioned at an angle of 60 degrees to the hosel axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. The club head is visible in a front perspective view when the striking face is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. The driver is visible in a side perspective view or a side cross-sectional perspective view when the club head is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the Y'Z' plane.

[0033] As used herein, the term “depth” may refer to the front-to-back dimension of the club head, as defined below. The depth of the club head is measured as the furthest distance from the front end to the rear end of the club head in a direction parallel to the Z' axis.

[0034] The club head length is as described herein, and is measured as the furthest distance from heel to toe of the club head in a direction parallel to the X' axis when viewed from the front view, as previously defined. The club head length can be measured according to the standards of golf governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the club head length can be determined according to the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs (USGA-TPX3003, Rev. 1.0.0, November 21, 2003) (available at https: / / www.usga.org / content / dam / usga / pdf / Equipment / TPX3003-procedure-for-measuring-the-club-head-size-of-wood-clubs.pdf) ("Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs").

[0035] Club head height is as described herein and can be measured as the distance from the crown to the sole of the club head in a direction parallel to the Y' axis when viewed from a front view as previously defined. In many embodiments, club head height can be measured according to the standards of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, club head height can be determined according to the USGA's procedure for measuring the club head size of wood clubs (USGA-TPX3003, Rev. 1.0.0, November 21, 2003) (available at https: / / www.usga.org / content / dam / usga / pdf / Equipment / TPX3003-procedure-for-measuring-the-club-head-size-of-wood-clubs.pdf) ("Procedure for Measuring the Club Head Size of Wood Clubs").

[0036] As used herein, the term “head depth plane” refers to a plane that extends from heel to toe of the clubhead, perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the geometric center of the striking face.

[0037] As described herein, head CG depth is measured as the offset distance between the center of gravity (CG) and the X'Y' plane in a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. Alternatively, head CG depth may be measured as the offset distance between the CG and the loft plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane.

[0038] The head CG height described herein is measured as the offset distance between the center of gravity (CG) and the head depth plane, perpendicular to the head depth plane and in the direction toward the crown or sole. The head CG height is expressed as positive if the head CG is positioned above the head depth plane (i.e., between the head depth plane and the crown), and as negative if the head CG is positioned below the head depth plane (i.e., between the head depth plane and the sole). The absolute value of the head CG height can be described for head CG positioned above or below the head depth plane (i.e., between the head depth plane and the crown, or between the head depth plane and the sole).

[0039] The xyz coordinate system described herein is based on the center of gravity of the club head. The head CG defines the origin of the coordinate system having the x, y, and z axes. The y-axis extends through the head CG from the crown to the sole, parallel to the hosel axis when viewed from the side, and at a 30-degree angle from the hosel axis when viewed from the front. The x-axis extends through the head CG from the heel to the toe, perpendicular to the y-axis when viewed from the front, and parallel to the X'Y' plane. The z-axis extends through the head CG from the front to the rear, perpendicular to the x and y axes. The x-axis extends through the head CG from the heel to the toe, parallel to the X' axis; the y-axis extends through the head CG from the crown to the sole, parallel to the Y' axis; and the z-axis extends through the head CG from the front to the rear, parallel to the Z' axis.

[0040] The "I" described herein xx The term "crown-sole moment of inertia" refers to the crown-sole moment of inertia. xx It is measured around the x-axis. The "I" described herein yy The term "heel-toe moment of inertia" refers to the heel-toe moment of inertia. yy This is measured around the y-axis. The combined moment of inertia, as described herein, is defined as the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia and the heel-toe moment of inertia.

[0041] Before any embodiment of this disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its intended use to the details of the construction and arrangement of its components as expressed in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other embodiments of this disclosure are possible and can be implemented or performed in various ways.

[0042] As described below, an embodiment of the club head is described below, which has a sole profile with a smaller radius of curvature, similar to a typical crown, and a crown profile with a larger radius of curvature, similar to a typical sole. Figures 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 10 illustrate additional features that can be applied to improve performance in conjunction with (in any combination with) the golf club heads having the curvature profiles described herein, and as applied to club head 100. Club head 100 has a curvature profile in which the crown curvature matches the sole curvature of a standard club head (such as club head 100'), and the sole curvature matches the crown curvature of a standard club head (such as club head 100'), reducing the CG height and increasing the CG depth. Figures 5, 7A, and 8 show a club head 100' having a standard curvature profile compared to embodiments having the curvature profile of the club head 100 as described herein, and as shown in Figures 6, 7B, and 9. In many embodiments, the head CG180 is strategically positioned toward the sole 118 and rear end 110 of the club head 100 based on various club head parameters such as volume and loft angle, as described below. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the head CG180 is strategically positioned toward the sole 118 and rear end 110 of the club head 100 in combination with reduced air resistance.

[0043] The club head 100 comprises a body 102 and a striking face 104. The body 102 of the club head 100 includes a front end 108, a rear end 110 opposite the front end 108, a crown 116, a sole 118 opposite the crown 116, a heel 120, and a toe 122 opposite the heel 120. The body 102 further includes a skirt or rear edge 128 positioned between the crown 116 and the sole 118, adjacent to the crown 116 and the sole 118, the skirt extending from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 of the club head 100.

[0044] In many embodiments, the club head 100 is a driver-type club head. In other embodiments, a similar curvature profile can be applied to any hollow-body club head (e.g., driver, fairway wood, or hybrid). In these embodiments, the body and striking face can define the internal void of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the body 102 can extend around the crown 116, sole 118, heel 120, toe 122, rear end 110, and front end 108 of the club head 100. In these embodiments, the body 102 defines an opening on the front end 108 of the club head 100, within which the striking face 104 is positioned to form the club head 100. In other embodiments, the striking face 104 can extend across the entire front end 108 of the club head and may include a return portion extending across at least one of the crown 116, sole 118, heel 120, and toe 122. In these embodiments, the return portion of the striking face 104 is coupled to the body 102 to form the club head 100.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2, 7B, and 9, the club head 100 further comprises a hosel structure 130 and a hosel shaft 132 extending along the center of the lumen of the hosel structure 130. In this example, the hosel coupling mechanism of the club head 100 comprises a hosel structure 130 and a hosel sleeve 134, the hosel sleeve 134 capable of receiving the end of the golf shaft 136. The hosel sleeve 134 can be coupled to the hosel structure 130 in multiple configurations, thereby allowing the golf shaft 136 to be fixed to the hosel structure 130 at multiple angles with respect to the hosel shaft 132. Each angle represents a different and predetermined combination of loft and lie angles. However, other examples may exist in which the shaft 136 can be fixed to the hosel structure 130 in an immovable manner.

[0046] The club head 100 balances various parameters such as head CG position, club head moment of inertia, crown curvature and sole curvature, and air resistance, resulting in improved impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, speed, forgiveness) and swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact). In many embodiments, the balance of the parameters described below results in improved impact performance while maintaining or improving swing performance characteristics and aerodynamic properties. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the balance of the parameters described below results in improved swing performance characteristics while maintaining or improving impact performance characteristics.

[0047] Various embodiments of club heads having diverse loft angles and volumes are described below. Other embodiments may include club heads having loft angles or volumes different from those described herein. According to one example, golf club head 100 is a driver-type golf club head having a high volume and a low loft angle. In other embodiments, golf club head 100 may include any type of golf club head having loft angles and volumes as described below. In many embodiments, club head 100 has the same or similar parameters as club head 100. I. Driver-type club head

[0048] The curvature profile increases the heel-toe sole radius of curvature by 158, thereby increasing the crown curvature while reducing the heel-toe crown radius of curvature by 156, and flattening the sole. A club head 100 with a reduced head CG height of 174 can reduce the backspin of the golf ball at impact compared to a similar club head with a higher head CG height.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, the striking face 108 includes a top edge 136, a bottom edge 138, and a geometric center 140. The top edge 136 extends along the front end 112 of the striking face 104 near the crown 124 where the curvature deviates from the bulge and contour of the striking face 108. The bottom edge 138 extends along the front end 112 of the striking face 104 near the sole 132 where the curvature deviates from the bulge and contour of the striking face 108. In some embodiments, a spline method can be used to determine where the curvature deviates from the bulge and contour of the striking face 108 in the top edge 136 or the bottom edge 138. i. Heel-toe radius of curvature of the crown

[0050] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the club head 100 further includes a heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156, which is positioned on the front end 112 and extends from near the heel 116 to near the toe 120 when viewed from the front view (perpendicular to and intersecting the crown transition region). In many embodiments, reducing the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 can further reduce the air resistance of the club head 100 during the swing. More importantly, the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 helps to strategically position the CG height and CG depth to maximize the launch and spin imparted to the golf ball struck by the club head 100. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 of the golf club head 100 in Figure 6 is more curved than the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156' of the golf club head without a curvature profile in Figure 5 (the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 in Figure 6 is flatter).

[0051] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 5B, the heel-toe radius of curvature extends along the entire top edge 136 of the striking face 108, from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122. In other embodiments, the heel-toe radius of curvature may extend along a portion of the top edge 136 of the striking face 108.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 can be about 4.0 inches to reduce air resistance compared to a similar club head having a larger (greater than 4.0 inches) heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156. In other embodiments, air resistance on the club head 100 can be reduced by having a heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 of less than about 3.8 inches, less than about 3.9 inches, less than about 4.0 inches, less than about 4.1 inches, less than about 4.2 inches, less than about 4.3 inches, less than about 4.4 inches, less than about 4.5 inches, less than about 4.6 inches, less than about 4.7 inches, less than about 4.8 inches, less than about 4.9 inches, less than about 5.0 inches, or less than about 5.1 inches. Furthermore, in other embodiments, air resistance on the club head 100 can be reduced by providing a heel-toe curvature radius between approximately 3.0 to 3.5 inches, approximately 3.25 to 3.75 inches, approximately 3.5 to 4.0 inches, approximately 3.75 to 4.25 inches, approximately 4.0 to 4.5 inches, approximately 4.25 to 4.75 inches, or approximately 4.5 to 5.0 inches.

[0053] The reduced heel-toe crown radius of curvature of 156 results in a more curved crown region in the heel-toe direction when viewed from the front, compared to similar club heads with a larger heel-toe radius of curvature. The curved crown shape helps to lower the center of gravity of the entire club head 100, while maintaining laminar flow and reducing turbulence above the heel and toe regions of the crown, thereby reducing air resistance to the club head. ii. Heel-toe radius of curvature of the sole

[0054] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the club head 100 further includes a heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158, which is positioned on the front end 112 and extends from near the heel 116 to near the toe 120 when viewed from the front view (perpendicular to and intersecting the sole transition region). In many embodiments, increasing the heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158, combined with a reduced heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156, can further reduce the air resistance of the club head 100 during the swing. More importantly, the heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 helps to strategically position the CG height and CG depth to maximize the launch and spin imparted to the golf ball struck by the club head 100. The heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 in Figure 6 is reduced compared to the golf club head in Figure 7, which does not have a curvature profile. Referring to Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 of the golf club head 100 in Figure 6 is flatter than that of the golf club head without a curvature profile in Figure 5 (the heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 is more curved).

[0055] Referring to Figure 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 extends along a portion of the bottom edge 138 (not shown) of the striking face 108 from near the heel 116 to near the toe 120. In other embodiments, the heel-toe radius of curvature can extend along the entire bottom edge 138 of the striking face 108.

[0056] Increasing the heel-toe sole radius of curvature of 158 can reduce air resistance to the golf club head during the swing, while simultaneously lowering the CG by increasing the mass located near the sole. In the illustrated embodiment, the heel-toe sole radius of curvature of 158 can be about 6.0 inches to reduce air resistance compared to a similar club head having a smaller (less than 6.0 inches) heel-toe radius of curvature. In other embodiments, air resistance on the club head 100 can be reduced by providing a heel-toe sole curvature radius 158 that is larger than approximately 4.9 inches, larger than approximately 5.2 inches, larger than approximately 5.5 inches, larger than approximately 5.8 inches, larger than approximately 6.0 inches, larger than approximately 6.1 inches, larger than approximately 6.2 inches, larger than approximately 6.3 inches, larger than approximately 6.4 inches, larger than approximately 6.5 inches, larger than approximately 6.6 inches, larger than approximately 6.7 inches, larger than approximately 6.8 inches, larger than approximately 6.9 inches, or larger than approximately 7.0 inches. Furthermore, in other embodiments, air resistance on the club head 100 can be reduced by providing a heel-toe sole curvature radius 158 between approximately 5.0 to 6.5 inches, approximately 5.25 to 6.75 inches, approximately 5.5 to 7.0 inches, approximately 5.75 to 7.25 inches, approximately 6.0 to 7.5 inches, or approximately 6.25 to 7.75 inches.

[0057] The increased heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 results in a flattened sole transition region 146 in the heel-toe direction when viewed from the front, compared to a similar club head with a smaller heel-toe radius of curvature. The flattened sole shape and the increased curvature of the crown reduce aerodynamic drag on the club head by maintaining laminar flow and reducing turbulence above the heel and toe regions of the crown, while helping to lower the center of gravity of the entire club head 100. In many embodiments, the reduced heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 and the increased heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 can reduce the CG height by approximately 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, or more compared to a club head without a curvature profile (Figures 5, 7A, and 8). In one embodiment, reducing the heel-toe crown curvature radius 156 from 6.325 inches (see Figure 7) to 4.0 inches (see Figure 8) and increasing the heel-toe sole curvature radius 158 from 3.3 inches (see Figure 7) to 6.0 inches (see Figure 8) results in a decrease of 0.188 inches in CG height, which corresponds to an 18.87% decrease in CG height.

[0058] Furthermore, this curvature profile not only dramatically reduces the CG height of the clubhead 100 but can also increase the CG depth because it allows for the placement of more arbitrary mass downward and backward. In most embodiments, the reduced heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 and the increased heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 maintain the desired CG depth, which is achieved by positioning a large amount of mass away from the striking face. However, in some embodiments, the reduced heel-toe crown radius of curvature 156 and the increased heel-toe sole radius of curvature 158 can increase the CG depth by approximately 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, or more compared to a club head without a curvature profile (Figures 5A, 6A, 7, and 10). In the same embodiment, reducing the heel-toe crown curvature radius 156 from 6.325 inches (see Figure 7) to 4.0 inches (see Figure 8) and increasing the heel-toe sole curvature radius 158 from 3.3 inches (see Figure 7) to 6.0 inches (see Figure 8) results in an increase of only 0.010 inches in CG depth, which corresponds to a 0.477% improvement in CG height.

[0059] Reducing the CG height and increasing the CG depth results in a 0.25 mph increase in ball velocity, a reduction of at least 350 rpm in spin, and an increase of 0.25 to 1 degree in launch angle. These improvements due to the reduced CG height and increased CG depth result in a 5 to 7 yard increase in ball flight distance. In other embodiments, reducing the CG height and increasing the CG depth can reduce spin by 25 rpm, 50 rpm, 75 rpm, 100 rpm, 125 rpm, 150 rpm, 175 rpm, 200 rpm, 225 rpm, 250 rpm, 275 rpm, 300 rpm, 325 rpm, 350 rpm, 375 rpm, 400 rpm, or more than 400 rpm. In other embodiments, a decrease in CG height and an increase in CG depth can increase the launch angle of the golf ball by 0.1 degrees, 0.15 degrees, 0.20 degrees, 0.25 degrees, 0.30 degrees, 0.35 degrees, 0.40 degrees, 0.45 degrees, 0.50 degrees, 0.55 degrees, 0.60 degrees, 0.65 degrees, 0.70 degrees, 0.75 degrees, 0.80 degrees, 0.85 degrees, 0.90 degrees, 0.95 degrees, 1 degree, or more than 1 degree.

[0060] To further improve CG position and air resistance, reduce backspin, and increase ball flight distance, the golf club head 100 may include any one or combination of the additional features listed below. iii. Steep crown angle

[0061] Other attributes can be combined with the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature specified above. Referring to the figure depicting a standard driver club head, the attributes described below and illustrated in the figure can be applied to the club head 100 having a curvature profile. Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the above curvature can further include a steep crown angle 388 to achieve a lower and further rearward head CG position. The steep crown angle 388 positions the rear end of the crown 116 toward the sole 118 or the ground, thereby lowering the club head CG position.

[0062] The crown angle 388 is measured as the acute angle between the crown axis 1090 and the front surface 1020. In these embodiments, the crown axis 1090 is located within the cross-section of the club head, taken along a plane positioned perpendicular to the ground surface 1030 and the front surface 1020. The crown axis 1090 can be further described with reference to the top transition boundary and the rear transition boundary, as defined below.

[0063] The club head 100 includes a top transition boundary extending from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 between the front end 108 and the crown 116. The top transition boundary includes a crown transition profile 390 when viewed from a side section taken along a plane perpendicular to both the front surface 1020 and the ground surface 1030 when the club head 100 is in the address position. The side section can be taken along any point on the club head 100 from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122.

[0064] The club head 100 further includes a rear transition boundary extending from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 between the crown 116 and the skirt 128. The rear transition boundary includes a rear transition profile 396 when viewed from a side section taken along a plane perpendicular to the front 1020 and perpendicular to the ground surface 1030 when the club head 100 is in the address position. This section can be taken along any point on the club head 100 from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122.

[0065] The crown axis 1090 extends between the crown transition point 394 near the front end 108 of the club head 100 and the rear transition point 402 near the rear end 110 of the club head 100, as described below. The crown angle 388 may remain constant or may vary from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 of the club head 100. For example, the crown angle 388 may vary when the side cross-sectional view is taken at different positions relative to the heel 120 and the toe 122.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiments, the crown angle 388 near the toe 122 is approximately 72.25 degrees, the crown angle 388 near the heel 120 is approximately 64.5 degrees, and the crown angle 388 near the center of the golf club head is approximately 64.2 degrees. In many embodiments, the maximum crown angle 388 taken at any position from near the toe 122 to near the heel 120 is less than 79 degrees, less than approximately 78 degrees, less than approximately 77 degrees, less than approximately 76 degrees, less than approximately 75 degrees, less than approximately 74 degrees, less than approximately 73 degrees, less than approximately 72 degrees, less than approximately 71 degrees, less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, or less than approximately 68 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the maximum crown angle is between 50 and 79 degrees, 60 and 79 degrees, or 70 and 79 degrees.

[0067] In other embodiments, the crown angle 388 near the toe 122 of the club head 100 may be less than approximately 79 degrees, less than approximately 78 degrees, less than approximately 77 degrees, less than approximately 76 degrees, less than approximately 75 degrees, less than approximately 74 degrees, less than approximately 73 degrees, less than approximately 72 degrees, less than approximately 71 degrees, less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, or less than approximately 68 degrees. For example, the crown angle 388 taken along a side cross-section positioned about 1.0 inch from the geometric center 340 of the striking face 104 toward the toe 122 may be less than 79 degrees, less than 78 degrees, less than 77 degrees, 76 degrees, less than 75 degrees, less than 74 degrees, less than 73 degrees, less than 72 degrees, less than 71 degrees, less than 70 degrees, less than 69 degrees, or less than 68 degrees.

[0068] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the crown angle 388 near the heel 120 may be less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 388 taken along a side cross-section positioned about 1.0 inch from the geometric center 340 of the striking face 104 toward the heel 120 may be less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees.

[0069] Furthermore, in other embodiments, the crown angle 388 near the center of the club head 100 may be less than 75 degrees, less than 74 degrees, less than 73 degrees, less than 72 degrees, less than 71 degrees, less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees. For example, the crown angle 388 taken along a side cross-section located approximately at the geometric center 340 of the striking face 104 may be less than approximately 70 degrees, less than approximately 69 degrees, less than approximately 68 degrees, less than approximately 67 degrees, less than approximately 66 degrees, less than approximately 65 degrees, less than approximately 64 degrees, less than approximately 63 degrees, less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, or less than approximately 59 degrees. In one embodiment, the crown angle 388 near the center of the club head 100 is 68.66 degrees.

[0070] In many embodiments, reducing the crown angle 388 compared to the current clubhead produces a steeper crown or a crown positioned closer to the ground surface 1030 when the clubhead 100 is in the address position. Thus, reducing the crown angle 388 can result in a lower head CG position compared to a clubhead with a larger crown angle. vii. Transition Profile

[0071] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above may further have a transition profile including a front-to-back radius of curvature, as described below. In many embodiments, the transition profile from the striking face 104 to the crown 116, from the striking face 104 to the sole 118, and / or from the crown 116 to the sole 118 along the rear end 110 of the club head 100 affects the air resistance on the club head 100 during the swing.

[0072] Referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments, a club head 100 having a top transition boundary defining a crown transition profile 390 and a rear transition boundary defining a rear transition profile 396 further includes a sole transition boundary defining a sole transition profile 410. The sole transition boundary extends between the front end 108 and the sole 118 from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122. The sole transition boundary includes the sole transition profile 410 as viewed from a side section view along a plane parallel to the Y'Z' plane. The side section view can be taken along any point on the club head 100 from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122.

[0073] The sole transition profile defines a sole radius of curvature 412 extending from the front end 108 of the club head 100 to a sole transition point 414, where the front end 108 of the club head 100 is the portion where the contour deviates from the undulation and / or bulge range of the striking face 104, and the sole transition point 414 indicates a change in curvature from the sole radius of curvature 412 to the curvature of the sole 118. In some embodiments, the sole radius of curvature includes a single radius of curvature extending from the bottom edge around the striking face near the sole 118 to the sole transition point 414, where the bottom edge around the striking face near the sole 118 is the portion where the contour deviates from the undulation and / or bulge range, and the sole transition point 414 indicates a change in curvature from the sole radius of curvature 412 to the curvature of the sole 118.

[0074] The crown transition profile 390 defines a front radius of curvature 392 of the rear of the striking face, extending from the front end 108 of the club head 100 to the crown transition point 394, where the front end 108 of the club head 100 is the portion where the contour deviates from the undulation and / or bulging range of the striking face 104, and the crown transition point 394 indicates a change in curvature from the front radius of curvature 392 to the curvature of the crown 116. In some embodiments, the front radius of curvature includes a single radius of curvature extending from the apex 393 of the striking face perimeter 342 near the crown 116 to the crown transition point 394, where the apex 393 of the striking face perimeter 342 near the crown 116 is the portion where the contour deviates from the undulation and / or bulging range, and the crown transition point 394 indicates a change in curvature from the front radius of curvature 392 to the curvature of the crown 116.

[0075] The front radius of curvature 392 of the apex transition boundary can be kept constant from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 of the club head 100, or it can be varied. Similarly, the rear radius of curvature 398 of the rear transition boundary can be kept constant from near the heel 120 to near the toe 122 of the club head 100, or it can be varied.

[0076] Referring to Figure 10, the rear transition profile 396 defines a rear radius of curvature 398 extending from the crown 116 to the skirt 128 of the club head 100. In many embodiments, the rear radius of curvature 398 has a single radius of curvature that transitions along the rear transition boundary from the crown 116 to the skirt 128 of the club head 100. A first rear transition point 402 is located at the junction between the crown 116 and the rear transition boundary. A second rear transition point 403 is located at the junction between the rear transition boundary and the skirt 128 of the club head 100.

[0077] In many embodiments, the crown transition profile 390, the sole transition profile, and the rear transition profile may be similar to the crown transition profile, sole transition profile, and rear transition profile described in U.S. Patent No. 15 / 233,486, entitled “Golf club head having transition profile for reducing air resistance.” Furthermore, the front radius of curvature 392, the sole radius of curvature 412, and the rear radius of curvature 398 may be similar to the first crown radius of curvature, the first sole radius of curvature, and the rear radius of curvature described in U.S. Patent No. 15 / 233,486, entitled “Golf club head having transition profile for reducing air resistance.”

[0078] In some embodiments, the front radius of curvature 392 may be in the range of approximately 0.18 to 0.30 inches (0.46 to 0.76 cm). Furthermore, in other embodiments, the front radius of curvature 392 may be 0.30 inches ( 0.76cm ) less than 0.275 inches ( 0.70cm ) less than 0.25 inches ( 0.64cm ) less than 0.225 inches ( 0.57cm ) less than, or 0.20 inches ( 0.51cmIt may be less than ). For example, the front radius of curvature 392 may be about 0.18 inches (0.46 cm), 0.20 inches (0.51 cm), 0.22 inches (0.66 cm), 0.24 inches (0.61 cm), 0.26 inches (0.66 cm), 0.28 inches (0.71 cm), or 0.30 inches (0.76 cm). In one embodiment, the front radius of curvature 392 is 0.24 inches.

[0079] In some embodiments, the sole radius of curvature 412 may range from about 0.25 to 0.50 inches (0.76 to 1.27 cm). For example, the sole radius of curvature 412 may be less than about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), less than about 0.475 inches (1.21 cm), less than about 0.45 inches (1.14 cm), less than about 0.425 inches (1.08 cm), or less than about 0.40 inches (1.02 cm). In further examples, the sole radius of curvature 412 may be about 0.30 inches (0.76 cm), 0.35 inches (0.89 cm), 0.40 inches (1.02 cm), 0.45 inches (1.14 cm), or 0.50 inches (1.27 cm).

[0080] In some embodiments, the rear radius of curvature 398 may range from about 0.10 to 0.30 inches. For example, the rear radius of curvature 398 may be less than about 0.3 inches (0.76 cm), less than about 0.275 inches (0.70 cm), less than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm), less than about 0.225 inches (0.57 cm), or less than about 0.20 inches (0.51 cm). In further examples, the rear radius of curvature 398 may be about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm), 0.15 inches (0.38 cm), 0.20 inches (0.51 cm), or 0.25 inches (0.64 cm). In one example, the rear radius of curvature 398 may be 0.18 inches. iv. Crown height

[0081] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above may further include an increased crown height 404, as described below. In some embodiments, reducing the crown angle 388 to form a steeper crown and a lower head CG position may result in an undesirable increase in air resistance due to increased airflow separation above the crown during the swing. To prevent the increased resistance associated with the reduced crown angle 388, the maximum crown height 404 may be increased. Referring to Figure 10, the maximum crown height 404 is the maximum distance between the surface of the crown 116 and the crown axis 1090 taken in any side cross-sectional view of the club head 100 along a plane positioned parallel to the Y'Z' plane. In many embodiments, a larger maximum crown height results in a crown 116 with greater curvature. Greater curvature in the crown 116 moves the location of airflow separation during the swing further back on the club head 100. In other words, a greater curvature allows the airflow to stay attached to the clubhead 100 along the crown 116 for a longer distance during the swing. Moving the airflow separation point backward on the crown 116 can result in reduced air resistance and increased clubhead swing speed, which in turn results in increased ball speed and distance.

[0082] In many embodiments, the maximum crown height 404 can be greater than approximately 0.20 inches (5 mm), greater than approximately 0.30 inches (7.5 mm), greater than approximately 0.40 inches (10 mm), greater than approximately 0.50 inches (12.5 mm), greater than approximately 0.60 inches (15 mm), greater than approximately 0.70 inches (17.5 mm), greater than approximately 0.80 inches (20 mm), greater than approximately 0.90 inches (22.5 mm), or greater than approximately 1.0 inch (25 mm). Furthermore, in other embodiments, the maximum crown height 404 may be in the range of 0.40 inches (5 mm) to 0.60 inches (15 mm), 0.40 inches (10 mm) to 0.80 inches (20 mm), or 0.60 inches (15 mm) to 1.0 inch (25 mm). For example, in some embodiments, the maximum crown height 404 may be approximately 0.50 inches, approximately 0.51 inches, approximately 0.52 inches (13.3 mm), approximately 0.54 inches (13.8 mm), approximately 0.59 inches (15 mm), approximately 0.65 inches (16.5 mm), or approximately 0.79 inches (20 mm). In one example, the crown height is 0.501 inches. v. Center of gravity and moment of inertia

[0083] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the above-described heel-to-toe crown curvature and sole curvature can further include, as described below, a high moment of inertia and a relationship between the CG and the MOI. In many embodiments, a low and rearward club head CG and an increased moment of inertia can be achieved by increasing an optional weight and changing the position of the optional weight within a region of the club head having a maximum distance from the head CG. Increasing the optional weight can be achieved by thinning the crown and / or using an optimized material as described above with respect to the head CG position. In some examples, changing the position of the optional weight to maximize the distance of the optional weight from the head CG can be achieved by using a removable weight, an internal mass structure, a steep crown angle, and curvature optimization as described above with respect to the head CG position. Additional mass can be positioned downward and rearward by optimizing the curvature profile, flattening the heel-to-toe radius of curvature, and increasing the curvature of the heel-to-toe crown radius of curvature 156. The mass redistribution by reconstruction as detailed above improves the aerodynamic properties of the club head with the CG lowered and the CG depth increased.

[0084] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a moment of inertia greater than about 3000 g·cm 2 greater than about 3250 g·cm 2 greater than about 3500 g·cm 2 greater than about 3750 g·cm 2 greater than about 4000 g·cm 2 greater than about 4250 g·cm 2 greater than about 4500 g·cm 2 greater than about 4750 g·cm 2 greater than about 5000 g·cm 2 greater than about 5250 g·cm 2 greater than about 5500 g·cm 2 greater than about 5750 g·cm2 Larger than that, approximately 6000g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6250g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6500g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6750g·cm 2 Larger than that, or approximately 7000g·cm 2 Larger than crown-sole moment of inertia I xx Includes.

[0085] In many embodiments, the club head 100 weighs approximately 5000 g·cm. 2 Larger than that, approximately 5250g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5500g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5750g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6000g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6250g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6500g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 6750g·cm 2 Larger than that, or approximately 7000g·cm 2 Heel-toe moment of inertia I is greater than yy Includes.

[0086] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a weight of 8000 g·cm². 2 Larger than that, 8500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 8750g·cm 2 Larger than 9000g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9750g·cm 2 Larger than 10,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10750g·cm 2 Larger than 11,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 11250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 11500g·cm2 Larger than that, 11750g·cm 2 Larger than 12,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 12500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 1300g·cm 2 Larger than that, 13,500 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 1400g·cm 2 A combined moment of inertia greater than (i.e., crown-sole moment of inertia I) xx and heel-toe moment of inertia I yy (Total)

[0087] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a head CG height 174 of less than approximately 0.20 inches, less than approximately 0.15 inches, less than approximately 0.10 inches, less than approximately 0.09 inches, less than approximately 0.08 inches, less than approximately 0.07 inches, less than approximately 0.06 inches, or less than approximately 0.05 inches. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the club head 100 includes a head CG height 174 having an absolute value of less than approximately 0.20 inches, less than approximately 0.15 inches, less than approximately 0.10 inches, less than approximately 0.09 inches, less than approximately 0.08 inches, less than approximately 0.07 inches, less than approximately 0.06 inches, or less than approximately 0.05 inches.

[0088] In many embodiments, the club head 100 includes a head CG depth 172 that is greater than approximately 1.2 inches, greater than approximately 1.3 inches, greater than approximately 1.4 inches, greater than approximately 1.5 inches, greater than approximately 1.6 inches, greater than approximately 1.7 inches, greater than approximately 1.8 inches, greater than approximately 1.9 inches, or greater than approximately 2.0 inches.

[0089] In some embodiments, the club head 100 may have a first performance characteristic of 0.56 or less. The first performance characteristic is defined as the ratio between (a) the difference between 72 mm and the face height 144 and (b) the head CG depth 172 (see relation 3 below).

number

[0090] In these or other embodiments, the club head 100 may have a second performance feature of 425cc or more. The second performance feature is defined as the sum of (a) the volume of the club head 100 and (b) the ratio between the absolute values ​​of the head CG depth 172 and the head CG height 174. In some embodiments, the second performance feature may be 450cc or more, 475cc or more, 490cc or more, 495cc or more, 500cc or more, 505cc or more, or 510cc or more. For example, the second performance feature may be between 450cc and 455cc, 455cc and 460cc, 460cc and 470cc, 470cc and 475cc, 475cc and 480cc, 480cc and 485cc, 485cc and 490cc or more, 490cc and 500cc, or between 500cc and 510cc.

[0091] Clubhead 100 has a curvature profile that reduces CG height and increases CG depth. This curvature profile also increases the heel-toe sole curvature radius 158 while increasing the heel-toe sole curvature 118, thereby increasing the crown curvature. Clubhead 100, with its reduced head CG height 174, can reduce the backspin of the golf ball at impact compared to a similar clubhead 100' with a larger head CG height.

[0092] Reduced backspin can improve clubhead performance by increasing both ball speed and distance. Furthermore, clubhead 100, with its increased head CG depth of 172, can increase the heel-toe moment of inertia compared to similar clubheads with a head CG depth closer to the striking face. Increasing the heel-toe moment of inertia can improve clubhead performance by increasing clubhead forgiveness at impact. Moreover, clubhead 100, with its increased head CG depth of 172, can increase the launch angle of the golf ball at impact by increasing the dynamic loft of the clubhead during ball flight compared to similar clubheads with a head CG depth closer to the striking face.

[0093] The smaller head CG height 174 and / or larger head CG depth 172 specified above can be achieved by reducing the weight of the club head in various regions, thereby increasing the arbitrary weight, and by changing the position of the arbitrary weight in the strategic region of the club head, thereby shifting the head CG lower and further back. Various means of reducing the weight of the club head and changing its position are described below. vi. Hosel structure

[0094] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above may further include a hosel structure with reduced mass, as described below. In some embodiments, the head CG height 174 and / or head CG depth 172 can be achieved by reducing the mass of the hosel sleeve 134. Removing excess weight from the hosel sleeve 134 results in increased arbitrary weight, which can be strategically repositioned in the area of ​​the club head 100 to achieve a desired low and rearward club head CG position.

[0095] The reduction in the mass of the hosel sleeve 134 can be achieved by thinning the sleeve wall, reducing the height of the hosel sleeve 134, reducing the diameter of the hosel sleeve 134, and / or by introducing a gap in the wall of the hosel sleeve 134. In many embodiments, the mass of the hosel sleeve 134 may be less than 6 grams, less than 5.5 grams, less than 5.0 grams, less than 4.5 grams, or less than 4.0 grams. In many embodiments, a club head 100 having a reduced-mass hosel sleeve can consequently result in a lower (closer to the sole) and further rearward (closer to the rear end) club head CG position than a similar club head having a heavier hosel sleeve 134.

[0096] In some embodiments, the hosel structure 330 has a smaller outer diameter compared to a similar club head having a larger diameter hosel structure, thereby reducing air resistance to the club head 100 during the swing. In many embodiments, the hosel structure 330 has an outer diameter of less than 0.545 inches. For example, the hosel structure 330 may have an outer diameter of less than 0.60 inches, less than 0.59 inches, less than 0.58 inches, less than 0.57 inches, less than 0.56 inches, less than 0.55 inches, less than 0.54 inches, less than 0.53 inches, less than 0.52 inches, less than 0.51 inches, or less than 0.50 inches. In many embodiments, the outer diameter of the hosel structure 330 is reduced while maintaining the adjustability of the loft angle and / or lie angle of the club head 100.

[0097] Referring to Figures 7A to 9, reducing the hosel height of 166 can further improve the low and rearward CG positioning achieved by the curvature profile. To lower the clubhead CG height, the curvature profile reduces the heel-toe crown curvature radius of 156 and increases the heel-toe sole curvature radius of 158 (Figures 6 and 9), the purpose of which is to place more mass near the sole of the clubhead 100 compared to a golf clubhead 100' without a curvature profile that does the opposite (Figures 5 and 8). In doing so, the hosel height of 166 must be reduced in order to maintain not only the desired mass properties (MOI) but also the desired drag characteristics.

[0098] In this embodiment, the hosel height 166 of the club head 100 is measured from the hosel end toward the sole along a direction parallel to the hosel axis 132. In many embodiments, the hosel height 166 is less than 2.25 inches, less than 2.15 inches, less than 2.05 inches, less than 1.95 inches, less than 1.85 inches, less than 1.75 inches, or less than 1.65 inches. In other embodiments, the hosel height may be between 1.50 inches and 1.65 inches, 1.60 inches and 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, 1.85 inches and 1.95 inches, 1.95 inches and 2.05 inches, 2.05 inches and 2.15 inches, or 2.15 inches and 2.25 inches. In many embodiments, the hosel height 166 is between 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches. This reduced hosel height of 166' is an improvement achieved by the curvature profile (see Figures 6, 7B, and 9), whereas a hosel height of 166' is greater in golf clubs with a more curved sole and no flat sole (see Figures 5, 7A, and 8). vii. Air resistance

[0099] The golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above has improved aerodynamic properties as described below. In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a low and rearward club head CG position and an increased club head moment of inertia, combined with significantly reduced air resistance.

[0100] In many embodiments, the club head 100 experiences air resistance of less than approximately 1.2 lbf, less than 1.1 lbf, less than 1.0 lbf, less than 0.9 lbf, less than 0.8 lbf, less than 0.7 lbf, or less than 0.6 lbf during wind tunnel testing with a squared face and an air velocity of 102 mph. In these or other embodiments, the club head 100 experiences air resistance of less than approximately 1.2 lbf, less than 1.1 lbf, less than 1.0 lbf, less than 0.9 lbf, less than 0.8 lbf, less than 0.7 lbf, or less than 0.6 lbf during computational fluid dynamics simulations with a squared face and an air velocity of 102 mph. In these embodiments, the airflow experienced by the squared club head 100 is directed toward the striking face 104 in a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. As described below, a club head with reduced air resistance can be achieved by using various methods. ix. Turbulator

[0101] Referring to Figure 3, in some embodiments, the club head 100 may further include a plurality of turbulators 414, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 536,753, granted December 17, 2013, now U.S. Patent No. 8,608,587, whose content is fully incorporated herein, and is titled “Golf Club Head with Turbulator and Method for Manufacturing a Golf Club Head”. In many embodiments, the plurality of turbulators 414 disturb the airflow, thereby creating small vortices or turbulence within the boundary layer, energizing the boundary layer and delaying the separation of airflow over the crown 116 during the swing.

[0102] In some embodiments, multiple turbulators 414 may be adjacent to the crown transition point 594 of the club head 100. The multiple turbulators 414 project from the outer surface of the crown 116 and include a length extending between the front end 108 and the rear end 110 of the club head 100, and a width extending from the heel 120 to the toe 122 of the club head 100. In many embodiments, the length of the multiple turbulators 414 is greater than the width. In some embodiments, the multiple turbulators 414 may have the same width. In some embodiments, the multiple turbulators 414 may have a varying height profile. In some embodiments, the multiple turbulators 414 may be taller towards the apex of the crown 116 compared to the front surface of the crown 116. In other embodiments, the multiple turbulators 414 may be taller towards the front of the crown 116 and shorter towards the apex of the crown 116. In other embodiments, the multiple turbulators 414 may have a constant height profile. Furthermore, in many embodiments, at least a portion of at least one turbulator is positioned between the striking face 104 and the apex of the crown 116, and the spacing between adjacent turbulators is greater than the width of each adjacent turbulator. xi. Balance of CG position, moment of inertia, and air resistance

[0103] In current golf club head design, increasing or maximizing the moment of inertia and / or head CG position of the club head can adversely affect other performance characteristics of the club head, such as air resistance. The club head 100 described herein increases or maximizes the moment of inertia of the club head while simultaneously maintaining or reducing air resistance. Thus, the club head 100, which improves impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, ball speed, and forgiveness), also balances or improves swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact, and swing speed).

[0104] In many known club heads, increasing the moment of inertia around the x-axis increases the drag force. In many known club heads, increasing the moment of inertia around the y-axis increases the drag force. In many known club heads, increasing the combined moment of inertia (i.e., the sum of the moment of inertia around the x-axis and the moment of inertia around the y-axis) increases the drag force.

[0105] In the clubhead examples 100 and 500 described below, the air resistance of the clubhead is measured using computational fluid dynamics simulations for the leading edge of the clubhead facing square in an airflow at an air velocity of 102 miles per hour (mph). In other embodiments, air resistance can be measured using other methods, such as wind tunnel testing.

[0106] In many known golf club heads, increasing or maximizing the club head's moment of inertia negatively impacts air resistance. As the club head's moment of inertia increases (to increase the club head's forgiveness), drag during the swing increases (which reduces swing speed and ball flight distance).

[0107] The club head 100 described herein increases or maximizes the moment of inertia of the club head while simultaneously maintaining or reducing air resistance, compared to a known club head 100' having similar volume and / or loft angle. Thus, the club head 100, having improved impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, ball speed, and forgiveness), also balances or improves swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact, and swing speed).

[0108] In many embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the club head 100 has a resistance (F) compared to a known golf club head having a similar volume and / or loft angle. D While maintaining or reducing the combined moment of inertia (I) of the club head, xx +I yy The following conditions must be met such that ) increases:

number

number

number

[0109] For example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 3 and has a weight of 9000 g·cm². 2 It has a greater combined moment of inertia than [this value]. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 3 and have a combined moment of inertia of 9010 g·cm². 2 Larger than that, 9025g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9050g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9075g·cm 2 Larger than 10,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10750g·cm 2Larger than, or 11,000 g·cm 2 It can have a combined moment of inertia that is larger than that.

[0110] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 3 and has an effect of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 3 and have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf.

[0111] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 4 and has a weight of 9000 g·cm². 2 It has a greater combined moment of inertia than [this value]. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 4 and have a combined moment of inertia of 9010 g·cm². 2 Larger than that, 9025g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9050g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9075g·cm 2 Larger than 10,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10750g·cm 2 Larger than, or 11,000 g·cm 2 It can have a combined moment of inertia that is larger than that.

[0112] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 4 and has an effect of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 4 and have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf.

[0113] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 5 and has a weight of 9000 g·cm². 2 It has a greater combined moment of inertia than [this value]. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 5 and have a combined moment of inertia of 9010 g·cm². 2 Larger than that, 9025g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9050g·cm 2 Larger than that, 9075g·cm 2 Larger than 10,000 g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10250g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10500g·cm 2 Larger than that, 10750g·cm 2 Larger than, or 11,000 g·cm 2 It can have a combined moment of inertia that is larger than that.

[0114] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 5 and has an effect of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 5 and have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf. xii. CG position and air resistance

[0115] In some embodiments, a golf club head 100 having the above-described heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature can further experience less drag, as described below. In many known golf club heads, shifting the CG position further downward and backward to increase the launch angle of the golf ball and / or increase the inertia of the club head can adversely affect other performance characteristics of the club head, such as air resistance. In many known club heads, the drag on the club head increases as the head CG depth increases.

[0116] The club head 100 described herein increases or maximizes the CG depth of the club head while simultaneously maintaining or reducing air resistance, compared to known club heads having similar volume and / or loft angle. Thus, the club head 100, having improved impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, ball speed, and forgiveness), also balances or improves swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact, and swing speed).

[0117] In many embodiments, the club head 100 has a resistance (F) to the club head compared to known golf club heads. D While maintaining or reducing the head CG depth (CG), D The following conditions must be met such that ) increases:

number

number

number

[0118] For example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 6 and has a head CG depth greater than 1.65 inches. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 6 and have a head CG depth greater than 1.60 inches, greater than 1.62 inches, greater than 1.64 inches, greater than 1.68 inches, greater than 1.70 inches, greater than 1.72 inches, greater than 1.74 inches, greater than 1.76 inches, greater than 1.78 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, greater than 1.85 inches, or greater than 1.90 inches.

[0119] In a further example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relationship 6 and has an effectiveness of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relationship 6 and have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf.

[0120] In a further example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relationship 7 and has a combined moment of inertia greater than 9000 g·cm 2 In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relationship 7 and have a head CG depth greater than 1.60 inches, greater than 1.62 inches, greater than 1.64 inches, greater than 1.68 inches, greater than 1.70 inches, greater than 1.72 inches, greater than 1.74 inches, greater than 1.76 inches, greater than 1.78 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, greater than 1.85 inches, or greater than 1.90 inches.

[0121] In a further example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relationship 7 and has an effectiveness of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relationship 7 and have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf.

[0122] In a further example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relationship 8 and has a combined moment of inertia greater than 90,000 g·cm 2It has a combined moment of inertia greater than . In other embodiments, the club head 100 can satisfy relation 8 and have a head CG depth greater than 1.60 inches, greater than 1.62 inches, greater than 1.64 inches, greater than 1.68 inches, greater than 1.70 inches, greater than 1.72 inches, greater than 1.74 inches, greater than 1.76 inches, greater than 1.78 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, greater than 1.85 inches, or greater than 1.90 inches.

[0123] In further examples, in many embodiments, the club head 100 satisfies relation 8 and has an effect of less than 1.16 lbf. In other embodiments, the club head 100 may satisfy relation 8 and may have a resistance of less than 1.15 lbf, less than 1.10 lbf, less than 1.00 lbf, less than 0.900 lbf, less than 0.800 lbf, less than 0.75 lbf, less than 0.700 lbf, less than 0.600 lbf, or less than 0.500 lbf. xiii. Moment of Inertia and CG Depth

[0124] Many known golf club heads have limited combined moment of inertia and / or head CG depth. For example, many known golf club heads with a volume and / or loft angle similar to club head 100 have a head CG depth of less than 1.6 inches and 8900 g·cm². 2 It has a combined moment of inertia of less than . The club head 100 described herein has a larger head CG depth and a larger combined moment of inertia than known club heads having similar volume and / or loft angle, while simultaneously maintaining or reducing air resistance. Thus, the club head 100, having improved impact performance characteristics (e.g., spin, launch angle, ball speed, and forgiveness), also balances or improves swing performance characteristics (e.g., air resistance, ability to square the club head at impact, and swing speed).

[0125] For example, in many embodiments, the club head 100 has a head CG depth greater than 1.65 inches and a combined moment of inertia greater than 9000 g·cm 2 In other embodiments, the club head 100 can have a head CG depth greater than 1.60 inches, greater than 1.62 inches, greater than 1.64 inches, greater than 1.68 inches, greater than 1.70 inches, greater than 1.72 inches, greater than 1.74 inches, greater than 1.76 inches, greater than 1.78 inches, greater than 1.80 inches, greater than 1.85 inches, greater than 1.90 inches, or greater than 1.95 inches. In one embodiment, the head CG depth is 1.91 inches. Further, in other embodiments, the club head 100 has a combined moment of inertia greater than 9010 g·cm 2 greater than, 9025 g·cm 2 greater than, 9050 g·cm 2 greater than, 9075 g·cm 2 greater than, 10000 g·cm 2 greater than, 10250 g·cm 2 greater than, 10500 g·cm 2 greater than, 10750 g·cm 2 greater than, or greater than 11000 g·cm 2 and can have a combined moment of inertia greater than that. xiv. Thin regions

[0126] In some embodiments, the head CG height 174 and / or the head CG depth 172 can be achieved by thinning various regions of the club head to remove excess weight. Removing the excess weight results in additional weight that can be strategically repositioned in regions of the club head 100 to achieve the desired low and rearward club head CG position.

[0127] In many embodiments, the club head 100 may have one or more thin-walled regions 176. One or more thin-walled regions 176 may be located on the striking face 104, the body 102, or a combination of the striking face 104 and the body 102 (see Figure 7). Furthermore, one or more thin-walled regions 176 may be located on any region of the body 102, including the crown 116, sole 118, heel 120, toe 122, front end 108, rear end 110, skirt 128, or any combination of the described locations. For example, in some embodiments, one or more thin-walled regions 176 may be located on the crown 116. In further examples, one or more thin-walled regions 176 may be located on a combination of the striking face 104 and the crown 116. In further examples, one or more thin-walled regions 176 may be located on a combination of the striking face 104, the crown 116, and the sole 118. In further examples, the entire body 102 and / or the entire striking face 104 may include thin-walled areas.

[0128] In embodiments where one or more thin-walled regions 176 are positioned on the striking face 104, the thickness of the striking face 104 can vary, with a maximum striking face thickness and a minimum striking face thickness. In these embodiments, the minimum striking face thickness may be less than 0.10 inches, less than 0.09 inches, less than 0.08 inches, less than 0.07 inches, less than 0.06 inches, less than 0.05 inches, less than 0.04 inches, or less than 0.03 inches. In these or other embodiments, the maximum striking face thickness may be less than 0.20 inches, less than 0.19 inches, less than 0.18 inches, less than 0.17 inches, less than 0.16 inches, less than 0.15 inches, less than 0.14 inches, less than 0.13 inches, less than 0.12 inches, less than 0.11 inches, or less than 0.10 inches.

[0129] In embodiments where one or more thin-walled regions 176 are located on the body 102, the thin-walled regions may include a thickness of less than approximately 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the thin-walled regions may include thicknesses of less than 0.025 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.019 inches, less than 0.018 inches, less than 0.017 inches, less than 0.016 inches, less than 0.015 inches, less than 0.014 inches, less than 0.013 inches, less than 0.012 inches, or less than 0.010 inches. For example, the thin-walled regions may include thicknesses of approximately 0.010 to 0.025 inches, approximately 0.013 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.014 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.015 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.016 to 0.020 inches, approximately 0.017 to 0.020 inches, or approximately 0.018 to 0.020 inches.

[0130] In the illustrated embodiment, the thin-walled region 176 differs in shape and position and covers approximately 25% of the surface area of ​​the club head 100. In other embodiments, the thin-walled region can cover approximately 10-30%, 15-35%, 15-25%, 10-25%, 15-30%, or 20-50% of the surface area of ​​the club head 700. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the thin-walled region can cover up to 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the surface area of ​​the club head 100. In other embodiments, the crown 116 includes one or more thin-walled regions 176 such that up to 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the crown includes one or more thin-walled regions 176. For example, in some embodiments, about 40–60% of the crown 116 can include thin-walled regions 176. In further examples, in other embodiments, about 50–100%, 40–80%, 35–65%, 30–70%, or 25–75% of the crown 116 can include thin-walled regions 176. In some embodiments, the crown 116 can include one or more thin-walled regions 176, each of which is tapered. In this exemplary embodiment, one or more thin-walled regions 176 of the crown 116 extend in the heel-toe direction, and each of the one or more thin-walled regions 176 has a decreasing thickness in the direction from the striking face 104 toward the rear end 110.

[0131] In many embodiments, the sole 118 can include one or more thin-walled regions 176 such that approximately 64% of the surface area of ​​the sole 118 includes a thin-walled region 176. In other embodiments, the sole 118 can include one or more thin-walled regions 176 such that up to 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90% of the sole 118 includes a thin-walled region 176. For example, in some embodiments, approximately 40–60% of the sole 118 can include a thin-walled region 176. In further examples, in other embodiments, approximately 50–100%, 40–90%, 35–65%, 30–70%, or 25–75% of the sole 118 can include a thin-walled region 176.

[0132] The thin-walled regions 376 may include any shape, such as a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, oval, or any other polygon or shape having at least one curved surface. Furthermore, one or more thin-walled regions 376 may have the same shape as the remaining thin-walled regions, or a different shape.

[0133] In many embodiments, the club head 100 having a thin-walled region can be manufactured using centrifugal casting. In these embodiments, centrifugal casting allows the club head 100 to have thinner walls than a club head manufactured using conventional casting. In other embodiments, the portion of the club head 100 having a thin-walled region can be manufactured using other suitable methods such as punching, forging, or machining. In embodiments in which the portion of the club head 100 having a thin-walled region is manufactured using punching, forging, or machining, the portions of the club head 100 can be joined using epoxy, tape, welding, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable methods. xv. Optimized materials

[0134] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above may further include optimized materials as described below. The striking face 104 of the club head 100 comprises a first material. In many embodiments, the first material is a metallic alloy such as a titanium alloy, a steel alloy, an aluminum alloy, or any other metal or metallic alloy. In other embodiments, the first material may be any other material such as a composite material, a plastic, or any other suitable material, or a combination of those materials. For example, the first material may comprise a combination of a composite material and a metallic material.

[0135] The body 102 of the club head 100 comprises a second material. In many embodiments, the second material is a metallic alloy such as a titanium alloy, a steel alloy, or an aluminum alloy, or any other metal or metallic alloy. In other embodiments, the second material may be any other material such as a composite material, a plastic, or any other suitable material, or a combination of those materials. In some embodiments, parts of the body are made of a different material from the rest of the body. For example, the body may comprise a composite material that constitutes part or all of the crown, the skirt and / or the sole, and a metallic material for the rest of the body.

[0136] The first and second materials each include a strength-to-weight ratio or specific strength, measured as the ratio of the yield stress (σy) to the density (ρ) of the material (see Relationship 1 below), and a strength-to-elastic modulus ratio or specific flexibility, measured as the ratio of the yield stress (σy) to the elastic modulus (E) of the material (see Relationship 2 below).

number

number

[0137] In some embodiments, the striking face 104 and / or body 102 may include an optimized material having increased specific strength and / or increased specific flexibility. Specific flexibility is measured as the ratio of the yield strength to the modulus of elasticity of the optimized material. Increasing specific strength and / or specific flexibility allows for thinning of parts of the club head while maintaining durability.

[0138] In some embodiments, the first material of the striking face 104 may be an optimized material as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 399,929, entitled “Golf Club Head Having Optimized Material Properties”. In these or other embodiments, the first material, including an optimized titanium alloy, has a strength of approximately 900,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (224 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 910,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (227 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 920,000PSI / lb / in 3 (229 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 930,000PSI / lb / in 3 (232 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 940,000PSI / lb / in3(234MPa / g / cm 3 ) or more, approximately 950,000PSI / lb / in 3 (237 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 960,000PSI / lb / in 3 (239 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 970,000PSI / lb / in 3 (242 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 980,000PSI / lb / in 3 (244 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 990,000PSI / lb / in 3 (247 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,000,000PSI / lb / in 3 (249 MPa / g / cm²) 3) or more, approximately 1,050,000PSI / lb / in3 (262MPa / g / cm3) or more, approximately 1,100,000PSI / lb / in 3 (274 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, or approximately 1,150,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (286 MPa / g / cm²) 3 It can have a specific strength of ) or higher.

[0139] Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, the first material comprising the optimized titanium alloy may have a specific flexibility of about 0.0075 or more, about 0.0080 or more, about 0.0085 or more, about 0.0090 or more, about 0.0091 or more, about 0.0092 or more, about 0.0093 or more, about 0.0094 or more, about 0.0095 or more, about 0.0096 or more, about 0.0097 or more, about 0.0098 or more, about 0.0099 or more, about 0.0100 or more, about 0.0105 or more, about 0.0110 or more, about 0.0115 or more, or about 0.0120 or more.

[0140] In these or other embodiments, the first material, including an optimized steel alloy, has a strength of approximately 650,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (162 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 700,000PSI / lb / in 3 (174 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 750,000PSI / lb / in 3 (187 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 800,000PSI / lb / in 3 (199 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 810,000PSI / lb / in 3 (202 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 820,000PSI / lb / in 3 (204 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 830,000PSI / lb / in 3 (207 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 840,000PSI / lb / in 3 (209 MPa / g / cm²) 3) or more, approximately 850,000PSI / lb / in 3 (212 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 900,000PSI / lb / in 3 (224 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 950,000PSI / lb / in 3 (237 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,000,000PSI / lb / in 3 (249 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ), approximately 1,050,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (262 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,100,000PSI / lb / in 3 (274 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,115,000PSI / lb / in 3 (278 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, or approximately 1,120,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (279 MPa / g / cm²) 3 It can have a specific strength of ) or higher.

[0141] Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, the first material, including the optimized steel alloy, can have a specific flexibility of about 0.0060 or more, about 0.0065 or more, about 0.0070 or more, about 0.0075, about 0.0080 or more, about 0.0085 or more, about 0.0090 or more, about 0.0095 or more, about 0.0100 or more, about 0.0105 or more, about 0.0110 or more, about 0.0115 or more, about 0.0120 or more, about 0.0125 or more, about 0.0130 or more, about 0.0135 or more, about 0.0140 or more, about 0.0145 or more, or about 0.0150 or more.

[0142] In these embodiments, the increased specific strength and / or increased specific flexibility of the optimized first material allows for thinning of the striking face 104 or a portion thereof, as described above, while maintaining durability. By thinning the striking face 104, the weight of the striking face 104 can be reduced, thereby increasing any weights that can be strategically placed in other areas of the club head 100, which in turn allows the head CG to be positioned lower and further back, and / or increases the moment of inertia of the club head.

[0143] In some embodiments, the second material of the body 102 may be an optimized material as described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 399,929, entitled “Golf Club Head Having Optimized Material Properties”. In these or other embodiments, the second material, including an optimized titanium alloy, has a strength of approximately 730,500 PSI / lb / in 3 (182 MPa / g / cm²) 3 It can have a specific strength of 650,000 PSI / lb / in². For example, the specific strength of the optimized titanium alloy is approximately 650,000 PSI / lb / in². 3 (162 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 700,000PSI / lb / in 3 (174 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ), approximately 750,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (187 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 800,000PSI / lb / in 3 (199 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ), approximately 850,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (212 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 900,000PSI / lb / in 3 (224 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 950,000PSI / lb / in 3 (237 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,000,000PSI / lb / in 3 (249 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,050,000PSI / lb / in 3(262 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, or approximately 1,100,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (272 MPa / g / cm²) 3 It could be more than )

[0144] Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, the second material comprising the optimized titanium alloy may have a specific flexibility of about 0.0060 or more, about 0.0065 or more, about 0.0070 or more, about 0.0075, about 0.0080 or more, about 0.0085 or more, about 0.0090 or more, about 0.0095 or more, about 0.0100 or more, about 0.0105 or more, about 0.0110 or more, about 0.0115 or more, or about 0.0120 or more.

[0145] In these or other embodiments, the second material, including optimized steel, has a yield of approximately 500,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (125 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 510,000PSI / lb / in 3 (127 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 520,000PSI / lb / in 3 (130 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 530,000PSI / lb / in 3 (132 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 540,000PSI / lb / in 3 (135 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 550,000PSI / lb / in 3 (137 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 560,000PSI / lb / in 3 (139 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 570,000PSI / lb / in 3 (142 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 580,000PSI / lb / in 3 (144 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 590,000PSI / lb / in 3 (147 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 600,000PSI / lb / in3 (149 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 625,000PSI / lb / in 3 (156 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 675,000PSI / lb / in 3 (168 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 725,000PSI / lb / in 3 (181 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 775,000PSI / lb / in 3 (193 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 825,000PSI / lb / in 3 (205 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 875,000PSI / lb / in 3 (218 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 925,000PSI / lb / in 3 (230 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 975,000PSI / lb / in 3 (243 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,025,000PSI / lb / in 3 (255 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ) or more, approximately 1,075PSI / lb / in 3 (268 MPa / g / cm²) 3 ), or approximately 1,125,000 PSI / lb / in 3 (280 MPa / g / cm²) 3 It can have a specific strength of ) or higher.

[0146] Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, the second material, including the optimized steel, can have a specific flexibility of about 0.0060 or more, about 0.0062 or more, about 0.0064 or more, about 0.0066 or more, about 0.0068 or more, about 0.0070 or more, about 0.0072 or more, about 0.0076 or more, about 0.0080 or more, about 0.0084 or more, about 0.0088 or more, about 0.0092 or more, about 0.0096 or more, about 0.0100 or more, about 0.0105 or more, about 0.0110 or more, about 0.0115 or more, about 0.0120 or more, about 0.0125 or more, about 0.0130 or more, about 0.0135 or more, about 0.0140 or more, about 0.0145 or more, or about 0.0150 or more.

[0147] In these embodiments, the increased specific strength and / or increased specific flexibility of the optimized second material allows for thinning of the body 102 or a portion thereof while maintaining durability. Thinning the body 102 can reduce the weight of the club head, thereby increasing the discretionary weight that can be strategically placed in other areas of the club head 100, which in turn allows the head CG to be positioned lower and further back, and / or increases the moment of inertia of the club head. xiv. Removable weights

[0148] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 having the heel-toe crown curvature and sole curvature described above may further include a removable weight system, as described below. In some embodiments, the club head 100 may include one or more weight structures 380, each containing one or more removable weights 382. The golf club head 100 may further have a single slot 240 at the rear of the sole 118, the single slot 240 being a receptacle for the weight assembly 380. The golf club head 100 may not have multiple slots.

[0149] Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the slot 240 in the sole 118 of the golf club head 100 includes a slot surface 242, which is substantially perpendicular to the sole 118. The slot surface 242 has a slot length 257. The slot 240 has a slot bottom surface 244 that is perpendicular to the slot surface 242 and substantially parallel to the sole 118. The slot 240 has a top surface 245 that is perpendicular to the slot surface 242 and substantially parallel to the sole 118. The bottom surface 244 of the slot 240 does not extend as far toward the rear of the golf club head 100 as the top surface 245 of the slot. The slot 240 further comprises two side walls 246. The two slot side walls 246 are located at the toe end and heel end of the slot surface 242. The inner surface 242 of the slot, the bottom surface 244, the top surface 245, and the two side walls 246 define a channel 248 that opens to the rear and bottom of the golf club head 100, such that when the slot 240 accepts the weight assembly 380, at least portions of both the outer surface 362 and the lower surface 369 of the weight assembly 380 are exposed. The outer surface 362 and the lower surface 369 of the weight assembly 380 are not hidden or completely enclosed by the slot bottom surface 244.

[0150] Slot 240 can contain 2 to 6 apertures. Slot 240 can contain 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 apertures. In most embodiments, the apertures are arranged at equal intervals, but in some embodiments, the apertures can be unevenly arranged across the inner surface 242 of slot 240. In an exemplary embodiment, slot 240 includes three apertures spaced along the inner surface of slot 242 such that the centers of each aperture are spaced between 0.5 and 0.6 inches apart from adjacent apertures.

[0151] The weight assembly 380 can be positioned and fixed within a single slot 240. The position of the weight assembly 380 within the single slot 240 determines the effect of the mass of the weight assembly 380 on the position of the entire CG 180 of the golf club head 100. The movement of the weight assembly 380 toward the toe 124 or heel 122 of the golf club head 100 moves the CG 180, which helps to shape the flight of the golf ball when it is struck by the golf club head 100.

[0152] A single slot 240 may further comprise at least a central aperture portion 252, a heel-side aperture portion 254, and a toe-side aperture portion 256. Each aperture includes a mounting point for the weight assembly 380 within the single slot 240. Each of the toe-side, central, and heel-side apertures comprises a circular cross-section and an aperture center. Each of the toe-side, central, and heel-side apertures is threaded to receive a threaded fastener 390.

[0153] The golf club head 100 may further comprise a shroud 220. The shroud 220 is part of the sole 116 of the golf club head 100 and may extend to straddle a slot 240. The shroud 220 may include part or all of the bottom surface 244.

[0154] In most embodiments, the shape of the inner surface of the slot 242 is complementary to the shape of the inner surface 364 of the weight member 370. In an exemplary embodiment, the inner surface of the slot 242 is convex and complementary to the concave inner surface 364 of the weight member 370.

[0155] The slot length 257 of the inner surface 242 of the slot may vary between 1.6 inches and 2.0 inches. The slot length 257 can be 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, or 2.0 inches. The slot length 257 of the inner surface 242 of the slot may be 2.0 inches or less.

[0156] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the slot 240 may include an asymmetrical shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the slot 240 from heel to toe is non-uniform. The shape of the slot 240 is essential for the security of the weight assembly within the slot 240, as the asymmetrical cross-sectional shape of the slot channel 248 allows for three positions for aligning the weight assembly 380 with one of the heel-side aperture 254, the toe-side aperture 256, and the central aperture 252. Due to the asymmetrical shape of the slot 240, the weight assembly 380 cannot slide across the entire channel 248. Rather, the weight assembly 380 must be removed and placed in one of the three other positions.

[0157] Furthermore, slot 240 may include a height 247 measured from the bottom of slot 244 to the sole 116, where the height 247 of slot 240 is the height of channel 248. In most embodiments, slot 240 may have a variable height 247, whose height is not consistent in the heel-to-toe direction. The non-uniform height of slot 240 is essential for the safety of weight assembly 380 within slot 240, as the variable height 247 of channel 248 allows for three positions for aligning weight assembly 380 with one of the heel-side aperture 254, toe-side aperture 256, and center aperture 252. Due to the non-uniform height 247 of slot 240, weight assembly 380 cannot slide laterally across channel 248. Rather, weight assembly 380 must be removed and placed in one of the three different positions. This prevents being provided with an unlimited number of positional options that could cause confusion when a golfer is deciding on the shot formation and flight of the golf ball.

[0158] The variable height 247 of slot 240 may vary in the range of 0.2 to 0.6 inches. The variable height 247 of slot 240 can be 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, or 0.6 inches.

[0159] In some embodiments, the golf club head 100 may include a shroud 220, and a portion of the sole 118 of the golf club head may extend over the slot 240. The shroud 220 functions to increase the aerodynamics of the channel 248 and to help properly insert the weight member 370 into the slot 240. The shroud 220 may have any desired geometric shape to cover a specific portion of the slot or the entire slot 240. In some embodiments, the shroud 220 can cover 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 20%, 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the slots.

[0160] The slot 240 and weight assembly 380 allow the majority of the mass (preferably more than 25 grams) to be positioned as far away from the striking face as possible, dramatically increasing the MOI of the golf club head while giving it a deeper CG depth. Furthermore, the increased MOI and CG depth prevent rotation of the striking face 104 on off-center impacts, resulting in greater forgiveness for the golf club head. xvii. Example 1: Comparison between the club head described herein and a control standard club head without curvature (computer simulation)

[0161] This specification describes an exemplary golf club head having dimensions (length, width, height, and depth) similar to those of golf club head 100. The exemplary club head has a heel-to-toe crown curvature radius of 156 of 4.0 inches and a heel-to-toe sole curvature radius of 158 of 6.0 inches. The exemplary club head includes a volume of 466 cc and multiple thin-walled regions (similar to those of golf club head 100) on the crown, constituting 57% of the crown's surface area and having a minimum thickness of 0.013 inches. The exemplary club head further includes a crown angle of 68.6 degrees (similar to that of golf club head 100) and a crown height of 0.522 inches. The exemplary club head has a hosel height of 1.84 inches. The exemplary club head includes a weight structure, in which a 35-gram tungsten weight is positioned at the center of the weight structure.

[0162] The exemplary clubhead was compared to a control standard clubhead, which had exactly the same weight structure, crown surface area, crown thickness, crown angle, clubhead volume, and clubhead mass. However, the control standard clubhead had a heel-to-toe crown curvature radius of 156 of 6.1 inches and a heel-to-toe sole curvature radius of 158 of 4.0 inches. Due to the shallower heel-toe crown curvature radius of 156 compared to the exemplary clubhead, the control standard clubhead has only a 32-gram tungsten weight positioned in its weight structure.

[0163] Referring to Table 1 below, the exemplary clubhead has a CG height 18.87% lower and a CG depth 0.5% deeper than the control standard clubhead, while maintaining an extremely high MOI of less than 1.5% for Ixx and Iyy. The 18.87% improvement in CG height led to a 0.25 mph increase in ball speed, a 350 rpm reduction in spin, and a 0.25 degree increase in launch angle. These improvements, due to the lower CG height, resulted in a 5-7 yard increase in ball distance. [Table 1] xviii. Example 2: Comparison of the club head described herein with a control standard club head without curvature (Pingman)

[0164] This specification describes an exemplary golf club head having similar dimensions (length, width, height, and depth) to golf club head 100. The exemplary club head has similar volume, mass, and crown thickness to club head 100. Furthermore, the exemplary club head has a heel-to-toe crown curvature radius of 156 of 4.0 inches and a heel-to-toe sole curvature radius of 158 of 6.0 inches. The exemplary club head has a hosel height of 1.84 inches. The exemplary club head includes a weight structure, in which a 35-gram tungsten weight is positioned at the center of the weight structure.

[0165] The exemplary clubhead was compared to a control standard clubhead, which had the same or similar weight structure, crown surface area, crown thickness, crown angle, clubhead volume, clubhead mass, loft angle, lie angle, and characteristic time. However, the control standard clubhead had a heel-to-toe crown curvature radius of 156 of 6.1 inches and a heel-toe sole curvature radius of 158 of 4.0 inches. Due to the shallower heel-toe crown curvature radius of 156 compared to the exemplary clubhead, the control standard clubhead had only a 32-gram tungsten weight positioned within its weight structure.

[0166] Each of the control standard club and the exemplary club was hit 45 times. Referring to Table 2 below, the exemplary clubhead maintained a high MOI similar to that of the control standard clubhead, but had a CG height 15.45% lower and a CG depth 2.95% deeper than the control standard clubhead. The improvements in CG height and CG depth led to a 400 rpm reduction in backspin and a 1-degree increase in launch angle. These improvements resulted in increased ball distance. Because the MOI is similar, the statistical area is considered unchanged. [Table 2]

Claims

1. It is a hollow-bodied golf club head, A body comprising a front end, a rear end opposite to the front end, a crown, a sole opposite to the crown, a heel, a toe opposite to the heel, a skirt adjacent to the crown and the sole, a hosel structure having a hosel axis extending through the center of its own cavity and a hosel height between 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, A striking face is positioned at the front end and defines a geometric center, a loft plane tangent to the geometric center, and a head depth plane extending perpendicular to the loft plane from the heel to the toe, passing through the geometric center. It is equipped with, The loft angle of the aforementioned golf club head is less than 16 degrees. The capacity of the aforementioned golf club head is greater than 400cc. The head center of gravity of the golf club head is positioned at the head CG depth from the loft plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the loft plane, and at the head CG height from the head depth plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to the head depth plane. The head CG depth is greater than 1.8 inches. The head CG height is less than 0.20 inches. The aforementioned golf club head further It is positioned between the striking face and the crown and includes a crown transition region that includes the heel-toe curvature radius of the crown extending along the apex edge of the striking face from near the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head, The heel-toe radius of curvature of the crown is less than 6 inches. The aforementioned golf club head further It is positioned between the striking face and the sole and includes a sole transition region that includes the heel-toe curvature radius of the sole extending along the bottom edge of the striking face from near the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head, The heel-toe radius of curvature of the sole is greater than 5 inches. Golf club head.

2. When the golf club head is subjected to a wind of 102 mph in a direction that extends parallel to the hosel axis through the geometric center of the striking face and perpendicular to the plane positioned at the loft angle from the loft plane, the drag force F Ｄ Having experienced, The aforementioned golf club head has a crown-sole moment of inertia I ｘｘ And, heel-toe moment of inertia I ｙｙ and the sum of the crown-sole moment of inertia and the heel-toe moment of inertia I ｘｘ +I ｙｙ It has a combined moment of inertia, which was measured as follows: A golf club head according to claim 1, which satisfies the following relationship A, and also satisfies one or more of relationships B and C. Relationship A: (F Ｄ +2.7) / (0.0005(I ｘｘ +I ｙｙ )) <1 Relationship B: F Ｄ < 1.15 lbf Relationship C: I ｘｘ +I ｙｙ > 9000g・cm ２

3. It further has a front radius of curvature between 0.18 inches and 0.30 inches, the front radius of curvature extending from the apex of the striking face to the crown transition point, the crown transition point indicating a change in curvature from the front radius of curvature to a different curvature of the crown, The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, further having a rear radius of curvature between the crown and the skirt of the golf club head, extending along a rear transition boundary from a first rear transition point located at the junction between the crown and the rear transition boundary to a second rear transition point located at the junction between the rear transition boundary and the skirt of the golf club head.

4. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more thin-walled regions having a thickness of less than 0.02 inches on the body.

5. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a turbulator positioned on the crown.

6. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the hosel structure has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter is less than 0.545 inches.

7. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heel-toe radius of curvature of the crown is less than 4.5 inches.

8. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the heel-toe radius of curvature of the crown is between 3.75 inches and 4.25 inches.

9. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heel-toe radius of curvature of the sole is greater than 6 inches.

10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heel-toe radius of curvature of the sole is between 6 inches and 7.5 inches.

11. A golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further having a crown angle, wherein the crown angle is less than 70 degrees when measured at the center of the golf club head.

12. The golf club head according to claim 11, wherein the crown angle changes from the heel to the toe.

13. It further comprises a front radius of curvature measured in the direction of the rear of the striking face, and a rear radius of curvature measured in the direction of the rear of the striking face. The aforementioned front radius of curvature is less than 0.25 inches. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the rear radius of curvature is less than 0.20 inches.

14. A crown axis extending between the crown transition point and the first rear transition point, The crown height, measured as the maximum distance between the surface of the crown and the crown axis, It also has the following features: The aforementioned crown height is greater than 0.5 inches. The golf club head according to claim 3.

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