Multiple-element golf club head

Abstract

To provide a multi-component golf club head and a method for producing the multi-component golf club head.SOLUTION: A golf club head comprises two components, wherein the first component comprises a ball striking face, a striking face return, and a sole extension with a rear mass, and wherein the second component comprises a lower density material, comprising a part of the crown and a part of the sole. The first component comprises a majority of the mass of the golf club head, having a rear mass comprising 20% to 35% of the mass of the golf club head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 878,263, filed Jul. 24, 2019, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to multi - element golf club heads and methods of manufacturing multi - element golf club heads.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, club head mass is the sum of structural mass and discretionary mass. In an ideal club design with a certain total swing weight, the structural mass is minimized (without sacrificing elasticity), thereby providing the designer with sufficient discretionary mass for any configuration to customize and maximize club performance. Structural mass generally refers to the mass of the materials necessary to provide the club head with the structural elasticity to withstand repeated impacts. Structural mass is highly design - dependent, and the amount that a designer can control for a particular mass distribution is relatively small. Conversely, discretionary mass is any additional mass (above the minimum structural requirements) that can be added to the club head design solely to customize the performance and / or forgiveness of the club. In the art, there is a need for alternative designs for all metal golf club heads to provide means for maximizing discretionary weight to maximize the club head moment of inertia (MOI) and lower / rear center of gravity (CG), and to provide options for golf ball flight operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1C] This shows a front perspective view of an assembled golf club head.

[0007] [Figure 1D] This shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head with a loft plane, a contact plane, and a Z-axis.

[0008] [Figure 1E] This shows a front view of an assembled golf club head with an X-axis, Y-axis, and hosel axis.

[0009] [Figure 1F] This shows the assembly and disassembly diagrams of a golf club head.

[0010] [Figure 2] This figure shows the rear view of the second component of the golf club head.

[0011] [Figure 3A] This shows a front-to-inside view of the second component of the golf club head. [Figure 3B] This shows a front-to-inside view of the second component of the golf club head.

[0012] [Figure 4] This shows a front and top view of the first component of the golf club head.

[0013] [Figure 5] This shows a top view of the first component of a golf club head.

[0014] [Figure 6] This is a rear view of the first component of a golf club head, showing an intermediate plane passing through the center of the strike face parallel to the ground surface.

[0015] [Figure 7]Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the first golf club component along reference line XII.

[0016] [Figure 8] This shows a bottom view of the first component of the golf club head.

[0017] [Figure 9] This shows a bottom view of the mass portion of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

[0018] [Figure 10] This shows an enlarged rear view of the mass portion of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

[0019] [Figure 11] This shows a cross-sectional view of the mass portion of the rear extension of the sole portion of the first component of the golf club head.

[0020] [Figure 12] The rear extension mass portion of the sole of the first component of a golf club head is shown, which includes a removable weight recess and an embedded weight recess.

[0021] [Figure 13] A top view of a detachable weight equipped with a threaded fastener is shown.

[0022] [Figure 14] A side perspective view of a detachable weight equipped with a threaded fastener is shown.

[0023] [Figure 15] The first component of the golf club head, showing the cast support bar, is shown.

[0024] [Figure 16A] Figure 12 shows a side view of the embedded weight for fitting into the embedded weight recess.

[0025] [Figure 16B] The image shows a top view of the embedded weight.

[0026] [Figure 17] A perspective view of a golf club head according to the second embodiment is shown.

[0027] [Figure 18] Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the first component of the club head.

[0028] [Figure 19] Figure 18 shows the sole diagram of the first component.

[0029] [Figure 20] Figure 18 shows a sole diagram of the first component, which has a movable weight positioned on the toe side.

[0030] [Figure 21] Figure 18 shows a sole diagram of the first component, which has a movable weight at the heel position.

[0031] [Figure 22] This shows a diagram of the sole of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 23] This shows a diagram of the sole of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension according to one embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 24] This shows a diagram of the sole of a golf club head having a straight rear sole extension according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 25] This shows a diagram of the sole of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension according to one embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 26] This shows a diagram of the sole of a golf club head having an angled rear sole extension according to one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 27] This diagram shows the sole of a golf club head having a rear sole extension with a changing width, according to one embodiment.

[0037] [Figure 28] This diagram shows the sole of a golf club head having a rear sole extension with a changing width, according to one embodiment.

[0038] [Figure 29] A front view of a second component of a golf club head according to one embodiment is shown.

[0039] [Figure 30] A front view of a second component of a golf club head according to one embodiment is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] This specification describes a hollow golf club head comprising two main components. The first component is metal. The second component is non-metallic. The first metal component comprises the striking portion and the sole extension. The second non-metallic component encloses the rear portion of the crown and also includes a portion of the sole. The first component comprises the load-bearing or structural area of ​​the golf club head and also contains the majority of the golf club head's mass. The first component includes the rearward-extending sole portion, with the majority of the golf club mass located in the rearmost part of the extension, and the first component forming a "T" shape when viewed from above. This configuration provides discretionary mass that can be redistributed to improve the center of gravity (CG) and moment of inertia (MOI). The improved CG and MOI provide more accurate ball flight compared to all traditional metal golf club heads. The golf club heads discussed herein may include driver-type golf club heads, fairway-type golf club heads, or hybrid-type golf club heads.

[0041] The denser "T"-shaped sole of the first component is combined with the second component, which is a less dense, encased crown. This can optimize the mass properties by reducing the mass of the crown and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head lower. The weight saved from the second component can be redistributed to other parts of the golf club head to further optimize the CG and increase the MOI. The CG of the golf club head can be moved downward toward the rear of the golf club head, which includes the first and second components, and the second component includes a second material with a lower density than the first material, compared to an alternative golf club head that includes only the first material with a constant density.

[0042] "One (A)", "One (an)", "the foregoing", "at least one", and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the items exists, and that there may be more such items unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. All numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this specification, including in the appended claims, should be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about," whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows for a degree of imperfection (some degree of approach to the exactness of the value, near the value, or reasonably close to the value; approximately). Where the imperfection provided by "about" is not understood in the art in this ordinary sense, "about" as used herein indicates at least the variation that may arise from the ordinary methods of measuring and using such parameters. Also, disclosures of ranges include all values ​​and further subdivided ranges within the whole range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of a range are all disclosed herein as separate embodiments. The terms “equipped,” “possessing,” “included,” and “possessed” are inclusive and therefore identify the presence of the listed item but do not exclude the presence of other items. As used herein, the term “or” includes any combination of one or more of the listed items and all combinations thereof. When terms such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd are used to distinguish different items from one another, these names are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.

[0043] Where applicable, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., in this specification and the claims are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular order or chronological order. Terms used in this way are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances. For example, embodiments described herein may operate in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, terms such as “includes,” “having,” and any variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not descriptively listed in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0044] Where applicable, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “above,” “below,” etc., in this specification and in the claims are used for descriptive purposes only and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. Terms used in this manner should be understood to be replaceable in appropriate circumstances so that the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and / or embodiments of the manufactured articles described herein can be operated, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0045] Other features and aspects will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiment of this disclosure is described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details, configuration, and arrangement of components as described in the following description or shown in the drawings. This disclosure can support other embodiments and can be implemented or performed in a variety of ways. It should be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit this disclosure from encompassing all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It should also be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. I) First Embodiment of a Golf Club Head

[0046] Embodiments of a golf club head (100) comprising two components, a first component and a second component, are described herein. The golf club head comprises a striking face (170), a striking face return (177), a hosel (140), a crown (110), a sole (120), a heel end (160), a toe end (150), a trailing edge (130) at the rearmost part of the rear end (180), a hosel (140), and a hosel adapter mounting recess (195) on the sole.

[0047] The golf club head (100) further defines a loft plane (198) tangent to the center (175) of the striking face (170). A face height parallel to the loft plane can be measured between the upper end of the periphery of the striking face near the crown (110) and the lower end of the periphery of the striking face near the sole (120). In these embodiments, the periphery of the striking face can be positioned along the outer edge of the striking face (170), where the curvature deviates from the bulge and / or roll of the striking face (170).

[0048] Referring to Figures 1D and 1E, the center of the striking face (175) further defines a coordinate system having the X, Y, and Z axes, with the origin at the center of the striking face (175) of the striking face (170). The X axis (190) passes through the center of the striking face (175) of the striking face (170) and extends from the heel end (160) to the toe end (150) of the golf club head (100), and is parallel to the ground surface (105) when the club head (100) is in the address position. The Y axis (192) passes through the center of the striking face (175) of the striking face (170) and extends from the crown (110) to the sole (120) of the golf club head (100), and is perpendicular to the X axis (190). The Z-axis (196) passes through the center (175) of the striking face (170) of the striking face and extends from the striking face (170) of the golf club head (100) toward the rear end (180), and is perpendicular to the X-axis (190) and the Y-axis (192).

[0049] The coordinate system defines the XY plane extending through the X-axis (190) and Y-axis (192), the XZ plane extending through the X-axis (190) and Z-axis (196), and the YZ plane extending through the Y-axis (192) and Z-axis (196). Here, the XY plane, XZ plane, and YZ plane are all perpendicular to each other and intersect at the origin of the coordinate system at the center of the striking face (175) of the striking face (170). The XY plane extends parallel to the hosel axis and is positioned at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the golf club head (100) from the loft plane. Furthermore, the X-axis (190) is positioned at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the hosel axis (199) when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. A) First component

[0050] As shown in Figures 1A to 1F and Figures 4 to 8, the first component (300) may include a striking face (170) having a return portion (177) that forms part of the crown (400), a hosel (140), part of the heel end (160), part of the toe end (150), part of the trailing edge (130), a recessed lip (450) (also called a connecting extension surface), and part of the sole (120). The striking face return portion (177) is positioned substantially perpendicular to the striking face (170) and includes a rear extension that extends from a different perimeter than the striking face (170). The striking face return portion (177) forms a rear profile from the heel end towards the toe end. In other embodiments, the rear profile of the first component (300) may extend from the heel end (160) to the toe end (150) in a linear profile, a positive parabolic profile, a bell-shaped profile, or any other profile relative to the striking face (170). As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second component (200) may include at least a portion of the crown (110), sole (120), trailing edge (130), and rear notch (240).

[0051] The first component (300) includes a first material having a first density. The first material includes a metallic material. The second component (200) includes a second material having a second density. The second component (200) includes the mass of the second component.

[0052] The first material density of the first component (300) is greater than the second material density of the second component (200). The mass percentage of the first component (300) may be in the range of 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head (100). For example, the mass percentage of the first component of the golf club head may be 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, or 96%. The mass percentage of the second component (200) may be in the range of 4% to 15% of the mass of the golf club head (100). The first component (300) includes a sole rear extension (500) having a mass portion (510) at the rearmost position of the rear extension (500). The mass portion (510) may constitute 20% to 35% of the mass of the hollow multi-element golf club head (100). Placing the majority of the golf club head's mass at the rearmost position provides functionally desirable mass characteristics. For example, the rearmost position of the mass portion (510) can lower the CG of the golf club head, thereby improving the launch characteristics.

[0053] The first component (300) may be formed integrally as a single part, and therefore the first component comprises a single material. Alternatively, the first component (300) may comprise a separately formed striking face insert comprising a different material (i.e., a third material) from the rest of the first component (300).

[0054] The first metal component (300) is bonded to a non-metallic second component (200) that surrounds the first component (300) to form a hollow golf club head (100). The trailing edge (230) of the second component connects the crown portion (205) and the sole portions (212, 214) of the second component so that they surround the first component (300).

[0055] Referring to Figure 1F, the golf club head (100) includes a first component (300) and a second component (200) configured to be joined together to form a hollow golf club head. Here, the first component is T-shaped and includes a metallic material. The sole of the first component (300) has a rear sole extension having a mass member at the rearmost end of the sole extension. This configuration lowers the CG of the assembled golf club head and moves the CG towards the rear of the assembled golf club head.

[0056] Referring to Figures 1E and 4, the first component (300) comprises a hosel hole (145) defining a hosel shaft (199), a striking face center (175), a striking face crown portion (420), a striking face return crown portion (400) having a striking face return crown portion width (405), and a trailing edge (440) of the first component. Some embodiments may further include a first component crown turbulator (430) having a crown turbulator toe portion (432) and a crown turbulator heel portion (434) of the first component.

[0057] The first component may include a recessed lip (also called a joining extension) configured to overlap with a portion of the second component and together form a golf club head. The first component (300) may include a first component lip (450) that contacts the first component peripheral edge (462) having a first component crown lip (455) and a first component tab (457). The first component tab (457) and the alignment groove within the second component provide mechanical support to align the first component (300) with the second component (200) during assembly and to prevent lateral movement between the first component (300) and the second component (200).

[0058] The first component lip is recessed from the outer surface of the golf club head to match the combined thickness of the overlapping lip of the second component and any adhesive used to fasten the two components together. Referring to Figure 5, the first component (300) comprises a first component lip recess offset (459), a first component sole lip (460), a first component sole rear extension (500), a first component sole rear extension mass portion (510) having an internal front end (502) of the mass portion, one or more internal ribs (520) of the mass portion, and a removable weight recess (540) having a threaded fastener receiving boss (542) and an internal front end (544) of the removable weight recess. See also Figure 1F, the first component lip (455) is configured to be covered by a portion of the second component (200) when the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) to form the golf club (100). The first component (300) may preferably be joined to the second component (200) using an adhesive placed between the overlapping surfaces of the first and second components.

[0059] Referring to Figure 7, the lip of the first component has a width (730), which can range from 0.125 inches to 0.275 inches. For example, the lip width (730) of the first component can be 0.125 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.175 inches, 0.200 inches, 0.022 inches, 0.225 inches, 0.250 inches, or 0.275 inches.

[0060] The recessed offset (459) of the first component is the offset distance of the lip (455) from the outer surface of the first component (300) toward the interior of the golf club head. The recessed offset (459) can range from 0.060 inches to 0.160 inches toward the interior of the golf club head (100). In other embodiments, the recessed offset (459) can range from 0.060 inches to 0.150 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.140 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.160 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.150 inches, or 0.090 inches to 0.160 inches. For example, the recessed offset (459) can be 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, 0.150 inches, or 0.160 inches.

[0061] The first component lip (450) may include a thickness. The thickness of the first component lip (450) can range from 0.007 inches to 0.030 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first component lip (450) can be approximately 0.007 inches to 0.009 inches, 0.009 inches to 0.011 inches, 0.011 inches to 0.013 inches, 0.013 inches to 0.015 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.017 inches, 0.017 inches to 0.019 inches, 0.019 inches to 0.021 inches, 0.021 inches to 0.023 inches, 0.023 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.027 inches, or 0.027 inches to 0.030 inches.

[0062] Referring further to Figure 5, the first component has a rear extension on the sole, which allows the majority of the mass of the assembled golf club head to be lowered to the sole of the assembled golf club and moved toward the rear. The rear extension (500) extends from and is integrated with the striking face return, allowing the impact stress to propagate all the way to the rear of the sole, which helps to balance the distribution of impact stress in the golf club head.

[0063] Referring further to Figure 5, the first component lip (450) includes the first component crown lip (455) and the first component sole lip (460). The first component lip (450) may have other parts.

[0064] Referring to Figure 6, the plane (610) parallel to the contact surface (105) and intersecting the center of the striking face (175) defines the lower part of the first component (300) shown in Figure 7. Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the rear extension (500) extends from the rear perimeter of the striking face return sole (810) toward the rear end (180) of the golf club head (100).

[0065] Referring to Figure 7, the first component (300) comprises a heel extension portion (710) of the sole of the first component, a toe extension portion (720) of the sole of the first component, a lip (460) having a lip width (730) of the first component, a rear edge portion (740) of the first component, and a rear extension mass portion (510) of the sole of the first component having a vertical lip (750) and a rear edge shelf (760) of the mass portion.

[0066] The rear extension (510) has greater mass at its rearmost position. Placing the mass at the rearmost position allows for manipulation of the rear sole extension position, which greatly influences the mass characteristics of the assembled golf club head. Referring to Figure 8, the first component (300) includes a first component sole rear extension (500) having a first component sole rear extension length (505) and a first component sole rear extension width (507). The first component (300) includes a striking face return sole (810) having a striking face return sole width (815), a first component sole toe extension (820) having a first component sole toe extension length (825), and a first component sole heel extension (830) having a first component sole heel extension length (835). The rear extension length (505) is measured from the rear perimeter of the striking face return section (810) toward the rear end (180). The width of the return sole section (815) is measured from the loft plane (198) toward the rear to the rear perimeter of the striking face return section, which is the sole portion of the first component perimeter end (462). Both the rear extension length (505) and the width of the return sole section (815) constitute the total sole length of the golf club head (100), measured from the loft plane (198) along the sole (120) toward the rear end (180). The width of the rear extension section (507) is the width of the rear extension section (500). The width of the rear extension section (507) is measured from heel toward toe around the rear perimeter of the striking face return sole section (810), which is the sole portion of the first component perimeter end (462). The width of the rear extension (507) is smaller than the total width of the sole (120) of the golf club (100). The width of the rear extension (507) can be in the range of 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (120). The width of the rear extension (507) can be in the range of 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (120).

[0067] The width (507) of the rear extension can be in the range of 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (120). The rear extension (500) of the first component sole forms a toe direction angle (850) with respect to the toe extension (720) and a heel direction angle (855) with respect to the heel extension (710). The first component (300) further comprises a removable weight recess (540) having a plurality of removable weight recess tabs (546).

[0068] Referring to Figures 5, 7, and 8, the striking face return (177) extends rearward from the periphery of the striking face (170), essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). The striking face (170) and the striking face return (177) constitute the front portion of the assembled golf club head. The striking face return (177) includes a striking face return crown portion (400) having a striking face return crown portion width (405) and a striking face return sole portion (810) having a striking face return sole portion width (815). The striking face return crown portion (400) has a rear periphery that forms a profile on the crown (110) from the heel end (160) of the crown (110) to the toe end (150) of the crown (110). The striking face return crown portion width, measured from the striking face (170) toward the rear end (180), may vary. The maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may be smaller at the toe end (150) and heel end (160), and larger in the intermediate region between the toe end (150) and heel end (160). The width (405) of the striking face return crown can be at least 0.8 inches, at least 1.0 inches, at least 1.2 inches, or at least 1.4 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may be in the range of 1.0 inch to 1.5 inches. For example, the maximum width (405) of the striking face return crown may be 1.0 inch, 1.1 inch, 1.2 inch, 1.3 inch, 1.4 inch, or 1.5 inch. The width (405) of the crown of the second component can be similar to the crown described in U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 693,490, now U.S. Patent No. 7,601,078.

[0069] Manipulating the position of the rear sole extension provides a means of manipulating the mass characteristics of the assembled golf club head. Referring to Figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, the sole portion of the first component can extend from the center near the striking face toward the toe end forming the toe end extension (720) of the sole portion of the first component toward the heel end forming the heel end extension (710) of the sole portion of the first component toward the rear end forming the rear extension (500) of the sole portion of the first component. The toe extension (720), heel extension (710), and rear extension (500) of the sole portion of the first component can form a "T" shaped profile. In some embodiments, the toe extension can have a toe end extension length (825) of the first component sole portion ranging from 1.50 inches to 2.00 inches toward the toe end (150) from the YZ plane. For example, the first component sole toe extension (720) may have a first component sole toe extension length (825) of 1.50 inches, 1.60 inches, 1.70 inches, 1.80 inches, 1.90 inches, or 2.00 inches toward the toe end (150). In some embodiments, the first component sole heel extension (710) may have a first component sole heel extension length (835) ranging from 0.90 inches to 1.40 inches toward the heel end (160) from the YZ plane. For example, the first component sole heel extension (710) may extend by 0.90 inches, 1.10 inches, 1.20 inches, 1.30 inches, or 1.40 inches. The first component sole rear extension (500) may be 2.30 inches to 2.90 inches, measured from the striking face return portion (177). For example, the first component, the sole rear extension (500), can extend from the striking face return portion (177) by a distance of 2.30 inches, 2.40 inches, 2.50 inches, 2.60 inches, 2.70 inches, 2.80 inches, or 2.90 inches.

[0070] Shifting the rear extension of the sole of the first component near the toe end (150) or heel end (160) of the golf club head (100) provides a means of manipulating the mass properties of the assembled golf club head and changing ball flight. When manufacturing the first component (300), moving the rear extension of the sole of the first component (500) toward the toe end (150) or heel end (160) of the golf club (100) changes the mass properties of the assembled golf club head. If the rear extension of the sole of the first component (500) is moved toward the toe end (150) by reducing the toe end extension (825) of the sole of the first component, the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) will also move toward the toe end (150). When the first component, the rear extension of the sole (500), is moved toward the heel end (160) of the golf club head (100), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) also moves toward the heel end (160).

[0071] The return portion of the first component (300) may include a thickness extending between the outer and inner surfaces of the return portion. The thickness of the first component can range from 0.015 inches to 0.040 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the first component can range from 0.010 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches, 0.030 inches to 0.040 inches, 0.040 inches to 0.10 inches, or 0.10 inches to 0.25 inches. For example, the thickness of the first component can be 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, or 0.040 inches. The thickness of the first component can be further varied in the striking face (170), the crown portion of the first component (420), the sole portion of the first component (310), the heel extension portion of the sole portion of the first component (710), the toe extension portion of the sole portion of the first component (720), and the rear extension mass portion of the sole portion of the first component (510).

[0072] The first component (300) includes the surface area within the range of 27 inches 2 to 41 inches 2 of the total surface area of the golf club head (100). In some embodiments, the surface area of the first component (300) can be from 25 inches 2 to 43 inches 2 from 25 inches 2 to 28 inches 2 from 28 inches 2 to 31 inches 2 from 31 inches 2 to 34 inches 2 from 34 inches 2 to 37 inches 2 from 37 inches 2 to 40 inches 2 or from 40 inches 2 to 43 inches 2 For example, it can be 25 inches 2 27 inches 2 29 inches 2 31 inches 2 33 inches 2 35 inches 2 37 inches 2 39 inches 2 41 inches 2 43 inches 2 and so on.

[0073] The first component (300) can include materials such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, or metal alloys. In some embodiments, the first component (300) can include a Ti-8Al-1Mo-1V alloy. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a driver-type club head, the first component (300) can include a titanium material. In many embodiments where the golf club head (100) is a fairway wood-type club head, the first component (300) can include a steel material.

[0074] In many embodiments, the first component (300) can be cast. In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be forged, pressed, rolled, extruded, machined, electroformed, 3-D printed, or any suitable forming technique. Referring to Figure 15, in embodiments in which the first component (300) is cast, the first component (300) may further comprise a plurality of casting support bars, including one or more heel-end casting support bars (1510) and one or more toe-end casting support bars (1512). 1) First component: Rear sole extension

[0075] As described above, the first component includes the striking face and the striking face return. These parts of the golf club head receive and distribute the impact force when the golf club strikes the ball. The rear extension (500) is formed integrally with the rest of the first component and extends from the sole portion of the striking face return portion (810). Furthermore, the mass of the rear extension (500) resists the torque force caused by off-center impacts of the striking face. In many embodiments, the toe-end extension (720) and heel-end extension (710) of the first component sole portion can be parallel to the striking face (170) and have a constant width from front to rear. In other embodiments, the toe-end extension (720) and heel-end extension (710) can increase and / or decrease in width toward the toe end (150) and heel end (160) and include a variety of widths. In some embodiments, the first component sole toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) may include widths ranging from 1.0 inch to 1.5 inch. For example, the toe end extension (720) and heel end extension (710) may be 1.00 inch, 1.10 inch, 1.20 inch, 1.30 inch, 1.40 inch, or 1.50 inch.

[0076] In many embodiments, the first component sole rear extension (500) may have a width that increases, decreases, and / or includes a width (507) from the rear boundary of the striking face return sole (810) toward the rear end (180). In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) may have a width (507) ranging from 1.0 inch to 3.5 inches. For example, the rear extension may be 1.0 inch, 1.25 inch, 1.50 inch, 1.75 inch, 2.00 inch, 2.25 inch, 2.50 inch, 2.75 inch, 3.0 inch, 3.25 inch, or 3.50 inch. In some embodiments, the rear extension (500) may have a width that varies in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the rear extension (500) may include a width that increases in the forward direction toward the rear. In these embodiments, the width of the rear extension (500) has a minimum value adjacent to the striking face return sole (810) and a maximum value adjacent to the rear of the club head. Widening the width of the rear extension (500) toward the rear of the club head allows the rear extension (500) to support weight or a weight system. Varying the width of the rear extension (500) so that the minimum width is adjacent to the striking face return sole (810) reduces the mass adjacent to the face return and allows this saved weight to be redistributed around the club head. In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) may include a width that decreases in the front-to-back direction. Narrowing the width of the rear extension toward the rear of the club head can provide additional structural support for weight or a weight system attached to the rear extension (500).

[0077] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the first component, the sole rear extension (500), extends perpendicularly to the striking face (170) and can be located centered between the toe end (150) and the heel end (160). In other embodiments, the rear extension (500) can extend closer to the toe end (150) or closer to the heel end (160). The rear extension (500) can be offset from 0.05 inches to 1.0 inch toward the heel end (160). For example, the rear extension (500) can be offset from the heel end (160) by 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inch. The first component, the sole rear extension (500), can be offset by 0.05 inches to 1.0 inch toward the toe end (150). For example, the rear extension (500) can be offset by 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, or 1.0 inch toward the toe end (160).

[0078] If the rear extension (500) of the sole of the first component is offset toward the toe end (150), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) can be offset toward the toe end (150) by up to 0.150 inches. For example, the center of gravity can be offset toward the toe end (150) by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. If the rear extension (500) of the sole of the first component is offset toward the heel end (160), the center of gravity of the golf club head (100) can be offset toward the heel end (160) by up to 0.150 inches. For example, the center of gravity can be offset by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches toward the heel end (160).

[0079] Another means of manipulating the mass properties of a golf club head is to change the angle of the rear sole extension relative to the striking face of the first component. The toe-direction angle (850) and heel-direction angle (855) of the rear sole extension of the first component are complementary angles (i.e., the two angles add up to 180 degrees). In one embodiment, the toe-direction angle (850) and heel-direction angle (855) are 90 degrees each, and therefore the rear extension (500) is essentially perpendicular to the striking face (170). In another embodiment, the toe-direction angle (850) and heel-direction angle (855) can vary between 45 and 135 degrees each, as long as the two angles remain complementary. For example, the toe-direction angle (850) can be 100 degrees, while the heel-direction angle (855) is a complementary 80 degrees. In this example, the mass portion (510) is angularly offset toward the heel end (180) of the golf club head (100). Other combinations of the toe direction angle (850) and heel direction angle (855) may be 110 degrees and 70 degrees, 120 degrees and 60 degrees, 130 degrees and 50 degrees, or 135 degrees and 45 degrees. The center of gravity of the golf club head will be offset toward the position of the rear mass portion (510). For example, the center of gravity may be offset toward the heel end (160) by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches. Similarly, the angle in the toe direction decreases, and the angle in the heel direction increases. For example, the combination of the toe direction angle (850) and the heel direction angle may be 80 degrees and 100 degrees, 70 degrees and 110 degrees, 60 degrees and 120 degrees, 50 degrees and 130 degrees, or 45 degrees and 135 degrees.For example, the center of gravity may be offset by 0.010 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.100 inches, 0.110 inches, 0.120 inches, 0.130 inches, 0.140 inches, or 0.150 inches toward the toe end (160). This angular offset may affect the ball flight characteristics, and it may be desirable to position the clubhead center of gravity in that direction by placing more rear mass toward the heel or toe at the rear. Other angular offsets in different embodiments can produce different clubhead center of gravity positions and different ball flight characteristics by differently combining the toe-direction angle (850) of the first component sole rear extension and the heel-direction angle (855) of the first component sole rear extension. 2) Mass of the rear sole extension of the first component

[0080] As described above, the first component contains the majority of the mass of the assembled golf club head. The rear extension (500) allows a portion of the golf club's mass to be positioned separately within the sole of the club head toward the rear of the club head. The rear extension (500) includes a mass portion at the rear of the golf club head, allowing the mass there to further influence the CG and MOI of the golf club head. The sole portion of the first component, the rear extension mass portion (510) alone can contain 20% to 35% of the total mass of the golf club head (100). Placing this mass at the rearmost part of the rear extension (500) is an important aspect for controlling the mass characteristics of the golf club head (100) during the manufacturing of the first component (300).

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, the first component, the rear extension mass portion (510) of the sole portion, comprises a threaded receiving portion (545), one or more weight recess tabs (546), and a mass portion (510) having a heel-side outer boundary (910), a toe-side outer boundary (915), and a front outer boundary (918).

[0082] Referring to Figure 10, the mass section (510) further comprises a plurality of internal ribs (520) having an internal rib width (523). The plurality of internal ribs (520) may include two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or five or more ribs. The plurality of internal ribs (520) engage with or are attached to the inner surface of the removable weight recess (540) of the rear extension mass section. The internal ribs (520) can reduce undesirable vibrations in the mass section (510), which is desirable since the majority of the mass of the golf club head (100) is located at the rear of the golf club head. The mass section (510) further comprises a vertical lip (750) having a vertical lip height (1150) and a mass section rear edge shelf (1042) having a shelf length (1048), shelf height (1044), and shelf width (1046). The shelf length (1048) is approximately the same as the width of the rear extension (507), and changes as the width of the mass section (510) changes.

[0083] The shelf (1042) provides a mating surface for a portion of the second component when the first and second components are joined together to form the assembled golf club head. The mass section (510) further includes an internal front boundary (1050) and a vertical lip length (1052).

[0084] Referring to Figure 8, the diagram of the rear mass body (510) is divided by the YZ plane (800). Referring to Figure 11, the mass body (510) further includes an internal length (1110), a maximum height of the mass body (1112), and a vertical lip height (1150). The internal rib further comprises a rib height (1120) and a rib length (1122).

[0085] The internal rib width (523) can range from 0.025 inches to 0.100 inches. For example, the internal rib width (523) may be 0.025 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.075 inches, or 0.100 inches. The internal rib height (1120) is in the range of 25% to 100% of the removable weight recess depth (1216). The internal rib length (1122) can range from 0.100 inches to 1.500 inches. For example, the internal rib length (1122) may be 0.100 inches, 0.200 inches, 0.300 inches, 0.400 inches, 0.500 inches, 0.600 inches, 0.700 inches, 0.800 inches, 0.900 inches, 1.000 inches, 1.100 inches, 1.200 inches, 1.300 inches, 1.400 inches, or 1.500 inches.

[0086] The mass portion (510) has a maximum height (1112) located approximately along the top of the mass portion vertical lip (750). The mass portion (510) decreases in thickness as it approaches the heel-side outer boundary (910), the toe-side outer boundary (915), and the front outer boundary (918). The maximum height (1112) of the mass portion includes the maximum thickness of the mass portion (510). The maximum thickness of the mass portion (510) can range from 0.40 inches to 0.70 inches. For example, the maximum thickness of the mass portion (510) may be 0.40 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.60 inches, or 0.70 inches. 3) Detachable weight and embedded weight of the first component

[0087] To allow for further control over the mass characteristics of the assembled golf club head, removable weight recesses and removable weights are provided, and the mass of the removable weights can be fine-tuned to the mass characteristics of the golf club head at the time of assembly. The removable weight recess (540) further comprises multiple removable weight recess tabs. The multiple removable weight recess tabs may consist of two, three, four, five, or more tabs.

[0088] Referring to Figure 12, it is desirable to further increase the mass located at the rear of the golf club head. The mass section (510) further comprises an embedded weight recess (1220). Thus, it is possible to provide an embedded weight recess (1220) and an embedded weight (1600) (configured to be received in the embedded weight recess (1220)) comprising an embedded weight material having a density higher than the first density of the first material of the first component (300).

[0089] Referring to Figure 13, the removable weight (1300) can be made of materials such as steel, tungsten, aluminum, titanium, vanadium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, other metals, metal alloys, composite polymer materials, or any combination thereof. In many embodiments, the sole weight can be tungsten. The removable weight (1300) has mass.

[0090] The mass of the detachable weight (1300) can range from 1.0 gram to 20.0 grams. For example, the mass of the detachable weight (1300) may be 1.0 gram, 1.5 grams, 2.0 grams, 3.0 grams, 4.0 grams, 5.0 grams, 6.0 grams, 7.0 grams, 8.0 grams, 9.0 grams, 10.0 grams, 11.0 grams, 12.0 grams, 13.0 grams, 14.0 grams, 15.0 grams, 16.0 grams, 17.0 grams, 18.0 grams, 19.0 grams, or 20.0 grams.

[0091] Referring to Figures 8 and 13, the removable weight (1300) is configured to be received within the removable weight recess (540). The removable weight (1300) further includes a through hole approximately in the center of the removable weight (1300). The through hole is configured to receive a removable weight threaded fastener (1320), which is screw-receivable into the threaded receiving boss (544), thereby enabling the removable weight (1300) to be fixed within the removable weight recess (540).

[0092] Referring to Figure 14, the removable weight (1300) further includes a thickness (1430), a plurality of removable weight offsets (1434), and a plurality of removable weight grooves (1438). The plurality of removable weight offsets (1434) may consist of two offsets, three offsets, four offsets, five offsets, or more than five offsets. The plurality of removable weight grooves (1438) may consist of two grooves, three grooves, four grooves, five grooves, or more than five grooves. The offsets (1434) are configured to slightly offset the removable weight (1300) from the wall of the removable weight recess (540) when the removable weight (1300) is received within the removable weight recess (540). The removable weight groove (1438) is configured to receive a removable weight recess tab when the removable weight (1300) is received within the removable weight recess (540).

[0093] Referring to Figures 16A and 16B, the embedded weight (1600) has mass. The mass of the embedded weight (1600) can range from 1.0 gram to 20.0 grams. For example, the mass of the embedded weight (1600) may be 1.0 g, 2.0 g, 3.0 g, 4.0 g, 5.0 g, 6.0 g, 7.0 g, 8.0 g, 9.0 g, 10.0 g, 11.0 g, 12.0 g, 13.0 g, 14.0 g, 15.0 g, 16.0 g, 17.0 g, 18.0 g, 19.0 g, or 20.0 g.

[0094] The embedded weight (1600) comprises tungsten material, tungsten alloy material, polymer matrix embedded with tungsten particles, or any other suitable material having a density greater than the first material density. The embedded weight (1600) is configured to fit into and be permanently fixed within the embedded weight recess (1220). The embedded weight (1600) may be permanently fixed using adhesive, by swaging or other press-fitting methods, or by using suitable mechanical mounting means. B) Second component

[0095] The golf club head (100) comprises a first component (300) and a non-metallic, lightweight second component (200), which are configured to be joined together to form a hollow golf club head (100). Referring to Figures 1F and 2, the second component (200) includes a second component crown (205), a second component sole heel (214), a second component sole toe (212), a second component periphery (220), a second component sole rear notch (240) having a second component sole rear notch width (242) and a second component sole rear notch height (244), and a second component sole rear edge (230). In some embodiments, not shown, the second component may include only a portion of the crown. In these embodiments, the sole rear notch (240) may surround the crown (205).

[0096] As shown in Figures 1-4, the second component crown portion (205) wraps over the trailing edge (130) and integrally forms a part of the sole that is complementary to the first component. The heel and toe sole portions (214)(212) of the second component formed by the second component (200) may include triangular shapes of the first component located between the toe end extension and the rear end extension, and triangular shapes located between the rear end extension and the heel end extension. In other embodiments, the sole portion formed by the second component (200) may include shapes that are complementary to the sole portion of the first component (100) and have a circular, square, elliptical, any other polygon, or at least one curved surface. The second component (200) may include a single monolithic part that is formed completely together without requiring further joining. For example, the second component (200) can be formed by injection molding a single monolithic part containing a single material.

[0097] Alternatively, the second component (200) may comprise several separately formed parts that are subsequently permanently joined by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, fusion bonding, or other permanent joining method suitable for the material used in forming the multiple separately formed parts. For example, the crown (205), toe (212), and heel (214) of the second component may be formed separately from the same or different material. The second component parts can then be adhesively joined to form the complete second component (200). Such formation of separate parts to be joined later may be advantageous when using materials such as bidirectional carbon fiber prepreg materials. Bidirectional carbon fiber prepregs cannot be readily applied to specific small curvatures and cannot be readily formed as a single piece to achieve the desired shape of the second component (200). Using such materials necessitates the formation of separate sole parts (212) and (214), which are later joined to the rest of the second component (200) by adhesive or other means.

[0098] The second component of the golf club head (100) may include thickness. The thickness of the second component can range from 0.045 inches to 0.500 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the second component can be in the range of 0.045 inches to 0.055 inches, 0.050 inches to 0.060 inches, 0.055 inches to 0.065 inches, 0.060 inches to 0.070 inches, 0.065 inches to 0.075 inches, 0.070 inches to 0.080 inches, 0.075 inches to 0.085 inches, 0.080 inches to 0.090 inches, 0.085 inches to 0.095 inches, 0.090 inches to 0.100 inches, 0.100 inches to 0.200 inches, 0.200 inches to 0.300 inches, 0.300 inches to 0.400 inches, or 0.400 inches to 0.500 inches. For example, the thickness of the second component can be 0.008 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, or 0.065 inches. The thickness of the second component can be further varied from the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the second component may vary across the crown, sole, heel end, toe end, and trailing edge of the second component. In some embodiments, the second component further includes internal ribs. The thickness of the internal ribs of the second component may be the same as the rest of the second component, or it may be up to 0.010 inches thicker than the rest of the second component (200).

[0099] In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component thin-walled sections (250) having one or more crown thin-walled sections (255) and one or more sole thin-walled sections (257). The second component (200) further comprises a plurality of second component internal ribs (260) having one or more crown internal ribs (262) and one or more sole internal ribs (264). The plurality of internal ribs (260) may be two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, five ribs, or five or more ribs. The internal ribs of the crown (262) and sole (264) are located between the second component thin-walled sections (250). The internal ribs of the crown (262) and sole (264) may include the maximum thickness of the second component (200). In some embodiments, the internal ribs (260) of the second component may be similar to the ribs described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 076,511 (currently U.S. Patent No. 9,700,768). The internal ribs (260) of the second component can reduce stress on the golf club head (100) and improve the sound during impact.

[0100] The multiple second component thin-walled sections (250) have thicknesses. The thicknesses of the multiple second component thin-walled sections (250) can range from 0.008 inches to 0.035 inches. In other embodiments, the thicknesses of the thin-walled sections (250) can range from 0.008 inches to 0.015 inches, 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches, 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches, 0.020 inches to 0.030 inches, or 0.025 inches to 0.035 inches. For example, the thicknesses of the thin-walled sections (250) can be 0.008 inches, 0.010 inches, 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, or 0.035 inches. In some embodiments, the second component lacks internal ribs and thin-walled sections.

[0101] The second component comprises a mass percentage of the total mass of the golf club head (100). The mass percentage of the second component may be in the range of 4% to 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), or it may be about 10 grams to 25 grams. In other embodiments, the mass percentage of the second component may be in the range of 4% to 15%. For example, the mass percentage of the second component may be 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, or 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

[0102] The second component is 17 inches 2 From 25 inches 2 This includes the outer surface area within the range of 15 inches. In some embodiments, the surface area of ​​the second component is 15 inches. 2 From 27 inches 2 15 inches 2 From 18 inches 2 18 inches 2 From 21 inches, 21 inches 2 From 25 inches 2 It can range up to 15 inches. For example, the surface area of ​​the second component may be 15 inches. 2 17 inches 2 19 inches 2 , 21 inches 2 , 23 inches 2 , 25 inches 2 It can be done this way. 1) Second component material

[0103] The second component (200) comprises a material with a lower density than the material of the first component. In some embodiments, the second component may include a composite formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The polymer resin may include a thermosetting resin or a thermoplastic resin. More specifically, in embodiments having a thermoplastic resin, the resin may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamide-imide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and / or other similar materials. The reinforcing fibers may include carbon fibers (or chopped carbon fibers), glass fibers (or chopped glass fibers), graphite fibers (or chopped graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In other embodiments, the second component composite may include beads (e.g., glass beads, metal beads) or powders (e.g., tungsten powder) for weighting. In other embodiments, the composite material may include any reinforcing fillers that add strength, durability, and / or weight.

[0104] The polymer resin should preferably incorporate one or more polymers having sufficiently high material strength and / or strength / weight ratio properties to withstand typical use while providing the benefit of weight savings to the design. Specifically, it is important for the design and material that it efficiently withstands the stresses applied during impact between the striking face and the golf ball without substantially contributing to the total weight of the golf club head. Generally, polymers can be characterized by a yield point tensile strength of about 60 MPa (neat). When the polymer resin is combined with reinforcing fibers, the resulting composite material can have a yield point tensile strength of about 110 MPa, about 180 MPa, about 220 MPa, about 260 MPa, about 280 MPa, or about 290 MPa. In some embodiments, a suitable composite material may have a yield point tensile strength of about 60 MPa to about 350 MPa.

[0105] In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers include multiple dispersed discontinuous fibers (i.e., “chopped fibers”). In some embodiments, the reinforcing fibers include discontinuous “long fibers” having a design fiber length of about 3 mm to 14 mm. For example, in some embodiments, the fiber length is about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) before the molding process. In another embodiment, the reinforcing fibers include discontinuous “short fibers” having a design fiber length of about 0.01 mm to 3 mm. In either case (short or long fibers), it should be noted that the given lengths are pre-mixed lengths, and due to breakage during the molding process, some fibers may actually be shorter than the range described in the final component. In some configurations, the discontinuous chopped fibers may be characterized by an aspect ratio (e.g., fiber length / diameter) less than about 1500, more preferably more than about 10 or 50. Regardless of the type of discontinuous chopped fibers used, in certain configurations, the composite material may have fiber lengths ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 14 mm.

[0106] The composite material may have a polymer resin content of about 40% to about 90% by weight, or about 55% to about 70% by weight. The composite material of the second component may have a fiber content of about 10% to about 60% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 20% to about 50% by weight, or 30% to 40% by weight. In some embodiments, the composite material has a fiber content of about 10% to about 15% by weight, about 15% to about 20% by weight, about 20% to about 25% by weight, about 25% to about 30% by weight, about 30% to about 35% by weight, about 35% to about 40% by weight, about 40% to about 45% by weight, about 45% to about 50% by weight, about 50% to about 55% by weight, or about 55% to about 60% by weight.

[0107] The density of the composite material forming the second component can range from about 1.15 g / cc to about 2.02 g / cc. In some embodiments, the composite material density is in the range of about 1.30 g / cc to about 1.40 g / cc, or about 1.40 g / cc to about 1.45 g / cc. The composite material can have a melting point of about 210°C to about 280°C. In some embodiments, the composite material can have a melting point of about 250°C to about 270°C.

[0108] In some embodiments, the composite material includes long fiber reinforced TPU. Long fiber TPU may contain about 40% by weight of long carbon fibers. Long fiber TPU can exhibit a higher modulus of elasticity than short carbon fiber compounds. Long fiber TPU can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use in golf club heads used and / or stored in high-temperature environments. Long fiber TPU exhibits even higher toughness and can serve as a substitute for conventional metal parts. In some embodiments, long fiber TPU includes a tensile modulus between about 26,000 MPa and about 30,000 MPa, or between about 27,000 MPa and about 29,000 MPa. In some embodiments, long fiber TPU includes a flexural modulus between about 21,000 MPa and about 26,000 MPa, or between about 22,000 MPa and about 25,000 MPa. Long fiber TPU material can exhibit a tensile elongation (break point) of about 0.5% to about 2.5%. In some embodiments, the tensile elongation of the composite TPU material can be about 1.0% to about 2.0%, about 1.2% to about 1.4%, about 1.4% to about 1.6%, about 1.6% to about 1.8%, and about 1.8% to about 2.0%.

[0109] While strength and weight are two primary properties to consider for composite materials, the right composite material can also offer secondary advantages. For example, PPS and PEEK are two exemplary thermoplastic polymers that meet the strength and weight requirements of this design. However, unlike many other polymers, the use of PPS or PEEK is even more advantageous due to their unique acoustic properties. Specifically, in many situations, PPS and PEEK generally produce a metallic-sounding acoustic response when impacted. Therefore, by using PPS or PEEK polymers, this design can leverage the strength / weight advantages of the polymers without compromising the desired metallic clubhead sound at impact.

[0110] In many embodiments, a second component (200) of the golf club head (100) can be injection molded. The second component (200) can be injection molded from a single composite material containing both a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The reinforcing fibers can be embedded in the resin before molding the second component. The composite material containing both the resin and fibers can be supplied in pellet form. The pellets can be melted and injected into an empty mold to form the second component. In other embodiments, the second component can be formed by extrusion, injection blow molding, 3-D printing, or any other suitable molding means.

[0111] In embodiments using injection molding, the temperature of the mold used to form the second component from the composite material can ideally be maintained between about 60°C and 90°C. For example, the mold temperature may be about 75°C. In alternative embodiments, the second component (200) may include fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material. FRC material generally includes one or more layers of unidirectional or multidirectional fiber cloth extending across a larger portion of the polymer. Unlike reinforcing fibers that can be used in filled thermoplastic (FT) materials, the maximum dimensions of the fibers used in FRC can be substantially larger / longer than those used in FT materials and can have sufficient size and properties to be provided as a continuous cloth separate from the polymer. When formed with thermoplastic polymers, the continuous fibers included are generally not fluid, even if the polymer is freely flowable when melted.

[0112] FRC materials are generally formed by arranging fibers in desired positions and then impregnating the fiber material with a sufficient amount of polymer material to provide rigidity. In this way, FT materials can have a resin content of more than about 45 vol% or more preferably more than about 55 vol%, while FRC materials preferably have a resin content of less than about 45 vol% or more preferably less than about 35 vol%. FRC materials traditionally use a two-part thermosetting epoxy as the polymer matrix, but it is also possible to use a thermoplastic polymer as the matrix. Often, FRC materials are prepared in advance of the final manufacturing, and such intermediate materials are often called prepregs. When thermosetting polymers are used, the prepreg is partially cured in an intermediate form, and final curing occurs when the prepreg is formed into the final shape. When thermoplastic polymers are used, the prepreg may contain a cooled thermoplastic matrix, which can then be heated and molded into the final shape.

[0113] The second component (200) may be substantially formed from a molded fiber-reinforced composite material, which includes a woven glass or carbon fiber reinforced layer embedded in a polymer matrix. In such embodiments, the polymer matrix is ​​preferably a thermoplastic material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or a polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. In other embodiments, the second component (200) may instead be formed from a filled thermoplastic material which includes glass beads or discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or a polyamide. In yet another embodiment, the second component (200) may have a mixed material structure which includes both the filled thermoplastic material and the molded fiber-reinforced composite material.

[0114] The second component (200) may have a mixed material structure comprising both a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composite elastic layer (not shown) and a molded thermoplastic structural layer (not shown). In some preferred embodiments, the molded thermoplastic structural layer may be formed from a filled thermoplastic material comprising glass beads or discontinuous glass, carbon, or aramid polymer fiber fillers embedded throughout the thermoplastic material, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. The elastic layer may then include a woven glass, carbon fiber, or aramid polymer fiber reinforced layer embedded in a thermoplastic polymer matrix, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or polyamide such as PA6 or PA66. In a particular embodiment, the second component (200) elastic layer may include a woven carbon fiber fabric embedded in polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the second component (200) structural layer may include a filled polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) polymer.

[0115] In alternative embodiments, the second component (200) may have one or more internal cross-connecting members (not shown). The cross-connecting members can provide additional structural rigidity or acoustic control. The internal cross-connecting members may include members that connect non-adjacent portions inside the second component (200). For example, the cross-connecting member may connect the inner surface of the crown portion (205) of the second component to either the sole portion heel portion (214) or the sole portion toe portion (212) of the second component. The internal cross-connecting member may include a length that extends completely from the inner surface of the foremost end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the trailing edge portion (230) of the second component, or it may include a length that does not extend completely from the inner surface of the foremost end of the second component (200) to the inner surface of the trailing edge portion (230) of the second component. The internal cross-connecting member has a thickness. The thickness of the internal cross-connecting members can range from 0.01 inches to 0.25 inches. For example, the thickness of the internal cross-connecting members can be 0.01 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, or 0.25 inches. I) Golf club head of the second embodiment

[0116] The golf club head (2100) of the second embodiment shown in Figure 17 comprises a first component (2300) having a weight channel and a second component (2200) joined to the first component (2300). The first component (2300) of the golf club head (2100) may be the same as the first component (300) of the golf club head (100), except for the weight system. The second component (2200) of the golf club head (2100) may be the same as the second component of the golf club head (100) described above. The golf club head (2100) comprises a striking face (2170), a striking face return (2177), a hosel (2140), a crown (2110), a sole (2120), a heel end (2160), a toe end (2150), a rear edge (2130) at the very rear of the rear end (2180), a hosel (2140), and a hosel adapter mounting recess (2195) on the sole.

[0117] As shown in Figure 18, the first component (2300) may include a rear extension (2500). The rear extension (2500) may include a portion of the sole (2120). The rear extension (2500) includes a weight channel (2540). The weight channel (2540) is exposed at the rear end (2180) and the sole (2120) of the club head (2300).

[0118] The weight channel (2540) is configured to receive a movable weight (2350) at one of three positions. The weight (2350) can be fixed to the weight channel (2540) by a threaded fastener (2320). The weight (2350) can be positioned at the toe-side position, the center position, or the heel-side position. The weight channel (2540) comprises a mounting wall (2542) and a sole wall (2550). The mounting wall (2542) can be oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole (2120). The sole wall (2550) can be oriented substantially parallel to the main sole (2120), but can be set inward by a distance equal to the height of the mounting wall (2542). The movable weight (2350) can be elongated, trapezoidal, or any other suitable weight. The movable weight (2350) can comprise an inner wall and a connecting wall. The movable weight (2350) may have an inner wall and a connecting wall. The inner wall is coplanar with the sole wall (2550) of the weight channel (2540). The connecting wall is coplanar with the mounting wall (2542) when the weight (2350) is attached to one of three positions.

[0119] The mounting wall (2542) of the weight channel (2540) has three screw holes corresponding to three weight positions. The mounting wall (2542) includes a toe-side screw hole (2544), a center screw hole (2546), and a heel-side screw hole (2548). The movable weight (2350) is positioned at the toe-side position by aligning the connecting wall of the weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2540) and securing the fastener (2320) in the toe-side screw hole (2544). The movable weight (2350) is positioned at the center position by aligning the connecting wall of the weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2540) and securing the fastener (2320) in the center screw hole (2546). The movable weight (2350) is positioned at the heel side by aligning the connecting wall of the weight (2350) flush with the mounting wall (2542) of the channel (2540) and fixing the fastener (2320) in the heel side screw hole (2548).

[0120] As illustrated in the sole diagram of Figure 19, when the movable weight (2350) is positioned in the center, the golf club (2100) is configured not to impart a draw or fade bias. As shown in Figure 20, when the weight (2350) is positioned towards the toe, the weight (2350) imparts a fade bias to the clubhead. As shown in Figure 21, when the weight (2350) is positioned towards the heel, the weight (2350) imparts a draw bias to the clubhead.

[0121] The first component (2300) includes a sole rear extension (2500), a striking face return crown (2400), and a striking face return sole (2810). The striking face return sole (2810) includes a heel extension (2830) and a toe extension (2820). The heel extension (2830) includes a rear wall (2832). The toe extension (2820) includes a rear wall (2822).

[0122] The first component, the rear extension (2500), comprises a toe sidewall (2522) and a heel sidewall (2532) connecting the weight channel (2540) to the striking face sole return (2810). The rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and the rear wall (2822) can form a toe sidewall angle (2850). The toe sidewall angle (2850) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. The rear extension heel sidewall (2532) and the rear wall (2832) can form a heel sidewall angle (2855). The heel sidewall angle (2855) can range from 45 degrees to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) is approximately equal to the heel sidewall angle (2855). In other embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) are different. In some embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and the heel sidewall angle (2855) are complementary angles (their sum equals approximately 180 degrees). In these embodiments, the toe extension rear wall (2822) and the heel extension rear wall (2832) are located in approximately the same plane (the toe rear wall (2822) and the heel rear wall (2832) are approximately parallel to the sole). For example, the toe sidewall angle (2850) can be acute, while the heel sidewall angle (2855) can be complementary.

[0123] Referring to Figures 19 and 22, some embodiments feature obtuse toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). Referring to Figure 23, some embodiments feature toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) of approximately 90°. Referring to Figure 24, some embodiments feature acute toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855). Embodiments with obtuse toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) allow stress to be smoothly distributed rearward within the sole (2120). The obtuse angle increases the strength of the sole (2120) and can support the sole rear extension (2500). However, embodiments with acute angles may include first components having a smaller mass than embodiments with obtuse or 90-degree angles. Therefore, embodiments having acute toe and heel sidewall angles (2850 and 2855) can enable improved weight characteristics such as a high MOI.

[0124] The weight channel (2540) can fan outward beyond the main portion of the rear sole extension (2500), as shown in the embodiments of Figures 19-21. In these embodiments, where the weight channel (2540) extends in the toe and heel directions, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) each have a bend adjacent to the weight channel (2540). In other embodiments, such as shown in Figure 22, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) and heel sidewall (2532) may be straight. In some embodiments, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) may be parallel to the rear extension heel sidewall (2532). In some embodiments, the rear extension toe sidewall (2522) may be non-parallel to the rear extension heel sidewall (2532).

[0125] The rear extension (2500) can be mounted at different positions on the strike face return (2810). This movement of the mounting point may affect how the rear extension (2500) is angled relative to the strike face return (2810). The rear extension axis (2504) approximates the center of the rear extension (2500). The rear extension axis (2504) extends between the front midpoint (2502) of the rear extension and the central threaded hole (2546) of the weight channel (2540). The rear extension axis (2504) may be aligned with the YZ plane. The rear extension axis (2504) may form an angle with the YZ plane and therefore not be aligned with the YZ plane. The rear extension axis (2504) may be offset from the YZ plane and parallel to the YZ plane. The forward midpoint (2502) is located midway between the toe-side intersection (2824) and the heel-side intersection (2834). The toe-side intersection (2824) is the point where the toe extension rear wall (2822) intersects and connects with the rear extension toe-side wall (2522). Similarly, the heel-side intersection (2834) is the point where the heel extension rear wall (2832) intersects and connects with the rear extension heel-side wall (2532). The toe-side and heel-side intersections (2824 and 2834) can be located anywhere along the rear end of the striking face return sole portion (2810). In some embodiments, the connection between the toe / heel extension rear wall (2822 / 2832) and the rear extension sole / heel-side wall (2522 / 2532) is filled, beveled, or chamfered, respectively.

[0126] The weight channel (2540) may be centered relative to the rear extension axis (2504). The weight channel (2540) may be centered relative to the YZ plane. The weight channel may be centered simultaneously relative to both the rear extension axis (2504) and the YZ plane. Even if the rear extension axis (2504) does not coincide with the YZ plane, the weight channel may be centered relative to both the rear extension axis (2504) and the YZ plane. In such a case, the rear extension axis (2504) intersects the YZ plane at the midpoint or approximately midpoint of the mounting wall (2542) of the weight channel (2504). The weight channel may be centered relative to the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100).

[0127] The toe-side intersection and heel-side intersection are located behind the striking face. The toe-side intersection and heel-side intersection may be positioned at the same distance behind the striking face. The distance behind the striking face between the toe-side intersection and heel-side intersection may be different. The toe-side intersection may be positioned further back than the heel-side intersection. The distance behind the striking face between the toe-side intersection and heel-side intersection can range from 0.1 inches to 2.0 inches. The distance behind the impact face at the toe-side intersection and heel-side intersection can be 0.1 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.7 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.9 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.1 inches, 1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, or 2.0 inches.

[0128] The sole rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300) can be angled with respect to the intersection plane (2840). As shown in Figures 19 and 22-28, the intersection plane (2840) can extend parallel to the XY plane. The intersection plane (2840) may extend to form an angle with respect to the XY plane. The intersection plane (2840) coincides with the toe-side intersection (2824) and the heel-side intersection (2834). In some embodiments, such as those in Figures 19-24, the rear extension (2500) extends linearly backward, resulting in the intersection plane (2840) and the rear extension axis (2504) forming an angle of approximately 90 degrees when viewed from the sole. In some embodiments, such as those in Figures 25-28, the intersection plane (2840) and the rear extension axis (2504) intersect at an angle that is not 90 degrees.

[0129] The toe-side axis angle (2860) is measured from the intersection plane (2840) to the rear extension axis (2504) on the toe side (in the sole diagram). The heel-side axis angle (2865) is measured from the intersection plane (2840) to the extension axis (2504) on the heel side (in the sole diagram). The toe-side axis angle (2860) and the heel-side axis angle (2865) are complementary angles (added to 180 degrees).

[0130] Referring to Figure 25, in some embodiments, the rear extension is attached to the striking face return sole portion (2810) which is closer to the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100) than to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100). In these embodiments, the toe-side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees, and the heel-side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains located in the center of the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). Due to the position of the rear extension (2500) of the first component, the second component (2200) can occupy a larger portion of the heel side of the sole (2120). More specifically, the heel sole portion (2214) of the second component can be larger than the toe sole portion (2212) of the second component.

[0131] Referring to Figure 26, in some embodiments, the rear extension is attached to the striking face return sole portion (2810) which is closer to the heel end (2160) of the club head (2100) than to the toe end (2150) of the club head (2100). In this embodiment, the toe-side axis angle (2860) is greater than 90 degrees, and the heel-side axis angle (2865) is less than 90 degrees. The weight channel (2540) remains located in the center of the rear end (2180) of the golf club head (2100). Due to the position of the rear extension (2500) of the first component (2300), the second component (2200) can occupy a larger portion of the sole (2120) on the toe side. More specifically, the toe sole portion (2212) of the second component can be larger than the heel sole portion (2214) of the second component. The connection position of the rear extension may alter the weight characteristics and launch characteristics of the golf club head (2100).

[0132] Referring to Figures 27 and 28, in some embodiments, the rear extension can have a variety of widths. In these embodiments, the toe sidewall angle (2850) and heel sidewall angle (2855) do not have to be complementary angles (they do not have to total 180 degrees). In some embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle and heel sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be acute angles, reducing the weight of the first component and allowing for greater peripheral weight in the club head. In other embodiments, both the toe sidewall angle and heel sidewall angle (2850 and 2855) may be obtuse angles, increasing the durability of the sole and simplifying the manufacturing assembly of the golf club head (2100).

[0133] The rear extension width (2507) is measured from heel to toe at the rear of the rear circumference of the striking face return sole section (2810). The rear extension width (2507) is less than the total width of the sole (2120) of the golf club (2100). The rear extension width (2507) can range from 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole (2120). The rear extension width (2507) may be 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of the total width of the sole (2120). The width of the rear extension adjacent to the weight channel (2540) can range from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The rear extension width (2507) between the toe-side intersection (2824) and the heel-side intersection (2834) can range from 1 inch to 5 inches. The rear extension width (2507) can be increased adjacent to the weight channel (2540), as shown in Figures 27 and 28, or adjacent to the striking face return section (2810), as shown in Figures 18 to 22.

[0134] As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the second component may include a crown portion (2205), a trailing edge portion (2230), a sole-toe portion (2212), and a sole-heel portion (2214). The crown portion (2205) connects the sole-toe portion (2212) and the sole-heel portion (2214). The trailing edge portion (2230) connects the crown portion (2205) to the sole-toe portion and the heel portion (2212 and 2214). The crown portion (2205), the sole-toe portion (2212), and the sole-heel portion (2214) define a rear notch (2240) on the sole side of the second component (2200). In some embodiments, such as shown in Figure 29, the rear notch 2240 is cut only into the sole. In some other embodiments, as shown in Figure 30, the rear notch 2240 is cut into both the sole and the crown (2205). Embodiments in which the notch is cut into both the sole and the crown (2205) allow for more space for the weight channel (2540) of the first component (2300) at the rear end (2180) of the club head (2100).

[0135] The sole toe portion (2212) and sole heel portion (2214) of the second component can be dimensioned to correspond to the dimensions of the first component (2300), as shown in Figures 22-28. For example, the sole toe portion (2212) of the second component may be approximately the same size as the sole heel portion (2214) when the rear extension portion (2500) is centrally positioned, as in the embodiments of Figures 22-24. In embodiments where the rear extension axis (2504) is angled with respect to the intersecting plane (2840), the sole toe portion (2212) may be smaller or larger than the sole heel portion (2214), as shown in the embodiments of Figures 25 and 26.

[0136] The second component (2200) can be fixed to the first component (2300) in the same manner as described above for the embodiment of the first golf club head (100). The materials of the first component (2300) and the second component (2200) can also be the same as those described above for the embodiment of the first golf club head (100). II) Manufacturing method

[0137] A method of manufacturing a golf club head (100) according to a first embodiment includes the steps of: forming a first component (300); forming a second component (200); applying adhesive to the lip (450) of the first component; aligning the second component (200) with the first component (300); fitting the second component (200) with the first component (300) such that the second component (200) covers the lip (450); and curing the adhesive to permanently fix the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form a hollow golf club head (100).

[0138] Referring to Figure 15, as described above, the first component (300) may further include a plurality of casting support bars, including one or more heel-end casting support bars (1510) and one or more toe-end casting support bars (1512). The casting support bars stabilize the cast portion of the first component (300) as the metal cools after casting. The stabilization provided by the casting support bars prevents the front portion of the cast part from folding toward or separating from the rear extension (500) of the sole portion of the first component while the part cools after casting. The casting support bars are removed from the cast first component (300) and are not present in the finished golf club head (100).

[0139] An alternative method for manufacturing a golf club head (100) is to cast a first component (300), to form a wax model of the first component (300), to add wax support bars to the wax model, to invest a modified wax model, to cast the investment, to trim metal casting support bars (1510, 1512), to form the first component (300), and to form the second component (200). The method comprises the steps of: applying adhesive to the first component (300); aligning the second component (200) with the first component (300); fitting the second component (200) to the first component (300) so that the second component (200) covers the lip (450); and curing the adhesive to permanently fix the second component (200) to the first component (300) to form a hollow golf club head (100). If support bars are added to the wax model, the mounting points of the support bars are on the inner surface of the wax model of the first component (300) to avoid marbling or distortion of the outer surface of the first component (300). The advantage of adding support bars is that the casting of the first component is supported against distortion during the post-casting cooling stage.

[0140] The first component (300) can be joined to the second component (200) by the first component lip (450) to form the body of the golf club head (100). The first component lip (450), which includes the crown lip (455), the sole lip (460), and the mass vertical lip (750), is completely covered by the second component (200) when the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) to form the body of the golf club head (100). The second component sole rear notch (240) includes a portion of the peripheral end (220) at the trailing edge (230). When the first component (300) is joined to the second component (200) at the first component lip (450) (to form the body of the golf club head (100)), a portion of the peripheral end (220) of the trailing edge (230) is joined along the mass trailing edge shelf (1042).

[0141] The first component (300) can be bonded to the second component (200) by an adhesive. In many embodiments, an adhesive such as glue, epoxy, epoxy gasket, tape (e.g., VHB tape), or any other adhesive material can be placed at the joint between the second component (200) and the first component lip (450). In some embodiments, the first component tab (457) on the first component lip (450 and 455) may abut against the second component (200), leaving a gap between the first component lip (450 and 455) and the second component (200). This gap can accommodate the adhesive. The gap may have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tab (457) has a uniform height. The uniform height of this gap can create a uniform bond between the first component and the second component. In other embodiments, the second component (200) may be joined to the first component (300) by fasteners, clips, press-fits, or any other suitable mounting means (not shown). In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be joined to the second component (200) by adhesive along with suitable mechanical mounting means. In other embodiments, the first component (300) may be joined to the second component (200) using laser welding to heat the material of the second component (200) and bond it to the material of the first component (300).

[0142] In some embodiments, when a first component is joined to a second component to form a golf club head 100, the surface of the first component (300) is not offset from the surface of the second component (200). When a first component (300) is joined to a second component (200) to form a golf club head (100), the nominal outer surface of the first component is not offset above or below the nominal outer surface of the second component at the joint of the combination (i.e., the outer surfaces of the first component (300) and the second component (200) are coplanar). A second method for manufacturing a golf club head (100) includes the steps of (1) forming a first component (300), (2) preparing a second component (200), (3) fixing the first component (300) to the second component (200), and (4) polishing and finishing the club head. The first step may include casting an unfinished first component, laser cutting off undesirable portions of the unfinished first component, and optionally welding a faceplate to the first component to form a completed first component.

[0143] Forming the first component (300) in the first step can begin with casting an unfinished version of the first component. The majority of the thin-walled region can be located in the approximate location where the second component will be later attached. The surrounding section around the end of the thin-walled region will ultimately form the lip of the first component. The unfinished first component is cast using the thin-walled region, as the thin-walled region helps the first component maintain its desired shape during the casting process. Casting the first component without using the thin-walled region may result in some warping or other casting quality issues. Therefore, casting with the thin-walled region, which will be later removed, ensures that the first component maintains its desired shape and that the second component fits correctly on top of it during step 3.

[0144] After the unfinished first component is removed from the mold in which it was cast, a laser is used to cut away any unwanted portions of the thin-walled area, leaving only the peripheral section that forms the lip of the second component. The lip can be ground or polished as needed. In some embodiments, the striking face of the club head is cast integrally as part of the first component. In other embodiments, the first component can be cast without a striking face (having an opening or void in the front of the first component). In these embodiments, the face plate is provided separately by casting or forging the face plate from a metallic material. The face plate can be conventionally welded, laser welded, or swaged into the front opening of the first component.

[0145] The second step may include injection molding the second component. This involves providing the composite material (typically in pellet form), melting the composite material, injecting the molten composite material into a mold to form an unfinished second component, cutting the spruce, and polishing the gate area to finish the second component. As described above, the composite material may include polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The composite material may be provided in pellets containing both resin and fibers. The composite pellets are melted and injected into a mold to form an unfinished second component.

[0146] The third step may include applying an adhesive (such as a two-part epoxy) to the first component lip, aligning and positioning the second component (200) on the first component lip (450), and allowing the adhesive to dry. One or more first component tabs (457) on the lip (450) and (455) can provide a gap between the first component lip (450) and the second component. This gap can accommodate the adhesive. The gap can have a uniform height or thickness because the first component tabs (457) have a uniform height. This uniform height of the gap can create a uniform bond between the first component (300) and the second component (200).

[0147] In some embodiments of this second method, a functionalized bonding film or layer can be used instead of an adhesive. The functionalized bonding film may be provided in one or more strip regions corresponding to the shape and sides of the first component lip (450, 455). The functionalized bonding film includes first and second sides. The film may be configured to bond to the material of the first component on the first side and to the material of the second component on the second side. The bonding film can bond the first and second components together when left for a set time under the required temperature and pressure conditions.

[0148] After the adhesive is applied to the first component lip (450, 455), the second component (200) can be positioned or slid over the first component lip (450, 455). The second component (200) can slide over the first component lip (450, 455) until its outer edge contacts the rest of the first component (300). As illustrated in Figure 5, the first component lip has a recessed offset (459) which the second component (200) fills when the club head is assembled. A third step may further include drying the adhesive and bonding the first component (200) to the second component (300).

[0149] The fourth step may include polishing, cleaning, coating, and / or painting the club head. In some embodiments, the fourth step may further include placing a removable weight within the weight recess (540) and securing the weight using fasteners. III) T-shaped design feature

[0150] As described above, the embodiments of the hollow golf club head (100) described herein may include two main components. A first component (300) made of metal includes a striking surface and a sole extension (500) that forms a "T" shape. A second component (200) made of non-metal includes the rear of the crown (110) and wraps around the first component to also include a portion of the sole (120). The denser "T" shaped sole of the first component (300) is coupled to the less dense second component (200) that wraps around the crown, which can optimize the mass properties by reducing the mass of the crown and shifting the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head lower. The weight saved from the second component (200) can be redistributed to other parts of the golf club head (100) to further optimize the CG, increase the MOI, and manipulate the shape of the shot trajectory.

[0151] The CG of the golf club head (100) can move downward toward the rear of the golf club head (100), which includes a first component (300) and a second component (200), the second component (200) comprising a second material having a second density lower than that of the first material, compared to an alternative golf club head which comprises only a first material having a constant density. Examples

[0152] Table 1 compares the comparative example club head and the example club head of this application. The comparative example club is entirely made of metal but has the same total mass and total volume as the example club head. The example club head is an embodiment of the golf club head of this application. [Table 1]

[0153] The comparative example club head and the example club head are approximately 445 cm. 3 It has the same volume. The comparative example club, which is made entirely of metal material, has a CG height of 0.895 inches above the ground surface (105). y The golf club head in this example has a CG of 0.887 inches. y I understand. CG y It is desirable to reduce the value of [this parameter]. Example: CG of a golf club head y It is 0.008 inches lower than that of the comparison club.

[0154] As mentioned above, CG z It is measured as the distance from the center of the striking face (175) toward the rear end of the golf club head, perpendicular to the loft plane (198). z It is positioned further back on the golf club, which is advantageous for controlling ball flight. (Comparative example: CG of the club) z It is 1.913 inches. Example: The golf club head is 1.986 inches CG z It has. CG of an example golf club head z This is the CG of the Comparison Comparison Club. z It is 0.073 inches further back.

[0155] The position of the center of gravity (CG) helps determine the ball's launch characteristics (e.g., ball trajectory, ball spin, and ball velocity), moment of inertia (MOI), and performance characteristics (e.g., swing speed, squareness at impact). A high MOI helps prevent the golf club head from rotating during the swing and helps keep the clubface square at impact with the ball. Impacting the ball with a square clubface helps ensure a straight ball path and optimal height / trajectory compared to slicing or hooking the ball when the clubface is not square. Also, a lower CG allows for increased ball speed and spin, which can add distance and prevent the ball from rolling backward upon landing.

[0156] The MOI of the golf club head in the example is greater than that of the golf club in the comparative example. XX and I YY The MOI values ​​are the MOI values ​​around the X-axis (190) and Y-axis (192), respectively. A higher MOI is desirable because it helps prevent the golf club head from rotating during the swing and helps keep the hitting face square during impact with the ball. Comparison club I XX The value is 584.45, I YY The value is 834.30. Example: Golf club head I XX The value is 652.71, I YY The value is 875.94. The example golf club head is I XX This improved by 11.7%, YY This has improved by 5.0%.

[0157] Example: The ball flight of a golf ball struck by a golf club head is improved CG y Values ​​and CG z It has a value and improved I XX Value and I YY This directly impacts the CG value. An improved CG value leads to lower ball spin at impact, resulting in longer carry for ball flight.

[0158] In an alternative embodiment, an embedded high-density weight was added to the embodiment golf club head. The embodiment golf club head with the weight is CG y It is 0.890 inches, CG z It is 2.013 inches. CG of an example golf club head with weight. y This is a CG rendering of a golf club head in comparison. y CG of an example golf club head that is 0.005 inches smaller but has weight. z This is a CG rendering of a golf club head in comparison. z It is 0.100 inches larger. The golf club head of the example with weight is I XX The value is 678.31, I YY The value is 901.78. Both of these MOI values ​​are the same as the I of the comparative golf club head. XX and I YY These figures are 16% and 8.1% larger, respectively.

[0159] The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconfiguration, not a repair. Furthermore, effects, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that give rise to or make apparent any advantage, advantage, or solution, do not constitute a material, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all elements of the claims unless such advantage, advantage, solution, or element is expressly stated in such claims.

[0160] Because the rules of golf are changed from time to time (new rules may be applied, or old rules may be abolished or changed by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Advanced Golf Club of St. Louis (R&A)), golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment relating to the methods, apparatus, and / or products described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and / or products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0161] Industry practices, rules established by golf organizations such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) or the R&A, and naming conventions may enhance this explanation of terminology without departing from the scope of this application.

[0162] While the above examples may be described in relation to hollow golf clubs, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing poles, or ski poles.

[0163] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described herein are not made available to the public under the principle of public disclosure if (1) they are not expressly asserted in the claims, and (2) they are equivalent or potentially equivalent to the expressive elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0164] The various features and benefits of this disclosure are described in the following sections.

[0165] Item 1. A golf club head comprising a body, the body comprising a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, and a trailing edge, wherein the body further comprises a first component having the striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension further having a weight channel, and a second component comprising at least a portion of the rear end, wherein the weight channel is located in the center of the rear end of the golf club head, the striking face has a striking face center, and the X axis is the golf club The Y-axis extends from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head, and in a direction parallel to the ground when the club head is in the address position, passing through the center of the striking face; the Z-axis extends from the striking face to the rear end of the golf club head, and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, passing through the center of the striking face, and is substantially parallel to the striking face and the center of the striking face. The loft surface in contact with the ground forms a loft angle with respect to the ground surface, the XY plane extends through the X axis and the Y axis, the YZ plane extends through the Y axis and the Z axis, the first component comprises a first material having a first density, the second component comprises a second material having a second density, the first density is greater than the second density, the striking face return of the first component extends rearward from the striking face, and comprises a crown portion and a sole portion of the first component, the rear extension is the striking face The first component of the strike face return extends from the sole portion toward the rear end, and the second component is configured to be coupled to the first component to form the enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head, and the sole portion of the first component of the strike face return further comprises a toe extension portion on the toe side of the rear extension portion and a heel extension portion on the heel side of the rear extension portion, the toe extension portion has a toe extension portion rear wall, and the heel extension portion has a heel extension portion rear wall, and the mass of the first component is,A golf club head whose mass is 85% to 96% of the aforementioned golf club head.

[0166] Item 2. The golf club head according to Item 1, wherein the weight channel is exposed at the rear end of the body and the sole.

[0167] Item 3. The golf club head according to Item 2, wherein the weight channel is configured to receive a movable weight at one of three positions.

[0168] Item 4. The golf club head according to Item 1, wherein the rear extension comprises a toe sidewall and a heel sidewall connecting the weight channel to the striking face sole return.

[0169] Item 5. The golf club head according to Item 4, wherein the toe side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the toe extension form a toe side wall angle, and the heel side wall of the rear extension and the heel extension form a heel side wall angle.

[0170] Item 6. The golf club head as described in Item 5, wherein the toe side wall angle and the heel side wall angle are complementary angles such that the sum of the angles is 180 degrees.

[0171] Item 7. The golf club head according to Item 4, wherein the toe side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the toe extension are joined at the toe side intersection, the heel side wall of the rear extension and the heel extension are joined at the heel side intersection, and the intersection plane coincides with the toe side intersection and the heel side intersection and extends parallel to the XY plane.

[0172] Item 8. The golf club head according to Item 2, wherein the weight channel further comprises a mounting wall having three screw holes, the three screw holes comprising a toe-side screw hole, a center screw hole, and a heel-side screw hole, the center screw hole being located in the middle of the length of the mounting wall.

[0173] Item 9. The golf club head according to Item 7, wherein the rear extension comprises a rear extension axis extending between the front midpoint of the rear extension and the center of the central hole in the mounting wall, and the front midpoint of the rear extension is located at the halfway point between the toe-side intersection and the heel-side intersection.

[0174] Item 10. The golf club head according to Item 9, wherein the rear extension axis is perpendicular to the intersection plane.

[0175] Item 11. The golf club head described in Item 9, wherein the rear extension axis is not perpendicular to the intersection plane.

[0176] Item 12. The golf club head according to Item 9, wherein the toe-side axis angle is the angle between the intersection plane measured on the toe side of the rear extension axis as viewed from the sole of the golf club head and the rear extension axis, and the heel-side axis angle is the angle between the intersection plane measured on the heel side of the rear extension axis as viewed from the sole of the golf club head and the rear extension axis, and the toe-side axis angle and the heel-side axis angle are complementary angles of 180 degrees.

[0177] Item 13. The golf club head as described in Item 12, wherein the rear extension is attached to the striking face return sole portion, which is closer to the toe end of the golf club head than to the heel end, the toe-side axis angle is greater than 90 degrees, and the heel-side axis angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0178] Item 14. The golf club head as described in Item 12, wherein the rear extension is attached to the striking face return sole portion of the golf club head, which is closer to the heel end than the toe end, the heel-side axis angle is greater than 90 degrees, and the toe-side axis angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0179] Item 15. The golf club head according to Item 1, wherein the rear extension has a rear extension width measured from heel to sole at the rear of the rear circumference of the striking face return sole portion, and the rear extension width is in the range of 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole.

[0180] Item 16. The width of the rear extension adjacent to the weight channel may be in the range of 1 inch to 2.5 inches, as described in Item 15.

[0181] Item 17. The width of the rear extension between the toe-side intersection and the heel-side intersection may be in the range of 1 inch to 5 inches, as described in Item 15.

[0182] Item 18. A golf club head as described in Item 3, in which a movable weight is secured by a threaded fastener.

[0183] Item 19. The golf club head according to Item 2, wherein the weight channel further comprises a sole wall, and the mounting wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole.

[0184] Item 20. A golf club head comprising a body, the body comprising a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, and a trailing edge, wherein the body further comprises a first component comprising the striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension further having a weight channel, and a second component comprising at least a portion of the rear end, wherein the striking face has a striking face center, the X-axis extending from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head and in a direction parallel to the ground when the club head is in the address position, through the striking face center, the Y-axis extending from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, and the Z-axis extending from the striking face to the rear end of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, A loft plane substantially parallel to the striking face and tangent to the center of the striking face forms a loft angle with respect to the contact surface, the XY plane extends through the X axis and the Y axis, the YZ plane extends through the Y axis and the Z axis, the first component comprises a first material having a first density, the second component comprises a second material having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density, the striking face return of the first component extends rearward from the striking face and comprises a first component crown portion and a first component sole portion, the rear extension extends from the first component sole portion of the striking face return toward the rear end, the second component is coupled to the first component to form an enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head, and the striking face return The first component sole portion of the golf club head further comprises a toe extension portion on the toe side of the rear extension portion and a heel extension portion on the heel side of the rear extension portion, the toe extension portion having a toe extension portion rear wall, the heel extension portion having a heel extension portion rear wall, the rear extension portion having a width and length, the rear extension portion having a toe side wall and a heel side wall connecting the weight channel to the striking face sole return, the toe side wall of the rear extension portion and the toe extension portion rear wall forming a toe side wall angle, the heel side wall of the rear extension portion and the heel extension portion forming a heel side wall angle, the toe side wall of the rear extension portion and the toe extension portion rear wall are joined at a toe side intersection, the heel side wall of the rear extension portion and the heel extension portion are joined at a heel side intersection, and the intersection plane coincides with the toe side intersection and the heel side intersection and extends parallel to the XY plane.

Claims

1. A golf club head that has a body, The body comprises a striking face, a rear end, a toe end, a heel end, a crown, a sole, and a trailing edge. The aforementioned body further, A first component comprising the aforementioned striking face, a striking face return, and a rear extension further having a weight channel, It comprises a second component having at least a portion of the rear end, The second component is configured to be coupled to the first component to form the enclosed hollow interior of the golf club head. The weight channel is located in the center of the rear end of the golf club head and is exposed at the rear end of the body and the sole. The weight channel is configured to receive a movable weight at one of three positions. The aforementioned striking face has a striking face center, The X-axis extends from the heel end to the toe end of the golf club head, and in a direction parallel to the ground surface when the golf club head is in the address position, passing through the center of the striking face. The Y-axis extends from the crown to the sole of the golf club head and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis, passing through the center of the striking face. The Z-axis extends from the striking face to the rear end and in a direction perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, passing through the center of the striking face. A loft surface that is substantially parallel to the striking face and in contact with the center of the striking face forms a loft angle with respect to the contact surface. The XY plane extends through the X axis and the Y axis, The YZ plane extends through the Y axis and the Z axis, The first component comprises a first material having a first density, The second component comprises a second material having a second density, The first density is greater than the second density, The striking face return of the first component extends rearward from the striking face and comprises a crown portion and a sole portion of the first component. The rear extension extends from the sole portion of the first component of the striking face return toward the rear end, The rear extension comprises a toe side wall and a heel side wall that connect the weight channel to the impact face return, The rear extension portion has a rear extension portion width measured from heel to toe direction at the rear of the rear circumference of the sole portion, which is the first component of the striking face return. The width of the rear extension changes from the striking face towards the rear end of the golf club head.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the mass of the first component is 85% to 96% of the mass of the golf club head.

3. The second component further comprises a crown portion, a sole toe portion, and a sole heel portion. The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the crown portion, the sole toe portion, and the sole heel portion form a rear notch.

4. The first component sole portion further comprises a toe extension portion located on the toe side of the rear extension portion and a heel extension portion located on the heel side of the rear extension portion. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the toe extension portion has a rear wall of the toe extension portion, and the heel extension portion has a rear wall of the heel extension portion.

5. The tow side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the tow extension form a tow side wall angle. The golf club head according to claim 4, wherein the heel side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the heel extension form a heel side wall angle.

6. The golf club head according to claim 5, wherein the sum of the angles of the toe side wall angle and the heel side wall angle is not 180 degrees.

7. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable weight is fixed by a threaded fastener.

8. The weight channel further comprises a sole wall, The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mounting wall is oriented substantially perpendicular to the sole.

9. The aforementioned mounting wall has three screw holes, The three screw holes include a toe-side screw hole, a center screw hole, and a heel-side screw hole. The golf club head according to claim 8, wherein the central screw hole is located at the midpoint of the length of the mounting wall.

10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the width of the rear extension adjacent to the weight channel is in the range of 1 inch to 2.5 inches.

11. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the width of the rear extension is in the range of 25% to 85% of the total width of the sole.

12. The toe side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the toe extension are joined at the toe side intersection, and the heel side wall of the rear extension and the rear wall of the heel extension are joined at the heel side intersection. The golf club head according to claim 5, wherein the intersection plane coincides with the toe-side intersection and the heel-side intersection and extends parallel to the XY plane.

13. The aforementioned rear extension portion is provided with a rear extension shaft that extends between the front midpoint of the rear extension portion and the center of the central hole in the mounting wall. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the forward midpoint of the rear extension is located at the halfway point between the toe-side intersection and the heel-side intersection.

14. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the rear extension axis is perpendicular to the intersection plane.

15. The golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the rear extension axis is not perpendicular to the intersection plane.

16. The toe-side axis angle is the angle between the intersection plane and the rear extension axis, measured on the toe side of the rear extension axis as viewed from the sole of the golf club head. The heel-side axis angle is the angle between the intersection plane and the rear extension axis, measured on the heel side of the rear extension axis as viewed from the sole of the golf club head. The golf club head according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the sum of the toe-side axis angle and the heel-side axis angle is 180 degrees.

17. The rear extension is attached to the sole portion of the first component of the striking face return, which is closer to the toe end of the golf club head than the heel end. The golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the toe-side axis angle is greater than 90 degrees and the heel-side axis angle is less than 90 degrees.

18. The rear extension is attached to the sole portion of the first component of the impact face return, which is closer to the heel end of the golf club head than the toe end. The golf club head according to claim 16, wherein the heel-side axis angle is greater than 90 degrees and the toe-side axis angle is less than 90 degrees.

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