Golf club heads

Abstract

A golf club head having a plurality of discrete regions with specific mass relationships, including a lightweight front portion, to achieve specific mass characteristics and performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is a continuation of a portion of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 518,013, filed November 22, 2023; a continuation of a portion of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 082,735, filed December 16, 2022; a continuation of a portion of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 082,271, filed December 15, 2022; a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 547,519, filed December 10, 2021; a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 006,561, filed August 28, 2020; and is now a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11,219,803, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 894,523, filed August 30, 2019. The entire contents of all these applications are incorporated herein by reference. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 292,708, filed December 22, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if written in their entirety. This application also relates to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 547,519, filed December 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 006,561, filed August 28, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 894,523, filed August 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to golf clubs. More specifically, this disclosure relates to golf club alignment. Prior Technology

[0003] When a golf clubhead strikes a golf ball, the force is felt at the point of impact. If the point of impact is aligned with the center face of the clubhead, which is often called the sweet spot, the force has minimal effect on the club's twisting or tumbling. However, if the point of impact is not aligned with the center face, for example, outside the sweet spot, the force causes the clubhead to twist around the center face. This twisting causes the golf ball to spin. For example, if a typical right-handed golfer hits the ball near the toe, viewed from above, the club will spin clockwise. Conversely, this causes the golf ball to spin counter-clockwise, ultimately causing it to bend to the left. This phenomenon is commonly known as the "gear effect."

[0004] The bulge and roll are characteristics of golf club faces, typically used to compensate for this gearing effect. The term "bulge" on a golf club usually refers to the rounded shape of the clubface from the heel to the toe.

[0005] In golf clubs, the term "roll" typically refers to the arc characteristic of the clubface from the crown to the sole. When the clubface strikes the ball, the ball acquires a certain amount of backspin. Generally, this backspin results in greater variation in shot trajectory below the clubface centerline than above it.

[0006] Alignment features on golf clubs, such as the top line of the clubhead, are currently drawn in an imprecise manner. To draw these alignment features on the clubhead, workers typically apply masking stickers to guide the drawing. However, these stickers and other guides are not easily applied to the clubhead, nor are they consistently aligned. Because the placement of the masking stickers ultimately determines the shape and angle of the alignment features, current manufacturing methods lead to differences between clubheads manufactured to the same specifications, resulting in variations in product performance. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Aspects of the present invention relate to a golf club head comprising a shaft having a face, a crown, and a sole, the face, crown, and sole collectively defining an inner cavity. The golf club shaft includes a heel and a head and has mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes, the axes being centered on the USGA center face. The golf club head has a primary alignment feature comprising a paint or masking line that delineates a transition between at least a first portion of the crown having a shaded or colored area contrasting with the shade or color of the face.

[0008] In some embodiments, a golf club head includes a shaft having a face, a sole, and a crown, the crown having a first portion with a first color or shade and a second portion with a second color or shade, the face, crown, and sole jointly defining an inner cavity, the golf club shaft including a heel portion and a head portion, and having an x-shape. The golf club head has a primary alignment feature including a paint or masking line that defines a transition between the first portion of the crown, having at least a contrasting hue area, and a hue or color area of ​​the face. The club head also includes secondary alignment features including a paint or masking line that defines a transition between the first portion of the crown, having a contrasting hue area, and a second portion of the crown having a hue or color area contrasting with the first portion's shade or color. The secondary alignment features include second and third extension sides having a length from about 0.5 inches to about 1.7 inches, extending rearward from the face and rearward from a first extension side at an angle to the first extension side.

[0009] In some embodiments, the golf club head has a shaft having an upper face, a crown, and a sole that together define an internal cavity. The golf club shaft also includes a heel and a head portion. A portion of the crown includes an electronic display, wherein the electronic display includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display for providing active color, wherein the OLED display is divided into independently operating electronic display areas.

[0010] In some embodiments, the golf club head has a shaft having a surface, a crown, and a sole, the crown and sole together defining an inner cavity. The golf club shaft also includes a heel portion and a head, and a portion of the crown or at least a layer covering the crown of the golf club head is covered by a media coating system.

[0011] In some embodiments, the golf club head has a golf club shaft. The golf club shaft has a face, a crown, and a sole, which together define an inner cavity. The golf club shaft also includes a heel and a head portion, and has mutually orthogonal x, y, and z axes, the origin of which is located at the center face of the USGA. At least one of the sole, crown, or face may be a composite material. The golf club head further has a primary alignment feature comprising a paint or masking line that delineates a transition zone of at least a first portion of the crown, the first portion of the crown having a shaded or colored area that contrasts with the shade or color of the face, and a CGx of 0 to approximately -4 mm. The main arrangement features a visually adjusted face angle of approximately -2 to approximately 10 degrees (SAPFA), a visually adjusted face angle of approximately -5 to approximately 2 degrees 25 mm (SAPFA25H), a visually adjusted face angle of approximately 0 to approximately 9 degrees 25 mm (SAPFA25T), a visually adjusted face angle of approximately 2 to approximately 9 degrees 50 mm (SAPFA50T), and a radius of curvature of approximately 300 to approximately 1000 mm (circular fit).

[0012] In some embodiments, a groove line is provided at a position corresponding to the centroid of the negative position on the surface relative to the x-axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the toe roll profile is more inclined than the center face roll profile, the heel roll profile is less inclined than the center face roll profile, the crown ridge profile is more open than the center face ridge profile, and the bottom ridge profile is more closed than the center face ridge profile.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sole of the golf club shaft has a fixed mass at an angle to the striking face, which is positioned outward along the negative X-axis and inward along the positive Y-axis. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0015] The features and elements in the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of this disclosure. For consistency and clarity, corresponding features and elements in each figure may be indicated by matching reference numerals. Figure 1A is a toe side view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1B is a frontal side view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1A. Figure 1C is a perspective view of the golf club head of Figure 1A. Figure 1D is a top view of the golf club head shown in Figure 1A. Figure 2 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A is a front view of a device for measuring visual acuity and adjusting the angle of the sensory surface, according to the present invention. Figure 8B is a close-up view of the arrangement of lasers and cameras in an apparatus for measuring the perceived face angle after line-of-sight adjustment, in accordance with the present invention. Figure 8C is a side view of a golf club head clamp in a 69 device for measuring visually adjusted clubface angles disclosed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 9 is a graph showing the visually adjusted clubface angles versus ball flight dispersion for four clubs with currently revealed alignment characteristics. Figure 10A is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10B is a top view of a golf club head according to one embodiment disclosed in this invention. Figure 11 is a reference diagram of the CIELAB color system. Figure 12 is a side view from below, conforming to one embodiment of the present invention. It is also a side view from above. Figure 13 is a side elevation view of the heel side of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the club sole and crown insert have been removed. Figure 14A is a top view of a golf club head manufactured according to one embodiment disclosed in this invention, with the crown insert removed. Figure 14B is a top cross-sectional view of the front of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein two club bottom inserts have been removed. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a bottom perspective view of the heel side of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 19 is a perspective view from the toe side of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing elevation markings at different heights relative to the ground plane on the golf club head. Figure 20a is a front bottom view of a golf club according to one embodiment. Figure 20b is a comparative view of the rod surface profile taken along section lines AA, BB, and CC of Figure 20a, as can be seen from the base view. Figure 20c is a comparative view of the rod surface profile taken along the cross-sectional lines DD, EE, and FF of Figure 20a, as seen from the top view. Figure 21 is a front view of a golf club face with multiple measurement points and four quadrants. Figure 22a is an isometric view of an exemplary twisted bar plane. Figure 22b is a top view of an exemplary twisted bar plane. Figure 22c is a bottom view of an exemplary twisted surface plane. Figure 23 shows a front view of a golf club with a set of predetermined measurement points. Figure 24 is a flowchart of one or more methods according to this embodiment. Figure 25 is a top view of a golf club head that conforms to an embodiment of the present invention and has a tool alignment function. Figure 26 is a perspective view of a golf club head without the face insert installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 is a perspective view of a golf club head conforming to one of the currently disclosed embodiments and with the face insert installed. Figure 28 is a flowchart of a method according to one or more embodiments of this embodiment. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head without the face insert installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30A is a cross-sectional view of the upper lip of a golf club head, conforming to one embodiment of the present invention, but without the clubface insert installed. Figure 30B is a cross-sectional view of the lower lip of a golf club head, conforming to one embodiment of the invention without the clubface insert installed. Figure 31 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 is a perspective view of the toe of a golf club head according to an embodiment disclosed in this invention, without the clubface insert installed. Figure 33 is a perspective view from the heel side of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 34 is a perspective view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 is a perspective view of the rear of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the club head is not fitted with a crown insert. Figure 36 is a view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 37 is a view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 38 is a view of a portion of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 39 is a view of a portion of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 40 is a view of a portion of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 41 is a toe-side perspective view of two golf club heads, one of which conforms to an embodiment of the present invention, and the other of which conforms to a prior art club head. Figure 42 is a front elevation view of the rod insert. Figure 43 is a bottom perspective view of the rod insert. Figure 44A is a sectional view of the base of the rod insert. Figure 44B is a cross-sectional view of the toe of the rod insert. Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the polymer layer of the rod insert. Figures 46-67 show another exemplary golf club head, as shown below: Figure 46 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 47 is a toe-side view of the front end of the clubhead. Figure 48 is a toe-side view of the entire clubhead. Figure 49 is a side view of the clubhead's heel. Figure 50 is a rear view of the clubhead. Figure 51 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 52 shows the clubhead sheath area viewed from the heel side. Figure 53 shows the sheath area of ​​the clubhead viewed from the front. Figure 54 is a cross-sectional view showing the toe of the club from the heel side. Figure 55 is a cross-sectional view of the clubhead heel from the toe. Figure 56 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 57 is a top view of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 58 is a side view of the clubhead heel after the crown and sole panel have been removed. Figure 59 is a side view of the clubhead toe after the crown and sole panel have been removed. Figure 60 is a rear view of the clubhead after the crown and sole plate have been removed. Figure 61 is a front view of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 62 is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the pole head. Figure 63 is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the clubhead shaft. Figure 64 is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the clubhead shaft. Figure 65 shows the heel side of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 66 shows the upper front toe of the clubhead and shaft. Figure 67 shows the front wheel section of the clubhead and shaft. Figure 68 shows the upper front toe of the clubhead and shaft. Figure 69 shows the front wheel section of the clubhead and shaft. Figure 70A is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the pole head. Figure 70B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end of the pole head. Figure 71 is a cross-sectional view of the front end of the clubhead. Figure 72 is a front view of the clubhead portion with the crown plate. Figure 73 is a front view of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 74 is a perspective view of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 75 is a perspective view of the clubhead after the crown plate has been removed. Figure 76 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 77 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 78 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 79 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 80 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 81 is a perspective view of the clubhead. Figure 82 is a perspective view of the club head after the base plate has been removed. Figure 83 is a top view of the clubhead after the crown and clubface have been removed. Figure 84 is a front view of the clubhead after the crown and faceplate have been removed. Figure 85 is a front view of the clubhead after the crown and faceplate have been removed. Figure 86 is a front view of the club head with the crown removed. Figure 87 is a front view of the club head with the crown removed. Figure 88 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 89 is a partial cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 90 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 91 is a partial sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 92 is a partial sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 93 is a perspective view of the crown. Figure 94 is a cutaway perspective view of one embodiment of the club head. Figure 95 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 96 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 97 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 98 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 99 is a front view of one embodiment of the panel. Figure 100 is a top view of the crown. Figure 101 is a top view of the crown. Figure 102 is a top view of one embodiment of the rod crown. Figure 103 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rod surface. Figure 104 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the bar face. Figure 105 is a partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the bar face. Figure 106 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 107 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 108 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 109 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 110 is a side view of the toe of the clubhead. Figure 111 is a side view of the heel of the clubhead. Figure 112 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 113 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 114 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 115 is a rear view of the clubhead. Figure 116 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 117 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 118 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 119 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 120 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 121 is a partial frontal view of the clubhead. Figure 122 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 123 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 124 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 125 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 126 is a side view of the toe of the clubhead. Figure 127 is a side view of the heel of the clubhead. Figure 128 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 129 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 131 is a rear view of the clubhead. Figure 132 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 133 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 134 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 135 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 136 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 137 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 138 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 139 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 140 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 141 is a side view of the toe of the clubhead. Figure 142 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 143 is a side view of the heel of the clubhead. Figure 144 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 145 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 146 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 147 is a rear view of the clubhead. Figure 148 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 149 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 150 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 151 is a partial toe side view of the clubhead. Figure 152 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 153 is a partial heel side view of the clubhead. Figure 154 is a partial bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 155 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 156 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 157 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 158 is a partial toe side view of the clubhead. Figure 159 is a partial heel side view of the clubhead. Figure 160 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 161 is a partial bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 162 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 163 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 164 is a cross-sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 165 is a partial toe side view of the clubhead. Figure 166 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 167 is a partial heel side view of the clubhead. Figure 168 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 169 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 170 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 171 is a partial rear view of the clubhead. Figure 172 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 173 is a partial sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 174 is a partial sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 175 is a partial perspective view of the clubhead. Figure 176 is a partial perspective view of the clubhead. Figure 177 is a partial perspective view of the clubhead. Figure 178 is a partial perspective view of the clubhead. Figure 179 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 180 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 181 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 182 is a partial front view of the clubhead. Figure 183 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 184 is a side view of the clubhead's heel. Figure 185 is a side view of the toe of the clubhead. Figure 186 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 187 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 188 is a partial bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 189 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 190 is a partial bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 191 is a cross-sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 192 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 193 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 194 is a cross-sectional view of the clubhead. Figure 195 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 196 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 197 is a side view of the toe of the clubhead. Figure 198 is a top view of the clubhead. Figure 199 is a side view of the heel of the clubhead. Figure 200 is a bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 201 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 202 is a front view of the clubhead. Figure 203 is a rear view of the clubhead. Figure 204 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 205 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 206 is a cross-sectional view of the club head. Figure 207 is a partial toe side view of the clubhead. Figure 208 is a partial top view of the clubhead. Figure 209 is a partial heel side view of the clubhead. Figure 210 is a partial bottom view of the clubhead. Figure 211 is an exploded view of the clubhead. Figure 212 is an exploded view of the clubhead. Implementation

[0016] Disclosed are various golf clubs and clubheads, including alignment functions and related methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses. Those skilled in the art should understand that the disclosed golf clubs and clubheads described are merely a few exemplary embodiments among numerous others. No particular term or description should be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure or any claims arising therefrom.

[0017] Golf is a sport full of challenges. The enjoyment of the game is enhanced by addressing the need to hit the ball further, straighter, and with more skill. As people's golf skills improve, the ability to compete in golf tournaments also becomes a source of enjoyment. However, one cannot simply hit the ball straighter or farther simply through desire. Like most things, skill increases with practice, whether through repetitive drills or instruction, so over time, certain elements of golf become easier. But it is also possible to improve one's skill level through technique.

[0018] Over the past decades, many technological advancements in golf club design have emphasized hitting the ball farther. Some of these developments include increasing the coefficient of return (COR), increasing clubhead size, reducing clubhead weight, using graphite shafts to increase club speed, and improving backspin control. Other developments address the variations in a golfer's stroke at different times, including larger clubheads, higher moment of inertia (MOI), and variable face thickness to increase COR on off-center shots. Further advancements address the problem of consecutive misses, the most common being chip shots, and include Flight Control Technology (FCT), such as adjustable loft and elevation sleeves, movable weights, sliding weights, and adjustable soles (ASP). These technologies help golfers correct consistent errors, thus addressing specific mistakes.

[0019] Therefore, modern technology has done much to improve the golfer's experience and has tailored golf clubs to the specific needs of individual golfers. However, some methods achieve the desired shot better than others. For example, research shows that for a drive of around 280 yards, a 1° difference in clubface angle at impact can result in a lateral dispersion of about 16 yards. Similarly, for movable weights, a 12-gram change in weight balance, moving the weight by about 50 mm, can result in a lateral dispersion of about 15 yards. However, we also understand that changes in clubhead pitch angle affect clubface angle, but to a much smaller extent. Therefore, increasing the clubface angle by just 1° can adjust the opening or closing angle by 0.1°. Thus, for advanced golfers who are simply trying to adjust the flight angle, adjusting the pitch angle may be more precise than adjusting the clubface angle. However, for many golfers, chipping (such as the rightward bend of a shot as understood in this field for right-handed golfers) is a major mistake, and correcting such shots is crucial to enjoying the game.

[0020] One of the major challenges in golf involves the discrepancy between perception and reality. Golf includes a psychological challenge – when a player's confidence diminishes, his or her ability to complete a particular shot often also diminishes. Similarly, a player's perception of their swing or the game can be vastly different from reality. Some technologies can address players' perceptual problems and help them understand misconceptions. For example, the technology disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095, "Contrast-Enhanced Golf Club Heads," filed March 18, 2011, by Beach et al., allows players to understand their swing alignment more clearly than some prior technologies at the time, thereby improving their ability to repeat the swing. However, providing these players with a method to address their misconceptions and offering them corrections might be even more helpful.

[0021] We have now surprisingly discovered that the alignment features of all or part of the interface area between contrasting tones on the top of the clubhead and the clubhead surface, and / or between all or part of the interface area between contrasting tones on different parts of the top of the clubhead, take into account not only the golfer's actual alignment of the clubhead during impact, but also the alignment features corrected by the golfer's perceived alignment of the clubhead, thus allowing for improvements in the resulting club performance. An example of a contrasting color or tone combination is the contrast between black or metallic gray or silver and white, but other combinations are also included that provide at least a "just perceptible difference" to the human eye.

[0022] While the "just noticeable difference" in golf clubhead color is, to some extent, a subjective judgment based on individual visual acuity, it can be quantified using the CIELAB color system. This is a three-dimensional system that defines a color space with three channels or scales: one scale or axis for lightness (L), an "a" axis extending from green (-a) to red (+a), and a "b" axis extending from blue (-b) to yellow (+b). This three-dimensional axis is shown in Figure 11.

[0023] The color difference between two colors can be quantified using the following formula; in (L*, a*, and b*) and (L*, a*, and b*) represent two colors in the L, a, b color space, where = 2.3 sets the threshold value for "just perceptible difference" under illuminance conditions using a reference light source D65 (similar to outdoor daylighting) as described in CIE 15.2-1986.

[0024] Therefore, for the alignment features of the golf club of the present invention, the color difference is compared. Greater than 2.3, preferably greater than 10, more preferably greater than 20, more preferably greater than 40, and even more preferably greater than 60.

[0025] For general reference, a golf club head 100 can be seen with reference to FIG1A-1D. An embodiment of the golf club head 100 is disclosed and described with reference to FIG1A-1D. As shown in FIG1A, the golf club head 100 includes a face 110, a crown 120, a sole 130, a skirt 140, and a sheath 150. The main portion of the golf club head 100 excluding the face 110 is considered in this disclosure as the golf club shaft.

[0026] The volume of a metal wood clubhead 100, typically measured in cubic centimeters (cm³), is equal to the volumetric displacement of the clubhead 100, assuming any pores are sealed by a generally flat surface. (See the USGA "Program for Measuring the Dimensions of Wood Clubheads," version 1.0, November 21, 2003). In other words, for a golf clubhead with one or more weight holes, it is assumed that the weight holes are either absent or "covered" by a regular, imaginary surface, and therefore the clubhead volume is unaffected by the presence or absence of the weight holes. In several embodiments, the golf clubhead of this application may be configured to have a clubhead volume between approximately 110 cm³ and approximately 600 cm³. In more specific embodiments, the clubhead volume is between approximately 130 cm³ and approximately 280 cm³, or between approximately 250 cm³ and approximately 500 cm³. In more specific embodiments, the top volume is between about 300 cm³ and about 500 cm³, between 300 cm³ and about 360 cm³, between about 360 cm³ and about 420 cm³, between about 390 cm³ and about 500 cm³, or between about 420 cm³ and about 500 cm³. In some embodiments, the head volume is between about 370 cm³ and about 500 cm³.

[0027] In the case of a driver, the volume of the golf club head is between approximately 300 cm³ and 460 cm³, and the total mass is between approximately 145 g and 245 g. In the case of a fairway wood, the volume of the golf club head is between approximately 100 cm³ and 250 cm³, and the total mass is between approximately 145 g and 260 g.

[0028] The diagram shows a three-dimensional reference coordinate system 200. The origin 205 of coordinate system 200 (also called the face center and / or center face) (CF) is located at the face center (CF) of the golf club head 100. Please refer to the USGA "Program for Measuring the Elasticity of a Golf Club Head," version 2.0, March 25, 2005, for a method for measuring the center face of a golf club strike. Coordinate system 200 includes a z-axis 206, a y-axis 207, and an x-axis 208 (as shown in Figure 1B). Each axis 206, 207, and 208 is orthogonal to the other axes 206, 207, and 208. The x-axis 208 is tangent to the clubface 110 and parallel to the ground plane (GP). The golf club head 100 includes a leading edge 170 and a trailing edge 180. For the purposes of this disclosure, the leading edge 170 is defined by a curve defined by a series of foremost points, each foremost point defined as the foremost point measured parallel to the Y-axis 207 from any cross-section of the golf club head 100 taken parallel to the plane formed by the Y-axis 207 and the Z-axis 206. In various embodiments, the clubface 110 may include grooves or notches. In various embodiments, the leading edge 170 may also be an edge where the curvature of a particular portion of the golf club head substantially deviates from the roll radius and bulge radius.

[0029] As seen with reference to Figure 1B, the X-axis 208 is parallel to the GP, allowing the golf club head 100 to be properly aligned on the GP so that the sole 130 contacts the GP in the desired alignment of the golf club head 100. The Y-axis 207 is also parallel to the GP and orthogonal to the X-axis 208. The z-axis 206 is orthogonal to the X-axis 208, Y-axis 207, and the GP. The golf club head 100 includes a toe 185 and a heel 190. The golf club head 100 includes a shaft (SA) defined along the axis of the sheath 150. When assembled into a golf club, the golf club head 100 is connected to the golf shaft (not shown). Generally, the golf shaft is inserted into a shaft hole 245 defined in the sheath 150. Therefore, the alignment of the SA relative to the golf club head 100 defines the usage of the golf club head 100. The SA forms an angle 198° relative to the GP. This angle 198 (LA) is referred to in the art as the lie angle (LA) of the golf club head 100. The ground plane intersection point (GPIP) of SA and GP is shown for reference. In various embodiments, GPIP can be used as a reference point to measure or reference features of the golf club head 100. As shown with reference to FIG1A, SA is located away from the origin 205, such that in the present embodiment, SA does not directly intersect the origin or any axis 206, 207, 208. In various embodiments, SA may be arranged to intersect at least one axis 206, 207, 208 and / or the origin 205. The ground plane intersection point 212 of the Z-axis can be considered as the point where the Z-axis intersects with GP. The top view in FIG1D shows another view of the golf club head 100. The shaft hole 245 can be seen defined in the sheath 150.

[0030] Referring again to Figure 1A, the figure shows the crown height 162, which is measured parallel to the Z-axis 206 from the GP to the highest point of the crown 120. The golf club head 100 also has an effective face height 163, which is the height of the face 110 measured parallel to the Z-axis 206. The effective face height 163 is measured from the highest point on the face 110 to the lowest point on the face 110 near the leading edge 170. There is a transition between the crown 120 and the face 110, so the highest point on the face 110 may vary slightly in different embodiments. In the current embodiment, the highest point and the lowest point on the face 110 are points where the curvature of the face 110 deviates significantly from the roll radius. In some embodiments, the deviation characterizing this point may be a 10% change in the radius of curvature. In various embodiments, the effective face height 163 may be 2-7 mm less than the crown height 162. In various embodiments, the effective face height 163 may be 2-12 mm smaller than the crown height 162. The effective face position height 164 is the height measured along the z-axis 206 from the GP to the lowest point on the face 110. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 2-6 mm. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 0-10 mm. Referring to Figure 1A, the distance 177 of the golf club head 100 measured along the Y-axis 207 can also be seen. The distance 177 is the length measured from the leading edge 170 to the trailing edge 180. In various embodiments, the distance 177 may depend on the loft of the golf club head. SA and GP are shown for reference. In various embodiments, GPIP can be used as a reference point to measure or reference the characteristics of the golf club head 100. As shown with reference to Figure 1A, SA is located away from the origin 205, such that SA in the current embodiment does not directly intersect the origin or any of the axes 206, 207, 208. In various embodiments, SA may be arranged to intersect at least one axis 206, 207, 208 and / or the origin 205. The Z-axis ground plane intersection 212 can be considered as the point where the Z-axis intersects with GP. The top view in Figure 1D shows another view of the golf club head 100. It can be seen that the shaft hole 245 is defined in the sheath 150.

[0031] Referring again to Figure 1A, the figure shows the crown height 162, which is measured parallel to the Z-axis 206 from the GP to the highest point of the crown 120. The golf club head 100 also has an effective face height 163, which is the height of the face 110 measured parallel to the Z-axis 206. The effective face height 163 is measured from the highest point on the face 110 to the lowest point on the face 110 near the leading edge 170. There is a transition between the crown 120 and the face 110, so the highest point on the face 110 may vary slightly in different embodiments. In the current embodiment, the highest point and the lowest point on the face 110 are points where the curvature of the face 110 deviates significantly from the roll radius. In some embodiments, the deviation characterizing this point may be a 10% change in the radius of curvature. In various embodiments, the effective face height 163 may be 2-7 mm less than the crown height 162. In various embodiments, the effective face height 163 may be 2-12 mm smaller than the crown height 162. The effective face position height 164 is the height measured along the z-axis 206 from the GP to the lowest point on the face 110. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 2-6 mm. In various embodiments, the effective face position height 164 may be 0-10 mm. Referring to Figure 1A, the distance 177 of the golf club head 100 measured along the Y-axis 207 can also be seen. The distance 177 is the length measured from the leading edge 170 to the trailing edge 180. In various embodiments, the distance 177 may depend on the loft of the golf club head.

[0032] For the purposes of this disclosure, unless modified, the foregoing disclosure and references will remain consistent throughout the various entities of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that references relating to one embodiment may be included in other embodiments.

[0033] As seen with reference to Figure 2, the golf club head 500 includes a painted crown 120 and an unpainted face 110. As described in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095 (titled "CONTRAST-ENHANCED GOLF CLUB HEADS") filed March 18, 2011, with Beach et al., colored or otherwise contrast-enhancing crowns have been used to provide golfers with auxiliary alignment. Generally, golfers utilize the crown-to-face transition, or top line, to align the club in the desired direction to the target line. The top line transition is clearly defined by the masking line between the painted crown and the unpainted face. Although these features may have been described to some extent, the use of these features for alignment bias has not been conceived in the art. Regarding the golf club head 500 of this embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the high contrast described in U.S. Patent No. 8,771,095, filed March 18, 2011, with Beach et al., entitled "CONTRAST-ENHANCED GOLF CLUB HEADS," may be beneficial in emphasizing various alignment features. Therefore, the entire contents of that disclosure are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] For reference, the face angle tangent 505 can be seen in Figure 2. The face angle tangent 505 represents the tangent of the center face 205. In this embodiment, the face angle tangent 505 coincides with the x-axis 206 (as shown in the previous figure). The top tangent 510 can also be seen in Figure 2. In the current embodiment, the top tangent 510 is a line tangent to the top of face 110 because, in the current embodiment, the junction between face 110 and crown 120 coincides with the paint line. In the several embodiments disclosed here, the top tangent 510 will be determined according to the contour of various paint lines on crown 120, and those skilled in the art will understand that the top tangent 510 does not necessarily have to coincide with the tangent of face 110. However, in the current embodiment, the top tangent 510 is parallel to the face angle tangent 505. In this way, the paint on crown 120 can be described as square with respect to the face angle.

[0035] The purpose of highlighting these characteristics of the 500 golf clubhead is to provide a basis for discussing the alignment methods disclosed herein. Changes in alignment patterns can potentially influence golfers, causing them to alter their playing style due to the appearance of misalignment. If a golfer perceives the clubhead face as open when aligned with the intended target, he or she will change their playing style. If a golfer perceives the clubhead face as open when aligned with the target, he or she is more likely to attempt to "correct" the clubface by manually closing it. Many golfers dislike seeing metal-wood golf clubheads appear closed because such an appearance is difficult to correct. However, even if such players perceive the metal-wood clubhead as closed, this perception does not necessarily mean that the clubhead is aligned in a closed position relative to the intended target.

[0036] As seen with reference to Figure 3, the golf club head 600 includes a similar head geometry to the golf club head 500. However, the golf club head 600 includes a function that alters the user's perceived angle of the clubface 110. In the present embodiment, the top tangent 610 is aligned at an angle 615 relative to the clubface angle tangent 505, such that the perceived face angle (PFA) differs from the actual alignment angle of the clubface angle tangent 505. In the present embodiment, angle 615 is approximately 4°. In various embodiments, angle 615 can be 2°–6°. In various embodiments, angle 615 can be less than 7°. In various embodiments, angle 615 can be 5–10°. In various embodiments, angle 615 can be less than 12°. In various embodiments, angle 615 can reach 15°. As shown with respect to the top tangent 510, the top tangent 610 is an alignment indicator of the edge of the contrast painted or shaded area of ​​the crown 120 relative to the color or shade of the face 110, defined by the masking line between the painted crown and the unpainted face 110, and is the line tangent to the edge 614 of the contrast painted or shaded crown at the point 612 where the edge 614 intersects with a line parallel to the Y-axis 207.

[0037] In various embodiments, the sensing angle can be determined by finding the optimal linear fit line at each point. For such an approximation, the sensing angle tangent can be determined by the optimal fit point on edge 614 that overlaps with the center rod face 205 at coordinates 208 on the x-axis, and by the ±5 mm points (points 622a,b), ±10 mm points (points 624a,b), ±15 mm points (points 626a,b), and ±20 mm points (points 628a,b) of CF 205. Therefore, nine points are defined along edge 614 to achieve the optimal fit of the top tangent 610. In the current embodiment, the sensing angle tangent is the same as the top tangent 610.

[0038] However, this method for determining the tangent of the perceived angle may be most useful when the edge 614 of the contrasting paint or shadow area of ​​the crown 120 relative to the surface 110 includes different relief radii along the toe and heel. In such an embodiment, the line tangent to the edge 614 at point 612 may not adequately represent the arrangement appearance of the golf club head 600. Such an embodiment can be seen with reference to Figure 4.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the golf club head 700 includes an edge 714 of the area of ​​the crown 120 with contrasting paint or shadow on the face 110, which has a more aggressive rounded corner near the toe 185 than in previous embodiments. Therefore, the line 711 tangent to the edge 714 and the line 712 tangent to the point 712 of the Y-axis 207 may not adequately describe the visual perception. This line is the top tangent line 710. However, as previously described with reference to the golf club head 600, points 712, 722a,b, 724a,b, 726a,b, and 728a,b can be used to form an optimal fit line 730 aligned with a perceived angle 735 greater than the angle 715 of the top tangent line 710. In various embodiments, the perceived angle 735 can be within the increments of the aforementioned angle 615, or up to 20° in various embodiments. In most embodiments, the perceived angle 735 can be 8-10°. In various embodiments, the sensing angle 735 can be 9-10°. In various embodiments, the sensing angle 735 can be 7-11°. In various embodiments, the sensing angle 735 can be 7-8.5°. In various embodiments, alignment can be influenced by alignment features that include non-invoking edges, such as edges 614, 714. As can be seen with reference to Figure 5, various embodiments of the alignment features can imply clubface angles, thus providing the golfer with an aligned appearance without modifying the paint lines.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the golf club head 800 includes an alignment feature 805. In this embodiment, the alignment feature 805 includes at least one elongated side 807, and in this embodiment, includes two elongated sides 807a and 807b. The alignment feature 805 in this embodiment also includes two additional sides 808a and 808b. It can be seen that the alignment feature 805 is arranged such that at least one elongated side 807 is aligned approximately parallel to the X-axis. Therefore, the golfer can use the alignment feature 805 by aligning the direction of the elongated side 807 approximately perpendicular to the intended target. The alignment feature 805 has a length 847 measured parallel to the X-axis 208. In the current embodiment, the length 847 is approximately equal to the diameter of the golf ball, or approximately 1.7 inches. However, in various embodiments, the length 847 can be 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, or various lengths thereof. If the length 847 of the main extended side 807a or 807b is less than about 0.3 inches, the effect of the alignment function 805 on the perception of the offset golfer is significantly reduced.

[0041] However, with proper use, alignment feature 805 can become the primary focus of a golfer's attention. Therefore, modifying the arrangement of alignment feature 805 relative to the X-axis 208 (which coincides with the clubface angle tangent 505) can allow a golfer to bias his or her shot, thereby modifying his or her result.

[0042] As seen with reference to Figure 6, the golf club head 900 includes an alignment feature 905. In this embodiment, the alignment feature 905 includes an elongated side 907a on the side of the alignment feature 905 closest to the clubface 110. The alignment feature 905 includes several potential rear portions. Similar to the golf club head 800, the golf club head 900 includes an alignment feature 905 having a potential second extended side 907b in one embodiment. In another embodiment, an extended rear portion 907c may also be included, or may be included separately from the extended side 907b. In the present embodiment, the extended side 907b is guided at an angle 915 relative to the face tangent 505.

[0043] In the embodiment including a second extended side 907b, the second extended side 907b is approximately parallel to the extended side 907a. Therefore, this embodiment is similar to the golf club head 800, but oriented at an angle 915°. Regarding the extended rear portion 907c, the orientation of this entity may appear less skewed, and thus may more effectively alter the golfer's feel for the club arrangement. A vertical reference line 918 is considered a reference orthogonal to the elongated side 907a. The vertical reference line 918 intersects the elongated side 907a at a point 919 that bisects the elongated side 907a. Furthermore, the vertical reference line 918 intersects the x-axis 208 at an intersection point 921 located at the heel of the center face 205. In the current embodiment, the intersection point 921 is approximately 2 mm outward from the heel of the center face 205. In different embodiments, the intersection point 921 may be substantially the same as the center face 205. In various embodiments, the intersection 921 may be at most 2 mm behind the center face 205. In various embodiments, the intersection 921 may be up to 5 mm behind the center face 205. In various embodiments, the intersection 921 may be offset to some extent from the center face 205. In various embodiments, the intersection 921 may be located at ±2 mm from the center face 205.

[0044] Another embodiment of the golf club head 1100 shown in Figure 7 includes an alignment feature 1105. This alignment feature has a first extended side 1107a and a second extended side 1107b. However, in the current embodiment, the first extended side 1107a is approximately parallel to the face angle tangent 505 and the x-axis 208. However, the second extended side 1107b is tilted 1115 relative to the face angle tangent 505, which may alter the golfer's perception of alignment.

[0045] A preferred method for measuring the perceived clubface angle as observed by a golfer further takes into account the fact that most golfers are left-eye dominant, and when they aim the ball with the clubhead, the straight line between their left eye and the center face actually intersects the top line heel of the center face. Therefore, this alignment feature, which includes the edge of the contrasting paint or shaded area of ​​the crown 120 relative to the clubface 110, has the greatest impact on the golfer's perceived clubface angle. This perceived face angle is therefore called the Sight-Adjusted Perceived Clubface Angle (SAPFA) and is measured using the apparatus shown in Figures 8A-8C.

[0046] The apparatus used, as shown in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C, includes a frame 1203 that holds a clamp 1205 for securing and aligning a golf club shaft 1207 and an accompanying golf club head 1209, both with an elevation angle of 45°. The face of the golf club head 1209 is also set to 0° using a face angle gauge 1211. This face angle gauge can be any commonly used in the industry, such as a De la Cruz face angle gauge. After setting the tilt and elevation angle, the club is clamped in the clamp using a screw clamp 1213. Frame 1203 also includes a mounting point 1215 for mounting two cameras 1217 and 1219, and a Calpac Laser CP-TIM-230-9-1L-635 (Fine / Precise Red Line Laser Diode Module Class II: 1mW / 635nm), 1221. The lens center of camera 1219 is located at x, y, z coordinates (i.e., 766 mm, 149 mm, 1411 mm), using the previously defined xy and z axes, with the USGA center face (measured using the program in USGA "Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead," Revision 2.0, March 25, 2005, "USGA Center Face") as the origin, where the positive x coordinate represents the position behind the center face, the positive y coordinate represents the position behind the center face, and the positive z coordinate represents the position above the center face. The laser is located between two cameras.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8C, the laser generates a line 1223, whose axis is parallel to the camera axis and projected along the Y-axis. After adjustment, this line intersects the USGA center face 1225. This line intersects the crown 120 at a point 1227 where it meets the edge of the contrasting paint or shadow area of ​​the surface 110, corresponding in this case to the white paint line 1229 on the crown. A physical mark is then made on the paint line as a reference point. The camera is then activated to capture an image of the clubhead including the reference point 1227 and the paint line 1229.

[0048] Then, an image analysis software suite (which can be any known software in the art capable of importing images and fitting lines to the images using curve fitting) is used to analyze the image from the camera. The best-fit line for the plotted line is then determined. In most embodiments, the best-fit result is fitting the line to a quadratic equation of the form y = ax² + bx + c. Two points are then selected on this best-fit line, with arc lengths between + / - 0.25 mm from a reference point. A straight line is then drawn between these two points, and another straight line perpendicular to this line is drawn through the reference point. This visually adjusted pole face angle (SAPFA) is the angle between the vertical line and the Y-axis.

[0049] Using this method, the sight-adjusted perceived face angle (SAPFA) of the golf club of the present invention can be -2 to 10 degrees, preferably 0 to 6 degrees, more preferably 0.5 to 4 degrees, even more preferably 1 to 2.5 degrees, and most preferably 1.5 to 2 degrees.

[0050] example

[0051] Take four identical clubheads, change the paint line edge of the contrast area of ​​the crown 120 relative to the face 110, and measure the visually adjusted face angle (SAPFA).

[0052] In addition to the Visually Adjusted Face Angle (SAPFA), four additional measurements were taken to describe the paint line edge alignment characteristics of the four clubs, and the values ​​are summarized in Table 1.

[0053] In addition to the SAPFA, three angles were measured at different points along the optimal fit line from the reference point to determine the same paint line edge alignment characteristics as the SAPFA. The first angle was obtained from an arc length point 25 mm back from the reference point along the optimal fit line. Similar to the SAPFA measurement, two points with arc lengths between + / - 0.25 mm were selected from the 25 mm point. A straight line was then drawn between these two points, and a line perpendicular to this straight line was drawn at the 25 mm point. The angle between this perpendicular line and the y-axis was then measured. This angle was reported as the visually adjusted face angle of 25 mm ("SAPFA 25H").

[0054] The second angle is obtained at a point on the best-fit line, with an arc length 25 mm outward from the reference point. Similarly to the SAPFA measurement, two points are selected between + / - 0.25 mm of the arc length at the 25 mm point. A straight line is then drawn between these two points, and a line perpendicular to this straight line is drawn at the 25 mm point. The angle between this perpendicular line and the y-axis is then measured. This angle is reported as the visually adjusted pole face angle of 25 mm (“SAPFA 25T”).

[0055] In addition, to capture any influence of the larger roundness of the paint line edge aligning with the golf clubhead toe, a third angle is obtained at an arc length of 50 mm outward from the reference point along the optimal fit line. Again, as with SAPFA measurements, two points are selected on an arc length between 25 mm and + / - 0.25 mm. A straight line is then drawn between these two points, and a line perpendicular to this straight line is drawn at the 50 mm point. The angle between this perpendicular line and the y-axis is then measured. This angle is reported as the visually adjusted clubface angle of 50 mm (“SAPFA 50T”).

[0056] Finally, in an attempt to describe more paint line edge alignment features, the paint line edge alignment feature images imported into the image analyzer, as with SAPFA measurements, were also fitted to a circle using the formula (xa)² + (yb)² = r², and the radius of curvature of the fitted circle was determined, which is reported as the radius of curvature (circular fit) in Table 1.

[0057] Table 1 [example] [No.] [Visually adjusted clubface angle] [(SAPFA)] [(] [degree] [)] [Radius of curvature] [(circle fit, mm)] [angle] [25 mm] [Following the lead] [(] [degree] [)] [angle] [25 mm] [Toe direction] [(] [degree] [)] [angle] [50 mm] [Toe direction] [(] [degree] [)] 1 3.5722 570.47 1.1377 5.9453 8.2757 2 5.2813 419.53 1.7509 8.6871 11.9168 3 0.2927 781.02 -1.4461 2.0189 3.7129 4 -0.5925 568.21 -3.06 1.8533 4.245

[0058] Ten different players then each hit their club 6 to 12 times. Using a Trackman 3e launch monitor and TPS software suite, the total dispersion along the center target line was calculated on a blank screen without trajectory or other feedback. Positive total dispersion indicates the number of yards to the right of the center target line, while negative total dispersion indicates the number of yards to the left. Therefore, if a golf club tends to produce more negative dispersion, a player who tends to slice (i.e., fly to the right of the target line) can hit a shot closer to the target line.

[0059] The chart in Figure 9 shows the relationship between the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) and the average total dispersion for each club as each golfer hits the ball 6-12 times. The data shows that adjusting the edge of the contrasting area of ​​the crown's color or shading relative to the clubface color or shading, causing the Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) of the golf club to change from -0.88 degrees to 0.5 degrees to 3.34 degrees to 5.55 degrees, results in an overall change in total dispersion from 8.6 yards to the right of the target line to 24.2 yards to the left of the target line. In other words, simply by manipulating the appearance of the paint lines that constitute the primary alignment feature, the total dispersion of the same clubhead can change by an absolute 32.8 yards.

[0060] The golf club head of the present invention has a visually adjusted face angle (SAPFA) of about -2 to about 10, preferably about 0 to about 6, more preferably about 0.5 to about 4, even more preferably about 1 to about 2.5, and most ideally about 1.5 to about 2 degrees.

[0061] The golf club head of the present invention also has a visually adjusted face angle of 25 mm (“SAPFA25H”) ranging from about -5 degrees to about 2 degrees, more preferably from about -3 degrees to 0 degrees, and even more preferably from about -2 degrees to about -1 degrees.

[0062] The golf club head of the present invention also has a visually adjusted clubface angle of 25 mm (“SAPFA25T”) of about 0 to about 9 degrees, more preferably about 1 to about 4.5 degrees, and even more preferably about 2 to about 4 degrees.

[0063] The golf club head of the present invention also has a visually adjusted clubface angle of 50 mm (“SAPFA50T”) of about 2 to about 9 degrees, more preferably about 3.5 to about 8 degrees, and even more preferably about 4 to about 7 degrees.

[0064] The radius of curvature (circular fit) of the golf club head of the present invention is about 300 to 1000, more preferably about 400 to 900, and even more preferably about 500 to 775 mm.

[0065] In other embodiments, the golf club head may have a second or secondary alignment feature, including alignment features as previously described with reference to Figures 1-4, in addition to the first or primary alignment features.

[0066] In one embodiment shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the golf club head 1400 may have a crown with a first portion having first surface features (including a first color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface features) and a second portion having second surface features (including a second color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface features), and a primary alignment feature formed by the edge 1402 of the contrasting area of ​​the first portion of the crown 120 relative to the surface features of the face 110, as previously described and shown in Figures 3 and 4. In a further embodiment, the contrast between surface features existing in a part of the face and another part of the face, or a part of the face and a part of the crown, and / or two different parts of the crown may be achieved through the first portion having the first visible surface feature and the second portion having a second visible surface feature different from the first visible surface feature. For example, in one embodiment, the first visible surface feature is a first visible unidirectional pattern, such as a pattern associated with the outermost unidirectional prepreg layer, and the second visible surface feature is a second visible unidirectional pattern, such as a pattern associated with the outermost unidirectional prepreg layer, and the direction of the second visible unidirectional pattern is different from that of the first visible unidirectional pattern. In one embodiment, the second visible unidirectional pattern has a second visible orientation direction, the first visible unidirectional pattern has a first visible orientation direction, and the angle between the first visible orientation direction and the second visible orientation direction is at least 30 degrees, and in further embodiments at least 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees, or 90 degrees. Therefore, the first and second portions can have the same color, shade, or texture, but can still be easily distinguished by different visible surface features. Further embodiments include any combination of different visible surface features, such as: (a) visible woven patterns and visible unidirectional patterns; (b) different visible woven patterns, such as twill woven patterns and plain woven patterns; (c) the same visible woven pattern, but the orientations of the first and second portions are different, for example, differing by at least 30, 45, 60, 75, or 90 degrees; and / or (d) different visible fiber contents, such as the first visible fiber content and the second visible fiber content, and (e) different visible fiber contents, such as the first visible fiber content and the second visible fiber content, which are different from the first visible fiber content. This allows for the following situations: (i) parallel visible unidirectional patterns, but the visible fiber density of the first portion is greater than that of the second portion, or vice versa; and / or (ii) woven patterns and orientations are the same, but the woven densities are different; and / or (iii) shredded fiber material, wherein the fiber density of the first portion is different from that of the second portion, and therefore has different visible surface features. Furthermore, any of these examples may have the same texture, such as a smooth outer varnish layer, but still have different visible surface features; however, in further embodiments, they may also exhibit different textures.Further embodiments incorporate other diverse surface features, including but not limited to differences in gloss, reflectivity, iridescence, pearlescent sheen, polarization, and / or texture. Any disclosed diverse surface properties may also be integrated by adding separate components, such as coatings, stickers, decals, badges, or films, or by removing, texturing, or ablating portions of paint, coatings, or surface treatments using any known material removal, texturing, or ablating processes, but specific embodiments will be disclosed hereafter. In one particular embodiment, the separate component establishing the alignment feature is located beneath the outer transparent layer and is therefore positioned during manufacturing; in another embodiment, the separate component establishing the alignment feature is externally attached to the finished clubhead.

[0067] As shown in Figures 100-102, the clubhead may further include a secondary alignment feature 1404, which is close to the clubface but behind the primary alignment feature and is defined by a change in surface features, which again include color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface features. On the secondary feature demarcation line, a transition is defined between a top first portion having an area contrasting with a first top surface feature (including a first color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface feature) and a top second portion having a second top surface feature (including a second color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface feature). The secondary alignment feature includes elongated sides 1406 with a length of at least 10 mm, and in further embodiments at least 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, or 70 mm. The secondary alignment feature may also have second and third elongated sides 1408a and 1408b extending rearward from and at an angle to the elongated sides 1406 and behind the elongated sides 1406.

[0068] As shown in Figures 95-108, in another embodiment, the clubhead may further include a secondary alignment feature 1404 located on a portion of the clubface and defined by variations in surface features (again including color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface features). Along the secondary feature demarcation line, a transition is defined between a first portion of the face having an area contrasting with a first surface feature (including a first color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface feature) and a second portion of the face having a second surface feature (including a second color, shading, texture, and / or visible surface feature). All content disclosed herein relating to the secondary alignment feature 1404 also applies to the secondary alignment feature 1404 located on the club crown. The secondary alignment feature 1404a includes an upper elongated side 1407 having an upper length of 1510 and a lower elongated side 1409 having a lower length of 1610. As shown in Figure 95, the upper length 1510 and the lower length 1610 are measured along the x-axis 208 in the xz vertical plane containing the x-axis 208 and the z-axis 206, based on the projection of the secondary alignment feature 1404 onto the xz plane. Similarly, the upper length 1510 can be subdivided into an outward upper length 1511 and an inward upper length 1512, both measured in the same manner as the upper length 1510, but starting from the vertical center plane VCFP, which includes the y-axis 207 seen in Figures 1A-1D. Similarly, the lower length 1610 can be subdivided into an outward lower length 1611 and an inward lower length 1612, both measured in the same manner as the lower length 1610, but both measured from the vertical center plane VCFP. Similarly, the face secondary alignment feature 1404 has a rod face alignment feature height 1700, which is the distance between the upper elongated side 1407 and the lower elongated side 1409 in the Z-axis 206 direction, also based on the projection of the face secondary alignment feature 1404 onto the xz plane. Furthermore, each point along the upper elongated side 1407 has an upper elongated side bulge 1500 measured vertically downwards to the ground plane 317, and each point along the lower elongated side 1409 has a lower elongated side bulge 1600 measured vertically downwards to the ground plane 317. Similarly, as shown in Figure 109, each point along the upper elongated side 1407 has an upper elongated top plane offset distance 1530, measured vertically upwards to the top plane 4623, and each point along the lower elongated side 1409 has a lower elongated top plane offset distance 1630, measured vertically upwards to the top plane 4623. The top plane 4623 is a plane parallel to the ground plane 317 and in contact with the top of the rod crown 4621. The top height is the distance between the top plane 4623 and the ground plane 317.

[0069] In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 is at least 75% of the vertex height, and in a further embodiment, at least 85%, 95%, 105%, 115%, 125%, 135%, or 145%. In another embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 does not exceed 250% of the vertex height, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 225%, 200%, 175%, or 150%. In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 is at least 35% of the clubhead depth, as shown in FIG12, and in a further embodiment, at least 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55%. In another embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 does not exceed 95% of the clubhead depth, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75%. In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 is at least 100% of Zup (i.e., the height of the clubhead's center of gravity above the ground plane 317), and in a further embodiment, at least 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250%, 275%, or 300%. In another embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 does not exceed 600% of Zup, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 550%, 500%, 450%, 425%, or 400%. In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 is at least 8 times the maximum face alignment feature height 1700, and in a further embodiment, at least 11, 14, 17, 20, or 23 times. In another embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 does not exceed 50 times the maximum face-aligning feature height 1700, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 47, 44, 41, 38, 35, or 33 times. In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 is at least 30 mm, and in a further embodiment, it is at least 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, or 100 mm. In another embodiment, the upper length 1510 and / or the lower length 1610 does not exceed 110 mm, and in a further embodiment, it does not exceed 105 mm, 95 mm, 85 mm, 75 mm, or 65 mm.

[0070] In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 is greater than the lower length 1610. In another embodiment, when viewed from a front bottom view (e.g., FIG. 95), the second extended side 1408a and / or the third extended side 1408b are not vertical. Further, similarly, when viewed from a front bottom view, both the second extended side 1408a and the third extended side 1408b form an angle with the vertical center plane, and these angles are not equal; while in another embodiment, the extensions of the second extended side 1408a and the extensions of the third extended side 1408b intersect below the ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the upper length 1510 decreases as the inclination of the rod head increases. For example, in one embodiment, a set of at least 2, 3, or 4 clubheads with a volume of 400cc or more has a smaller top length 1510 in clubheads with a higher loft angle; while in another embodiment, the reduction in the top length 1510 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the increase in loft angle between the two clubheads (in degrees), wherein in one embodiment β is 1, and in further embodiments β is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. For example, in another embodiment, a set of clubs with a volume of 150-250cc and at least 2, 3, or 4 clubheads has a smaller top length 1510 in clubheads with a higher loft angle; while in another embodiment, the reduction in the top length 1510 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the increase in loft angle between the two clubheads (in degrees), wherein in one embodiment β is 1, and in further embodiments β is 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. For example, in another embodiment, a set of at least 2, 3, or 4 clubheads has a volume of 75-145 cc, with a smaller top length 1510 in clubheads with higher loft angles; while in another embodiment, the reduction in the top length 1510 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the increase in loft angle between 2 clubheads (in degrees), where β is 1 in one embodiment, and β is 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, 3, 4, 5 or 6 in a further embodiment. In another embodiment, any of these relationships applies to a set of at least one clubhead with a volume of 400 cc or more, and at least one clubhead with a volume of 150-250 cc; while in a further embodiment, the volume of at least one clubhead is also increased to 75-145 cc.

[0071] In one embodiment, the outward upper length 1511 is at least 105% of the inward upper length 1512, and in a further embodiment, at least 110%, 115%, or 120%. In another embodiment, the outward upper length 1511 does not exceed 170% of the inward upper length 1512, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 160%, 150%, 140%, or 130%. Similarly, in one embodiment, the downward length 1611 is at least 105% of the downward length 1612, and in a further embodiment, at least 110%, 115%, or 120%. In another embodiment, the downward length 1611 does not exceed 170% of the downward length 1612, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 160%, 150%, 140%, or 130%. In a further embodiment, the backward upper length 1512 and / or backward lower length 1612 is at least 50% of Zup, while in other embodiments, it is at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or 100%.

[0072] In one embodiment, the surface alignment feature height 1700 varies. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 95, the surface alignment feature height 1700 varies towards the rear end and / or the outer end. In a further embodiment, the surface alignment feature height 1700 is constant for at least 50% of the entire upper length 1510, and in further embodiments at least 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90%. As shown in FIG. 31, the center face Y-axis position is defined as the distance CFY measured in the Y-axis direction 207 from the center rod face position 3110 to the core plane. In one embodiment, the maximum surface alignment feature height 1700 is at least 10% of CFY, while in further embodiments it is at least 12.5%, 15%, or 17.5%. In another embodiment, the maximum surface alignment feature height 1700 does not exceed 70% of CFY, while in other embodiments it does not exceed 60%, 50%, 45%, 40%, or 35%.

[0073] In one embodiment, the clubface alignment feature height 1700 increases as the clubhead loft decreases. For example, in one embodiment, when there are at least two, three, or four swing heads with a volume of 400cc or more, the clubface alignment feature height 1700 is larger among the swing heads with lower lofts; while in another embodiment, the increase in the clubface alignment feature height 1700 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the decrease in loft between two swing heads (in degrees), wherein in one embodiment β is 0.1, and in further embodiments β is 0.15, 0.2, or 0.25. For example, in one embodiment, a set has at least 2, 3, or 4 swing heads with a volume of 150-250cc, and the clubface arrangement feature height 1700 is larger among swing heads with lower loft angles; while in another embodiment, the increase in the clubface arrangement feature height 1700 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the decrease in loft angle between 2 swing heads (in degrees), wherein in one embodiment β is 0.1, and in further embodiments β is 0.15, 0.2, or 0.25. For example, in one embodiment, a set of clubheads with a volume of at least 2, 3, or 4 clubheads of 75-145 cc has a larger face arrangement feature height 1700 in clubheads with lower loft. In another embodiment, the increase in face arrangement feature height 1700 (in millimeters) is at least β multiplied by the decrease in loft between two clubheads (in degrees), where in one embodiment β is 0.1, and in further embodiments β is 0.15, 0.2, or 0.25. In another embodiment, at least one clubhead has a volume of 400 cc or more, and at least one clubhead has a volume of 150-250 cc; and in a further embodiment, at least one additional clubhead has a volume of 75-145 cc, any of these relationships being true.

[0074] In the embodiments shown in Figures 49, 52, 56, and 106 (discussed in detail later), the foremost point on the constant diameter portion of the outer sheath surface 3251 defines the vertical front sheath plane 3252, which is parallel to the rod axis plane. Figure 106 shows a secondary offset vertical front sheath plane 3254, which is parallel to the vertical front sheath plane 3252 and located an offset sheath plane distance in front of the vertical front sheath plane 3252. In one embodiment, the offset sheath plane distance is 3 mm, while in a further embodiment, it is 2 mm or 1 mm. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the upper extended side 1407 is located behind the secondary offset vertical front sheath plane 3254, while a portion of the upper extended side 1407 is located in front of the secondary offset vertical front sheath plane 3254.

[0075] In another embodiment, the variation of the upper elongated side ridge 1500 is at least 2.5% of the minimum upper elongated side ridge 1500, and in a further embodiment, at least 5%, 7.5%, or 10%. In another embodiment, the variation of the upper elongated side ridge 1500 does not exceed 25% of the minimum upper elongated side ridge 1500, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 22.5%, 20%, 17.5%, 15%, or 12.5%. Similarly, in another embodiment, the lower elongated side ridge 1600 is at least 2.5% of the minimum lower elongated side ridge 1600, and in a further embodiment, at least 5%, 7.5%, or 10%. In another embodiment, the variation of the lower elongated side ridge 1600 does not exceed 25% of the minimum lower elongated side ridge 1600, and in a further embodiment, does not exceed 22.5%, 20%, 17.5%, 15%, or 12.5%.

[0076] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG96, the face 110 includes a panel 4610 welded into a face opening of the face 110, establishing a weld area 9000 and a center of a fusion perimeter 9010 around the panel 4610. In one embodiment, the end face portion surrounding the face opening is formed of a stainless steel alloy; in a further embodiment, the stainless steel alloy is a martensitic stainless steel alloy, a precipitation-hardening stainless steel alloy, an austenitic stainless steel alloy, a duplex stainless steel alloy, or a ferritic stainless steel alloy. In another embodiment, the portion around the face opening is formed of a martensitic stainless steel alloy; in a further embodiment, the martensitic stainless steel alloy is selected from the group consisting of 410, 420, 431, 440, or 450; in a further embodiment, the martensitic stainless steel alloy is an age-hardening martensitic stainless steel alloy. In another embodiment, panel 4610 is formed of a martensitic hardened steel alloy. In a further embodiment, the alloy is selected from the groups of 200, 250, 300, and 350 grades, while in another embodiment, it is a C300 steel alloy. In one embodiment, the bar face secondary alignment feature 1404 is entirely located on the stainless steel alloy portion of the face.

[0077] In one embodiment shown in Figures 103-105, the shaft face 110 has a shaft face coating 111 having a coating thickness 113, which is applied to the shaft face substrate 112 by any number of processes including, but not limited to, physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In one embodiment, the coating thickness 113 is 0.3-15 micrometers. In one embodiment, the face-assisted alignment feature 1404 is formed by removing a portion of the face coating 111. In one such embodiment seen in Figure 103, in the face secondary alignment feature 1404, the face coating 111 is completely removed, leaving an exposed portion of the shaft face substrate 112, which in one embodiment is a stainless steel alloy. In another embodiment shown in Figure 104, only a portion of the topcoat 111 is removed. Therefore, the secondary alignment feature 1404 is created by forming a groove in the topcoat 111 that does not extend to the entire coating thickness 113. This groove can create a contrasting surface feature when compared to an adjacent topcoat 111 that has not been removed. In another embodiment shown in Figure 105, the secondary alignment feature 1404 is formed by removing the entire coating thickness 113 and a portion of the surface substrate 112, leaving a groove in the surface substrate 112.

[0078] Furthermore, in any embodiment where the entire coating thickness 113 is removed, the surface substrate 112 may remain in its original state, exposed to the environment of the finished clubhead at the time of sale and play. The original exposed surface substrate 112 creates contrasting surface features compared to the adjacent surface coating 111 and / or the crown. This is why, in some embodiments, secondary surface alignment features 1404 are strategically positioned on portions of the surface 111 formed of stainless steel alloy and at least a safe zone distance from the center of the fusion perimeter 9010, as seen in Figure 96, surrounding a portion of the perimeter of the surface panel 4610. In one embodiment, the safe zone distance is at least 50% of the maximum thickness of the panel 4610, and in further embodiments at least 60%, 70%, or 80%. In another embodiment, the safe zone distance is at least 0.5 mm, and in further embodiments, at least 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 2.0 mm. Therefore, in some embodiments, the secondary alignment feature 1404 of the face is distinguished from other parts of the bar face 110 by the change in surface characteristics between the exposed face substrate 112 and the adjacent portion of the bar face 110 with the face coating 111 not removed.

[0079] In another embodiment, using the disclosed simple approach method, the first end of the string is placed at a point on the upper elongated side 1407, which is within a predetermined approach distance of the crown leading edge 4625, as will be disclosed in detail later. Then, if a portion of the crown leading edge 4625 is contacted by the second end of the rope, the upper elongated side 1407 and the crown leading edge 4625 are within a predefined approach distance. In one embodiment, the predetermined approach distance is 4 mm, while in further embodiments, the predetermined approach distance is 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, or 0.75 mm. Furthermore, the upper elongated side 1407 may be recessed relative to the crown leading edge 4625, or alternatively, the crown leading edge 4625 may protrude beyond the upper elongated side 1407, as will be disclosed in detail later regarding the protruding relationship of the crown leading edge 4625 relative to the face perimeter, and all subsequent disclosures also apply to the relationship between the crown leading edge 4625 and the upper elongated side 1407 and the gap therebetween.

[0080] Referring again to Figure 107, in another embodiment, at least a portion of the face secondary alignment feature 1404 has an upper elongated vertex-plane offset distance 1530 of at least 30% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it is at least 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70%. However, in another embodiment, the maximum upper elongated vertex-plane offset distance 1530 does not exceed 120% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it does not exceed 110%, 100%, 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75%. In another embodiment, the minimum upper elongated vertex-plane offset distance 1530 is at least 10% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it is at least 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, or 34%. However, in another embodiment, the minimum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530 does not exceed 35% of Zup, and in further embodiments, it does not exceed 32.5%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 27%, 26%, 25%, 24%, 23%, or 22%. In a further embodiment, the maximum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530 is at least 100% greater than the minimum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530, and in further embodiments, at least 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200% greater. In one embodiment, the maximum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530 occurs at a point located between the vertical center rod plane and the sheath portion 4604, while the minimum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530 occurs at a point located between the vertical center plane and the sheath portion 4604, and the minimum upper elongated apex plane offset distance 1530 occurs at a point located between the vertical center rod plane and the skeleton portion 4604. Located between the vertical center face plane and the toe 185. In a further embodiment, the minimum upper elongated top plane offset distance 1530 is located at a point between the vertical center face plane and the parallel plane including the crown top 4621.

[0081] In some embodiments, the face alignment feature 1404 comprises multiple parts, including, in one embodiment, a center face alignment portion 1404A, a toe face alignment portion 1404B, and a heel face alignment portion 1404C, as shown in FIG. 97, separated by a break 1405. In one embodiment, the break 1405 separates portions 1404A, 1404B, and 1404C by a distance of less than 5 mm; in a further embodiment, less than 4 mm, 3 mm, or 2 mm. Any disclosure regarding the second elongated side 1408a and / or the third elongated side 1408b and their angles also applies to the break 1405. In one embodiment, the length of the center face alignment portion 1404A is greater than the length of the outward face alignment portion 1404B and / or the length of the inward face alignment portion 1404C. In one embodiment, the length of the central face auxiliary alignment portion 1404A is at least twice the length of the outward face auxiliary alignment portion 1404B and / or the inward face auxiliary alignment portion 1404C; in a further embodiment, it is at least three, four, five, or six times. In a further embodiment seen in FIG. 98, the face auxiliary alignment feature 1404 may include at least one gradient region 1411, although the face auxiliary alignment feature 1404 may be gradient as long as the disclosed contrast is achieved. In the embodiment of FIG. 98, the bar face secondary alignment feature 1404 has a uniform central region and two gradient regions 1411 on either side.

[0082] Another embodiment may include a third alignment feature having a face portion located on a portion of the face and a crown portion located on a portion of the crown; in other words, the third alignment feature extends from a portion of the face portion to a portion of the crown portion. All disclosures relating to primary and secondary alignment features also apply to the third alignment feature, which may coexist with primary and / or secondary alignment features, or may exist independently of primary and / or secondary alignment features.

[0083] Any alignment feature can also incorporate a color-changing coating, where the material's color changes with the viewing angle. Thus, in one embodiment, the color has high contrast with the clubface and / or crown when viewed from the tee position, while the contrast is medium to low when viewed head-on. In a further embodiment, any alignment feature can incorporate paints, inks, coatings, and / or films with hydrophilic and / or hydrophobic properties. Therefore, the alignment feature can be more hydrophilic than other areas of the surface and / or crown. Hydrophilicity refers to attracting water, and hydrophobicity refers to repelling water.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will know that each golf club head has a surface roughness and a surface area. Furthermore, the alignment feature has an alignment feature surface roughness. In one embodiment, the alignment feature surface roughness is less than the clubface surface roughness; conversely, in another embodiment, the clubface surface roughness is less than the alignment feature surface roughness. In a further embodiment, the alignment feature surface roughness is at least 10 μin greater than the adjacent face surface roughness, while in some embodiments with very low face surface roughness, the alignment feature surface roughness may be at least twice that of the adjacent face surface roughness. In even further embodiments with low face surface roughness, the alignment feature surface roughness is preferably less than fifteen times that of the adjacent face surface roughness. In a particular embodiment, the polished PVD surface of the golf club head may have a surface roughness of 5-20 μin, while the alignment feature surface roughness may be approximately 60-90 μin. In another embodiment, the surface roughness is preferably 5-70 μin when measured in a direction parallel to the grooves, while the alignment feature surface roughness is preferably 50-90 μin when measured in a direction parallel to the grooves.

[0085] As disclosed elsewhere, numerous methods and / or components can be used to create alignment features. These techniques include etching methods, oxidation techniques, spraying methods, engraving techniques, media spraying processes, machining methods, cutting processes, and the application of paint and / or durable inks and / or coatings. For example, laser treatment, chemical treatment, or etching techniques that initiate coating processes via photosensitive light can be used. Furthermore, lasers can also be configured to produce marks without removing material to change the thickness of a surface or topcoat; instead, laser energy oxidizes the material of the surface or topcoat, producing a visible change. This change produces a visible mark without affecting the spin of the golf ball. One type of laser used is a yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser, such as the HM 1400 sold by GSI Lumionics in Ottawa, Canada. A 6-inch diameter lens with a focal length of 254 mm is preferred.

[0086] The Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle Secondary Alignment Feature ("SAPFA SAF") and the secondary alignment feature ("SAPFA SAF") of 1408a and 1408b constitute the elongated side 1406 and the second and third elongated sides 1408a. As shown in Figure 10B, points 1410b and 1410a are selected, which are the innermost points of the radii of the connecting lines 1408b and 1408a and the elongated side 1406. Then, a best-fit quadratic curve is plotted for the secondary alignment feature between points 1410a and 1410b, and then the reference point 1412 is determined as the center point of the arc length along the best-fit curve. The arc length is between + / - 0.25 mm. Then, a straight line is drawn between these two points, and then a line perpendicular to this straight line is drawn at the reference point. Then, the angle between this vertical line and the y-axis is used to measure the visual adjustment perceptual surface angle secondary alignment feature (“SAPFA SAF”).

[0087] In some embodiments, the golf club head of the present invention also has a visual adjustment perception face angle secondary alignment feature (“SAPFA SAF”) of about -2 to about 6 degrees, more preferably about 0 to about 5 degrees, and even more preferably about 1.5 to about 4 degrees.

[0088] The primary and secondary alignment features described herein typically utilize paint lines to mark the edges of contrasting painted or shaded areas relative to the face color or shading. A preferred contrasting color is white for the crown area and black for the face area. The painting or coloring of golf clubheads is usually done during manufacturing and therefore remains constant throughout the club's lifespan unless additional painting is performed by the owner after purchase. It would be highly advantageous if the user could easily adjust the contours of the alignment features, allowing them to adjust the perceived face angle based on the observed ball direction. Similarly, it would be highly advantageous if the user could easily adjust the contours of the alignment features, allowing them to adjust the perceived face angle based on observed ball direction trends of the golfer on any given date.

[0089] In some embodiments of the golf club head of the present invention, the crown includes a rotatable or otherwise movable portion, one side of which includes the edge of a contrasting paint or shaded area of ​​the crown relative to the color or shading of the clubface or a second portion of the crown, which can be sufficiently rotated or moved to produce the desired perceived face angle, PFA, and / or Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle (SAPFA) and / or Sight Adjusted Perceived Face Angle Secondary Alignment Feature (“SAPFA SAF”) to produce the desired flight. The movable portion of the crown is fixed in position by fastening devices such as screws or bolts, which are loosened to allow rotation or movement, and then tightened after adjustment to fix the position of the crown.

[0090] In addition to a portion of the crown being movable, other embodiments include a movable layer or cover on top of the crown, one side of which includes the edge of a contrasting paint or shadow area of ​​the crown relative to the color or shadow of the face or a second portion of the crown. This movable layer or cover can be rotated or moved sufficiently to produce the desired perceived face angle, PFA, and / or visual adjustment visual face angle (SAPFA) and / or visual adjustment visual face angle secondary arrangement features (“SAPFA SAF”). The movable portion of the layer or cover is again secured in position by fasteners such as screws or bolts or other fastening methods, which can be loosened to rotate or move, and then locked again to secure the adjusted movable layer or cover in position.

[0091] In other embodiments, a portion of the crown may include electronic features that can be selectively activated to produce a desired appearance, including but not limited to light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), printed electronics with illumination devices, embedded electronics with illumination devices, electroluminescent devices, and so-called quantum dots.

[0092] In other embodiments, a portion of the crown may include a coating that alters its properties when exposed to external conditions, including but not limited to thermochromic coatings, photochromic coatings, electrochromic coatings, and paramagnetic coatings.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the golf club head crown or a coating covering at least a portion of the golf club head crown includes an electronic graphic display. This display can provide active color and graphic control for the entire top of the crown or a portion thereof covering the crown crown. The display can be constructed from flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, electronic ink technology, digital fabrics, or other known active electronic color and graphic display methods. For example, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) (e.g., light-emitting polymer (LEP), organic electroluminescent (OEL)) is a type of light-emitting diode (LED) whose light-emitting electroluminescent layer is composed of a thin film of organic compounds. This layer typically contains a polymer that allows suitable organic compounds to be deposited in rows and columns onto a carrier substrate, such as at least a portion of the golf club head crown or a layer covering at least a portion of the golf club head crown, through a simple "printing" process. The resulting primitive matrix can emit light of different colors.

[0094] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the golf club head crown, or a layer covering at least a portion of the golf club head crown, is divided into sections that can be controlled in different ways. For example, one side of the alignment function has a static surface color, while the other side has the ability to display a second static and contrasting surface color.

[0095] A display is operatively connected to a microprocessor within the golf club head (e.g., via a wire). The microprocessor is further operatively connected to a data port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (e.g., via a wire). The data port allows data transfer and retrieval between the microprocessor and the microprocessor. Data ports and data transfer protocols are well known to those skilled in the art. The data port (USB port) may be located in the rear area of ​​the golf club head.

[0096] Data can be obtained from various sources. In some embodiments, an internet website is specifically designed to support the golf club head of this invention. For example, the website may contain downloadable data and protocols (e.g., colors, color patterns, images, video content, logos, etc.) that can be uploaded to the microprocessor of the golf club head (via data port, via cable, via computer). For instance, the website may have a gallery for selecting colors to display and color patterns.

[0097] In some embodiments, data may be uploaded from other sources, such as DVDs, CDs, or memory devices (e.g., flash memory). Sources may also include mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital kiosks, etc. In some embodiments, data may be uploaded and downloaded via other mechanisms (e.g., wired or wireless mechanisms). Such mechanisms may include Bluetooth, Infrared Data Link (IrDA), Wi-Fi, UWB, etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, one or more control buttons are located on the head of a golf club, allowing the user to freely operate the display. The control buttons are operatively connected to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive input signals from the control buttons and further transmit output commands to control the display. The control buttons may be operatively connected to the display and / or the microprocessor via one or more wires.

[0099] The microprocessor and / or display are operatively connected to a power source, such as a battery. The battery is rechargeable. In some embodiments, the battery includes control devices for turning the device on or off. All wiring, ports, and other electronic systems are designed to withstand the impact forces generated when a golfer strikes the ball with the head of a golf club.

[0100] In other embodiments of the golf club head of the present invention, the method for achieving user-adjustable alignment involves coating at least a portion of the crown of the golf club head, or a layer covering at least a portion of the crown, with a dielectric electroluminescent coating system, such as U.S. Patent No. M. Jakobi et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Using this technique, an electric current (provided by a small battery securely fixed within the cavity of the golf club head) can be selectively used to highlight (or de-highlight) specific colors using electroluminescence, thereby adjusting the orientation of calibration features.

[0101] In some embodiments, the golf clubhead may include sensors, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 996,854, filed June 4, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, the golf club may include one or more sensors for measuring swing speed, clubface angle, clubface angle, tempo, swing path, the relationship between clubface angle and swing path, dynamic loft, and shaft loft. Other measurements may include backswing time, frontswing time, total time to impact, tempo, speed of impact, impact position, backswing length, backswing spin, frontswing spin, spin variation, loft, and yaw. Further measurements may include golf ball impact position and distance data. Other different measurements may also be acquired. Measurements may be acquired during a full swing, short swing, putting, or other golf swings.

[0102] One or more sensors may include motion sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, GPS sensors, optical tags, or other sensors. One or more sensors may be attached to the golf club head, integrated into a display on the golf club, attached to or integrated into the shaft of the golf club (e.g., near the butt end of the grip, along the shaft, or at other locations), located within the grip, and / or attached to or integrated into other parts of the golf club. In one embodiment, multiple sensors are provided on the golf club, for example, in the same or different parts of the club. For example, a first sensor may be attached to or integrated into the club head, while a second sensor may be located within the grip or attached to the shaft. Other different multi-sensor configurations may also be used.

[0103] In one embodiment, a display or other electronic function of a golf club can display one or more measurements on the crown or other part of the clubhead. For example, the display or other electronic function can be a removable display device or can be integrated into a user device, such as a PDA, smartphone, iPhone, iPad, iPod, or other computing device. One or more measurements can be displayed using an application running on the display device or using a device associated with the display or other electronic function of the golf clubhead. In some embodiments, the sensors can be configured to communicate with external devices, such as computing devices (e.g., personal computers (PCs), laptops, tablets, smartphones, mobile phones, iPhones, iPads, personal digital assistants (PDAs), server computers, or other computing devices), transmission monitors, club practice platforms, or other devices. In these embodiments, one or more measurements can be displayed using an application running on the external device. In some embodiments, one or more sensors interact with an external device (e.g., a camera) to acquire one or more measurements.

[0104] Referring back to Figure 1B, the coordinate system used to measure the center of gravity (CG) position is located at the clubface center 205. In one embodiment, the positive x-axis 208 projects toward the heel side of the clubhead, while the negative x-axis 208 projects toward the toe side of the clubhead. Furthermore, the positive Z-axis 206 projects toward the crown side of the clubhead, while the negative Z-axis 206 projects toward the bottom side of the clubhead. Finally, the positive y-axis 207 projects toward the rear of the clubhead, parallel to the ground plane. Unless otherwise stated, the first position used herein is in front of the second position when the first position is closer to the clubface center 205 along the Y-axis 207 than the second position; similarly, the first position is behind the second position when the first position is further away from the clubface center 205 along the Y-axis 207 than the second position. Unless otherwise noted, the first position used herein is opposite to the second position when the first position is farther from the clubface center 205 along the Y-axis 207 than the second position. When the first position is closer to the sheath portion along the X-axis 208 than the second position, the first position is the outward of the second position; similarly, when the first position is closer to the sheath portion along the X-axis 208 than the second position, the first position is the inward of the second position.

[0105] In exemplary embodiments, the projected CG position on the striking face is considered the "sweet spot" of the clubhead. The projected CG position can be found by balancing a point on the clubhead. The projected CG position is typically projected along a line perpendicular to the clubhead surface. In some embodiments, the projected CGy (y-axis coordinate) position is less than 2 mm above the center face position, less than 1 mm above the center face, or up to 1 mm or 2 mm below the center face position 205. In some embodiments, the golf clubhead has a CG whose CGx (x-axis coordinate) position is between approximately -10 mm and approximately 10 mm from the center face position 205, CGy is between approximately 15 mm and approximately 50 mm, and CGz (z-axis coordinate) is between approximately -10 mm and approximately 5 mm. In some embodiments, CGy is between approximately 20 mm and approximately 50 mm.

[0106] The golf club head also possesses moments of inertia defined about three axes extending through the club head in the CG direction: CGz, which extends through CG in a generally perpendicular direction to the ground plane when the club head is in the aiming position; CGx, which extends through CG in a heel-to-toe direction generally parallel to the striking face 110 and generally perpendicular to CGz; and CGy, which extends through CG in a front-to-back direction generally perpendicular to CGx and CGz. CGx and CGy extend in a generally horizontal direction relative to the ground plane when the club head 100 is in the positioning position.

[0107] Unless otherwise stated, the clubhead and many of its physical characteristics disclosed herein will be described using the "normal tee position" as a reference position for the clubhead. In the normal tee position, the clubhead lies on a flat ground plane. Unless otherwise noted, the "normal tee position" as used herein refers to the clubhead position in which the vector normal of the center plane 205 lies approximately on the first vertical plane (i.e., the vertical plane is perpendicular to the ground plane), the centerline axis of the clubhead 205 (i.e., the vertical plane is perpendicular to the ground plane), and the centerline axis of the clubhead 205 (i.e., the vertical plane is perpendicular to the ground plane). The centerline axis of the shaft bore establishes the shaft axis in a second vertical plane, and the first vertical plane intersects the second vertical plane approximately perpendicularly.

[0108] The moment of inertia CGx around the golf club head is calculated using the following formula:

[0109]

[0110] In the above formulas, y is the distance from the CG xz plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm, and z is the distance from the CG xy plane of the golf club head to the infinitesimal mass dm. The CG xz plane of the golf club head is defined by CGx and CGz. The CG xy plane is defined by CGx and CGy.

[0111] The moment of inertia of the golf club head CGy is calculated using the following formula:

[0112]

[0113] In the above formulas, x is the distance from the golf club head CG yz plane to the infinitesimal mass dm, and z is the distance from the golf club head CG xy plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG yz plane is defined by CGy and CGz. The CG yx plane is defined by CGy and CGx.

[0114] Furthermore, the moment of inertia CGz of the golf club head can be calculated using the following formula:

[0115]

[0116] In the above formula, x is the distance from the golf club head CG yz plane to the infinitesimal mass dm, and y is the distance from the golf club head CG xz plane to the infinitesimal mass dm. The golf club head CG yz plane is a plane defined by CGy and CGz.

[0117] In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the rod head about CGz can be between about 450 kg-mm² and about 650 kg-mm², while the moment of inertia about CGx is between about 300 kg-mm² and about 500 kg-mm², and the moment of inertia about CGy is between about 300 kg-mm² and about 500 kg-mm².

[0118] For various reasons, it can be advantageous to position the center of gravity (CG) of the golf clubhead towards the toe. For example, users typically hit the golf ball high (e.g., +3 to +4 mm on the Z-axis) and with the clubface facing outward (e.g., -5 to -7 mm on the X-axis). Hitting the ball off-center (i.e., at a position different from where the CG is projected on the clubface) generally reduces ball speed and thus decreases the distance the golf ball travels.

[0119] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the outward-facing clubface also creates a gearing effect, resulting in hook spin. Increasing the negative CGx direction (i.e., from -2 to -10 mm on the x-axis) alters the gearing effect by reducing counter-clockwise rotation (i.e., for right-handed golfers), ultimately causing the golf ball to bend to the left.

[0120] Furthermore, to maximize the moment of inertia (MOI), a negative CGx direction can be provided around the Z-axis extending through CGz. This negative CGx direction, used in conjunction with the clubhead sheath weighting, allows for strategic distribution of clubhead weighting along the X-axis in both the positive and negative directions, thereby achieving a greater Z-axis MOI.

[0121] Additionally, aligning the CG of the golf clubhead towards the heel is also advantageous. For example, by increasing the positive CGx direction (i.e., from +2 mm to 0 mm on the x-axis), the clubhead can follow through faster (i.e., at 400-500 rpm), increasing local clubhead speed and generating more ball speed, thereby increasing the distance the golf ball travels.

[0122] In some embodiments, the CGx of the golf club head may be between approximately +2 and approximately -10 mm. For example, the CGx of a golf club head with adjustable weights (described below) is between approximately -3 mm and approximately -4 mm. In some embodiments, the club head may have a low CGz less than 0, for example, between 0 and approximately -4 mm. In some embodiments, the CGz of the club head may be below the geometric center of the clubface. In some embodiments, the club head may have a CGz moment of inertia (also referred to as "Izz") greater than 400 kg-mm², greater than 460 kg-mm², or greater than 480 kg-mm². The moment of inertia with respect to CGx (also referred to as "Ixx") may be greater than 300 kg-mm². The moment of inertia of the golf club head may also be expressed as a ratio, such as the ratio of Ixx to Izz. For example, in some embodiments, the ratio of Ixx to Izz is at most 0.6, or 60%. In one example, the Ixx of a golf club head can be greater than 300 kg-mm², and the Izz can be greater than 500 kg-mm², such that Ixx / Izz is less than or equal to 0.6. In another example, Ixx is greater than 280 kg-mm², and Izz is greater than 465 kg-mm².

[0123] In some embodiments, the Zup of a golf club head can be less than 30 mm. For example, on the ground, another club head coordinate system places the club head origin at the intersection of the Z-axis and the ground plane, providing a positive Z-axis coordinate for each club head feature. As used herein, "Zup" refers to the Z-axis position of the CG as determined by this ground coordinate system. Zup typically refers to the height of the CG above the ground, measured along the Z-axis.

[0124] In some embodiments, the Delta 1 of the golf clubhead (i.e., a measurement of how far the CG is behind the clubhead) is greater than 20, for example, greater than 26 in some embodiments. More specifically, Delta 1 is the distance between the CG and the sheath axis along the Y-axis (a straight line from the geometric center of the hitting face towards the back of the clubhead). It has been observed that the smaller the value of Delta 1, the lower the projected CG on the golf clubhead face. Therefore, for the disclosed embodiments of golf clubheads where the projected CG on the clubhead face is lower than the geometric center, reducing Delta 1 can lower the projected CG and increase the distance between the geometric center and the projected CG. Furthermore, note that due to the gearing effect along the Z-axis, a lower projected CG can increase the launch height and reduce backspin.

[0125] Therefore, for certain embodiments of the disclosed golf clubhead, the Delta 1 value is relatively low in some cases, thereby reducing the backspin of the golf ball and helping the golf ball achieve the desired high launch, low backspin trajectory.

[0126] The United States Golf Association (USGA) sets limits on the shape, size, and moment of inertia of golf club heads. These limitations make it difficult for golf club manufacturers and designers to produce club heads with the maximum possible size and moment of inertia while maintaining all other club head characteristics. For example, one limitation is the 460 cm³ volume limit. Generally, volume is measured using the water displacement method. However, the USGA will fill any significant voids or series of voids in the club sheath with a total volume greater than 15 cm³.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as fairway woods, the volume of the golf club head can be between about 100 cm³ and about 300 cm³. For example, between about 150 cm³ and about 250 cm³, or between about 130 cm³ and about 190 cm³, or between about 125 cm³ and about 240 cm³, and the total weight is between about 125 g and about 260 g, or between about 200 g and about 250 g. For utility or hybrid clubs, the volume of the golf club head can be between about 60 cm³ and about 150 cm³, or between about 85 cm³ and about 120 cm³, and the total weight is between about 125 g and about 280 g, or between about 200 g and about 250 g. In the case of a driver, the volume of the golf club head can be between approximately 300 cm³ and approximately 600 cm³, between approximately 350 cm³ and approximately 600 cm³, and / or between approximately 350 cm³ and approximately 500 cm³, and the total weight can be between approximately 175 g and approximately 215 g, for example, between approximately 195 g and approximately 205 g.

[0128] Previously, the CGx position was approximately 4-6 mm rearward. More recently, the CGx position has shifted outward to approximately -1 mm. The CGx position is likely to continue shifting outward, for example, as described in the example CGx position of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 171,237, filed October 25, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, a clubhead has a center of gravity (CG), the position of which can be defined according to the coordinate system described above and shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1D, and in some embodiments, the clubhead has a CGx offset to, for example, the center face by no more than -2 mm. In some embodiments, the clubhead has a CGx of 0 to -4 mm. In some embodiments, the rod head has a moment of inertia (Izz) about the Z-axis of 480 to 600 kg-mm² or, in some embodiments, greater than 490 kg-mm², and a moment of inertia (Ixx) about the X-axis of approximately 280 to 420 kg-mm² or, in some embodiments, greater than 280 kg-mm².

[0129] There are several ways to position the CG orientation of a golf club head. For example, in some embodiments, a composite crown and / or sole are provided to help overcome the manufacturing challenges associated with conventional golf club heads having a normal continuous crown made of titanium or other metals, and to allow for the replacement of relatively heavy components in the crown with lighter materials, thereby freeing up discretionary mass that can be strategically allocated elsewhere within the golf club head. In some embodiments, the crown may comprise a composite material, such as those described herein and in the incorporated disclosures, with a density of less than 2 grams per cubic centimeter. In further embodiments, the composite material has a density of no more than 1.5 grams per cubic centimeter, or a density between 1 gram and 2 grams per cubic centimeter. Providing a lighter crown further provides additional discretionary mass to the golf club head, which can be used elsewhere within the club head to achieve the designer's objectives. For example, with a self-determined mass, additional weight can be strategically added to the hollow interior of the golf clubhead, or strategically placed on the exterior of the golf clubhead, to move the effective forward or backward, outward or backward, or both CG (in addition to any further CG adjustments achieved by the adjustable weight feature), and / or improve the desired MOI characteristics as described above.

[0130] In some embodiments, the crown and / or base may be formed wholly or partially of a composite material, such as a carbon composite material, made of a multilayer composite material comprising a multilayer fiber material (e.g., graphite, or a hybrid structure comprising vortexed carbon fiber or graphite carbon fiber or a mixture of graphite and vortex portions). Examples of some of the composite materials used in metal-wood golf clubs and their manufacturing processes are found in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,267,620), 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,140,974), 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610 and 12 / 156,947, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0131] Alternatively, the crown and / or sole can also be formed from short or long fiber reinforced formulations of the aforementioned polymers. An example formulation includes a nylon 6 / 6 polyamide formulation with 30% carbon fiber filler, available from RTP Corporation under the trade name RTP 285. The tensile strength of this material is 35,000 psi (241 mPa) according to ASTM D 638; the elongation at break is 2.0–3.0% according to ASTM D 638; the tensile modulus is 3.30 x 10⁶ psi (22,754 MPa) according to ASTM D 638; and the flexural strength is 50,000 psi (345 MPa) according to ASTM D 638. The flexural strength, measured according to ASTM D 790, is 50,000 psi (345 MPa); the flexural modulus, measured according to ASTM D 790, is 2.60 x 10⁶ psi (17,927 MPa).

[0132] In addition, a polyphthalamide (PPA) formulation, 40% of which is carbon fiber filler, is included and is available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 4087 UP. The tensile strength of this material is 360 MPa, measured according to ISO 527; the tensile modulus is 41,500 MPa, measured according to ISO 178; the flexural strength is 580 MPa (measured according to ISO 178); and the flexural modulus is 34,500 MPa (measured according to ISO 178).

[0133] In addition, a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) formulation containing 30% carbon fiber filler is included, available from RTP Company under the trade name RTP 1385 UP. The tensile strength of this material is 255 MPa, measured according to ISO 527; the elongation at break is 1.3%, measured according to ISO 527; the tensile modulus is 28,500 MPa, measured according to ISO 527; the flexural strength is 385 MPa, measured according to ISO 178; and the flexural modulus is 23,000 MPa, measured according to ISO 178.

[0134] In other embodiments, the crown and / or base of the shaft are formed as a double-layer structure, comprising an injection-molded inner layer and an outer layer composed of a thermoplastic composite laminate. The injection-molded inner layer can be made of thermoplastic polymers, preferably polyamide (PA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Generally, the thermoplastic composite laminate structure used to prepare the outer layer is a continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic resin. Continuous fibers include glass fibers (roving glass and filament glass), as well as aramid fibers and carbon fibers. Thermoplastic resins impregnated with these fibers to form the laminate include polyamides (including but not limited to PA, PA6, PA12, and PA6), polypropylene (PP), thermoplastic polyurethane or polyurethane (TPU), and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0135] Laminated sheets can be formed in a continuous process, in which a thermoplastic substrate polymer and individual fiber structural layers are fused together under high pressure to form a single integrated laminate. The number of layers and the thickness of the final laminate can vary. Generally, laminates are reinforced in a dual-belt laminator, resulting in products with a porosity of less than 2%, a fiber content between 35% and 55%, and a thickness ranging from 0.5 mm to 6.0 mm, containing up to 20 layers.

[0136] For further information on the structure and preparation methods of such laminated structures, please refer to European Patent EP1923420B1 obtained by Bond Laminates GMBH on February 25, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0137] The outer composite laminate structure can also be formed from Bond Laminates' TEPEX® series resin laminates, with a preferred example being TEPEX® dynalite 201, a PA66 polyamide formulation with reinforced carbon fibers, having a density of 1.4 g / cm³, a fiber content of 45 vol%, and tensile strength of 785 mPa, tensile modulus of 53 gPa, flexural strength of 760 mPa, and flexural modulus of 45 GPa as measured by ASTM D 638.

[0138] Another preferred example is TEPEX® dynalite 208, a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based formulation containing reinforced carbon fibers with a density of 1.5 g / cm³ and a fiber content of 45 vol%. The tensile strength is 710 mPa according to ASTM D 638, the tensile modulus is 48 gPa according to ASTM D 638, the flexural strength is 745 mPa according to ASTM D 790, and the flexural modulus is 41 gPa according to ASTM D 790.

[0139] Another preferred example is TEPEX® dynalite 207, a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based formulation with reinforced carbon fibers having a density of 1.6 g / cm³, a fiber content of 45 vol%, a tensile strength of 710 mPa, and a flexural modulus of 41 gPa. The tensile strength is 710 mPa according to ASTM D 638; the tensile modulus is 55 gPa according to ASTM D 638; the flexural strength is 650 mPa according to ASTM D 790; and the flexural modulus is 40 gPa according to ASTM D 790.

[0140] Multi-layered composite crowns can be formed in various ways. In some embodiments... The outer layer is formed separately from the injection-molded inner layer. The outer layer can be formed using known thermoplastic composite laminate molding techniques, including but not limited to compression molding, rubber-matched metal compression molding, or diaphragm molding.

[0141] The inner layer can be injection molded using conventional techniques and fixed to the outer crown layer by bonding methods known in the art, including but not limited to adhesive bonding, including gluing, welding (preferred welding procedures are ultrasonic welding, thermal element welding, vibration welding, rotary friction welding or high frequency welding (Plastics Handbook, Vol. ¾4, pages 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Vienna 1998)), calendering or mechanical fastening (including rivet or thread interaction).

[0142] Before the inner layer is fixed to the outer layer The outer surface of the inner layer and / or the interior of the outer layer can be pretreated by one or more of the following processes (for more details, please refer to Ehrenstein, "Handbuch Kunststoff-Verbindungstechnik", Carl Hanser Verlag Munich 2004, pp. 494-504): Mechanical treatment, preferably brushing or grinding. o Use liquid cleaning, preferably an aqueous solution or organic solvent to remove surface deposits. For flame treatment, propane, natural gas, coal gas, or butane are preferred. o Corona treatment (atmospheric voltage plasma) o Potential-free atmospheric pressure plasma treatment o Low-voltage plasma treatment (air and O2 atmosphere) o Ultraviolet light treatment o Chemical pretreatment, such as wet chemical methods through gas phase pretreatment o Base agent and coupling agent

[0143] In a particularly preferred preparation method, a so-called hybrid molding process can be used to insert the outer layer of the composite laminate into the injection-molded inner layer to provide additional strength. Generally, the composite laminate is introduced into the injection mold as a heated sheet or pre-formed part. During injection molding, the thermoplastic material of the inner layer is molded onto the inner surface of the composite laminate, and these materials fuse together to form a highly integrated crown. Typically, the injection-molded inner layer material belongs to the same polymer family as the matrix material used to form the composite laminate to ensure a good weld bond.

[0144] In addition to forming the required shape for the clubhead and butt, the thermoplastic inner layer may also form other features, including one or more reinforcing ribs to provide strength and / or desired toughness, and one or more weight ports for placing additional tungsten (or other metal) weights.

[0145] The thickness of the inner layer is typically about 0.25 to 2 mm, and preferably about 0.5 to 1.25 mm.

[0146] The thickness of the composite laminate structure used to form the outer layer is typically from about 0.25 to about 2 mm, preferably from about 0.5 to about 1.25 mm, and even more preferably from 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0147] As detailed in U.S. Patent No. 6,623,378, filed June 11, 2001, entitled "METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING AND GOLF CLUB HEAD," the crown or shell (or sole) can be made of composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or polymer. Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 974,437 (now U.S. Patent Application No. 8,608,591) describes a golf club head with a lightweight crown and sole.

[0148] The composite materials used to manufacture the rack crown and / or root of the gear should possess high strength and rigidity over a wide temperature range, as well as good wear and abrasion resistance, and resistance to stress cracking. These properties include: a) Room temperature tensile strength from about 7 ksi to about 330 ksi, preferably from about 8 ksi to about 305 ksi, more preferably from about 200 ksi to about 300 ksi, and even more preferably from about 250 ksi to about 300 ksi (measured by ASTM D 638 and / or ASTM D 3039); b) The tensile modulus at room temperature is from about 0.4 Msi to about 23 Msi, preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 21 Msi, and even more preferably from about 0.46 Msi to about 19 Msi (measured according to ASTM D 638 and / or ASTM D 3039); c) Flexural strength at room temperature of about 13 ksi to about 300 ksi, about 14 ksi to about 290 ksi, more preferably about 50 ksi to about 285 ksi, and more preferably about 100 ksi to about 280 ksi (as determined by ASTM D 790); d) Flexural modulus at room temperature from about 0.4 Msi to about 21 Msi, from about 0.5 Msi to about 20 Msi, more preferably from about 10 Msi to about 19 Msi (measured according to ASTM D 790);

[0149] Composite materials used in the manufacture of clubhead assemblies consist of a fiber portion and a resin portion. Generally, the resin portion serves as the "base material" into which the fibers are embedded in a specific manner. In clubhead composites, the fiber portion is configured as multiple fiber layers, each impregnated with resin. The fibers in each layer have their own orientation, typically different and precisely controlled. The number of fiber layers on the striking face is usually quite large, for example, forty or more. However, for the sole or crown, the number of layers can be significantly reduced, for example, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, as illustrated below. During the manufacturing process of the composite material, each layer (each containing oriented fibers impregnated in uncured or partially cured resin; each layer is called a "prepreg" layer) is stacked in a "layout" manner. After the prepreg layers are formed, the resin is cured to a hard state. If interested, a specific strength can be calculated by dividing the tensile strength by the material density. This is also known as the strength-to-weight ratio or strength / weight ratio.

[0150] In tests involving certain clubhead configurations, composite material portions formed from prepreg fiber layers with relatively low fiber average weight (FAW) have been found to offer superior properties in several areas, such as impact resistance, durability, and overall club performance. (FAW refers to the weight of a given amount of fiber portion in prepreg, measured in g / m², also abbreviated as gsm). FAW values ​​of 120 g / m² or less, 100 g / m² or less, and 70 g / m² or less are particularly effective. As previously mentioned, carbon fiber is a particularly suitable fiber material for manufacturing prepreg fiber layers. More than one fiber material may be used. However, in other embodiments, prepreg fiber layers with FAW values ​​below 70 g / m² and above 100 g / m² may be used. Generally, cost is the main limiting factor for prepreg layers with FAW values ​​below 70 g / m².

[0151] In certain embodiments, multiple low-FAW prepreg layers can be stacked together, maintaining a relatively uniform fiber distribution across the thickness of the stack. Conversely, at comparable resin content (R / C, in percentage) levels, prepreg stacks with higher FAW tend to have more significant resin-rich regions than low-FAW stacks, particularly at interfaces between adjacent layers. Resin-rich regions tend to reduce the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement, especially since the forces generated by a golf ball impact are typically transverse to the fiber orientation of the reinforcement. The prepreg layers used to form the panels are preferably composed of carbon fibers impregnated with a suitable resin (such as epoxy). An example of carbon fiber is "34-700" carbon fiber (available from Grafil, Sacramento, Calif.), with a tensile modulus of 234 GPa (34 Msi) and a tensile strength of 4500 Mpa (650 Ksi). Another usable Grafil fiber is "TR50S" carbon fiber, with a tensile modulus of 240 GPa (35 Msi) and a tensile strength of 4900 Mpa (710 ksi). Suitable epoxy resins are "301" and "350" types (available at Newport Adhesives and Composites, Irvine, Calif.). Typical resin content (R / C) is between 33% and 40%, preferably between 35% and 40%, and even more preferably between 36% and 38%.

[0152] Each golf club head discussed in this application may include a separate crown, sole, and / or face, which may be composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin, carbon fiber reinforced polymer, or polymer crown, sole, and / or face.

[0153] In some embodiments, the sizes of the golf club head's CGx, CGy, and CGz are adjustable. For example, in one embodiment, the golf club head has one or more adjustable weighting features, such as weight ports, rails, and / or slots, and one or more adjustable weights located in the weight ports, rails, and / or slots. For example, U.S. Patent Serial No. 9,868,036 (incorporated herein by reference) describes a weight rail with sliding weights for adjusting the CG orientation of the golf club head. Other adjustable weighting features may also be used to adjust the CG orientation.

[0154] In some embodiments, the magnifying glass positioning of the CGx, cGy, and CGz values ​​of the golf club head is combined with the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the aerodynamic drag on the golf club head is reduced due to the shape of the striking face. For example, aerodynamic drag can be reduced by providing a striking face that projects shorter along the positive X-axis 208 toward the heel side of the golf club head and higher along the negative X-axis 208 toward the toe side of the golf club head. In other words, the striking face can provide a bulge toward the striking face in the negative X-axis portion. For example, as described below, the crown height to face height ratio of the golf club head is at least 1.12. As a result of this configuration, more material and mass are provided along the negative X-axis of the striking face than along the positive X-axis, which may cause CGx to tend toward the negative X-axis. This aerodynamic shape tends to cause CGx to naturally shift outward.

[0155] In addition to the features described above, other aerodynamic shapes are described in U.S. Patent Serials 8,858,359 and 9,861,864. For example, various characteristics can be modified to improve the aerodynamic aspects of a golf club head. In various embodiments, the volume of the golf club head can be from 430 cc to 500 cc. In various embodiments, the crown of the golf club head may not have inverted, indented, or recessed shaping elements; therefore, the crown remains convex on its shaft, although the curvature of the crown may be variable in various embodiments.

[0156] For example, in one embodiment, the face height of the golf club head is approximately 59.1 mm, and the crown height is approximately 69.4 mm. It can be seen that the ratio of crown height to face height is 69.4 / 59.1, or approximately 1.17. In other embodiments, the ratio of crown height to face height of the golf club head is at least 1.12. Other crown height to face height ratios may also be used. For example, in one embodiment, a face height of approximately 58.7 mm can be provided. In the current embodiment, the corresponding crown height is approximately 69.4 mm. The ratio of crown height to face height is 69.4 / 58.7, or approximately 1.18. Additionally, in another embodiment, a face height of approximately 58.7 mm can be provided. In the current embodiment, the crown height is approximately 69.4 mm. The ratio of crown height to face height is 69.4 / 58.7, or approximately 1.18. Therefore, the ratio of crown height to face height is approximately 1 to 2, depending on the specific circumstances.

[0157] In another embodiment, the golf club head may have a minimum and / or maximum face area. For example, a larger face area results in greater drag (i.e., reduced aerodynamic characteristics of the golf club head). Besides aerodynamic characteristics, the minimum and / or maximum face area may be determined by other golf club head characteristics, such as reducing weight and increasing ball speed. Therefore, in one embodiment, the minimum face area of ​​the golf club head is 3300 mm². In other embodiments, the face area of ​​the golf club head is between approximately 3700 mm² and approximately 4000 mm². In other embodiments, the face area of ​​the golf club head is between approximately 3500 mm² and approximately 4200 mm². In other embodiments, the face area is between approximately 4100 mm² and approximately 4400 mm², preferably between 4200 mm² and 4300 mm². In another embodiment, the maximum face area of ​​the golf club head is approximately 4500 mm². Other face areas may also be used.

[0158] In some embodiments, the discretionary mass is strategically positioned at an angle relative to the striking face 110, for example, in the same plane as the golf club head, because the club is designed to move during the downswing. In some embodiments, the discretionary mass is strategically positioned low (along the negative Z-axis), rearward (along the positive Y-axis 207), and outward (along the negative X-axis 208), positioning the mass in a location of airflow. Positioning the mass in a location of airflow reduces aerodynamic drag and positions CGx on the negative X-axis.

[0159] U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 755,319, which is incorporated herein by reference, describes embodiments of arbitrary mass for strategic positioning. For example, as shown in Figures 12, 13, 14A, and 15. For example, as shown in Figures 12, 13, 14A, and 15-19, a golf club head 300 includes an inertia generator 360, which may include, as shown and further described below, a central sheath portion that is also angled outwards, extending from a position near the club head's center of gravity 350 to the rear of the shaft.

[0160] In one or more embodiments, the golf club head 300 includes a hollow shaft 310 defining a crown 312, a sole 314, a skirt 316, and a striking face 318. The striking face 318 may be integrally formed with or attached to the shaft 310. The shaft 310 further includes a sheath 320 defining a sheath opening 324 adapted to receive the golf club shaft. The shaft 310 further includes a heel 326, a toe 328, a leading edge 330, and a trailing edge 332. The shaft 310 includes numerous features that improve playability, including at least one inertia generator 360, a front groove 390, a groove or groove insert 395, one or more front groove support ribs 396, additional ribs 397 connected to the front groove support ribs 396, and composite panels on the soles 344, 348, and crown 335, as well as customizable mass elements and other additional features, as will be further described herein. The front groove 390 may have a length L (measurable as the distance between its outward and inward heel ends), a width W (e.g., a measurement from the front edge to the rear edge of the front groove 390), and an offset distance OS from the front or striking surface 318 (e.g., the distance from the striking surface 318 to the sole). The striking surface 318 is the distance between the leading edge of the front groove 390 and the front groove 390. During development, it was discovered that the characteristic length L of the clubhead's center of gravity (COR) and the offset distance OS from the strike face play important roles in managing stresses that affect durability, clubhead sound or first-mode frequency, and the clubhead's COR value. All of these parameters play a significant role in overall clubhead performance and user experience.

[0161] A front plane 331 extends from the foremost point of the golf club head, and a rear plane 333 extends from the rearmost point of the golf club head. Each of these planes extends from its respective point and is perpendicular to the ground plane 317. As shown in Figure 12, these planes can be used together to measure the front-to-back depth of the golf club head (“club head depth”). A midpoint plane 334 extends between the front plane 331 and the rear plane 333, perpendicular to the ground plane 317. As shown in Figure 13, a center point 323 is located on the striking face 318. A projected CG point 325 is also shown on the surface. The golf club head 300 also has a skirt height 315, which measures the lowest point above the ground plane where the skirt meets the crown. In some embodiments, the skirt height 315 may be between 25 mm and 40 mm, for example, between 30 mm and 40 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm.

[0162] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the center club bottom 362 includes an elongated and generally planar surface that is closer to the ground plane 317 than the peripheral portion of the club bottom 314, which is located outward and inward of the inertia generator 360. In some embodiments, the inertia generator 360 is angled such that the rear end of the inertia generator faces away from the front end. The angle of the inertia generator relative to the Y-axis can be in the range of 10 to 25 degrees, for example, between 15 and 25 degrees, or for example, between 17 and 22 degrees. As shown in Figures 14A and 15, an opening 366 can be provided within the center club bottom 362 for introducing hot melt adhesive into the cavity of the golf club head. Additionally, an inertia generator support rib 368 is provided, which runs along the inside of the golf club head below the inertia generator 360. A cross-section of the inertia generator can be drawn along line 24-24. The inertia generator support rib 368 not only helps provide structural support for the inertia generator, but also helps limit the use of any hot melt adhesive injected through the opening 366.

[0163] As shown in Figures 12 and 15, the inertia generator further includes a heel-facing club sole surface 361 and a toe-facing club sole surface 363, which, when viewed from a normal position, slope upwards from the center club bottom 362 to the club sole 314. The rearward club sole surface 361 may have a generally triangular shape, having a sheath generally facing forward and backward (and generally parallel to the heel club sole insert 344), a first edge adjacent to the center club bottom 362 extending rearwards from the sheath generally parallel to the center club bottom, and a second edge extending rearwards from the sheath at a position on the club sole 314 to the club sole or near the club sole on the rearward side of the center club bottom 362 at the rear of the golf club head 332, "sloping upwards". The outward-facing sole surface 363 may also have a generally triangular shape, comprising: a generally forward- and outward-facing insert (and generally parallel to the toe sole insert 348), a first edge adjacent to the center sole 362 (this edge extends rearward from the insert, generally parallel to the rear end of the center sole), and a second edge (this edge extends from the outward end of the insert on the sole 314 to a position "upward-curved" from or approximately to the outward side of the sole). This "upward-curved" position of the center insert portion 362 is located at the rear 332 of the golf club head. The inertia generator is configured such that, in some embodiments, the center of gravity 365 may be positioned outward along the x-axis and lower than the z-axis (or closer to the ground plane 317). In other words, as described above, the inertia generator can help shift the overall center of gravity 350 of the club outward, while also lowering its center of gravity and reducing Zup.

[0164] Example values ​​for the center of gravity 365 of the inertia generator are described below. In some embodiments, the inertia generator may have a center of gravity 365 relative to the center 323 of the striking surface 318, which is measured on the x-axis (CGx) between -10 mm and -25 mm, for example between -15 mm and -25 mm.

[0165] The x-axis (CGx) is between -10 mm and -25 mm, for example, between -15 mm and 5-20 mm; -20 mm;

[0166] The y-axis (CGy) is between 80 and 110 mm, for example, between 90 and 100 mm; and

[0167] The z-axis (CGz) is between 0 and -20 mm, for example, between -10 mm and -20 mm.

[0168] Furthermore, due to its shape and orientation, the inertia generator is configured to be roughly aligned with a typical swing path, allowing for greater inertia to be generated during a golf swing. An example of the moment of inertia of a 300 golf clubhead is shown below.

[0169] As shown in Figure 14A, the crown may be formed with a recessed peripheral flange or seat 338 to receive the crown insert 335, such that the crown insert is flush with the adjacent surface of the shaft to provide a smooth, seamless outer surface, or slightly recessed below the shaft surface. The crown insert 335 may cover the large opening 340 at the top and rear of the shaft (as shown in Figure 14A), forming part of the golf club head crown 312. The heel sole insert 344 and the toe sole insert 348 may be attached to the shaft 310 to cover the heel sole opening 342 and the toe sole opening 346 behind the sole, respectively (as shown in Figure 16). The heel sole opening 342 has a heel sole flange 343 for supporting the heel sole insert 344. Similarly, the toe sole opening 346 has a toe sole flange 347 for supporting the toe sole insert 348. The golf club head may include a front mass pad 380, positioned at the heel and front of the club sole 314.

[0170] As shown in Figure 15, multiple characteristic time ("CT") tuning screws 375 can be inserted through holes 374 in the striking surface. Damping material (such as adjusting foam 376) can be inserted through one or both of these holes into the cavity 394 of the golf club head 300 to adjust the characteristic time. For example, damping material can be added that, upon hardening, reduces the CT time. For further details regarding the provision of characteristic time adjustment, please refer to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 857,407, filed December 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0171] Located behind the inertia generator 360 is the inertia generator mass element 385, which may include steel or tungsten counterweights or other suitable materials. The inertia generator mass element 385 is removably secured to the rear of the inertia generator 360 using a fastener connection port 386. This fastener connection port 386 is located at the rear of the inertia generator 360 and configured to receive a fastener 388, which is removably inserted into a hole 387 in the inertia generator mass element 385 and passes through the fastener connection port 386. The fastener connection port 386 and the hole 387 may be threaded, thus allowing the fastener 388 to be loosened or locked, allowing the inertia generator mass element 385 to move or be fixed in its position. The fastener may include a head that can be tightened or loosened using a tool (not shown), and a part that, for example, can interact with corresponding threads on the fastener connection port 386 and the opening 387 via threads to facilitate tightening or loosening the fastener 388.

[0172] Fastener connection port 386 may have any of a variety of different configurations to receive and / or secure any of a variety of fasteners, which may include simple threaded fasteners as described herein, or may include removable counterweights or counterweight assemblies, such as those described in U.S. Patents 6,773,360, 7,166,040, 7,452,285, 7,628,707, 7,186,190, 7,591,738, 7,963,861, 7,621,823, 7,448,963, 7,568,985, 7,578,753, 7,717,804, 7,717,805, 7,530,904, 7,540,811, and 7,407. Nos. 447, 7,632,194, 7,846,041, 7,419,441, 7,713,142, 7,744,484, 7,223,180, 7,410,425 and 7,410,426, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0173] As shown in Figure 17, the golf club head sheath 320 has a sheath hole 324 that accommodates a shaft connection assembly 355, which allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the golf club head and provides the user with the ability to selectively adjust the club's angle and / or loft. As described in U.S. Patent No. 8,303,431, the shaft connection assembly 355 may include a sleeve that can be mounted on the lower end of the shaft (not shown). A recessed hole 378 is provided on the sheath 314 and extends from the sheath 314 toward the sheath 320, particularly the sheath hole 324. The sheath hole 324 extends from the sheath 320 through the golf club head 310 and opens within the recessed hole 378 in the bottom 314 of the golf club head 300. The sheath hole may contain threads configured to interact with fasteners such as screws. The golf club head can be detachably connected to the shaft via a shaft connection assembly 355 (which is mounted on the lower portion of the golf club shaft (not shown)) by inserting one end of the shaft connection assembly 355 into the sheath hole 324 and inserting a screw 379 (or other suitable fastening device) upwards into the recessed hole 378 of the club sole 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the screw 379 is tightened into the threaded opening of the shaft connection assembly 355, thereby securing the golf club head to the sheath 302. A screw fastening device, such as an O-ring or washer 381, can be placed on the shaft of the screw 379 to hold the screw in place within the golf club head when the screw is loosened, thereby allowing removal of the shaft from the golf club head. For embodiments with the shaft connection assembly 355, the club head mass and mass characteristics, including but not limited to the CG position, related measurements using the CG position, and moment of inertia, are determined at the time of installation of all components of the shaft connection assembly 355. The shaft connection assembly 355 is determined after all components are installed. The shaft connection assembly 355 may include an internal connection sleeve 356 that is fixed to or formed in the shaft head.

[0174] Figure 19 shows the dashed lines surrounding the golf club head 300. When the golf club head 300 is in the normal follow-through position, each of these dashed lines represents a fixed distance above the ground plane; therefore, a cross-section of the golf club head taken along one of these dashed lines will be positioned at a consistent height above the ground plane. For example, the 10 mm cross-section 302 represents the cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a position 10 mm above the ground plane. Conversely: The .15 mm cross section 303 represents the cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a position 15 mm above the ground plane; The .20 mm cross section 304 represents the cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a position 20 mm above the ground plane; The .25 mm cross section 305 represents the cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a position 25 mm above the ground plane; The .30 mm cross section 306 represents the cross-section of the golf club head 300 at a distance of 30 mm from the ground plane; The .35 mm cross section 307 represents the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a distance of 35 mm from the ground plane; and The .40 mm cross section 308 indicates the cross section of the golf club head 300 at a distance of 40 mm from the ground plane.

[0175] As mentioned above, the CGx direction of a golf clubhead can be moved outward (along the negative x-axis) or inward (along the positive x-axis) to provide specific characteristics that produce the clubhead, such as increased MOI, increased ball speed, and reduced "gearing effect." However, orienting the CGx outward may cause the clubhead's striking face to remain open upon impact with the golf ball. In this example, when the CGx is oriented along the negative x-axis, the user may find it more difficult to right the clubhead during the downswing (e.g., release), causing the user to hit the ball to the right (i.e., a "chip" or "block"). Conversely, when the CGx is oriented towards the heel, it may cause the clubhead's striking face to close upon impact with the golf ball. In this example, when the CGx is oriented along the positive x-axis, the clubhead may release earlier, making it more difficult for the user to prevent the striking face from closing excessively during the downswing, causing the user to hit the ball to the left (i.e., a "hook" or "pull"). To overcome shot errors caused by negative or positive CGx direction, visual cues can be provided to counteract the CGx direction (i.e., change the angle of the clubface 110 perceived by the user), allowing the user to hit straighter shots with fewer errors.

[0176] As described above, in some embodiments, one or more features of the golf club head may be provided to alter the user's perception of the clubface angle. For example, referring back to Figure 3, the golf club head 600 includes an alignment function. The golf club head 600 includes an alignment function to alter the user's perception of the angle of the clubface 110. In an embodiment with a negative CGx direction, an alignment function is provided to alter the perceived top line relative to the hitting face, which appears square when the actual hitting face angle is closed relative to the perceived top line. By closing the actual hitting face angle relative to the perceived top line, the user closes the clubhead during the downswing to make the hitting face square upon impact with the golf ball, thereby counteracting right deviation. Conversely, in an embodiment with a positive CGx direction, a different alignment function is provided to alter the perceived top line relative to the hitting face, which appears square when the actual hitting face angle is open relative to the perceived top line. By opening the actual hitting face angle relative to the perceived top line, the user can counteract left-side deviation by opening the clubhead during the downswing, making the hitting face square upon impact with the golf ball.

[0177] For example, alignment features can be provided as a contrasting paint or shade relative to the surface 110 or the shade of the crown 120. In this example, the user tends to focus on the perceived top line created by the contrasting paint, such as white or another color paint that contrasts with the metal impact surface, even if the actual face angle is visible to the user. Users tend to overlook the actual face angle when a paint with color contrast is provided. Furthermore, alignment features can also provide unconscious corrections during the swing. Specifically, when the actual clubface angle is closed or open relative to the perceived top line, the user perceives the club as square, and therefore the user will naturally and unconsciously try to square the perceived top line when striking the golf ball to correct for errors caused by the CGx direction.

[0178] In some embodiments, the alignment function can open or close the sensing top line relative to the actual clubface angle by approximately 2 to 4 degrees. In some embodiments, for every 5% change in the CGx direction, the sensing top line opens or closes by 1 degree relative to the actual clubface angle (i.e., opens or closes the sensing top line relative to the actual clubface angle), causing the user to close or open the actual clubface angle at the landing point. Depending on the golf club, each degree of sensing top line change can affect the lateral dispersion setting in the shot result. For example, changing the sensing top line of a play club by one degree may reduce the dispersion by approximately five yards. In another example, changing the sensing top line of a fairway wood by one degree can reduce the dispersion by approximately three yards.

[0179] In some embodiments, the alignment feature can be provided as a parabola defined relative to the strike face. For example, a point on the parabola can provide an open or closed radius of about 2 to about 4 degrees relative to the angle of the strike face. Depending on the golf club, the radius of the alignment feature may affect the amount of lateral dispersion setting in the shot. For example, changing the radius of the parabola defining the top line of the driver by one degree can reduce dispersion by about 5 yards. In another example, changing the radius of the parabola defining the top line of the fairway wood by one degree can reduce dispersion by about three yards.

[0180] In some embodiments, grooves and / or score lines may be provided on the golf clubhead to alter the user's positioning, aligning it with the CG direction. Referring back to Figure 1B, the grooves and / or score lines are located on the striking face 110, conventionally at the center of the clubface (CF) at the origin 205 of coordinate system 200. Orienting CGx along the positive or negative x-axis without moving the score lines from the CF could cause the user to align the golf clubhead with the golf ball without aligning CGx with the golf ball. If the user does not align the golf ball with CGx, the user may hit the ball at a position on the striking face that is inconsistent with the CGx position, thus reducing ball speed and accuracy. For example, for a positive CGx, hitting the ball at the CF is inconsistent with the positive CGx direction. Furthermore, if the user hits the ball at a position on the striking face corresponding to the positive CGx (i.e., outside the score lines provided by the CF), the user may perceive the shot as a mishit, leading to future misalignment of the user's shots. In some embodiments, grooves and / or notches offset from the CF are provided on the clubface at positions corresponding to the CGx, CGy, and CGz directions. The score lines and notches can also serve as aids in alignment. For example, in the negative CGx example, the score lines and / or notches are positioned outwards from the CF to encourage the user to seek and strike the ball further outwards (i.e., aligned with the negative CGx). In this example, the score lines and / or notches are positioned outwards from the center of the clubface geometry. Therefore, the score lines and / or notches are aligned to achieve maximum performance (i.e., maximum ball speed, reduced gearing, reduced dispersion, etc.).

[0181] In addition, golf club designs are provided to counteract the lateral tilt experienced by a player when a high ball strikes the clubhead at a high, low, backward, and / or outward position. One such golf club design incorporates a “twisted” bulge and roll profile, such as those discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,814,944 and 10,265,586 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2019 / 0076705. The entire contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0182] Figure 20a shows multiple vertical planes 402, 404, 406 and horizontal planes 408, 410, 412. More specifically, the toe-side vertical plane 402, the center vertical plane 404 (passing through the center plane), and the heel vertical plane 406 are spaced 30 mm apart from the center face position 414. The distance between the upper horizontal plane 408, the center horizontal plane 410 (passing through the center face 414), and the lower horizontal plane 412 is 15 mm (measured from the center face position 414).

[0183] Figure 20b illustrates the superposition of the roll profiles A, B, and C of all three clubfaces when viewed from the heel side of a golf club. The three clubface profiles are defined as those intersecting with three vertical planes 402, 404, and 406. Specifically, the toe-side profile A, represented by a dashed line, is defined as the intersection of the clubface surface and vertical plane 402, located at the toe of the clubface. The center-plane vertical profile B, represented by a solid line, is defined by the intersection of the clubface surface and the center-plane vertical plane 404 located at the center of the clubface. The heel-side profile C, represented by a thin dashed line, is defined by the intersection of the clubface surface and the vertical plane 406 located on the heel side of the clubface. Roll contours A, B, and C are three different lateral roll contours taken from three different locations to show the variation in lateral roll. Relative to the central plane vertical profile B, the toe-side vertical profile A is more inclined (with a positive LA°Δ); relative to the central plane vertical profile B, the heel-side vertical profile C is more inclined (with a negative LA°Δ).

[0184] Figure 20b shows the tilt angle variation 434 measured between the center face vector 416 located on the center face 414 and the toe roll curvature A with face angle vector 432. A vertical stitch length of 12.7 mm is measured along the toe roll curvature A from the center position to the crown and bottom faces to locate the crown face measurement point 430 and the bottom face measurement point 428. A segment line 436 connects these two measurement points. The tilt angle vector 432 is perpendicular to the segment line 436. The tilt angle vector 432 and the center face vector 416 located on the center face point 414 produce a tilt angle 434. As previously stated, a more tilted angle represents a change in tilt angle ( It is positive relative to the center plane vector 416, and points upward or higher relative to the center plane vector 416, just like the case of roll curvature A.

[0185] Figure 20c further illustrates the overlapping contours of the three striking faces, D, E, and F, viewed from the crown side of the golf club. These three striking face contours are defined as those intersecting with three horizontal planes 408, 410, and 412. Specifically, the crown side contour line D, indicated by a dashed line, is defined by the intersection of the striking face surface facing the crown and the upper horizontal plane 408. The center face contour E, indicated by a solid line, is defined by the intersection of the impact face surface and the horizontal plane 408 located at the center of the impact face. The bottom face contour line F (indicated by a thin dashed line) is defined by the intersection of the impact face surface and the horizontal plane 412 located below the impact face. The contour lines D, E, and F are three different contour lines of the striking face taken from three different locations to show the contour variation of the entire striking face. Compared to the center face contour line E, the crown contour line D is more open (…). (Positive value, definition below). The bottom ridge profile F is relatively closed (when measured on the central vertical plane). (Negative).

[0186] In the "twisted" ridge and roll profiles defined above, the ball striking the upper part of the clubface is affected by the horizontal profile D. However, when the ball strikes the aforementioned "twisted" clubface profile, the horizontal profile D provides an overall arc pointing to the right to counteract the leftward tendency of a typical topface shot.

[0187] Similarly, a typical shot with the impact point on the underside of the clubface would typically land to the right of the intended target. However, when the ball strikes the aforementioned "distorted" clubface profile, the horizontal profile F provides an overall arc pointing to the left to counteract the rightward tilt of a typical underface shot. The typical rightward tilt of a low-face shot is evident. It is understood that, for illustrative purposes, the profiles shown in Figures 20b and 20c are severely distorted.

[0188] To determine whether a two-dimensional profile (such as A, B, C, D, E, or F) points left, right, up, or down, two measurement points along the profile can be set at a distance of 18.25 mm from the center or 36.5 mm apart. A first imaginary line can be drawn between these two measurement points. Finally, a second imaginary line perpendicular to the first imaginary line can be drawn. The angle between the second imaginary line of the profile and the line perpendicular to the center face can indicate the degree of openness or closure of the profile relative to the center face profile. Of course, the above method can also be used to measure the local curvature direction provided by CAD software platforms in three-dimensional or two-dimensional models, with similar results. Alternatively, before implementing the above measurement method, a laser scan or profile measurement of the actual golf club's striking face can be performed to capture a 2D or 3D profile. Suitable laser scanning devices include the GOM Atos Core 185 or the Faro Edge Scan Arm HD. If laser scanning or CAD methods are not feasible, or if these methods are unreliable, a "black gauge" manufactured by Golf Instruments Co. in Oceanside, California, can be used to measure the face angle and tilt angle of a specific point. The M-310 or the digital-manual combination C-510 is an example of a usable gauge, which provides a four-pin block for centering the desired measurement point. The horizontal distance between the pins is 36.5 mm, and the vertical distance is 12.7 mm.

[0189] When an operator uses the black gauge to measure the inclination of a golf club at a desired measurement point, the gauge uses two of the four vertical rods to measure the inclination at that point, and this inclination is equidistant from the distance between the two vertical rods. When using the black gauge to measure the clubface angle of a golf club at a desired measurement point, two horizontal rods (two of the four) are used to measure the clubface angle around the desired point. When measuring the clubface angle, the desired point is equidistant from the two points located by the two horizontal rods.

[0190] Figure 20c shows the face angle 420 measured between the center face vector 416 located at the center face 414 and the crown side bulge curvature D with a face angle vector 418. A horizontal pin pitch of 18.25 mm is measured along the crown side bulge curvature D from the center position to the heel and toe sides to locate the heel side measurement point 426 and the toe side measurement point 424. A segment line 422 connects these two measurement points. An angle vector 418 is perpendicular to this segment line 422. This face angle vector 418, together with the center face vector 416 located at the center face point 414, produces a face angle 420. As previously stated, an open face angle represents a face angle variation ( The vector 416 relative to the center rod surface is positive and points to the right, just like the case of the bulge curvature D.

[0191] Figure 21 shows the desired measurement point Q0 located at the center of the striking face 500. A horizontal plane 522 intersects the vertical plane 502 at the desired measurement point Q0, dividing the striking face 500 into four quadrants. The upper toe quadrant 514, upper heel quadrant 518, lower heel quadrant 520, and lower toe quadrant 516 together form the striking face 500. In one embodiment, the upper toe quadrant 514 is more "open" than the other quadrants. In other words, the upper toe quadrant 514 generally has a face angle pointing to the right. In other words, if measurements are taken covering multiple evenly spaced points (e.g., a grid with measurement points spaced 5 mm apart) covering the entire upper toe quadrant 514, its average face angle will point more to the right of the intended target than in any other quadrant.

[0192] The term "open" is defined as having a clubface angle that points generally to the right of the intended target, while the term "closed" is defined as having a clubface angle that points generally to the left of the intended target. In one embodiment, the lower heel quadrant 520 is more "closed" than all other quadrants, meaning it has a face angle that points more to the left than any other quadrant.

[0193] If the edge of the face 500 is visually unclear, it is defined as a point where the face radius is less than 127 mm. If the radius is not easily calculated in the computer modeling program, three points spaced 0.1 mm apart can be used as the three points to determine the radius of the face. This series of points will define the outer perimeter of the face 500. Alternatively, if the radius is not easily obtained in the computer model, a 127 mm camber meter can be used to detect the edge of the actual golf clubhead face. The camber meter will rotate around the center point of the face to determine the face edge.

[0194] In one example in Figure 21, when easily measurable computer modeling methods are not available, such as when measuring an actual golf clubhead, the face angle and loft angle of the center face point Q0 can be measured. The face angle is measured using black gauges by selecting two horizontal points 506 and 508, 36.5 mm apart, along horizontal plane 522, equidistant from the center face point Q0. The two pins of the black gauge contact these two points, providing a surface angle measurement reading on the provided angle measurement display. Furthermore, the loft near point Q0 is measured by selecting two vertical points 512 and 510, 12.7 mm apart. The two vertical pins of the two black gauges engage these two vertical points 512 and 510, providing a loft angle measurement reading on the provided reading display.

[0195] The X-axis 522, used for face measurement, extends from the center face toward the heel and is tangent to the center face. The positive Z-axis 502, used for measuring face points, extends from the center face toward the clubhead crown and is tangent to the center face. As described below, the xz coordinate system of the center face (excluding tilt components) can be used to locate multiple points P0-P36 and Q0-Q8. The positive y-axis 504 extends from the center of the face and is perpendicular to the center point of the face, away from the internal volume of the clubhead. The positive y-axis 504 and the positive z-axis 502 will serve as reference axes when measuring face angles and loft angles at another yz coordinate location (not the center point of the face).

[0196] Figure 21 further shows two critical points, Q3 and Q6, located at coordinates (0 mm, 15 mm) and (0 mm, -15 mm), respectively. As used herein, the terms "1° twist" and "2° twist" are defined as the total change in face angle between the two critical point positions, Q3 and Q6. For example, "1° twist" means that point Q3 has a 0.5° twist relative to the central plane Q0, while point Q6 has a -0.5° twist relative to the central plane Q0. Therefore, the absolute value of the total twist between critical points Q3 and Q6 is 1°, hence the term "1° twist".

[0197] To further understand the meaning of "twisted face," Figure 22a provides an isometric view of the exaggeratedly twisted face plane 614 of a "10° twist" to illustrate this concept applied to the golf club's striking face. Each point on the golf club surface has a corresponding change in loft (defined as "twisted face"). ") and changes in clubface angle (defined as " Each point has a related change in tilt angle (defined as ""). ") and the change in the face angle (defined as " (”).

[0198] Figure 22a shows the center point Q0 and the two critical points Q3 and Q6 in an isometric view, along with the positive x-axis 600, positive z-axis 604, and positive y-axis 602 located on the twist plane. The center plane has a vertical axis 604 that passes through the center point Q0 and is perpendicular to the twist plane 614. Similarly, critical points Q3 and Q6 also have reference axes 610 and 612, which are parallel to the vertical axis 604 of the center plane. Reference axes 610 and 612 are used to measure the relative end-face angle change and tilt angle change of these critical point positions. Critical points Q3 and Q6 each have a vertical axis 608 and 606 perpendicular to the rod surface. Therefore, at the critical points, the change in face angle is defined as the change in face angle between the reference axes 610 and 612 and the relative vertical axes 608 and 606.

[0199] Figure 22b shows a top view of the tortuous plane 614 and further illustrates how the face angle change is measured between the vertical axes 608, 606 at the critical point and the reference axes 610, 612 parallel to the vertical axis 604 of the center plane. Positive face angle change. The vertical axis indicating the measurement point points to the right relative to the reference axis. Negative angle variation. This indicates that the vertical axis points to the left relative to the reference axis. The change in face angle is measured in the plane established by the positive x-axis 60° and the positive z-axis 60°.

[0200] Figure 22c shows a rear side view of the twist plane 614, and the variation of the nap angle between the vertical axes 608 and 606 at the critical point location and the reference axes 610 and 612. Positive tilt angle variation. This indicates that the vertical axis of the measurement point points relative to the reference axis. Negative tilt angle variation. This indicates that the vertical axis points below the relative reference axis. The latitudinal angle is measured in the plane established by the positive Z-axis 604 and the positive Y-axis 602 at the specified measurement point.

[0201] Figure 23 shows the plurality of points Q0-Q8, which are spaced apart in a grid pattern across the entire striking face. In addition to the aforementioned key points Q3 and Q6, the heel-side points Q5, Q2, and Q8 are 30 mm from the vertical axis 700 passing through the center face. The toe-side points Q4, Q1, and Q7 are also 30 mm from the vertical axis 700 passing through the center face. The crown-side points Q3, Q4, and Q5 are 15 mm from the horizontal axis 702 passing through the center face. The sheath-side points Q6, Q7, and Q8 are 15 mm from the horizontal axis 702. Point Q5 is located at coordinates in the upper heel quadrant (30 mm, 15 mm), while point Q7 is located at coordinates in the lower toe quadrant (-30 mm, -15 mm). Point Q4 is located in the upper toe quadrant with coordinates (-30mm, 15mm), while point Q8 is located in the lower heel quadrant with coordinates (30mm, -15mm).

[0202] It is understood that many degrees of torsion can be considered, and the described embodiments are not limiting. For example, torsion of "0.25°", "0.75°", "1.25°", "1.5°", "1.75°", "2.25°", "2.5°", "2.75°", "3°", "3.25°", "3.5°", "3.75°", "4.25°", "4.5°", "4.75°", "5°", "5.25°", "5.5°", etc., are possible. "5.75° twist", "6° twist", "6.25° twist", "6.5° twist", "6.75° twist", "7° twist", "7.25° twist", "7.5° twist", "7.75° twist", "8° twist", "8.25° twist", "8.5° twist", "8.75° twist", "9° twist", "9.25° twist", "9.5° twist", "9.75° twist", and "10° twist" are considered as other possible embodiments of the invention. The torsion of the golf club considered in this invention can be greater than 0°, between 0.25° and 5°, between 0.1° and 5°, between 0° and 5°, between 0° and 10°, or between 0° and 20°.

[0203] Using the grid pattern in Figure 23, several embodiments are described, each with a nominal center face loft of 9.5°, a nominal center face loft of 0.1° to 5°, a nominal center face loft of 0° to 10°, or a nominal center face loft of 0° to 20°. Multiple embodiments with an angle of 9.5°, a bulge of 330.2 mm, a roll of 279.4 mm, and "0.5° torsion," "1° torsion," "2° torsion," and "4° torsion" are analyzed. A comparative cue with "0° torsion" is provided as a reference for comparison with the described entity.

[0204] For example, if the clubhead has a bulge radius and a roll radius, two edge interfaces (DEGs) can be defined for the desired torsional surface by specifying two different amounts of torsion. In one embodiment, the bulge radius of the impact surface is between 228.6 mm and 355.6 mm. In another embodiment, the bulge radius of the impact surface is between 228.6 mm and 330.2 mm. Other different bulge radii can also be used.

[0205] Table 1 shows the points along the vertical axis relative to the center rod surface. and Points on the vertical axis 700 and the horizontal axis 702 (e.g., points Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q6). Points far from the vertical axis 700 and the horizontal axis 702... and It is measured relative to corresponding points located on the vertical axis 700 and the horizontal axis 702. These points are located on the vertical axis 700 and the horizontal axis 702, respectively.

[0206] Relatively and It can be applied to drivers with any loft angle, such as 9.5°, 10.5°, 12° drivers, or other commonly used loft angles, such as drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, or putters.

[0207] Table 1 - Relative to center face and shaft band Example 1 0.5° twist Example 2 1° twist Example 3 2° twist Example 4 4° twist 0° Twist point X- Shaft (mm) Y- Shaft (mm) Q0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q1 -30 0 0.5 5.7 1 5.7 2 5.6 4 5.6 0 5.7 Q2 30 0 -0.5 -5.7 -1 -5.7 -2 -5.6 -4 -5.6 0 -5.7 Q3 0 15 3.4 0.25 3.4 0.5 3.4 1 3.4 2 3.4 0 Q4 -30 15 0.4 0.2 0.9 0.4 1.9 1 3.9 2 0 0 Q5 30 15 -0.5 0.3 -1 0.5 -2 0.9 -4 1.9 0 0 Q6 0 -15 -3.4 -0.25 -3.4 -0.5 -3.4 -1 -3.4 -2 -3.4 0 Q7 -30 -15 0.5 -0.3 1 -0.5 2 -0.9 4 -2 0 0 Q8 30 -15 -0.5 -0.2 -1 -0.4 -2 -1 -4.1 -2 0 0

[0208] In some embodiments, the “distorted” bulge and roll profile of the golf clubhead’s striking face can alter the user’s perceived angle of the striking face. For example, referring back to Figure 21, the upper toe quadrant 514 is more “open” than all other quadrants of the striking face, causing the user to perceive the striking face as open when aiming. The perceived angle created by the “distorted” bulge and roll profile of the striking face can cause the user to mis-aim when aiming, for example, setting the actual clubface angle to be closed relative to the intended target line, causing the user to hit the ball to the left (i.e., “hook” or “pull” the ball). Furthermore, the perceived angle of the clubface caused by the “distorted” bulge and roll profile can be aesthetically unappealing, making a square striking face appear open when aiming. To correct the striking face angle caused by the “distorted” bulge and roll profile, an alignment function is provided to change the top line of the striking face relative to the striking face.

[0209] In some embodiments, an alignment feature is provided to alter the user's perceived angle of the strike face, making it appear closed relative to the upper toe quadrant 514 of the strike face. In other embodiments, an alignment feature is provided to alter the user's perceived angle of the face, making it appear closed relative to the actual angle of the face. In the foregoing embodiments, the alignment feature can counteract the open appearance of the "distorted" bulge and rolled profile. In some embodiments, the alignment feature can be provided as a contrasting color or shadow of the crown 120 relative to the color or shadow of the face 110, which can be further achieved by using a sticker applied to the crown 120 or face 110, or even by removing or texturing a coating, such as paint, PVD, CPVD, or similar substance, from the crown 120 or face 110 through a material removal process, which may further include removing or texturing the coating using a laser. In some embodiments, the contrasting paint or shadow extends from the crown 120 to the surface 110. In some embodiments, negative CGx is provided on the strike face along with the "distorted" bulge and rolled profile. In some embodiments, a negative CGx can offset some alignment problems caused by the "twisted" bulge profile, and vice versa. For example, the "twisted" bulge and roll profile of the strike face can be combined with one or more adjustable weights and / or any mass strategically positioned relative to the angle of the strike face. Other combinations of this experiment are also available.

[0210] In one embodiment, an alignment feature is provided to alter the perceived angle of the golf clubhead surface, which has a "distorted" bulge and roll profile on the striking face. In this embodiment, golf club performance can be improved by reducing lateral dispersion of the clubhead. For example, in the case of a right-handed golfer, measurements of lateral dispersion show a tendency for the club to spread to the right. Right-side deviation may be due to the "distorted" bulge and roll profile causing the perceived angle of the clubhead surface to appear open. The alignment feature can be altered to counteract right-side deviation, for example, by altering the perceived clubface angle to make it closed relative to the actual clubface angle. The amount of alteration to the alignment feature can be based on the amount of lateral dispersion; for example, approximately 1 degree of alteration to the alignment feature per 3-5 yards of lateral dispersion relative to a predetermined target line. In the case of a left-handed golfer, if measured lateral dispersion shows a tendency for the club to spread to the left, the alignment feature can be altered to counteract the left-handed golfer's tendency to deviate. Left-side mis-hitting can be counteracted by altering the perceived clubface angle to make it closed relative to the actual clubface angle.

[0211] In another embodiment, different alignment features are provided to alter the perceived face angle of a golf club head with a "distorted" bulge and roll profile on the hitting face. In this embodiment, the performance of the golf club can also be improved by reducing the lateral dispersion of the club head. For example, in the case of a right-handed golfer, measurements of lateral dispersion show that the golf club has a tendency to spread to the left. This leftward deviation may be due to the "distorted" bulge and roll profile causing the perceived face angle of the club head to appear closed. Alignment features can be altered to counteract this leftward deviation, for example, by altering the perceived face angle to appear open relative to the actual closed face angle. The amount of alteration to the alignment features can be based on the amount of lateral dispersion, for example, altering the alignment features by approximately 1 degree per 3-5 yards of lateral dispersion relative to a predetermined target line. In the case of a left-handed golfer, if measured lateral dispersion shows a tendency for the golf club to spread to the right, the alignment features can be altered to counteract the left-handed golfer's tendency to deviate to the right. Right-hitting deviation can be counteracted by altering the perceived face angle to present a closed state relative to the actual face angle.

[0212] In one embodiment, a method 2400 is provided for determining alignment features of a golf club head, such as in a club head having negative CGx, "twisted" bulges, and roll or other designs. This method can be performed using one or more golf club head embodiments discussed above.

[0213] At 2410, the golf club head has an alignment function. In one embodiment, the golf club head is a new design to be tested before mass production. In this embodiment, the golf club head may have one or more alignment features. The one or more alignment features may be based on a previous design, such as retaining the topline characteristics of a previous design, or they may be new alignment features, such as based on a computer-aided design (CAD) model or other club head designs. For example, the golf club head may have undergone a complete redesign, such as incorporating a large number of changes in the golf club head shape, or it may have been slightly redesigned based on a previous golf club head design. In another embodiment, the golf club head may differ from another golf club head design only slightly, such as different loft angles that may cause differences between golf club head designs.

[0214] At 2420, the alignment feature is measured. For example, in an embodiment using the top line as the alignment feature, the top line radius is measured. Other alignment features may also be measured. Additionally, the visually adjusted face angle (SAPFA) or other metrics of the golf club head may also be measured.

[0215] At point 2430, the golf clubhead is tested. For example, a prototype of a new golf clubhead design is provided for player testing. In this example, one or more players can test the golf clubhead. Based on the test, the lateral dispersion of the golf clubhead can be measured. Other performance metrics can also be measured. Lateral dispersion might indicate that different alignment features could provide better performance, such as a smaller lateral dispersion. In another example, the impression of the alignment features on the user can also be measured. In this example, if the golf clubhead face appears too open or too closed during testing, different alignment features might increase the golf clubhead face's appeal or confidence in the tester.

[0216] At 2440, adjust the alignment features. For example, based on testing, one or more alignment features can be adjusted to increase the performance and / or attractiveness of the golf clubhead. In this example, the topline radius can be adjusted. Based on lateral dispersion measured during testing, the topline radius can be adjusted by one degree per five yards of lateral dispersion on the driver, and by one degree per three yards of lateral dispersion on the fairway wood. Other adjustments may also be available. Additionally, other different adjustments to one or more alignment features may be provided.

[0217] After adjusting the alignment function, one or more actions 2430 and 2440 can be repeated for additional testing and / or adjustments. In some embodiments, individual player testing may also be performed, such as for individual tour players. At 2450, the adjusted alignment function is provided for manufacturing. For example, a golf club head design is manufactured after testing and adjusting one or more calibration features.

[0218] Adjustable mass typically refers to the mass of material that can be removed from various structures and distributed elsewhere to adjust one or more mass moments of inertia and / or position the center of gravity of a golf club head. The clubhead walls provide a self-determined source of mass. In other words, reducing the thickness of the clubhead walls reduces the wall mass and provides mass that can be distributed elsewhere. Compared to traditional golf clubheads, thinner walls, especially thinner crowns, offer significantly more controllable mass.

[0219] For example, a golf club head made of alloy steel can achieve a disposable mass of approximately 4 grams for every 0.1 mm reduction in the average crown thickness. Similarly, a golf club head made of titanium alloy can achieve a discretionary mass of approximately 2.5 grams for every 0.1 mm reduction in the average crown thickness. The discretionary mass achieved using a thinner crown (e.g., less than approximately 0.65 mm) can be used to adjust one or more mass moments of inertia and / or center of gravity position.

[0220] To achieve thin walls, such as a thin crown, in golf club shafts, the shaft can be formed from steel alloys or titanium alloys.

[0221] Some embodiments of titanium alloys that can be used to form any of the striking faces and / or clubheads described herein may include titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), vanadium (V), and / or iron (Fe). For example, in a representative embodiment, the alloy may be an alpha-beta titanium alloy containing 6.5% to 10% aluminum (weight percentage), 0.5% to 3.25% molybdenum (weight percentage), 1.0% to 3.0% chromium (weight percentage), 0.25% to 1.75% vanadium (weight percentage), and / or 0.25% to 1% iron (weight percentage), with the balance comprising titanium (one embodiment is sometimes referred to as "1300" titanium alloy).

[0222] In another representative embodiment, the alloy may contain 6.75% to 9.75% aluminum (weight percentage), 0.75% to 3.25% or 2.75% molybdenum (weight percentage), 1.0% to 3.0% chromium (weight percentage), 0.25% to 1.75% vanadium (weight percentage), and / or 0.25% to 1% iron (weight percentage), with the balance being titanium (weight percentage).

[0223] In another representative embodiment, the alloy may contain 7% to 9% aluminum (weight percentage), 1.75% to 3.25% molybdenum (weight percentage), 1.25% to 2.75% chromium (weight percentage), 0.5% to 1.5% vanadium (weight percentage), and / or 0.25% to 0.75% iron (weight percentage), with the balance being titanium.

[0224] In another representative embodiment, the alloy may contain 7.5% to 8.5% Al (weight percentage), 2.0% to 3.0% Mo (weight percentage), 1.5% to 2.5% Cr (weight percentage), 0.75% to 1.25% V (weight percentage), and / or 0.375% to 0.625% Fe (weight percentage), with the balance being Ti.

[0225] In another representative embodiment, the alloy may comprise 8% Al, 2.5% Mo, 2% Cr, 1% V, and / or 0.5% Fe by weight, with the balance being Ti. Such titanium alloys may have the formula Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe. As used herein, "Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe" refers to a titanium alloy containing any of the aforementioned reference elements in any proportion. Some embodiments may also contain trace amounts of K, Mn, and / or Zr, and / or various impurities.

[0226] Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe can have minimum mechanical properties of 1150 mPa yield strength, 1180 mPa ultimate tensile strength, and 8% elongation. These minimum properties are significantly superior to other cast titanium alloys, including 6-4Ti and 9-1-1Ti, which can have the aforementioned minimum mechanical properties. In some embodiments, Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe can have a tensile strength of about 1180 mPa to about 1460 mPa, a yield strength of about 1150 mPa to about 1415 mPa, an elongation of about 8% to about 12%, an elastic modulus of about 110 gPa, a density of about 4.45 g / cm3, and a Rockwell C hardness of about 43 (43 HRC). In a specific embodiment, the Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe alloy may have a tensile strength of about 1320 mPa, a yield strength of about 1284 mPa, and an elongation of about 10%.

[0227] In some embodiments, the striking face and / or shaft may be cast from Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe. In some embodiments, the striking face and shaft may be integrally formed or cast from Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe, depending on the desired specific properties.

[0228] The aforementioned mechanical parameters of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe offer superior performance compared to other existing titanium alloys. For example, due to the relatively high tensile strength of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe, the cast clubface made of this alloy exhibits less deflection per unit thickness when striking a golf ball compared to other alloys. The high tensile strength of Ti-8Al-2.5Mo-2Cr-1V-0.5Fe also reduces clubface deflection and the tendency for the clubface to flatten with repeated use. This allows the clubface to maintain its original bulge, roll, and "torsion" dimensions even after prolonged use, including by advanced and / or professional golfers who tend to hit the ball at exceptionally high club speeds.

[0229] For further detailed information on titanium casting, please refer to U.S. Patent No. 7,513,296, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0230] Furthermore, as described in U.S. Patent 9,731,176, the thickness of the ball sheath can be varied to provide additional arbitrary mass, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0231] As mentioned above, the position and characteristics of golf clubhead alignment features can be very important, for example, to the performance and aesthetics of the club. For instance, a 1-degree change in the clubhead's visual face angle can cause lateral dispersion of up to approximately 5 yards. Similarly, providing alignment functionality that alters the clubhead's visual face angle can correct for lateral dispersion caused by other club characteristics.

[0232] One or more embodiments of this invention rigidly mold the positions and features of one or more alignment features into a golf club head. For example, instead of masking and drawing the topline on the golf club head, the topline is rigidly created at the intersection between the cast clubhead shaft and the face insert. The clubhead shaft, such as the cast clubhead shaft, can be painted separately from the face insert, without the need for special masking to provide the topline feature. In some embodiments, the transition area between the face and the crown can be painted the same color as the rest of the cast clubhead shaft, thus eliminating the need for masking lines between the transition area and the rest of the cast clubhead shaft. After the cast clubhead shaft is painted, the face can be glued or otherwise fixed to the casting. The color contrast, surface finish difference, and / or texture difference between the cast clubhead shaft and the face defines the necessary visual cues. For example, the face insert can be monochromatic or multicolor. Similarly, the clubhead shaft and / or crown can also be monochromatic or multicolor, providing one or more alignment features by contrasting with one or more colors of the face insert. In another example, the clubhead, shaft, and / or crown may have one finish, such as a glossy finish, while the face insert may have a different finish, such as a matte finish. In yet another example, the clubhead, shaft, and / or crown may have one texture, such as a visible composite weave, while the face insert may have a different texture, such as a texture that appears uniform or smooth. Furthermore, or otherwise, the crown insert may be glued or otherwise attached to the cast clubhead and shaft to provide a visual cue. Therefore, the topline may not be affected by manufacturing variations caused by user error, and the various parts of the manufactured golf clubhead may be more consistent.

[0233] In some embodiments, the face insert is made of a composite material comprising a multilayer fibrous material (e.g., graphite or carbon fiber) embedded in a cured resin (e.g., epoxy resin), such as the composite material described in U.S. Patent No. 10,016,662, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Composite faces for metalwood golf clubs may be manufactured using the processes described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,267,620) and 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Patent No. 7,140,974). U.S. Patent Application Nos. 7,140,974, 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610, and 12 / 156,947, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Composite materials are available according to at least U.S. Patent Application No. 11 / 825,138, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the face insert has a variable thickness, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 7,874,938, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0234] In some embodiments, the bar face is tunable (e.g., for CT, COR, or another characteristic), as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 857,407, filed December 28, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0235] Figure 25 is a top view of a golf club head having at least one tool alignment feature. The golf club head 2500 includes a face 110, a crown 120, a sole 130 (not depicted), a skirt 140, and a sheath 150. As shown in Figure 25, a primary alignment feature 2514 is provided on the golf club head. The primary alignment feature 2514 may be configured as a top line, which is hard-mold-machined at the intersection of the face 110 and the golf club head 2500 casting. The top line may delineate the transition between at least a portion of the crown 120, which has a shading, color, gloss, and / or texture that contrasts with and / or differs from the shading, color, gloss, and / or texture of the face 110. The top may also delineate the transition line between the face 110 and another portion of the golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the casting of the golf club head 2500 (including a portion of the crown 120) is shaded or colored before the face 110 is installed. The clubface 110 can define features of the primary alignment feature 2514. For example, the size and shape of the clubface 110 can alter the position of the top line, the curvature of the top line, the angle of the clubface, and the curvature of the clubface 110. This includes the visual adjustment of the golf clubhead 2500 to the perceived clubface angle (SAPFA), and other features of the golf clubhead 2500 and / or the primary alignment feature 2514.

[0236] In some embodiments, the clubface 110 is provided at least partially as a composite material. Other materials may also be used. The clubface 110 may be bonded to the golf club head 2500. Any joining method known in the art may be used, including but not limited to adhesive bonding, including gluing, welding (preferred welding procedures are ultrasonic welding, thermal element welding, vibration welding, rotary friction welding, or high-frequency welding (Plastics Handbook, Vol. ¾4, pages 106-107, Carl Hanser Verlag Munich & Vienna 1998)), or calendering or mechanical fastening, including riveting or threaded interactions. Alternatively, the surface 110 may be attached to the golf club head in other ways, such as using screws, fasteners, epoxy resin, welding, or other attachment or joining methods. In some embodiments, the clubface may be welded from the back side of the clubface (i.e., the inner cavity of the golf club head). Welding may not completely penetrate the clubface (e.g., weld penetration is less than 100%). Past clubhead designs provided a point of intersection between surface 110 and the golf club shaft casting, a location that was undesirable for the primary alignment feature 2514. For example, past intersection locations failed to provide aesthetic and visual cues for performance due to durability limitations. One or more embodiments in this example provide a bonded surface design that allows for a tool topline location with both aesthetic and performance characteristics while maintaining the durability of the golf clubhead. For example, the tool topline location can be determined based on the shape of the face insert. If testing results show that the clubhead's lateral dispersion is to the right and / or appears closed, the shape of the face can be altered to reduce lateral dispersion and make the clubhead appear more open. Similarly, if testing shows that the clubhead's lateral dispersion is to the left and / or appears open, the shape of the face insert can be altered to reduce lateral dispersion and make the clubhead appear more closed. To maximize performance, the face insert may not be a uniform shape (e.g., not an elliptical face insert). For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the face insert extends upward and toward the insert sheath. A portion of the face insert may also extend upward and outward.

[0237] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes a secondary alignment feature. Referring back to FIG25, the secondary alignment feature 2516 delineates the transition between a first portion of the crown 2518 and a second portion of the crown 2520. In one example, the first portion of the crown 2518 may have a shadow or color contrasting with the shadow or color of the face 110, while the second portion of the crown 2520 may have a shadow or color contrasting with the shadow or color of the first portion of the crown 2520. The secondary alignment feature 2516 may also be rigidly molded into the club head, for example, using a crown insert. In some embodiments, the crown insert may be a composite material. Examples of composite materials for metal-wood golf clubs and their manufacturing processes are discussed herein, and references are made to U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 10 / 442,348 (now U.S. Patent Nos. 7,267,620), 10 / 831,496 (now U.S. Patent Nos. 7,140,974), 11 / 642,310, 11 / 825,138, 11 / 998,436, 11 / 895,195, 11 / 823,638, 12 / 004,386, 12,004,387, 11 / 960,609, 11 / 960,610, and 12 / 156,947, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0238] Figure 26 is a perspective view of a golf club head having at least one tool alignment feature, but without a face insert. In this embodiment, the golf club head 2500, or any of the disclosed components, may be cast, milled, or formed by any other means, including metal injection molding and rapid prototyping manufacturing techniques, to create a flange 2622 for receiving a face insert 110 (not depicted). The face insert 110 may be provided as a composite material or other material. For example, the face insert 110 may be a molded composite material to be bonded to the flange 2622 of the golf club head. By fitting the face insert 110 to the club head flange 2622, the transition between the face 110 and the crown 120 provides a transition that provides a clear top line as the primary alignment feature 2514. In some embodiments, the face 110 is joined to the flange 2622 with a seamless transition between the face 110 and the crown 120 to facilitate desired aerodynamic and aesthetic characteristics.

[0239] The features of the primary alignment feature 2514 can be defined by the face insert 110. For example, a larger face insert 110 can position the alignment feature 2514 at a higher position on the golf club head 2500. Similarly, a smaller face insert 110 can position the alignment feature 2514 at a lower position on the golf club head 2500. The shape of the face insert 110 can also provide the required radii and / or top line radius. Once the desired features of the primary alignment feature 2514 are established, the alignment feature 2514 can be rigidly molded into the golf club head 2500. The rigid molded alignment feature allows the alignment feature to be permanent, non-deformable, and less prone to production errors associated with painted alignment features using stickers or other masking materials during manufacturing. Therefore, the primary alignment feature can be determined by the club head casting, or by features milled, stamped, molded, or forged into the club head and integrated into the golf club head using a face insert.

[0240] Figure 27 is a perspective view of a golf club head with at least one tool alignment feature, having a face insert mounted thereon. In this embodiment, the golf club head 2500 has a face insert 110 bonded to a flange 2622 (not shown). As shown in Figure 27, the primary alignment feature 2514 is a hard tool top line at the junction of the face 110 and the cast shaft (e.g., the first portion of the crown 2518). In the case of a mating surface, the top line 2514 is determined by the junction between the face 110 and the crown 120. Other methods of mounting the face insert can also be used, such as screws, fasteners, or other mounting methods. Other mounting methods.

[0241] Other features of the golf club head 2500 can be achieved using the face insert 110. For example, a groove is included on the back of the face insert 110, allowing the golf club head 2500 to utilize Flight Control Technology (FCT) in the sheath 150 to adjust, among other things, the face angle, including a loft and elevation connection sleeve. Other features of the face insert can provide performance advantages. In one embodiment, the face insert 110 can provide a more precise and consistent face thickness between golf club heads and provide precise face thickness variations incorporated into the golf club head design. In one embodiment, a molded composite face insert allows for variable thickness at various points on the face. In one embodiment, the position of the center of gravity around the X-axis (CGx) can be more precisely positioned using the face insert, for example, by using a face with variable thickness. Furthermore, characteristic time (CT) and coefficient of return (COR) requirements can be precisely achieved by molding a composite face and bonding it to the golf club head. The composite face can also be adjusted after installation. In one embodiment, the face insert can provide a CT value higher than about 255 and a COR value of about 0.835. In one embodiment, different bulge and roll characteristics can be set for the user and provided using the face insert. For example, different bulge and roll characteristics, including tortuous bulge and roll characteristics, can be provided by selecting different face inserts. One of the different face inserts can be selected before the face is bonded to the golf club head, or the user or club fitter can replace the face insert. In another embodiment, changing the face characteristics requires changing the club head casting to accommodate the new face insert.

[0242] In some embodiments, a dark face insert surface area with a CIELab luminance (L) of less than about 40 may be provided, and a bright face area of ​​the cast clubhead shaft and / or crown with a CIELab luminance of about 50 to about 100 may be provided. In some embodiments, the luminance difference (ΔL) between the face insert and the clubhead shaft and / or crown is at least 20 and at least 100. The luminance difference (ΔL) between the crowns is at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, or another difference greater than about 20.

[0243] In some embodiments, a dark insert surface area with a CIELab luminance (L) of less than about 40 may be provided, and a dark surface area with a CIELab luminance of less than about 40 may be provided on the clubhead shaft and / or clubhead crown. For example, the luminance difference (ΔL) between the clubface insert and the clubhead shaft and / or crown is at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, or in another series of embodiments, the difference is less than about 20, or less than about 15, or less than about 10, or less than about 5.

[0244] In some embodiments, matte, semi-gloss, or low-gloss insert surface areas may be provided with gloss values ​​less than about 60, about 50, or about 40 gloss units, and CIELab gloss values ​​greater than about 40, about 50, about 60, and about 70 gloss units for the semi-gloss surface areas of the clubhead shaft and / or clubhead crown. For example, the gloss value of a matte or low-gloss clubhead insert may be less than 10, 8, 5, 4, or 2 gloss units.

[0245] Any visual differences between the clubface insert and the clubhead, shaft, and / or crown can be used as alignment features. The appearance of the clubhead, shaft, and / or crown can be determined by differences in color, brightness, texture, finish, or other visual characteristics. For example, different finishes can be used, such as glossy, semi-gloss, low-gloss, matte, or other finishes. Different textures can also be used, such as the texture, ridges, valleys, material patterns, composite weaves, and other textures used in the clubhead assembly.

[0246] Figure 28 is a flowchart of a method 2800 for counteracting the lateral dispersion tendency of a golf club head. The method addresses the lateral dispersion tendency of the club head. For example, it can be used to determine the alignment characteristics of a golf club head. This method can be performed using one or more golf club head embodiments discussed herein or another golf club head having a face, crown, and sole.

[0247] At 2810, a primary alignment feature is provided. For example, the primary alignment feature may include a line defining the transition between the crown and the face. For example, the primary alignment feature may include a line defining the transition between the crown and the face. The primary alignment feature can be formed from the face of a golf club shaft using a hard mold. For example, the face may be glued or otherwise attached to a painted golf club shaft. The face may be painted or provided with a different hue or color than the crown, or it may be unpainted. In one embodiment, the face is made of a composite material whose color contrasts strongly with the crown.

[0248] In 2820, the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf clubhead is measured. Lateral dispersion tendency represents the average dispersion relative to the center target line. For example, a positive lateral dispersion tendency is the average dispersion to the right of the center target line, and a negative lateral dispersion tendency is the average dispersion to the left of the center target line. For example, a prototype of a new golf clubhead design is provided for player testing. In this example, one or more players can test the golf clubhead. Based on the test results, the lateral dispersion of the golf clubhead can be measured. Other performance metrics can also be measured. Lateral dispersion may indicate that different alignment features might provide better performance, such as less lateral dispersion. In another example, the impression of alignment features on the user can also be measured. In this example, if the golf clubhead face appears too open or too closed during testing, different alignment features can improve the golf clubhead's appeal or confidence to the tester.

[0249] At 2830, the primary alignment feature is adjusted to provide a modified primary alignment feature, such as counteracting the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf clubhead. The primary alignment feature can also be adjusted in conjunction with altered surface features of the golf clubhead, such as when providing different bump and roll characteristics, adjusting the CT, and specifying other surface features. In one embodiment, based on testing, the primary correction characteristic can be adjusted to increase the performance and / or attractiveness of the golf clubhead. In this example, the topline radius can be adjusted. Based on the lateral dispersion measured during testing, the topline radius can be adjusted by one degree per five yards for drivers and by one degree per three yards for fairway woods. Other adjustments may also be provided. Furthermore, other different adjustments for one or more alignment features may be provided.

[0250] After adjusting the calibration features, one or more actions 2820 and 2830 can be repeated for additional testing and / or adjustments. In some embodiments, individual player testing may also be performed, for example, for individual tour players. In some embodiments, the assisted alignment function may be tested and adjusted. Testing and adjustments.

[0251] At 2840, the adjusted primary alignment features are integrated into the golf club head. In one embodiment, the adjusted primary alignment features are incorporated into the golf club head through remanufacturing. The adjusted alignment features can also be provided for manufacturing the golf club head. For example, the golf club head design is manufactured after testing and adjusting one or more alignment features. Thus, when cast together with the golf club head, one or more alignment features are integrated to form the golf club head, such as with the integrated topline alignment feature.

[0252] Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head without a face insert according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the transition from a portion of the crown 120 to the face insert (not depicted in Figure 29) provides a primary correction feature. For example, Figure 29 shows the front portion 330 of a golf club head, such as golf club head 2500 or another golf club head. The front portion 330 is configured to receive a face insert (not depicted in Figure 29), such as face insert 110 or another face insert. The front portion 330 includes face insert support structures 2928A and 2928B. The upper face insert support structure 2928A is adjacent to or close to the crown 120. The lower face insert support structure 2928B is adjacent to or close to the sole 130.

[0253] In some embodiments, when installed to face insert support structures 2928A, 2928B, the face insert forms part of a transition zone from the face to the crown 120 and / or the sole 130. For example, prior to installation of the face insert, at least a portion of the transition zone may be painted the same color or shade as at least a portion of the crown, so that when the face insert is installed, the color or shade of the face insert contrasts with the painted portion of the transition zone and / or the crown. In other embodiments, the face insert eliminates the need for a transition zone from the face to the crown 120 and / or the sole 130. In some embodiments, the face insert includes at least a portion of the transition radius from the face insert to the crown. By forming a partial transition radius from the face to the crown, the aerodynamics of the clubhead can be improved by reducing air turbulence from the face to the crown and increasing annular flow.

[0254] Figure 30A is a cross-sectional view of the upper lip of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention without the face insert installed. Figure 30A depicts an upper face insert support structure 2928A adjacent to or close to the crown 120. The upper face insert support structure 2928A includes an upper rear support member 3046A and an upper peripheral member 3048A. The upper rear support member 3046A and the upper peripheral member 3048A create an upper and lower slit recess 3006A, which forms a lip for receiving the face insert and connects a portion of the crown 120 to the upper face insert support structure 2928A.

[0255] In some embodiments, the face insert support structure 2928A is configured to bend in a manner similar to the face insert when the golf club head strikes the golf ball. For example, in some golf club head designs, the face insert material (e.g., a composite material) is more flexible or compliant than the golf club shaft material (e.g., aluminum or titanium alloy). In this example, a groove or recess 3008A may be provided within the upper peripheral element 3048A to increase the flexibility or compliance of the face insert support structure 2928A, allowing the face to bend more evenly. Additional different shapes may be provided to increase or decrease the flexibility and compliance of one or more components of the golf club shaft. Through this similar bending, the golf club head can be made more durable, essentially preventing the face insert from detaching or debonding from the golf club shaft.

[0256] Figure 30B is a cross-sectional view of the lower lip of a golf club head without a face insert, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 30B depicts a lower face insert support structure 2928B adjacent to or close to the club sole 130. The lower face insert support structure 2928B includes a lower rear support member 3046B and a lower peripheral member 3048B. The lower rear support member 3046B and the lower peripheral member 3048B form a lower groove 3006B, which forms a lip for receiving the face insert and connects a portion of the club sole 130 to the lower face insert support structure 2928B.

[0257] In some embodiments, the lower face insert support structure 2928B is configured to bend in a manner similar to the face insert when the golf club head strikes the golf ball. In the embodiments discussed above, the face insert material is more resilient or compliant than the golf club shaft material. In this example, a groove or recess 3008B may be provided within the lower perimeter 3048B to increase the resilient or compliant nature of the upper face insert support structure 2928B, allowing the face to bend more evenly. Additional different shapes may be provided to increase or decrease the resilient and compliant nature of one or more components of the golf club shaft. Through this similar bending, the golf club head can be made more durable, essentially preventing the face insert from detaching or de-adhering to the golf club shaft.

[0258] Figure 31 is a top view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 31 depicts a club head 3100 having a shaft 150, a face 110, and a center face position 3110. The center face Y-axis position (CFY) is defined by the center face position 3110 of the face 110 and the center point position 3150 of the sheath 150. A positive CFY creates the starting point of the golf club head and extends from the center point position 3150 of the sheath 150 toward the leading edge of the club head to the center face position 3110. For example, this may cause lateral dispersion, making the face appear too forward. A negative CFY creates an offset of the golf club head and extends from the center point position 3150 of the sheath 150 toward the rearward portion of the club head to the center face position 3110. The face progress (FP) is defined using the leading edge position 3120 of the face 110 and the center point position 3150 of the seat 150. Clubface progress is related to clubface position, loft, and clubface height. CFY, clubface progress, and alignment features all affect the performance of a golf clubhead, such as lateral dispersion. For example, if the CFY and / or clubface progress of a golf clubhead are changed, one or more alignment features can be provided to counteract or reduce the lateral dispersion caused by the CFY and / or clubface progress.

[0259] In some embodiments, a high CFY (e.g., greater than about 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, or another CFY) may produce lateral dispersion to the right of the intended target line. In other embodiments, a low CFY (e.g., less than about 15 mm, 14 mm, 13 mm, or another CFY) may produce lateral dispersion to the left of the intended target line. In some embodiments, the CFY is between about 13 mm and about 15 mm.

[0260] In some embodiments, a high area increment (e.g., greater than about 20 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, or another area increment) may produce lateral dispersion to the right of the predetermined target line. In other embodiments, a low area increment (e.g., less than about 19 mm, 18 mm, 17 mm, or another area increment) may produce lateral dispersion to the left of the predetermined target line. In some embodiments, the area increment is between about 15 mm and about 20 mm.

[0261] In some embodiments, the golf club head has at least one of the following: a CFY not exceeding 15.5 mm; a CFY not exceeding 15 mm; a CFY not exceeding 14.5 mm; a CFY not exceeding 14 mm; a CFY not exceeding 13.5 mm; a CFY not exceeding 13 mm; a face progression not exceeding 20 mm; a face progression not exceeding 19 mm; a face progression not exceeding 18 mm; a face progression not exceeding 17 mm; and a face progression not exceeding 16 mm. In some embodiments, the golf club head has a CFY not exceeding 17.5 mm. In another series of embodiments, the CFY is at least 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, or 12 mm. Similarly, in another series of embodiments, the face progression is at least 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, or 14 mm.

[0262] Figure 32 is a perspective view from the toe side of the golf club head 3200. In this embodiment, the golf club head 3200 includes a hollow shaft 3210. The hollow shaft 3210 includes a sheath 150, a crown 120 (not shown), and a sole 130. In some embodiments, the hollow shaft 3210 has openings to receive a face insert 110 (not shown), a crown insert 3220, and / or a sole insert 3230. In some embodiments, the hollow shaft is a metal or composite material frame, and at least a portion of the face insert 110 (not shown), the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 is a composite material. The hollow shaft 3210 is cast with a flange 2622 for receiving the face insert 110 (not shown). By engaging the face insert 110 to the flange 2622, the transition between the face 110 and the crown 120 provides a primary alignment feature 2514, such as a topline or other alignment feature. For example, the hollow shaft 3210 may be cast from titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, another alloy, or a combination thereof. The hollow shaft 3210 is painted before engaging the face insert 110 (not shown), the crown insert 3220 (not shown), and / or the sole insert 3230. By engaging the face insert and / or the crown insert, one or more alignment features are hard-molded into the golf club head 3200. After painting the hollow shaft 3210, the face insert 110, the crown insert 3220, and / or the sole insert 3230 may be bonded to the hollow shaft 3210, for example, by first bonding the face insert 110 and then bonding the crown insert 3220 and / or the sole insert 3230. Insert 110 is then inserted, followed by sintering of the crown insert 3220. Alternatively, the crown insert 3220 is bonded first, followed by the face insert 110. By painting the hollow shaft 3210 before joining the inserts, one or more calibration features can be molded into the golf club head during casting and joining. In some embodiments, at least the crown and bottom inserts 3220, 3230 are made of composite material.

[0263] In other embodiments, one or more alignment features are hard-molded into the golf club head by casting one or more lines of sight onto the club head. For example, one or more positive witness lines can be cast into the hollow shaft 3210, for example, by casting protrusions, ridges, or other raised features into the hollow shaft 3210. In another example, one or more negative witness lines can be cast into the hollow shaft 3210, for example, by casting recesses, valleys, or other recessed features into the hollow shaft 3210. In some embodiments, a combination of positive and negative witness lines can be provided. The one or more witness lines can be drawn together with the hollow shaft 3210 to provide one or more alignment features. Alternatively, the lines of sight can be used as guide lines for drawing one or more alignment features on the golf club head. By casting witness lines into the golf club head during manufacturing, the subsequent drawing of the one or more alignment features can be performed more precisely and systematically.

[0264] Referring back to Figure 32, in some embodiments, the sheath 150 may be adjustable, for example, using Flight Control Technology (FCT) in the sheath 150. For example, the FCT may include a stick height and face connection sleeve to adjust (among other things) the stick face angle. The FCT may be adjusted using screw 3255 or other connectors. The sheath 150 also includes an outer sheath surface 3251 and an inner sheath surface 3253. The inner sheath surface 3253 may occupy at least a portion of the face opening or an area for receiving the face insert 110 (not depicted). To accommodate the inner sheath surface 3253, a notch or other feature is provided in the face insert 110 for receiving at least a portion of the bushing within the face insert 110. As discussed herein, the notch may lower the CFY and may at least partially accommodate the bushing within the face insert. Furthermore, by tilting the portion of the face that accommodates it, a portion of the face may extend to the height of the heel and extend along the direction of the tilt. Other features of the clubhead. In some embodiments, the face insert 110 is directly connected to the shaft 150. By accommodating at least a portion of the inner sheath surface 3253 within the face insert 110, the center face position 3110 (not depicted) of the face insert 110 can be closer to the center point position 3150 (not depicted) of the sheath 150, reducing CFY and increasing the performance of the golf club head.

[0265] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes a groove 3295 and a weight rail 3245. For example, the groove 3295 and / or the weight rail 3245 may be cast into the hollow shaft 3210. As will be discussed below, the groove 3295 can increase the durability of the golf club head by allowing at least a portion of the hollow shaft 3210 to bend similarly to the face insert 110, increasing the performance of the golf club head, and increasing the durability of the golf club head by preventing the face insert 110 from disengaging from the hollow shaft 3210. In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes one or more characteristic time (CT) tuning ports. Referring to FIG32, a CT tuning port 3275 is provided at the toe of the hollow shaft 3210. Another CT tuning port (not described) may be provided at the heel portion of the hollow shaft 3210. One or more CT tuning ports may be available at different locations on the golf club head 3200, such as in the face insert 110 or other locations. Adhesive or other materials may be injected into the golf club head 3200 to reduce or increase the club head's CT. For example, the CT value of the golf club head 3200 may not conform to the CT values ​​specified by the United States Golf Association (USGA). By injecting adhesive into the CT tuning port 3275, the CT of the golf club head will be adjusted to conform to USGA specifications.

[0266] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes one or more foam inserts. For example, foam insert 3276 is disposed within the hollow shaft 3210. Another foam insert (not described) is also provided near the toe. The one or more foam inserts can confine adhesive or other materials within the golf club head as the material solidifies, thereby aiding in CT tuning of the golf club head. Additionally, a rear wall may be provided to further confine the material as it solidifies. Thus, the foam inserts and the rear wall prevent the adhesive injected into the tuning port 3275 from moving too far outward, heel, and rearward, allowing for more precise CT tuning of the golf club head. Other different configurations may be provided to confine the injected material during CT tuning.

[0267] In some embodiments, the golf club head includes a multi-material inertia generator. As discussed herein, the inertia generator may also be referred to as a winglet and a center of gravity (CG) lowering platform. The inertia generator 3285 can move any mass rearward to increase inertia and move the CG projection downward on the surface of the golf club head. For example, the golf club head 3200 includes an inertia generator 3285 that extends rearward and tilts outward from the front portion of the golf club head 3200. The multi-material inertia generator may include two or more materials of different densities. For example, the inertia generator 3285 includes one or more low-density portions 3286, medium-density portions 3287, and high-density portions 3288.

[0268] The low-density portion 3286 can be a composite material or other material, such as part of the composite rod bottom panel 3230 or other components. The density of the low-density portion 3286 is less than about 2 g / cc, for example, between about 1 g / cc and about 2 g / cc. The medium-density portion 3287 can be an aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, another alloy, another material, or a combination of alloys or materials, such as part of the hollow rod body 3210 or as another component. The density of the medium-density portion 3287 is greater than about 2.7 g / cc, for example, between about 1 g / cc and about 5 g / cc, between about 2.0 g / cc and about 5.0 g / cc, and between about 2.5 g / cc and about 4.5 g / cc. The high-density portion 3288 can be a steel alloy, tungsten alloy, another alloy, another material, or a combination of alloys or materials, such as a rear weight attached to the inertia generator 3285 or as another component. The density of the high-density portion 3288 is greater than about 7 g / cc. For example, aluminum alloys typically have a content of about 2.7 g / cc, titanium alloys typically have a content of about 4.5 g / cc, steel alloys typically have a content of about 7.8 g / cc, and tungsten alloys typically have a content of about 19 g / cc.

[0269] Figure 33 is a perspective view of the golf club head 3200 from the toe side. Figure 33 also provides another view of the club sole 130 having an insert 3230, an inertia generator 3285, a groove 3295, a weight rail 3245, and a screw 3255. The inertia generator 3285 is a multi-material inertia generator, having a low-density section 3286, a medium-density section 3287, and a high-density section 3288.

[0270] Figure 34 is a perspective view of a portion of the golf club head 3200. Figure 34 shows a sheath 150 having an outer sheath surface 3251 and an inner sheath surface 3253. As shown in Figure 34, a flange 2622 for receiving a face insert 110 (not shown) engages with the inner sheath surface 3253 within an intersection region 3257. A face support, including, for example, the flange 2622, intersects and engages with the inner surface 3253. The intersection and engagement of the inner sheath surface 3253 allows the inner sheath surface 3253 to interact with and / or be at least partially located within the face insert 110. The face support may intersect and / or engage with the inner sheath surface 3253 near the crown, near the sole, or near both the crown and sole.

[0271] Figure 35 is a perspective view from the rear of a golf club head 3200, with the crown insert 3220 not installed. Figure 35 shows the club head 3200, having a sheath 150, an inner sheath surface 3253, a foam insert 3276, and a high-density portion 3288. A flange 3224 is provided for bonding the inner crown insert 3220 (not described). The flange 3224 is wider near the front end of the club head to provide additional CT adjustment. For example, in addition to supporting the crown insert 3220, the width of the flange 3224 is increased to reduce the CT of the club head. In one embodiment, the width of the flange 3224 is increased from about 10 mm near the clubface to about 15 mm. During or after manufacturing, material may be removed from the flange 3224 to increase the CT of the club head, for example, by about 8 to about 10 points. As mentioned above, CT adjustment is typically used to reduce the clubhead's CT to meet USGA limits. If the clubhead's CT is determined to be significantly below the USGA constraint, an edge 3224 adjustment can be used to increase the CT, thereby approaching or exceeding the USGA constraint.

[0272] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes support ribs 3296 and 3297. For example, support rib 3296 provides additional support for the hollow shaft 3210, the weight rail 3245, and / or the slot 3295. Support rib 3296 may be located above the weight rail 3245 and in other areas within the hollow shaft 3210. Support rib 3297 may be provided to support the hollow shaft 3210 and the inertia generator 3285. As depicted in FIG35, the hollow shaft 3210 includes a material platform extending along the direction of the inertia generator 3285, the material platform including support rib 3297. Additional and different support ribs may be provided.

[0273] Figures 36-37 are partial views of the golf club head 3200. Figure 36 shows that the inner face 3253 occupies at least a portion of the face opening or the area for receiving the face insert 110 (not shown). By occupying at least a portion of the face opening or the area for receiving the face insert 110, the face advance and start can be reduced, thereby improving the performance of the golf club head 3200.

[0274] In some embodiments, the golf club head 3200 includes a mass pad 3290 located at the heel of the club head. The mass pad 3290 can position a suitable mass of the golf club head 3200 at the heel and can lower and move the CG forward to modify the CG projected onto the clubface. In some embodiments, a removable and / or adjustable weight may be provided at the heel to replace or add to the mass pad 3290.

[0275] Figures 38-39 are views of a portion of the golf club head 3200. As depicted in Figures 38-39, a flange 2622 extends around the entire periphery of the face opening to support the face insert 110 (not depicted). By extending around the entire periphery, the flange 2622 supports the entire face insert 110. In other embodiments, a flange 3224 supports the face insert 110 at the heel, toe, crown, and sole. For example, the area where the flange 2622 supports the face insert 110 is defined by a band of approximately 10 mm around the geometric center of the face insert 110. Other bands around the geometric center of the face insert, such as approximately 15 mm and approximately 20 mm, can also be used. (Priorities only provide support in the heel and toe areas). Other different structures can be used to support the entire periphery of the face or an area around the geometric center of the face.

[0276] Figure 40 is a view of a portion of a golf club head 3200. Figure 40 shows an upper surface insert support structure 2928A and a lower surface insert support structure 2928B, which are configured such that at least a portion of the hollow shaft 3210 bends in a manner similar to the surface insert 110 (not depicted) upon impact with the golf ball. Different materials (e.g., metal alloys and composite materials) have different bending characteristics and typically bend differently from each other. For example, grooves or recesses 3008A and 3008B allow the composite material facet to bend more uniformly with the cast hollow shaft 3210. Other different geometries can be provided within the hollow shaft 3210. Through this similar bending, the golf club head becomes more durable, essentially preventing the face insert from detaching or debonding from the golf club shaft.

[0277] Figure 41 is a toe perspective view of two golf club heads 3200 and 4100. Golf club head 3200 is one embodiment of the present disclosure, while golf club head 4100 is an embodiment of a prior art club head design. Golf club head 3200 includes features that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the club head. For example, the prior art club head 4100 has a peak crown height located approximately aligned with the shaft's centerline, referred to as an acute-angled crown. To provide better aerodynamic characteristics for golf club head 3200, the peak crown height is located behind the shaft, referred to as a blunt crown. Referring to Figure 41, the peak crown height of golf club head 4100 is located at a distance C2 in front of the last edge of the shaft. To further promote better aerodynamics, the top crown height of golf club head 3200 is located at a distance C1 behind the last edge of the shaft. In one embodiment, the top crown height of golf club head 3200 is located at least approximately 15 mm behind the last edge of the sheath. Moving the crown height backward allows the airflow to adhere to the clubhead for a longer period, thereby improving aerodynamic characteristics.

[0278] The skirt height of golf club 3200 can also improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the clubhead. Golf clubhead 3200 has a skirt height S1, which measures the lowest point above the ground plane where the skirt edge meets the crown. Golf clubhead 4100 has a skirt height S2. In some embodiments, the skirt height S1 is at least 20 mm; in other embodiments, the skirt height S1 may be between about 25 mm and about 40 mm, for example, between 30 mm and 40 mm, or between 30 mm and 35 mm. Increasing the skirt height S1 of golf clubhead 3200 can also improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the golf clubhead. The golf club shaft has an overall height defined from the bottom (or ground plane) of the shaft to the top (or top height) of the shaft (e.g., vertically or along the Z-axis). In some embodiments, the total shaft height is not less than 48 mm, 52 mm, 53 mm, 54 mm, 55 mm, 56 mm, 57 mm, 58 mm, 59 mm, or 60 mm. In further embodiments, the total shaft height does not exceed 72 mm, 70 mm, 68 mm, 66 mm, or 64 mm. The golf club shaft also has a shaft length defined from the leading edge or leading edge position of the shaft to the rear portion of the clubhead or the rear portion of the skirt (e.g., horizontally or along the Y-axis). In some embodiments, the shaft length is not less than 98 mm, 102 mm, 106 mm, 109 mm, 112 mm, 115 mm, or 118 mm. In a further embodiment, the shaft length does not exceed 133 mm, 130 mm, 127 mm, 126 mm, 125 mm, 124 mm, 123 mm, or 122 mm.

[0279] Figure 42 is a front elevation view of the face insert 110. For further details regarding the composite face structure and manufacturing process, please refer to U.S. Patent No. 7,871,340 and U.S. Publication Patent Applications Nos. 2011 / 0275451, 2012 / 0083361, and 2012 / 0199282. The composite face is connected to an insert support structure located at the opening at the front of the clubhead. For further details regarding the insert support structure, please refer to U.S. Patent No. RE43,801.

[0280] In some embodiments, the face insert 110 may be fabricated from a composite plate, and it should be noted that the face insert and the face plate are used alternately throughout the embodiments; however, the face insert 110 may be formed of a metal alloy. In one embodiment, the composite plate may be generally rectangular, with a length between about 90 mm and about 130 mm or between about 100 mm and about 120 mm, preferably about 110 mm ± 1.0 mm, and a width between about 50 mm and about 90 mm or between about 6 mm and about 80 mm, preferably about 70 mm ± 1.0 mm. The face insert 110 is then trimmed from the plate to create the desired face profile. For example, the face profile length 4212 may be between about 80 mm and about 120 mm, or between about 90 mm and about 110 mm, or between about 94 mm and about 106 mm, or between about 98 mm and about 104 mm, preferably about 102 mm. The surface profile width 4211 can be between approximately 40 mm and approximately 65 mm, or between approximately 42 mm and approximately 63 mm, or between approximately 44 mm and approximately 61 mm, or between approximately 46 mm and approximately 59 mm, or between approximately 48 mm and approximately 57 mm, or between approximately 50 mm and approximately 55 mm, preferably approximately 53 mm. The ideal striking position width 4213 can be between approximately 25 mm and approximately 50 mm, or between approximately 30 mm and approximately 40 mm, preferably approximately 34 mm. The ideal striking position length 4214 can be between approximately 40 mm and approximately 70 mm, or between approximately 45 mm and approximately 65 mm, preferably approximately 55.5 mm. Referring again to Figure 42, the face insert 110 has a top face perimeter edge 4215, a bottom face perimeter edge 4216, a face toe transition region 4217, and a face heel transition region 4218. In one embodiment, the face toe transition region 4217 is defined by a peripheral portion with a radius of curvature at the face toe. In one embodiment, the face toe transition region 4217 is defined by a face toe portion having a radius of curvature less than 10 mm; in further embodiments, its radius of curvature is less than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm. Similarly, in one embodiment, the face heel transition region 4218 is defined by a peripheral portion of the heel portion having a radius of curvature less than 10 mm; in further embodiments, it is less than 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, or 6 mm. Alternatively, the face insert 110 can be molded to provide the desired face size and profile.

[0281] In embodiments where the face insert 110 is machined from a composite plate, the face insert 110 can be machined in one or more operation methods, such as computer numerical control (CNC) or other operation methods. For example, starting with the composite plate, a groove 4220 can be machined from the composite plate first. Next, a peripheral chamfer can be machined around the perimeter of the face insert 110. Finally, a surface profile can be machined from the brick. In some embodiments, the groove 4220, the peripheral chamfer, and the surface profile can be machined in a single operation, such as a single CNC operation, without removing the nameplate from the CNC fixture. In other embodiments, multiple operations can be performed, such as machining one or more of the groove 4220, the peripheral chamfer, or the surface profile, and machining them separately from other surface features. Other machining feature sequences can also be provided, such as machining the groove after the end profile and chamfer, and machining other features into the face insert 110, such as combining a clearance flange with other features. The groove 4220 is not limited to non-metallic face plates or inserts; all related disclosures apply equally to metallic face plates or inserts.

[0282] Additional features can be created to achieve the desired surface profile through machining, molding, or casting. For example, a groove 4220 can be machined or molded onto the back of the heel of the face insert 110. For example, a groove 4220 on the back of the face insert 110 allows the golf club head 2500 to use Flight Control Technology (FCT) within the sheath 150. The groove 4220 can be configured to receive at least a portion of the sheath within the face insert 110. Alternatively, the groove 4220 can also be configured to place at least a portion of the clubhead shaft within the face insert 110.

[0283] In some embodiments, the groove 4220 or another protrusion defines a transition area on the clubface insert. For example, the groove 4220 or the embossed portion is located near the heel of the clubface and may have an area of ​​at least about 50 mm², but not exceeding about 300 mm², preferably less than about 200 mm², and more preferably between about 75 mm² and about 150 mm². Preferably, the groove area is about 1.5% to about 6% of the outer area of ​​the surface insert (e.g., the surface-outward portion configured for hitting a golf ball), and more preferably, the groove area is about 2% to about 3% of the outer area of ​​the surface insert.

[0284] The groove accommodates at least a portion of the sheath and / or at least a portion of the shaft within the face insert, bringing the ideal striking position of the face insert closer to the plane passing through the center point of the sheath, thereby reducing CFY. The face insert 110 may be configured to provide a CFY of no more than about 18 mm and no less than about 9 mm, preferably between about 11.0 mm and about 16.0 mm, more preferably no more than about 15.5 mm and no less than about 11.5 mm. The face insert 110 may be configured to provide a face advance of no more than about 21 mm and no less than about 12 mm, preferably no more than about 19.5 mm and no less than about 13 mm, more preferably no more than about 18 mm and no less than about 14.5 mm. In some embodiments, the difference between the CFY and the face advance is at least 2 mm and no more than 12 mm, preferably between at least 3 mm and 8 mm. In other embodiments, the difference between the CFY and the face advance is at least 2 mm and no more than 4 mm.

[0285] In another embodiment, back flanges 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D may be machined or molded onto the back of the face insert. Back flanges 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D may be configured as a joint gap. A joint gap is a void filled with adhesive between the clubhead / shaft and the face insert during manufacturing. During manufacturing, when the face insert is bonded to the clubhead / shaft, the protruding back flanges 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D separate the face from the clubhead / shaft. In some cases, excessively large or small gaps may cause durability problems with the clubhead, face, or both. Furthermore, excessively large joint gaps may lead to the use of excessive adhesive during manufacturing, adding unnecessary extra weight to the clubhead. The back flanges 4230A, 4230B, 4230C, and 4230D may protrude from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.25 mm. In some embodiments, the back flanges are configured to provide a minimum engagement gap, for example, a minimum engagement gap of about 0.25 mm and a maximum engagement gap of about 0.45 mm.

[0286] Furthermore, one or more edges of the face insert 110 may be machined or molded into chamfers. In one example, the face insert 110 includes a chamfer substantially around the inner peripheral edge of the face insert, for example, a chamfer between about 0.5 mm and about 1.1 mm, preferably 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, a peripheral chamfer is provided to prevent the face insert 110 from being underpinned on the inner radius of the concave opening of the golf club head configured to receive the face insert 110. By providing a peripheral chamfer, the face insert 110 can still properly mate with the concave opening despite manufacturing variations and other characteristics that may occur during the casting process of the golf club head.

[0287] Figure 43 is a bottom perspective view of the face insert 110. The face insert has a heel portion 4341 and a toe portion 4342. A groove 4220 is machined or molded into the heel portion 4341. In this example, the face insert 110 has a variable thickness, such as a peak thickness 4343. The peak thickness 4343 can be between about 2 mm and about 7.5 mm, or between about 3.8 mm and about 4.8 mm, preferably 4.1 mm ± 0.1 mm, 4.25 mm ± 0.1 mm, or 4.5 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0288] In some embodiments, the face insert 110 is made of a multilayer composite material. Exemplary composite materials and methods of manufacturing thereof have been described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 452,370 (published as U.S. Patent Application No. 2012 / 0199282), which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces of the composite face material may include a fiber layer, such as a fiber braid composed of glass fibers, to reinforce the face insert 110. Multiple quasi-isotropic panels (Q's) may also be included, each Q panel using multiple layers of unidirectional composite panels offset from each other. In an exemplary four-layer Q panel, the unidirectional composite panels are oriented at 90°, -45°, 0°, and 45°, respectively, providing structural stability in each direction. Clusters of unidirectional stripes (C's) may also be included, each C using multiple unidirectional composite stripes. In an exemplary four C's, the four 27 mm stripes are oriented at 0°, 125°, 90°, and 55°, respectively. C can be provided to increase the thickness of the face insert 110 in local areas, such as the center face at the ideal striking position. Some Q and C can have additional or fewer layers (e.g., three layers instead of four layers) to fine-tune the thickness, quality, local thickness, and provide other properties of the face insert 110, such as increasing or decreasing the COR of the face insert 110.

[0289] Other composite materials and their manufacturing methods are described in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 8,163,119 and 10,046,212. For example, impact plates typically have a considerable number of layers, such as fifty or more. However, this technology has been improved, for example, reducing the number of layers to 30 to 50.

[0290] The table below provides possible layering examples. Unless otherwise specified, these laminates show possible unidirectional layers. The structures shown are quasi-isotropic laminates. For a standard FAW of 70 gsm (gram weight per square meter) with a resin content of approximately 36% to approximately 40%, the thickness of a single layer is approximately 0.065 mm to approximately 0.080 mm. The thickness of each layer can be varied by adjusting the FAW or resin content, and therefore the overall thickness of the laminate can be varied by adjusting these parameters.

[0291] In addition to unidirectional composite panels with orientations of 90°, -45°, 0° and 45°, other Q panels are available according to Table 2. Table 2

[0292] Area weight (AW) is calculated by multiplying density by thickness. The density of composite materials is approximately 1.5 g / cm³, while the density of titanium is approximately 4.5 g / cm³.

[0293] In one example, the first-side insert has a peak thickness of 4.1 mm and an edge thickness of 3.65 mm, comprising 12 Q layers and 2 C layers, thus weighing 24.7 g. In another example, the second-side insert has a peak thickness of 4.25 mm and an edge thickness of 3.8 mm, comprising 12 Q layers and 2 C layers, thus weighing 25.6 g. Additional thickness and weight can be provided by adding extra layers to one or more Q or C layers, for example, using two 4-layer Q layers instead of two 3-layer Q layers. In another example, the third-side insert has a peak thickness of 4.5 mm and an edge thickness of 3.9 mm, comprising 12 Q layers and 3 C layers, thus weighing 26.2 g. Other different Q and C combinations can be provided, resulting in a weight of the in-face insert 110 between approximately 20 g and approximately 30 g, or between approximately 15 g and approximately 35 g. In a series of embodiments, the mass of the face insert 110 does not exceed 30 g, while in further embodiments, it does not exceed 28 g, 26 g, 25 g and 24 g.

[0294] Figure 44A is a cross-sectional view of the base 4341 of the face insert 110. The base 4341 may include a recess 4220. In embodiments where the inner edge of the face insert 110 is chamfered, the recess 4220 may not have a chamfer 4450. The recess edge thickness 4444 of the recess 4420 may be less than the non-recessed edge thickness 4445 of the face insert 110. Therefore, the panel periphery has a panel periphery thickness that can vary from the non-recessed edge thickness 4445 to the recessed edge thickness 4444. In one embodiment, the recessed edge thickness 4444 is at least 10% less than the non-recessed edge thickness 4445, and in further embodiments, at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, or 35% less. In another embodiment, the recessed edge thickness 4444 is at least 25% of the non-recessed edge thickness 4445, and in further embodiments, at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, or 55%. For example, in one embodiment, the groove edge thickness 4444 may be between 1.5 mm and 2.1 mm, while in further embodiments, the groove edge thickness 4444 may not exceed 3.0 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.2 mm, or 2.0 mm, and in one embodiment, is preferably 1.8 mm. In a further series of embodiments, the groove edge thickness 4444 is at least 0.9 mm, and in further embodiments at least 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, and 1.6 mm. In one embodiment, the reduced groove edge thickness 4444 extends to at least 5 mm around the periphery of the face insert 110, and in further embodiments, extends to at least 7.5 mm, 10 mm, 12.5 mm, 15 mm, and 17.5 mm. In another embodiment, the reduced groove edge thickness 4444 extends no more than 70 mm of the perimeter of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, its extension does not exceed 60 mm, 50 mm, 45 mm, 40 mm, and 35 mm. In one embodiment, the non-groove edge thickness 4445 remains constant within a range of at least 90 mm around the perimeter of the face insert 110, while in further embodiments, it remains constant within a range of at least 110 mm, 130 mm, 150 mm, or 170 mm.In another embodiment, referring to the front-view coordinate system of FIG. 61, the non-groove edge thickness 4445 is constant within a range of at least 90 degrees over the perimeter of the entire face insert 110, and in further embodiments, it is constant within a range of at least 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, or 315 degrees. The non-groove edge thickness 4445 is at least 3.1 mm in one embodiment, and at least 3.2 mm, 3.3 mm, 3.4 mm, 3.5 mm, 3.6 mm, 3.7 mm, or 3.8 mm in further embodiments. In a series of even further embodiments, the non-groove edge thickness 4445 does not exceed 4.9 mm in one embodiment, and does not exceed 4.8 mm, 4.7 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.2 mm, or 4.1 mm in further embodiments. In one embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is greater than the non-groove edge thickness 4445, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is at least 5%, 10%, or 15% greater than the non-groove edge thickness 4445. In one embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is 100% greater than the reduced groove edge thickness 4444, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is at least 110%, 120%, or 130% greater than the reduced groove edge thickness 4444. In one embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 200% of the non-groove edge thickness 4445, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 190%, 180%, 170%, 160%, 150%, 140%, or 130% of the non-groove edge thickness 4445. In one embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 310% of the reduction groove edge thickness 4444, while in a further embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is less than 300%, 290%, 280%, or 270% of the reduction groove edge thickness 4444. In one embodiment, the peak thickness 4343 is at least 3.9 mm, and at least 4.0 mm, 4.1 mm, 4.2 mm, 4.3 mm, 4.4 mm, 4.5 mm, 4.6 mm, 4.7 mm, or 4.8 mm. In a further series of embodiments, the peak thickness 4343 is no more than 6.0 mm in one embodiment, and no more than 5.9 mm, 5.8 mm, 5.7 mm, 5.6 mm, 5.5 mm, 5.4 mm, 5.3 mm, 5.2 mm, 5.1 mm, or 5.0 mm in a further series of embodiments.

[0295] Figure 44B is a cross-sectional view of the toe 4342 of the face insert 110. The toe 4342 includes a chamfer 4451 on the inner edge of the face insert 110. The chamfer 4451 has an interior angle from the chamfered surface to the sidewall surface of the face insert, which is at least 110 degrees in one embodiment and at least 120 degrees, 130 degrees, or 140 degrees in further embodiments. Furthermore, the chamfer length of the chamfer 4451 is at least 0.5 mm in one embodiment and at least 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, or 0.9 mm in further embodiments. In a further embodiment, the chamfer length does not exceed 60% of the non-groove edge thickness 4445, and in other embodiments, does not exceed 50%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25%. In one embodiment, chamfer 4452 is present at least 90 mm around the perimeter of face insert 110, while in a further embodiment, it is present at least 110 mm, 130 mm, 150 mm, or 170 mm. In another embodiment, referring to the front-view coordinate system of FIG. 61, chamfer 4452 is present at least 90 degrees around the entire perimeter of face insert 110, while in a further embodiment, it is present at least 135 degrees, 180 degrees, 225 degrees, 270 degrees, or 315 degrees. In another embodiment, there is no chamfer 4452 around the perimeter of the face insert adjacent to the reduced groove edge thickness 4444. In a further embodiment, the radius of curvature of groove 4220 does not exceed 25 mm, and in other embodiments does not exceed 22 mm, 19 mm, and 16 mm, respectively. In one embodiment, at least a portion of notch 4220 has an acute angle between the notch surface and the face insert sidewall surface. In some embodiments, the edge thickness 4445 may be between about 3.35 mm and about 4.2 mm, 3.8 mm ± 0.1 mm, or 3.9 mm ± 0.1 mm.

[0296] Figure 45 is a cross-sectional view of the polymer layer 4500 of the face insert 110. An exemplary polymer layer is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2007 / 0100721. U.S. Patent Serial No. 13 / 330,486 (Patent No. 8,979,669) is incorporated herein by reference. The polymer layer 4500 may comprise polyurethane and / or other polymer materials. The polymer layer may have a maximum polymer thickness 4560 of about 0.2 mm to 0.7 mm or about 0.3 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably 0.40 mm ± 0.05 mm. The polymer layer may have a minimum polymer thickness 4570 of about 0.05 mm to 0.15 mm, preferably 0.09 mm ± 0.02 mm. The polymer layer may be configured to have alternating maximum thickness 4560 and minimum thickness 4570 to create score lines on the face insert 100. Score lines are formed on the thicker areas of layer 4500.

[0297] In some embodiments, a method of assembling a golf club is provided. For example, the method includes providing a golf club head having a face opening and an inner face that penetrates the face opening (e.g., forming a portion of the face opening). The golf club head may also include at least one crown opening and / or sole opening. The method further includes attaching a composite material face insert to the golf club shaft, wherein the face insert is machined from a composite material patch having an area larger than a finished face insert. For example, the composite material face insert includes machined peripheral chamfers and machined grooves. The method further includes closing the face opening with the face insert, for example, by securing the face insert to the club head. In some embodiments, the inner face is received by a groove in the face insert. The method further includes sealing one or more crown openings and / or sole openings with a crown insert and / or sole insert. The method may further include mounting a golf club shaft with a sleeve and tightening screws to connect the golf club shaft to the golf club head, thereby forming a golf club assembly. In some embodiments, the clubface travel of the golf club head is less than 10 to 20 mm, and the CFY is between 9 and 18 mm, preferably less than 16 mm.

[0298] In some embodiments, the x-axis of the golf club head is tangential to the clubface and parallel to the ground plane, with a negative position on the x-axis extending from the center face to the toe, and a positive position extending from the center face to the heel. In these embodiments, the center of gravity (CGx) of the golf club shaft relative to the x-axis can be oriented from about 0 mm to about -10 mm.

[0299] In some embodiments, a method is provided to counteract the lateral dispersion tendency of a golf club head. For example, a golf club head may have a face, a crown, and a sole, all three defining an inner cavity. The shaft of the golf club head includes a heel and a head portion, and has x, y, and z axes orthogonal to each other with their origin located at the center face of the USGA. This method may include providing a primary alignment feature comprising a line that delineates the transition between the shadow or color of at least a first portion of the crown and the shadow or color of the face, the first portion of the crown having an area contrasting with the shadow or color of the face. The primary alignment feature may be rigidly molded into the golf club head along with the surface of the golf club shaft, and the golf club head may have a first visually adjusted face angle (SAPFA) relative to the primary alignment feature. The method also includes measuring the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head. The lateral dispersion tendency represents the average dispersion relative to the center target line, where a positive lateral dispersion tendency is the average dispersion to the right of the center target line, and a negative lateral dispersion tendency is the average dispersion to the left of the center target line. The method further includes adjusting the primary alignment feature to provide an adjusted primary alignment feature that counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf clubhead, and integrating the adjusted primary alignment feature into the golf clubhead. The adjusted primary alignment feature may have a second visually adjusted face angle (SAPFA) of about -2 to about 10 degrees, and a second radius of curvature (circular fit) of about 300 to about 1000 mm.

[0300] In some embodiments, the method may further include incorporating an adjusted primary calibration feature into the golf club head, including readjusting the golf club head. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary calibration feature counteracts the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head by providing a positive lateral dispersion tendency. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary calibration feature can counteract the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head, providing a negative lateral dispersion tendency. In some embodiments, adjusting the primary calibration feature can counteract the lateral dispersion tendency of the golf club head by reducing the average dispersion from the center target line. In some embodiments, the primary calibration feature is hard-molded into the golf club head by joining the clubface to the golf club shaft. In some embodiments, the golf club shaft is painted before the clubface is joined to the shaft. In some embodiments, the adjusted key arrangement features include: a second visually adjusted pole face angle of 25 mm heel (SAPFA25H) of about -5 to about 2 degrees; a second visually adjusted pole face angle of 25 mm outward (SAPFA25T) of 0 to about 9 degrees; and a second visually adjusted pole face angle of 50 mm outward (SAPFA50T) of about 2 to about 9 degrees.

[0301] Other exemplary golf club heads

[0302] Figures 46-94, 95-98, 109-124, 110-140, 141-164, 165-181, and 197-212 illustrate an exemplary golf club head 4600, which includes a faceplate 4610 and an oversized crown 4620, also referred to as a crown plate, extending to the front portion of the club head, adjacent to the upper side of the faceplate 4610, and forming, in some embodiments, the top line and / or rear perimeter portion of the club head. In some embodiments, the crown 4620 and the faceplate 4610 may comprise a non-metallic composite material, such that the top line is formed on a portion of the composite material of the crown extending to a location adjacent to a portion of the faceplate. While much of this disclosure relates to the crown 4620, face plate 4610, and related support structures, it is important to understand from the outset that this disclosure and its relationships also apply to the sole plate 4640, which has a portion covering the front of the clubhead adjacent to the face plate 4610, as shown in Figures 77-81. This portion may be located at the toe of the face plate 4610, as shown in Figures 77-79, at the heel of the face plate 4610, as shown in Figures 76 and 80, at the lower part of the face plate 4610, and any combination thereof. Similarly, this disclosure and its relationships also apply to individual plates that may only form part of the skirt and may be located at the clubhead or heel, and may not form part of the sole.

[0303] The clubhead includes a shaft 4602, which includes a sheath portion 4604 and provides primary structural support for the clubhead. Various other components are coupled to the shaft, including a faceplate 4610 and a crown 4620, and in some embodiments, a soleplate 4640, one or more weights (e.g., weights 4650, 4640), and / or other functions. In some embodiments, the shaft includes a fore shaft portion (designated 4602) joined together at the heel and toe ends (e.g., welded, glued, or mechanically joined) and a rear loop portion 4630, or an integrally formed rear shaft portion. Whether joined together or integrally formed, the fore shaft portion 4602 and the rear loop portion 4630 form a frame that can serve as a support structure for connecting other components, including the crown 4620, faceplate 4610, and / or soleplate 4640. Furthermore, as will be disclosed in detail later, panel 4610 may be attached to or integrally formed with the frame and / or front shaft portion 4602; therefore, the use of the term "panel" does not imply that it is a separate component, although it may be a separate component as will be disclosed in detail later. Similarly, base plate 4640 may be attached to or integrally formed with the frame, front shaft portion 4602, and / or rear loop portion 4630; therefore, the use of the term "panel" does not imply that it is a separate component, although it may be a separate component as will be disclosed in more detail later. Thus, in a simplified embodiment, the frame is constructed from the front shaft portion 4602 and the rear loop portion 4630 (whether joined together or formed together), and an upper crown opening 340 is formed in the frame. The front shaft portion 4602 includes a sheath portion 4604 with a sheath hole, the center of which defines an axis (SA).

[0304] In some embodiments, the rear loop portion 4630 may comprise a material different from that of the shaft portion 4602. In other embodiments, the shaft portion and the rear loop portion are a single assembly made of a common material. In one embodiment, the shaft portion 4602 and / or the rear loop portion 4630 are formed of a metal alloy, while in further embodiments, the shaft portion 4602 and / or the rear loop portion 4630 are formed of a non-metallic material, including any materials disclosed herein.

[0305] Compared to a conventional crown, the crown 4620 can have a larger, more extended outer surface area. The periphery of the crown 4620 can engage with a recessed flange on the shaft, such that the crown 4620 covers the upper opening of the shaft. For example, as shown in Figures 62 and 63, the crown 4620 may include a front portion 4622, which is bonded to the front portion of the shaft or the front flange 4680 via a shaft face adhesive 4684. The front portion 4622 extends above and around the upper front portion of the shaft 4694 and is adjacent to the upper portion 4612 of the faceplate 4610. As shown in Figure 63, the shaft may also include a front opening 4696 covered by a faceplate, the peripheral portion of which is bonded via a face-insertion adhesive 4616 to a flange wall 4690 of the shaft, also referred to as flange wall 4690 or face support flange wall 4690, and / or 4692, also referred to as insert recess wall 4692. As shown in Figure 63, the face support flange wall 4690 has a flange wall length 4691, which is measured from the inner periphery 4695 of the flange wall to the insert groove wall 4692. Similarly, the insert groove wall 4692 has an insert groove wall length 4693, which is measured along the upper portion from the leading edge 6100 of the groove wall to the face support flange wall 4690, and in other portions, as shown in Figure 67, from the foremost point of the insert groove wall 4692 to the face support flange wall 4690. Referring again to Figure 63, the face support flange wall 4690 also has a flange wall thickness 4699, which may vary slightly along the flange wall length 4691, but unless otherwise stated, the flange wall thickness 4699 mentioned herein refers to the average flange wall thickness 4699 from the inner periphery 4695 of the flange wall to the fillet where it transitions to the insert groove wall 4692. Although the bar face support flange wall 4690 is illustrated as continuous around the perimeter of the panel 4610, in one embodiment it is discontinuous, with at least X baffle gaps between adjacent and different baffle walls. Here, X represents a number from one to ten. Furthermore, the bar face support flange wall 4690 may be formed from a single material around the perimeter of the panel 4610; however, in one embodiment, the bar face support flange wall 4690 is composed of at least two different portions formed from different materials.

[0306] In one embodiment, the upper front portion of the shaft 4694, namely the front shaft portion 4602, is completely covered and invisible between the crown 4620 and the faceplate 4610. This allows the topline of the clubhead to be formed by the joint between the crown 4620 and the faceplate 4610, thus defining the topline very precisely (the advantages of which will be explained in detail elsewhere in this document). In contrast, in conventional clubheads, the topline is usually hand-drawn, which is prone to variations due to human error. The precise direction and position of the topline can be defined by precisely manufacturing the mating shape. It can be defined by precisely manufacturing the mating shape between the front portion of the crown and the top portion of the faceplate. This also allows for the intentional creation of slightly different custom topline directions in different clubheads, for example, affecting pull shot deflection.

[0307] Another advantage is that, unlike traditional clubheads, there's no need for a visible paint coating on the upper front of the shaft, eliminating the problem of paint chipping or being damaged by impacts. Surprisingly, the composite material of the crown has been found to be more durable and resistant to chipping and cracking than the traditional painted surface on a metal shaft. This is likely because the composite material of the 4620 crown is bonded to itself, providing stronger adhesion than paint layers bonded to a metal shaft. Furthermore, the composite crown, overlapping the front surface of the shaft, appears to offer a very robust and damage-resistant surface. A very strong and damage-resistant surface is provided in the upper front area of ​​the clubhead.

[0308] At the toe of the clubhead, the toe 4624 of the crown 4620 may extend all the way to the outermost part of the clubhead, or further, and engage with the flange 4680 of the shaft. As shown in FIG64, some embodiments include a rear loop 4630 of the shaft, which may have a complementary flange 4636 continuous with the flange 4680, and the toe 4624 of the crown 4620 may engage with one or both of them. The toe of the crown 4620 may contact and / or adhere to walls 4688, 4638, where the shaft steps down to the recessed flange. Wall 4688 in FIG64 is also referred to as the toe-side descending wall 4688 shown in FIG66. As shown in FIG64 and 65, wall 4638 is also referred to as the intermediate descending wall 4638, which connects to the heel-side descending wall 4689 shown in FIG67. The heel-side stepped wall 4689, as seen in Figure 67, connects to the toe-side stepped wall 4688. In one embodiment, the dimensions associated with the stepped walls 4688, 4689, and 4638 are identical.

[0309] Similarly, on the heel side of the clubhead, the heel portion 4626 of the crown can extend all the way to the very front of the heel of the clubhead, or further, and engage with the shaft flange 4680. As shown in Figure 65, the rear ring portion 4630 of the shaft can have a complementary annular flange 4636 that is continuous with the shaft flange 4680, and the heel portion 4626 of the crown 4620 can engage with one or both of them. The heel end of the crown 4620 can contact and / or engage with the heel-side drop wall 4689 and / or the intermediate drop wall 4638, wherein the shaft steps down to the recessed flanges 4680, 4636. The annular flange 4636 and the intermediate drop wall 4638 can extend around the rear of the clubhead, so that the rear portion of the crown 4620 can extend substantially to the maximum rearward extent of the clubhead, as shown in Figures 50 and 56.

[0310] As shown in Figure 56, the coordinate system of the top plane view is defined as follows: the origin of the top plane is aligned with the center face 205, and it is located at the midpoint of the center face depth dimension 4999. Measurements are taken along the vertical center face plane VCFP, which includes the y-axis 207 shown in Figures 1A-1D, extending from the foremost point of the clubhead in the vertical center face plane to the rearmost point of the clubhead in the vertical center face plane. The clubhead is in its follow-through position in the vertical center face plane. A zero-degree line extends along the vertical center face plane to the area between the origin of the top plane and the rear of the clubhead. A 90-degree line extends perpendicularly to the zero-degree line from the origin of the top plane towards the heel. A 180-degree line extends perpendicularly to the 90-degree line from the origin of the top plane and passes through the center face 205. A 270-degree line extends perpendicularly to the 180-degree line from the origin of the top plane towards the toe. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downward to create a topline across the entire region between 170 and 190 degrees. In a further embodiment, it creates a topline across the entire regions between 160 and 200 degrees, 155 and 205 degrees, 150 and 210 degrees, 145 and 215 degrees, 140 and 215 degrees, and 135 and 215 degrees. However, in an even further embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downward to create a topline of any consecutive 10-degree range, and in still further embodiments, any 20-degree range, any 30-degree range, any 40-degree range, any 50-degree range, any 60-degree range, any 70-degree range, and any 80-degree range. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downward to form the entire topline. In another embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwards, adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610 over a region between 170 and 190 degrees. In a further embodiment, this applies to the entire regions between 160 and 200 degrees, 155 and 205 degrees, 150 and 210 degrees, 145 and 215 degrees, and 135 and 215 degrees. However, in a further embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwards, adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610 over any consecutive 10-degree range. In a further embodiment, this applies to any 20-degree range, any 30-degree range, any 40-degree range, any 50-degree range, any 60-degree range, any 70-degree range, and any 80-degree range.

[0311] Another way to describe these relationships is to use the forward-looking coordinate system shown in Figure 61, centered on the center plane 205 of the stick head in the aiming position, with 0 degrees vertically upward, 90 degrees horizontally backward, 180 degrees vertically downward, and 270 degrees horizontally to the toe. In another embodiment, the stick crown 4620 curves downward to be adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610 in the entire region between 350 and 10 degrees, and in a further embodiment, this is true in the entire region between 340 and 20 degrees, 335 and 25 degrees, 330 and 30 degrees, 325 and 35 degrees, 320 and 40 degrees, 315 and 45 degrees, 310 and 50 degrees, 305 and 55 degrees, or 300 and 60 degrees. However, in a further embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwards to be adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610 within any consecutive 10-degree range; in a further embodiment, within any 20-degree range, any 30-degree range, any 40-degree range, any 50-degree range, any 60-degree range, any 70-degree range, any 80-degree range, any 90-degree range, any 100-degree range, or any 110-degree range. In one embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwards to be adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610 through any consecutive 10-degree range between the 45-degree and 90-degree lines; in a further embodiment, this 10-degree range is extended to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Similarly, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 bends downwards to be adjacent to the periphery of the panel 4610. Any consecutive 5-degree range between [the specified range], and in further embodiments, this 5-degree range is extended to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, or 25 degrees. [That's all]

[0312] Referring again to the top plan view of Figure 56, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 curves downwards along the periphery of the clubhead, forming the outermost periphery. When viewed from a straight-down top plan view, the clubhead is located at the design address position seen in Figure 56, passing through any consecutive 10-degree range from the 90-degree line to the 270-degree line located at the rear of the clubhead. In a further embodiment, the 10-degree range is expanded to 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, or a full 180 degrees. Furthermore, in a further embodiment, the crown 4620 establishes its outermost perimeter through any consecutive 10-degree range between the 90-degree and 135-degree lines; and in a further embodiment, the 10-degree range is expanded to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Similarly, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 establishes its outermost perimeter through any consecutive 10-degree range between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines; and in a further embodiment, the 10-degree range is expanded to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the crown 4620 establishes its outermost perimeter through any consecutive 10-degree range between the 300-degree and 60-degree lines; and in a further embodiment, the 10-degree range is expanded to 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. However, in a further embodiment, the crown 4620 does not curve downwards along the periphery of the clubhead, passing through any continuous exposed 10-degree range from the 90-degree line to the 270-degree line at the rear of the clubhead. Therefore, when the clubhead is in the designed tee position as shown in Figure 56, a portion of the rear ring 4630 is exposed when viewed in a straight-down top-plane view. In a further embodiment, the continuous exposed 10-degree range is expanded to at least 15, 20, 25, or 30 degrees. Another series of embodiments limits the continuous exposed 10-degree range to no more than 135 degrees, and in a further embodiment, no more than 125, 115, 105, 95, 85, 75, 65, 55, 45, or 35 degrees.

[0313] The degree to which the crown 4620 bends downward to form the outermost circumference can vary. However, in one embodiment, no part of the crown 4620 extends downward below the clubhead's center of gravity 350 (referred to as Zup, as shown in Figure 13) throughout the predetermined range. In one embodiment, referring again to Figure 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range behind the clubhead between the 90-degree and 270-degree lines; while in a further embodiment, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or a full 180 degrees. In another embodiment, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range at the rear end of the clubhead between the 0-degree line and the 270-degree line; in a further embodiment, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, or a full 90 degrees. In an even further embodiment, the predetermined range is at least 5 degrees. In an even further embodiment, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, or 90 degrees.

[0314] In another embodiment, no part of the crown 4620 extends downward below 125% of Zup within the entire predetermined range. In one such embodiment, referring again to FIG56, the predetermined range is as shown in FIG56. In FIG56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range behind the clubhead between the 90-degree line and the 270-degree line; while in a further embodiment, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, 50 degrees, 60 degrees, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, 100 degrees, 110 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, 140 degrees, 150 degrees, 160 degrees, 170 degrees, or a full 180 degrees.

[0315] In a further embodiment, no portion of the crown 4620 extends downwards to a height less than 150% of Zup throughout the predetermined range. In one embodiment, referring again to FIG56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range at the rear end of the clubhead between the 90-degree line and the 270-degree line; and in a further embodiment, this 5-degree range is expanded to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or a full 180 degrees.

[0316] Now consider the clubhead tip portion between the 90-degree and 270-degree lines in Figure 56. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 200% of Zup; in another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 175% of Zup; and in a further embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 150% of Zup. Now consider the clubhead tip portion between the 110-degree and 145-degree lines in Figure 56. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 200% of Zup; in another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 175% of Zup; in yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 175% of Zup; and in yet another embodiment, at least a portion of the crown 4620 extends to a height less than 150% of Zup.

[0317] Now consider the tip portion of the clubhead between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines in Figure 56. In one embodiment, no part of the crown 4620 extends downward below Zup within the predetermined range. In one such embodiment, again referring to Figure 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines in Figure 56; and in further embodiments, this 5-degree range is expanded to 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or a full 45 degrees.

[0318] In another embodiment, similarly, in the fore-head portion between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines of Figure 56, no part of the crown 4620 extends downwards throughout the predetermined range, and no part of the crown 4620 extends downwards below 175% of Zup. In one such embodiment, again referring to Figure 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between the 270-degree and 225-degree lines of Figure 56; while in a further embodiment, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, or a full 45 degrees.

[0319] Furthermore, examining the front portion of the clubhead again, between the 270-degree line 30 and the 225-degree line in Figure 56, within the predetermined range, no part of the crown 4620 extends downwards below 150% of Zup. In one such embodiment, referring again to Figure 56, the predetermined range is at least a 5-degree range between the 270-degree line and the 225-degree line in Figure 56; while in further embodiments, the 5-degree range is expanded to 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, or a full 45 degrees.

[0320] Furthermore, observing again the portion of the clubhead forward between the 270-degree and 90-degree lines in Figure 56, the club crown 4620 exhibits a specific aerodynamic curve, including any relationship disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 360,179, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Typically, such a relationship relates to the position of the crown tip 4621, or the highest point on the club crown 4620 above the ground plane 317, thus establishing a top plane 4623, as shown in Figure 61, including the crown tip 4621 and parallel to the ground plane 317, referred to as the top height, and shown as the club crown height in Figure 12. The crown 4620 has a crown leading edge 4625 as shown in Figures 62 and 93, and at each point along the crown leading edge 4625, a crown leading edge vertex offset distance 4627 as shown in Figure 61. This distance is the vertical distance of the crown leading edge vertex offset distances shown in Figures 62 and 93. It is the vertical distance to any point on the crown leading edge 4625 below the top plane 4623, and varies from the maximum crown leading edge vertex offset distance 4627 to the minimum crown leading edge vertex offset distance 4627, which is located on the crown leading edge 4625 adjacent to the highest face point 4611, which is located at the top surface bulge 4613 above the ground plane 317. As can be seen in Figures 54, 56, and 93, the crown 4620 also has a crown periphery 4631, which is the peripheral portion of the crown 4620. The crown 4620 does not include the leading edge 4625. The crown periphery 4631 may include the crown sheath periphery 4632 as seen in FIG. 93. As seen in FIG. 53 and FIG. 93, in one embodiment, the portion of the crown 4620 adjacent to the crown sheath periphery 4632 is concave upward.

[0321] In one embodiment, referring again to Figures 63 and 70B, the insert groove wall 4692 has a groove wall leading edge 6100. Similarly, the top edge peripheral edge 4215 of the face in Figure 42 has a top edge leading edge 4221 as seen in Figures 70B and 75, while the lower edge peripheral edge 4216 of the face has a lower edge leading edge 4222 as seen in Figure 76. In one embodiment, when analyzing these relationships in a single vertical section parallel to the vertical center plane VCFP, the crown leading edge 4625 is within 3 mm of the groove wall leading edge 6100, the groove wall leading edge 6100 is within 3 mm of the upper edge leading edge 4221 of the face, and the crown leading edge 4625 is within 3 mm of the upper edge leading edge 4221 of the face; in a further embodiment, the 3 mm relationship is reduced to 2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, or 1.0 mm. In a further embodiment, the leading edge 4625 of the crown protrudes beyond the leading edge 4221 of the top face by a protrusion distance 4223, as shown in Figure 70B. 70B signifies that, within the vertical portion parallel to the vertical center plane VCFP, the leading edge 4625 of the crown is further forward than the adjacent leading edge 4221 of the top face in the direction of the Y-axis 207; and in a further embodiment, the protrusion distance 4223 does not exceed 0.15 mm, while in another embodiment, the protrusion distance is at least 0.02 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, or 0.08 mm. Although the focus of the discussion is on relationships within a single vertical section, the front-view coordinate system of Figure 61 can be used to define areas where the revealed relationships may be true. For example, in one embodiment, any salient relationship may be true within any consecutive 15-degree range, while in a further embodiment, this range extends to 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95, 105, or 115 degrees, and in another embodiment, it is true for all sections along the perimeter edge 4215 of the top line of the clubface. These relationships generally apply to the portion of the clubface adjacent to the leading edge 4625 of the crown and vertically aligned in any vertical direction.

[0322] Now, looking at Figure 55 and the bottom periphery of the faceplate 4610, specifically the relationship between the lower periphery edge 4216 of the faceplate and the lower leading edge of the faceplate, the front body 4602 forms the leading edge of the clubhead. In the embodiment of Figure 76, the base plate 4640 extends upwards and is adjacent to the faceplate 4610, and has a base plate leading edge 4641. This corresponds to the groove wall leading edge 6100 in Figure 55 and / or the base plate leading edge 4641 in Figure 76.

[0323] However, in another embodiment, the situation may be exactly the opposite. Thus, just as the crown leading edge 4625 protrudes to obscure the top line leading edge of the clubface from the golfer's view, a portion of the lower leading edge 4222 of the clubface may protrude to obscure the adjacent groove wall leading edge 6100 (as shown in FIG. 55) and / or the sole leading edge 4641 (as shown in FIG. 76). In FIG. 76, the sole leading edge 4641, and therefore the lower portion of the lower leading edge 4222, prevents the golfer in the teeing position from noticing the obvious joint around the lower perimeter of the face plate 4610. Therefore, in this embodiment, the components are precisely positioned such that the top line leading edge 4221 is slightly recessed relative to the crown leading edge 4625, and converted such that at least a portion of the lower leading edge 4222 can protrude from the adjacent groove wall leading edge 6100 (as shown in FIG. 55) and / or the sole leading edge 4641 (as shown in FIG. 76). In another embodiment, the protrusion does not exceed 0.15 mm, measured in the same manner as the protrusion distance 4223 in Figure 70B, while in another embodiment, the protrusion is at least 0.02 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.06 mm, or 0.08 mm. Although the focus of the discussion is on relationships within a single vertical section, the front-view coordinate system of Figure 61 can be used to define the area where the revealed relationship may be true. For example, in one embodiment, any proud relationship can be true within any consecutive 15-degree range, while in further embodiments, the range extends to 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, or 95 degrees. In these embodiments, the transition from recess to erection of panel 4610 relative to adjacent elements is subtle, so much so that it is not noticeable along the toe and / or heel-side periphery of panel 4610. In such embodiments, the periphery of panel 4610 is flush with adjacent elements, meaning it is neither recessed nor raised at the flush transition points. These transition points may include toe-side and heel-side flush transition points. In one embodiment, the height of the toe-side and / or heel-side flush transition points is higher than the height of the center rod face 205, while in another embodiment, the height of the toe-side and / or heel-side flush transition points is lower than the height of the center rod face 205. In yet another embodiment, the height of the heel-side flush transition point is less than the height of the toe-side flush transition point.

[0324] As shown in Figure 70B, one embodiment has a face gap 4224 between the crown leading edge 4625 and the top line leading edge 4221 of the clubface. Furthermore, the face gap 4224 exists at any point between the faceplate periphery and adjacent shaft components, whether located on the fore shaft 4602 or the sole plate 4640. The face gap 4224 is measured parallel to the inclined plane 5000. In one embodiment, the face gap 4224 does not exceed 75% of the maximum crown thickness 4629 of the crown 4620 portion located between the offset width plane 5100 and the crown leading edge 4625, while in further embodiments, it does not exceed 65%, 55%, 45%, or 35%. In a further embodiment, the face gap 4224 is at least 5% of the maximum crown thickness 4629 of the portion of the crown 4620 located between the offset inclined plane 5100 and the crown leading edge 4625, and in further embodiments, at least 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%. In one embodiment, consistent with the illustrated embodiment, no portion of the front shaft portion 4602 extends into the face gap 4224; that is, no portion of the front shaft portion 4602 extends beyond the groove wall leading edge 6100 into the face gap 4224 to be adjacent to the crown leading edge sidewall surface. In one embodiment, the face gap 4224 does not exceed 2 mm, and in further embodiments, it does not exceed 1.5 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.0 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.6 mm, or 0.5 mm. As with all such relationships, the face clearance 4224 is evaluated in any vertical section, and the disclosed relationships are applicable to any or all of the disclosed vertical sections. In another embodiment, the face clearance 4224 is greater than the protrusion distance 4223, and in a further embodiment, the face clearance 4224 is at least 10%, 20%, or 30% greater than the protrusion distance 4223. In a further embodiment, the face clearance 4224 is less than 250% of the protrusion distance 4223, and in a further embodiment, less than 225%, 200%, 175%, or 150%.

[0325] In one embodiment, the maximum crown leading edge offset distance 4627 shown in Figure 61 is at least 40% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it is at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70%. However, unlike past single-composite head designs, in another embodiment, the maximum crown leading edge offset distance 4627 does not exceed 120% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it does not exceed 110%, 100%, 90%, 85%, 80%, or 75%. In another embodiment, the minimum crown leading edge offset distance 4627 is at least 10% of Zup, while in a further embodiment, it is at least 12%, 14%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, or 34%. However, in another embodiment, the minimum crown tip offset distance 4627 does not exceed 35% of Zup, and in a further embodiment, it does not exceed 32.5%, 30%, 29%, 28%, 27%, 26%, 25%, 24%, 23%, or 22%. In a further embodiment, the maximum crown tip offset distance 4627 is at least 100% greater than the minimum crown tip offset distance 4627, and in a further embodiment, at least 125%, 150%, 175%, or 200% greater. In one embodiment, the maximum crown tip offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown tip 4625 between the vertical center plane and the sheath portion 4604, while the minimum crown tip offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown tip 4625 between the vertical center plane and the toe portion 185. In a further embodiment, the minimum crown tip offset distance 4627 occurs at a point on the crown tip 4625 located between the vertical center plane and the parallel plane containing the crown tip 4621. In another embodiment, the head is segmented along the vertical center plane passing through the center plane 205 to compare the heel-side maximum crown tip offset distance with the toe-side maximum crown tip offset distance, wherein the heel-side maximum crown tip offset distance is at least 10% greater than the toe-side maximum crown tip offset distance, and in a further embodiment, the heel-side maximum crown tip offset distance is at least 15%, 20%, or 25% greater than the toe-side maximum crown tip offset distance. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the minimum crown tip offset distance 4627 is greater than the effective face position height 164 shown in FIG. 1A.

[0326] Referring again to Figures 42 and 61, in the installed position, the face-to-face transition region 4217 has a highest face-to-face transition region elevation measured vertically from the ground plane 317, and a lowest face-to-face transition region elevation also measured vertically from the ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the toe crown-to-face engagement point 4800 is adjacent to a perimeter point in the face-to-face transition region 4217 having the highest face-to-face transition region height, such as the embodiment of Figure 61. However, in another embodiment, the toe crown-to-face engagement point 4800 is adjacent to a toe perimeter point in the face-to-face transition region 4217, the toe height of which is less than the highest height of the toe face transition region. For example, the embodiment of Figure 84. In a further embodiment, the toe crown-to-face engagement point 4800 is adjacent to a perimeter point in the toe face transition region 4217 having the lowest toe face transition region elevation.

[0327] Similarly, referring again to Figures 42 and 61, in the installed position, the face-heel transition region 4218 has the highest face-heel transition height (measured vertically from ground plane 317) and the lowest face-heel transition height (also measured vertically from ground plane 317). In one embodiment, the heel-side crown-face junction 4700 is adjacent to the face perimeter point in the face-heel transition region 4218 with the highest face-heel transition elevation, such as the embodiment in Figure 61. However, in another embodiment, the heel-side crown-face junction 4700 has a heel-side junction height, while the toe-side crown-face junction 4800 has a toe-side junction height. Measured vertically from ground plane 317. In one embodiment, the elevation of the toe-side junction is at least 10% greater than the elevation of the heel-side junction; in further embodiments, it is at least 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30% greater. However, in another embodiment, the elevation of the toe-side joint is less than 120% of the elevation of the heel-side joint, and in a further embodiment, less than 110%, 100%, 90%, 80%, or 70%.

[0328] In one embodiment, the heel-side engagement point 4700 of the heel-side crown and face is higher than the height of the highest face-heel transition region, as shown in Figures 84 and 85. In a further embodiment, the height difference between the two heights does not exceed 12 mm, and in other embodiments, it does not exceed 10 mm, 8 mm, 6 mm, or 4 mm. However, in another embodiment, the heel-side crown and face engagement point 4700 is adjacent to a face perimeter point in the face-heel transition region 4218, which has a face-heel transition region height lower than the highest face-heel transition region elevation. In a further embodiment, the heel-side crown to face engagement point 4700 is adjacent to a face perimeter boundary point in the face-heel transition region 4218 with the lowest face-heel transition region elevation. As shown in Figure 84, the position of the heel crown to the face joint 4700 can be defined by the horizontal offset distance of the heel crown to the face joint, measured from the vertical center face plane VCFP. This horizontal offset distance is at least 40 mm in one embodiment, and at least 42 mm, 44 mm, or 46 mm in further embodiments. In another embodiment, the horizontal offset distance from the heel crown to the face joint does not exceed 70 mm, and in many embodiments, does not exceed 66 mm, 62 mm, 60 mm, 58 mm, 56 mm, or 54 mm. Similarly, as shown in Figure 84, the vertical position of the heel crown to the face joint 4700 can be defined by the vertical offset distance of the heel crown to the face joint, which is measured vertically from the elevation angle of the center face 205. In one embodiment, the vertical offset distance between the heel-side crown and the face junction is less than 16 mm above the center face 205, while in further embodiments, it is less than 14 mm, 12 mm, 10 mm, 8 mm, or 6 mm. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG84, an edge of the crown 4620, i.e., a portion of the crown sheath periphery 4632, extends vertically by ±5 degrees from the heel-side crown face junction 4700 to its intersection with the vertical front sheath plane 3252 seen in FIG56. However, in another embodiment, as shown in FIG72, one side of the crown 4620, i.e., a portion of the crown sheath periphery 4632, extends upward from the junction 4700 of the heel-side crown and the shaft face to the vertical front sheath plane 3252. This curved edge is recessed toward the center face 205 in the illustrated embodiment; and in one embodiment, this curved edge extends from the junction 4700 of the heel-side crown and the shaft face to the vertical front sheath plane 3252. The center shaft face 205; in one embodiment, the radius of curvature of this curved edge is less than 25 mm, and in a further embodiment, the radius of curvature of this curved edge is less than 20 mm, 17.5 mm, 15 mm, or 12.5 mm.

[0329] Referring again to the forward tilt coordinate system shown in Figure 61, and the previously disclosed surface support flange wall 4690, it can be formed from various materials surrounding the panel 4610. One such embodiment has a first flange wall region formed from a first flange wall material. The first flange wall region has a first flange wall material density, and a second flange wall region is formed from a second flange wall material, the second flange wall material density being greater than the first flange wall material density. Figure 94 shows one such embodiment having a first flange wall region 4710 and a second flange wall region 4720. In a further embodiment, the second flange wall material density is at least 25% greater than the first flange wall material density; in a further embodiment, the second flange wall material density is at least 50%, 75%, 100%, 125%, 150%, 175%, 200%, 225%, 250%, or 275% greater than the first flange wall material density. In a further embodiment, the density of the first flange wall material is less than 5 g / cc, while in another embodiment, the density of the first flange wall material is less than 3 g / cc, and in an even further embodiment, the density of the first flange wall material is less than 2 g / cc. The density of the second flange wall material is at least 4 g / cc in one embodiment, at least 7 g / cc...

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising: The golf club head comprises a face, a sole, a crown, and a sheath portion having a sheath hole defining a shaft; an adjustable clubhead-shaft connection assembly connected to the sheath portion and adjustable for at least one of an loft angle or an elevation angle formed when the clubhead is connected to a golf shaft via the adjustable clubhead-shaft connection assembly; the clubhead has a clubhead mass of 195-209 grams, a clubhead volume of at least 410 cc, a center of gravity having a clubhead origin y-axis CGy coordinate of 40-50 mm and a Zup value of 20-28 mm, an inertial moment Ixx of 360-480 kg∙mm² about the clubhead CG x-axis, and an inertial moment Izz of 560-700 kg∙mm² about the clubhead CG z-axis; wherein at least a portion of the crown is formed of a non-metallic material. The clubface has a central clubface defining an origin x-axis, an origin y-axis, and an origin z-axis. The x-axis is tangent to the clubface at the origin and parallel to a ground plane. The y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and extends away from the clubface, parallel to the ground plane. The z-axis extends perpendicularly from the center of the clubface and is perpendicular to the ground plane. A clubface center vertical plane extends through the central clubface and includes the origin Y-axis and origin Z-axis. A clubface center horizontal plane extends through the central clubface and is perpendicular to the clubface center vertical plane. A core vertical plane is parallel to the clubface center vertical plane and includes a core. A 1F vertical plane is parallel to the core vertical plane and offset 10 mm forward of the core vertical plane. A 2F vertical plane is parallel to the core vertical plane and offset 20 mm forward of the core vertical plane. A 1R vertical plane... A vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 10 mm behind it; a 2R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 20 mm behind it; a 3R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 30 mm behind it; a 4R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 40 mm behind it; a 5R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 50 mm behind it; a 6R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 60 mm behind it; a 7R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 70 mm behind it; a 8R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 80 mm behind it; a 9R vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 90 mm behind it; and a 10R vertical plane... The vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the shaft core and offset 100 mm behind the vertical plane of the shaft core.-1T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 10 mm from it; -2T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 20 mm from it; -3T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 30 mm from it; -4T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 40 mm from it; -5T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 50 mm from it; -6T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 60 mm from it; -7T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 70 mm from it; -8T vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 80 mm from it; -1H vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset by 10 mm from it. mm, -2H vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the clubface and offset 20 mm from the vertical plane of the clubface; -3H vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the clubface and offset 30 mm from the vertical plane of the clubface; -4H vertical plane is parallel to the vertical plane of the clubface and offset 40 mm from the vertical plane of the clubface; -5H vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset 50 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface at the heel; -6H vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset 60 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface at the heel; -7H vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset 70 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface at the heel; -8H vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset 80 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface at the heel; -1C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 10 mm above the center horizontal plane of the clubface; -2C A horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 20 mm above it; a 3C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 30 mm above it; a 4C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 40 mm above it; a 1S horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 10 mm below it; a 2S horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 20 mm below it; a rear 10R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located behind the 10R vertical plane; a front 1F mass is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located in front of the 1F vertical plane.The mass of a 2T-2H, rear 9R clubhead is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located (a) behind the 9R vertical plane and (b) between the 2T and 2H vertical planes; the mass of a 4T-4H, 1S-4C, front 2R clubhead is the mass of the following portions of the golf clubhead: (a) before the 2R vertical plane, (b) between the 4T and 4H vertical planes, and (c) between the 1S and 4C horizontal planes; the mass of the middle section refers to the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located between the 8R and 3R vertical planes; the mass of the 8R-7R clubhead is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located between the 8R and 7R vertical planes; the mass of the 7R-6R clubhead is the mass of the portion of the clubhead located between the 7R and 6R vertical planes; the mass of the large fore-toe region refers to the mass of the golf clubhead located (a) between the 3R and 1F vertical planes. The mass of the golf club head between (a) the vertical planes, (b) the vertical plane 5T and the vertical plane 8T, and (c) the horizontal plane 3S and the horizontal plane 1C; A finite heel mass is the mass of the golf club head located between (a) the vertical plane 3R and the shaft vertical plane, (b) the vertical plane 4H and the vertical plane 6H, and (c) the horizontal plane 2S and the horizontal plane 1C; A front heel and toe mass is the sum of: (a) the mass of the portion of the golf club head in front of the vertical plane 2R, (b) between the vertical plane 4H and the vertical plane 8H, and (c) between the horizontal plane 1S and the horizontal plane 4C; and (a) the mass of the portion of the golf club head in front of the vertical plane 2R, (b) between the vertical plane 4T and the vertical plane 8T, and (c) between the horizontal plane 1S and the horizontal plane 4C; The front HT to midsection mass ratio refers to the ratio of the mass of the forefoot and toe to the mass of the midsection, and this ratio is 0.8-1.3; the rear middle to midsection mass ratio is the ratio of the 2T-2H and rear 9R mass to the midsection mass, and the rear middle to midsection mass ratio is 1.05-1.85; the rear center to front HT mass ratio is the ratio of the 2T-2H and rear 9R mass to the forefoot and toe mass, and the rear center to front HT mass ratio is 1.05-1.85; the 7R-6R weight is within 20% of the 8R-7R weight; and the LHR toe mass ratio is the ratio of the mass of the large forward toe region to the mass of the limited heel region, and the LHR toe mass ratio is 0.9-1.

3.

2. The golf club head as described in claim 1, wherein, The mass ratio of the rear middle section to the middle section is at least 1.1, and the mass ratio of the front middle section to the middle section does not exceed 1.

25.

3. The golf club head as described in claim 2, wherein, The mass ratio of the rear center to the midsection shall not exceed 1.8, and the mass ratio of the rear center to the front-HT shall be at least 1.

1.

4. The golf club head as described in claim 3, wherein, The forward-HT to mid-section mass ratio is at least 0.85, and the rear-center to forward-HT mass ratio does not exceed 1.

8.

5. The golf club head as described in claim 4, wherein, The 6R-5R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 6R vertical plane and the 5R vertical plane, the 5R-4R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 5R vertical plane and the 4R vertical plane, and the 6R-5R mass is within 20% of the 5R-4R mass.

6. The golf club head as described in claim 5, wherein, The golf club head has a maximum 4R-3R section height in the portion between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane, and a minimum 8R-7R section height in the portion between the 8R vertical plane and the 7R vertical plane, wherein the maximum 4R-3R section height is at least 20% greater than the minimum 8R-7R section height.

7. The golf club head as described in claim 6, wherein, The golf club head has a maximum 4R-3R cross-sectional width in the portion between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane, and a minimum 8R-7R cross-sectional width in the portion between the 8R vertical plane and the 7R vertical plane, wherein the maximum 4R-3R cross-sectional width is at least 20% larger than the minimum 8R-7R cross-sectional width.

8. The golf club head as described in Item 7 of the request, wherein, The maximum 4R-3R section width is no more than 40% larger than the minimum 8R-7R section width, and the maximum 4R-3R section height is no more than 50% larger than the minimum 8R-7R section height.

9. The golf club head as described in Request 4, wherein, The CGy coordinates are 42-48 mm, the Ixx is at least 370 kg∙mm2, and further includes a counterweight with a density of at least 7 g / cc extending to one of the vertical planes of the 10R.

10. The golf club head as described in claim 9, further comprising a front weight attached to the golf club head and extending forward in the 2R vertical plane.

11. The golf club head as described in claim 9, wherein, A 4R-3R mass is the mass of the golf club head between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane; a 5R-4R mass is the mass of the golf club head between the 5R vertical plane and the 4R vertical plane; the 4R-3R mass is within 20% of the 5R-4R mass; the LHR-to-front toe mass ratio is at least 1.0; the mass of the front heel and the toe is less than 36 grams; and the midsection mass is less than 36 grams.

12. The golf club head as described in claim 9, wherein, The midsection mass does not exceed 50% of the front SAVP mass, which is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located in front of the vertical plane of the shaft.

13. The golf club head as described in claim 9, wherein, The mass of the big toe region is at least 14 grams, and the mass of the limited heel region is no more than 24 grams.

14. The golf club head as described in claim 13, wherein, The mass of the big toe region shall not exceed 25 grams, the mass of the limited heel region shall be at least 14 grams, and the mass of the 2T-2H and the rear 9R shall be 32.5-52.5 grams.

15. The golf club head as described in claim 9, wherein, The ratio of the front HT to the middle section mass is 0.9-1.2, and at least a portion of the rod bottom is formed of non-metallic material.

16. The golf club head as described in claim 9, wherein, The golf club head includes a metal shaft made of aluminum alloy and has a front opening that is partially closed by the shaft.

17. The golf club head as described in claim 16, wherein, The mass of the heel and the toe is less than 28 grams.

18. The golf club head as described in claim 17, wherein, A portion of the clubface is glued to the metal shaft.

19. The golf club head as described in claim 16, further comprising an aluminum rear ring portion attached to the metal shaft and forming a crown opening, wherein, A composite crown plate covers the crown opening, and the rear counterweight is attached to the aluminum rear ring.

20. The golf club head as described in claim 19 further includes a front weight attached to the metal shaft and extending forward into one of the 2R vertical planes.

21. A golf club head, comprising: The golf club head comprises a clubface, a club sole, a club crown, and a sheath portion having a sheath hole defining a club shaft. An adjustable clubhead-shaft connection assembly is coupled to the sheath portion and is adjustable for at least one of an loft angle or an elevation angle formed when the golf club head is connected to a golf club shaft via the clubhead-shaft connection assembly. The golf club head includes a first material having a first material density of 0.1-3.5 g / cc, a second material having a second material density of 3.6-5.5 g / cc, and a third material having a third material density of 5.6-20.0 g / cc. The golf club head has a total material volume, a first material volume and a first material mass, a second material volume and a second material mass, and a third material volume and a third material mass. The golf club head includes a metal shaft portion having a front opening and formed of the second material. The metal shaft portion is equipped with a front weight. The golf club head has a maximum weight of 205. The clubhead has the following characteristics: a clubhead mass of at least 410 cc, a clubhead volume of at least 410 cc, a center of gravity (CG) with a clubhead origin y-axis coordinate (CGy) of no more than 39 mm and a Zup value of 22-28 mm, a moment of inertia Ixx about the clubhead CG x-axis of no more than 360 kg∙mm², and a moment of inertia Izz about the clubhead CG z-axis of no more than 530 kg∙mm²; the mass of the first material is no more than 70% of the clubhead mass; the mass of the second material is at least 28% of the clubhead mass; at least one part of the crown is formed of a non-metallic material; at least a portion of the surface is formed of a non-metallic material, forming a non-metallic surface portion, and the front opening is closed by the non-metallic surface portion; The mask has a central facet that defines an origin x-axis, an origin y-axis, and an origin z-axis. The origin x-axis is tangent to the facet at its origin and parallel to a ground plane. The origin y-axis is perpendicular to the origin x-axis and extends away from the facet, parallel to the ground plane. The origin z-axis extends perpendicularly from the center of the facet and is perpendicular to the ground plane. A vertical plane at the center of the facet extends through the central facet and includes the origin y-axis and origin z-axis. A horizontal plane at the center of the facet extends through the central facet and is perpendicular to the vertical plane at the center of the facet. A vertical plane at the axis center is parallel to the vertical plane of the facet and includes the axis center. A 1F vertical plane is parallel to the axis center vertical plane and offset 10 mm forward of the axis center vertical plane. A 2F vertical plane is parallel to the axis center vertical plane and offset 20 mm forward of the axis center vertical plane.-1R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 10 mm behind it; -2R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 20 mm behind it; -3R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 30 mm behind it; -4R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 40 mm behind it; -5R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 50 mm behind it; -6R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 60 mm behind it; -7R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 70 mm behind it; -8R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 80 mm behind it; -9R: The vertical plane is parallel to the shaft center vertical plane and offset 90 mm behind it; -1T The vertical plane is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 10 mm; the vertical plane of a 2T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 20 mm; the vertical plane of a 3T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 30 mm; the vertical plane of a 4T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 40 mm; the vertical plane of a 5T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 50 mm; the vertical plane of a 6T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 60 mm; the vertical plane of a 7T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 70 mm; the vertical plane of an 8T clubface is parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface and offset from it by 80 mm.-1H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 10 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface; -2H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 20 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface; -3H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 30 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface; -4H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 40 mm from the center vertical plane of the clubface; -5H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 50 mm from the heel; -6H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 60 mm from the heel; -7H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 70 mm from the heel; -8H: Vertical plane parallel to the center vertical plane of the clubface, offset by 80 mm from the heel; -1C A horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 10 mm above it; a 2C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 20 mm above it; a 3C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 30 mm above it; a 4C horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 40 mm above it; a 1S horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 10 mm below it; and a 2S horizontal plane is parallel to the center horizontal plane of the clubface and offset 20 mm below it. The front weight extends in front of the 2R vertical plane; a front 1F mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head in front of the 1F vertical plane; the front masses of 4T-4H, 1S-4C, and 2R are the masses of the golf club head (a) in front of the 2R vertical plane and (b) in front of the 4T vertical plane. (c) The mass of the portion of the golf club head between the vertical plane and the 4H vertical plane, and between the 1S horizontal plane and the 4C horizontal plane; A mid-section mass refers to the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 8R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane; A 3R-2R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 3R vertical plane and the 2R vertical plane; A 4R-3R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane; A 5R-4R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 5R vertical plane and the 4R vertical plane; A 6R-5R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 6R vertical plane and the 5R vertical plane; A 7R-6R mass is the mass of the portion of the golf club head between the 7R vertical plane and the 6R vertical plane.The mass of an 8R-7R golf clubhead is the mass of the portion of the clubhead located between the 8R and 7R vertical planes; the center front to midsection mass ratio is the ratio of the mass of the 4T-4H, 1S-4C, and front 2R clubheads to the midsection mass, and this center front to midsection mass ratio is 0.8-1.3; and the 6R-5R weight is within 20% of the 5R-4R weight.

22. The golf club head as described in claim 21, wherein, The mass ratio of the front to the middle section of the center does not exceed 1.

25.

23. The golf club head as described in claim 22, wherein, The mass of the 4R-3R is within 20% of the mass of the 5R-4R.

24. The golf club head as described in claim 23, wherein, The total material volume is at least 70cc, the golf club head has a maximum 4R-3R cross-sectional width in the portion between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane, the golf club head has a minimum 8R-7R cross-sectional width in the portion between the 8R vertical plane and the 7R vertical plane, and the maximum 4R-3R cross-sectional width is at least 20% larger than the minimum 8R-7R cross-sectional width.

25. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The volume of the first material is 69-79% of the total material volume.

26. The golf club head as described in claim 25, wherein, The ratio of the mass of the 3R-2R to the mass of the 4R-3R is at least 1.1, and the total material volume is 71.2-85.2 cc.

27. The golf club head as described in claim 25, wherein, The volume of the first material is 50-77.8cc.

28. The golf club head as described in claim 27, wherein, The volume of the first material does not exceed 64.6cc.

29. The golf club head as described in claim 25, wherein, The volume of the second material is 12-32% of the total material volume.

30. The golf club head as described in claim 29, wherein, The second material weighs 66-82 grams.

31. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The golf club head has a maximum 4R-3R section height in the portion between the 4R vertical plane and the 3R vertical plane, and a minimum 8R-7R section height in the portion between the 8R vertical plane and the 7R vertical plane, wherein the maximum 4R-3R section height is at least 20% greater than the minimum 8R-7R section height.

32. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The midsection mass does not exceed 50% of the front SAVP mass, which is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located in front of the vertical plane of the shaft.

33. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The mass of the 4T-4H, 1S-4C, and the first 2R sections is less than 36 grams, and the mass of the middle section is less than 36 grams.

34. The golf club head as described in claim 24 further includes a rear weight having a density of at least 7 g / cc and extending behind the 9R vertical plane.

35. The golf club head as described in claim 34, wherein, The front counterweight further includes two front counterweights attached to the front metal shaft.

36. The golf club head as described in claim 34, further comprising an aluminum rear ring portion, a ring with a density of less than 3 g / cc, and an attachment to the metal shaft portion forming a crown opening and a sole opening, wherein, A lightweight composite crown covers the crown opening, and a crown weight is less than 20 grams, and a lightweight composite baseplate covers the baseplate opening, and a baseplate weight is less than 30 grams.

37. The golf club head as described in claim 36, wherein, A rear heavy block contacts the aluminum rear ring.

38. The golf club head as described in claim 36, wherein, The aluminum rear ring is connected to the metal front shaft at a toe ring joint and a heel ring joint. The toe ring joint is located at a distance from the vertical plane of the shaft axis, and the heel ring joint is located at a distance from the vertical plane of the shaft axis, and the distance of the toe ring joint is not equal to the distance of the heel ring joint.

39. The golf club head as described in claim 38, wherein, The toe engagement distance is 105-200% of the heel engagement distance.

40. The golf club head as described in claim 38, wherein, The lowest part of the heel joint is located at the height of the heel joint, the lowest part of the toe joint is located at the height of the toe joint, and the height of the toe joint is at least 130% of the height of the heel joint.

41. The golf club head as described in claim 38, wherein, One portion of the aluminum rear ring is located above the bulge on the center face, and another portion of the aluminum rear ring is located below the bulge on the center face.

42. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The front 1F mass is at least 4 grams and less than 22.5-25 grams, and the front SAVP center 4 array mass is less than 4 grams, wherein the front SAVP center 4 array mass is the mass of one of the following portions of the golf clubhead located in front of (a) the vertical face of the shaft, (b) between the 1T vertical plane and the 1H vertical plane, and (c) between the 1S horizontal plane and the 1C horizontal plane.

43. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The first 1F mass is at least 7 grams and less than 20 grams.

44. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The ratio of the 3R-2R counterweight to the 4R-3R counterweight shall not exceed 1.

55.

45. The golf club head as described in claim 24, wherein, The front SAVP mass is the mass of the portion of the golf clubhead located in front of the vertical plane of the shaft, and the front SAVP mass is less than 69 grams.

46. ​​The golf club head as described in claim 24, further comprising a rear ring having a density of less than 3 g / cc, attached to the metal shaft and forming a crown opening, wherein, A lightweight composite crown covers the opening of the crown, and the weight of the crown is less than 20 grams.

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