CN209752111U

CN209752111U - Golf club head

Info

Publication number: CN209752111U
Application number: CN201822122982.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 乔纳森·艾布雷欧; 尼克·弗雷姆; 奥斯瓦尔多·冈萨雷斯; 马尼·D·伊尼斯; 约书亚·C·斯托克斯
Original assignee: Acushnet Co
Current assignee: Acushnet Co
Priority date: 2017-12-20
Filing date: 2018-12-18
Publication date: 2019-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-18
Also published as: KR20190001624U; JP3220762U

Abstract

A golf club head comprising a club head perimeter portion comprising a toe portion, a heel portion, a top line and a sole portion, a striking face, and a cantilevered face support piece extending from an inner surface of the sole portion toward a rear surface of the striking face, wherein the cantilevered face support piece is secured to the inner surface of the sole portion, wherein the cantilevered face support piece is in contact with but not secured to the rear surface of the striking face, wherein a depth D measured perpendicularly from the inner surface of the sole portion to a top of the cantilevered face support piece is greater than 10mm and less than 30mm, wherein a face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm.

Description

golf club head

RELATED APPLICATIONS

this application is a continuation-in-part application having application serial No. 15/359,206 filed on day 11/22 of 2016 and a continuation-in-part application having application serial No. 15/220,107 filed on day 26/7 of 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. To the extent appropriate, this application claims priority from the above-identified application.

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of golf club heads.

background

One goal of golfers is to reduce the total number of swings required to complete a golf cycle, thus reducing their overall score. To achieve that goal, it is often desirable for golfers to have consistent ball flight distances when hitting with the same golf club, and for some clubs also to have the ball travel a long distance. For example, when a golfer slightly mis-hits a golf ball, the golfer does not want the golf ball to fly a significantly different distance. At the same time, a golfer also does not want to have a significantly reduced overall distance each time the golfer hits a shot, even when the golfer hits the "sweet spot" of the golf club.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a club head peripheral portion including a toe portion, a heel portion, a top line, and a sole portion; a striking surface; and a cantilevered face support tab extending from the inner surface of the sole toward the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the cantilevered face support sheet is fixed to the inner surface; wherein the cantilevered face support piece is in contact with but not fixed to the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the striking surface is connected with the periphery of the club head by welding; wherein the cantilevered face support tab is integrally formed with the base; wherein a depth D measured vertically from the bottom interior surface to the top of the cantilevered face support sheet is greater than 10mm and less than 30 mm; wherein the cantilevered face support piece comprises a lower portion connected to the base and an upper portion in contact with the striking face; wherein at the cantileverAn angle α measured between a front surface of a lower portion of the face support sheet and a rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees; wherein the width W of the cantilevered face support piece measured in the toe-heel direction is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm; wherein the thickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 2mm and less than 10 mm; wherein a thickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and width W is greater than 1mm and less than 3 mm; wherein the surface area SA of the contact sheet formed between the cantilevered face support sheet and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm²(ii) a Wherein the face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm; wherein the upper portion of the cantilevered face support sheet includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face, the friction reducing element being formed from a material different than the material from which the cantilevered face support sheet is formed.

Another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a club head peripheral portion including a toe portion, a heel portion, a top line, and a sole portion; a striking surface; and a cantilevered face support tab extending from the inner surface of the sole toward the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the cantilevered face support tab is fixed to the inner surface of the base; wherein the cantilevered face support piece is in contact with but not fixed to the rear surface of the striking face; wherein a depth D measured vertically from the bottom interior surface to the top of the cantilevered face support sheet is greater than 10mm and less than 30 mm; wherein the face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the striking face is connected to the club head peripheral portion by welding.

in another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered face support tab is integrally formed with the base.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered face support piece comprises a lower portion connected to the base and an upper portion in contact with the striking face.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, wherein the angle α measured between the front surface of the lower portion of the cantilevered face support piece and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered face support piece has a width W measured in the toe-heel direction that is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm.

in another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the thickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 2mm and less than 10mm, and wherein the thickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 1mm and less than 3 mm.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the surface area SA of the contact piece formed between the cantilevered face support piece and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm²。

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the cantilevered face support sheet includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the friction reducing element is formed from a different material than the cantilevered face support sheet.

Another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes a golf club head comprising: a club head peripheral portion including a toe portion, a heel portion, a top line, and a sole portion; a striking surface; and a cantilevered face support tab extending from the inner surface of the sole toward the rear surface of the striking face;

Wherein the cantilevered face support tab is fixed to the inner surface of the base; wherein the cantilevered face support piece is in contact with but not fixed to the rear surface of the striking face; wherein the cantilevered face support piece comprises a lower portion connected to the base and an upper portion in contact with the striking face; wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of fractional lines; wherein the striking face comprises a central face comprising a line on the striking face through a plurality of fractional line centers of a majority of each; wherein the upper portion comprises a contact pad in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the contact pad comprises a contact pad center, wherein the contact pad center is located at a distance TOD of at least 2mm toward the toe of the central face.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the angle α measured between the front surface of the lower portion of the cantilevered face support piece and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the cantilevered face support tab is angled at a toe-to-toe angle that forms an angle B between a lower portion of the cantilevered face support tab and a ground plane, wherein the angle B is less than 80 degrees.

in another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the cantilevered face support sheet includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face, the friction reducing element being formed from a material different from the material of which the cantilevered face support sheet is formed.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the depth D measured vertically from the inner surface of the bottom portion to the top portion of the cantilevered face support sheet is greater than 10mm and less than 30mm, and wherein the face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Drawings

Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments are described with reference to the following drawings.

FIGS. 1A-1B show partial perspective and perspective views, respectively, of a golf club head having a rib disposed proximate the center of gravity of the golf club head.

Fig. 1C shows a plot of the firing rate of a golf club head with ribs compared to a conventional thin-faced hollow iron club.

Fig. 2 shows a partial front view of a golf club head with ribs extending substantially perpendicular to a top line of the golf club head.

FIG. 3 shows a partial front view of a golf club head with ribs extending substantially perpendicular to the face edge of the heel portion of the golf club head.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial perspective view of a golf club head with a shaft extending from the back of the golf club head.

FIG. 5A shows a partial front view of a golf club head with ribs arranged to create a symmetrical portion of the striking face.

FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 5A with the striking surface attached.

FIG. 6A shows a partial front view of a golf club head with ribs arranged to create a symmetrical portion of the striking face.

Fig. 6B illustrates a perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 6A.

Fig. 7A illustrates a front view of a golf club head with a curved support structure.

Fig. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 7A.

Fig. 7C-7E illustrate cross-sectional views of a curved support structure for use in a golf club head.

fig. 7F illustrates a front view of a golf club head with a variable flex support structure.

fig. 7G-7I illustrate cross-sectional views of the variable flex support structure in the golf club head of fig. 7F.

FIG. 8A shows a golf club head with a curved support structure and ribs arranged to create a symmetrical portion of the striking face.

FIGS. 8B-8D show cross-sectional views of the golf club of FIG. 8A.

fig. 9A shows a front view of a golf club head with multiple preloaded cantilevered blades.

FIG. 9B illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 9A prior to attachment of the striking surface.

Fig. 9C illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 9A-9B after attachment of the striking face.

Fig. 9D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the golf club head 900 shown in fig. 9C.

Fig. 10A shows a front view of a golf club head with the edge of the striking face that may be at least partially curved away from the perimeter portion of the golf club head.

Fig. 10B illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 10A.

FIG. 10C shows a right cross-sectional view of FIGS. 10A-10B after attachment of the striking face.

fig. 11A shows a front view of a golf club head.

Fig. 11B illustrates a right side view of the golf club head of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11C shows a perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 11A.

Fig. 11D illustrates a rear view of the golf club head of fig. 11A including the cantilevered face support tab.

FIG. 11E illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A.

Fig. 11F illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 11A.

FIG. 11G illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 11H illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 11A without the striking face.

Fig. 12A shows a rear view of a golf club head including cantilevered face support plates.

Fig. 12B illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of fig. 12A.

FIG. 12C illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 12A without the striking face.

FIG. 12D illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 12A including friction reducing elements.

Fig. 12E illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head of fig. 12D.

Detailed Description

The technology described herein contemplates an iron-type golf club head that incorporates one or more face support elements (e.g., ribs, rods, support structures, etc.) that extend toward or proximate to a rear surface of the striking face of the golf club head. The deflection pattern of the striking face of the golf club may be controlled by including one or more of those elements. In conventional hollow iron type golf clubs, the striking face is attached to the club head such that the striking face has the greatest deflection at the geometric center of the striking face. While such a design may result in a large flight distance for a golf ball when hitting the center of the face, any off-center hitting of a golf ball results in a significant variation in the flight distance for the golf ball. By incorporating one or more face support elements into the golf club head, the deflection pattern of the striking face may be varied to provide more consistent ball flight from the impact of a ball along a larger area of the striking face.

in addition, in the conventional hollow iron type golf club head, the irregular shape of the golf club face also causes a problem when the golf ball is launched off the club face. For example, conventional golf club faces have a larger surface area toward the toe of the golf club and a smaller surface area toward the heel of the golf club. Due to the shape, deflection of the face when struck, the ball is asymmetric and can cause the golf ball to be launched at an undesirable angle. The present invention provides one or more ribs that extend from the back of the golf club head to the rear surface of the striking face to create a symmetrical portion of the striking face. The symmetrical portion of the striking face exhibits improved launch characteristics when striking a golf ball.

Fig. 1A-1B show perspective views of a golf club head 100 having ribs 102 disposed proximate a center of gravity 120 of the golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 includes a sole 104, a top line 106, a toe 108 and heel 110, and a back 112. The ribs 102 extend from a top line 106 to the bottom 104 at an angle that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom 104. Ribs 102 also extend from back 112 to the rear surface of striking surface 118, as shown in FIG. 1B. The inclusion of the ribs 102 forms two chambers 140, 142. First chamber 140 is defined by back 112, toe 108, top line 106, rib 102, sole 104, and striking surface 118. Second chamber 142 is defined by back 112, ribs 102, top line 106, face edge 114 of heel 110, sole 104, and striking surface 118.

The ribs 102 may be formed as part of the process of casting the golf club head 100. The ribs 102 may also be inserted after the casting process and connected to other components of the golf club head 100 by welding or other connection methods. For example, the ribs 102 may be welded to the back 112, top line 106, and bottom 104. In some examples, the ribs may also be welded to the rear surface of the striking face 118.

The striking face 118 may also be connected as a single face insert that spans from the toe 108 to the heel 110. For example, the striking face 118 may be welded to the face edges 114 of the sole 104, toe 108, top line 106, and heel 110. As described above, the striking surface 118 may also be welded to the rib 102. In other examples, the striking face 118 may be made of two or more pieces. A first portion of the striking face 118 (located on the cavity 142) may have a first thickness and a second portion of the striking face 118 (located on the cavity 140) may have a second thickness. In still other examples, the striking face 118 may be a single face insert having a variable thickness such that a first portion of the striking face 118 has a first thickness over the cavity 142 and a second portion of the striking face 118 has a second thickness over the cavity 140.

When a golf ball strikes the striking surface 118 with ribs 102 as part of the backing striking surface 118, the striking surface 118 deflects a distance that is less than it would be without ribs 102. Because striking surface 118 deflects less when struck with the backing portion of ribs 102, the ball will exhibit a launch velocity that is slightly less than when struck with the same club without ribs 102. When a golf ball strikes the striking surface 118 at one of the two chambers 140, 142 as part of the backing, the striking surface 118 deflects to the respective chamber. This deflection increases the additional launch velocity of the golf ball. However, the deflection into the respective chambers may still be less than a club without ribs 102. While such a reduction in overall launch velocity appears undesirable, a slight reduction in launch velocity results in a more consistent launch velocity along the entire striking face 118 from the time the strike is made. For example, a ball striking the striking surface 118 proximate the center of gravity 120 often provides the golf ball with the greatest launch velocity. Thus, by placing the rib 102 at the center of gravity 102 to remove face deflection at the center of gravity 120, the maximum launch velocity is reduced to be closer to the launch velocity of the rest of the striking face.

Fig. 1C shows a graph of exemplary results of the firing rate of the golf club head 100 with ribs 102 compared to a conventional thin-faced hollow iron club. The firing rate along the strike face was recorded for a number of example configurations. Example 1 is a baseline hollow iron rod with a face thickness of 2.1 mm. Example 2 is an iron club with a multi-thickness face having ribs 102, and the thickness of the portion of the striking face 118 above the first chamber 140 is 1.9mm and the thickness of the portion of the striking face 118 above the second chamber 142 is 1.7 mm. Example 3 is a 2.1mm face thickness iron bar, which also has ribs 102. For example 1, a ball hit at the center of the face had a launch velocity of approximately 134.1 mph. A ball struck toward the toe loses about 6.9mph of launch velocity and a ball struck toward the heel loses about 1.0mph of launch velocity. For example 2, a ball hit at the center of the face had a launch velocity of approximately 133.0mph, a ball hit toward the toe lost a launch velocity of approximately 6.0mph, and a ball hit toward the heel lost a launch velocity of approximately 0.4 mph. For example 3, a ball hit at the center of the face had a launch velocity of approximately 133.0mph, a ball hit toward the toe lost a launch velocity of approximately 6.0mph, and a ball hit toward the heel lost a launch velocity of approximately 0.6 mph. It is to be noted that examples 2 and 3 have the same emission speed in the center and toward the toe. Thus, the golf club head with ribs 102 has a slightly reduced maximum launch velocity, but exhibits improved launch velocity maintenance along the golf club face, particularly with a multiple thickness striking face, thus providing greater consistent distance control using the club.

Fig. 2 shows a partial front view of the golf club head 200 with ribs 202 extending substantially perpendicular to a top line 206 of the golf club head 200. Additionally, the golf club head 200 may be substantially similar to the golf club head 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. The ribs 202 may be connected to the back 212 and the rear surface of the striking face (not shown). Similar to the golf club head 100, the ribs 202 form two chambers 240, 242. First chamber 240 is at least partially defined by back 212, toe 208, top line 206, rib 202, and sole 204. The second chamber 242 is at least partially defined by the back 212, the ribs 202, the apex line 206, the face edge 214 of the heel 210, and the bottom 204. Multiple thickness surfaces may also be used with the golf club head 200.

Fig. 3 shows a partial front view of a golf club head 300 having ribs 302 extending substantially perpendicular to a face edge 314 of a heel 310. Additionally, the golf club head 300 may be substantially similar to the golf club head 100 shown in fig. 1A-1B. When the golf club is used for playing balls, the ribs 302 may be substantially parallel to the ground. The ribs 302 may be connected to the back 312 and the rear surface of the striking face. Similar to the golf club head 100 of fig. 1A-1B, the ribs 302 form two chambers 340, 342. The first chamber 340 is defined by the face edge 314 of the back 312, toe 308, top line 306, rib 302, and heel 310. Second chamber 342 is defined by back 312, ribs 302, sole 304, heel 310, and toe 308. A single thickness or multiple thickness strike face may also be used with the golf club head 300.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a golf club head 400 having a chamber 440 and a shaft 402 extending from a back 412 of the golf club head 400 to a striking face of the golf club head 400. The club 402 extends from the back 412 to a rear surface of the striking face (not shown). Unlike the ribs described above in fig. 1-3, the bar 402 is not directly connected to the face edge 414 of the top line 406, sole 404, toe 408, or heel 410. The club 402 may also be located at the center of gravity 420 of the golf club head 400. Similar to the ribs described above, when a golf ball strikes the striking surface portion of the backing of club 402, the amount of displacement of the striking surface is less than a golf club without a club. If a golf ball were to hit a striking face portion without the backing of shaft 402, the striking face would have some displacement, which increases the launch velocity of the golf ball. Also, a golf ball struck off-center toward the heel 410, toe 408, top line 406, or sole 404 will have better distance maintenance, similar to the results of the rib 102 described above with reference to FIG. 1C. For example, in a golf ball having a 15mm diameter club 402 and a 2.1mm thickness striking face, the ball struck at the center of the face has a launch velocity of 132.8mph, and the ball struck toward the toe loses 6.5mph of launch velocity and the ball struck toward the heel loses 0.4mph of launch velocity.

Fig. 5A shows a partial front view of a golf club head 500 having ribs 502 arranged to create a symmetrical portion 550 of the striking face 518, and fig. 5B shows a perspective view of the golf club head 500. The ribs 502 extend from a top line 506 to a bottom portion 504, and from a back portion 512 to a rear surface 518 of the striking face. But the ribs 502 do not extend linearly. Instead, the shape of the rib 502 is substantially a mirror image of the shape of the apex line 506 and the face edge 514 of the heel 510. With the rib 502 having such a shape, the striking surface 518 has a symmetrical portion 550 defined by the portion of the striking surface 518 in contact with the top line 506, the sole 504, the face edge 514 of the heel 510, and the rib 502. The symmetrical portion 550 is symmetrical about the symmetry line a. The three-dimensional symmetrical portion 550 is symmetrical about a plane defined perpendicular to the striking face 518. In the example shown in fig. 5A-5B, the symmetrical portion 550 has an irregular pentagonal shape and two parallel sides, similar to the shape of a home plate. Other potentially symmetrical shapes may be used.

The two chambers 540, 542 are again formed by the inclusion of ribs 502. The first chamber 542 is defined by the back 512, the rib 502, the bottom 504, the top line 506, and the face edge 514 of the heel 510. Second chamber 540 is defined by back 512, rib 502, sole 504, toe 508 and top line 506.

Multiple thickness type striking surfaces 518 may also be used with golf club head 500. For example, the symmetric portion 550 of the striking surface 518 may have a first thickness, and the asymmetric portion 552 of the striking surface 518 may have a second thickness. An asymmetric portion 552 of the striking face 518 is defined by contact with the top line 506, toe 508, sole 504 and rib 502. In some examples, the thickness of the symmetric portion 550 of the striking surface 518 may be thicker than the thickness of the asymmetric portion 552 of the striking surface 518. For example, because the asymmetric portion 552 is statistically hit less than the symmetric region 550, the asymmetric portion 552 can be made significantly thinner than the symmetric portion 550. In one example, the thickness of the asymmetric portion 552 of the striking face 518 is less than or equal to about 80% of the thickness of the symmetric portion. In some embodiments, the thickness of the asymmetric portion 552 is between about 0.5mm to about 1.5 mm. In an example, the range may be between about 0.75mm to about 1.25 mm; or between about 0.95 to about 1.05 mm. The striking face 518 may also be formed of two pieces, one for the symmetrical portion 550 and one for the asymmetrical portion 552. In such an example, the symmetrical portion 550 of the striking face may be incorporated into a left-handed and right-handed golf club without modification.

Different striking face pieces may also be made of different materials. For example, the asymmetric portion 552 may be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, titanium, or plastic. In other examples, heavier materials may be used for the asymmetric portion 552 to change the center of gravity of the golf club head 552. The second chamber 540 may be filled, or partially filled, with a material to alter the center of gravity of the golf club head 500.

By including the rib 502 to create the symmetrical surface portion 550, the launch characteristics of the golf ball may be improved. In a conventional golf club without the rib 502, the striking face is asymmetric due to the fact that the striking face is attached only to the peripheral portion of the golf club. Due to this asymmetry, inconsistent launch conditions occur when a golf ball is struck at different positions along the striking face from the heel to the toe. For example, the golf ball will not be consistent in side spin, backspin, launch direction and launch speed, depending on where the ball is struck on the striking surface. With a striking face 518 having a symmetrical portion 550, more uniform emission characteristics are exhibited along the symmetrical portion 550 of the striking face 518.

fig. 6A shows a front view of a golf club head 600 having two ribs 602, 622 arranged to create a symmetrical portion 650 of a striking surface 618, and fig. 6B shows a perspective view of the golf club head 600. The golf club head 600 includes two ribs 602, 622 instead of one rib. First rib 602 extends from top line 606 to toe 608. The second rib 622 extends from the first rib 602 to the bottom 604. First rib 602 and second rib 622 also extend from back 612 to a rear surface 618 of the striking face. In the example shown in fig. 6A-6B, the first rib 602 and the second rib 622 are provided as mirror images of the shape of the substantially top line 606 and the face edge 614 of the heel 610. By providing the first rib 602 and the second rib 622 to have such a shape, the striking surface 618 has a symmetrical portion 650 defined by portions of the striking surface 618 that contact the top line 606, the bottom 604, the face edge 614 of the heel 610, the first rib 602, and the second rib 622. The symmetrical portion 650 is symmetrical about the symmetry line a. As shown in fig. 6A-6B, the symmetrical portion 650 has an irregular pentagonal shape and two parallel sides, similar to the shape of a home plate. Other potentially symmetrical shapes may be used. Additionally, another rib may be introduced into golf club head 600 to create other symmetrical shapes.

Three chambers are formed in the golf club head 600. The first chamber 642 is formed by the back 612, the top line 606, the first rib 602, the second rib 622, the bottom 604, and the face edge 614 of the heel 610. Second chamber 640 is formed by back 612, first rib 602, second rib 622, sole 604, and toe 608. Third chamber 644 is formed by top line 606, toe portion 608, and first rib 602. The portion of striking surface 618 backed by first chamber 642 is a symmetrical portion 650 of striking surface 618.

Similar to the golf club head 500 of fig. 5A-5B, the golf club head 600 may have a multiple thickness type striking face 618. For example, the symmetrical portion 650 of the striking surface 618 may have a first thickness. First asymmetric portion 652 of striking surface 618 backed by second chamber 640 may have a second thickness, and second asymmetric portion 654 of striking surface 618 backed by third chamber 644 may have a third thickness. In some examples, the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, and the second thickness is greater than the third thickness. For example, the second thickness may be less than or equal to about 80% of the thickness of the symmetric portion 650, and the third thickness may be less than or equal to about 50% of the thickness of the symmetric portion 650. In some embodiments, the second thickness and the third thickness are between about 0.5mm to about 1.5 mm. In an example, the range may be between about 0.75mm to about 1.25 mm; or between about 0.95 to about 1.05 mm. In some examples, the area of the back portion 612 behind the third chamber 644 may also be thinner than the rest of the back portion. The striking surface 618 may also be formed from three pieces, a first piece for the symmetrical portion 650, a second piece for the first asymmetrical portion 652, and a third piece for the second asymmetrical portion 654. In another example, striking surface 618 may also be formed from two pieces, a first piece for symmetrical portion 650 and the portion backed by second chamber 640, and a second piece for the portion backed by third chamber 644. In the two or three striking surface 618 example, the symmetrical portion 650 of the striking surface may be incorporated into both a sinistral and a dextral golf club without modification. The symmetrical portion 650 of the striking face 618 provides similar emission characteristics benefits as the symmetrical portion 550 of the golf club head described in fig. 5A-5B.

Different striking face pieces may also be made of different materials. For example, the block covering the striking face of the asymmetric portions 652, 654 may be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, titanium, or plastic. In other examples, heavier materials may be used for the pieces of the striking face covering the asymmetric portions 652, 654 to change the center of gravity of the golf club head 600. The second chamber 640 and the third chamber 644 may be filled, or partially filled, with a material to change the center of gravity of the golf club head 600.

Fig. 7A shows a front view of a golf club head 700 with a curved support structure 730, and fig. 7B shows a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head 700 along the cross-sectional plane shown in fig. 7A. The curved support structure 730 is formed around the perimeter of the golf club head 700. In one example, the curved support structure 730 may be formed on or mounted to the face edges 714 of the top line 706, toe 708, sole 704, and heel 710. The curved support structure 730 protrudes or extends into the cavity 740 between the striking face 718 and the back 712. In some examples, the curved support structure 730 has a curved surface facing the rear surface of the striking face 718. When the striking surface is in the non-deflected position (as shown in FIG. 7B), the striking surface 718 does not contact portions of the curved surface of the curved support structure. By deflecting the striking face 718, the rear surface of the striking face 718 more contacts the curved surface of the curved support structure 730, such as when striking a golf ball. As the contact area between the striking face 718 and the curved surface of the curved support structure 730 increases (due to greater striking face 718 deflection), the curved support structure 730 provides support to the striking face 718, which effectively reduces the span of the striking face 718 as the striking face 718 deflects further.

by introducing the curved support structure 730, the thickness of the striking face 718 may be reduced. In conventional golf clubs, the thickness of the striking face may be based on the swing speed of the player. For example, a thinner striking face may be more useful for players with slower swing speeds because the striking face will deflect more easily, which provides a higher launch speed. However, if a player with a high swing speed uses the same club, a thin striking face will fail because the striking face will deflect too much. Therefore, players with high swing speeds often require thicker faces. The incorporation of the curved support structure 730 allows a single thin striking face 718 to be used for a wide range of swing speeds. At lower swing speeds, the thin striking face 718 will still have nearly as much deflection as a conventional golf club because the smaller deflection of the face will not cause a large contact with the curved surface of the curved support structure 730. Conversely, at higher swing speeds, the striking face 718 will receive another support from the curved support structure 730 due to another deflection distance. Generally, the height and curvature of the curved support structure 730 determines the amount of support the striking face 718 will receive at different deflection depths. Although shown without grooves or score lines in fig. 7A-7I, the striking face 718 may include such score marks, as shown in the striking faces described above.

Fig. 7C-7E show right cross-sectional views of differently configured curved support structures 730. In one example, the curved support structure 730C has a substantially semi-circular shape that protrudes into the cavity 740. A portion of the curved support structure 730C (which is parallel to the striking face 718) may contact the striking face even in the non-deflected position. However, the curved portion of the curved support structure 730C contacts the striking face 718 when the striking face is in the deflected position. The deeper the deflection depth of the striking face 718 into the cavity 740, the greater the area of the curved support structure 730C that contacts the rear surface of the striking face 718. Curved support structure 730D shown in fig. 7D has substantially the same height and curvature as curved support structure 730C. Curved support structure 730D has another material 732 on the back side of curved support structure 730D to provide additional strength to curved support structure 730C. As described above, the curvature or height of the curved support structure 730C or the curved support structure 730D can be varied to adjust the amount of support received by the striking face 718 at a different depth than the deflection.

Curved support structure 730E is an example of a linear curved support structure. Curved support structure 730E includes an angled ramp rather than a curved surface. As the striking face 718 deflects into the cavity 740, the rear surface of the striking face 718 contacts the angled portion of the curved support structure 730E. Similar to the curved support structure, the linear curved support structure 730E provides additional support to the striking face 718 as the deflection distance of the striking face increases. The height and angle of the ramp surface can be varied to adjust the amount of support the striking face 718 receives at other than depth.

Fig. 7F shows a front view of the golf club head 700 with a variable flex support structure 730F. The variably curved support structure 730F has different heights and/or curvatures at different locations between the heel 710 and toe 708. Due to the different heights and/or curvatures of the variable curved support structure 730F, different portions of the striking face 718 receive different amounts of support when in the deflected position. The different shape characteristics of the variable curved support structure 730F can be seen in the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 7G-7I, as shown by the cross-sectional plane lines in FIG. 7F.

In the example shown in fig. 7F-7I, the variable curved support structure 730F has a variable contour along the base 704, such as a variable height and curvature. Toward toe 708, curved support structure 730G has a first profile defined by a first height and curvature. Closer to the center of the striking face 718, the curved support structure 730H has a second profile with a lower height and less curvature than the profile of the curved support structure 730G. Toward the heel 710, the curved support structure 730I has a third profile with a height and curvature that is greater than the profile of the curved support structure 730G or the profile of the curved support structure 730H.

In one example, the different contours of the variable flexion support structure 730F provide support for the striking face 718 at different deflection depths. For example, at a first deflection depth of the striking face 718, the rear surface of the striking face 718 may contact the surface of the portion of the first and second profiles of the variable flexure support structure 730F. At the second deflection depth, however, the rear surface of the striking face 718 may only contact a portion of the variable curved support structure 730F having the first profile.

Other configurations are also contemplated. For example, the curved support structure 730H near the center of the club face may have a maximum height compared to the other curved support structures 730G, 730I. In such an example, the center of the striking face 718 has a limited range of deflection due to the curved support structure 730H. By limiting the range of deflection of the center of the striking surface 718, the launch velocity of the golf ball from the center of the striking surface 718 is reduced. The shorter curved support structures 730G, 730I towards the toe 708 and heel 710 allow further deflection of the striking face 718, thus resulting in a higher firing speed. With such a configuration, a more uniform firing rate along the striking face 718 may be achieved, similar to the inclusion of the ribs 102 described above. The height and curvature of the curved support structure 730F may also be varied or varied along the toe 708, top line 706, and heel face edge 714 to further vary the deflection characteristics of the striking face 718.

In other examples, the variable flexion support structures 730H do not extend around the entire perimeter of the chamber 740. For example, the bottom 704 or only a segment of the top line 706 may have a curved support structure 730H. In another example, the face edge 714 of the heel 710 or the toe 708 may not have the curved support structure 730H.

Fig. 8A shows a golf club head 800 having curved support structures 830, 832 and ribs 802 arranged to create a symmetrical portion 850 of the striking face 818. Fig. 8B-8D illustrate cross-sectional views of the golf club head 800, as indicated by the cross-sectional plane lines in fig. 8A. Rib 802 is similar to rib 502 described above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5B. Ribs 802 extend from back 812 to the rear surface of striking face 818. The ribs 802 also extend from the top line 806 to the bottom 804 and are shaped to substantially mirror the shape of the top line 806 and the face edge 814 of the heel 810. By having such a shape, striking surface 818 has a symmetrical portion that is defined by the portion of striking surface 818 that contacts top line 806, bottom portion 804, face edge 814 of heel 810, and rib 802, similar to symmetrical portion 550 described above in FIGS. 5A-5B. Multiple thickness striking surfaces may also be used.

The golf club head 800 includes two chambers 840, 842, similar to the two chambers 540, 542 described above in fig. 5A-5B. A first curved support structure 830 is connected to a peripheral portion of the first chamber 842, and a second curved support structure 832 is connected to a peripheral portion of the second chamber 840. For example, second curved support structure 832 is connected to or formed on toe 808, sole 804, toe-side surface of rib 802, and top line 806. The first curved support structure 830 is connected to or formed on the top line 806, the heel-side surface of the rib 802, the bottom 804, and the face edge 814 of the heel 810. The first curved support structure 830 protrudes or protrudes into the first chamber 842, and the second curved support structure 832 protrudes into the second chamber 840. Similar to the curved support structures described above with reference to fig. 7A-7I, curved support structures 830, 832 provide additional support for striking face 818 when in a deflected position. For example, in the event that a symmetrical portion of the striking face 818 deflects, the rear surface of the striking face 818 will contact a portion of the curved surface of the second curved support structure 832. If the asymmetric portion of the striking face 818 deflects, the rear surface 818 of the striking face will contact a portion of the curved surface of the first curved support structure 830. In some embodiments, the golf club head 800 does not include the second curved support structure 832.

First curved support structure 830 and/or second curved support structure 832 may also be variable curved support structures similar to variable curved support structure 730H described above with reference to fig. 7F-7I. For example, the profile of the curved support structure 832 may vary around the perimeter of the second chamber 840, e.g., the height of the curved support structure 832 may be greater near the line of symmetry a to reduce deflection of the striking face 818 at the point where the maximum deflection would occur. By having the curved support structure 832 with greater height near the line of symmetry, a more consistent firing rate along the symmetric portion of the striking face may be achieved.

the curved support structures 830, 832 may be incorporated into a golf club head having any of the rib or club structures described above as well as other structures that may be incorporated into a golf club head.

Fig. 9A shows a front view of a golf club head 900 with a plurality of preloaded, cantilevered face support plates 921 and 924. Fig. 9B shows a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head 900 taken along the cross-sectional plane shown in fig. 9A prior to attachment of the striking face 918, and fig. 9C shows the right cross-sectional view of fig. 9B, but with the striking face 918 attached to the golf club head 900. Fig. 9D illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the golf club head 900 shown in fig. 9C. Club head 900 has a top line 906, a toe portion 908, a sole portion 904, and a heel portion 910, which combine to define a perimeter portion of golf club head 900. A plurality of face support plates 921 and 924 are connected at one end to the interior surface 916 of the peripheral portion of the golf club head 900. The other end of the tab 921-924 contacts the rear surface of the striking face 918, but is not attached or secured to the rear surface of the striking face 918. In some examples, the pieces 921 and 924 may be formed during the casting process of the club head body or may be attached to the inner perimeter surface after casting by welding or other fastening procedures or mechanisms. In the particular example shown in fig. 9A-9B, the plurality of tabs 921-924 include a toe tab 921 at the toe 908, a sole tab 922 at the sole 904, a heel tab 923 at the heel 910, and a top line tab 924 at the top line 906. In other examples, a greater or lesser number of tiles may be used.

One or more of the tabs 921 and 924 extend from the inner surface 916 of the peripheral portion to a point beyond the shelf plane P before the striking surface 918 is attached to the club head 900, as shown in fig. 9B. Shelf plane P is the plane on which the rear surface of striking face 918 lies by being connected to golf club head 900, and shelf plane P may be further defined by shelf 950, which is formed along at least a portion of the perimeter portion of golf club head 900. The striking surface 918 is then attached, thereby bending the cantilevered tabs 921 and 924 into the chamber 940. In one example, the striking surface 918 may be clamped in place and then welded to the perimeter of the club head 900. Once the striking face 918 has been welded around the golf club head 900, the cantilevered tabs 921 and 924 apply some pressure to the rear surface of the striking face 918 when the striking face 918 is in a neutral position, such as when not striking a golf ball or rebounding after striking a golf ball. Thus, cantilevered tab 921 and 924 are preloaded against striking face 918. By preloading cantilevered piece 921-924 against the striking face, a thinner striking face 918 may be introduced into golf club head 900. For example, the thickness of the striking face 918 may be about 1 to 3mm, 1.5 to 2.5mm, 1.0 to 2.0mm, and 1.5 to 2.0 mm. The preload of cantilevered tabs 921 and 924 also affects the launch characteristics of the golf ball upon impact of striking surface 918. In some examples, club head 900 may exhibit a coefficient of restitution (COR) in the range of 0.8-0.83 and 0.81-0.82.

each of the preloaded cantilevered tabs 921-924 may be of the same or different sizes. Each of the pieces 921-924 can pass through its width W, its depth D into the chamber, the thickness T of the piece, and when the striking surface and ball are in contactThe angle α between the respective piece and the rear surface of the striking face 918 when the club head 900 is attached is characterized. The width W of the bottom piece 922 may have a number of possible dimensions depending on the particular application. For example, the width W of the bottom piece 922 may be the length L of the bottom 904_SAbout half (1/2) to three-quarters (3/4), or lower. In other examples, the width W of the bottom piece 922 may be between approximately 0.2 and 1.5 inches, 0.4 and 0.8 inches, 0.75 and 1.25 inches, or 1.0 and 1.5 inches. The thickness T of the bottom sheet 922 may be between about 1.0 to 2.0mm, 1.2 to 1.8mm, or 1.4 to 1.6 mm. The angle a of the bottom piece 922 may be between 45 and 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, or less than 20 degrees. The thickness of the bottom sheet 922 may be between about 0.5 to 2.0mm, 0.8 to 1.5mm, or 0.8 to 1.2 mm. The thickness D of the bottom sheet 922 may be between approximately 4.0 to 12.0mm, 5.0 to 10.0mm, or 7.0 to 8.0 mm. The size of each sheet will also depend on the thickness of the striking face 918. For example, for a thinner striking face, the depth D and/or width W of one or more of the pieces 921 and 924 would typically be larger. In some examples, the ratio of the width W of the bottom piece 922 to the thickness of the striking face 918 may be about 8: 1 to 20: 1,10: 1 to 18: 1, or 12: 1 to 16: 1. the portion of the bottom piece 922 attached to the inner perimeter surface may be centered at the midpoint of the bottom. In other examples, the portion of the bottom piece 922 attached to the inner perimeter surface may be centered under the center of gravity of the golf club head 900.

The other sheets may be similar in size to the bottom sheet 922. For example, the top wire pieces 924 may have substantially the same or similar dimensions as at the bottom piece 922. In some examples, however, the dimensions of the top line piece 924 may be relative to the length L of the top line 906_TTo describe. For example, the width of the top line piece 924 may be the length L of the top line 906_TAbout one-half (1/2) to three-quarters (3/4). The portion of the top line piece 924 connected to the inner peripheral portion surface may be centered on the midpoint of the top line 906. In other examples, the portion of the top piece 924 attached to the inner perimeter surface may be centered above the center of gravity of the golf club head 900. The depth D, angle α, and thickness T of the apex line 924 may beIn the same ranges as described above for the corresponding dimensions of the bottom piece 922. However, in some examples, although the depth D, angle a, and thickness T of the top wire pieces 924 may be in the same ranges as described above, the top wire pieces 924 may not have the same dimensions as the bottom piece 922.

In some of the examples, the width of the toe piece 921 can be equal to the height H of the toe 908_TOne-half (1/2) to three-quarters (3/4). The portion of the toe piece 921 connected to the inner peripheral portion surface may be centered on the midpoint of the toe portion 908. In other examples, the portion of the top piece 924 attached to the inner perimeter surface may be centered at a height of the center of gravity of the golf club head 900. The depth D, angle a and thickness T of the toe piece 921 may be in the same ranges as above for the corresponding dimensions of the bottom piece 922. However, in some examples, although the depth D, angle α, and thickness T of the toe piece 921 may be in the same ranges as described above, the toe piece 921 may not have the same size as the sole piece 922 or the top wire piece 924.

The width of the heel tab 923 may be equal to one-half (1/2) to three-quarters (3/4) of the height of the heel edge 911, or greater. The portion of the heel tab 923 attached to the inner peripheral portion surface may be centered on the midpoint of the heel edge 911. In other examples, the portion of the heel piece 924 connected to the inner perimeter surface may be centered at a height of the center of gravity of the golf club head 900. The depth D, angle a and thickness T of the heel piece 923 may be within the same ranges as described above for the corresponding dimensions of the bottom piece 922. However, in some examples, although the depth D, the angle α, and the thickness T of the heel piece 923 may be in the same ranges as described above, the heel piece 923 may not have the same dimensions as the sole piece 922, the top wire piece 924, or the toe piece 921.

Fig. 10A shows a front view of a golf club head 1000 having a striking surface 1018 whose edges may be at least partially curved away from a perimeter portion of the golf club head 1000. FIG. 10B illustrates a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1000 of FIG. 10A along the cross-sectional plane of FIG. 10A prior to attachment of the striking surface 1018. Fig. 10C shows the right cross-section of fig. 10B, but with a striking surface 1018 attached to the golf club head 1000. The golf club head 1000 differs from the golf club head 900 in that the striking surface 1018 is secured directly to each of the surface support tabs 1021 and 1024. Additionally, striking surface 1018 is not directly fastened to the peripheral portion of golf club head 1000. Likewise, the edge of the striking surface 1018 may move outward from the remainder of the club head 1000 upon impact with a golf ball. In some examples, gasket 1052 is positioned between the peripheral portion of golf club head 1000 and striking surface 1018 to prevent debris from entering chamber 1040 or to prevent excessive wear between the surface of striking surface 1018 and the surface of the peripheral portion of club head 1000.

the golf club head 1000 includes a top line 1006, a toe portion 1008, a sole portion 1004, and a heel portion 1010, which combine to define a perimeter portion of the golf club head 1000. Golf club head 1000 also includes a plurality of pieces 1021- "1024. As an example, golf club head 1000 may include a toe piece 1021, a sole piece 1022, a heel piece 1023, and a top-line piece 1024. The pieces 1021-1024 may be formed during the club head body casting process or may be attached to the inner perimeter surface after casting. In some examples, each piece 1021-. Securing the tabs 1021 and 1024 to the inner surface 1016 of the peripheral portion and the rear surface of the striking face may be accomplished by welding, rivets, screws or other fastening or securing techniques. In other examples, not all of the plurality of pieces 1021 and 1024 are attached to the rear surface of striking surface 1018. For example, two of the sheets may be attached only to inner surface 1016 of peripheral portion, while the remaining two sheets are attached to both inner surface 1016 of peripheral portion and the rear surface of striking face 1018.

Because the plurality of pieces 1021-. For example, because the edge of the striking surface 1018 is not secured to the perimeter portion of the golf club head 1000, the piece 1021 and 1024 provide the majority of support for the striking surface 1018 when striking a golf ball. Thus, the configuration of the pieces 1021 and 1024 must provide sufficient support to withstand the forces generated by such ball strikes. As an example, the thickness T of the pieces 1021-. For example, the thickness T of each of the pieces 1021 and 1024 may be about 3mm or between 2 and 6mm, 3 and 5mm, 3 and 4mm, or at least 3 mm. Each of the pieces 1021-. Additionally, in some examples, because the striking surface 1018 is not directly secured to the peripheral portion of the golf club head 1000, the striking surface 1018 is also thicker than the striking surface 918 described above with reference to fig. 9A-9C. For example, the thickness of the striking face 1018 may be 1.5mm to 2.5mm or 2.0mm to 3.0mm, or greater than 3.0 mm.

In some examples, the other dimensions of the pieces 1021-. The end of each of the pieces 1021 and 1024 should be arranged to connect to the rear surface of the striking surface 1018 such that the front surface of the striking surface 1018 is flush with the peripheral portion of the golf club head 1000 when connected. For example, the angle α and depth D of each of the pieces 1021-. In other examples, the depth D and angle α of one or more of the tabs 1021 and 1024 are configured such that the portion of the tab intended to be connected to the rear surface of the striking face 1018 is slightly behind the shelf plane P. For example, the portion of the sheet intended to be attached to the rear of the striking face 1018 may be between about 0.3 and 1.0mm behind the shelf plane P. In such an example, the sheet may be deflected forward to connect striking face 1018. Thus, when striking face 1018 is connected to pieces 1021-. Thus, in that example, the edge of the striking surface 1018 applies a small force against the gasket 1052 or shelf 1050 to hold the striking surface 1018 in place, but still allow the striking surface 1018 to bend when a golf ball is struck.

The width W, depth D and angle α of each of the segments 1021-.

Iron type golf club heads are typically designed for the club to impact the golf ball centered along a fractional line of the striking face in the toe-heel direction. A central plane is defined herein as a line that faces upward along the striking surface that passes through the center of each fractional line for the majority of the striking surface. Conventional iron-type golf club heads with a center of gravity located behind the center plane will typically produce the highest ball velocity after the ball strikes the center plane of the striking face. When the ball impacts the central face of the striking face, either toward the toe or toward the heel, the ball velocity and therefore the overall launch distance suffers a decrease. This reduction in ball speed is due to a number of factors including impact balls that do not directly coincide with the center of gravity, limiting face deflection beyond the center plane, and the moment of inertia limited by the construction of the golf club head.

Fig. 11A-H show another embodiment of a golf club head 1100 that includes cantilevered face support plates 1122 configured to minimize the reduction in ball speed due to a ball not being hit perfectly centered at the center plane CF. Fig. 11A shows a front view of a golf club head 1100. Fig. 11B shows a right side view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A. Fig. 11C shows a perspective view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A. Fig. 11D illustrates a rear view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A including the cantilevered face support plate 1122. Fig. 11E shows a rear perspective view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A. Fig. 11F shows a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A. Fig. 11G shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A. Fig. 11H illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1100 of fig. 11A without showing the striking surface 1118.

The golf club head 1100 has a top line 1106, a toe 1108, a sole 1104 and a heel 1110 that combine to form a peripheral portion of the golf club head 1100. The golf club head 1100 is shown in a cavity back configuration, but other configurations may be used with the present invention. A medallion may be added to the rear surface to create a hollow backside configuration. The back wall may be added to create a hollow configuration more similar to the embodiment shown in fig. 9A-9C. As shown in fig. 11D-11H, the golf club head 1100 includes a cantilevered face support plate 1122 attached to an interior surface 1116 of the peripheral portion of the golf club head 1100. As shown in fig. 11D-11H, cantilevered support tabs extend upwardly from the inner surface 1116 of the bottom 1104. The other end of tab 1122 contacts rear surface 1119 of striking surface 1118. In the illustrated embodiment, the cantilevered support piece 1122 is not connected to the rear surface 1119 of the striking surface 1118 and is configured to deflect during impact of the striking surface 1118 with a golf ball to slide relative to the rear surface 1119. The cantilevered face support plate 1122 is configured to locally support the striking face 1118 adjacent the center face CF. This allows the striking surface 1118 to be supported not only at its periphery, but also more centrally by the cantilevered surface support plate 1122, which changes the deflection profile of the striking surface 1118 for more consistent ball speed, even from imperfect ball strikes. In addition, the cantilevered face support plate 1122 supporting the striking face 1118 allows the striking face 1118 to be thinner than conventional iron-type golf club heads, which allows for greater local deflection outside the center plane CF, which reduces the difference in ball speed between impacts at the center plane CF and impacts of the center plane CF toward the toe and toward the heel. Cantilevered face support piece 1122 provides the support necessary to make striking face 1118 less than 2mm thick FT. Without the cantilevered face support plate 1122, such a thin face would not likely be durable and fail upon repeated impacts with a golf ball. Furthermore, such a thin face would be outside the USGA COR standard. The present invention provides a wider portion of the striking face that can launch golf balls as close as possible to the USGA COR standard. In one embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than 2.0 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than 1.9 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than 1.8 mm. In another embodiment, the face thickness FT is less than 1.7 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, striking surface 1118 has a constant thickness FT. In other embodiments not shown, striking surface 1118 may have a different thickness.

In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 11G, the cantilevered face support plate 1122 may be integrally formed with the sole 1104 of the golf club head 1100. In the illustrated embodiment, the striking surface 1118 is formed separately from the remainder of the golf club head 1100 and is subsequently welded to the golf club head 1100. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the striking face 1118 portion of the golf club head may include an underlying return portion that moves the underlying weld line to the bottom portion 1104 rather than onto the striking face 1118. In other embodiments, the cantilevered face support plate 1122 may be connected to the interior surface 1116 of the golf club head 1100 by welding or other fastening procedures or mechanisms.

Cantilevered face support plate 1122 may include a lower portion 1162 (which is connected to inner surface 1116), and an upper portion 1164 (which is adjacent to rear surface 1119 of striking face 1118). As shown in fig. 11F, the upper portion 1164 can include a lower radius 1166 at the intersection of the upper portion 1164 and the lower portion 1162. When the golf club head 1100 is in operation, the cantilevered face support plate 1122 has a depth D into the chamber from the interior surface 1116, a width W, an angle α between the plate 1122 and the rear surface 1119 of the striking face 1118, a thickness TL of the lower portion 1162 and a thickness TU of the upper portion 1164, and a surface area SA of the cantilevered face support plate 1122 in contact with the rear surface 1119 of the striking face 1118. The thickness TL and thickness TU may be different due to the tapered shape of the cantilevered face support sheet 1122 shown in fig. 11F.

In one embodiment, the depth D of the cantilevered face support piece 1122 is greater than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 14 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 18 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 22 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 10mm and less than 30 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 18mm and less than 26 mm. In another embodiment, the depth D is greater than 20mm and less than 24 mm.

In one embodiment, the width W of the cantilevered face support tabs 1122 is greater than 4 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 8 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 12 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 8mm and less than 16 mm. In another embodiment, the width W is greater than 10mm and less than 14 mm.

In one embodiment, the thickness TL of the lower portion 1162 of the cantilevered face support sheet 1122 is greater than 2 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 4 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 2mm and less than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 4mm and less than 8 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TL is greater than 5mm and less than 6 mm. In one embodiment, the thickness TU of the upper portion 1164 of the cantilevered face support sheet 1122 is greater than 1 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.5 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.0mm and less than 3 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.5mm and less than 2.5 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness TU is greater than 1.5mm and less than 2 mm.

In one embodiment, the angle α between the sheet 1122 and the rear surface 1119 of the striking surface 1118 is greater than 10 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle α is greater than 20 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is greater than 30 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is less than 50 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is less than 45 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is less than 40 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is less than 35 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is greater than 20 degrees and less than 40 degrees. In another embodiment the angle alpha is greater than 30 degrees and less than 35 degrees.

In one embodiment, the surface area SA of the cantilevered face support plate 1122 (which is in contact with the rear surface 1119 of the striking face 1118) is greater than 5mm². In another embodiment the surface area SA is greater than 10mm². In another embodiment the surface area SA is greater than 15mm². In another embodiment the surface area SA is greater than 20mm²。

Due to the triangular and asymmetric shape of iron-type golf club heads, the striking face deflects more toward the toe than toward the heel, even upon impact at the center face CF. This is due to the fact that the surface area of the central face CF is greater towards the toe of the striking face than towards the heel. Thus, a golf ball hit from the center plane CF toward the toe tends to have a higher ball velocity than a golf ball hit more toward the heel. Fig. 12A-12C show another embodiment of a golf club head 1200 that includes a cantilevered face support tab 1222. Fig. 12A shows a rear view of a golf club head 1200 that includes a cantilevered face support tab 1222. Fig. 12B illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head 1200 of fig. 12A. Fig. 12C shows a front cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1200 of fig. 12A, and does not show the strike face 1218. Fig. 12D illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club head 1200 of fig. 12A, including friction reducing elements 1270. Fig. 12E shows a right cross-sectional view of the golf club head 1200 of fig. 12D.

The cantilevered face support piece 1222 is configured to support the striking face 1218 from the center face CF toward the toe, which corrects for ball velocity away from the center face CF toward the toe and toward the heel. The upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered face support piece 1222 is located toward the toe from the center plane CF by an offset distance TOD as measured from the center plane CF to the center of the contact patch of the cantilevered support piece 1222 with the striking face 1218. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered face support piece 1222 is located at the toe-to-toe intersection of the lower portion 1262 and the bottom portion 1204, which causes the cantilevered face support piece 1222 to be angled toward the toe, B, relative to the ground plane, rather than substantially perpendicular to the ground plane, as shown in fig. 11A-H. The angled cantilevered face support plate 1222 has several advantages. By placing the intersection of the lower portion 1262 and the bottom portion 1204 towards the heel of the upper portion 1264, a more realistic assessment is provided in the lower toe portion 1208 in the cavity of the golf club head 1200 for weight pads and/or high density weights to optimize the center of gravity and moment of inertia of the golf club head. In addition, the effective length of the cantilevered face support sheet 1222 is longer than its length when oriented perpendicular to the ground plane, which reduces stress in the cantilevered face support sheet 1222 as it is deflected by the striking face 1218.

In one embodiment, the angle B of the cantilevered face support tab 1222 is at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ground plane towards the toe. In another embodiment, angle B is less than 80 degrees. In another embodiment, angle B is less than 70 degrees. In another embodiment, angle B is less than 60 degrees. In another embodiment, angle B is less than 55 degrees.

In one embodiment, the toe offset distance TOD of the cantilevered face support piece 1222 is greater than 2 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 4 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 6 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 8 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 10 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 8mm and less than 16 mm. In another embodiment, toe offset distance TOD is greater than 10mm and less than 14 mm.

As shown in fig. 12D and 12E, friction reducing 1270 elements may be located between upper portion 1264 of cantilevered face support plate 1222 and rear surface 1219 of striking face 1218. The friction reducing elements 1270 may comprise a chamber configured to receive the upper portion 1264 of the cantilevered face support plate 1222 and to receive the upper portion 1264, which is more similar to a sock. The friction reducing elements 1270 may be comprised of a variety of materials which may include, for example, polyoxymethylene resin, polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and the like. Further, although not shown here, the cantilevered face support plates described herein may be used with a metal wood golf club head, which provides many of the same advantages.

In another embodiment not shown, the lower portion may be located at the upper portion toward the toe, which causes the cantilevered face support piece to be angled toward the heel relative to the ground plane. The lower portion can be attached to the toe side of the sole or may even be attached to the toe.

Although specific embodiments and aspects are described herein and specific examples are provided, the scope of the present invention is not limited to those specific embodiments and examples. Those skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the specific structure, acts or media are disclosed as exemplary embodiments only. The scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising:

A club head peripheral portion including a toe portion, a heel portion, a top line, and a sole portion;

A striking surface; and

A cantilevered face support tab extending from an inner surface of the sole toward a rear surface of the striking face;

Wherein the cantilevered face support tab is fixed with the inner surface;

Wherein the cantilevered face support tab is in contact with but not secured to the rear surface of the striking face;

Wherein the striking face is connected to the club head peripheral portion by welding;

Wherein the cantilevered face support tab is integrally formed with the base;

Wherein a depth D measured perpendicularly from the inner surface of the bottom portion to a top of the cantilevered face support sheet is greater than 10mm and less than 30 mm;

Wherein the cantilevered face support piece comprises a lower portion connected to the base and an upper portion in contact with the striking face;

Wherein an angle a measured between a front surface of the lower portion of the cantilevered face support plate and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees;

Wherein a width W of the cantilevered face support piece measured in the toe-heel direction is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm;

Wherein a thickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 2mm and less than 10 mm;

Wherein a thickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 1mm and less than 3 mm;

wherein a surface area SA of a contact patch formed between the cantilevered face support piece and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm²；

Wherein the face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm;

Wherein the upper portion of the cantilevered face support plate includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face, the friction reducing element being formed from a different material than the cantilevered face support plate.

2. A golf club head, comprising:

A striking surface; and

wherein the cantilevered face support tab is secured to the inner surface of the base;

Wherein the face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm.

3. The golf club head according to claim 2 wherein the striking surface is connected to the club head perimeter portion by welding.

4. The golf club head according to claim 2 wherein the cantilevered face support tab is integrally formed with the sole portion.

5. the golf club head according to claim 2 wherein the cantilevered face support piece includes a lower portion connected to the sole portion and an upper portion in contact with the striking face.

6. The golf club head according to claim 5 wherein an angle a measured between a front surface of the lower portion of the cantilevered face support plate and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

7. The golf club head according to claim 2 wherein the width W of the cantilevered face support piece measured in the toe-heel direction is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm.

8. The golf club head according to claim 5 wherein a thickness TL of the lower portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 2mm and less than 10mm and wherein a thickness TU of the upper portion measured perpendicular to the depth D and the width W is greater than 1mm and less than 3 mm.

9. the golf club head of claim 2, wherein a surface area SA of a contact patch formed between the cantilevered face support piece and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 5mm²。

10. The golf club head according to claim 5 wherein the upper portion of the cantilevered face support plate includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face.

11. the golf club head according to claim 10 wherein the friction reducing element is formed from a different material than the cantilevered face support sheet.

12. A golf club head, comprising:

A striking surface; and

Wherein the striking face comprises a plurality of fractional lines;

Wherein the striking face comprises a central face comprising a line on the striking face through a majority of each of the plurality of fractional line centers;

Wherein the upper portion comprises a contact piece in contact with the rear surface of the striking face, wherein the contact piece comprises a contact piece center, wherein the contact piece center is located a distance TOD of at least 2mm toward a toe of the central face.

13. The golf club head according to claim 12 wherein the striking surface is connected to the club head perimeter portion by welding.

14. the golf club head according to claim 12 wherein the cantilevered face support tab is integrally formed with the sole.

15. The golf club head according to claim 12 wherein an angle a measured between a front surface of the lower portion of the cantilevered face support plate and the rear surface of the striking face is greater than 10 degrees and less than 50 degrees.

16. The golf club head according to claim 12 wherein the width W of the cantilevered face support piece measured in the toe-heel direction is greater than 4mm and less than 20 mm.

17. The golf club head according to claim 12 wherein the cantilevered face support piece is angled toe, forming an angle B between the lower portion of the cantilevered face support piece and a ground plane, wherein the angle B is less than 80 degrees.

18. A golf club according to claim 12A head characterized in that a contact sheet formed between the cantilevered face support sheet and the rear surface of the striking face has a surface area SA greater than 5mm²。

19. The golf club head according to claim 12 wherein the upper portion of the cantilevered face support sheet includes a friction reducing element located between the upper portion and the rear surface of the striking face, the friction reducing element being formed from a different material than the cantilevered face support sheet.

20. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein a depth D measured perpendicularly from the inner surface of the sole portion to a top of the cantilevered face support sheet is greater than 10mm and less than 30mm, and wherein a face thickness FT of the striking face is less than 2 mm.