Golf club head with optimized characteristics and related method

Abstract

To improve performance of a golf club by further progressing characteristics of the golf club and balancing the characteristics with each other.SOLUTION: There is provided a golf club head with optimized characteristics including optimizing a head center of gravity height 2520 and depth 2510 in relation to a head volume and mass. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This invention claims the interests of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 365,133 filed July 21, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 404,602 filed October 5, 2016, and is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 826,111 filed March 14, 2013, a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 836,729 filed August 26, 2015, and a continuation in part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 413,684 filed January 24, 2017. U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 413,684 also claims the interests of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 286,899 filed January 25, 2016. All of the disclosures described above are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates, in general, to sporting goods, and more specifically, to a golf club head with optimized characteristics and related methods. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf club heads often possess a variety of characteristics, and it is possible to design or configure these characteristics to improve one or more of the club head's performance properties. However, because these various characteristics often interact with each other intrinsically, adjusting or configuring one characteristic may fundamentally alter another, often resulting in undesirable outcomes. For example, widening the clubface to increase the impact area may unfavorably change the club's center of gravity. If the interactions between the various characteristics are not understood and each characteristic is not set or designed in a balanced manner, unintended performance may result. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Based on the above, further progress is made regarding the characteristics of the golf club, and by balancing these characteristics with respect to each other, the performance of the golf club is improved.

[0005] This disclosure can be further understood by reading the following detailed description of examples of each embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] A front view of a golf club head according to this disclosure is shown.

[0007] [Figure 2] A side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1 is shown.

[0008] [Figure 3] A bottom view of the golf club head of FIGS. 1 to 2 is shown.

[0009] [Figure 4] A diagram showing a flowchart of a method that can be used to provide, form, and / or manufacture a golf club head according to this disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 5] A side cross-sectional view of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1 is shown.

[0011] [Figure 6] A side cross-sectional view of the rear transition boundary of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1 is shown.

[0012] [Figure 7] A side cross-sectional view of the golf club head along line II-II of FIG. 1 is shown.

[0013] [Figure 8] A rear perspective view of a golf club head according to this disclosure is shown.

[0014] [Figure 9] Figure 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of a golf club head along the line IX-IX. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] For simplicity and clarity, each drawing shows a general configuration, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid making this disclosure unnecessarily difficult to understand. Furthermore, the elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some elements of the drawings may be dimensionally exaggerated compared to others to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0016] In this specification and in the claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used, where appropriate, to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or chronological order. Since such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein may be implemented, for example, in a different order than those described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, since “including” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion, a process, method, system, article, apparatus or device that includes the enumerated elements is not necessarily limited to these elements and may include other elements that are not expressly enumerated or that are inherently present in such a process, method, system, article, apparatus or device.

[0017] In this specification and in the claims, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” and “lower” are used for descriptive purposes, if any, and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. Since such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, it should be understood that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or products described herein can be implemented, for example, in directions other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0018] Terms such as "to link," "to be linked," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly and refer to the mechanical or otherwise combined joining of two or more elements. Linking (mechanically or otherwise) can last for any duration, such as permanent, semi-permanent, or even just momentary.

[0019] Even if terms like "connected" or "attachable" are not present near such terms, this does not necessarily mean that the connection or detachment is detachable or not.

[0020] As defined herein, two or more elements are "integrated" if they are composed of the same material piece. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-integrated" if they are composed of different material pieces.

[0021] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by a head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head horizontal axis extending from the head heel to the head toe through the head center of gravity and parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0022] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body with an internal head and a hosel structure. The internal head may be bounded by a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, an upper head, and a sole head. The hosel structure may have an internal diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the internal diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head vertical axis extending from the head upper to the head sole through the head center of gravity and perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0023] In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head may include providing a head body comprising a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by a head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. This method may also include connecting the golf club shaft to the hosel structure. The head horizontal axis extends from the head heel to the head toe, passing through the head center of gravity of the golf club head, and may be parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground. The head vertical axis extends from the head top to the head sole, passing through the head center of gravity, and may be perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground. In addition, the head body may be provided with at least one of the following: (a) setting the horizontal moment of inertia about the horizontal axis of the head to be 39% or more of the moment of inertia of the hosel about the hosel axis; or (b) setting the vertical moment of inertia about the vertical axis of the head to be 59% or more of the moment of inertia of the hosel about the hosel axis.

[0024] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, an upper head, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also comprise a striking face located at the front of the head, having a striking face center point, a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and having a size greater than 420, a head center of gravity, and optimized characteristics. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristic can be determined by adding (a) the size of the head volume to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head's CG height. This optimization characteristic can be 425 or greater.

[0025] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body comprising a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, an upper head, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also comprise a striking face located at the front of the head, having a striking face center point, and a head center of gravity. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft surface of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The top surface of the golf club head may extend parallel to the ground through the striking face center point. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The CG height axis can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The upper boundary of the head CG can be measured along the head vertical axis between the head center of gravity and a fourth intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the top surface. The absolute value of the head CG height can be 2.54 mm or less. The head CG depth can be 40.64 mm or more. In other embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than approximately 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, 46 mm, 47 mm, 48 mm, 49 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, or 70 mm. The upper boundary of the head CG can be approximately 0 mm to 30 mm.In other embodiments, the upper boundary of the head CG can be approximately 8 mm, approximately 9 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 11 mm, approximately 12 mm, approximately 13 mm, approximately 14 mm, approximately 15 mm, approximately 20 mm, or less than approximately 25 mm.

[0026] In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head may include providing a head body comprising a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter portion for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and this inner diameter portion has a hosel axis. The method may also include connecting the striking face to the front head and setting the optimized characteristics of the golf club head. The striking face has a center point. The head volume of the golf club head can be measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and its size can be greater than 420. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis may extend through the center of gravity of the head and be perpendicular to the ground. The head horizontal axis may extend through the center of gravity of the head and be perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be tangent to the center point of the striking face. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the center point of the striking face and be parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The CG height axis can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristic can be set by adding (a) the size of the head volume to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head's CG height, and here the above optimization characteristic can be set to 425 or higher.

[0027] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body, a face, a head center of gravity, and at least one of a first or second performance characteristic. The head body may include a front head, a rear head, a head heel, a head toe, a head sole, a head top, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an internal diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and this internal diameter has a hosel axis. The face may be located at the front of the head and may have a striking face center, a striking face edge, and a face height limited by the striking face edge. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center. The front of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The axis of CG height can extend through the center of gravity of the head and can intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the center of gravity of the head and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the vertical axis of the head and the ground. The face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane and be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm. The first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of approximately 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic can have a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less, which is determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth.

[0028] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body, a face, and a head center of gravity. The head body may include a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, a top head, and a hosel structure. This hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and this inner diameter has a hosel axis. The hosel structure may have a hosel diameter. The face can be connected to the front head and may comprise a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The top surface of the golf club may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the ground. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The CG height axis can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) the second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) the third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The upper boundary of the head CG can be measured along the head vertical axis between the head center of gravity and the fourth intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the top surface. The face height is determined by the edge of the striking face and can be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm when measured parallel to the loft plane. The CG performance ratio of (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) the head CG depth is 0.56 or less. The head can be constructed using a driver-type body. The head volume of the golf club head can be approximately 420cc to 470cc.The head weight of the golf club head can be approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams. The head CG height can be approximately 0 mm to approximately 3.18 mm. The head CG depth can be approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. In other embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than approximately 41 mm and less than approximately 102 mm. In further embodiments, the head CG depth can be greater than approximately 42 mm, approximately 43 mm, approximately 44 mm, approximately 45 mm, approximately 46 mm, approximately 47 mm, approximately 48 mm, approximately 49 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 55 mm, approximately 60 mm, approximately 65 mm, or approximately 70 mm. The upper boundary of the head CG can be approximately 0 mm to approximately 30 mm. In other embodiments, the upper boundary of the head CG can be approximately 8 mm, approximately 9 mm, approximately 10 mm, approximately 11 mm, approximately 12 mm, approximately 13 mm, approximately 14 mm, approximately 15 mm, approximately 20 mm, or less than approximately 25 mm. The head body may include a weight structure positioned near the sole and rear of the head body.

[0029] In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head may include providing a head body comprising a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter portion for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and this inner diameter portion has a hosel axis. The method may also include connecting a face portion to the front head portion, and the face portion comprises a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height limited by the striking face edge. The method further comprises setting at least one of a first performance characteristic or a second performance characteristic of the golf club head. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the center of gravity of the striking face. The front of the golf club head can extend parallel to the hosel axis through the center point of the striking face. The depth plane of the head can extend parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane through the center point of the striking face. The axis of CG height can extend through the center of gravity of the head and intersect perpendicularly with the depth plane of the head at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the center of gravity of the head and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the vertical axis of the head and the ground. The face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane and be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm. The first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of approximately 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic is that the CG performance ratio, determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth, can be 0.56 or less.

[0030] Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the drawings, claims and / or this description.

[0031] Looking at the drawings, Figure 1 shows a front view of the golf club head 1000, which comprises a head body 1100 and a face portion 1200. The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210. Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1000 along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the golf club head 1000. Figures 1-3 represent the golf club head 1000 in the address position relative to the ground 1010. In these figures, with respect to the front view of the golf club head 1000 (Figure 1), the hosel axis 1710 is at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the ground 1010, and with respect to the side view of the golf club head 1000 (Figure 2), the hosel axis 1710 is substantially perpendicular to the ground 1010.

[0032] In this embodiment, the head body 1100 and the face portion 1200 are composed of different material pieces joined together, for example, by welding. However, in other examples, the face portion 1200 may be composed of a single material piece together with one or more parts of the head body 1100, such as the head front portion 1110, the head upper portion 1120, the head sole portion 1130, the head heel portion 1140, the head toe portion 1150, and / or the head rear portion 2160. The head front surface 1160 of the golf club head 1000 includes the striking face 1210, the face portion 1200, and at least a portion of the head front portion 1110. In some embodiments, the head front surface 1160 may also include at least a portion of the head sole portion 1130. In the same or different embodiments, the head front portion 1110 may include the striking face 1210 and / or the face portion 1200.

[0033] The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210 having a striking face center point 1211, a striking face rim 1212, and a face height 1213. The striking face center point 1211 is located at the geometric center of the striking face rim 1212 in this example and at the midpoint of the face height 1213. In the same or other examples, the striking face center point 1211 may be located centered relative to a designed impact area 1250, which can be defined by the extent of the grooves 1259 in the striking face 1210. Alternatively, the striking face center point 1211 may be located according to the regulations of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the center point of the impact face 1211 can be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's procedure for measuring the flexibility of a golf club head ("Flexibility Procedure") (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 / ).

[0034] The golf club head 1000 has a loft plane 2270 (Figure 2), which is at least in contact with the center point 1211 of the striking face 1210. The face height 1213 can be measured parallel to the loft plane 2270 between the upper end 1215 and the lower end 1216 of the striking face edge 1212, and can be approximately 33 millimeters (mm) to approximately 71 mm in this example or other examples.

[0035] The striking face rim 1212 includes the upper striking face end 1215 and the lower striking face end 1216 that define the face height 1213, but does not need to define the entire face portion 1200. For example, as can be seen from Figure 1, the striking face 1210 is defined by the striking face rim 1212, but is only a part of the face portion 1200. In some examples, the striking face 1210 may have a roll radius and / or bulge radius. The striking face rim 1212 may be defined along a transition boundary where the contour of the face portion 1200 deviates from the roll radius and / or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. For example, Figure 2 includes a magnified view of a portion of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 extending along the striking face 1210, and showing how the upper end 1215 of the striking face is located at the upper transition boundary, where the front surface 1160 of the head separates from the vertical roll radius 2170. Figure 2 also includes a magnified view of a portion of the lower transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 extending vertically along the striking face 1210, and showing how the lower end 1216 of the striking face is located at the lower transition boundary, where the front surface 1160 of the head separates from the vertical roll radius 2170.

[0036] In the same or other embodiments, the striking face edge 1212 can be defined with respect to the end of the striking plate, which includes the striking face. For example, the face portion 1200 includes the striking plate 1220, in which case the striking face 1210 forms the outer surface of the striking plate 1220, and the striking plate 1220 is joined to the head front portion 1110 along the striking plate end 1221. In this example, the striking plate end 1221 defines at least a portion of the striking face edge 1212. The defined portion includes the upper and lower parts of the striking face edge 1212, with the upper striking face end 1215 and the lower striking face end 1216 located in each of these portions, defining the face height 1213. Other examples are possible, in which the striking plate end of the striking plate can define most or all of the striking face edge of the striking face.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the golf club head 1000 also includes a head center of gravity (CG) 2500, a head depth plane 2310, and an axis of CG height 2320. In the figure, the head depth plane 2310 extends through the center point 1211 of the striking face and is perpendicular to the loft plane 2270, and the axis of CG height 2320 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and intersects the head depth plane 2310 perpendicularly at intersection 2801. The golf club head 1000 also includes a top surface 2330 that extends parallel to the ground 1010 through the center point 1211 of the striking face.

[0038] The head center of gravity 2500 has a CG height 2520 and a CG depth 2510, which position the head center of gravity 2500 relative to the golf club head 1000. In this example, the CG height 2520 can be measured along the axis of CG height 2320 between the head center of gravity 2500 and intersection 2801. The CG depth 2510 can be measured parallel to the ground 1010 and between intersections 2802 and 2803, as can be seen from Figure 2. In this example, intersection 2802 is defined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the front surface 2280, where the front surface 2280 extends through the center point of the striking face 1211 and is parallel to the hosel axis 1710, and is also perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. In addition, intersection point 2803 is defined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the head vertical axis 1610, where the head vertical axis 1610 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. The head center of gravity 2500 can also be positioned relative to the ground 1010, in which case the head CG vertical distance 2530 of the head center of gravity 2500 can be measured between the center of gravity 2750 and the ground 1010 along the head vertical axis 1610. The head center of gravity 2500 can also be positioned relative to the head CG upper boundary 2540, where it can be measured between the head center of gravity 2500 and a fourth intersection point 2805 located at the intersection of the head vertical axis 1610 and the upper surface 2330 along the head vertical axis 1610. The upper boundary 2540 of the head CG may be a positive value when measured above the upper surface 2330, and a negative value when measured below the upper surface 2330.

[0039] The head body 1100 of the golf club head 1000 also includes a hosel structure 1217 (Figure 1) and a hosel shaft 1710 extending along the center of the inner diameter portion 1217 of the hosel structure. In this example, the hosel connection mechanism of the golf club head 1000 includes a hosel structure 1217 and a shaft sleeve 1411, which allows the shaft sleeve 1411 to be connected to the end of the golf shaft 1410. The shaft sleeve 1411 can be connected to the hosel structure 1217 in multiple configurations. This makes it possible to fix the golf shaft 1410 to the hosel structure 1217 at multiple angles with respect to the hosel shaft 1710. However, other examples are also possible, in which case the shaft 1410 can be fixed to the hosel structure 1217 in an immovable manner.

[0040] The golf club heads relating to this disclosure can be configured to exhibit one or more optimized characteristics that optimize or balance their performance. For example, one characteristic of a golf club head that is sought to be optimized by this design is the face height and / or face size. Maximizing the face height and / or face size of a golf club head offers several advantages. These advantages include an enlarged impact area on the striking face with respect to the target object, resulting in a more forgiving club head, which can produce good results even for golf shots struck off-center from the center of the striking face. In addition, increasing the height and / or size of the striking face allows for more efficient energy transfer to the golf ball upon impact. Consequently, the settling time or "spring effect" of the golf club head increases, potentially resulting in longer distance golf shots. In some cases, the height or size of the striking face may be increased to meet settling time limits set by golf governing bodies (such as the USGA's settling time limit of 239 microseconds (μs) in its own "Flexibility Procedure").

[0041] However, indiscriminately increasing face height and / or face size can negatively impact performance in other areas (such as the launch angle of the golf ball at impact with the striking face, ball spin, and / or ball speed). For example, increasing face height and / or face size can cause the center of gravity to shift forward, potentially reducing the CG depth between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the center of the striking face. This reduces the dynamic loft of the golf club head, thus lowering the launch angle of the golf ball. In another example, increasing face height and / or face size can raise the CG height between the center of gravity and the depth plane of the head, causing the center of gravity to lift away from the sole of the golf club head. This reduces the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball, making it less likely for the amount of backspin generated on the golf ball at impact to decrease with that golf club head, and therefore the distance the ball travels will be shortened due to this backspin.

[0042] Considering the above, the face height or face size of the golf club head needs to be balanced with respect to the center of gravity. For golf club head 1000, the impact area is increased and more energy is transferred to the golf ball 2900 by enlarging the striking face 1210 and increasing the face size and / or face height 1213. In particular, golf club head 1000 can be configured so that the face height 1213 is approximately 33mm to 71mm in order to enlarge the impact area and transfer more energy upon impact with the golf ball 2900. In some examples, the area of ​​the striking face 1210 (including the increased face area) is approximately 23.6 square centimeters (cm²). 2 ) ~approximately 45.2cm 2 It can be done this way.

[0043] Despite increasing the face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still limits the CG height 2520 from rising towards the top of the head 1120 and / or moving too far away from the head depth plane 2310. For example, the golf club head 1000 has a first optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relation 1.

number

[0044] In addition, taking into account the increase in face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still restricts the movement of the center of gravity 2500 toward the striking face 1212, thereby preventing the CG depth 2510 from becoming excessively shallow. For example, the golf club head 1000 has a second optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relationship 2.

number

[0045] In some examples, the golf club head 1000 may be configured to possess only one of the first or second optimization characteristics described above. For example, the golf club head 1000 may possess the first optimization characteristic but not the second optimization characteristic, and thus satisfy relation 1 without satisfying relation 2. In another example, the golf club head 1000 may possess the second optimization characteristic but not the first optimization characteristic, and thus satisfy relation 2 without satisfying relation 1. In addition, embodiments are possible in which the golf club head 1000 satisfies both relation 1 and relation 2, and therefore possesses both the first and second optimization characteristics.

[0046] The golf club head 1000 may also have a third optimization characteristic relating to its head volume (HV) 2600. In this example, the head body 1000 of the golf club head 1000 is composed of a driver-type body having a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters (cc) or more, so the size of the head volume is 420 or more. For example, the head body 1000 can have a head volume of 420cc, so the size of the head volume is 420. In another example, the golf club head 1000 can have a head volume of 460cc, so the size of the head volume is 460. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can have a head volume up to about 470cc and / or a total head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams. In some specific examples, the total head weight can be about 202 grams and / or the head volume can be about 460cc.

[0047] The third optimization characteristic allows for control over the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the center of gravity 2500, and can be determined to satisfy the following relationship 3.

number

[0048] Considering the above, in order to achieve the third optimization characteristic according to relation 3, the CG depth 2510 can be configured to be 40.64 mm or more. In other embodiments, the CG depth 2510 can be greater than about 41 mm and less than about 102 mm. In further embodiments, the CG depth 2510 can be greater than about 42 mm, about 43 mm, about 44 mm, about 45 mm, about 46 mm, about 47 mm, about 48 mm, about 49 mm, about 50 mm, about 55 mm, about 60 mm, about 65 mm, or about 70 mm. In the same or other embodiments, the absolute value of the CG height can be 2.54 mm or less. Considering that in some embodiments the head center of gravity 2500 can be above or below the head depth plane 2310, the CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value. The head CG upper boundary 2540 can be about 0 mm to about 30 mm. In other embodiments, the upper boundary 2540 of the head CG can be approximately 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, or 25 mm or less. The third optimization characteristic has a lower limit of at least 425, but there may be other embodiments in which the third optimization characteristic can be set to other lower limits. For example, in some embodiments, the third optimization characteristic may have a lower limit of at least 435 or 445. In other examples, the third optimization characteristic may have a lower limit of at least 460, at least 470, at least 480, at least 490, or at least 500. The position of the head center of gravity 2500 may also be designed or set with respect to other features of the golf club head 1000 in order to satisfy relation 3 and / or to achieve the third optimization characteristic. For example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG depth 2510 is approximately 25% to approximately 80% of the head depth length 2312. In the above, the head depth length 2312 is the dimension from the center point 1211 of the striking face to the intersection of the outer surface of the rear of the head 2160 and the depth surface 2310. As another example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG height 2520 is approximately 0% to approximately 13% of the axial length 2322 of the CG height.In the above description, the axis length 2322 of the CG height is the distance from the intersection of the outer surface of the upper head portion 1120 and the axis 2320 of the CG height to the intersection of the outer surface of the head sole portion 1130 and the axis 2320 of the CG height.

[0049] The head CG depth 2510 and head CG height 2520 described above relate to driver-type club heads. In embodiments where the club head is a fairway wood-type club head, the head CG depth 2510 can be configured to be 35 mm or more. In other embodiments of the fairway wood-type club head, the CG depth 2510 can be greater than approximately 35 mm and less than approximately 90 mm. In further embodiments of the fairway wood-type club head, the CG depth 2510 can be greater than approximately 34.5 mm, 35 mm, 36 mm, 37 mm, 38 mm, 39 mm, 40 mm, 41 mm, 42 mm, 43 mm, 44 mm, 45 mm, or 46 mm. Furthermore, in embodiments where the club head is a fairway wood-type club head, the head CG height 2520 or its absolute value can be configured to be 12.8 mm or less. In other embodiments of the fairway wood-type club head, the CG height 2520, or its absolute value, can be approximately 13.0 mm, 12.8 mm, 12.6 mm, 12.4 mm, 12.2 mm, 12.0 mm, 11.8 mm, 11.6 mm, 11.4 mm, 11.2 mm, or less than 11.0 mm. In these embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood-type club head can be between 300 cc and 400 cc, and the mass of the fairway wood-type club head can be between 190 grams and 240 grams.

[0050] The golf club head 1000 may also include a hosel diameter of the hosel structure 1217. The hosel diameter can be kept to a minimum and / or remain relatively unchanged from the hosel diameter of a corresponding standard golf club head. In some examples, the hosel diameter can be less than approximately 0.78 inches (20 mm). For example, the hosel diameter can be less than approximately 0.78 inches and greater than approximately 0.50 inches. A hosel diameter within this range can impart performance advantages to the golf club head 1000. When the hosel diameter is within this range, the hosel can have greater structural integrity and can reduce stress on the hosel during the swing of the golf club. In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, the golf club head 1000 may also have further optimized characteristics related to the center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein.

[0051] In further examples, the hosel diameter can be approximately 0.50 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.47 inches, 0.46 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.44 inches, 0.43 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.41 inches, or less than 0.40 inches. A hosel diameter of less than 0.50 inches can impart additional performance advantages to the golf club head 1000. When the hosel diameter is as minimal as described above, the aerodynamic properties of the golf club head 1000 can be improved as a result of reduced aerodynamic drag from the hosel structure 1217. In addition to having a hosel diameter within this range, the golf club head 1000 can also further possess optimized characteristics related to the center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI) as described herein.

[0052] The golf club head 1000 can also have a fourth optimization characteristic relating to the balance between the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1) and the horizontal MOI 1811 (Figure 1). The hosel MOI 1711 is defined around the hosel axis 1710. The horizontal MOI 1811 is defined around the head horizontal axis 1810. This axis passes through the head center of gravity 2500 and extends from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150, and is parallel to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position relative to the ground 1010.

[0053] In some cases, increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 can limit the rotation of the golf club head 1000 around the horizontal axis 1810 when the striking face 1210 is off-center and closer to the top 1120 or sole 1130 of the head when striking the golf ball 2600. This improves the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such top or bottom misses. For example, to increase the horizontal MOI 1811, weights may be added or repositioned near the front 1110 and / or rear 2160 of the head. In the same or other cases, the golf club head 1000 may be extended toward the front 1110 and / or rear 2160 of the head.

[0054] However, such adjustments or modifications to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 can be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, if adjustments are made without limit to increase the horizontal MOI 1811, the hosel MOI 1711 may increase excessively if not properly balanced. This increases the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 around the hosel axis 1710, making it difficult for some to "rotate" the golf club during the golf swing in order to properly position (or "square") the golf club head 1000 at impact with the golf ball 2600. Increasing the hosel MOI 1711 can also limit or suppress the gear effect between the golf ball 2600 and the striking face 1210. Otherwise, this gear effect will correct the spin of the golf ball 2600 somewhat on off-center impacts.

[0055] To reduce the hosel MOI 1711, the golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and any additional or selective mass relative to the golf club head 1000. The above approach to reducing the hosel MOI 1711 may conflict with part of the above approach to increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 by adding or redistributing weights to the golf club head 1000, a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0056] From the above perspective, the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is to control the relationship between the horizontal MOI 1811 and the hosel MOI 1711 so that the following relationship 4 is satisfied.

number

[0057] For the golf club head 1000, an example can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic can exceed the requirements of relationship 4. As an example, in some embodiments, the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the horizontal MOI 1811 is 40% or more, 45% or more, or 50% or more of the hosel MOI 1711. In this example, the horizontal MOI 1811 is about 3740 gram square centimeters (g·cm 2 ), but an example where it can be in the range of about 2800 g·cm 2 to about 4300 g·cm 2 is also possible. In many embodiments, the horizontal MOI is greater than about 2800 g·cm 2 , greater than about 3000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 3200 g·cm 2 , greater than about 3400 g·cm 2 , greater than about 3600 g·cm 2 , greater than about 3800 g·cm 2 , greater than about 4000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 4200 g·cm 2 , or greater than about 4200 g·cm [[ID=2in]] 2 . The hosel MOI 1711 is about 9370 g·cm 2 in this example, but in the same or other examples, it can be in the range of about 7000 g·cm 2 to about 11,000 g·cm 2 . In many embodiments, the hosel MOI 1711 is greater than about 7000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 7500 g·cm 2 , greater than about 8000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 8500 g·cm 2 , greater than about 9000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 9500 g·cm 2 , greater than about 10,000 g·cm 2 , greater than about 10,500 g·cm 2 , greater than about 11,000 g·cm 2 , or greater than about 11,000 g·cm 2 .

[0058] The golf club head 1000 can also possess a fifth optimization characteristic relating to the balance between the hosel MOI 1711 and the vertical MOI 1611 (Figure 1). The vertical MOI 1611 is defined around the head's vertical axis 1610. This axis passes through the head's center of gravity 2500 and extends from the top of the head 1120 to the head sole 1130, and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. In this example, the vertical MOI 1611 is approximately 5300 g·cm. 2 However, in the same or other examples, it is approximately 4700 g·cm 2 ~Approx. 6000g cm 2 It can also be in the range of . In many embodiments, the vertical MOI 1611 is approximately 4700 g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 4900g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5100g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5300g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5500g·cm 2 Larger than that, approximately 5700g·cm 2 Larger than, or approximately 5900g·cm 2 It can be made larger than that.

[0059] In some cases, increasing the vertical MOI 1611 can limit the rotation of the golf club head 1000 around the head vertical axis 1610 when the striking face 1210 strikes the golf ball 2600 off-center, closer to the head heel 1140 (or head toe 1150). This improves the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such heel-side or toe-side mishits. For example, to increase the vertical MOI 1611, weights can be added or repositioned near the head heel 1140 and / or head toe 1150. In the same or other cases, the golf club head can be extended toward the head heel 1140 and / or head toe 1150.

[0060] However, such adjustments or modifications to increase the vertical MOI 1611 can be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, if adjustments are made without limit to increase the vertical MOI 1611, the hosel MOI 1711 may increase excessively if not properly balanced, thereby increasing the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 around the hosel axis 1710 as described above. In addition, some approaches to decrease the hosel MOI 1711 may contradict some of the approaches described above to increase the vertical MOI 1611 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when increasing the vertical MOI 1611 by adding or redistributing weights to the golf club head 1000, a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0061] From the above perspective, the fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is to control the relationship between the vertical MOI 1611 and the hosel MOI 1711 so that the following relationship 5 is satisfied.

number

[0062] For the golf club head 1000, it is possible to configure it so that its fifth optimization characteristic exceeds the requirements of relation 5. For example, in some embodiments, the fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the vertical MOI 1611 is 60% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, 65% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, or 70% or more of the hosel MOI 1711. In some examples, the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic satisfies relation 4, and its fifth optimization characteristic also satisfies relation 5.

[0063] (weight structure) In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the head CG depth, head CG height, and the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimized characteristics described above by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. For this purpose, as can be seen from Figures 2-3, the golf club head 1000 may include a weight structure 2700 positioned near the head sole portion 1130 and the rear of the head 2160. In some configurations, the weight structure 2700 can be designed and / or positioned to satisfy the constraints imposed by relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4, and / or relation 5, thereby balancing the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600 of the golf club head 1000, the position of the center of gravity 2500, and / or various moments of inertia.

[0064] As can be seen from Figure 3, the weight structure 2700 can be positioned relative to the clock face 3500, and this clock face can be aligned with respect to the striking face 1210. For example, the clock face 3500 includes a 12 o'clock line 3512, which is aligned with the center point 1211 of the striking face in this embodiment. The 12 o'clock line 3512 is perpendicular to the front intersection line 3271, which is defined by the intersection of the loft plane 2270 (Figures 2-3) and the ground 1010 (Figures 1-2). The clock face 3500 is centered along the 12 o'clock line 3512 at the midpoint between the front end of the front part 1110 and the rear end of the rear part 2160. In the same or other examples, the center point 3515 of the clock face can be positioned close to the geometric center of the golf club head 1000. The clock face 3500 also includes a 3 o'clock line 3503 extending toward the head heel portion 1140 and a 9 o'clock line 3509 extending toward the head toe portion 1150.

[0065] In this embodiment, the weight edge 2705 of the weight structure 2700 is positioned near the rear of the head 2160, at least partially confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 of the clock face 3500, with the weight center 2750 positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 7 o'clock line 3507. In this clock face example, the weight edge 2705 is entirely confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508. In this example, the weight edge 2705 is defined on the outer surface of the golf club head 1000, but other examples are possible in which the weight edge may extend inward from the golf club head 1000 (or be defined inside the golf club head 1000). In some examples, the position of the weight 2700 can be set over a wider area. For example, in the above example, the weight edge 2705 of the weight structure 2700 can be positioned near the rear of the head 2160, at least partially restricted to the area between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 9 o'clock line 3509 of the clock face 3500, and together the weight center 2750 can be positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 8 o'clock line 3508.

[0066] In the same or other embodiments, the weight structure 2700 can be extended or moved toward the heel portion 1140. For example, the weight edge 2705 and / or weight center 2750 can be moved toward the 4 o'clock line 3504 rather than toward the 9 o'clock line 3509. By biasing the weight structure 2700 toward the vicinity of the head heel portion 1140, the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and the weight structure 2700 is limited, thereby reducing the hosel MOI 1711 around the hosel axis 1710. This makes it easier for the golf club head 1000 to rotate around the hosel axis 1710 during the swing.

[0067] In some examples, the weight structure 2700 can have a mass of approximately 2 grams to approximately 50 grams and / or a volume of approximately 1 cc to approximately 30 cc. In this example, the weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of the head sole portion 1130 and is therefore at least partially external, thereby allowing for greater adjustment of the head center of gravity 2500.

[0068] The weight structure 2700 may, in the same or other examples, include a detachable weight 2790. In this case, the detachable weight 2790 may have a mass of about 0.5 grams to about 30 grams, and the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be adjusted by replacing this weight with one or more other similar weights if necessary to satisfy relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4 and / or relation 5. In the same or other examples, the weight center 2750 has at least one of the center of gravity of the weight structure 2700, the center of gravity of the detachable weight 2790, the geometric center of the weight structure 2700 and / or the geometric center of the detachable weight 2790.

[0069] The center of the weight 2750 can be positioned relative to the ground 1010 and the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340, which extends between the center of the weight 2750 and the ground 1010. The axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340 is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position relative to the ground. Therefore, the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2730 of the center of the weight 2750 can be measured between the center of the weight 2750 and the ground 1010 along the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340. In addition, the center depth 2710 of the center of the weight 2750 can be measured parallel to the ground 1010 between intersections 2802 and 2804. In this example, intersection 2804 is defined by the intersection between the ground 1010 and the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. In the same or other embodiments, the weight center 2750 can be positioned such that the weight distance 2751 (Figure 2) separating the head center of gravity 2500 from the weight center 2750 is approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm.

[0070] Embodiments are also possible in which the thickness of the face portion 1200 can be reduced, but if necessary, the face portion 1200 may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures on the back of the striking face 1210 and / or at the joint between the face portion 1200 and the front portion 1110 of the head. Other mass redistribution mechanisms may also be used if it is desirable to satisfy relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4 and / or relation 5.

[0071] In some embodiments, the relationship or ratio between the head center of gravity 2500 and the weight center 2750 can be configured to satisfy one or more of relations 1, 2, 3, 4, and / or 5. For example, by making the vertical distance ratio, determined by the ratio of the weight center vertical distance 2730 to the head CG vertical distance 2530, greater than 0.44, the effect of keeping the head center of gravity 2500 closer to the head sole portion 1130 can be obtained. In another example, by making the depth ratio, determined by the ratio of the weight center depth 2710 to the head CG depth 2510, less than 2.54, the CG depth 2510 can be prevented from becoming excessively shallow toward the front of the head 1110. In some embodiments, the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be less than approximately 28.5 mm, in which case the weight center vertical distance 2730 can be less than approximately 12.5 mm, and / or the weight center depth 2710 can be greater than approximately 99.7 mm.

[0072] In the same or other embodiments, the mass distribution within the golf club head 1000 can be further adjusted to configure the golf club head 1000 to exhibit the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimization characteristics described above. For this purpose, the golf club head 1000 may include one or more weight members made of adhesive material, distributed near the head sole portion 1130. One or more weight members may be disposed on the inner surface of the head sole portion 1130. In some configurations, it is possible to design and / or position one or more weight members to satisfy the constraints imposed by relations 1, 2, 3, 4, and / or 5, thereby balancing the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600 of the golf club head 1000, the position of the center of gravity 2500, and / or various moments of inertia.

[0073] In some examples, each of the one or more weight components may have a mass of approximately 2 grams to approximately 50 grams and / or a volume of approximately 1 cc to approximately 30 cc. In some configurations, each of the one or more weight components may include an adhesive such as an acrylic adhesive or an epoxy resin adhesive. Each of the one or more weight components may optionally consist of a mixture of adhesive and metal powder. Alternatively, each of the one or more weight components may include a combination of adhesive and one or more mass elements. Each of the one or more mass elements may have a weight between approximately 0.5 grams and approximately 30 grams. In some examples, each of the one or more mass elements may include a metal, a metal alloy, or some other material having a high density.

[0074] In addition to adjusting the mass distribution within the golf club head 1000 to configure it to exhibit the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimized characteristics described above, one or more weight members can impart additional performance advantages to the golf club head 1000. In some examples, the adhesive material constituting one or more weight members can maintain its tackiness or bonding properties so that loose fragments within the club head 1000 adhere to one or more weight members during use. In the same or other examples, one or more weight members disposed on the inner surface of the head sole portion 1130 can provide vibration damping and / or sound wave damping during impact between the golf club head 1000 and the golf ball 2900. In the same or further examples, one or more weight members can be placed on the inner surface of the head sole portion 1130 at specific positions and in specific amounts so that desired acoustic characteristics of the golf club 1000 can be achieved during impact with the golf ball 2900.

[0075] (Small area) In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the head CG depth, first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimization characteristics described above, by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. For this purpose, the golf club head 1000 may comprise one or more microregions located within various areas of the club head 1000. The club head 1000 may comprise microregions instead of, or in addition to, the weight structure 2700. By increasing the discretionary weight of the golf club head 1000, the microregions can be positioned within the weight structure, on the inner or outer circumferential surface of the club head 1000, and / or in other areas of the club head 1000 to achieve the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth performance characteristics.

[0076] The narrow region can be positioned on any region of the club head 1000. For example, the narrow region can be positioned on one or more of the top 1120 of the head, the sole 1130, the heel 1140, the toe 1150, the rear 2160, or the face 1200.

[0077] In many embodiments, the thin region has a thickness of less than about 0.020 inches. In other embodiments, the thin region has a thickness of less than 0.025 inches, less than 0.020 inches, less than 0.015 inches, or less than 0.010 inches. For example, the thin region may have a thickness of about 0.010 to about 0.025 inches, about 0.015 to about 0.020 inches, about 0.016 to about 0.020 inches, about 0.017 to about 0.020 inches, or about 0.018 to about 0.020 inches.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the narrow region is variable in shape and position and covers approximately 25% of the surface area of ​​the club head 1000. In other embodiments, the narrow region can cover approximately 20-30%, 15-35%, 15-25%, 10-25%, 15-30%, or 20-50% of the surface area of ​​the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the narrow region can cover up to 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the surface area of ​​the club head 1000.

[0079] In many embodiments, a portion of the fine region is positioned on the head upper 1120 such that approximately 51% of the surface area of ​​the head upper 1120 is comprised of the fine region. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the fine region can be positioned such that up to 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the head upper 1120 is comprised of the fine region. For example, in some embodiments, approximately 40–60% of the head upper 1120 may comprise the fine region. In further examples, in other embodiments, approximately 35–65%, 30–70%, or 25–75% of the head upper 1120 may comprise the fine region.

[0080] In many embodiments, a portion of the fine regions is positioned on the head sole portion 1130 such that approximately 64% of the head sole portion 1130's surface area is comprised of fine regions. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the fine regions can be positioned on the head sole portion 1130 such that up to 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, or 75% of the head sole portion 1130 is comprised of fine regions. For example, in some embodiments, approximately 40 to 60% of the head sole portion 1130 may comprise fine regions. In further examples, in other embodiments, approximately 35 to 65%, 30 to 70%, or 25 to 75% of the head sole portion 1130 may comprise fine regions.

[0081] In many embodiments, the club head 1000 having a narrow region can be manufactured using centrifugal casting. In other embodiments, the portion of the club head 1000 having a narrow region can be manufactured using other suitable methods such as punching, forging, or machining. In embodiments in which the portion of the club head 1000 having a narrow region is manufactured using punching, forging, or machining, that portion of the club head 1000 can be joined using epoxy, tape, welding, mechanical fasteners, or other suitable methods.

[0082] (Fixed weight) In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the head CG depth, head CG height, and the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimized characteristics described above by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. For this purpose, the golf club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 having a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of the body, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 in place of or in addition to the weight structure 2700. Furthermore, the club head 1000 may include one or more fixed weights 3100 in place of or in addition to the narrow region. Furthermore, in embodiments in which the club head includes one or more fixed weights 3100 in addition to the weight structure 2700, one or more fixed weights 3100 may be placed inside the weight structure 2700, or one or more fixed weights 3100 may be placed outside the weight structure 2700, or separately.

[0083] In these or other embodiments, referring to Figures 8 and 9, one or more fixed weights 3100 are positioned on the sole of the club head near the edge 2162 of the rear head 2160 of the club head 1000. For example, in many embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 are positioned within 1.0 inch of the edge 2162 of the rear head 2160. In other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 can be positioned within 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, or 2.0 inches of the edge 2162 of the rear head 2160.

[0084] Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 can be positioned at a distance greater than 3.75 inches, greater than 4.0 inches, greater than 4.25 inches, greater than 4.50 inches, or greater than 4.75 inches from the front surface 2280 of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in these or other embodiments, one or more fixed weights 3100 can be positioned at a distance greater than 1.5 inches, greater than 1.75 inches, greater than 2.0 inches, greater than 2.25 inches, or greater than 2.5 inches from the head CG2500 of the club 1000.

[0085] The body 1100 of the club head 1000 comprises a first material. One or more fixed weights 3100 comprises a second high-density material such as tungsten, gold, hafnium, iridium, mercury, neptunium, osmium, palladium, platinum, plutonium, protactinium, rhenium, rhodium, ruthenium, tantalum, uranium, or any other high-density material. In many embodiments, the second material has a specific gravity greater than 12.0. In other embodiments, the second material can have a specific gravity greater than 10.0, greater than 11.0, greater than 12.0, greater than 13.0, greater than 14.0, greater than 15.0, greater than 16.0, greater than 17.0, or greater than 18.0. For example, in some embodiments, the second material can have a specific gravity between 10.0 and 18.0, between 12.0 and 18.0, or between 14.0 and 18.0.

[0086] In many embodiments, one or more of the fixed weights 3100 may have a mass greater than 12 grams. In other embodiments, one or more of the fixed weights 3100 may have a mass greater than 8 grams, greater than 9 grams, greater than 10 grams, greater than 11 grams, or greater than 12 grams.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fixed weight 3100 can be integrally formed with the body of the club head by casting, co-molding, or any other suitable method. In other embodiments, the fixed weight 3100 can be formed separately from the body of the club head and attached to the club head by welding (e.g., sintering the fixed weight to a low-density weldable material), brazing, adhesive (such as epoxy), rivets, screws, or any other suitable method. In many embodiments, one or more fixed weights are permanently attached to the club head. In other embodiments, one or more fixed weights can be detachably attached to the club head.

[0088] (Relative mass properties) In the following, various embodiments of the mass characteristics of the golf club head 1000 will be described with respect to exemplary driver, fairway wood, and hybrid type golf club heads in order to achieve the head CG depth, head CG height, and the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimization characteristics described above.

[0089] In many embodiments, the golf club head 1000 may include a first rear region that includes a portion of the rear end of the club head 1000, located within the last or last 20% of the length 2910 of the club head 1000. Furthermore, the golf club head 1000 may include a second rear region that includes a portion of the rear end of the club head 11000, located within the last or last 10% of the length 2910 of the club head 1000. In these or other embodiments, the length 2910 of the club head 1000 is the maximum distance measured from the front edge 2912 to the rear end of the club head, perpendicular to the front 2280 and in the direction of the rear of the head 2160.

[0090] An exemplary driver-type club head 1000 may have a volume greater than approximately 400cc and a golf club length greater than 44 inches. In other embodiments, the exemplary driver-type club head may include a volume greater than 400cc, greater than 410cc, greater than 420cc, greater than 430cc, greater than 440cc, or greater than 450cc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the exemplary driver-type club head may include a golf club length greater than 44 inches, greater than 45 inches, greater than 46 inches, or greater than 47 inches. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the exemplary driver-type club head may include a golf club length between 44 and 48 inches, between 45 and 48 inches, or between 46 and 48 inches.

[0091] In many embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the first material of the body 1100 includes a titanium alloy such as Ti-6-4 or Ti-9s. In other embodiments, the first material of the body 1100 may include any suitable material having a specific gravity of less than 5.0. For example, the first material of the body 1100 may include titanium, aluminum, barium, beryllium, scandium, strontium, or yttrium. In many embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.4. In other embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight may be less than about 0.6, less than about 0.5, less than about 0.4, less than about 0.3, or less than about 0.2. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the exemplary driver-type club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight can be in the range of about 0.35 to 0.45, about 0.35 to 0.5, or about 0.2 to 0.6.

[0092] In the illustrated embodiment of an exemplary driver-type club head, the first rear region comprises about 20.6% of the total mass of the club head 1000. In other embodiments, the first rear region of the driver-type club head 1000 may comprise more than 15%, more than about 16%, more than about 17%, more than about 18%, more than about 19%, more than about 20%, more than about 22.5%, or more than about 25% of the total mass of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first rear region of the driver-type club head may comprise between 15-20%, 17.5-25%, or 20-30% of the total mass of the club head 1000.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment of an exemplary driver-type clubhead, the second rear region comprises about 10.0% of the total mass of the clubhead 1000. In other embodiments, the second rear region of the driver-type clubhead 1000 may comprise more than about 5%, more than about 6%, more than about 7%, more than about 8%, more than about 9%, more than about 10%, more than about 12.5%, or more than about 15% of the total mass of the clubhead 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the second rear region of the driver-type clubhead may comprise between 5 and 10%, between 7.5 and 15%, or between 10 and 20% of the total mass of the clubhead 1000.

[0094] An exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may have a volume of less than approximately 400cc and a golf club length of less than 44 inches. In other embodiments, an exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may include a volume of less than 420cc, less than 410cc, less than 400cc, less than 390cc, less than 380cc, or less than 370cc. In some embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood club head, the club head volume may be approximately 300cc-400cc, approximately 325cc-400cc, approximately 350cc-400cc, approximately 250cc-400cc, approximately 250cc-350cc, or approximately 275-375cc. In some embodiments of the exemplary hybrid club head, the club head volume may be approximately 100cc-150cc, approximately 75cc-150cc, approximately 100cc-125cc, or approximately 75cc-125cc. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head may include a golf club length of less than 45 inches, less than 44 inches, less than 43 inches, or less than 42 inches.

[0095] In many embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the first material of the body 1100 includes a steel alloy. In other embodiments, the first material of the body 1100 may include any suitable material having a specific gravity of less than 10.0. For example, the first material of the body 1100 may include titanium, aluminum, barium, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, dysprosium, europium, gadolinium, gallium, holmium, indium, iron, steel, steel alloy, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, nickel, niobium, polonium, praseodymium, promethium, terbium, thulium, tin, vanadium, zinc, zirconium, beryllium, scandium, strontium, or yttrium. In many embodiments of the exemplary fairway wood or hybrid club head, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight is less than about 0.8. In other embodiments of exemplary fairway wood or hybrid clubheads, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight can be less than about 0.9, less than about 0.8, less than about 0.7, less than about 0.6, or less than about 0.5. Furthermore, in other embodiments of exemplary fairway wood or hybrid clubheads, the ratio of the specific gravity of the first material of the body to the specific gravity of the second material of the weight can be in the range of about 0.7 to 0.85, about 0.7 to 0.9, or about 0.3 to 0.9.

[0096] In embodiments of the club head 1000, including a fairway wood type club head, the first rear region may include more than about 13%, more than about 14%, more than about 15%, more than about 16%, more than about 17%, more than about 18%, more than about 19%, more than about 20%, more than about 22.5%, and more than about 25% of the total mass of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first region of the fairway wood type club head may include between 13-20%, between 17.5-25%, or between 20-30% of the total mass of the club head 1000. For example, in one embodiment of the fairway wood type club head, the first rear region includes about 20.0% of the total mass of the club head 1000.

[0097] In the same or other embodiments of the club head 1000, including a fairway wood type club head, the second rear region may include more than about 5%, more than about 6%, more than about 7%, more than about 8%, more than about 9%, more than about 10%, more than about 11%, more than about 12%, more than about 15%, more than about 18%, and more than about 21% of the total mass of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the second rear region of the fairway wood type club head may include between 5 and 10%, between 7.5 and 15%, between 12.5 and 20%, or between 17.5 and 25% of the total mass of the club head 1000. For example, in one embodiment of the fairway wood type club head, the second rear region includes about 8% of the total mass of the club head 1000.

[0098] In embodiments of the club head 1000, including a hybrid club head, the first rear region may include more than about 12.5%, more than about 15%, more than about 16%, more than about 17%, more than about 18%, more than about 19%, more than about 20%, more than about 22.5%, and more than about 25% of the total mass of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the first rear region of the hybrid club head may include between 12.5 and 20%, between 15 and 20%, between 17.5 and 25%, or between 20 and 30% of the total mass of the club head 1000. For example, in one embodiment of the hybrid club head, the first rear region includes about 17.5% of the total mass of the club head 1000.

[0099] In the same or other embodiments of the club head 1000, including the hybrid club head, the second rear region may include more than about 3%, more than about 4%, more than about 5%, more than about 6%, more than about 7%, more than about 8%, more than about 9%, more than about 12%, and more than about 15% of the total mass of the club head 1000. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the second rear region of the hybrid club head may include between 3 and 7.5%, between 5 and 10%, between 7.5 and 15%, or between 12 and 20% of the total mass of the club head 1000. For example, in one embodiment of the hybrid club head, the second rear region includes about 6% of the total mass of the club head 1000.

[0100] (Crown angle) In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the head CG depth, head CG height, and the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimized characteristics described above by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. For this purpose, the golf club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 near the central region of the club head 1000, the heel portion 1140, and / or the toe portion 1150. In many embodiments, the steep crown angle 1660 can help lower the position of the head CG height 2510 and / or increase the head CG depth 2520.

[0101] The club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 in place of, or in addition to, the weight structure 2700. Furthermore, the club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 in place of, or in addition to, the narrow region. Furthermore, the club head 1000 may include a steep crown angle 1660 in place of, or in addition to, one or more fixed weights 3100.

[0102] The steep crown angle 1660 is defined with respect to various points and axes on the upper and rear transition boundaries of the club head, as described below. Referring to Figure 5, the upper transition boundary extends from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150 between the striking face rim 1212 and the top of the head 1120 of the golf club head 1000. The striking face rim 1212 can be defined along the transition boundary where the contour of the face 1200 deviates from the roll radius and / or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. The upper transition boundary includes an upper transition boundary shape 1500 when viewed from a side section. In these embodiments, a side section of the upper transition boundary shape 1500 can be cut along any point on the club head 1000 from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150.

[0103] The upper transition boundary shape 1500 includes an upper radius of curvature 1515. The upper radius of curvature 1515 is defined by a first upper transition point 1510 and a second upper transition point 1520. The first upper transition point 1510 is located on the upper transition boundary (i.e., on the edge of the striking face 1212) where the contour of the club head 1000 deviates from the roll radius and / or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. The second upper transition point 1520 is located along the upper transition boundary where the shape deviates from the upper radius of curvature 1515. The first upper radius of curvature 1515 extends from the first upper transition point 1510 to the second upper transition point 1520.

[0104] Referring to Figure 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper radius of curvature 1515 is substantially constant from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000. In other embodiments, the upper radius of curvature 1515 may be variable from the heel portion 1140 to the toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000. For example, the upper radius of curvature 1515 can be larger towards the head heel portion 1140 of the club head 1000, towards the head toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000, within the center of the club head 1000, or in any combination of the above-mentioned locations. The upper radius of curvature 1515 may be variable from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 according to any shape, such as a linear shape, a parabolic shape, a quadratic equation shape, an exponential function shape, or any other shape.

[0105] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper transition boundary shape 1500 has two transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the upper transition boundary shape 1500 can include any number of transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, the upper transition boundary shape 1500 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any number of transition points. In further examples, the upper transition boundary shape 1500 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any number of radii of curvature.

[0106] Referring to Figure 6, the rear transition boundary extends from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150 between the rear 2160 and the upper 1120 of the golf club head 1000. Viewed from a side section, the rear transition boundary includes a rear transition boundary shape 1600. In these embodiments, a side section of the rear transition boundary shape 1600 can be cut along any point on the club head 1000 from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150.

[0107] The rear transition shape 1600 further includes a rear radius of curvature 1615 positioned between a first rear transition point 1610 and a second rear transition point 1620. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rear transition point 1610 is located at the end of the upper head 1120, near the rear of the head 2160, where the curvature of the upper head 1120 deviates in the cross-sectional view. In the same or other embodiments, the first rear transition point 1610 may be located on the rear transition shape of the club head 1000, where the rear radius of curvature 1615 begins in the cross-sectional view. The second rear transition point 1620 is located on the rear of the club head 1000, where the rear radius of curvature 1615 ends in the cross-sectional view.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear radius of curvature 1615 is substantially constant along the rear 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150. In other embodiments, the rear radius of curvature 1615 may be variable along the rear 2160 of the golf club head 1000 from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150. The rear radius of curvature can be larger near the head heel portion 1140, near the head toe portion 1150, near the center of the golf club head 1000, or in any combination of the above-mentioned locations. For example, the rear radius of curvature 1615 can be larger near the head heel portion 1140 and the head toe portion 1150 than within the center of the rear 2160 of the golf club head 1000. The rear radius of curvature 1615 can be variable from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150 according to any shape, such as a linear shape, a parabolic shape, a quadratic equation shape, an exponential function shape, or any other shape.

[0109] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear transition shape 1600 has two rear transition points and one radius of curvature. In other embodiments, the rear transition shape can include any number of rear transition points and any number of radii of curvature. For example, the rear transition shape 1600 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any number of rear transition points. In further examples, the rear transition shape 1600 can include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any number of radii of curvature.

[0110] Referring to Figure 7, the upper part 1120 of the golf club head 1000 further includes the crown axis 1650 when viewed from a side section. In these embodiments, the side section can be cut along any point of the club head 1000 from near the head heel 1140 to near the head toe 1150. The crown axis 1650 extends through a second upper transition point 1520 and a first rear transition point 1610.

[0111] The crown axis 1650 intersects the front surface 2280 at a point on the front of the golf club head 1000. The crown angle 1660 is defined as the acute angle between the crown axis 1650 and the front surface 2280. The crown angle 1660 can be variable if the side section view is cut at various positions relative to the head heel portion 1140 and / or head toe portion 1150.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, the crown angle 1660 near the head toe portion 1150 is approximately 72.25 degrees, the crown angle 1660 near the head heel portion 1140 is approximately 64.5 degrees, and the crown angle 1660 near the center of the golf club head 1000 is approximately 64.2 degrees. In other embodiments, the crown angle 1660 near the head toe portion 1150 of the club head 1000 can 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 1660 measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head, cut through a point located approximately 1.0 inch from the geometric center of the striking face toward the head toe 1150, can be less than 79 degrees, less than 78 degrees, less than 77 degrees, less than 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.

[0113] In some embodiments, the crown angle 1660 near the head heel portion 1140 can 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 1660 measured in a side cross-section of the club head cut through a point positioned approximately 1.0 inch from the geometric center of the striking face toward the head heel portion 1140 can 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.

[0114] In some embodiments, the crown angle 1660 near the center of the club head 1000 can 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 1660 measured in a side section of the club head cut through the geometric center of the striking face can 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.

[0115] In many embodiments, reducing the crown angle 1660 compared to existing club heads results in a steeper head top 1120 or a head top 1120 positioned closer to the ground. As a result of reducing the crown angle 1660, the head CG position can be lowered.

[0116] In some embodiments, reducing the crown angle 1660 to form a steeper head top 1120 and a lower head CG position may result in an undesirable increase in aerodynamic drag. To prevent the increase in drag associated with a steeper head top 1120, the maximum head top height 1670 can be increased. Referring again to Figure 7, the maximum head top height 1670 is defined as the maximum distance between the head top 1120 and the crown axis 1650 as cut in any side section view. In many embodiments, increasing the head top height 1670 results in the head top 1120 having a greater curvature. A greater curvature within the head top 1120 causes the airflow separation point during the swing to move further back on the club head 1000. In other words, a greater curvature allows the airflow to remain attached to the club head 1000 for a longer distance across the head top 1120 when the club is swung. By moving the airflow separation point further back on the golf club head 1000, drag can be reduced and the club head speed can be increased.

[0117] In some embodiments, the maximum head height 1670 can be about 16.5 mm (or about 0.65 inches). In other embodiments, the maximum head height 1670 can be greater than about 5 mm, greater than about 7.5 mm, greater than about 10 mm, greater than about 12.5 mm, greater than about 15 mm, greater than about 17.5 mm, greater than about 20 mm, greater than about 22.5 mm, or greater than about 25 mm. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the maximum head height 1670 can be in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm, 10 mm to 20 mm, or 15 mm to 25 mm.

[0118] (How to manufacture a club head) Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 4000 available for providing, forming and / or manufacturing a golf club head according to this disclosure. In some examples, the golf club head may be similar to the golf club head 1000 presented above (Figures 1-3).

[0119] Method 4000 includes a block 4100 that provides the head body of a golf club head, including the front of the head. In some examples, the head body may be the same as the head body 1100 (Figures 1-3), and the front of the head may be the same as the front of the head 1110 (Figures 1-3).

[0120] Block 4200 of Method 4000 includes connecting a face to the front of the head, which includes a striking face with an increased face size. In some examples, the face may be similar to face 1200 (Figures 1-2), which includes a striking face 1210 having an increased face size (as described above with respect to the face). For example, increasing the face size of the striking face may, in some examples, allow its face height to be up to approximately 71 mm.

[0121] Method 4000 may include a block 4300 that constitutes a golf club head having a first optimization characteristic, in which case the CG height between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the depth plane of the golf club head may be approximately 0 mm to approximately 5.08 mm (or 0.200 inches). In some examples, the first optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relationship 1 that balances the face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity. In some examples, the CG height may be the same as the CG height 2520 (Figure 2), the center of gravity may be the same as the head center of gravity 2500 (Figure 2), and the head depth plane may be the same as the head depth plane 2310 (Figure 2).

[0122] Embodiments of Method 4000 may include a block 4400 that constitutes a golf club head having a second optimization characteristic, in which case the ratio of (a) 76.2 mm (or approximately 3.0 inches) minus the face height to (b) the CG depth between the center point of the striking face and the center of gravity is less than 0.56. In some examples, the second optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to relation 2 which balances the face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity depth. For example, the face height can be similar to face height 1213, and the CG depth can be similar to CG depth 2510.

[0123] In some examples, method 4000 may include a block 4500 that constitutes the golf club head to have a third optimization characteristic, in which case the sum of the head volume and the ratio of CG depth to CG height is 425 or greater. In some embodiments, the third optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relationship 3 that balances the head volume with respect to the center of gravity position. For example, the head volume may be the same as the head volume 2600 (Figure 2), the CG depth may be the same as the CG depth 2510, and the CG height may be the same as the CG height 2520.

[0124] Method 4000 may include Method 4600 in some embodiments in which the golf club head is configured to have a fourth optimization characteristic, in which case the horizontal moment of inertia of the golf club head is 39% or more of its hosel moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the fourth optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relation 4 which balances the horizontal MOI 1811 with respect to the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the horizontal moment of inertia may be the same as described above with respect to the horizontal MOI 1811. In addition, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be the same as described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. It is also possible that the horizontal moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced with respect to other characteristics (such as the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head).

[0125] Block 4700 of Method 4000 can be implemented in some embodiments in which the golf club head is configured to have a fifth optimization characteristic, in which case the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head is 59% or more of its hosel moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the fifth optimization characteristic can be the same as described above with respect to the relationship 5 that balances the vertical MOI 1611 with respect to the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the vertical moment of inertia can be the same as described above with respect to the vertical MOI 1611. In addition, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia can be the same as described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. It is also possible that the vertical moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia can be balanced with respect to other characteristics (such as the horizontal moment of inertia in Block 4500).

[0126] In this example, method 4000 also includes block 4800, which provides a mass redistribution mechanism for adjusting the center of gravity of the golf club head. In some examples, the mass redistribution mechanism can be configured so that the golf club head can meet the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700 of method 4000. The mass redistribution mechanism may include a weight structure such as a weight structure 2700 (Figures 2-3), which, if desired, can adjust the center of gravity to be near the sole and / or rear of the golf club head. In the same or other embodiments, the mass redistribution mechanism can reduce the thickness of the face of the golf club head, in which case the face of the golf club head may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures, such as on the back of the striking face and / or at the joint between the face of the golf club head and the head body, as needed.

[0127] In some examples, one or more different blocks of Method 4000 can be combined into a single block, or done simultaneously, and / or the order of these blocks can be changed. For example, in some embodiments (such as when at least a portion of the face and head body is made up of a single piece of material), block 4100 and block 4200 may be combined. In the same or other examples, block 4800 may be combined with one or more of blocks 4100, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or block 4700, and may be achieved simultaneously by adjusting the center of gravity, face height, face size, head volume and / or one or more moments of inertia of the golf club head, for example, by using the mass redistribution mechanism of block 4800. In the same or other examples, a portion of each block of Method 4000 can be subdivided into several subblocks. For example, block 4100 can be subdivided into several subblocks that provide different parts of the head body of the golf club head. It is also possible that Method 4000 may include further blocks or different blocks. For example, Method 4000 may include another block that provides or connects the golf club shaft to the head body of block 4100. In addition, it is also possible that Method 4100 may include only some of the blocks described above. For example, one or more of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700 may be optional in some embodiments, and / or block 4800 may be omitted if it is not necessary to achieve the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700. Other modifications of Method 4000 can be carried out without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0128] While this specification has described golf club heads and related methods with optimized characteristics with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications are possible without departing from the concepts or scope of this disclosure. For example, the above examples can be described in relation to driver-type golf clubs, but the apparatus, methods and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs (such as fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs). Alternatively, the apparatus, methods and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods (such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.).

[0129] Examples of such modifications and others have been given in the above description. Other substitutions of various embodiments having one or more of the various features are also intended. Accordingly, this specification, the claims and the drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure, and not to limit it. The scope of this application is intended to be limited only to the scope required by the appended claims.

[0130] The golf club heads and related methods with the optimized characteristics described herein may be implemented in various embodiments, and the foregoing discussion relating to some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may also disclose alternative embodiments.

[0131] The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction, not a restoration. Furthermore, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements or combinations that give rise to or make more apparent benefits, advantages, or solutions should not be construed as essential, required, or necessary features or elements of any part or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated within such claims.

[0132] Because the rules of golf change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be abolished or changed by golf standardization organizations and / or golf governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0133] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not provided for public use under the doctrine of dedication if (1) such embodiments and / or limitations are not expressly claimed in the claims, and (2) are equivalents or potential equivalents of the express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. The following items are elements described in the claims at the time of filing the patent application. (Item 1) It is a golf club head, The head body comprises the interior of the head, which is defined by the front of the head, the rear of the head, the heel of the head, the toe of the head, the top of the head, and the sole of the head. A striking face with a geometric center, A head center of gravity having head CG depth and head CG height, The aforementioned club head comprises a driver-type body, The head CG height is approximately 0 mm to approximately 5.08 mm. The head CG depth is approximately 41 mm to approximately 102 mm. The head volume of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 420cc to approximately 470cc. The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams. A mass exceeding 15% of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. A golf club head in which a mass exceeding 5% of the club head's mass is located within the last 10% of the club head's length. (Item 2) The golf club head described in item 1, wherein more than 20% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. (Item 3) The golf club head described in item 1, wherein more than 25% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. (Item 4) The golf club head described in item 1, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the club head. (Item 5) The golf club head according to item 1, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the club head. (Item 6) The golf club head further comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole portion and the rear portion of the head body, the weight structure having a center of gravity positioned between the 5 o'clock and 8 o'clock lines of a clock face, The aforementioned clock face is 12 o'clock line, 3 o'clock line, 4 o'clock line, 5 o'clock line, 8 o'clock line, and Equipped with a 9 o'clock line, When the golf club head is in the address position as viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the center point of the striking face and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. The clock face is positioned in the center along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front part of the head and the rear end of the rear part of the head. The aforementioned 3rd o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The golf club head as described in item 1, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion. (Item 7) The golf club head according to item 6, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the external contour of the head sole portion. (Item 8) The golf club head according to item 1, further comprising one or more narrow regions positioned on the upper part of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. (Item 9) The golf club head according to item 1, further comprising a weight positioned within 1.0 inch of the rear edge of the club head, the weight having a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 10 grams. (Item 10) The golf club head described in item 9, wherein the weight is positioned beyond 1.5 inches from the center of gravity of the head. (Item 11) The aforementioned golf club head further has a crown angle, When the crown angle is measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head cut through the geometric center of the striking face, the crown angle is less than 70 degrees. The golf club head described in item 1, wherein the crown angle is less than 79 degrees when measured in a side cross-sectional view of the club head cut through a point located approximately 1.0 inch from the geometric center of the striking face towards the head toe. (Item 12) It is a golf club head, The head body comprises the interior of the head, which is defined by the front of the head, the rear of the head, the heel of the head, the toe of the head, the top of the head, and the sole of the head. A striking face with a geometric center, A head center of gravity having head CG depth and head CG height, The aforementioned club head comprises a driver-type body, The aforementioned CG height ranges from approximately 0 mm to approximately 12.8 mm. The head CG depth is approximately 35 mm to approximately 90 mm. The head volume of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 300cc to approximately 400cc. The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 190 grams to approximately 240 grams. A mass exceeding 15% of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. A golf club head in which a mass exceeding 5% of the club head's mass is located within the last 10% of the club head's length. (Item 13) The golf club head according to item 12, wherein more than 20% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. (Item 14) The golf club head according to item 12, wherein more than 25% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the club head. (Item 15) The golf club head according to item 12, wherein more than 10% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the club head. (Item 16) The golf club head according to item 12, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the club head. (Item 17) The golf club head further comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole portion and the rear portion of the head body, the weight structure having a center of gravity positioned between the 5 o'clock and 8 o'clock lines of a clock face, The aforementioned clock face is 12 o'clock line, 3 o'clock line, 4 o'clock line, 5 o'clock line, 8 o'clock line, and Equipped with a 9 o'clock line, When the golf club head is in the address position as viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the center point of the striking face and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. The clock face is positioned in the center along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front part of the head and the rear end of the rear part of the head. The aforementioned 3rd o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The golf club head according to item 12, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion. (Item 18) The golf club head according to item 17, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion. (Item 19) The golf club head according to item 12, further comprising one or more narrow regions positioned on the upper part of the head, the one or more narrow regions having a thickness of less than 0.020 inches. (Item 20) The golf club head according to item 12, further comprising a weight positioned within 1.0 inch of the rear edge of the club head.

Claims

1. It is a golf club head, A head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole, wherein up to 75% of the head top comprises a narrow region, and up to 75% of the head sole comprises a narrow region, the narrow region having a thickness of 0.010 inches to 0.025 inches (0.254 mm to 0.635 mm), and made of a first material which is a titanium alloy, Having a face height and a geometric center, the striking face is located at the front of the head, The head center of gravity has head CG depth and head CG height, The head volume of the aforementioned golf club head is provided, The aforementioned golf club head comprises a driver-type body, The head CG height is 5.08 mm or less. The head CG depth is greater than 44 mm. The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams. The rear of the head is further equipped with a detachable weight and a fixed weight. The fixed weight is positioned within 1 inch (2.54 cm) of the rear edge of the head and is permanently connected to the golf club head behind the detachable weight. The aforementioned fixed weight has a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 8 grams. The aforementioned fixed weight comprises a second material different from the first material, A mass exceeding 15% of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head. A mass exceeding 5% of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head. The aforementioned golf club head satisfies relationships A and B. A. (76.2 mm - face height) / head CG depth < 0.56 B. Head volume + Head CG depth / | Head CG height | ≥ 425cc

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a mass exceeding 20% ​​of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head.

3. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein a mass exceeding 25% of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head.

4. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mass exceeding 10% of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head.

5. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a mass exceeding 15% of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head.

6. The weight structure including the detachable weight has a weight structure center of gravity positioned between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face, The aforementioned clock face is 12 o'clock line, 3 o'clock line, 4 o'clock line, 5 o'clock line, 8 o'clock line, and Equipped with a 9 o'clock line, When the golf club head is in the address position as viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the geometric center and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. The clock face is positioned in the center along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front part of the head and the rear end of the rear part of the head. The aforementioned 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion.

7. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion.

8. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the face height may be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm.

9. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fixed weight has a mass greater than 10 grams.

10. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the fixed weight is positioned more than 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) from the center of gravity of the head.

11. The aforementioned golf club head further has a crown angle, When the crown angle is measured in a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head cut through the geometric center of the striking face, the crown angle is less than 70 degrees. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the crown angle is less than 79 degrees when measured in a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head cut through a point located approximately 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) from the geometric center of the striking face toward the head toe.

12. It is a golf club head, A head body comprising a head interior bounded by a head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole, wherein up to 75% of the head top comprises a narrow region, and up to 75% of the head sole comprises a narrow region, the narrow region having a thickness of 0.010 inches to 0.025 inches (0.254 mm to 0.635 mm), and made of a first material which is a titanium alloy, Having a face height and a geometric center, the striking face is located at the front of the head, It has a head center of gravity having head CG depth and head CG height, The aforementioned golf club head comprises a driver-type body, The head CG height is 12.8 mm or less. The head CG depth is greater than 44 mm. The head volume of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 300cc to approximately 400cc. The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 190 grams to approximately 240 grams. The rear of the head is further equipped with a detachable weight and a fixed weight. The fixed weight is positioned within 1 inch (2.54 cm) of the rear edge of the head and is permanently connected to the golf club head behind the detachable weight. The aforementioned fixed weight has a specific gravity greater than 10.0 and a mass greater than 8 grams. The aforementioned fixed weight comprises a second material different from the first material, A mass exceeding 15% of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head. A mass exceeding 5% of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head. The aforementioned golf club head satisfies relation A. A. (76.2 mm - face height) / head CG depth < 0.56

13. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein a mass exceeding 20% ​​of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head.

14. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein more than 25% of the mass of the golf club head is located within the last 20% of the length of the golf club head.

15. The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a mass exceeding 10% of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head.

16. The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein more than 15% of the mass of the golf club head is located within the last 10% of the length of the golf club head.

17. The weight structure including the detachable weight has a weight structure center of gravity positioned between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line of the clock face, The aforementioned clock face is 12 o'clock line, 3 o'clock line, 4 o'clock line, 5 o'clock line, 8 o'clock line, and Equipped with a 9 o'clock line, When the golf club head is in the address position as viewed from the bottom surface of the golf club head, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the geometric center and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. The clock face is positioned in the center along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front part of the head and the rear end of the rear part of the head. The aforementioned 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe portion.

18. The golf club head according to claim 17, wherein the weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion.

19. The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the face height may be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm.

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