Golf club head with optimized characteristics and related method

Abstract

To provide golf club heads.SOLUTION: A golf club head is provided, comprising: a head body that comprises, a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure having a bore portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the bore portion having a hosel axis; a strikeface at the head front portion and comprising a strikeface centerpoint; head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc's) and comprising a head volume magnitude greater than 420; a head center of gravity; and an optimization characteristic.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application is U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 804,859, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 804,917, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013; This is an international patent application claiming the merits of U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 826,111, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 14, 2013. The above disclosures are incorporated herein by reference as forming part of this specification.

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

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

[0004] Based on the above, we will further develop the characteristics of golf clubs and improve their performance by balancing these characteristics with each other.

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

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the golf club head related to this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a side cross-sectional view of a golf club head along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show the underside view of a golf club head. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart of a method available for providing, forming and / or manufacturing a golf club head relating to this disclosure.

[0007] For simplicity and clarity, each drawing shows a general configuration, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid making this disclosure unnecessarily complex. Furthermore, the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, some elements in the drawings may be dimensionally exaggerated compared to others to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this disclosure. The same reference numeral in different drawings represents the same element.

[0008] In this specification and in the claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used, where appropriate, to distinguish between similar elements and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or chronological order. Since such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein may be implemented, for example, in a different order than those described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, since “including” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to include non-exclusive inclusion, a process, method, system, article, apparatus or device that includes the enumerated elements is not necessarily limited to these elements and may include other elements that are not expressly enumerated or that are inherently present in such a process, method, system, article, apparatus or device.

[0009] In this specification and in the claims, terms such as “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” and “lower” are used as appropriate for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily intended to describe permanent relative positions. Since such terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, it should be understood that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or products described herein can be implemented, for example, in directions other than those described or illustrated herein.

[0010] Terms such as "to link," "to be linked," "linked," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly and refer to the mechanical or otherwise combined joining of two or more elements. Linking (mechanically or otherwise) can last for any duration, such as permanent, semi-permanent, or even just momentary.

[0011] Even if terms like "connected" or "attachable" are not present near such terms, this does not necessarily mean that the connection or detachment is detachable or not. As defined herein, two or more elements are "integrated" if they are composed of the same material piece. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-integrated" if they are composed of different material pieces. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body including the head interior and hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by the head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head horizontal axis extending from the head heel to the head toe through the head center of gravity and parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a horizontal moment of inertia about the head horizontal axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0013] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body including the head interior and hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by the head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also have a head center of gravity, a head vertical axis extending from the head top to the head sole through the head center of gravity and perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, a hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis, and a vertical moment of inertia about the head vertical axis. The horizontal moment of inertia may be 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

[0014] In one embodiment, a method for providing a golf club head may include providing a head body including a head interior and a hosel structure. The head interior may be bounded by a head front, head rear, head heel, head toe, head top, and head sole. The hosel structure may have an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. This method may also include connecting the golf club shaft to the hosel structure. The head horizontal axis extends from the head heel to the head toe, passing through the head center of gravity of the golf club head, and may be parallel to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground. The head vertical axis extends from the head top to the head sole, passing through the head center of gravity, and may be perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground. In addition, providing the head body may include at least one of the following: (a) setting the horizontal moment of inertia about the horizontal axis of the head to be 39% or more of the moment of inertia of the hosel about the hosel axis; or (b) setting the vertical moment of inertia about the vertical axis of the head to be 59% or more of the moment of inertia of the hosel about the hosel axis.

[0015] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body including a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, an upper head, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also comprise a striking face located at the front of the head, having a striking face center point, a head volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and having a size greater than 420, a head center of gravity, and optimized characteristics. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristic can be determined by adding (a) the size of the head volume to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head's CG height. This optimization characteristic can be 425 or greater.

[0016] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body including a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, an upper head, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and in this structure, the inner diameter may have a hosel axis. The golf club head may also comprise a striking face located at the front of the head, having a striking face center point, and a head center of gravity. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The axis of CG height can extend through the head's center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head's depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height at the head's center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the head's center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth at the head's center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The absolute value of the head CG height can be 2.54 mm or less. The head CG depth can be 40.64 mm or more.

[0017] In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body including a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of the golf club, and the inner diameter portion has a hosel axis. The method can also include connecting a striking face to the head front portion and setting optimized characteristics of the golf club head. The striking face has a striking face center point. The head volume of the golf club head can be measured in cubic centimeters (cc) and can be made larger than 420. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis can extend through the head center of gravity and be perpendicular to the ground. The head horizontal axis can extend through the head center of gravity and be orthogonal to the head vertical axis. The loft face of the golf club head can contact the striking face center point. The front face of the golf club head can extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. The head depth face can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft face through the striking face center point. The CG height axis can extend through the head center of gravity and intersect the head depth face perpendicularly at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the CG height axis between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front face between (a) a second intersection point located at an intersection of the front face and the ground and (b) a third intersection point located at an intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The optimized characteristics can be set by adding (a) the magnitude of the head volume to (b) the ratio of the head CG depth divided by the absolute value of the head CG height, where the optimized characteristics can be made 425 or more.

[0018] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body, a face, a head center of gravity, and at least one of a first or second performance characteristic. The head body may include a front head, a rear head, a head heel, a head toe, a head sole, a head top, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an internal diameter for receiving the shaft of the golf club, and this internal diameter has a hosel axis. The face may be located at the front of the head and may have a striking face center, a striking face edge, and a face height limited by the striking face edge. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center. The front of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane can extend parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, passing through the center point of the striking face. The axis of CG height can extend through the center of gravity of the head and can intersect perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the center of gravity of the head and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the vertical axis of the head and the ground. The face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane and be approximately 33 mm to approximately 71 mm. The first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of approximately 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic can have a CG performance ratio of 0.56 or less, which is determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth.

[0019] In one example, a golf club head may comprise a head body, a face, and a head center of gravity. The head body may include a front head, a rear head, a heel head, a toe head, a sole head, a top head, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter for receiving the golf club shaft, and this inner diameter has a hosel axis. The face can be connected to the front head and may comprise a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge, and a face height. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the ground, and the head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is perpendicular to the head vertical axis. The loft plane of the golf club head may be in contact with the striking face center point. The front surface of the golf club head may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane may extend through the striking face center point and parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft plane. The axis of CG height can extend through the head's center of gravity and intersect perpendicularly with the head's depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head's center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the head's center of gravity and the first intersection. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front between (a) a second intersection located at the intersection of the front and the ground, and (b) a third intersection located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The face height is determined by the edge of the striking face and can be approximately 33 mm to 71 mm when measured parallel to the loft plane. The CG performance ratio of (a) 76.2 mm minus the face height and (b) the head CG depth is 0.56 or less. The head body can be composed of a driver-type body. The head volume of the golf club head can be approximately 420 cc to 470 cc. The head weight of the golf club head can be approximately 185 grams to 225 grams. The head CG height can be approximately 0mm to approximately 3.18mm. The head CG depth can be approximately 25mm to approximately 102mm. The head body may be equipped with a weight structure positioned near the sole and rear of the head body.

[0020] In one embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head can include providing a head body including a head front portion, a head rear portion, a head heel portion, a head toe portion, a head sole portion, a head top portion, and a hosel structure. The hosel structure has an inner diameter portion for receiving a shaft of the golf club, and the inner diameter portion has a hosel axis. The method can also include connecting a face portion to the head front portion, the face portion including a striking face having a striking face center point, a striking face edge portion, and a face height limited by the striking face edge portion. The method further includes setting at least one of a first performance characteristic of the golf club head or a second performance characteristic of the golf club head. When the golf club head is in an address position relative to the ground, a head vertical axis extends through the head center of gravity of the golf club head and is perpendicular to the ground, and a head horizontal axis extends through the head center of gravity and is orthogonal to the head vertical axis. A loft face of the golf club head can contact the striking face center point. A front face of the golf club head can extend parallel to the hosel axis through the striking face center point. A head depth face can extend parallel to the head horizontal axis and perpendicular to the loft face through the striking face center point. An axis of CG height can extend through the head center of gravity and can intersect perpendicularly with the head depth face at a first intersection point. The head CG height of the head center of gravity can be measured along the axis of CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head center of gravity can be measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front face between (a) a second intersection point located at an intersection of the front face and the ground and (b) a third intersection point located at an intersection of the head vertical axis and the ground. The face height can be measured parallel to the loft face and can be about 33 mm to about 71 mm. The first performance characteristic can have a head CG height of about 5.08 mm or less. The second performance characteristic can have a CG performance ratio determined by (a) subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and (b) dividing by the head CG depth of 0.56 or less.

[0021] Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the drawings, claims and / or this description.

[0022] Looking at the drawings, Figure 1 shows a front view of the golf club head 1000, which comprises a head body 1100 and a face portion 1200. The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210. Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1000 along line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a bottom view of the golf club head 1000. Figures 1-3 represent the golf club head 1000 in the address position relative to the ground 1010. In these figures, with respect to the front view of the golf club head 1000 (Figure 1), the hosel axis 1710 is at an angle of 60 degrees with respect to the ground 1010, and with respect to the side view of the golf club head 1000 (Figure 2), the hosel axis 1710 is substantially perpendicular to the ground 1010.

[0023] In this embodiment, the head body 1100 and the face portion 1200 are composed of different material pieces joined together, for example, by welding. However, in other examples, the face portion 1200 may be composed of a single material piece together with one or more parts of the head body 1100, such as the head front portion 1110, the head upper portion 1120, the head sole portion 1130, the head heel portion 1140, the head toe portion 1150, and / or the head rear portion 2160. The head front surface 1160 of the golf club head 1000 includes the striking face 1210, the face portion 1200, and at least a portion of the head front portion 1110. In some embodiments, the head front surface 1160 may also include at least a portion of the head sole portion 1130. In the same or different embodiments, the head front portion 1110 may include the striking face 1210 and / or the face portion 1200.

[0024] The face portion 1200 includes a striking face 1210 having a striking face center point 1211, a striking face rim 1212, and a face height 1213. The striking face center point 1211 is located at the geometric center of the striking face rim 1212 in this example and at the midpoint of the face height 1213. In the same or other examples, the striking face center point 1211 may be located centered relative to a designed impact area 1250, which can be defined by the extent of the grooves 1259 in the striking face 1210. Alternatively, the striking face center point 1211 may be located according to the regulations of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the center point of the impact face 1211 can be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's procedure for measuring the flexibility of a golf club head ("Flexibility Procedure") (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ).

[0025] The golf club head 1000 has a loft plane 2270 (Figure 2), which is at least in contact with the center point 1211 of the striking face 1210. The face height 1213 can be measured parallel to the loft plane 2270 between the upper end 1215 and the lower end 1216 of the striking face edge 1212, and can be approximately 33 millimeters (mm) to approximately 71 mm in this example or other examples.

[0026] The striking face rim 1212 includes the upper striking face end 1215 and the lower striking face end 1216 that define the face height 1213, but does not need to define the entire face portion 1200. For example, as can be seen from Figure 1, the striking face 1210 is defined by the striking face rim 1212, but is only a part of the face portion 1200. In some examples, the striking face 1210 may have a roll radius and / or bulge radius. The striking face rim 1212 may be defined along a transition boundary where the contour of the face portion 1200 deviates from the roll radius and / or bulge radius of the striking face 1210. For example, Figure 2 includes a magnified view of a portion of the upper transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 extending along the striking face 1210, and showing how the upper end 1215 of the striking face is located at the upper transition boundary, where the front surface 1160 of the head separates from the vertical roll radius 2170. Figure 2 also includes a magnified view of a portion of the lower transition boundary of the golf club head 1000, highlighting the vertical roll radius 2170 extending vertically along the striking face 1210, and showing how the lower end 1216 of the striking face is located at the lower transition boundary, where the front surface 1160 of the head separates from the vertical roll radius 2170.

[0027] In the same or other embodiments, the striking face edge 1212 can be defined with respect to the end of the striking plate, which includes the striking face. For example, the face portion 1200 includes the striking plate 1220, in which case the striking face 1210 forms the outer surface of the striking plate 1220, and the striking plate 1220 is joined to the head front portion 1110 along the striking plate end 1221. In this example, the striking plate end 1221 defines at least a portion of the striking face edge 1212. The defined portion includes the upper and lower parts of the striking face edge 1212, with the upper striking face end 1215 and the lower striking face end 1216 located in each of these portions, defining the face height 1213. Other examples are possible, in which the striking plate end of the striking plate can define most or all of the striking face edge of the striking face.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the golf club head 1000 also has a head center of gravity (CG) 2500, a head depth plane 2310, and a CG height axis 2320. In the figure, the head depth plane 2310 extends through the center point 1211 of the striking face and is perpendicular to the loft plane 2270, and the CG height axis 2320 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and intersects the head depth plane 2310 perpendicularly at intersection point 2801.

[0029] The head center of gravity 2500 has a CG height 2520 and a CG depth 2510, which position the head center of gravity 2500 relative to the golf club head 1000. In this example, the CG height 2520 can be measured along the axis of CG height 2320 between the head center of gravity 2500 and intersection 2801. The CG depth 2510 can be measured parallel to the ground 1010 and between intersections 2802 and 2803, as can be seen from Figure 2. In this example, intersection 2802 is defined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the front surface 2280, where the front surface 2280 extends through the center point of the striking face 1211 and is parallel to the hosel axis 1710, and is also perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. In addition, the intersection point 2803 is determined by the intersection of the ground 1010 and the head vertical axis 1610, where the head vertical axis 1610 extends through the head center of gravity 2500 and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. The head center of gravity 2500 can also be positioned relative to the ground 1010, in which case the head CG vertical distance 2530 of the head center of gravity 2500 can be measured between the center of the weight 2750 and the ground 1010 along the head vertical axis 1610.

[0030] The head body 1100 of the golf club head 1000 also includes a hosel structure 1217 (Figure 1) and a hosel shaft 1710 extending along the center of the inner diameter portion 1217 of the hosel structure. In this example, the hosel connection mechanism of the golf club head 1000 comprises a hosel structure 1217 and a shaft sleeve 1411, which allows the shaft sleeve 1411 to be connected to the end of the golf shaft 1410. The shaft sleeve 1411 can be connected to the hosel structure 1217 in multiple configurations. This makes it possible to fix the golf shaft 1410 to the hosel structure 1217 at multiple angles with respect to the hosel shaft 1710. However, other examples are also possible, in which case the shaft 1410 can be fixed to the hosel structure 1217 in an immovable manner.

[0031] The golf club heads relating to this disclosure can be configured to exhibit one or more optimized characteristics that optimize or balance their performance. For example, one characteristic of a golf club head that is sought to be optimized by this design is the face height and / or face size. Maximizing the face height and / or face size of a golf club head offers several advantages. These advantages include an enlarged impact area on the striking face with respect to the target object, resulting in a more forgiving club head, which can produce good results even for golf shots struck off-center from the center of the striking face. In addition, increasing the height and / or size of the striking face allows for more efficient energy transfer to the golf ball upon impact. Consequently, the settling time or "spring effect" of the golf club head increases, potentially resulting in longer distance golf shots. In some cases, the height or size of the striking face may be increased to meet settling time limits set by golf governing bodies (such as the USGA's settling time limit of 239 microseconds (μs) in its own "Flexibility Procedure").

[0032] However, indiscriminately increasing face height and / or face size can negatively impact performance in other areas (such as the launch angle of the golf ball at impact with the striking face, ball spin, and / or ball speed). For example, increasing face height and / or face size can cause the center of gravity to shift forward, potentially reducing the CG depth between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the center of the striking face. This reduces the dynamic loft of the golf club head, thus lowering the launch angle of the golf ball. In another example, increasing face height and / or face size can raise the CG height between the center of gravity and the depth plane of the head, causing the center of gravity to lift away from the sole of the golf club head. This reduces the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball, making it less likely for the amount of backspin generated on the golf ball at impact to decrease with that golf club head, and therefore the distance the ball travels will be shortened due to this backspin.

[0033] Considering the above, the face height or face size of the golf club head needs to be balanced with respect to the center of gravity. For golf club head 1000, the impact area is increased and more energy is transferred to the golf ball 2900 by enlarging the striking face 1210 and increasing the face size and / or face height 1213. In particular, golf club head 1000 can be configured so that the face height 1213 is approximately 33mm to 71mm in order to enlarge the impact area and transfer more energy upon impact with the golf ball 2900. In some examples, the area of ​​the striking face 1210 (including the increased face area) is approximately 23.6 square centimeters (cm²). 2 ) ~approximately 45.2cm 2 It can be done this way.

[0034] Despite increasing the face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still limits the CG height 2520 from rising towards the top of the head 1120 and / or moving too far away from the head depth plane 2310. For example, the golf club head 1000 has a first optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relation 1.

[0035] |CG height 2520 |≦5.08mm [Relationship 1]

[0036] In some examples, the CG height 2520 can be set from approximately 0 mm to the limit of 5.08 mm of relation 1. In other examples, the CG height 2520 can be set to a maximum of approximately 4.45 mm, 3.81 mm, or 3.18 mm. In some embodiments, the first optimization characteristic can reduce the backspin of the golf ball 2900 through a gear effect between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900 in order to obtain good performance. In Figure 2, the head center of gravity 2500 is shown to be below the depth plane 2310, and the CG height 2520 is shown to extend between the depth plane 2310 and the head sole portion 1130. However, in some embodiments, the head center of gravity 2500 can be located above the depth plane 2310, so that the CG height 2520 extends between the depth plane 2310 and the head top portion 1120, while still satisfying relation 1 above.

[0037] In addition, taking into account the increase in face size and / or face height 1213 as described above, the golf club head 1000 still restricts the movement of the center of gravity 2500 toward the striking face 1212, thereby preventing the CG depth 2510 from becoming excessively shallow. For example, the golf club head 1000 has a second optimization characteristic that satisfies the following relationship 2.

[0038] TIFF0007860211000001.tif13170

[0039] Therefore, the relationship between the face height 1213 and the CG depth 2510 is balanced according to relation 2 such that the second optimization characteristic remains below 0.56, thereby limiting the amount by which the CG depth 2510 can become shallower toward the striking face 1210. Examples are also possible in which the CG depth 2510 can be approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. In the same or other examples, the CG depth 2510 can be at least approximately 39 mm. In some embodiments, the second optimization characteristic can improve or optimize at least one of the dynamic loft of the golf club head 1000 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 at impact.

[0040] In some examples, the golf club head 1000 may be configured to possess only one of the first or second optimization characteristics described above. For example, the golf club head 1000 may possess the first optimization characteristic but not the second optimization characteristic, and thus satisfy relation 1 without satisfying relation 2. In another example, the golf club head 1000 may possess the second optimization characteristic but not the first optimization characteristic, and thus satisfy relation 2 without satisfying relation 1. In addition, embodiments are possible in which the golf club head 1000 satisfies both relation 1 and relation 2, and therefore possesses both the first and second optimization characteristics.

[0041] The golf club head 1000 may also have a third optimization characteristic relating to its head volume (HV) 2600. In this example, the head body 1000 of the golf club head 1000 is composed of a driver-type body having a head volume of 420 cubic centimeters (cc) or more, so the size of the head volume is 420 or more. For example, the head body 1000 can have a head volume of 420cc, so the size of the head volume is 420. In another example, the golf club head 1000 can have a head volume of 460cc, so the size of the head volume is 460. In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can have a head volume up to about 470cc and / or a total head weight of about 185 grams to about 225 grams. In some specific examples, the total head weight can be about 202 grams and / or the head volume can be about 460cc.

[0042] The third optimization characteristic allows for control over the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the center of gravity 2500, and can be determined to satisfy the following relationship 3.

[0043] TIFF0007860211000002.tif13170

[0044] In some cases, increasing the head volume 2600 can adjust, for example, the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 1000. However, increasing the head volume without limit may have undesirable effects on other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, increasing the head volume 2600 may cause the head center of gravity 2500 to move toward the front of the head 1110, toward the top of the head 1120, toward other undesirable directions, and / or away from the desired center of gravity position or one or more directions, thereby impairing the performance of the golf club head 1000. Such undesirable changes in the center of gravity position may adversely affect one or more characteristics of the golf club head (such as launch speed, launch angle, gear effect, backspin, and / or shot distance). Therefore, by setting a third optimization characteristic used to balance the relationship between the head volume 2600 and the position of the head center of gravity 2500, desirable and balanced attributes for the golf club head 1000 can be obtained. For example, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to satisfy relation 3 so that the golf club head 1000 can exhibit a third optimized characteristic, thereby increasing the head volume 2600, making the moment of inertia larger, and transferring more energy to the golf ball 2900 at the time of golf impact between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900. In the same or other embodiments, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the CG depth 2510 from becoming shallower toward the front of the head 1110 due to the increase in head volume 2600, thereby improving at least one of the dynamic loft of the striking face 1210 or the launch angle of the golf ball 2900 at golf impact.In addition, the weight distribution of the golf club head 1000 can be configured to limit the rise of the CG height 2520 towards the top of the head 1120 as a result of increasing the head volume 2600, thereby reducing the backspin of the golf ball 2900 due to the gear effect between the striking face 1210 and the golf ball 2900 at golf impact.

[0045] Considering the above, in order to achieve the third optimization characteristic according to relation 3, the CG depth 2510 can be configured to be 40.64 mm or more. In the same or other embodiments, the absolute value of the CG height 2520 can be 2.54 mm or less. Note that in some embodiments, the CG height 2520 is characterized as an absolute value, taking into consideration that the head center of gravity 2500 can be above or below the head depth plane 2310. The third optimization characteristic has at least a lower limit of 425, but other embodiments are possible in which the third optimization characteristic can be defined for other lower limits. For example, in some embodiments, the third optimization characteristic may include at least a lower limit of 435 or 445. The position of the head center of gravity 2500 can also be designed or set with respect to other features of the golf club head 1000 in order to satisfy relation 3 and / or to achieve the third optimization characteristic. For example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG depth 2510 has approximately 25% to approximately 80% of the head depth length 2312. In the above, the head depth length 2312 is the dimension from the center point 1211 of the striking face to the intersection of the outer surface of the rear of the head 2160 and the depth surface 2310. As another example, the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be configured such that the CG height 2520 has an axis length of CG height of approximately 0% to approximately 13%. In the above, the axis length of CG height 2322 is the dimension from the intersection of the outer surface of the upper part of the head 1120 and the axis of CG height 2320 to the intersection of the outer surface of the head sole 1130 and the axis of CG height 2320.

[0046] The golf club head 1000 can also have a fourth optimization characteristic relating to the balance between the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1) and the horizontal MOI 1811 (Figure 1). The hosel MOI 1711 is defined around the hosel axis 1710. The horizontal MOI 1811 is defined around the head horizontal axis 1810. This axis passes through the head center of gravity 2500 and extends from the head heel portion 1140 to the head toe portion 1150, and is parallel to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position relative to the ground 1010.

[0047] In some cases, increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 can limit the rotation of the golf club head 1000 around the horizontal axis 1810 when the striking face 1210 is off-center and closer to the top 1120 or sole 1130 of the head when striking the golf ball 2600. This improves the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such top or bottom misses. For example, to increase the horizontal MOI 1811, weights may be added or repositioned near the front 1110 and / or rear 2160 of the head. In the same or other cases, the golf club head 1000 may be extended toward the front 1110 and / or rear 2160 of the head.

[0048] However, such adjustments or modifications to increase the horizontal MOI 1811 can be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, if adjustments are made without limit to increase the horizontal MOI 1811, the hosel MOI 1711 may increase excessively if not properly balanced. This increases the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 around the hosel axis 1710, making it difficult for some to "rotate" the golf club during the golf swing in order to properly position (or "square") the golf club head 1000 at impact with the golf ball 2600. Increasing the hosel MOI 1711 can also limit or suppress the gear effect between the golf ball 2600 and the striking face 1210. Otherwise, this gear effect will correct the spin of the golf ball 2600 somewhat on off-center impacts.

[0049] To reduce the hosel MOI 1711, the golf club head 1000 can be designed to limit the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and any additional or selective mass relative to the golf club head 1000. The above approach to reducing the hosel MOI 1711 may conflict with part of the above approach to increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when increasing the horizontal MOI 1811 by adding or redistributing weights to the golf club head 1000, a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0050] From the above perspective, the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is to control the relationship between the horizontal MOI 1811 and the hosel MOI 1711 so that the following relationship 4 is satisfied.

[0051] (Horizontal MOI 1811 )≧39%(hosel MOI 1711 ) [Relationship 4]

[0052] An example can be configured such that the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can exceed the requirement of relationship 4. As an example, in some embodiments, the fourth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the horizontal MOI 1811 is 40% or more, 45% or more, or 50% or more of the hosel MOI 1711. In this example, the horizontal MOI 1811 is about 3740 gram square centimeters (g·cm 2 ), but examples are also possible where it can be in the range of about 2800 g·cm 2 to about 4300 g·cm 2 . The hosel MOI 1711 is about 9370 g·cm 2 in this example, but in the same or other examples, it can also be in the range of about 7000 g·cm 2 to about 11,000 g·cm 2 .

[0053] The golf club head 1000 can also have a fifth optimization characteristic regarding the balance between the hosel MOI 1711 and the vertical MOI 1611 (FIG. 1). The vertical MOI 1611 is defined around the head vertical axis 1610. This axis extends from the head upper portion 1120 to the head sole portion 1130 through the head center of gravity 2500 and is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. The vertical MOI 1611 is about 5300 g·cm 2 in this example, but in the same or other examples, it can also be in the range of about 4700 g·cm 2 to about 6000 g·cm 2 .

[0054] In some cases, increasing the vertical MOI 1611 can limit the rotation of the golf club head 1000 around the head vertical axis 1610 when the striking face 1210 strikes the golf ball 2600 off-center, closer to the head heel 1140 (or head toe 1150). This improves the forgiveness of the golf club head 1000 for such heel-side or toe-side mishits. For example, to increase the vertical MOI 1611, weights can be added or repositioned near the head heel 1140 and / or head toe 1150. In the same or other cases, the golf club head can be extended toward the head heel 1140 and / or head toe 1150.

[0055] However, such adjustments or modifications to increase the vertical MOI 1611 can be made to a certain extent before they begin to affect other characteristics of the golf club head. For example, if adjustments are made without limit to increase the vertical MOI 1611, the hosel MOI 1711 may increase excessively if not properly balanced, thereby increasing the resistance to rotating the golf club head 1000 around the hosel axis 1710 as described above. In addition, some approaches to decrease the hosel MOI 1711 may contradict some of the approaches described above to increase the vertical MOI 1611 if not properly balanced. Therefore, when increasing the vertical MOI 1611 by adding or redistributing weights to the golf club head 1000, a balance must be struck with respect to maintaining or limiting the increase in the hosel MOI 1711.

[0056] From the above perspective, the fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 is to control the relationship between the vertical MOI 1611 and the hosel MOI 1711 so that the following relationship 5 is satisfied.

[0057] (Vertical MOI 1611 )≧59%(hosel MOI 1711 ) [Relationship 5]

[0058] For the golf club head 1000, it is possible to configure it so that its fifth optimization characteristic exceeds the requirements of relation 5. For example, in some embodiments, the fifth optimization characteristic of the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that the vertical MOI 1611 is 60% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, 65% or more of the hosel MOI 1711, or 70% or more of the hosel MOI 1711. In some examples, the golf club head 1000 can be configured such that its fourth optimization characteristic satisfies relation 4, and its fifth optimization characteristic also satisfies relation 5.

[0059] In some embodiments, the golf club head 1000 can be configured to exhibit the first, second, third, fourth, and / or fifth optimized characteristics described above by adjusting the mass distribution of the golf club head 1000 or the relationships between various elements of the golf club head 1000. For this purpose, as can be seen from Figures 2-3, the golf club head 1000 may include a weight structure 2700 positioned near the head sole portion 1130 and the rear portion 2160 of the head. In some configurations, the weight structure 2700 can be designed and / or positioned to satisfy the constraints imposed by relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4, and / or relation 5, thereby balancing the face height or face size of the striking face 1210, the head volume 2600 of the golf club head 1000, the position of the center of gravity 2500, and / or various moments of inertia.

[0060] As can be seen from Figure 3, the weight structure 2700 can be positioned relative to the clock face 3500, and this clock face can be aligned with respect to the striking face 1210. For example, the clock face 3500 includes a 12 o'clock line 3512, which is aligned with the center point 1211 of the striking face in this embodiment. The 12 o'clock line 3512 is perpendicular to the front intersection line 3271, which is defined by the intersection of the loft plane 2270 (Figures 2-3) and the ground 1010 (Figures 1-2). The clock face 3500 is centered along the 12 o'clock line 3512 at the midpoint between the front end of the front part 1110 and the rear end of the rear part 2160. In the same or other examples, the center point 3515 of the clock face can be positioned close to the geometric center of the golf club head 1000. The clock face 3500 also includes a 3 o'clock line 3503 extending toward the head heel portion 1140 and a 9 o'clock line 3509 extending toward the head toe portion 1150.

[0061] In this embodiment, the weight edge 2705 of the weight structure 2700 is positioned near the rear of the head 2160, at least partially confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508 of the clock face 3500, with the weight center 2750 positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 7 o'clock line 3507. In this clock face example, the weight edge 2705 is entirely confined between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 8 o'clock line 3508. In this example, the weight edge 2705 is defined on the outer surface of the golf club head 1000, but other examples are possible in which the weight edge may extend inward from the golf club head 1000 (or be defined inside the golf club head 1000). In some examples, the position of the weight 2700 can be set over a wider area. For example, in the above example, the weight edge 2705 of the weight structure 2700 can be positioned near the rear of the head 2160, at least partially restricted to the area between the 4 o'clock line 3504 and the 9 o'clock line 3509 of the clock face 3500, and together the weight center 2750 can be positioned between the 5 o'clock line 3505 and the 8 o'clock line 3508.

[0062] In the same or other embodiments, the weight structure 2700 can be extended or moved toward the heel portion 1140. For example, the weight edge 2705 and / or weight center 2750 can be moved toward the 4 o'clock line 3504 rather than toward the 9 o'clock line 3509. By biasing the weight structure 2700 toward the vicinity of the head heel portion 1140, the distance between the hosel axis 1710 and the weight structure 2700 is limited, thereby reducing the hosel MOI 1711 around the hosel axis 1710. This makes it easier for the golf club head 1000 to rotate around the hosel axis 1710 during the swing.

[0063] In some examples, the weight structure 2700 can have a mass of approximately 2 grams to approximately 50 grams and / or a volume of approximately 1 cc to approximately 30 cc. In this example, the weight structure 2700 protrudes from the outer contour of the head sole portion 1130 and is therefore at least partially external, thereby allowing for greater adjustment of the head center of gravity 2500.

[0064] The weight structure 2700 may, in the same or other examples, include a detachable weight 2790. In this case, the detachable weight 2790 may have a mass of about 0.5 grams to about 30 grams, and the position of the head center of gravity 2500 can be adjusted by replacing this weight with one or more other similar weights if necessary to satisfy relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4 and / or relation 5. In the same or other examples, the weight center 2750 has at least one of the center of gravity of the weight structure 2700, the center of gravity of the detachable weight 2790, the geometric center of the weight structure 2700 and / or the geometric center of the detachable weight 2790.

[0065] The center of the weight 2750 can be positioned relative to the ground 1010 and the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340, which extends between the center of the weight 2750 and the ground 1010. The axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340 is perpendicular to the ground 1010 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position relative to the ground. Therefore, the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2730 of the center of the weight 2750 can be measured between the center of the weight 2750 and the ground 1010 along the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340. In addition, the center depth 2710 of the center of the weight 2750 can be measured parallel to the ground 1010 between intersections 2802 and 2804. In this example, intersection 2804 is defined by the intersection between the ground 1010 and the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight 2340 when the golf club head 1000 is in the address position. In the same or other embodiments, the weight center 2750 can be positioned such that the weight distance 2751 (Figure 2) separating the head center of gravity 2500 from the weight center 2750 is approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm.

[0066] Embodiments are also possible in which the thickness of the face portion 1200 can be reduced, but if necessary, the face portion 1200 may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures on the back of the striking face 1210 and / or at the joint between the face portion 1200 and the front portion 1110 of the head. Other mass redistribution mechanisms may also be used if it is desirable to satisfy relation 1, relation 2, relation 3, relation 4 and / or relation 5.

[0067] In some embodiments, the relationship or ratio between the head center of gravity 2500 and the weight center 2750 can be configured to satisfy one or more of relations 1, 2, 3, 4, and / or 5. For example, by making the vertical distance ratio, determined by the ratio of the weight center vertical distance 2730 to the head CG vertical distance 2530, greater than 0.44, the effect of keeping the head center of gravity 2500 closer to the head sole portion 1130 can be obtained. In another example, by making the depth ratio, determined by the ratio of the weight center depth 2710 to the head CG depth 2510, less than 2.54, the CG depth 2510 can be prevented from becoming excessively shallow toward the front of the head 1110. In some embodiments, the head CG vertical distance 2530 can be less than approximately 28.5 mm, in which case the weight center vertical distance 2730 can be less than approximately 12.5 mm, and / or the weight center depth 2710 can be greater than approximately 99.7 mm.

[0068] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method 4000 available for providing, forming and / or manufacturing a golf club head according to this disclosure. In some examples, the golf club head may be similar to the golf club head 1000 presented above (Figures 1-3).

[0069] Method 4000 includes a block 4100 that provides the head body of a golf club head, including the front of the head. In some examples, the head body may be the same as the head body 1100 (Figures 1-3), and the front of the head may be the same as the front of the head 1110 (Figures 1-3).

[0070] Block 4200 of Method 4000 includes connecting a face to the front of the head, which includes a striking face with an increased face size. In some examples, the face may be similar to face 1200 (Figures 1-2), which includes a striking face 1210 having an increased face size (as described above with respect to the face). For example, increasing the face size of the striking face may, in some examples, allow its face height to be up to approximately 71 mm.

[0071] Method 4000 may include a block 4300 that constitutes a golf club head having a first optimization characteristic, in which case the CG height between the center of gravity of the golf club head and the depth plane of the golf club head may be approximately 0 mm to approximately 5.08 mm (or 0.200 inches). In some examples, the first optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relationship 1 that balances the face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity. In some examples, the CG height may be the same as the CG height 2520 (Figure 2), the center of gravity may be the same as the head center of gravity 2500 (Figure 2), and the head depth plane may be the same as the head depth plane 2310 (Figure 2).

[0072] Embodiments of Method 4000 may include a block 4400 that constitutes a golf club head having a second optimization characteristic, in which case the ratio of (a) 76.2 mm (or approximately 3.0 inches) minus the face height to (b) the CG depth between the center point of the striking face and the center of gravity is less than 0.56. In some examples, the second optimization characteristic can be similar to that described above with respect to relation 2 which balances the face height or face size of the golf club head with respect to the center of gravity depth. For example, the face height can be similar to face height 1213, and the CG depth can be similar to CG depth 2510.

[0073] In some examples, method 4000 may include a block 4500 that constitutes the golf club head to have a third optimization characteristic, in which case the sum of the head volume and the ratio of CG depth to CG height is 425 or greater. In some embodiments, the third optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relationship 3 that balances the head volume with respect to the center of gravity position. For example, the head volume may be the same as the head volume 2600 (Figure 2), the CG depth may be the same as the CG depth 2510, and the CG height may be the same as the CG height 2520.

[0074] Method 4000 may include Method 4600 in some embodiments in which the golf club head is configured to have a fourth optimization characteristic, in which case the horizontal moment of inertia of the golf club head is 39% or more of its hosel moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the fourth optimization characteristic may be the same as described above with respect to relation 4 which balances the horizontal MOI 1811 with respect to the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the horizontal moment of inertia may be the same as described above with respect to the horizontal MOI 1811. In addition, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia may be the same as described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. It is also possible that the horizontal moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia may be balanced with respect to other characteristics (such as the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head).

[0075] Block 4700 of Method 4000 can be implemented in some embodiments in which the golf club head is configured to have a fifth optimization characteristic, in which case the vertical moment of inertia of the golf club head is 59% or more of its hosel moment of inertia. In some embodiments, the fifth optimization characteristic can be the same as described above with respect to the relationship 5 that balances the vertical MOI 1611 with respect to the hosel MOI 1711 (Figure 1). In the same or other examples, the magnitude of the vertical moment of inertia can be the same as described above with respect to the vertical MOI 1611. In addition, the magnitude of the hosel moment of inertia can be the same as described above with respect to the hosel MOI 1711. It is also possible that the vertical moment of inertia and / or the hosel moment of inertia can be balanced with respect to other characteristics (such as the horizontal moment of inertia in Block 4500).

[0076] In this example, method 4000 also includes block 4800, which provides a mass redistribution mechanism for adjusting the center of gravity of the golf club head. In some examples, the mass redistribution mechanism can be configured so that the golf club head can meet the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700 of method 4000. The mass redistribution mechanism may include a weight structure such as a weight structure 2700 (Figures 2-3), which, if desired, can adjust the center of gravity to be near the sole and / or rear of the golf club head. In the same or other embodiments, the mass redistribution mechanism can reduce the thickness of the face of the golf club head, in which case the face of the golf club head may be reinforced with one or more reinforcing structures, such as on the back of the striking face and / or at the joint between the face of the golf club head and the head body, as needed.

[0077] In some examples, one or more different blocks of Method 4000 can be combined into a single block, or done simultaneously, and / or the order of these blocks can be changed. For example, in some embodiments (such as when at least a portion of the face and head body is made up of a single piece of material), block 4100 and block 4200 may be combined. In the same or other examples, block 4800 may be combined with one or more of blocks 4100, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or block 4700, and may be achieved simultaneously by adjusting the center of gravity, face height, face size, head volume and / or one or more moments of inertia of the golf club head, for example, by using the mass redistribution mechanism of block 4800. In the same or other examples, a portion of each block of Method 4000 can be subdivided into several subblocks. For example, block 4100 can be subdivided into several subblocks that provide different parts of the head body of the golf club head. It is also possible that Method 4000 may include further blocks or different blocks. For example, Method 4000 may include another block that provides or connects the golf club shaft to the head body of block 4100. In addition, it is also possible that Method 4100 may include only some of the blocks described above. For example, one or more of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700 may be optional in some embodiments, and / or block 4800 may be omitted if it is not necessary to achieve the requirements of blocks 4300, 4400, 4500, 4600 and / or 4700. Other modifications of Method 4000 can be carried out without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0078] While this specification has described golf club heads and related methods with optimized characteristics with reference to specific embodiments, various modifications are possible without departing from the concepts or scope of this disclosure. For example, the above examples can be described in relation to driver-type golf clubs, but the apparatus, methods and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of golf clubs (such as fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putter-type golf clubs). Alternatively, the apparatus, methods and articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods (such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.).

[0079] Examples of such modifications and others have been given in the above description. Other substitutions of various embodiments having one or more of the various features are also intended. Accordingly, this specification, the claims and the drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure, and not to limit it. The scope of this application is intended to be limited only to the scope required by the appended claims.

[0080] The golf club heads and related methods with the optimized characteristics described herein may be implemented in various embodiments, and the foregoing discussion relating to some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may also disclose alternative embodiments.

[0081] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. As a result, the substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction, not an amendment. In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, any benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, or any one or more elements that produce or make more apparent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be interpreted as an essential, necessary, or required feature or element for any or all of the claims, unless such benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly stated in such claim.

[0082] Because the rules of golf change from time to time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be abolished or changed by golf standardization organizations and / or golf governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A)), the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and products described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods and products described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0083] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not provided for public use under the doctrine of dedication if (1) such embodiments and / or limitations are not expressly claimed in the claims, and (2) are equivalents or potential equivalents of the express elements and / or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. The features of this embodiment are listed below. (Feature 1) It is a golf club head, A head body having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion being a hosel structure having a hosel axis, The head has a striking face located at the front of the head, which has a striking face center point, A head capacity measured in cubic centimeters (cc), wherein the head capacity is greater than 420, Head center of gravity, Equipped with optimization characteristics, When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the vertical axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the horizontal axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the head. The loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the center point of the striking face, The front surface of the golf club head extends through the center point of the striking face and is parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane extends through the center point of the striking face parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height extends through the head center of gravity and intersects perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the axis of the head CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristics are determined by adding (a) the size of the head capacity to (b) the ratio obtained by dividing the head CG depth by the absolute value of the head CG height. A golf club head having the aforementioned optimization characteristic of 425 or higher. (Feature 2) The golf club head according to Feature 1, wherein the absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less, and the head CG depth is 40.64 mm or more. (Feature 3) The golf club head described in Feature 1, wherein the absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less. (Feature 4) The golf club head described in Feature 1, wherein the head CG depth is 40.64 mm or more. (Feature 5) A golf club head according to any one of Feature 1 to Feature 4, wherein the aforementioned optimization characteristic is 435 or higher. (Feature 6) The head depth surface has a head depth length that is the dimension from the center point of the striking face to the intersection point of the outer surface of the rear of the head and the depth surface. The golf club head according to any one of Feature 1 to Feature 5, wherein the head CG depth is approximately 25% to approximately 80% of the head depth length. (Feature 7) The CG height axis has a CG height axis length that is the distance from the intersection of the upper part of the head and the CG height axis to the intersection of the outer surface of the head sole and the CG height axis. The golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 6, wherein the head CG height is approximately 0% to approximately 13% of the axial length of the CG height. (Feature 8) The head body is composed of a driver-type body. The head CG height is approximately 0mm to approximately 5.08mm. The head CG depth is approximately 25mm to approximately 102mm. The head volume of the aforementioned golf club head is approximately 420cc to 470cc. The golf club head described above has a head weight of approximately 185 grams to approximately 225 grams, as described in any one of Feature 1 to Feature 7. (Feature 9) The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, The aforementioned weight structure is By increasing the head volume, the moment of inertia is made larger, and more energy is transferred to the golf ball at the time of golf impact between the hitting face and the golf ball. The increased head volume limits the head CG depth from becoming shallower toward the front of the head, thereby improving at least one of the dynamic loft of the impact face or the launch angle of the golf ball at the time of golf impact. A golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the head CG height is limited to rising toward the top of the head as a result of the increased head volume, thereby reducing the backspin of the golf ball by the gear effect between the striking face and the golf ball at golf impact. (Feature 10) The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, The weight structure protrudes at least partially from the outer contour of the head sole portion, The weight structure is a golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 8, having a weight mass of approximately 2 grams to approximately 50 grams and a weight volume of approximately 1 cc to approximately 30 cc. (Feature 11) The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, A golf club head according to any one of Feature 1 to Feature 8, wherein the weight distance between the head's center of gravity and the weight center of the weight structure is approximately 25 mm to approximately 102 mm. (Feature 12) The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, The clock face includes at least the 12 o'clock line, 3 o'clock line, 4 o'clock line, 5 o'clock line, 8 o'clock line and 9 o'clock line, When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, when the golf club head is viewed from below, the 12 o'clock line is aligned with the center point of the striking face and perpendicular to the front intersection line between the loft plane and the ground. The clock face is positioned in the center along the 12 o'clock line at the midpoint between the front end of the front part of the head and the rear end of the rear part of the head. The aforementioned 3 o'clock line extends toward the head heel portion, The aforementioned 9 o'clock line extends toward the head toe section, The edge of the weight structure is limited to the area between the 4 o'clock line and the 9 o'clock line. The center of gravity of the weight structure is located between the 5 o'clock line and the 8 o'clock line, as described in any one of Feature 1 to Feature 8, for a golf club head. (Feature 13) The head body has a weight center and includes a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head. The axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight extends between the center of the weight and the ground, and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position. The head CG vertical distance is measured along the head vertical axis between the head's center of gravity and the ground. The vertical distance from the center of the weight is measured along the axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight between the head's center of gravity and the ground. A golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 8, wherein the vertical distance ratio determined by dividing the vertical distance of the center of the weight by the vertical distance of the head CG is greater than 0.44. (Feature 14) The head body has a weight center and includes a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head. The axis of the vertical distance from the center of the weight extends between the center of the weight and the ground, and is perpendicular to the ground when the golf club head is in the address position. The center depth of the center of the weight is measured parallel to the ground between the second intersection point at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and the fourth intersection point at the intersection of the axis of the vertical distance of the center of the weight and the ground. A golf club head according to any one of Feature 1 to Feature 8, wherein the depth ratio determined by dividing the weight center depth by the head CG depth is less than 2.54. (Feature 15) The golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 14, wherein the head's center of gravity is located between the head's depth plane and the head's upper surface. (Feature 16) The golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 14, wherein the head's center of gravity is located between the head's depth surface and the head's sole portion. (Feature 17) The head body is composed of a driver-type body. The golf club head according to any one of features 1 to 14, wherein the head's center of gravity is located between the head's depth surface and the head's sole portion. (Feature 18) It is a golf club head, A head body having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion being a hosel structure having a hosel axis, The head has a striking face located at the front of the head, which has a striking face center point, Equipped with a head center of gravity, When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the vertical axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the horizontal axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the head. The loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the center point of the striking face, The front surface of the golf club head extends through the center point of the striking face and is parallel to the hosel axis. The head depth plane extends through the center point of the striking face parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height extends through the head center of gravity and intersects perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the axis of the head CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less. A golf club head having a head CG depth of 40.64 mm or more. (Feature 19) A head capacity measured in cubic centimeters (cc), wherein the head capacity is greater than 420, (a) The size of the head capacity, and (b) an optimization characteristic determined by adding the head CG depth to the head CG height, further comprising: The head body is composed of a driver-type body. The golf club head described in feature 18, wherein the aforementioned optimization characteristic is 435 or higher. (Feature 20) The golf club head according to feature 18 or feature 19, wherein the head center of gravity is located between the head depth plane and the head top. (Feature 21) A method for providing golf club heads, To provide a head body that includes a hosel structure having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein the inner diameter portion has a hosel axis, Connecting the striking face to the front of the head, This includes setting the optimization characteristics of the golf club head, The aforementioned striking face has a center point of the striking face, The head volume of the golf club head is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), and the size of the head volume is greater than 420. When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the vertical axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the horizontal axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the head. The loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the center point of the striking face, The front surface of the golf club head extends parallel to the hosel axis, passing through the center point of the striking face. The head depth plane extends through the center point of the striking face parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, The center of gravity (CG) height axis extends through the head center of gravity and intersects perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the axis of the head CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The optimization characteristics are set by adding (a) the size of the head capacity to (b) the ratio obtained by dividing the head CG depth by the absolute value of the head CG height. A method wherein the optimization characteristic is 425 or greater. (Feature 22) The head body is composed of a driver-type body. The absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less. The method according to feature 21, wherein the head CG depth is 40.64 mm or more. (Feature 23) The aforementioned optimization characteristic is 435 or higher, The head center of gravity is located between the head depth plane and the head top, according to the method of feature 21 or feature 22.

Claims

1. It is a golf club head, A head body having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion being a hosel structure having a hosel axis, The aforementioned head has a striking face located at the front of the head, which has a face height and a center point of the striking face, The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is 185 grams to 225 grams, Head center of gravity, Equipped with, When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the vertical axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the horizontal axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the head. The loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the center point of the striking face, The front surface of the golf club head extends through the center point of the striking face, is parallel to the hosel axis, and is perpendicular to the ground. The head depth plane extends through the center point of the striking face parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height extends through the head center of gravity and intersects perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the axis of the head CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The head CG depth is 25 mm to 102 mm. The head CG height is 0 mm to 5.08 mm. The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, The weight structure protrudes partially or entirely from the external contour of the head sole portion. The golf club head further has an optimization characteristic determined by adding (a) the size of the head volume to (b) the ratio obtained by dividing the head CG depth by the absolute value of the head CG height, The aforementioned optimization characteristic is 425 or higher, for a golf club head.

2. The hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis is further provided, The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the hosel moment of inertia is composed of a horizontal moment of inertia about the horizontal axis of the head and a vertical moment of inertia about the vertical axis of the head.

3. The golf club head according to claim 2, wherein the horizontal moment of inertia is 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

4. The golf club head according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the vertical moment of inertia is 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

5. The hosel moment of inertia is 7000 g·cm ２ ~11000g・cm ２ The golf club head according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the optimization characteristic is 435 or greater.

7. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the optimization characteristic is 445 or greater.

8. (a) The CG performance ratio is further determined by subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and dividing by the head CG depth, The aforementioned CG performance ratio is 0.56 or less. A golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. It is a golf club head, A head body having a front head portion, a rear head portion, a heel head portion, a toe head portion, a sole head portion, an upper head portion, and an inner diameter portion for receiving a golf club shaft, the inner diameter portion being a hosel structure having a hosel axis, The aforementioned head has a striking face located at the front of the head, which has a face height and a center point of the striking face, The head weight of the aforementioned golf club head is 185 grams to 225 grams, Head center of gravity, Equipped with, When the golf club head is in the address position relative to the ground, the vertical axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the ground, and the horizontal axis of the head extends through the center of gravity of the head and is perpendicular to the vertical axis of the head. The loft surface of the golf club head is in contact with the center point of the striking face, The front surface of the golf club head extends through the center point of the striking face, is parallel to the hosel axis, and is perpendicular to the ground. The head depth plane extends through the center point of the striking face parallel to the horizontal axis of the head and perpendicular to the loft plane, The axis of the center of gravity (CG) height extends through the head center of gravity and intersects perpendicularly with the head depth plane at the first intersection. The head CG height of the head center of gravity is measured along the axis of the head CG height between the head center of gravity and the first intersection point. The head CG depth of the head's center of gravity is measured parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the front surface between a second intersection point located at the intersection of the front surface and the ground, and a third intersection point located at the intersection of the head's vertical axis and the ground. The head CG depth is 25 mm to 102 mm. The absolute value of the head CG height is 2.54 mm or less. The head body comprises a weight structure positioned near the head sole and the rear of the head, The weight structure protrudes partially or entirely from the external contour of the head sole portion. The golf club head further has an optimization characteristic determined by adding (a) the size of the head volume to (b) the ratio obtained by dividing the head CG depth by the absolute value of the head CG height, The aforementioned optimization characteristic is 425 or higher, for a golf club head.

10. The hosel moment of inertia about the hosel axis is further provided, The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the hosel moment of inertia is composed of a horizontal moment of inertia about the horizontal axis of the head and a vertical moment of inertia about the vertical axis of the head.

11. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein the horizontal moment of inertia is 39% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

12. The golf club head according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the vertical moment of inertia is 59% or more of the hosel moment of inertia.

13. The hosel moment of inertia is 7000 g·cm ２ ~11000g・cm ２ The golf club head according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The golf club head according to claim 9, wherein the optimization characteristic is 435 or greater.

15. The golf club head according to claim 14, wherein the optimization characteristic is 445 or greater.

16. (a) The CG performance ratio is further determined by subtracting the face height from 76.2 mm and dividing by the head CG depth, The aforementioned CG performance ratio is 0.56 or less. A golf club head according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

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