FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to golf clubs. In particular, the present
disclosure relates to golf club heads having one or more thickened regions.
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0002] This claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/076,859, filed on September 10, 2020,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/073,849, filed on September 2, 2020, and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/944,968, filed on December 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf can be played by a wide variety of individuals generally categorized by age,
gender, physical strength, and flexibility. This diverse group of individuals (or
golfers) often leads to golf club manufacturers designing golf clubs that accommodates
the full spectrum of golfers, including ones having low, moderate, and high swing
speeds. Therefore, often due to golf club manufacturers designing golf clubs that
accommodate all individuals; individuals having low and moderate swings speeds may
be using golf clubs that are less optimally suited for their specific swing signature.
In return, leading to many golfers sacrificing impact efficiency, resulting in a less
than maximized ball travel distance. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a golf
club head, and more particularly, a driver-type golf club head designed to provide
maximum performance to golfers with low and moderate swing speeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004]
FIG. 1 illustrates an external heel and rear side perspective view of a golf club
head.
FIG. 2 illustrates an external top or crown view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates an external bottom or sole view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates an external front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 in an address
position.
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear, internal view of the faceplate having a variable face thickness
of FIG. 4 in an address position.
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 having a
weight assembly affixed to the club head.
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 without
a weight assembly affixed to the club head.
FIG. 8 illustrates a rear internal view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 with a sole-to-faceplate
bridge and a crown-to-faceplate bridge.
FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up view of the crown-to-faceplate bridge of FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 illustrates a rear, internal view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 with a sole-to-faceplate
bridge.
FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of the sole-to-faceplate bridge of FIG. 10.
[0005] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed
description and accompanying drawings.
[0006] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general
manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques
may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally,
elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the
dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other
elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The
same reference numerals in different figures denotes the same elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0007] Presented herein are golf clubs, and in particular, lightweight wood-type golf clubs
designed for golfers with swing speeds under 38 m/s (85 mph) (e.g., low and moderate
swing speeds). Generally, the lightweight golf clubs described herein may comprise
a thin crown, a thin sole, a mass efficient weight system, and/or a thin faceplate
to maximize performance gains (
e.g., ball travel distance, impact efficiency, and ball speed) targeted to individuals
with swing speeds less than 38 m/s (85 mph). As will be further described below, in
order to achieve a lightweight golf club (having a thin crown, a thin sole, a mass
efficient weight system, and a thin faceplate), the golf club head further comprises
a crown-to-faceplate bridge and a sole-to-faceplate bridge to control the characteristic
time (CT) properties of the club head.
[0008] Creating golf clubs that are specifically targeted to specific swing speed demographics
(
i.e. low and moderate swing speeds) can allow these individuals to use golf clubs suited
to their swing signature, rather than using golf clubs configured to accommodate the
full spectrum of golfers (
i.e. low, moderate, and high swing speeds). Therefore, this reduces the need to create
golf club heads that can withstand the ultimate loading (and/or ultimate stress) conditions
imparted from high speed swing speeds for durability purposes. This allows the golf
club heads described herein to have a decreased club head mass-to-volume ratio, improved
mass placement, and a thinner faceplate.
[0009] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and
in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not
necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances
such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation
in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover
a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or
apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements,
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,
system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0010] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "over," "under," and
the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes
and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that
the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated
or otherwise described herein.
[0011] The golf club head described herein can be a driver-type club head, a fairway wood-type
golf club, or a hybrid-type club head as described below. In many embodiments, the
golf club head can be a wood-type golf club head
(i.e. a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, or a hybrid-type
golf club head). Driver-type golf club heads, fairway wood-type golf club heads, and
hybrid-type golf club heads can be characterized by a loft angle, a head volume, and/or
by a head weight as mentioned above.
1. Loft Angle - Driver
[0012] The term "driver-type golf club head" described herein can be defined by a loft angle.
[0013] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the driver-type club head can be less than
approximately 16 degrees, less than approximately 15 degrees, less than approximately
14 degrees, less than approximately 13 degrees, less than approximately 12 degrees,
less than approximately 11 degrees, less than approximately 10 degrees, less than
approximately 9 degrees, less than approximately 8 degrees, or less than approximately
7 degrees.
2. Loft Angle - Fairway Wood
[0014] The term "fairway wood-type golf club head" described herein can be defined by one
or more of a loft angle or a club head material.
[0015] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head can be less
than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than approximately
33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately 31 degrees,
or less than approximately 30 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle
of the club head is greater than approximately 12 degrees, greater than approximately
13 degrees, greater than approximately 14 degrees, greater than approximately 15 degrees,
greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater
than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, or greater than
approximately 20 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the
fairway wood-type club head can be between 12 degrees and 35 degrees, between 15 degrees
and 35 degrees, between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 30 degrees.
3. Material -Fairway Wood
[0016] The material of the fairway wood-type golf club head can be constructed from any
material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material
of the fairway wood-type golf club head can be constructed from any one or combination
of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4
stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloys,
steel alloys, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloys, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloys,
steel alloys or any other known metal or composite material for creating a fairway
wood-type golf club head. In many embodiments, the fairway wood-type golf club head
is constructed from a titanium alloy and/or composite material.
4. Loft Angle - Hybrid
[0017] The term "hybrid-type golf club head" described herein can be defined by one or more
of a loft angle or a club head material.
[0018] In many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head can be less than
approximately 40 degrees, less than approximately 39 degrees, less than approximately
38 degrees, less than approximately 37 degrees, less than approximately 36 degrees,
less than approximately 35 degrees, less than approximately 34 degrees, less than
approximately 33 degrees, less than approximately 32 degrees, less than approximately
31 degrees, or less than approximately 30 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the
loft angle of the hybrid-type club head is greater than approximately 16 degrees,
greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater
than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than
approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately
23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, or greater than approximately 25
degrees.
5. Material - Hybrid
[0019] The material of the hybrid-type golf club head can be constructed from any material
used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material of the
hybrid-type golf club head can be constructed from any one or combination of the following:
8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel,
1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, steel alloys, tungsten,
aluminum, aluminum alloys, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloys, steel alloys or any
other known metal or composite for creating a hybrid-type golf club head. In many
embodiments, the hybrid-type golf club head can be constructed from a titanium alloy
and/or composite material.
[0020] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood
that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction
and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
[0021] Described below are lightweight golf club heads having a mass conservative faceplate
and a mass conservative body compared to golf club heads designed for swing speeds
in excess of 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour). The body and the faceplate together form
the golf club head defining a hollow interior. The body comprises a crown, a sole,
a toe, a heel, and a rear portion defining an inner cavity. The crown, sole, toe,
and heel of the body define an opening configured to receive the faceplate.
[0022] As described above, in many embodiments, the faceplates described herein can be designed
according to a specific swing speed demographic. By way of a non-limiting example,
a first user demographic having swing speeds less than 38 m/s (85 miles per hour (mph))
can use golf clubs having a thinner faceplate (thereby a less mass intensive faceplate),
than a second user demographic with swing speeds in excess of 44.7 m/s (100 miles
per hour (mph)). This allows the first user demographic to experience greater ball
speeds and increased ball travel distance (due to increased face flexure caused by
thinning of the faceplate), in comparison, to using golf club heads designed for the
second user demographic and both, maintaining their durability. In this specific scenario,
a durability issue caused by thinning the faceplate is not readily present (to the
first user demographic) due to low-to-moderate impact speeds, however, thinning the
thickness of the faceplate can result in an unconstrained increase in CT.
[0023] In many embodiments, to adequately control or modify CT across the faceplate (while
maintaining a thin and lightweight faceplate), the faceplate can have a variable thickness
profile, which tunes CT by allowing for thickening only desired regions. However,
in contrast, to golf club heads designed for swing speeds greater than 44.7 m/s (100
miles per hour), simply implementing a variable face thickness profile would be insufficient
to adequately control CT. Therefore, a crown-to-faceplate bridge and a sole-to-faceplate
bridge are internally and integrally formed within the club head to further control,
modify, and/or reduce the characteristic time properties (CT) of the club head.
[0024] The variable thickness of the faceplate can comprise a perimeter edge region, a toe
region, a heel region, an upper transition region, a lower transition region, and
a center region. The perimeter edge region can be substantially ellipsoidal and circumscribes
the toe region, the heel region, the upper transition region, the lower transition
region, and the center region. The toe region spans from the border of the perimeter
edge, the upper transition region, and the lower transition region. The heel region
spans from the border of the perimeter edge, the upper transition region, and the
lower transition region. The center region spans from and bounded by the upper and
lower transition region. In many embodiments, from the heel end of the golf club head
to the center of the faceplate and from the toe end of the golf club head to the center
of the faceplate, the variable thickness of the faceplate (VFT) can be defined as
the perimeter edge being the outermost region, followed up the heel and toe portions,
the upper and lower transition region, and lastly the center region.
[0025] Generally, portions of the golf club head having the greatest characteristic time
measurements can typically be found (1) towards the geometric center of the faceplate,
(2) offset from the geometric center of the faceplate towards the toe of the faceplate,
(3) offset from the geometric center towards the top end of the faceplate, or combinations
thereof. These areas can potentially have a characteristic time measurement that is
at, near, or approaching a threshold CT value
(i.e. a USGA and R&A CT limit). Therefore, in one or more thin faceplate embodiments, it
may be desirable to reduce CT in the toe portion of the faceplate and increase CT
in the heel portion of the faceplate. In these situations, the toe region of the VFT
can have a greater thickness than the heel region of the VFT. This creates a faceplate
this is stiffer within the toe portion and more flexible within the heel portion.
Thereby, in part, creating a more uniform CT across the faceplate.
[0026] As mentioned above, having a faceplate with a variable face thickness profile facilitates
in controlling (and/or decreasing) CT, however, due to the increased face flexure
caused by a thin and lightweight faceplate, solely implementing a VFT is insufficient
to adequately controlling CT. Therefore, to further modulate CT, without adding mass
intensive features, the golf club head can comprise a crown-to-faceplate bridge and/or
a sole-to-faceplate bridge. The crown-to-faceplate bridge and/or the sole-to-faceplate
bridge can be positioned in portions of the golf club head that are subjected to low
displacement and/or low stress regions upon golf ball impact. This allows certain
portions of a transition region between the faceplate and the crown and/or certain
portions of the transition region between the faceplate and the sole to be reinforced/thicker
to provide localized and/or custom stiffening to adjust the dynamic response properties
of the golf club head
(i.e. CT), while having a negligible effect on impact ball speeds.
Composition and Setup of Golf Club Head
[0027] As will be further described below, in order to achieve a lightweight golf club that
satisfies a predetermined mass/volume ratio, the golf club head comprises a thin crown,
a thin sole, a mass efficient weight system, and a thin faceplate when compared to
a conventional club head designed for swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour).
Thinning these structural features
(i.e. the thin crown, the thin sole, the mass efficient weight system, and the thin faceplate),
increases the flexibility of the golf club head, which correlates to an increase in
CT. Therefore, to limit (or offset) the increase in CT and ensure the club is in conformance
with USGA, the golf club head further comprises a crown-to-faceplate bridge and/or
a sole-to-faceplate bridge to control (or lower) the characteristic time (CT) properties
of the club head without needing to increase the thickness of the faceplate (
i.e. not limiting the flexibility of the faceplate). The club heads are achieving these
characteristics with swing speeds less than 38 m/s (85 miles per hour).
[0028] In many embodiments, the golf club head comprises a club head body (may also be referred
to as "body"). The club head body forms a toe (or toe portion), a heel (or heel portion),
a crown (or crown portion), a sole (or sole portion), a rear portion and a faceplate
opening configured to receive a faceplate. The faceplate can provide a surface adapted
for impact with a golf ball. The rear portion is rearwardly spaced from the faceplate.
The sole portion is defined as being between the faceplate and the rear portion, and
resting on a ground plane (or playing surface) at an address position. The crown (or
crown portion) can be formed opposite the sole (or sole portion). The faceplate can
be defined by the sole, the crown, the heel, and the toe of the golf club head.
[0029] As previously mentioned, the golf club head can be configured to reside in the "address
position". Unless otherwise described or stated, the golf club head is in an address
position for all reference measurements, ratios, and/or descriptive parameters. The
address position can be referred to as being in a state where (1) the sole of the
golf club head rests on the ground plane, which contacts and is parallel to a playing
surface and (2) the faceplate can be substantially perpendicular to the ground plane.
[0030] The faceplate of the clubhead defines a geometric center. In some embodiments, the
geometric center can be located at the geometric centerpoint of a faceplate perimeter,
and at a midpoint of face height. In the same or other examples, the geometric center
also can be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone, which can be defined
by a region of grooves on the faceplate. As another approach, the geometric center
of the faceplate can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing
body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric
center of the faceplate can be determined in accordance with Section 6.1 of the USGA's
Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0,
May 1, 2008) (available at
http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head/) (the "Flexibility Procedure").
[0031] The club head further defines a loft plane tangent to the geometric center of the
faceplate. The face height can be measured parallel to the loft plane between a top
end of the faceplate perimeter near the crown and a bottom end of the faceplate perimeter
near the sole. In these embodiments, the perimeter of the faceplate can be located
along the outer edge of the faceplate where the curvature deviates from the bulge
and/or roll of the faceplate.
[0032] The geometric center of the faceplate further defines a coordinate system having
an origin located at the geometric center of the faceplate, the coordinate system
having an X' axis, a Y' axis, and a Z' axis. The X' axis extends through the geometric
center of the faceplate in a direction from the heel to the toe of the club head.
The Y' axis extends through the geometric center of the faceplate in a direction from
the crown to the sole of the club head and perpendicular to the X' axis, and the Z'
axis extends through the geometric center of the faceplate in a direction from the
front end (e.g., faceplate) to the rear of the club head and perpendicular to the
X' axis and the Y' axis.
[0033] The coordinate system defines an X'Y' plane extending through the X' axis and the
Y' axis. The X'Y' plane extends parallel to a hosel axis (not shown) and is positioned
at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the club head from the loft plane
164. Further, the X' axis can be positioned at a 60 degree angle to the hosel axis when
viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. In these or other embodiments,
the club head can be viewed from a front view (FIG. 4) when the faceplate is viewed
from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane.
I. Embodiments
[0034] Many of the golf club head embodiments (FIGS. 1 - 11) described below, illustrate
a driver-type golf club head 100 configured to increase performance for golfers with
swing speeds under 38 m/s (85 miles-per-hour (mph)). As will be further described
below, increased performance can be at least in part attributed to the addition of
a crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 and/or a sole-to-faceplate bridge
107, a thin crown
102, a thin sole
103, a lightweight and flexible faceplate
105 with a variable thickness profile
111, and a mass-efficient weight system
104. As will be discussed below, the combination of these features and attributes aid
in preventing durability and CT issues, while increasing club head performance to
golfers with swing speeds under 38 m/s (85 miles per hour).
Mass Properties of the Golf Club Head
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, the body
101 of the golf club head
100, and the faceplate
105 are coupled together to define a hollow interior cavity. The body
101 comprises a crown
102, a sole
103, a toe
108, a heel
109, and a rear portion
110 defining a hollow inner cavity. The crown
102, the sole
103, the toe
108, and the heel
109 of the body define an opening configured to receive the faceplate
105. The faceplate
105 can provide a surface adapted for impact with a golf ball. The rear portion
110 is rearwardly spaced from the faceplate
105. The sole
103 is defined as being between the faceplate
105 and the rear portion
110 and resting on a ground plane
120 (or playing surface) at an address position. The crown
102 can be formed opposite the sole
103.
[0036] Creating golf club heads used (only) by golfers with swing speeds under 38 m/s (85
miles per hour) permits reducing (or thinning) the structural mass of many features
of the club head
(i.e. the crown, the sole, the faceplate, etc.) then conventionally required by golf club
heads used by golfers with swing speeds in excess of 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour)
(conventional golf clubs). This creates a golf club head that is significantly more
flexible than conventional golf clubs, which consequently causes an increase in the
CT properties of the club head. Therefore, implementing an integrally formed crown-to-faceplate
bridge or a sole-to-faceplate bridge can locally thicken a region of the club head
having inherently high CT without needing to add thickness (or mass) to the entire
faceplate. In conventional clubheads, the primary option to decrease the CT properties
of the club head is to thicken the entire face (and not just a face periphery portion).
Therefore, the crown-to-faceplate bridge and the sole-to-faceplate bridge aid in creating
a lightweight golf club head. In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can be approximately 3 grams, approximately 4 grams, approximately 5 grams, approximately
6 grams, approximately 7 grams, approximately 8 grams, or approximately 9 grams lighter
than the conventional golf club head.
Driver-Type Golf Club Head
[0037] To achieve a lightweight (but durable) golf club head
100, the combined mass of the golf club head
100 can be between approximately 190 grams and 200 grams. In many embodiments, the combined
mass of the golf club head
100 can be between approximately 190 grams - 192 grams, approximately 192 grams - 194
grams, approximately 194 grams - 196 grams, approximately 196 grams - 198 grams, or
approximately 198 grams - 200 grams. In further embodiments, the combined mass of
the golf club head
100 can be less than 200 grams, less than 199 grams, less than 198 grams, less than 197
grams, less than 196 grams, less than 195 grams, less than 194 grams, less than 193
grams, less than 192 grams, or less than 191 grams. In other embodiments, the combined
mass of the golf club head
100 can be approximately 190 grams, approximately 191 grams, approximately 192 grams,
approximately 193 grams, approximately 194 grams, approximately 195 grams, approximately
196 grams, approximately 197 grams, approximately 198 grams, approximately 199 grams,
or approximately 200 grams. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the combined
club head mass
(i.e. the club head body coupled to the faceplate) is approximately 194 grams. For comparison
purposes, conventional golf club heads designed for swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100
miles per hour) have a combined club head mass in excess of 203 grams.
[0038] Creating a lightweight golf club head
100 does not necessarily mean a tradeoff (or decrease) in the volume of the clubhead
100. For example, the volume of the golf club head
100 can be between approximately 444 cc and approximately 460 cc. In many embodiments,
the volume of the golf club head
100 can be between approximately 444 cc - approximately 448 cc, approximately 448 cc
- approximately 450 cc, approximately 450 cc - approximately 452 cc, approximately
452 cc - approximately 454 cc, approximately 454 cc - approximately 456 cc, approximately
456 cc - approximately 458 cc, or approximately 458 cc - approximately 460 cc. In
other embodiments, the volume of the golf club head
100 can be approximately 444 cc, approximately 445 cc, approximately 446 cc, approximately
447 cc, approximately 448 cc, approximately 449 cc, approximately 450 cc, approximately
451 cc, approximately 452 cc, approximately 453 cc, approximately 454 cc, approximately
455 cc, approximately 456 cc, approximately 457 cc, approximately 458 cc, approximately
459 cc, or approximately 460 cc. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-11, the
combined club head
100 volume is 460 cc.
[0039] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can be characterized by a mass-to-volume ratio that is defined as the ratio between
the mass of the golf club head and the volume of the golf club head (

). In many embodiments, the mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head
100 can be between approximately 0.40 and approximately 0.44. In many embodiments, the
mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head
100 can be greater than approximately 0.40, greater than approximately 0.41, greater
than approximately 0.42, or greater than approximately 0.43. In the same or other
embodiments, the mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head
100 can be less than approximately 0.44, less than approximately 0.43, less than approximately
0.42, or less than approximately 0.41. In alternative embodiments, the mass-to-volume
ratio of the golf club head
100 can be approximately 0.40, approximately 0.41, approximately 0.42, approximately
0.43, or approximately 0.44. The mass-to-volume ratio is unitless as one gram is mathematically
equivalent to one cubic centimeter.
[0040] Maintaining a golf club head
100 with a mass-to-volume ratio that is less than 0.44 enables individuals with lower
swing speeds to swing freely and naturally without sacrificing forgiveness (MOI) typically
associated with a larger volume club head. The ratio described above is achieved through
various features that will be further detailed below.
Fairway Wood Golf Club Head
[0041] To achieve a lightweight (but durable) golf club head, the combined mass of the golf
club head can be between approximately 180 grams and 198 grams. In many embodiments,
the combined mass of the golf club head can be between approximately 180 grams - 182
grams, approximately 182 grams - 184 grams, approximately 184 grams - 186 grams, approximately
186 grams - 188 grams, approximately 188 grams - 190 grams, approximately 190 grams
- approximately 192 grams, approximately 192 grams - approximately 194 grams, approximately
194 grams - approximately 196 grams, or approximately 196 grams - approximately 198
grams. In further embodiments, the combined mass of the golf club head can be less
than 198 grams, less than 197 grams, less than 196 grams, less than 195 grams, less
than 194 grams, less than 193 grams, less than 192 grams, less than 191 grams, less
than 190 grams, less than 189 grams, less than 188 grams, less than 187 grams, less
than 186 grams, less than 185 grams, less than 184 grams, less than 183 grams, less
than 182 grams, or less than 181 grams. In other embodiments, the combined mass of
the golf club head can be approximately 180 grams, approximately 181 grams, approximately
182 grams, approximately 183 grams, approximately 184 grams, approximately 185 grams,
approximately 186 grams, approximately 187 grams, approximately 188 grams, approximately
189 grams, approximately 190 grams, approximately 191 grams, approximately 192 grams,
approximately 193 grams, approximately 194 grams, approximately 195 grams, approximately
196 grams, approximately 197 grams, or approximately 198 grams. For comparison purposes,
conventional fairway-wood type golf club heads designed for swing speeds over 44.7
m/s (100 miles per hour) have a combined club head mass between 200 grams and 208
grams.
[0042] Creating a lightweight golf club head does not necessarily mean a tradeoff (or decrease)
in the volume of the clubhead. For example, the volume of the golf club head can be
between approximately 165 cc and approximately 180 cc. In many embodiments, the volume
of the golf club head can be between approximately 165 cc - approximately 170 cc,
approximately 170 cc - approximately 175 cc, or approximately 175 cc - approximately
180 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the golf club head can be approximately
165 cc, approximately 166 cc, approximately 167 cc, approximately 168 cc, approximately
169 cc, approximately 170 cc, approximately 171 cc, approximately 172 cc, approximately
173 cc, approximately 174 cc, approximately 175 cc, approximately 176 cc, approximately
177 cc, approximately 178 cc, approximately 179 cc, or approximately 180 cc.
[0043] In many embodiments, the golf club head can be characterized by a mass-to-volume
ratio that is defined as the ratio between the mass of the golf club head and the
volume of the golf club head (

). In many embodiments, the mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head can be between
approximately 1.04 and approximately 1.07. In many embodiments, the mass-to-volume
ratio of the golf club head can be greater than approximately 1.04, greater than approximately
1.05, greater than approximately 1.06, or greater than approximately 1.07. In the
same or other embodiments, the mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head can be less
than approximately 1.07, less than approximately 1.06, or less than approximately
1.05. In alternative embodiments, the mass-to-volume ratio of the golf club head can
be approximately 1.04, approximately 1.05, approximately 1.06, or approximately 1.07.
The mass-to-volume ratio is unitless as one gram is mathematically equivalent to one
cubic centimeter.
[0044] Maintaining a golf club head with a mass-to-volume ratio that is less than 1.07 enables
individuals with lower swing speeds to swing freely and naturally without sacrificing
forgiveness (MOI) typically associated with a larger volume club head. The ratio described
above is achieved through various features that will be further detailed below. Similar
mass-to-volume ratio can be achieved with a hybrid-type golf club head.
Crown of the Golf Club Head
[0045] As described above, creating golf club heads used only by golfers with swing speeds
only under 38 m/s (85 miles per hours) permits reducing (or thinning) the structural
mass of many features of the club head
(i.e. the crown, the sole, the faceplate, etc.) then conventionally constrained to (for
durability purposes) by golf club heads configured used by golfers with swing speeds
in excess of 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour) (conventional golf clubs). Thinning the
crown of the golf club head provides a lower and deeper center of gravity position
to help launch the golf ball into the air quicker upon impact. However, this can create
a golf club head that has a thinner crown-to-face transition region than conventional
golf clubs, which consequently can cause an increase in the CT properties of the club
head. Therefore, locally implementing an integrally formed crown-to-faceplate bridge
that is tangentially blended with some of surrounding areas of the club head can decrease
CT, while negligibly increasing the club head mass and maintaining a thin crown.
[0046] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can have a crown
102 with a relatively lower thickness (than a standard club that must maintain durability
over 44.7 m/s (100 mph) impacts) to achieve certain head mass and volume targets.
As defined above, the crown
102 of the golf club
100 is the top surface of the club head and the portion of the club visible from an address
position, when the individual or golfer (not shown) is looking down. The crown
102 can be segmented (or split) into three distinct length portions (
i.e. a front portion
125, a middle portion
126, and a rear portion
127), measured in a front-to-rear direction from the rear of the golf club head
110 to the faceplate
105.
[0047] The front portion
125 of the crown
102 can be proximal to the faceplate
105 and defined as the forward 1/6
th portion (and/or having a length that is 1/6
th) of the crown length. The rear portion
127 of the crown
102 is proximal to the rear
110 of the golf club head
100 and defined as being the rearward 2/6
th portion (and/or having a length that is 2/6
th) of the crown length. The middle portion
126 of the crown
102 is between the front portion
125 and rear portion
127 and defined as being the middle 3/6
th portion (and/or having a length that is 3/6
th) of the crown length.
[0048] In this or other embodiments, the thickness of the crown
102 can vary from near the front portion
125 of the crown
102 to near the rear end
110 of the crown
102 and/or from near the heel portion of the crown
102 to near the toe portion of the crown
102, or in any direction along the crown
102 of the golf club head. As illustrated by FIGS. 6 and 7, in many embodiments, the
thickness of the crown
102 can decrease from near the front end towards the rear end of the golf club head
100, measured from an inner crown surface
128 to an outer crown surface
129.
[0049] For example, in many embodiments, the thickness of the front portion
125 of the crown
102 can be between 0.48 mm (0.019 inches) and 0.79 mm (0.031 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the front portion
125 of the crown
102 can be less than approximately 0.79 mm (0.031 inches), less than approximately 0.76
mm (0.030 inches), less than approximately 0.74 mm (0.029 inches), less than approximately
0.71 mm (0.028 inches), less than approximately 0.69 mm (0.027 inches), less than
approximately 0.66 mm (0.026 inches), less than approximately 0.64 mm (0.025 inches),
less than approximately 0.61 mm (0.024 inches), less than approximately 0.58 mm (0.023
inches), less than approximately 0.56 mm (0.022 inches), less than approximately 0.53
mm (0.021 inches), or less than approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the front portion
125 of the crown
102 can be approximately 0.48 mm (0.019 inches), approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches),
approximately 0.53 mm (0.021 inches), approximately 0.56 mm (0.022 inches), approximately
0.58 mm (0.023 inch), approximately 0.61 mm (0.024 inch), approximately 0.64 mm (0.025
inch), approximately 0.66 mm (0.026 inch), approximately 0.69 mm (0.027 inch), approximately
0.71 mm (0.028 inches), approximately 0.74 mm (0.029 inches), approximately 0.76 mm
(0.030 inches), or approximately 0.79 mm (0.031 inches).
[0050] In the same or an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the middle
126 and rear portion
127 of the crown
102 can be the same or substantially equivalent. For example, in many embodiments, the
thickness of the middle portion
126 and rear portion
127 of the crown
102 can be between 0.36 mm (0.014 inches) and 0.51 mm (0.020 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the middle portion
126 and rear portion
127 of the crown
102 can be less than approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches), less than approximately 0.48
mm (0.019 inches), less than approximately 0.46 mm (0.018 inches), less than approximately
0.43 mm (0.017 inches), less than approximately 0.41 mm (0.016 inches), or less than
approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). In other embodiments, the thickness of the middle
portion
126 and rear portion
127 of the crown
102 can be approximately 0.36 mm (0.014 inches), approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches),
0.41 mm (0.016 inches), 0.43 mm (0.017 inches), 0.46 mm (0.018 inches), 0.48 mm (0.019
inches), or 0.51 mm (0.020 inches). In alternative embodiments, the middle portion
126 of the crown can be a transition region from thickest front portion
125 to the thinnest rear portion
127 of the crown.
[0051] Stated another way, in many embodiments, approximately 85% of the crown
102 can have a thickness of approximately 0.43 mm (0.017 inches) and the reaming portion
of the crown
102 can have a thickness of approximately 0.79 mm (0.031 inches). For comparison purposes,
conventional golf club heads that maintains durability with swing speeds over 44.7
m/s (100 miles per hour) have an average thickness of 0.79 mm (0.031 inches) over
the majority of the crown.
Sole of the Golf Club Head
[0052] As described above, creating golf club heads configured to be used by golfers with
swing speeds under 38 m/s (85 miles per hours) permits reducing (or thinning) the
structural mass of many features of the club head (
i.e. the crown, the sole, the faceplate, etc.) then conventionally constrained to by golf
club heads used by golfers with swing speeds in excess of 44.7 m/s (100 miles per
hour) (conventional golf clubs). Thinning the sole of the golf club head allows the
faceplate to deform and bend more (
i.e. more faceplate deflection yields greater ball speeds) than a conventional club head
that maintains durability over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour). However, this can create
a golf club head that has a thinner sole-to-face transition region than conventional
golf clubs, which consequently can cause an increase in the CT properties of the club
head. Therefore, locally implementing an integrally formed sole-to-faceplate bridge
that is tangentially blended with the some surrounding areas of the club head can
decrease (or control) CT, while negligibly increasing the club head mass and maintaining
a thin sole.
[0053] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can have a sole
103 with a relatively lower thickness (than a standard club that must maintain durability
over 44.7 m/s (100 mph) impacts) to achieve certain head mass and volume targets.
As defined above, the sole
103 of the golf club head
100 is between the faceplate
105 and the rear portion
110 and resting on a ground plane
120 (or playing surface) at an address position. The sole
103 can be segmented (or split) into three distinct length portions (
i.e. a front sole portion
130, a middle sole portion
131, and a rear sole portion
132), measured in a front-to-rear direction from the faceplate-to-rear of the golf club
head.
[0054] The front sole portion
130 of the sole
103 can be proximal to the faceplate
105 and the forward 1/3
rd portion (and/or having a length that is 1/3
rd) of the sole length. The rear sole portion
132 of the sole
103 is proximal to the rear
110 of the golf club head and defined as being the rearward 1/3
rd portion (and/or having a length that is 1/3
rd) of the sole length. The middle sole portion
131 of the sole is between the front sole portion
130 and rear sole portion
132 and defined as being the middle 1/3
rd portion (and/or having a length is 1/3
rd) of the sole length.
[0055] In this or other embodiments, the thickness of the sole
103, measured from an inner sole surface
133 to an outer sole surface
134, can vary from near the front portion of the sole to near the rear end of the sole
and/or from near the heel portion of the sole to near the toe portion of the sole,
or in any direction along the sole of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the
thickness of the sole
103 can decrease from near the front end towards the rear end
110 of the golf club head
100.
[0056] For example, in many embodiments, the thickness of the front portion
130 of the sole
103 can be between 0.48 mm (0.019 inches) and 0.79 mm (0.031 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the front portion
130 of the sole
103 can be less than approximately 0.79 mm (0.031 inches), less than approximately 0.76
mm (0.030 inches), less than approximately 0.74 mm (0.029 inches), less than approximately
0.71 mm (0.028 inches), less than approximately 0.69 mm (0.027 inches), less than
approximately 0.66 mm (0.026 inches), less than approximately 0.64 mm (0.025 inches),
less than approximately 0.61 mm (0.024 inches), less than approximately 0.58 mm (0.023
inches), less than approximately 0.56 mm (0.022 inches), less than approximately 0.53
mm (0.021 inches), or less than approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the front portion
130 of the sole
103 can be approximately 48 mm (0.019 inch), approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches), approximately
0.53 mm (0.021 inches), approximately 0.56 mm (0.022 inches), approximately 0.58 mm
(0.023 inch), approximately 0.61 mm (0.024 inch), approximately 0.64 mm (0.025 inch),
approximately 0.66 mm (0.026 inch), approximately 0.69 mm (0.027 inch), approximately
0.71 mm (0.028 inches), approximately 0.74 mm (0.029 inches), approximately 0.76 mm
(0.030 inches), or approximately 0.79 mm (0.031 inches).
[0057] In the same or an alternative embodiment, the thickness of the middle
131 and rear portion
132 of the sole
103 can be the same or substantially equivalent. For example, in many embodiments, the
thickness of the middle portion
131 and rear portion
132 of the sole
103 can be between 0.36 mm (0.014 inches) and 0.56 mm (0.022 inches). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the middle portion
131 and rear portion
132 of the sole
103 can be less than approximately 0.56 mm (0.022 inches), less than approximately 0.53
mm (0.021 inches), less than approximately 0.51 mm (0.020 inches), less than approximately
0.48 mm (0.019 inches), less than approximately 0.46 mm (0.018 inches), less than
approximately 0.43 mm (0.017 inches), less than approximately 0.41 mm (0.016 inches),
or less than approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches). In other embodiments, the thickness
of the middle portion
131 and rear portion
132 of the sole
103 can be approximately 0.36 mm (0.014 inches), approximately 0.38 mm (0.015 inches),
approximately 0.41 mm (0.016 inches), approximately 0.43 mm (0.017 inches), approximately
0.46 mm (0.018 inches), approximately 0.48 mm (0.019 inches), approximately 0.51 mm
(0.020 inches), approximately 0.53 mm (0.021 inches), or approximately 0.56 mm (0.022
inches). In alternative embodiments, the middle portion
131 of the sole can be a transition region from thickest front portion
130 to the thinnest rear portion
132.
[0058] Stated another way, in many embodiments, the entire sole
103 can have a thickness less than approximately 0.76 mm (0.030 inches). In alternative
embodiments, approximately 97% of the sole can have a thickness less than approximately
0.71 mm (0.028 inches). For comparison purposes, conventional golf club heads that
maintains durability with swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour) have an
average sole thickness of 0.76 mm (0.030 inches) over the majority of the sole.
Faceplate Features
[0059] As shown by FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, to partially control CT across the faceplate
105 (while maintaining a thin faceplate, a thin crown
102, and a thin sole
103), the faceplate
105 can have a variable thickness profile
111, which can tune CT by allowing for thickening only in desired regions. In the illustrated
embodiment, the variable thickness profile
111 of the faceplate
105 can comprise a perimeter edge region
112, a toe region
113, a heel region
114, an upper transition region
115, a lower transition region
116, and a center region
117. The thickness of the faceplate
105 is approximately 5% to 7% thinner than conventional golf club heads that must maintain
durability with swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour). However, only implementing
a variable face thickness profile to control CT, would be insufficient due to the
greater bending/flexure characteristics caused by thin faceplate and lightweight clubhead.
Therefore, a crown-to-faceplate bridge and a sole-to-faceplate bridge are integrally
formed within the club head to control, modify, and/or reduce the characteristic time
properties (CT) of the club head.
[0060] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can be viewed in a perpendicular direction to an XY' plane and the faceplate
105 as shown by FIGS. 4 and 5. When viewing the golf club head
100 in a generally perpendicular direction to the XY' plane and the faceplate
105, the golf club head
100 can be defined by a coordinate system having an X' axis
122 that extends through the geometric center
121 of the faceplate
105 in a heel-to-toe direction and a Y' axis
123 that extends through the geometric center
121 in a top-to-bottom (or crown-to-sole) direction.
[0061] The X' axis
122 horizontally divides the golf club head
100 into an upper region and a lower region. The upper region of the golf club head is
bounded by the X' axis
122, the crown
102, and the maximum heel-to-toe width of the club head
100. The lower region of the golf club head is bounded by the X' axis
122, the sole
103, and the maximum heel to toe width of the golf club head
100. The Y' axis
123 vertically separates the club head into a left region and a right region. The left
region can be bounded by the Y' axis
123 and the toe end
108 of the golf club head
100. The right region can be bounded by the Y' axis
123 and the heel
109 of the golf club head
100. Further, the X' axis
122 and the Y' axis
123 is perpendicular to each other and form four faceplate quadrant regions.
[0062] The four faceplate quadrant regions can be defined as a center-to-high toe quadrant
135, a center-to-low toe quadrant
136, a center-to-high heel quadrant
137, and a center-to-low heel quadrant
138 when the golf club head
100 is resting on the ground plane
120 at an address position. The center-to-high toe quadrant
135 extends from the geometric center
121 and spans the upper, left faceplate region. The center-to low toe quadrant
136 extends from the geometric center
121 and spans the lower, left faceplate region. The center-to-high heel quadrant
137 extends from the geometric center
121 and spans the upper, right faceplate region. The center-to-low heel quadrant
138 extends from the geometric center
121 and spans the lower, right faceplate region.
[0063] As described above, the variable thickness
111 of the faceplate
105 can comprise a perimeter edge region
112, a toe region
113, a heel region
114, an upper transition region
115, a lower transition region
116, and a center region
117. The perimeter edge region
112 can be substantially ellipsoidal and circumscribes the toe region
113, the heel region
114, the upper transition region
115, the lower transition region
116, and the center region
117. The toe region
113 can border the perimeter edge
112, the upper transition region
115, and the lower transition region
116. The heel region
114 can border the perimeter edge
112, the upper transition region
115, and the lower transition region
116. The center region
117 is bounded by the upper
115 and lower transition region
116. In many embodiments, from the heel end of the golf club head to the center of the
striking surface (or faceplate) and/or from the toe end of the golf club head to the
center of the striking surface (or faceplate), the VFT can be defined as the perimeter
edge
112 being the outermost region followed by the heel
114 and toe
113 portions, the upper
115 and lower transition region
116, and lastly the center region
117.
[0064] In many embodiments, the perimeter edge
112 can define the outermost region of the faceplate
105 and circumscribes the toe region
113, the heel region
114, the upper transition region
115, the lower transition region
116, and the center region
117.
[0065] In many embodiments, the toe region
113 of the variable face thickness
111 can span only across the center-to-low toe quadrant
136 and the center-to-high toe quadrant
135 and not into the center-to-low heel quadrant
138 and the center-to-high toe quadrant
137. In the same or an alternative embodiment, the toe region
113 can have a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the toe region
113 can have a variable thickness. The toe region
113 comprises a surface area on the back surface of the faceplate
105. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the surface area of the toe region
113 is greater than the surface area of the heel region
114.
[0066] Further, in many of the thin strike face (or faceplate
105) embodiments, it is desirable to reduce CT in the toe portion
113 of the faceplate and increase CT in the heel portion
114 of the faceplate
115. For exemplary purposes, the toe portion
113 of the variable face thickness
111 can have a greater thickness than the heel portion
114 of the variable face thickness
111. Thereby, creating a faceplate
105 this is stiffer within the toe portion
113 and more flexible within the heel portion
114 (to create a more uniform CT response across the faceplate
105).
[0067] In many embodiments, the toe portion
113 thickness of the VFT
111 can be between approximately 2.06 mm (0.081 inches) and approximately 2.21 mm (0.087
inches). In many embodiments, the toe portion
113 thickness of the variable face thickness
111 can be between approximately 2.06 mm (0.081 inches) - approximately 2.08 mm (0.082
inches), approximately 2.08 mm (0.082 inches) - approximately 2.11 mm (0.083 inches),
approximately 2.13 mm (0.084 inches) - approximately 2.16 mm (0.085 inches), or approximately
2.18 mm (0.086 inches) - approximately 2.21 mm (0.087 inches). In alternative embodiments,
the toe portion
113 thickness of the VFT
111 can be approximately 2.06 mm (0.081 inches), approximately 2.08 mm (0.082 inches),
approximately 2.11 mm (0.083 inches), approximately 2.13 mm (0.084 inches), approximately
2.16 mm (0.085 inches), approximately 2.18 mm (0.086 inches), or approximately 2.21
mm (0.087 inches).
[0068] The heel region
114 of the variable face thickness
111 can span only across both the center-to-low heel quadrant
138 and the center-to-high heel quadrant
137 and not into the center-to-low toe quadrant
136 and the center-to-high toe quadrant
135. In many embodiments, the heel region
114 can have a constant thickness. In other embodiments, the heel region
114 can have a variable thickness
111. The heel region
114 comprises a surface area on the back surface of the faceplate
105. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the surface area of the heel region
114 is less than the surface area of the toe region
113.
[0069] As previously mentioned, to reduce CT in the toe portion of the faceplate and increase
CT in the heel portion of the faceplate, the toe portion
113 of the variable face thickness can have a greater thickness than the heel portion
114. Thereby, creating a faceplate
105 that is stiffer within the toe portion
113 and more flexible within the heel portion
114 (to create a more uniform CT response across the faceplate
105).
[0070] In many embodiments, the heel portion
114 thickness of the VFT can be between approximately 1.91 mm (0.075 inches) and approximately
2.03 mm (0.080 inches). In many embodiments, the heel portion
114 thickness of the variable face thickness
111 can be between approximately 1.91 mm (0.075 inches) - approximately 1.93 mm (0.076
inches), approximately 1.93 mm (0.076 inches) - approximately 1.96 mm (0.077 inches),
approximately 1.96 mm (0.077 inches) - approximately 1.98 mm (0.078 inches), approximately
1.98 mm (0.078 inches) - approximately 2.01 mm (0.079 inches), or approximately 2.01
mm (0.079 inches)-approximately 2.03 mm (0.080 inches). In alternative embodiments,
the heel portion
114 thickness of the VFT
111 can be approximately 1.91 mm (0.075 inches), approximately 1.93 mm (0.076 inches),
approximately 1.96 mm (0.077 inches), approximately 1.98 mm (0.078 inches), approximately
2.01 mm (0.079 inches), or approximately 2.03 mm (0.080 inches).
[0071] As further illustrated by FIG. 5, the majority of the upper-transition region
115 is bounded by at least one of the x-axis
122 (i.e. upper region), the toe portion, the heel portion, and/or the top perimeter of the
faceplate. In many embodiments, the upper-transition region
115 abuts or contacts the heel portion, the toe portion, and the top of the faceplate
and extends inward towards the central region
117. The upper-transition region
115 comprises a transition thickness that varies in a direction from at least the toe
portion and the heel portion towards the central region. In many embodiments, the
upper-transition region thickness is greater than the thickness of the heel portion
and/or the toe portion.
[0072] With continued reference to FIG. 8, the majority of the lower-transition region
116 can be bounded by at least one of the x-axis
122 (i.e. lower region), the toe portion, the heel portion, and/or the bottom perimeter of
the faceplate. In many embodiments, the lower-transition region
116 abuts or contacts the heel portion, the toe portion, and the bottom of the faceplate
and extends inward towards the central region. The lower-transition region
116 comprises a transition thickness that varies in a direction from at least the toe
portion and/or the heel portion towards the central region. In many embodiments, the
lower-transition region
116 thickness is greater than the thickness of the heel portion and/or the toe portion.
[0073] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region
117 of the variable thickness profile
111 comprises an ellipse (or ellipse-like) shape. The shape of the central region defines
a major axis extending in a general heel to toe direction and a minor axis extending
generally in a top to bottom direction. The major axis and the minor axis intersect
at a center of the central region. The major axis extends along a length of the central
region, and the minor axis extends along a maximum width of the central region. In
this particular embodiment, the major axis of the central region extends parallel
(and/or non-angled) to the x-axis
122.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region
117 has a thickness of 3.38 mm (0.133 inch). In other embodiments, the thickness of the
central region can vary from 1.78 mm to 6.35 mm (0.070 to 0.25 inches). For example,
in some embodiments, the thickness of the central region can be from 1.78 to 2.54,
2.29 to 2.54, 2.41 to 2.67, 2.54 to 3.05, 2.67 to 2.92, 2.79 to 3.05, 2.92 to 3.18,
3.05 to 3.30, 3.18 to 3.4, 3.30 to 3.56, 3.43 to 3.68, 3.56 to 3.81, 3.68 to 3.94,
3.81 to 4.32, 4.06 to 4.57, 4.32 to 5.08, 4.83 to 5.59, or 5.33 to 6.35 mm (0.07 to
0.1, 0.09 to 0.1, 0.095 to 0.105, 0.1 to 0.12, 0.105 to 0.115, 0.11 to 0.12, 0.115
to 0.125, 0.12 to 0.13, 0.125 to 0.135, 0.13 to 0.14, 0.135 to 0.145, 0.14 to 0.15,
0.145 to 0.155, 0.15 to 0.17, 0.16 to 0.18, 0.17 to 0.2, 0.19 to 0.22, or 0.21 to
0.25 inches). In many embodiments, the central region 350 can comprise less than 5%,
less than 10%, less than 15%, less than 20%, less than 25%, or less than 30% of the
total surface area of the face plate 320. For example, the central region can comprise
2-10%, 5-10%, 2-15%, 5-15%, or 5-20% of the total surface area of the face plate.
[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the center of the central region can be offset toeward
from the geometric center of the face plate. In alternative embodiments, the center
of the central region can be located at the geometric center of the faceplate.
[0076] The central region comprises a first side or toe side and a second side or heel side.
The first side and second side of the central region are separated by the minor axis.
The first side is positioned between the minor axis and the toe portion, and the second
side is positioned between the minor axis and the heel portion. The length of the
first side, measured along the major axis, is equivalent (or substantially similar)
to the length of the second side.
[0077] In many embodiments, the combined length of the first side and the second side can
be greater than approximately 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), greater than approximately 20.32
mm (0.80 inch), greater than approximately 21.59 mm (0.85 inch), greater than approximately
22.86 mm (0.90 inch), greater than approximately 24.13 mm (0.95 inch), or greater
than approximately 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). In other embodiments, the combined length of
the first side and the second side can be approximately 22.61 mm (0.89 inch), 25.4
mm (1.0 inch), 27.94 mm (1.1 inches), 30.48 mm (1.2 inches), 33.02 mm (1.3 inches),
or 35.56mm (1.4 inches).
[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the central region
117 further comprises a top-side length measured along the minor axis from the center
of the central region toward the top, and a bottom-side length measured along the
minor axis from the center of the central region toward the bottom. In this embodiment,
the top-side length and the bottom-side length are equivalent (or substantially similar)
in length.
[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the top-side length and the bottom side length are
approximately 6.35 mm (0.25 inches). In other embodiments, the top-side length and/or
the bottom side length can be between 1.27 and 24.5 mm (0.05 and 1.0 inches). For
example, in some embodiments, the top-side length and/or the bottom side length can
be between 1.27 and 6.35, 3.81 and 8.89, 6.35 and 11.43, 8.89 and 13.97, 11.43 and
16.51, 13.97 and 19.05, 16.51 and 21.59, 19.05 and 25.4 mm (0.05 and 0.25, 0.15 and
0.35, 0.25 and 0.45, 0.35 and 0.55, 0.45 and 0.65, 0.55 and 0.75, 0.65 and 0.85, or
0.75 and 1.0 inches).
[0080] The total mass of the faceplate
105 can be between approximately 60 and 66 grams. In many embodiments, the mass of the
faceplate can be between approximately 60 grams - approximately 61 grams, approximately
61 grams - approximately 62 grams, approximately 62 grams - approximately 63 grams,
approximately 63 grams - approximately 64 grams, approximately 64 grams - approximately
65 grams, or approximately 65 grams - approximately 66 grams. In further embodiments,
the total mass of the face plate can be less than 66 grams, less than 65 grams, less
than 64 grams, less than 63 grams, less than 62 grams, or less than 61 grams. In other
embodiments, the total mass of the faceplate can be approximately 60 grams, approximately
61 grams, approximately 62 grams, approximately 63 grams, approximately 64 grams,
approximately 65 grams, or approximately 66 grams. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 1-7, the total mass of the faceplate
105 is 62.8 grams. For comparison, the total mass of conventional faceplates that maintains
durability with swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hour) is approximately 66.3
grams. In many embodiments, the faceplate
105 can be approximately 3 grams, approximately 4 grams, approximately 5 grams, approximately
6 grams, approximately 7 grams, approximately 8 grams, or approximately 9 grams lighter
than the conventional faceplate.
Weight System of the Golf Club Head
[0081] In the illustrated embodiment, the golf club head
100 further forms a mass efficient adjustable weight system
104 designed for swing speeds under 38 m/s (85 miles per hour). In particular, the mass
efficient adjustable weight system
104 described below only has a central weight position
140 and a heel weight position
141, and not a toe weight position (not shown). This is because golfers with swing speeds
under 38 m/s (85 mph) typically struggle with a right miss tendency, therefore introducing
a heel bias weight position is unnecessary and increases the structural mass of the
golf club head
100. The weight system described below offers approximately eight and ten yards of slice
shot correction.
[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, 6, and 7, the golf club head forms a single slot
142 proximal the rear end
110 of the golf club
100. In many embodiments, the single slot
142 can be used as a receiving geometry for a weight assembly
143. The single slot
142 can be defined by a slot interior surface
144 that is approximately perpendicular to the sole
103. The slot interior surface
144 can be defined by a slot length
145. The single slot
142 is further defined by a slot bottom surface
146 that is perpendicular to the slot interior surface
144 and approximately parallel to the sole
103. The slot
142 is further defined by a top surface
147 that is perpendicular to the slot interior surface
144 and approximately parallel to the sole
103. In many embodiments, the slot bottom surface
146 does not extend as far towards the rear of the golf club head as the slot top surface
147. The slot further comprises at least two sidewalls at a heelward end
148 and a central portion
149 of the golf club head. The slot interior surface
144, bottom surface
146, top surface
147, and two sidewalls
148, 149 defines a channel that is open to the rear and bottom of the golf clubhead, such
that when the slot
142 receives the weight assembly
143 at least a portion of the outer and lower surfaces of the weight assembly are exposed.
[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, the slot interior surface
144 can define two apertures (i.e. a central aperture (also can be referred to as a central
weight position
140) and a heel side aperture (also can be referred to as a heel weight position
141). Each of the apertures comprise weight assembly attachment points within the single
slot
142. In many embodiments, the central aperture
140 and the heel side aperture
141 are threaded to receive a threaded fastener
150.
[0084] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can further comprise a shroud
151, wherein the shroud
151 is a portion of the sole
103 of the golf club head
100 that can extend to span over the slot
142. The shroud
151 can comprise a portion or all of the bottom surface
146.
[0085] In many embodiments, the slot length
145 of the slot interior surface can vary between 50.8 mm (2.0 inches) and 101.6 mm (4.0
inches). For example, the slot length
145 can be greater than 50.8 mm (2.0 inches), greater than 63.5 mm (2.5 inches), greater
than 76.2 mm (3.0 inches), or greater than 88.9 mm (3.5 inches). The slot length of
the slot interior surface
144 is no shorter than 50.8 mm (2.0 inches).
[0086] Furthermore, the slot
144 can comprise an asymmetric shape, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the slot varies
non-uniformly in a heel-to-toe direction. This asymmetric shape aids in securely fastening
the weight assembly
143 within the channel defined by the slot
144. Due to the asymmetric shape of the slot
144, the weight assembly
143 is unable to slide throughout the channel. Rather, the weight assembly
143 must be removed and placed in one of the two distinct positions
140,141.
[0087] Furthermore, the slot
144 can comprise a height
152 measured from the top surface
147 of the slot to the bottom surface
146 of the slot, wherein the height
152 of the slot is the height
152 of the channel. In most embodiments, the slot
144 can comprise a variable height, wherein the height is inconsistent in the heel to
toe direction. The non-uniform height of the slot
144 is imperative to the security of the weight assembly within the slot
144, since the variable height
152 of the channel enables only two weight positions to align the weight assembly with
one of the heel-side aperture
141 or the central aperture
140. Due to the non-uniform height
152 of the slot
144 the weight assembly
143 is unable to slide laterally throughout the channel. Rather, the weight assembly
143 must be removed and placed in one of the two distinct positions
140,141. This prevents the golfer from being provided unlimited position choices that create
confusion in determining shot shape of the golf ball and flight.
[0088] The variable height
152 of the slot
144 may vary in a range between 5.08 and 15.24 mm (0.2 and 0.6 inch). The variable height
152 of the slot
144 may be 5.08 mm (0.2 inch), 7.62 mm (0.3 inch), 10.16 mm (0.4 inch), 12.7 mm (0.5
inch), or 15.24 mm (0.6 inch).
[0089] In some embodiments, the golf club head
100 can comprise a shroud
151, such that a portion of the sole
103 of the golf club head
100 can span over the slot
144. The shroud
151 functions to increase the aerodynamics of the channel and assist in properly inserting
the weight member
153 within the slot
144. The shroud
151 can have any desired geometry to cover a specific portion(s) of the slot
144 or the entire slot
144. In some embodiments, the shroud
151 can cover 5%-10% of the slot, 10%-15% of the slot, 15%-20% of the slot, 20%-25% of
the slot, 25%-30% of the slot, 30%-35% of the slot, 35%-40% of the slot, 40%-45% of
the slot, 45%-50% of the slot, 50%-55% of the slot, 55%-60% of the slot, 60%-65% of
the slot, 65%-70% of the slot, 70%-75% of the slot, 75%-80% of the slot, 80%-85% of
the slot, 85%-90% of the slot, 90%-95% of the slot, or 95%-100% of the slot. The less
coverage that the shroud provides over the slot directly correlates to a lighter weight
club head and vice versa.
[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the weight assembly
143 is affixed to the golf club head
100 by threadably attaching the weight member
153 with fastener
150 (i.e. weight assembly) to one of the heel-side threaded aperture
141 or the central threaded aperture
140.
[0091] With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the variable weight assembly (also
referred to as the weight assembly
143) comprises a single weight member
153 and a single mechanical fastener (or fastener
150). The weight member
153 is configured to be positioned within the slot
144 of the golf club head
100. The weight member
153 comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, side walls extending between the outer
surface and an interior surface, an upper surface, a lower surface, and an aperture
extending through the weight member from the outer surface to the inner surface .
The aperture further comprises an aperture thread on an interior portion of the aperture.
The fastener
150 is retained within the weight member
153 when the weight assembly
143 is detached from the slot
144 by means of the aperture thread within the weight member aperture. The lower surface
of the weight member further comprises an indent configured to receive the slot bottom
surface formed by an extension of the sole. Wherein the extension of the sole comprises
the shroud. The shroud provides additional stability to the weight assembly when it
is threadably affixed to the slot.
[0092] Due to the limited size of the slot structure, the mass of the slot structure
144 is very small in comparison to the total mass of the golf club head
100. The mass of the slot structure
144 may be less than 10.0% of the total mass of the golf club head
100.
[0093] In many embodiments, the mass of the weight member
153 ranges between 12 grams and 18 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of the weight
member
153 ranges from 12 g-13g. 13 g-14 g, 14 g- 15 g, 15.0 g- 16.0 g, 16.0 g- 17.0 g, or 17.0
g - 18.0 g, The mass of the weight assembly
143 can be 12 g, 13 g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g, 17 g, or 18 g, In many embodiments, the mass
of the weight assembly
143 (weight member
153 and fastener
150) ranges between 12 grams and 20 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of the backweight
assembly ranges from 12 g - 14 g, 14 g - 16 g, 16 g- 18 g, or 18.0 g- 20.0 g. The
mass of the weight assembly can be 12 g, 13 g, 14 g, 15 g, 16 g, 17 g, 18 g, 19 g,
or 20 g.
[0094] Due to the efficient placement of the weight system caused by only having a central
weight position and heel weight position, and not a toe weight position along with
the mass of the adjustable weight system
104, a lighter weight golf club head
100 can be achieved, while still achieving a deep club head center of gravity position
163 greater than 43 mm. The deep club head center of gravity
163 can be measured parallel to the ground plane
120, from the geometric center
121 of the faceplate
105 to the center of gravity
163 of the club head. In many embodiments, the club head center of gravity
163 can be greater than 44 mm, greater than 45 mm, greater than 46 mm, greater than 47
mm, greater than 48 mm, greater than 49 mm, or greater than 50 mm. Having a lightweight
golf club head
100, while maintaining a deep club head center of gravity position
163, beneficially assist in creating a high MOI golf club head, while maintaining a high
launching ball flight during the course of the flight of the golf ball.
[0095] In many embodiments, the club head
100 comprises a crown-to-sole moment of inertia I
xx greater than approximately 2250 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 2500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 2750 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 3000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 3250 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 3500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 3750 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 4000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 4250 g·cm2, greater than approximately 4500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 4750 g·cm2, greater than approximately 5000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5250 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5750 g·cm2, greater than approximately 6000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 6250 g·cm2, greater than approximately 6500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 6750 g·cm
2, or greater than approximately 7000 g·cm
2.
[0096] In many embodiments, the club head
100 comprises a heel-to-toe moment of inertia I
yy greater than approximately 4500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 4750 g·cm2, greater than approximately 5000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5250 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 5750 g·cm2, greater than approximately 6000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 6250 g·cm2, greater than approximately 6500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 6750 g·cm
2, or greater than approximately 7000 g·cm
2.
[0097] In many embodiments, the club head
100 comprises a combined moment of inertia (i.e. the sum of the crown-to-sole moment
of inertia I
xx and the heel-to-toe moment of inertia I
yy) greater than approximately 7000 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 7250 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 7500 g·cm
2, greater than approximately 7750 g·cm
2, greater than 8000 g·cm
2, greater than 8500 g·cm
2, greater than 8750 g·cm
2, greater than 9000 g·cm
2, greater than 9250 g·cm
2, greater than 9500 g·cm
2, greater than 9750 g·cm
2, greater than 10000 g·cm
2, greater than 10250 g·cm
2, greater than 10500 g·cm
2, greater than 10750 g·cm
2, greater than 11000 g·cm
2, greater than 11250 g·cm
2, greater than 11500 g·cm
2, greater than 11750 g·cm
2, or greater than 12000 g·cm
2, greater than 12500 g·cm
2, greater than 1300 g·cm
2, greater than 13500 g·cm
2, or greater than 14000 g·cm
2.
Crown-to-Faceplate Bridge
[0098] Many of the aforementioned features of the golf club head are able to be designed
into a golf club head
100 because of implementing a crown-to-faceplate bridge
106. The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be placed in a low stress and/or low displacement region of the clubhead
100 to locally reinforce a specific crown portion
102 and faceplate
105 portion without impacting the performance of the clubhead
100 (i.e. ball speed). Locally reinforcing a crown portion and a faceplate portion through
a crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can decrease areas of high CT properties (without increasing the entire face thickness),
while having a negligible effect on impact ball speeds. In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 can mimic a gusset-like structure in strengthening/enlarging a specific portion of
the transition region
118.
[0099] In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 extends from an inner surface
128 of the crown to an inner rear surface of the faceplate
105. As illustrated by FIGS 6, 7, 8, and 9, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is only present within the front portion
125 of the crown. Stated another way, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is not present within the middle portion
126 or rear portion
127 of the crown
102 and exists only in the front portion of the crown
102.
[0100] With continued reference to FIG. 6, 7, 8, and 9, the golf club head
100 further comprises a continuous transition region spanning between the sole and the
crown. The continuous transition region
118 comprises a crown transition region
154 and a sole transition region
155. The crown transition region
154 can extend entirely or partially from the heel end to the toe end, spanning between
the faceplate
105 and the crown
102. In many embodiments, the continuous transition region
118 surrounds the strike face entirely and disposed between the strike face and the crown.
The continuous transition region
118 comprises at least one crown-to-faceplate bridge
106. The continuous transition region is curved and devoid of any sharp angles or points.
In many embodiments, the radius of curvature of the continuous transition region
118 is between 3.81 mm (0.15 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). In some embodiments,
the radius of curvature of the crown transition region
154 is between 7.62 mm (0.30 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). The portion of the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 that is within the transition region
118 comprises a radius of curvature or variable radius of curvature to match that of
the transition region
118.
[0101] The club head
100 can further comprise at least one crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 located near the strike face
105, entirely internally within the hollow body. The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is placed in locations between the heel
109 and toe
108, near to or abutting the strike face
105 to provide the strike face
105 with rigidity near regions of highest CT. In many embodiments, the strike face
105 experiences greatest CT characteristics between the mid-plane
156 and the toe end nearest the crown
102, and between the mid-plane
156 and the heel end nearest the sole
103. The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be placed accordingly based on the golf club head's structure to decrease CT
properties only within the necessary regions. The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can mimic a gusset like structure in strengthening/enlarging (or thickening) a specific
portion of the transition region.
[0102] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can have a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane that are parallel to the mid-plane
156. For example, the heel-side plane can be located in a direction toward the heel of
the golf club head
100 and away from the mid-plane
156 and the toe-side plane can be located in a direction toward the toe of the golf club
head
100 and away from the mid-plane
156. In many embodiments, the heel-side plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55
inch) to 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from the mid-plane in a heelward direction and the toe-side
plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55 inch) to 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from
the mid-plane in a toeward direction. For example, the heel-side plane can be located
a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55 inch), 14.22 mm (0.56 inch), 14.48 mm (0.57 inch), 14.73
mm (0.58 inch), 14.99 mm (0.59 inch), 15.24 mm (0.60 inch), 15.49 mm (0.61 inch),
15.75 mm (0.62 inch), 16 mm (0.63 inch), 16.26 mm (0.64 inch), 16.51 mm (0.65 inch),
16.76 mm (0.66 inch), 17.02 mm (0.67 inch), 17.27 mm (0.68 inch), 17.53 mm (0.69 inch),
17.78 mm (0.70 inch), 18.03 mm (0.71 inch), 18.29 mm (0.72 inch), 18.54 mm (0.73 inch),
18.8 mm (0.74 inch), 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 19.30 mm (0.76 inch), 19.56 mm (0.77 inch),
19.81 mm (0.78 inch), 20.07 mm (0.79 inch), or 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from the mid-plane
156. By way of example, the toe-side plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55
inch), 14.22 mm (0.56 inch), 14.48 mm (0.57 inch), 14.73 mm (0.58 inch), 14.99 mm
(0.59 inch), 15.24 mm (0.60 inch), 15.49 mm (0.61 inch), 15.75 mm (0.62 inch), 16
mm (0.63 inch), 16.26 mm (0.64 inch), 16.51 mm (0.65 inch), 16.76 mm (0.66 inch),
17.02 mm (0.67 inch), 17.27 mm (0.68 inch), 17.53 mm (0.69 inch), 17.78 mm (0.70 inch),
18.03 mm (0.71 inch), 18.29 mm (0.72 inch), 18.54 mm (0.73 inch), 18.8 mm (0.74 inch),
19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 19.30 mm (0.76 inch), 19.56 mm (0.77 inch), 19.81 mm (0.78 inch),
20.07 mm (0.79 inch), or 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from the mid-plane. In further embodiments,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be bounded and entirely between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane, but
extending through the midplane
156.
[0103] The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is integral with the internal continuous transition region
118, crown
102, and/or sole
103. The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is devoid of weld beads, adhesives, or any other known join method.
[0104] The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be used to locally thicken a specific region of the club head
100. The club head with the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can have mass removed from other parts of the club head
100, allowing for an optimized mass-to-volume ratio (described above) to accommodate slow
swing speeds. A reduction in the mass-to-volume ratio can lead to improvements in
ball speed, trajectory, and distance.
[0105] In many embodiments, the mass of the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be no greater than three grams. Minimizing the weight of the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 ensures that the above described mass/volume relationship is satisfied to improve
club head characteristics, while reducing the likelihood of a golf club head having
a CT value falling outside a designed threshold value. In alternative embodiments,
the mass of the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be between approximately 0.5 gram - approximately 1 gram, approximately 1 gram
- approximately 2 grams, or approximately 2 grams - approximately 3 grams. In other
embodiments, the mass of the crown-to-faceplate bridge can be approximately 0.5 grams,
approximately 1 gram, approximately 2 grams, or approximately 3 grams.
[0106] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 and 9, the golf club head
100 comprises at least one crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 that intersects and extends beyond a midplane
156 (of the golf club head) in a direction toward the heel and/or the toe of the golf
club head. The midplane
156 divides the golf club head heel-to-toe width in two equal parts. The crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 can be defined by at least a length, a width, and a thickness. The crown-to-faceplate
bridge length is measured in a heel-to-toe direction, perpendicular to the mid-plane
156. The crown-to-faceplate bridge width is measured in a front-to-rear direction, parallel
to the mid-plane. In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 comprises a heel-to-toe center
157 that divides its length into two equal parts. In the same or another embodiment,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge comprises a front-to-rear center that divides its width
into two equal parts. Stated another way, at least one heel end
158 and/or toe end
159 of the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is partially distal to and/or spaced from the mid-plane intersection line. In alternative
embodiments, the entire crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can be located between the mid-plane
156 and the heel end or the toe end, but not intersecting the mid-plane.
[0107] In some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is aligned such that the heel-to-toe center is coplanar with the club head mid-plane
156. In other embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is offset from the mid-plane
156. In some of these embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge center is offset from
the mid-plane by between 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) and 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). For example, the
crown-to-faceplate bridge center can be offset from the mid-plane
156 by 12.7 mm (0.5 inch), 15.24 mm (0.6 inch), 17.78 mm (0.7 inch), 20.32 mm (0.8 inch),
22.86 mm (0.9 inch), or 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). In other embodiments, the reinforcement
region center is offset from the mid-plane by between 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) and 50.8
mm (2.0 inches). For example, the reinforcement center can be offset from the mid-plane
by 25.4 mm (1.0 inch), 27.9 mm (1.1 inch), 30.5 mm (1.2 inch), 33 mm (1.3 inch), 35.6
mm (1.4 inch), 38.1 mm (1.5 inch), 40.6 mm (1.6 inch), 43.2 mm (1.7 inch), 45.7 mm
(1.8 inch), 48.3 mm (1.9 inch), or 50.8 mm (2.0 inch).
[0108] The crown-to-faceplate bridge length does not extend entirely from heel end to toe
end of the golf club head. The crown-to-faceplate bridge length extends along a portion
of the heel-to-toe length of the transition region in which it lies. In many embodiments,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge length can be between 19.05 mm (0.75 inch) and 101.6
mm (4 inches). For example, the crown-to-faceplate bridge length can be between 19.05
mm (0.75 inch) and 25.4 mm (1 inch), 25.4 mm (1 inch) and 31.8 mm (1.25 inches), 31.8
mm (1.25 inches) and 38.1 mm (1.50 inches), 38.1 mm (1.50 inches) and 44.5 mm (1.75
inches), 44.5 mm (1.75 inches) and 50.8 mm (2 inches), 50.8 mm (2 inches) and 57.2
mm (2.25 inches), 57.2 mm (2.25 inches) and 63.5 mm (2.5 inches), 63.5 mm (2.5 inches)
and 69.9 mm (2.75 inches), 69.9 mm (2.75 inches) and 76.2 mm (3 inches), 76.2 mm (3
inches) and 82.6 mm (3.25 inches), 82.6 mm (3.25 inches) and 88.9 mm (3.5 inches),
88.9 mm (3.5 inches) and 95.3 mm (3.75 inches), or 95.3 mm (3.75 inches) and 101.6
mm (4 inches). In alternative embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge length can
be 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 25.4 mm (1.0 inch), 31.8 mm (1.25 inches), 38.1 mm (1.50
inches), 44.5 mm (1.75 inches), 50.8 mm (2.0 inches), 57.2 mm (2.25 inches), 63.5
mm (2.5 inches), 76.2 mm (3.0 inches), 82.6 mm (3.25 inches), 88.9 mm (3.5 inches),
95.3 mm (3.75 inches), or 101.6 mm (4.0 inches). In some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge length can be between 15% and 85% of the length of the transition region from
the heel end to the toe end.
[0109] As described above, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 lies at least partially within the transition region
118. In some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge width extends across the entire
transition region front-to-rear width. In some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge width extends across only a portion of the transition region front-to-rear
width. In some of these embodiments and others, the crown-to-faceplate bridge width
extends beyond the transition region and onto either the crown or the sole. The crown-to-faceplate
bridge width can be between 50% and 100% of the transition region width. In some embodiments
wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge extends beyond the transition region, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge width can be greater than the transition region width. In these embodiments,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge width can be up to 150% of crown-to-faceplate bridge
width.
[0110] The crown-to-faceplate bridge width does not extend entirely from the faceplate
105 to rear of the golf club head. In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
width can be between 10.16 mm (0.40 inch) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). For example,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge width can be between 10.16 mm (0.40 inch) and 12.7 mm
(0.50 inch), 12.70 mm (0.50 inch) and 15.24 mm (0.6 inches), 15.24 mm (0.6 inches)
and 17.78 mm (0.7 inches), or 17.78 mm (0.7 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). In
some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge width can be approximately 10.16 mm
(0.40 inch), approximately 11.43 mm (0.45 inch), approximately 12.70 mm (0.50 inch),
approximately 13.97 mm (0.55 inch), approximately 15.24 mm (0.60 inch), approximately
16.51 mm (0.65 inch), approximately 17.78 mm (0.70 inch), approximately 19.05 mm (0.75
inch), or approximately 20.32 mm (0.80 inch).
[0111] In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is integrally formed with at least the portion of the club head which it contacts
(
i.e. devoid of weld beads, adhesives, etc). Stated another way, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge 106, the transition region, and the portion of the crown which the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 is coupled to comprise the same material or combination of materials.
[0112] In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 has a generally projected rectangular shape when viewed from a top plane. In other
embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can have one of the following shapes: oval, circle, trapezoidal, rounded rectangle,
square, rounded square, or another polygon. In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 is substantially parallel with respect to its length. In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge
106 is substantially parallel with respect to its width.
[0113] The crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 can have a variable or constant thickness across the width and/or length. In some
of these embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 comprises a non-tapered, constant thickness across both of its width and length.
In other embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 comprises a constant thickness across only one of the width or length, and a variable
(or tapered) thickness across the other of the width or length.
[0114] In many embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge
106 is thickest at its center. In these embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge thickness
tapers circumferentially (or radially) from the center and the center of the reinforcement
region comprises a rounded or pointed peak. In other words, the crown-to-faceplate
bridge thickness reduces linearly or curvedly away from the center (of both the width
and the length) in all directions. The taper rate will vary in some directions relative
to others based on the crown-to-faceplate bridge dimensions, such that the crown-to-faceplate
bridge thickness is the same at all edges of the crown-to-faceplate bridge. The thickness
can taper linearly, curvedly, or in a stepped formation toward its edges in a direction
away from the center and toward the front, rear, heel end, and toe end. The front,
rear, heel end
158, and toe end
159 edges of the crown-to-faceplate bridge are tapered such that they transition substantially
seamlessly with the surrounding golf club head. In other words, the thickness of the
crown-to-faceplate bridge reduces to that of the surrounding golf club head at its
perimeter edges so as to prevent the existence of a substantial lip or step that differentiates
the reinforcement region from the surrounding club head.
[0115] In some embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge front-to-rear cross-sectional
shape differs from the crown-to-faceplate bridge heel-to-toe cross-sectional shape.
In others of these embodiments, the crown-to-faceplate bridge front-to-rear cross-sectional
shape is similar to the crown-to-faceplate bridge heel-to-toe cross-sectional shape.
In some embodiments, the reinforcement region comprises a slightly curved cross-sectional
shape.
Sole-to-Faceplate Bridge
[0116] Many of the aforementioned features of the golf club head
100 are able to be designed into a golf club head
100 because of implementing at least one sole-to-faceplate bridge
107. The sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can be placed in a low stress and/or low displacement region of the clubhead to locally
reinforce a specific sole portion
103 and faceplate portion without impacting the performance of the clubhead
(i.e. ball speed). Locally reinforcing a sole portion and a faceplate portion through a
sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can decrease areas of high CT characteristics (without increasing the entire face
thickness), while having a negligible effect on impact ball speeds. In many embodiments,
the crown-to-faceplate bridge
107 can mimic a gusset like structure in strengthening/enlarging a specific portion of
the club head.
[0117] In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 extends from an inner surface
133 of the sole to an inner rear surface of the faceplate
105. As illustrated by FIGS. 10 and 11, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is only present within the front portion of the sole
103. Stated another way, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is not present within the middle portion
131 or rear portion
132 of the sole
103 and exists only in the front portion
130 of the sole
103.
[0118] As described above, the golf club head
100 further comprises a continuous transition region spanning
118 between the sole
103 and the crown
102. The continuous transition region
118 comprises a crown transition region
154 and a sole transition region
155. The sole transition region
155 can extend entirely or partially from the heel end to the toe end, spanning between
the faceplate
105 and the sole
103. In many embodiments, the continuous transition region
118 surrounds the strike face
105 entirely and disposed between the strike face
105 and the sole
103. The continuous transition region
118 comprises at least one sole-to-faceplate bridge
107. The continuous transition region
118 is curved and devoid of any sharp angles or points. In many embodiments, the radius
of curvature of the continuous transition region
118 is between 3.81 mm (0.15 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). In many embodiments,
the radius of curvature of the continuous transition region
118 is approximately 3.81 mm (0.15 inch), 4.06 mm (0.16 inch), 4.32 mm (0.17 inch), 4.57
mm (0.18 inch), 4.83 mm (0.19 inch), 5.08 mm (0.20 inch), 5.33 mm (0.21 inch), 5.59
mm (0.22 inch), 5.84 mm (0.23 inch), 6.10 mm (0.24 inch), 6.35 mm (0.25 inch), 6.60
mm (0.26 inch), 6.86 mm (0.27 inch), 7.11 mm (0.28 inch), 7.37 mm (0.29 inch), 7.62
mm (0.30 inch), 7.87 mm (0.31 inch), 8.13 mm (0.32 inch), 8.38 mm (0.33 inch), 8.64
mm (0.34 inch), 8.89 mm (0.35 inch), 9.14 mm (0.36 inch), 9.4 mm (0.37 inch), 9.65
mm (0.38 inch), 9.91 mm (0.39 inch), 10.16 mm (0.40 inch), 10.41 mm (0.41 inch), 10.67
mm (0.42 inch), 10.92 mm (0.43 inch), 11.18 mm (0.44 inch), 11.43 mm (0.45 inch),
11.68 mm (0.46 inch), 11.94 mm (0.47 inch), 12.19 mm (0.48 inch), 12.45 mm (0.49 inch),
12.70 mm (0.50 inch), 12.95 mm (0.51 inch), 13.21 mm (0.52 inch), 13.46 mm (0.53 inch),
13.72 mm (0.54 inch), 13.97 mm (0.55 inch), 14.22 mm (0.56 inch), 14.48 mm (0.57 inch),
14.73 mm (0.58 inch), 14.99 mm (0.59 inch), 15.24 mm (0.60 inch), 15.49 mm (0.61 inch),
15.75 mm (0.62 inch), 16 mm (0.63 inch), 16.26 mm (0.64 inch), 16.51 mm (0.65 inch),
16.76 mm (0.66 inch), 17.02 mm (0.67 inch), 17.27 mm (0.68 inch), 17.53 mm (0.69 inch),
17.78 mm (0.70 inch), 18.03 mm (0.71 inch), 18.29 mm (0.72 inch), 18.54 mm (0.73 inch),
18.8 mm (0.74 inch), 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 19.30 mm (0.76 inch), 19.56 mm (0.77 inch),
19.81 mm (0.78 inch), 20.07 mm (0.79 inch), or 20.32 mm (0.80 inch). In some embodiments,
the radius of curvature of the sole transition region
155 is between 7.62 mm (0.30 inches) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). In many embodiments,
the radius of curvature of the sole transition region
155 is approximately 7.62 mm (0.30 inch), 7.87 mm (0.31 inch), 8.13 mm (0.32 inch), 8.38
mm (0.33 inch), 8.64 mm (0.34 inch), 8.89 mm (0.35 inch), 9.14 mm (0.36 inch), 9.4
mm (0.37 inch), 9.65 mm (0.38 inch), 9.91 mm (0.39 inch), 10.16 mm (0.40 inch), 10.41
mm (0.41 inch), 10.67 mm (0.42 inch), 10.92 mm (0.43 inch), 11.18 mm (0.44 inch),
11.43 mm (0.45 inch), 11.68 mm (0.46 inch), 11.94 mm (0.47 inch), 12.19 mm (0.48 inch),
12.45 mm (0.49 inch), 12.70 mm (0.50 inch), 12.95 mm (0.51 inch), 13.21 mm (0.52 inch),
13.46 mm (0.53 inch), 13.72 mm (0.54 inch), 13.97 mm (0.55 inch), 14.22 mm (0.56 inch),
14.48 mm (0.57 inch), 14.73 mm (0.58 inch), 14.99 mm (0.59 inch), 15.24 mm (0.60 inch),
15.49 mm (0.61 inch), 15.75 mm (0.62 inch), 16 mm (0.63 inch), 16.26 mm (0.64 inch),
16.51 mm (0.65 inch), 16.76 mm (0.66 inch), 17.02 mm (0.67 inch), 17.27 mm (0.68 inch),
17.53 mm (0.69 inch), 17.78 mm (0.70 inch), 18.03 mm (0.71 inch), 18.29 mm (0.72 inch),
18.54 mm (0.73 inch), 18.8 mm (0.74 inch), 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 19.30 mm (0.76 inch),
19.56 mm (0.77 inch), 19.81 mm (0.78 inch), 20.07 mm (0.79 inch), or 20.32 mm (0.80
inch). The portion of the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 that is within the continuous transition region
118 comprises a radius of curvature or variable radius of curvature to match that of
the transition region
118.
[0119] The club head
100 can further comprise at least one sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 located near the strike face
105, internally within the hollow body. The sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is placed in locations between the heel and toe, near to or abutting the strike face
105 to provide the strike face
105 with rigidity near regions of highest CT In many embodiments, the strike face
105 experiences greatest CT characteristics between the mid-plane
156 and the toe end nearest the sole
103, and between the mid-plane
156 and the heel end nearest the sole
103. The sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 are placed accordingly based on the golf club head's structure to decrease CT properties
only within the necessary regions.
[0120] In many embodiments, the golf club head
100 can have a heel-side plane and a toe-side plane that are parallel to the mid-plane
156. For example, the heel-side plane can be located in a direction toward the heel of
the golf club head
100 and away from the mid-plane
156 and the toe-side plane can be located in a direction toward the toe of the golf club
head
100 and away from the mid-plane
156. In many embodiments, the heel-side plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55
inch) to 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from the mid-plane in a heelward direction and the toe-side
plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55 inch) to 20.32 mm (0.80 inch) from
the mid-plane in a toeward direction. For example, the heel-side plane and/or the
toe-side plane can be located a distance of 13.97 mm (0.55 inch), 14.22 mm (0.56 inch),
14.48 mm (0.57 inch), 14.73 mm (0.58 inch), 14.99 mm (0.59 inch), 15.24 mm (0.60 inch),
15.49 mm (0.61 inch), 15.75 mm (0.62 inch), 16 mm (0.63 inch), 16.26 mm (0.64 inch),
16.51 mm (0.65 inch), 16.76 mm (0.66 inch), 17.02 mm (0.67 inch), 17.27 mm (0.68 inch),
17.53 mm (0.69 inch), 17.78 mm (0.70 inch), 18.03 mm (0.71 inch), 18.29 mm (0.72 inch),
18.54 mm (0.73 inch), 18.8 mm (0.74 inch), 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), 19.30 mm (0.76 inch),
19.56 mm (0.77 inch), 19.81 mm (0.78 inch), 20.07 mm (0.79 inch), or 20.32 mm (0.80
inch) from the mid-plane
156. In further embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can be bounded and between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane, but extending
through the midplane
156.
[0121] In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is integrally formed with at least the portion of the club head which it contacts
(
i.e. devoid of weld beads, adhesives, etc). Stated another way, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107, the transition region, and the portion of the sole which the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is coupled to comprises the same material or combination of materials.
[0122] The sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can be used to locally thicken the club head. The club head with the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 can have mass removed from other parts of the club head
100, allowing for an optimized mass-to-volume ratio to accommodate slow swing speeds.
A reduction in the mass-to-volume ratio can lead to improvements in ball speed, trajectory,
and distance.
[0123] In many embodiments, the mass of the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can be no greater than three grams. Minimizing the weight of the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 ensures that above described mass/volume relationship is satisfied to improve club
head characteristics, while reducing the likelihood of a golf club head having a CT
value falling outside a designed threshold value. In alternative embodiments, the
mass of the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can be between approximately 0.5 gram - approximately 1 gram, approximately 1 gram
- approximately 2 grams, or approximately 2 grams - approximately 3 grams. In other
embodiments, the mass of the sole-to-faceplate bridge can be approximately 0.5 grams,
approximately 1 gram, approximately 2 grams, or approximately 3 grams.
[0124] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the golf club head
100 comprises at least one sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 that intersects and extends beyond the midplane
156 in a direction toward the heel and/or the toe of the golf club head. The sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 can be defined by at least a length, a width, and a thickness. The sole-to-faceplate
bridge length is measured in a heel-to-toe direction, perpendicular to the mid-plane
156. The sole-to-faceplate bridge width is measured in a front-to-rear direction, parallel
to the mid-plane. In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 comprises a heel-to-toe center that divides its length into two equal parts. In the
same or another embodiment, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 comprises a front-to-rear center that divides its width into two equal parts. Stated
another way, at least one end of the sole-to-faceplate bridge is partially distal
to the mid-plane
156 intersection line. In alternative embodiments, the entire sole-to-faceplate bridge
can be located between the mid-plane and the heel end or the toe end, but not intersecting
the mid-plane.
[0125] In some embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is aligned such that the heel-to-toe center
160 is coplanar with the club head mid-plane
156. In other embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is offset from the mid-plane
156. In some of these embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge center is offset from
the mid-plane
156 by between 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) and 25.4 mm (1.0 inch). In other embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge center is offset from the mid-plane by between 25.4 mm (1.0 inch) and 50.8
mm (2.0 inches).
[0126] The sole-to-faceplate bridge length does not extend entirely from heel end to toe
end. The sole-to-faceplate bridge length extends along a portion of the heel-to-toe
length of the transition region in which it lies. In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge length can be between 19.05 mm (0.75 inch) and 101.6 mm (4 inches). For example,
the sole-to-faceplate bridge length can be between 19.05 mm (0.75 inch) and 25.4 mm
(1 inch), 25.4 mm (1 inch) and 31.8 mm (1.25 inches), 31.8 mm (1.25 inches) and 38.1
mm (1.50 inches), 38.1 mm (1.50 inches) and 44.5 mm (1.75 inches), 44.5 mm (1.75 inches)
and 50.8 mm (2 inches), 50.8 mm (2 inches) and 57.2 mm (2.25 inches), 57.2 mm (2.25
inches) and 63.5 mm (2.5 inches), 63.5 mm (2.5 inches) and 69.9 mm (2.75 inches),
69.9 mm (2.75 inches) and 76.2 mm (3 inches), 76.2 mm (3 inches) and 82.6 mm (3.25
inches), 82.6 mm (3.25 inches) and 88.9 mm (3.5 inches), 88.9 mm (3.5 inches) and
95.3 mm (3.75 inches), or 95.3 mm (3.75 inches) and 101.6 mm (4 inches). In some embodiments,
the sole-to-faceplate bridge length can be between 15% and 85% of the length of the
transition region from the heel end to the toe end.
[0127] As described above, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 lies at least partially within the transition region
118. In some embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width extends across the entire
transition region front-to-rear width. In some embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge width extends across only a portion of the transition region front-to-rear
width. In some of these embodiments and others, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width
extends beyond the transition region
118 and onto the sole
103. The sole-to-faceplate bridge width can be between 50% and 100% of the transition
region width. In some embodiments wherein the sole-to-faceplate bridge extends beyond
the transition region, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width can be greater than the
transition region width. In these embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width
can be up to 150% of sole-to-faceplate bridge width.
[0128] The sole-to-faceplate bridge width does not extend entirely from the faceplate 105
to rear of the golf club head
100. In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width can be between 10.16 mm (0.40
inch) and 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). For example, the sole-to-faceplate bridge width
can be between approximately 10.16 mm (0.40 inch) and approximately 12.70 mm (0.50
inch), approximately 12.70 mm (0.50 inch) and approximately 15.24 mm (0.6 inches),
approximately 15.24 mm (0.6 inches) and approximately 17.78 mm (0.7 inches), or approximately
17.78 mm (0.7 inches) and approximately 20.32 mm (0.80 inches). In other embodiments,
the sole-to-faceplate bridge width can be approximately 10.16 mm (0.40 inch), approximately
11.43 mm (0.45 inch), approximately 12.70 mm (0.50 inch), approximately 13.97 mm (0.55
inch), approximately 15.24 mm (0.60 inch), approximately 16.51 mm (0.65 inch), approximately
17.78 mm (0.70 inch), approximately 19.05 mm (0.75 inch), or approximately 20.32 mm
(0.80 inch).
[0129] In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge is integrally formed with at least
the portion of the club head which it contacts. The sole-to-faceplate bridge, the
transition region, and the portion of the sole which the sole-to-faceplate bridge
lies comprise the same material or combination of materials.
[0130] In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 has a generally projected rectangular shape when viewed from a top plane. In other
embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can have one of the following shapes: oval, circle, trapezoidal, rounded rectangle,
square, rounded square, or another polygon. In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 is substantially parallel with respect to its length. In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 is substantially parallel with respect to its width.
[0131] The sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 can have a variable or constant thickness across the width and/or length. In some
of these embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 comprises a non-tapered, constant thickness across both of its width and length.
In other embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 comprises a constant thickness across only one of the width or length, and a variable
(or tapered) thickness across the other of the width or length.
[0132] In many embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 is thickest at its center. In these embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge thickness
tapers circumferentially (or radially) from the center and the center of the reinforcement
region comprises a rounded or pointed peak. In other words, the sole-to-faceplate
bridge
107 thickness reduces linearly or curvedly away from the center (of both the width and
the length) in all directions. The taper rate will vary in some directions relative
to others based on the sole-to-faceplate bridge dimensions, such that the sole-to-faceplate
bridge thickness is the same at all edges of the sole-to-faceplate bridge. The thickness
tapers linearly, curvedly, or in a stepped formation toward its edges in a direction
away from the center and toward the front, rear, heel end, and toe end. The front,
rear, heel end
161, and toe end
162 edges of the sole-to-faceplate bridge are tapered such that they transition substantially
seamlessly with the surrounding golf club head. In other words, the thickness of the
sole-to-faceplate bridge
107 reduces to that of the surrounding golf club head at its edges so as to prevent the
existence of a substantial lip or step that differentiates the sole-to-faceplate bridge
from the surrounding club head.
[0133] In some embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge front-to-rear cross-sectional shape
differs from the sole-to-faceplate bridge heel-to-toe cross-sectional shape. In others
of these embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge front-to-rear cross-sectional shape
is similar to the sole-to-faceplate bridge heel-to-toe cross-sectional shape. In some
embodiments, the sole-to-faceplate bridge comprises a slightly curved cross-sectional
shape.
EXAMPLE 1
[0134] A two-club player test experiment was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the
golf club head embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 to obtain quantifiable information with regards
to ball speed, launch angle, and spin rate properties. Specifically, the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-11 was benchmarked against a control club that maintains durability with
swing speeds over 44.7 m/s (100 miles per hours).
[0135] The two-club player test procedure was conducted across twenty-two golfers with each
golfer hitting a total of twenty shots. Each player would hit five shots with the
experimental club head and then five shots with the control club and rotate until
a total of twenty shots were taken. After each swing, the ball speed, launch angle,
and spin rate properties was recorded and logged.
[0136] The tested golf club head (or experimental club) of FIGS 1-11 was a driver-type golf
club head with a loft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees, a swing weight of C8, a
head weight of 191.1 grams, and a head volume of 460 cc. The control club was a driver-type
golf club head with a loft angle of approximately 10.5 degrees, a swing weight of
D3.0, a head weight of 201 grams, and a volume of 460 cc.
[0137] Typically, with all things being equal (
i.e. same swing speed, etc.), a decrease in the mass of the clubhead results in decreased
ball speeds, because the amount of momentum possessed by a moving object (
i.e. a golf ball) is the product of the mass of the golf club head and the velocity of
the golf club head. Therefore, typically increasing the mass of a clubhead colliding
with a golf ball generates greater ball speeds. However, this was not the case. Specifically,
the experimental club weighed 8.1 grams lighter but produced 0.5% greater ball speeds
over the control club, while achieving similar launch angles. Therefore, it was concluded
that the increased flexure of the golf club head caused by thinning many of the club
head structural elements described above can outperform and/or match performance gains
typically associated with heavier weighted golf clubs. This is particularly important
as an increase in distance can compensate strokes lost by an increase in a player's
dispersion.
EXAMPLE 2
[0138] An FEA experiment was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the golf club head
embodiments described herein to obtain quantifiable information with regards to the
change in CT, ball speed loss, and added mass to the clubhead by implementing one
or more of a crown-to-faceplate bridge or a sole-to-faceplate bridge. Specifically,
the positioning of the crown-to-faceplate bridge and/or the sole-to-faceplate bridge
illustrated by FIGS. 8-11 were simulated individually and together to determine the
effectiveness of each feature individually (and together) with respect to the change
in club head CT, ball speed loss, and the added structural mass to the club head.
The control club is the golf club head of FIGS. 1-11 with a thin crown, a thin sole,
a thin faceplate, and a mass efficient weight system without a crown-to-faceplate
bridge nor a sole-to-faceplate bridge.
[0139] The FEA experiment was a virtual study ran to simulate the physical USGA CT test.
In the virtual FEA experiment, a steel hammer is impacted at three specified speeds
determined by the USGA test protocols. During impact, the rigid body acceleration
and the rigid body velocity of the hammer is plotted. After, the data from all three
impacts are collected and plotted on a new curve, the Y-axis intercept is the calculated
CT values.
[0140] The only differences between the tested golf club heads and the control club is the
addition of either one or both of a crown-to-faceplate bridge or a sole-to-faceplate
bridge. The first simulated golf club head included only a sole-to-faceplate bridge
that weighed approximately one gram and devoid of a crown-to-faceplate bridge. This
first simulated golf club head reduced CT by 2.7 microseconds and decreased ball speeds
by approximately 0.13 m/s (0.3 miles per hour) compared to the control club. The second
simulated golf club head included only a sole-to-faceplate bridge that weighed approximately
two grams and devoid of a crown-to-faceplate bridge. The second simulated golf club
head reduced CT by 12.5 microseconds and decreased ball speeds by approximately 0.227
m/s (0.5 miles per hour) compared to the control club. The third simulated golf club
head included only a crown-to-faceplate bridge that weighed approximately two grams
and devoid of a sole-to-faceplate bridge. This third simulated golf club head reduced
CT by 12.3 microseconds and decreased ball speeds by approximately 0.15 m/s (0.33
miles per hour) compared to the control club. The fourth simulated golf club head
included both a sole-to-faceplate bridge that weighed approximately one gram and a
crown-to-faceplate bridge that weighed approximately one gram. This fourth simulated
golf club head reduced CT by 6.6 microseconds and decreased ball speeds by approximately
0.228 m/s (0.51 miles per hour) compared to the control club. These results illustrate
the effectiveness of controlling CT across the faceplate (with a crown-to-faceplate
bridge and/or a sole-to-faceplate bridge) without increasing the perimeter thickness
of the faceplate, while minimizing added mass to the clubhead to maintain a lightweight
club head.
[0141] Clause 1. A hollow golf club head comprising:a crown, a sole, a strike face, a toe
end, a heel end, and a rear; wherein the crown, sole, strike face, and rear combine
to form an interior cavity; wherein the strike face is opposite the rear, and adjacent
the crown and the sole; wherein the sole is resting on a ground plane when the club
head is at an address position; wherein the toe end is opposite the heel end, and
the sole is opposite the crown; and wherein the strike face further comprises a geometric
center point and a mid-plane extending through the geometric center point in a direction
from the strike face to rear of the golf club head; wherein the mid-plane is perpendicular
to the ground plane; wherein the golf club head further comprises a crown transition
region and a sole transition region; wherein the crown transition region is formed
between the strike face and the crown; wherein the sole transition region is formed
between the strike face and the sole; wherein the crown transition region comprises
a first transition region thickness; wherein the sole transition region comprises
a second transition region thickness; wherein the golf club head further comprises
a crown-to-faceplate bridge and a sole-to-faceplate bridge; wherein the crown-to-faceplate
bridge is located entirely within the crown transition region and the sole-to-faceplate
bridge is located within the sole transition region; wherein the crown-to-faceplate
bridge comprises a first reinforcement region thickness; and the sole-to-faceplate
bridge comprises a second reinforcement region thickness; wherein the first reinforcement
region thickness is greater than the crown transition region thickness; and the second
reinforcement region thickness is greater than the sole transition region thickness.
[0142] Clause 2. The hollow golf club head of clause 1, wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge
further comprises a first reinforcement region width measured in a heel-to-toe direction
and a first reinforcement region length measured in a front-to-rear direction; and
the sole-to-faceplate bridge further comprises a second reinforcement region width
measured in a heel-to-toe direction and a second reinforcement region length measured
in a front-to-rear direction; wherein the first reinforcement region width varies
along the first reinforcement region length; and the second reinforcement region width
varies along the second reinforcement region length.
[0143] Clause 3. The hollow golf club head of clause 2, wherein the first reinforcement
region length varies along the first reinforcement region width; and the second reinforcement
region length varies along the second reinforcement region width.
[0144] Clause 4. The hollow golf club head of clause 2, further comprising a heel-side plane
and a toe-side plane; wherein the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane are parallel
to the mid-plane; and wherein the heel-side plane is located in a direction toward
the heel end of the golf club head and spaced from the mid-plane and the toe-side
plane is located in a direction toward the toe end of the golf club and spaced from
the mid-plane; wherein the heel-side plane is located a distance of 0.55" to 0.80"
(13.97 mm to 20.32 mm) from the mid-plane; and the toe-side plane is located a distance
of 0.75" to 0.80" (19.05 mm to 20.32 mm) from the mid-plane; and wherein the first
reinforcement region width and the second reinforcement region width are bounded by
and between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane.
[0145] Clause 5. The hollow golf club head of clause 1, wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge
is integrally formed within the crown transition region and the sole-to-faceplate
bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region.
[0146] Clause 6. The hollow golf club head of clause 1, further comprising a first intersection
point defined by the intersection of the mid-plane with the crown-to-faceplate bridge
and a second intersection point defined by the intersection of the mid-plane with
the sole-to-faceplate bridge; wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge contacts the first
intersection point and extends beyond the first intersection point in both a heel
and a toe direction; and the sole-to-faceplate bridge contacts the second intersection
point and extends beyond the second intersection point in both the heel and the toe
direction.
[0147] Clause 7. The hollow golf club head of clause 6, wherein the mass of the club head
is approximately 194 grams and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc,
such that a club head mass-to-volume ratio is between 0.40 and 0.44
[0148] Clause 8. The hollow golf club head of clause 7, wherein the club head center of
gravity is greater than 43 mm, measured from the geometric center point of the strike
face and parallel to the ground plane.
[0149] Clause 9. The hollow golf club head of clause 8, wherein the rear portion of the
golf club head further comprises a single slot; wherein the single slot defines: a
slot interior surface, a slot bottom surface, a slot top surface, and two slot sidewalls;
wherein the slot interior surface, slot bottom surface, slot top surface, and two
slot sidewalls cooperate to form a slot channel opening to the exterior rear and sole
of the golf club head; wherein the slot interior surface further comprises only a
central weight position and a heel weight position and devoid of a toe weight position;
wherein the central weight position and the heel weight position comprise weight assembly
attachment points; wherein the golf club head further comprises a moveable weight
assembly; and wherein the weight assembly is only detachably affixed to one of the
central weight position and the heel weight position.
[0150] Clause 10. A hollow golf club head comprising :a crown, a sole, a strike face, a
toe end, a heel end, and a rear; wherein the crown, sole, strike face, and rear combine
to form an interior cavity; wherein the strike face is opposite the rear, and adjacent
the crown and the sole; wherein the sole is resting on a ground plane when the club
head is at an address position; wherein the toe end is opposite the heel end, and
the sole is opposite the crown; and wherein the strike face further comprises a geometric
center point and a mid-plane extending through the geometric center point in a direction
from the strike face to rear of the golf club head; wherein the mass of the strike
face is less than 63 grams; wherein the mid-plane is perpendicular to the ground plane;
wherein the golf club head further comprises a crown transition region and a sole
transition region; wherein the crown transition region is formed between the strike
face and the crown; wherein the sole transition region is formed between the strike
face and the sole; wherein the crown transition region comprises a first transition
region thickness; wherein the sole transition region comprises a second transition
region thickness; wherein the golf club head further comprises a crown-to-faceplate
bridge and a sole-to-faceplate bridge; wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge is located
entirely within the crown transition region and the sole-to-faceplate bridge is located
within the sole transition region; wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge comprises
a first reinforcement region thickness; and the sole-to-faceplate bridge comprises
a second reinforcement region thickness; wherein the first reinforcement region thickness
is greater than the crown transition region thickness; and the second reinforcement
region thickness is greater than the sole transition region thickness.
[0151] Clause 11. The hollow golf club head of clause 10, wherein the crown-to-faceplate
bridge further comprises a first reinforcement region width measured in a heel-to-toe
direction and a first reinforcement region length measured in a front-to-rear direction;
and the sole-to-faceplate bridge further comprises a second reinforcement region width
measured in a heel-to-toe direction and a second reinforcement region length measured
in a front-to-rear direction; wherein the first reinforcement region width varies
along the first reinforcement region length; and the second reinforcement region width
varies along the second reinforcement region length.
[0152] Clause 12. The hollow golf club head of clause 11, wherein the first reinforcement
region length varies along the first reinforcement region width; and the second reinforcement
region length varies along the second reinforcement region width.
[0153] Clause 13. The hollow golf club head of clause 11, further comprising a heel-side
plane and a toe-side plane; wherein the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane are
parallel to the mid-plane; and wherein the heel-side plane is located in a direction
toward the heel end of the golf club head and spaced from the mid-plane and the toe-side
plane is located in a direction toward the toe end of the golf club and spaced from
the mid-plane; wherein the heel-side plane is located a distance of 0.55" to 0.80"
(13.97 mm to 20.32 mm) from the mid-plane; and the toe-side plane is located a distance
of 0.75" to 0.80" (19.05 mm to 20.32 mm) from the mid-plane; and wherein the first
reinforcement region width and the second reinforcement region width are bounded by
and between the heel-side plane and the toe-side plane.
[0154] Clause 14. The hollow golf club head of clause 10, wherein the crown-to-faceplate
bridge is integrally formed within the crown transition region and the sole-to-faceplate
bridge is integrally formed within the sole transition region.
[0155] Clause 15. The hollow golf club head of clause 10, further comprising a first intersection
point defined by the intersection of the mid-plane with the crown-to-faceplate bridge
and a second intersection point defined by the intersection of the mid-plane with
the sole-to-faceplate bridge; wherein the crown-to-faceplate bridge contacts the first
intersection point and extends beyond the first intersection point in both a heel
and a toe direction; and the sole-to-faceplate bridge contacts the second intersection
point and extends beyond the second intersection point in both the heel and the toe
direction.
[0156] Clause 16. The hollow golf club head of clause 15, wherein the mass of the club head
is approximately 194 grams and the volume of the club head is approximately 460 cc,
such that a club head mass-to-volume ratio is between 0.40 and 0.44
[0157] Clause 17. The hollow golf club head of clause 16, wherein the club head center of
gravity is greater than 43 mm, measured from the geometric center point of the strike
face and parallel to the ground plane.
[0158] Clause 18. The hollow golf club head of clause 17, wherein the rear portion of the
golf club head further comprises a single slot; wherein the single slot defines: a
slot interior surface, a slot bottom surface, a slot top surface, and two slot sidewalls;
wherein the slot interior surface, slot bottom surface, slot top surface, and two
slot sidewalls cooperate to form a slot channel opening to the exterior rear and sole
of the golf club head; wherein the slot interior surface further comprises only a
central weight position and a heel weight position and devoid of a toe weight position;
wherein the central weight position and the heel weight position comprise weight assembly
attachment points; wherein the golf club head further comprises a moveable weight
assembly; and wherein the weight assembly is only detachably affixed to one of the
central weight position and the heel weight position.
[0159] Clause 19. The hollow golf club head of clause 10, wherein the mass of the faceplate
is between approximately 61 grams and 62 grams.
[0160] Clause 20. The hollow golf club head of clause 10, wherein the mass of the faceplate
is 62.8 grams.