KR102657920B1 - Club heads having reinforced club head faces and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Some embodiments include a club head with a reinforced club head face. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.

Description

CLUB HEADS HAVING REINFORCED CLUB HEAD FACES AND RELATED METHODS}

Cross-reference to related applications

This application applies to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/169,089, filed on June 1, 2015, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/266,074, filed on December 11, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/266,074, filed on January 18, 2016. Claiming the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/280,035, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/994,029, filed May 15, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/023,819, filed July 11, 2014 , filed May 12, 2015, claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/101,926, filed January 9, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/146,783, filed April 13, 2015. This is a continuation-in-part of filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/710,236, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This disclosure relates generally to sporting goods, and more specifically to golf club heads and related methods.

Several characteristics of a golf club can affect its performance. For example, the center of gravity, moment of inertia, and coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club are each characteristics of a golf club that can affect performance.

The center of gravity and moment of inertia of the club head of a golf club vary depending on the mass distribution of the club head. Specifically, by distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head, farther from the face of the club head, and/or closer to the toe end and heel end of the club head, The center of gravity and/or moment of inertia of the head may change. For example, by distributing the mass of the club head closer to the sole of the club head and/or farther from the face of the club head, the angle of flight of a golf ball struck with the club head can be increased. Meanwhile, by increasing the flight angle of the golf ball, the distance the golf ball moves can be increased. Additionally, distributing the mass of the club head closer to the toe end and/or heel end of the club head can affect the moment of inertia of the club head, which can change the forgiveness of the golf club.

Additionally, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club may vary depending at least on the flexibility of the face of the club head. Meanwhile, the flexibility of the face of a club head may vary depending on the geometry of the face (eg, height, width, and/or thickness) and/or the material properties (eg, Young's modulus) of the face. That is, by maximizing the height and/or width of the face, and/or minimizing the thickness and/or Young's modulus of the face, the flexibility of the face can be increased, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head; By increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club head of a golf club, which is essentially a measure of the efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball, the distance the golf ball travels after impact can be increased and the spin of the golf ball can be reduced. and/or the ball speed of the golf ball may be increased.

However, while thinning the face of the club head may allow for a redistribution of mass from the face to other parts of the club head and allow the face to be more flexible, thinning the face of the club head may also allow for a redistribution of mass from the face to other parts of the club head. This can result in increased deflection to the point of buckling and failure. Accordingly, there is a need for a device and method to prevent buckling of the face of a club head when the face of the club head is thinned.

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided:
1 shows a top, back, and toe view of a club head according to one embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a top, front, and heel side view of the club head according to the embodiment of Figure 1;
3 shows a conventional club head according to one embodiment;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 3, simulating the face of a conventional club head according to the embodiment of Figure 3, upon impact with a golf ball (not shown) and the resulting deflection is amplified by a factor of three; shows a stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-section of a conventional club head taken along 4;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 in Figure 2 according to the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 6 shows a top, back, and toe view of a club head according to one embodiment;
Figure 7 shows a top, front, toe side view of the club head according to the embodiment of Figure 6;
Figure 8 shows a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 in Figure 2 according to another embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 9 shows a top, back and heel side view of the club head according to the embodiment of Figure 8;
Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of providing a golf club head;
Figure 11 shows an example operation providing a reinforcement device according to the embodiment of Figure 10;
Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a layer of vibration damping features;
Figure 13 shows a side view of the club head taken along section line 5-5 in Figure 2 according to the embodiment of Figure 1;
Figure 14 shows a front view of a golf club according to one embodiment.
Figure 15 shows a top, rear view of a club head according to one embodiment;
FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head taken along section line 6-6 of FIG. 15 according to the embodiment of FIG. 15.
17 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head according to another embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show the configuration in a general manner, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements of the drawings 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 assist in improving the understanding of embodiments of the invention. The same reference numerals in the various drawings refer to the same elements.

In the description and claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc., if present, are used to distinguish similar elements and are used in a particular sequential or chronological order. It cannot be said that it was used to explain . It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments described herein are therefore operable, for example, in any order other than as illustrated or otherwise described herein. . Additionally, the terms "comprise" and "having" and any derivatives thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive connotations such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus comprising a list of elements, such as It is not intended to be limited to these elements, and may include other elements that are inherent to the process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus or that are not explicitly listed.

In the detailed description and claims, the terms "left", "right", "front", "posterior", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", etc., if present, are used for descriptive purposes. It cannot be said to be used to describe a permanent relative position. The terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and thus the embodiments of the invention described herein are intended to be operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. It must be understood.

The terms “join”, “coupled”, “coupling”, “coupling”, etc. should be understood in a broad sense and should refer to mechanically and/or otherwise connecting two or more elements. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise. The bond may be for any length of time, for example permanently or semi-permanently, or only for an instant.

“Mechanical bonding” and the like should be understood in a broad sense and include all types of mechanical bonding.

The absence of the words “removably,” “removable,” etc. in the vicinity of the word “coupled,” etc. does not mean that the combination, etc., is removable or not removable.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Additionally, the golf club head includes a face element. The face element includes a face surface located at a front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face element also includes a rear surface located at a rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the rear center. Additionally, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element Contains annular ribs. Meanwhile, the face surface may be closer to the rear surface closer to the center of the face rather than closer to the face perimeter.

Other embodiments include a golf club head. In some embodiments, the golf club head includes an iron-type golf club head. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Additionally, the golf club head includes a face element. The face element includes a face surface located at a front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face element also includes a rear surface located at a rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. Furthermore, the golf club head includes a perimeter wall element that (i) extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, and (ii) extends around the entire perimeter of the rear face. The perimeter wall element includes a first perimeter wall portion extending along a perimeter of the rear face at an upper end and a second perimeter wall portion extending along a perimeter of the rear face at a lower end. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the rear center. Additionally, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element Contains closed toroidal ribs. The golf club head may also include an iron-type golf club head, wherein the center thickness from the center of the face to the center of the back is less than or equal to about 0.203 cm, and wherein at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion is a face element proximate to the face perimeter. thinner than

Some embodiments further include an insert that at least partially fills the cavity of the reinforcing element formed by the annular rib. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a central cavity. The central cavity may also be partially covered by a badge. The badge may be separate from the insert or integral with the insert. In other embodiments, the badge may be integral with the reinforcing element. The insert may be made of a lightweight material weighing less than about 3 grams and may not significantly affect the center of gravity of the swing of the golf club head. In alternative embodiments, the insert may have a weight greater than 3 g, such as 5 g to 10 g, etc., and may contribute to the club head's center of gravity or swing weight.

Additional embodiments include vibration damping features disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head to reduce noise, produce a more desirable sound, and reduce vibration of the golf club head. The vibration damping feature may be comprised of any material or composition capable of damping or eliminating vibration, such as damping foil, rubber, or pressure-sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymer. The vibration damping feature may be pressure responsive, thereby reducing or eliminating vibration from the golf club head when the golf ball is struck. The viscoelastic cushioning features increase the performance of thin-face golf club heads while providing a golf club head with a more desirable sound. Vibration damping features are added at least partially to the rear surface of the golf club head. Vibration damping features may also be added to the stiffening elements. Vibration damping features may further be added to all or part of the cavity of the reinforcing element. The cavity may be a central cavity. The central cavity of the rear face may also be partially covered by vibration damping features. The central cavity may also be partially covered by the badge, and the vibration damping feature may be disposed underneath the badge.

Additional embodiments include a method of providing a golf club head. The method includes: providing a face element, the face element comprising: (i) a face surface located at a front end and having a face center and a face perimeter; and (ii) a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center; and providing a reinforcement device to the rear face. In these embodiments, the golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. do. Additionally, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the rear center. Additionally, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper and rear ends. Meanwhile, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end, and the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib. do. Additionally, the face surface may be closer to the rear surface closer to the center of the face rather than closer to the face perimeter.

Some embodiments include golf clubs. A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head connected to the shaft. The golf club head includes an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. Additionally, the golf club head includes a face element. The face element includes a face surface located at a front end, the face surface including a face center and a face perimeter. The face element also includes a rear surface located at a rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the rear surface including a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. Additionally, the golf club head includes a reinforcing device located on the rear surface. In these embodiments, the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane, extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes, and intersects the rear center. Additionally, the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper and rear ends. Also in these embodiments, the reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element Contains annular ribs. Meanwhile, the face surface may be closer to the rear surface closer to the center of the face rather than closer to the face perimeter.

Looking at the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a view of the top, rear, and toe sides of the club head 100 according to one embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 2 shows an upper, front, and heel side view of the club head 100 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Club head 100 is illustrative only and not limiting to the embodiments presented herein. Club head 100 may be employed in many other embodiments or embodiments, not specifically shown or described herein.

Generally, club head 100 may include a golf club head. Golf club head 100 may be part of a corresponding golf club. For example, golf club 1400 (see FIG. 14 ) may include a golf club head 100 connected to a shaft 1490 and a grip 1495 . Additionally, a golf club head may be part of a set of golf club heads, and/or a golf club may be part of a set of golf clubs. For example, club head 100 may include any suitable iron-type golf club head. In some embodiments, club head 100 may include a muscle-back iron type golf club head or a cavity-back iron type golf club head. Nevertheless, although club head 100 is generally described in relation to an iron-type golf club head, club head 100 may also be used in any other suitable type of golf club head, such as a wood-type golf club head (e.g. , a driver club head, a fairway wood club head, or a hybrid club head, etc.) or a putter golf club head. In general, club head 100 may include any suitable material, but in many embodiments club head 100 includes one or more metallic materials. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

For reference purposes, the club head 100 has an upper end 100, a lower end 102 opposite the upper end 101, a front end 203 (FIG. 2), and a lower end 102 opposite the upper end 101. It includes an opposing rear end 104 (FIG. 2), a toe end 105 and a heel end 106 opposite the toe end 105. Club head 100 also includes an x-axis 107, a y-axis 108, and a z-axis 109.

Meanwhile, the x-axis 107, y-axis 108, and z-axis 109 provide a Cartesian frame of reference for the club head 100. Accordingly, the x-axis 107, y-axis 108 and z-axis 109 are perpendicular to each other. Additionally, x-axis 107 extends through toe end 105 and heel end 106 and is equidistant between upper end 101 and lower end 102; y-axis 108 extends through upper end 101 and lower end 102 and is equidistant between toe end 105 and heel end 106; The z-axis 109 extends through the front end 203 (FIG. 2) and the rear end 104 and extends between (i) the toe end 105 and the heel end 106 and (ii) the upper end. There is an equidistant distance between (101) and the rear end (104).

In one implementation, club head 100 includes a club head body 110 . Club head body 110 may be solid, hollow, or partially hollow. If the club head body 110 is hollow and/or partially hollow, the club head body 110 may include a shell structure, further filled with a filler material different from the material of the shell structure, and/or Can be partially charged. For example, the filler material may include plastic foam.

Club head body 110 includes a face element 111 and a reinforcement device 112. In many embodiments, club head body 110 may include a perimeter wall element 113.

In many embodiments, face element 111 includes a face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and a rear surface 115. Meanwhile, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) includes the face center 216 (FIG. 2) and the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2), and the rear surface 115 includes the rear center 118 and the rear perimeter. Includes part 119. Face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may be associated with a striking surface or plate of club head 100 and may be configured to impact a ball (not shown), such as a golf ball. In many embodiments, face surface 214 (Figure 2) may include one or more scoring lines 223 (Figure 2).

In the above or other embodiments, the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) may be located at the front end 203 (FIG. 2) and the back surface 115 may be located at the rear end 104. there is. Additionally, rear surface 115 may be approximately opposite face surface 214 (FIG. 2); Posterior center 118 may be approximately opposite face center 216 (FIG. 2); Rear perimeter 119 may be approximately opposite face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). Generally, in many embodiments, face center 216 (FIG. 2) may represent the geometric center of face surface 214 (FIG. 2). Accordingly, in the above or other embodiments, face center 216 (FIG. 2) is approximately equidistant from face surface 214 (FIG. 2) between toe end 105 and heel end 106. It can further indicate a position that is approximately equidistant between the upper end 101 and the lower end 102. In various embodiments, the center of the face may refer to the center of the face as defined by the United States Golf Association: Procedure for Measuring Flexibility of a Golf Club Head, USGA-TPX 3004, Revision 1.0.0, which is incorporated herein by reference. p. 6, May 1, 2008 (retrieved May 12, 2014, from http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Test-Protocols-For-Equipment). Likewise, in some embodiments, posterior center 118 may represent the geometric center of posterior surface 115.

For reference, x-axis 107 and y-axis 108 may extend approximately parallel to face surface 214 (FIG. 2) and z-axis 109 may extend approximately parallel to face surface 214 (FIG. 2) can be extended perpendicularly. Meanwhile, the x-axis 107, y-axis 118 includes the origin of the Cartesian frame of reference provided by the Axis 108 and z-axis 109 may each intersect with posterior center 118.

In various embodiments, scoring lines 223 (FIG. 2) may each include one or more grooves and may extend between toe end 105 and heel end 106. In the above or other embodiments, scoring line 223 (FIG. 2) may be approximately parallel to x-axis 107.

In many embodiments, reinforcement device 112 includes one or more reinforcement elements 120 (eg, reinforcement elements 121). The reinforcement device 112 and/or reinforcement element(s) 120 are located on the rear face 115 and extend from the rear face 115 towards the rear end 104 and from the front end 203 (Figure 2). extends far away. In many embodiments, the reinforcing element(s) of reinforcing element(s) 120 includes an outer peripheral surface and a geometric center. In the above or other embodiments, the geometric center(s) of one or more reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) may be located approximately at the z-axis 109. For example, reinforcement element 121 may include an outer peripheral surface 126 and a geometric center 130.

Reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 are configured to reinforce face element 111 such that, for example, face surface 214 (FIG. 2) is positioned against a ball (e.g., a golf ball). In the case of impact, etc., bending of the face element 111 is still allowed. As a result, the face element 111 is more flexible to allow mass to be redistributed from the face element 111 to other parts of the club head 100 and without buckling and breaking under the effects of the resulting bending. To make it so, the face element 111 can be thinned. Advantageously, the face element ( Because 111) can be thinner, the center of gravity, moment of inertia and coefficient of restitution of club head 100 can be changed to improve the performance characteristics of club head 100. For example, through the implementation of reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120, the face surface 214 can be increased by increasing the launch angle of the golf ball (e.g., by about 1/10 to 1/3 of a degree). ) (FIG. 2) can increase the flight distance of a golf ball, can increase the ball speed of the golf ball (e.g., by about 0.1 mph (0.161 kph) to about 3.0 mph (4.83 kph)), and /Or the spin of the golf ball may be reduced (e.g., by about 1-500 rpm). In these embodiments, reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 will have the effect of canceling out some of the gearing on the golf ball provided by face surface 214 (FIG. 2). You can.

Testing of golf clubs including one embodiment of golf club head 100 was performed. In general, when compared to an iron golf club with a standard reinforced striking surface and custom tuning ports, the test determines that the moment of inertia around the x-axis and/or y-axis is greater and the impact the golf ball has on the face of the golf club head. showed greater tolerance, as indicated by the denser statistical area of . In some tests, the moment of inertia about the The academic area was reduced by about 15-50%. Additionally, the ball speed of the golf ball is increased, the launch angle of the golf ball is increased, and/or the spin of the golf ball is reduced. In one embodiment, in testing of one embodiment of golf club 100 on a 5 iron golf club, the ball speed of the golf ball was increased by about 1.5 mph (2.41 kph) and the launch angle of the golf ball was increased by about 0.3 mph. also increased, and it was confirmed that the spin of the golf ball was reduced by about 250 rpm. In another example, in testing of one embodiment of golf club 100 on a 7 iron golf club, the ball speed of a golf ball was increased by about 2.0 mph (3.22 kph) and the change in launch angle of the golf ball was It was confirmed that there was almost no spin, and the spin of the golf ball was reduced by about 450 rpm. In a further example, testing of one embodiment of golf club 100 on a wedge iron golf club found that there was little change in ball speed of the golf ball, the launch angle of the golf ball increased by about 0.1 degrees, and the golf ball's launch angle increased by about 0.1 degrees. It was confirmed that spin was reduced by approximately 200 rpm.

In particular, in many embodiments, the face element 111 includes scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2) and the face element 111 is formed without the implementation of reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120. ) is thinned, below the scoring line(s) 223, especially at the face center 216, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. At scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2) (FIG. 2), buckling and failure of face element 111 may occur.

The club head 100 with the reinforcement device 112 may also have a uniform transition thickness portion 550 (FIG. 5) extending from the front end 203 to the lower end 102. The uniform transition thickness portion 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 in the club head 100 with reinforcement device 112. Uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

Specifically, looking ahead at the drawings, FIG. 3 shows a conventional club head 300 according to one embodiment. Club head 300 may be similar to club head 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2), but, unlike club head 100, has a rear surface 315 of face element 311 of club head 300. There are no reinforcing devices or reinforcing elements. Club head 300 includes one or more scoring lines 323 on the face surface 314 of club head 300. Rear surface 315 may be similar to rear surface 115 (Figure 1); Face element 311 may be similar or identical to face element 111 (Figure 1); Face surface 314 may be similar or identical to face surface 214 (Figure 2); and/or scoring line(s) 323 may be similar or identical to scoring line 223 (FIG. 2). Additionally, the omitted reinforcing device may be similar to reinforcing device 112 (Figure 1), and the omitted reinforcing element(s) may be similar to reinforcing element(s) 120 (Figure 1). Meanwhile, FIG. 4 simulates the face surface 314 of the club head 300 according to the embodiment of FIG. 3 upon impact with a golf ball (not shown) and the resulting deflection is amplified by a factor of three. Shows a stress-strain analysis of a partial cross-section of the club head 300 taken along section line 4-4 in Figure 3.

As demonstrated in Figure 4, face element 311 behaves similarly to a simply supported beam and thus includes a neutral axis 436. The portion of the face element 311 between the face surface 314 and the neutral axis 436 is in compression, and the portion of the face element 311 between the neutral axis 436 and the rear surface 315 is in tension. It is a state. Stresses first build up in the face surface 314 and back surface 315 and move inward toward the neutral axis 436. However, unlike simply supported beams, face element 311 also includes scoring line(s) 323 in the portions of face element 311 that are in compression. When the face element 311 bends excessively, mechanical yielding of the face element 311 at the lower portion of the scoring line(s) 323 may be reached. Without the scoring line(s) 323, the face element 311 would normally be expected to fail first at the portion of the face element 311 that is in tension, but due to the scoring line(s) 323, the face element 311 would be expected to fail first. , failure occurs first in the portion of the face element 311 that is in a compressed state. That is, face element 311 fails at scoring line(s) 323 before the remaining portion of face element 311 is likely to reach stress levels high enough to cause failure. Unlike wood-type golf club heads, which tend to be convex at the face surface 314, iron-type club heads tend to be flat at the face surface 314, so iron-type club heads have a scoring line(s). )(323) may be more vulnerable to destruction. As a result, when a wood-type golf club head bends at face surface 314, face surface 314 may still bend outward to some extent. On the other hand, when an iron-type golf club head bends on the face surface 314, the face element 311 may bend into a concave shape that increases the degree of compression in compressed areas of the face surface 314. .

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , by implementing reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing element(s) 120 , scoring line(s) 223 while allowing the overall deflection of face element 111 to be increased. ) (FIG. 2), local bending can be reinforced, especially in the scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2) that are close to the face center 216 (FIG. 2). Reinforcement devices 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 can provide the above-mentioned benefits by increasing the local thickness of face element 111, at these locations allowing face element 111 to become stiffer and more rigid. there is. In effect, the reinforcing device 112 and reinforcing element(s) 120 act to pull the neutral axis of the face element 111 away from the face face 214 (FIG. 2) and closer to the rear face 115. possible.

On the other hand, the reinforcement device 112 and the reinforcement element(s) 120 may additionally provide the above-described benefits if implemented as a closed structure (e.g., one or more annular ribs), which allows the reinforcement device 112 and the above-described closed structure can resist deformation as a result of circumferential (i.e. hoop) stresses acting on the reinforcing element(s) 120. For example, the circumferential (i.e. hoop) stress acting on the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 is such that the two sides of the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 are back-to-back. Rotation in the losing direction can be prevented, thereby reducing bending.

In addition, the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s) 120 absorb a significant portion of the stress acting on the club head 100 at the time of impact, so that at the time of impact, the face element 111, the face surface 214 and Prevents stress from being absorbed by other parts of the club head 100, such as the rear surface 115. By directing the stress towards the reinforcing device 112 and the reinforcing element(s), compared to the club head 300 without the reinforcing device and elements, or with the reinforcing device 112 but no or few reinforcing elements 120. Compared to the club head, the durability of the club head 100 and face element 111 is improved.

In implementations, reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) may be implemented in any suitable shape(s) (e.g., polygonal, oval, circular, etc.), and/or as described above. Likewise, the reinforcing device 112 and/or the reinforcing element(s) 120 may be implemented in any suitable arrangement(s) configured to fulfill the intended functions described above. Additionally, when the reinforcing element(s) 120 includes a plurality of reinforcing elements, two or more of the reinforcing element(s) 120 may be similar to other reinforcing elements, and/or the reinforcing element(s) ) Two or more reinforcing elements in (120) may be different from other reinforcing elements.

In some embodiments, reinforcement element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcement element 121) may be symmetrical about the x-axis 107 and/or y-axis 108. When the reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) are implemented as elliptical, in many embodiments, the maximum dimension (e.g., major axis) of the reinforcing element(s) is the x-axis ( 107) or y-axis 108 may be parallel and/or collinear. However, in other embodiments, the largest dimension (eg, major axis) may be inclined relative to the x-axis 107 and/or y-axis 108 as desired. Additionally, in many embodiments, the reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) may be centered in the z-axis 109, although in some embodiments one or more of the reinforcing element(s) ) 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) may be centered off the z-axis 109, for example at upper end 101, lower end 102, toe end 105, and It may be biased toward one or two places, such as the heel end 106.

In many embodiments, each reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., reinforcing element 121) may include one or more annular ribs 127 (e.g., annular ribs 122). Specifically, the reinforcement element 121 may include annular ribs 122 . In the foregoing or other embodiments, where the annular rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of annular ribs, the annular ribs 127 are positioned relative to a point and/or axis (e.g., z-axis 109). They may have a concentric relationship with each other. In other embodiments, when the annular rib(s) 127 includes a plurality of annular ribs, the two or more annular rib(s) 127 may not be concentric. Additionally, in the above or other embodiments, two or more annular rib(s) may overlap. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, the annular ribs 122 may include elliptical annular ribs, and in some of these embodiments, the annular ribs 122 may include toroidal ribs. As previously mentioned, the implementation of the reinforcing element(s) 120 as annular rib(s) 127 allows the circumference (e.g., hoop) provided by the closed structure of the annular rib(s) 127 to be formed. It can be advantageous due to stress. In many embodiments, one or more (or each) annular rib(s) 127 is a continuous closed loop.

In the above or other embodiments, each annular rib(s) 127 includes an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of each reinforcing element (e.g., reinforcing element 121) includes the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib corresponding to the reinforcing element (e.g., annular rib 122). For example, the annular rib 122 may include an outer peripheral surface 128 and an inner peripheral surface 129. Additionally, the inner peripheral surface 129 may be sloped and substantially perpendicular to the rear surface at rib height 540 (FIG. 13).

In some embodiments, one or more outer peripheral surface(s) of reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., outer circumferential surface 126 of reinforcing element 121) is filleted (filleted) relative to rear surface 115. ) can be processed. In the above or other embodiments, one or more inner circumferential surface(s) of the annular rib(s) 127 (e.g., inner circumferential surface 129 of the annular rib 122) is relative to the rear surface 115. Can be filleted. Filleting the outer peripheral surface(s) of the reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) with respect to the rear surface 115 may cause the reinforcing element(s) ( 120) (e.g., the outer peripheral surface 126 of the reinforcement element 121) may be allowed to transition smoothly to the rear surface 115. Additionally, by filleting the outer peripheral surface(s) of the reinforcing element(s) 120 (e.g., the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) with respect to the rear surface 115, the stresses from impact are reduced. Can be guided towards the reinforcement element(s) 120 and away from the face surface 214. On the other hand, the outer circumferential surface(s) of the reinforcing element(s) (e.g., the outer circumferential surface 126 of the reinforcing element 121) or the inner circumferential surface(s) of the annular rib(s) 127 (e.g., annular The inner peripheral surface 129 of the rib 122 may be filleted with respect to the rear surface 115 with a fillet 117 having a radius greater than or equal to about 0.012 cm. For example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the rear surface 115 and the outer peripheral surface 126 ranges from about 0.012 cm to about 2.0 cm, from about 0.50 cm to about 3.0 cm, or from about 1.0 cm. It may range from cm to about 4.0 cm. As a further example, in some embodiments, the fillet 117 of the rear surface 115 and the inner peripheral surface 129 ranges from about 0.012 cm to about 2.0 cm, from about 0.50 cm to about 3.0 cm, or from about 1.0 cm. It may range from cm to about 4.0 cm.

In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface(s) of the reinforcement element(s) may be filleted directly against the rear surface 115. In these embodiments, the face thickness gradually decreases along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at rib height 540 to the face thickness at the back surface 115.

In some embodiments, club head 100 may further include a lip 552 on the rear surface 115 of club head 100. 15-17, in the illustrated embodiment, lip 552 extends from heel end 106 of club head 100 around reinforcement element 120 to toe end 105. In these or other embodiments, the face thickness is gradually reduced along the fillet 117 from the face thickness at rib height 540 to minimum thickness 544 and then from minimum thickness 544 to rib height 554. The fillet 117 on the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 may transition into a lip 552 such that it gradually increases with the face thickness. In these embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing elements 120 and the ribs 552 may be greater than the central thickness 537 or the minimum thickness between the reinforcing elements 120 and the ribs 552. Thickness 544 may be approximately equal to central thickness 537 , or the minimum thickness 544 between reinforcing element 120 and lip 552 may be less than central thickness 537 . 15-16, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 is greater than the central thickness 537. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing elements 120 and the ribs 552 is approximately equal to the central thickness 537 .

In many embodiments, the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcement element 120 and the lip 552 corresponds to face plate deflection and ball speed. As the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcement element 120 and the lip 552 is reduced, the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcement element 120 may be more deflected by the golf ball during impact. By increasing the deflection of the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element 120 upon impact, the deflection of the face plate can be increased, resulting in increased energy transfer to the golf ball and increased ball speed. For example, a golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 17 in which the minimum thickness 544 between the reinforcing element 120 and the lip 552 is approximately equal to the central thickness 537 may have a stiffening element 120. ) and the minimum thickness 544 between the ribs 552 is greater than the center thickness 537, resulting in up to 1 mph higher ball speed than the golf club head 100 shown in FIGS. 15-16.

In some embodiments, when the reinforcement element 121 includes an annular rib 122 , the annular rib 122 may include a cavity 131 . In another embodiment, when the reinforcement element 121 includes an annular rib 122, the annular rib 122 does not include a cavity 131. In embodiments without cavity 131, center thickness 537 (FIGS. 5 and 13) may be greater than in embodiments with cavity 131, and rib height 542 (FIGS. 5 and 13) may be larger than in embodiments with cavity 131. 13), which may be measured from the face face 214 (FIG. 2) to the distal end of the annular rib 122 (e.g., center thickness 537 (FIG. 5) and Join distance of rib height 542 (FIG. 5)]. Cavity 131 is defined by an inner peripheral surface 129 and a rear surface 115. In some embodiments, cavity 131 may be a central cavity. In many embodiments, cavity 131 may be free of any contents, such as weighted inserts, etc. In another embodiment, cavity 131 may receive insert 805 as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 .

As discussed in some detail above, by implementing reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120, face surface 214 (FIG. 2) is close to face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2) (e.g. , may be closer to the rear surface 115 closer to the face center 216 (e.g., at the face center) than near the face periphery. In some embodiments, a portion of the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) proximate to the center of the face 216 (FIG. 2) is adjacent to the center of the face 216 (FIG. 2) in the surface area of the face surface 214. It is bounded and may represent a portion equivalent to about 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 10% or 20% of the total surface area of face surface 214. In the above or other embodiments, said portion of the surface area of face surface 214 ( FIG. 2 ) may correspond to a portion covered by reinforcing element 121 in the surface area of rear surface 115 . Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the portion of face surface 214 (FIG. 2) close to face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2) is adjacent to face perimeter 217 and face perimeter of face surface 214. (217) (FIG. 2) may represent a region bounded by an inset boundary located approximately 0.10 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.25 cm, 0.50 cm, 1.00 cm, or 2.00 cm.

Briefly reviewing the drawings in advance, FIGS. 5 and 13 show cross-sectional views of the club head 100 taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Club head 100 may include a central thickness 537 . Center thickness 537 may be related to the distance from face center 216 (Figure 2) to posterior center 118 (Figure 1). In many embodiments, center thickness 537 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, center thickness 537 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In some embodiments, the central portion of reinforcement element 120 may be at least partially filled. For example, the central portion of reinforcement element 120 may be filled with damping material or vibration damping features (e.g., insert 805 (FIG. 8)) or other material. In many embodiments, center thickness 537 may be thinner than the face thickness at rib height 540. In other embodiments, center thickness 537 may be approximately equal to the face thickness at rib height 540. The face thickness at rib height 540 may be the center thickness 537 plus the rib height 540. In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcement element 120 may be thicker than the center thickness 537 but thinner than the face thickness at the rib height 540. In other embodiments, face thickness 542 may be equal to center thickness 537.

In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be about 0.30 cm to about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be about 0.30 cm to about 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be about 0.40 cm to about 0.60 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be between about 0.50 cm and about 0.70 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness at rib height 540 may be greater than about 0.30 cm, greater than about 0.40 cm, greater than about 0.50 cm, or greater than about 0.60 cm.

In some embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcement element 120 may vary. 15-16 show an upper portion 545 of the face plate external to the reinforcing element 120 and having an upper thickness 546, and a face plate external to the reinforcing element 120 and having a lower thickness 548. The lower portion 545 of is shown. In some embodiments, top thickness 546 may be equal to bottom thickness 548 (FIGS. 5 and 13). In these embodiments, center thickness 537 can be thinner than top thickness 546 and bottom thickness 548, and top thickness 546 and bottom thickness 548 can be thinner than the face thickness at rib height 540. You can. In some embodiments, top thickness 546 may differ from bottom thickness 548 (Figures 15-16). For example, in some embodiments, center thickness 537 may be thinner than top thickness 546, top thickness 546 may be thinner than bottom thickness 548, and bottom thickness 548 may be less than the rib height ( It may be thinner than the face thickness in 540). For example, in some embodiments, the top thickness 546 can be thinner than the center thickness 537, the center thickness 537 can be thinner than the bottom thickness 548, and the bottom thickness 548 is the rib height ( It may be thinner than the face thickness in 540).

In many embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcing element 120 can be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcement element 120 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, top thickness 546 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, top thickness 546 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm. In many embodiments, lower thickness 548 can be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm. In some embodiments, bottom thickness 548 may be less than 0.300 cm, less than 0.255 cm, less than 0.250 cm, less than 0.205 cm, less than 0.200 cm, or less than 0.155 cm.

In many embodiments, without a supporting backing material (e.g., without a filler material such as an elastomer disposed behind the face plate), the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcing element 120 can range from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm. cm, and the central thickness 537 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.300 cm. For example, even without an elastomer or other flexible material disposed behind the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcement element 120, the face thickness 542 outside of the reinforcement element 120 may be between about 0.150 cm and It may be about 0.300 cm. As a further example, the center thickness 537 may be between about 0.150 cm and about 0.300 cm, even though there is no elastomer or other flexible material disposed behind the face center thickness 537.

Typically, the face plate of a golf club head is designed to maximize ball speed (eg, by reducing face plate thickness) relative to specific swing speed requirements. Generally, the force at impact by the club head decreases with swing speed, so in cases where swing speed endurance requirements are lower (e.g. for women's golf club heads compared to men's golf club heads), faceplate thickness can be reduced. For example, a club head with low swing speed durability requirements will have a lower center thickness (537), face thickness at lip height (540), upper thickness (546), and lower thickness ( 548) or any combination of the foregoing thicknesses may be reduced. In some embodiments, club head 100 can travel less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), less than 90 mph (144.8 kph), less than 80 mph (128.7 kph), less than 70 mph (112.6 kph), or 60 mph (96.6 kph). To be able to withstand swing speeds below the center thickness 537 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, the top thickness 546 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be from about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm. may be about 0.150 cm to about 0.250 cm. In some embodiments, club head 100 is capable of driving less than 130 mph (209.2 kph), less than 120 mph (193.1 kph), less than 110 mph (177.0 kph), less than 100 mph (160.9 kph), or 90 mph (144.8 kph). To be able to withstand swing speeds below the center thickness 537 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, the top thickness 546 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm, and the bottom thickness 548 may be from about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm. may be about 0.200 cm to about 0.300 cm.

In many embodiments, scoring line 223 can have a depth of about 0.030 cm to about 0.060 cm. In some embodiments, scoring line 223 may have a depth of less than 0.060 cm, less than 0.055 cm, less than 0.050 cm, less than 0.045 cm, less than 0.040 cm, or less than 0.035 cm. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 15-16, scoring line 223 has a depth of approximately 0.046 cm. As described herein, the measurements for center thickness 537, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcing element 120, top thickness 546, and bottom thickness 548 are used for scoring in the face plate. It is determined in an area without lines. Accordingly, the face plate thickness measured within the scoring line 223 will be less (by the depth of the scoring line) than the thickness of the corresponding face plate measured outside or near the scoring line 223 within the same area of the face plate. will be.

In some embodiments, the width of the ribs may vary throughout the annular rib 122 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, annular rib 122 (Figure 1) and/or inner peripheral surface 129 (Figure 1) may include a maximum rib span 538. Maximum rib span 538 is the transverse distance from one side of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1) to the opposite side of the inner circumferential surface 129 (FIG. 1), parallel to the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1). It may be related to the maximum distance measured. Accordingly, if the annular ribs 122 (Figure 1) include elliptic annular ribs, the maximum rib span 538 may be related to the major axis of the inner peripheral surface 129 (Figure 1). Additionally, if the annular ribs 122 (Figure 1) include toroidal ribs, the maximum rib span 538 may be related to the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 129 (Figure 1). In particular, in many embodiments, maximum rib span 538 may be measured at the midpoint of inner peripheral surface 129 (Figure 1).

In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be between about 0.609 cm and about 1.88 cm. In some embodiments, the maximum rib span 538 may be about 1.0 cm. In some embodiments, if the maximum rib span 538 is too large (e.g., greater than about 1.88 cm), the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) is positioned at the scoring line closest to the face center 216 (FIG. 2). may be insufficient to reinforce (s) 223 (Figure 2). On the other hand, in the above-described or other embodiments, if the maximum rib span 538 is too small (e.g., less than about 0.609 cm), the annular rib 122 is positioned closest to the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). It may be insufficient to reinforce nearby scoring line(s) 223 (FIG. 2). In general, the upper and lower limits of maximum rib span 538 may be a function of the size of face element 111 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, two or more ribs 621, 641 may be present, for example as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the large rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 641 (FIG. 6) may be greater than 1.88 cm, and the small rib span or inner or outer diameter of rib 621 (FIG. 6) may be less than 0.609 cm. there is.

Additionally, annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) may include rib thickness 539. The rib thickness 539 is the inner peripheral surface 129 (FIG. 1) of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1), measured parallel to the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1). 1) may be related to the distance between the outer circumferential surfaces 128 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the thickness of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) may vary throughout the entirety of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1), and rib thickness 539 may vary throughout annular rib 122 (FIG. 1). It may be the maximum rib thickness of In many embodiments, rib thickness 539 can be from about 0.05 cm to about 1.50 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.05 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be greater than or equal to about 0.25 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.50 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 0.75 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.00 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.25 cm. In some embodiments, rib thickness 539 may be about 1.50 cm. In various embodiments, when the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes a plurality of annular ribs, two or more of the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) comprise the same rib thickness. and/or two or more of the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) may include different rib thicknesses. In particular, in many embodiments, rib span 539 may be measured at the midpoint of inner peripheral surface 129 (Figure 1) and/or outer peripheral surface 128 (Figure 1).

Additionally, the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) may include a rib height 540. The rib height 540 is defined as the central position of the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) furthest from the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) (i.e., the outer peripheral surface 128). (Figure 1) and the bordering position of the inner circumferential surface 129 (Figure 1)]. In the above or other embodiments, rib height 540 may be greater than or equal to about 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be between about 0.1778 cm and about 0.3048 cm. In some embodiments, rib height 540 may be about 0.17 cm, 0.20 cm, 0.23 cm, 0.26 cm, 0.29 cm, or 0.30 cm. In many embodiments, rib height 540 may be less than or equal to about 0.512 cm. In some embodiments, the height of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) may vary throughout the entirety of annular rib 122, and rib height 540 may be the maximum rib height of annular rib 122 (FIG. 1). You can. In various embodiments, when the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) includes a plurality of annular ribs, two or more annular ribs of the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) comprise the same rib height. and/or two or more of the annular rib(s) 127 (FIG. 1) may include different rib heights.

In many embodiments, center thickness 537, maximum rib span 538, rib thickness 539, and/or rib height 540 may depend on one or more of each other. For example, center thickness 537 may be a function of rib thickness 539 and rib height 540. That is, when the rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540 increases, the center thickness 537 may decrease, and vice versa. Meanwhile, rib thickness 539 and/or rib height 540 may depend on each other. For example, by increasing rib thickness 539, rib height 540 may be allowed to decrease, and vice versa.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in many embodiments, peripheral wall element 113 may include a first peripheral wall portion 124 and a second peripheral wall portion 125 . Peripheral wall element 113 extends (i) at least partially (e.g., entirely) around the rear perimeter 119 of rear face 115 and (ii) from rear face 115 toward rear end 104. , and (iii) extends away from the front end 203 (Figure 2). Meanwhile, the first peripheral wall portion 124 may extend from the upper end 101 along the rear peripheral portion 119 of the rear surface 115, and the second peripheral wall portion 125 may extend along the lower end 102. It may extend along the rear circumference 119 of the rear surface 115. In many embodiments, the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 are positioned at the rear surface 115 such that the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120 float at the rear surface 115 . is separated and/or remote from the peripheral wall element 113 . By floating the reinforcement device 112 and reinforcement element(s) 120, the face element 111 may be allowed to bend approximately symmetrically about the face center 216 (FIG. 2).

In many embodiments, club head body 110 has (i) at least partially a top surface 132 at first peripheral wall portion 124 and/or upper end 101, and/or (ii) at least partially It may include a second peripheral wall portion 125 and/or a sole surface 133 at the lower end 102. Accordingly, in some embodiments, first peripheral wall portion 124 may include at least a portion of top surface 132; and/or the second peripheral wall portion 125 may include at least a portion of the sole surface 133 . Additionally, top surface 132 may abut face surface 214 (FIG. 2) at top end 101; and/or sole surface 133 may border face surface 214 (FIG. 2) at lower end 102.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of second peripheral wall portion 125 is approximately in contact with face element 111 at and/or proximate face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). It may be of the same or thinner thickness. For example, the second peripheral wall portion 125 may be a portion of the second peripheral wall portion 125 that is proximate to the face perimeter 217 (i.e., the second peripheral wall portion 125 and the face element 111). may be of equal or lesser thickness than the face elements 111 at and/or proximate to the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). The above-mentioned portion of the second peripheral wall portion 125 is formed by a thinner or thinner face element 111 at and/or adjacent to the face perimeter 217 (FIG. 2). By implementing it to be thick, stress risers can be prevented from forming in the second peripheral wall portion 125 when the face surface 214 (FIG. 2) impacts the golf ball.

Backside 115 includes a first backside portion and a second backside portion. The first backside portion may represent the portion of the backside 115 covered by the peripheral wall element 113 and the second backside portion may represent the remaining portion of the backside 115 . In many embodiments, the reinforcing elements 121 (e.g., annular ribs 122) comprise at least about 25% of the surface area of the second rear surface portion of the rear surface 115 and/or the second rear surface portion of the rear surface 115. 2 May cover approximately 40% or less of the surface area of the posterior portion. In other embodiments, reinforcing elements 121 (e.g., annular ribs 122) may cover more than about 30% of the surface area of the second back surface portion of back surface 115. In some embodiments, the reinforcing element 121 (e.g., annular rib 122) has about 25%, 28%, 31%, 34%, 37%, or about 25%, 28%, 31%, 34%, 37% or It can cover 40%.

Club head body 110 may also include a hosel 134 or any other suitable mechanism (e.g., bore) for receiving and connecting the shaft to club head 100 and/or club head body 110. You can. Other suitable mechanisms may be similar to hosel 134 in one or more respects.

Meanwhile, schematically, the hosel 134 may be located at or close to the heel end 106. Although the shaft is not shown in the figures, hosel 134 may be configured to receive a shaft (i.e., through an opening in hosel 134), such as a golf club shaft, for example. Accordingly, hosel 134 can receive a shaft, and when hosel 134 receives the shaft, the shaft is attached to club head 100 and/or club head body 110 (e.g., permanently or removably). ) can be allowed to connect.

Additionally, in some embodiments, second peripheral wall portion 125 may include weight cavity 135. In the above-described embodiments, weight cavity 135 may be configured to receive a removable or permanent weighting insert. The weighting insert may be positioned within the weight cavity 135 such that the weighting insert is positioned closer to the lower end 102 of the club head 100 than the center of gravity of the club head 100. In other words, the weighted insert may be placed within the weight cavity 135 such that the center of gravity of the club head 100 is located closer to the upper end 101 of the club head 100 than the weighted insert. The weighted insert may be configured to change the center of gravity of the club head 100.

Looking ahead at the drawings, FIG. 6 shows a top, back, and toe view of the club head 600 according to one embodiment. Meanwhile, FIG. 7 shows a top, front, and toe view of the club head 600 according to the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Club head 600 may be similar or identical to club head 100 (FIG. 1). Accordingly, club head 600 may include reinforcement device 612 , and reinforcement device 612 may include reinforcement element(s) 620 . Reinforcement device 612 may be similar or identical to reinforcement device 112 (Figure 1); Reinforcement element(s) 620 may be similar or identical to reinforcement element(s) 120 (Figure 1).

The reinforcing element(s) 620 may include a first reinforcing element 621 and a second reinforcing element 641 . The first reinforcing element 621 and/or the second reinforcing element 641 may each be similar to the first reinforcing element 121 (Figure 1). Accordingly, the first reinforcing element 621 may include a first annular rib 622 and the second reinforcing element 641 may include a second annular rib 642 . First annular rib 622 and/or second annular rib 642 may each be similar to annular rib 122 (FIG. 1).

In the above-described embodiments, the first reinforcing element 621 and/or the first annular rib 622 may comprise an annular rib, and the second reinforcing element 622 and/or the second annular rib 642 ) may include an elliptical annular rib. The second reinforcing element 622 and/or the second annular rib 642 may surround the first reinforcing element 621 and/or the first annular rib 622. In many embodiments, the long axis of the toroidal ribs may be approximately parallel to the x-axis of club head 600. The x-axis may be similar or identical to x-axis 107 (Figure 1). In the same or different embodiments, the minor axis of the elliptical annular rib may not be parallel to the y-axis of the club head 600. The y-axis may be similar or identical to y-axis 108 (FIG. 1).

Club head 600 with reinforcement device 612 may also have a uniform transition thickness portion 550 (not shown) extending from front end 203 to lower end 102. The uniform transition thickness portion 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 in the club head 600 with reinforcement device 612. Uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

In another embodiment, FIG. 8 shows a side view of club head 800 taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 2 according to another embodiment of FIG. 1. Club head 800 shown in FIG. 8 shows insert 805 within cavity 131 . FIG. 9 shows a top, back, and heel side view of the club head 800 according to the embodiment of FIG. 8. In some embodiments, insert 805 may be a vibration damping feature. Insert 805 may be a non-metallic material, an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or another material such as foam. Insert 805 may be used to adjust the sound and feel of club head 800. By absorbing or dampening vibration, insert 805 improves the feel of club head 800. Additionally, the insert 805 absorbs the sound of the golf ball hitting the face, reducing the empty feeling in the head of the golf club 800 and increasing the solid feeling. In additional embodiments, a badge (not shown) may at least partially cover cavity 131. The badge may be separate from the insert 805 or may be integral with the insert 805. In other embodiments, the badge may be integral with a reinforcing element, such as reinforcing element 120 (FIG. 1).

In some cases, the weight of the insert 805 may be less than about 3 g so as not to significantly affect the center of gravity or swing weight of the club head 800. In other embodiments, the weight of insert 805 may be greater than 3 g, such as about 5 g to about 10 g, etc., and may contribute substantially to the center of gravity and/or swing weight of club head 800. there is. In some embodiments, insert 805 may be attached to cavity 131 using a high-strength tape, such as an epoxy adhesive, viscoelastic foam tape, vibration damping feature, or 3M™ VHB™ tape, etc. In other embodiments, insert 805 may be poured and bonded directly into cavity 131. The badges may be bonded with similar adhesives. In some embodiments, the insert 805 or badge may be flush with the annular rib 122 (FIG. 1) above rib height 540 and below rib height 540 when fully assembled. may be in

In some embodiments, at least one vibration damping feature (e.g., insert 805 (FIG. 8)) may be disposed on the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800. You can. Vibration damping features may produce a more desirable sound from golf club head 800 at impact. The thin face element 111 (FIG. 1) of the golf club head 800 can cause undesirable sounds when striking a golf ball. Vibration damping features can reduce vibration, resulting in a more desirable sound upon impact with thin face element 111 (FIG. 1). By providing more desirable noise, vibration damping components can increase user confidence during use. The vibration damping feature may also reduce the vibration impact perceived by the user of the golf club upon striking the golf ball. Additionally, the vibration damping features may be used to reduce vibration fatigue to reduce wear on golf club 800 and various features such as, but not limited to, cavity 131 or weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1). can be reduced. By reducing vibration fatigue, the risk of components such as, but not limited to, insert 805 in cavity 131 or inserts in weight cavity 135 (FIG. 1) becoming loose or displaced can be further reduced. By reducing vibration fatigue, the performance life of golf club head 800 can be extended.

As shown in Figure 12, in a further embodiment, the vibration damping feature may include at least one layer of viscoelastic damping material. Damping materials may include pressure-sensitive viscoelastic acrylic polymers and aluminum foil forming damping foil 1202, such as 3M™ Damping Foil Tape 2552. Damping foil 1202 may include an adhesive layer. In one embodiment, the vibration damping feature includes at least one viscoelastic adhesive, which may include a composition of several layers of high strength tape, such as at least one epoxy adhesive layer, viscoelastic foam tape, and/or 3M™ VHB™ tape, etc. It may include an adhesive layer 1203. In some embodiments, the vibration damping feature may include a multi-layer combination comprised of at least one of viscoelastic adhesive 1203, damping foil 1202, and/or badge 1201.

Referring back to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, the vibration damping feature is located on the rear surface 115 of a golf club head, such as golf club head 800 (FIG. 1), comprising a rear surface material, such as steel 1204. It can be placed on top. In other embodiments, vibration damping features may be disposed within cavity 131 of golf club head 800, or on or below insert 805. Vibration damping features may be placed at various locations on the rear surface 115 (FIG. 1) of the golf club head 800. Typically, the vibration damping feature is disposed at least partially below the outline of the badge on the rear surface 115 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, the vibration damping feature is disposed entirely beneath the badge outline. In other embodiments, the vibration damping features are disposed at least partially only under certain areas of the badge contour, such as aluminum or elastomeric areas. The vibration damping feature may be disposed only under at least a portion of the peripheral area of the badge outline. In some embodiments, vibration damping features may be disposed at least partially within cavity 131 of golf club head 800. Vibration damping features may be disposed at least partially within cavity 131 on or below insert 805 . In many embodiments, the configuration for disposing the vibration damping feature on the golf club head 800 includes placing the foil at least partially under the badge, at least partially over the insert 805, and at least partially in the weight cavity ( 135) (FIG. 1), and/or at least partially within cavity 131. In some embodiments, the vibration damping features will be positioned to cover at least 10% of the surface area of the rear surface 115 (Figure 1). In other embodiments, the vibration damping features comprise at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, of the surface area of the second rear surface of rear surface 115. It can cover 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100%.

Club head 800 with insert 805 may also have a uniform transition thickness portion 550 (FIG. 8) extending from front end 203 to lower end 102. The uniform transition thickness portion 550 absorbs stress directed to the area between the front end 203 and the lower end 102 in the club head 800 with insert 805. Uniform transition thickness 550 may range from approximately 0.20 to 0.80 inches. For example, uniform transition thickness 550 may be approximately 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inches.

Golf club heads 100, 300, 600, 800 may be part of a set of club heads with various loft angles. In some embodiments, center thickness 537, face thickness 542 outside of reinforcing element 120, top thickness 546, bottom thickness 548, face thickness at lip height 540, or the foregoing. Any combination of thicknesses may vary depending on the loft angle of the club heads within the set of club heads.

Turning now to the following figures, Figure 10 shows a flow diagram of one embodiment of a method 1000 of providing a golf club head. Method 1000 is illustrative only and not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method 1000 may be employed in many other embodiments or embodiments, not specifically shown or described herein. In some embodiments, the operations, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the operations, procedures, and/or processes of method 1000 may be performed in any other suitable order. In yet other embodiments, one or more operations, procedures, and/or processes in method 1000 may be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the golf club head is golf club head 100 (FIGS. 1 & 2), golf club head 600 (FIGS. 6 & 7), and/or golf club head 800 (FIG. 8 & may be similar or identical to Figure 9).

Method 1000 may include an operation 1001 of providing a face element. The face element may be similar or identical to face element 111 (Figure 1).

Method 1000 may include operation 1002 of providing a reinforcement device. The reinforcement device may be similar or identical to reinforcement device 112 (Figure 1). Figure 11 shows an example task 1002 according to the embodiment of Figure 10.

For example, operation 1002 may include operation 1101 of providing a first reinforcing element. The first reinforcing element is any one of first reinforcing element 121 (FIG. 1), first reinforcing element 621 (FIG. 6), reinforcing element(s) 120 (FIG. 1), and/or It may be similar or identical to any of the reinforcing element(s) 620 (FIG. 6).

Additionally, operation 1002 may include operation 1102 of providing a second reinforcing element. The second reinforcing element may be similar or identical to either the second reinforcing element 641 (FIG. 6) and/or the reinforcing element(s) 620 (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, operations 1101 and 1102 may be performed approximately simultaneously. In other embodiments, task 1102 may be omitted.

Referring back to FIG. 10 , method 1000 may include operation 1003 of providing a perimeter wall element. The perimeter wall element may be similar or identical to perimeter wall element 113 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, task 1003 may be omitted.

In some embodiments, method 1000 may include operation 1004 of providing an insert within a central cavity within the reinforcement device provided in operation 1002. In some embodiments, task 1004 may be omitted.

In many embodiments, two or more of operations 1001-1004 may be performed sequentially, or may be performed approximately simultaneously with each other. In the above or other embodiments, operations 1001-1004 may be performed implementing any suitable manufacturing technique (e.g., casting, forging, forming, machining, joining, etc.).

Although the golf club head(s) and associated methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. For example, tasks 1001 to 1004 in FIG. 10 and tasks 1101 and 1102 in FIG. 11 may be composed of multiple different procedures, processes, and tasks, and may be performed in multiple different sequences by multiple different modules. 1-4 may be modified, and the foregoing description of these specific embodiments is not intended to be a complete description of all possible embodiments. , it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

Additionally, although the above embodiments may be described in connection with an iron-type golf club head, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and manufacturing article described herein may be used for other types of golf, such as wood-type golf clubs or putter-type golf clubs, etc. May be applicable to clubs. Alternatively, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing methods and manufactured articles described herein may be applicable to other types of sporting goods such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, etc.

Additional embodiments of the above and other variations are provided in the foregoing description. Other permutations of different embodiments with one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the detailed description, claims, and drawings herein are intended to illustrate, and not to limit, the scope of the disclosure. It is intended that the scope of this application be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

Clause 1: The golf club head has an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite this front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, comprising: a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter; and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, the face element comprising a rear surface having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center; and a reinforcing device located on the rear surface; wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the rear center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the rear center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, and the is equidistant between the upper and lower ends, the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends, is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends, and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper end and the rear end, the reinforcing device comprising a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, The reinforcing element extends from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib; The face plane is closer to the rear surface, closer to the center of the face, than closer to the perimeter of the face.

Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the face includes one or more scoring lines extending between the toe end and the heel end.

Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the golf club head comprises an iron-type golf club head.

Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the back surface is closer to the face surface at the center of the face rather than closer to the face perimeter, or the center thickness from the center of the face to the center back is less than about 0.203 cm. Having at least one of the configurations that are the same.

Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular ribs have at least one of the following configuration: the annular ribs are symmetrical about the x-axis, or the annular ribs are symmetrical about the y-axis.

Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 5, wherein the annular ribs include elliptical annular ribs.

Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 6, wherein the elliptical annular ribs include toroidal ribs.

Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. The outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element has at least one of the following configurations: the outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted with respect to the rear surface, or the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib is filleted with respect to the rear surface.

Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular rib includes an inner peripheral surface, and the annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and a rear surface, and the cavity is free of a weighted insert.

Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular rib includes an inner peripheral surface, the annular rib includes a cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface, and the cavity accommodates the insert.

Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or foam.

Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the cavity is at least partially covered by a badge.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the badge is integral with the insert.

Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein the insert weighs about 3 g or less.

Clause 15: The golf club head of Clause 12, where the combined weight of the insert and badge is approximately 8 g or less.

Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 10, wherein the rear surface at least partially includes a vibration damping feature disposed on the rear surface.

Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the vibration damping feature comprises a damping foil disposed on a rear surface of the golf club head, and the badge at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head, or the badge comprises a cavity. It has at least one of the configurations that at least partially covers.

Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein the damping foil is disposed between the badge and at least one of the rear surface or cavity of the golf club head.

Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 17, wherein the badge comprises at least one aluminum section, and the damping foil is disposed between the aluminum section and at least one of the rear surfaces or cavities of the golf club head.

Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the golf club head further comprises a perimeter wall element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, wherein the perimeter wall element extends from the upper end toward the rear face. It includes a first peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear surface at the lower end.

Clause 21: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion is thinner than the face element proximate the face perimeter.

Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the second peripheral wall portion includes a weight cavity configured to receive a weighted insert.

Clause 23: The golf club head of clause 18, wherein the weighted insert weighs from about 5 g to about 10 g.

Clause 24: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the back face includes a first back face portion and a second back face portion, and the perimeter wall element extends around the entire perimeter of the back face and covers the first back face portion. and the second rear surface portion includes a surface area, and the reinforcing element covers at least about 25% of the surface area.

Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. and the inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of at least about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 26: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. And, the rib thickness between the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is about 0.0508 cm to about 1.448 cm.

Clause 27: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular ribs comprise a rib height, wherein the rib height is from about 0.1778 cm to about 0.3048 cm.

Clause 28: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the annular rib includes an inner peripheral surface, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib is substantially perpendicular to the rear surface at the height of the rib.

Clause 29: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the annular ribs comprise a rib height, and the rib height is at its maximum in the middle section of the annular ribs.

Clause 30: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, the annular rib comprises a first annular rib, the reinforcing device comprises a second reinforcing element, and the second reinforcing element comprises a second reinforcing element. It includes two annular ribs, the second annular rib being approximately concentric with the first annular rib.

Clause 31: An iron-type golf club head has an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, A face element, comprising a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. A face element comprising a rear face having a reinforcing device located on the rear face, (i) extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end and (ii) around the entire perimeter of the rear face. An extending peripheral wall element, the peripheral wall element comprising a first peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear face at an upper end and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear face at a lower end. wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the rear center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the rear center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, and the is equidistant between the upper and lower ends, the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends, is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end, and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends, and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper end and the rear end, the reinforcing device comprising a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, The reinforcing element extends from the rear surface toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising a closed toroidal rib, and the golf club head comprising an iron-type golf club head, from the center of the face to the center of the rear. has a central thickness greater than or equal to about 0.203 cm, and at least a portion of the second peripheral wall portion is thinner than the face elements proximate the face perimeter.

Clause 32: The iron-type golf club head of clause 27, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, and the reinforcing device comprises a second reinforcing element, the second reinforcing element comprising a closed toroidal rib surrounding the closed toroidal rib. It includes elliptic annular ribs, wherein the closed elliptic annular rib is approximately concentric with the closed toroidal rib, and the closed elliptic annular rib includes a major axis approximately parallel to the x-axis.

Clause 33: A method of providing a golf club head comprising: a face element, a face surface located at a front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at a rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, providing a face element comprising a rear surface having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the center; providing a reinforcing device on the rear surface, wherein the golf club head has an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end, the x-axis being substantially parallel to the face plane. extends approximately parallel to the face and intersects the rear center, the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the rear center, and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane. extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the center of the rear, with the extending through the upper and lower ends and equidistant between the toe end and the heel end, the z-axis extending through the front and rear ends (i) between the toe end and the heel end, and (ii) ) equidistant between the upper end and the rear end, wherein providing the reinforcing device comprises providing a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, wherein the reinforcing element extends from the rear face. providing a reinforcing element extending toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib, the face surface having a rear surface closer to the center of the face than closer to the face perimeter. It is closer to .

Clause 34: The method of clause 33, wherein the annular rib comprises an inner peripheral surface, and the annular rib comprises a central cavity defined by the inner peripheral surface and the rear surface, the central cavity receiving the insert.

Clause 35: The method of clause 33, wherein the reinforcing element comprises a first reinforcing element, and the annular rib comprises a first annular rib, and providing the reinforcing device further comprises providing a second reinforcing element. and the second reinforcing element includes a second annular rib, the second annular rib being substantially concentric with the first annular rib.

Clause 36: A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head connected to the shaft, the golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite this front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. A face element comprising a rear surface having a face element; and a reinforcing device located at the rear surface, wherein the extends approximately perpendicular to the face and intersects the rear center, the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis and intersects the rear center, and the x-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and intersects the rear center, and the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends, and the z-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe and heel ends. Extending through the front end and the rear end and equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper end and the rear end, the reinforcing device has a geometrical shape located approximately in the z-axis. having a reinforcing element comprising a center, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, the reinforcing element comprising an annular rib, the face surface being centered at the face rather than proximate to the face perimeter. It is closer to the near rear surface.

Clause 37: A golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite this front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. A face element comprising a rear surface having a face element; and a reinforcing device located on the rear surface; wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the rear center, and the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the rear center. and the z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the rear center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front end and the back end and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper end and the back end; The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis; the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing element includes an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face plane is closer to the rear surface, closer to the center of the face than closer to the face perimeter; The outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted with respect to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of at least about 0.012 cm; The inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of at least about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 38: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the face surface includes one or more scoring lines extending between the toe end and the heel end.

Clause 39: The golf club head of clause 37, further comprising a lip disposed on the rear surface of the club head.

Clause 40: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the rear surface is closer to the face surface at the center of the face rather than closer to the face perimeter; or wherein the central thickness from the center of the face to the center of the rear is less than or equal to about 0.203 cm.

Clause 41: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular ribs are configured to be symmetrical about the x-axis; Alternatively, the annular rib has at least one of the following configurations: symmetrical about the y-axis.

Clause 42: The golf club head of clause 41, wherein the annular ribs include elliptical annular ribs.

Clause 43: The golf club head of clause 42, wherein the elliptical annular ribs include toroidal ribs.

Clause 44: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib is filleted with respect to the rear surface.

Clause 45: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and a rear surface; The cavity is without weighted inserts.

Clause 46: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and a rear surface; The cavity is to accommodate the insert.

Clause 47: The golf club head of clause 46, wherein the insert comprises an elastomer or foam.

Clause 48: The golf club head of clause 46, wherein the rear surface at least partially comprises a vibration damping feature disposed on the rear surface, the vibration damping feature comprising a damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head, and a badge. a configuration that at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head; or the medium has at least one of the following configurations: it at least partially covers the cavity.

Clause 49: The golf club head of clause 48, wherein the damping foil is disposed between the badge and at least one of the rear surface or cavity of the golf club head.

Clause 50: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the golf club head further comprises a perimeter wall element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end, wherein the perimeter wall element extends from the upper end toward the rear end. It includes a first peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter and a second peripheral wall portion extending along the perimeter of the rear surface at the lower end.

Clause 51: The golf club head of clause 37, wherein the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface, the annular rib comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the reinforcing element comprises an outer circumferential surface of the annular rib. And, the rib thickness between the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is about 0.0508 cm to about 1.448 cm.

Clause 52: A method of providing a golf club head, comprising:

A face element, comprising a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. providing a face element comprising a rear surface having; and providing a reinforcing device to the rear surface; The golf club head includes: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, a front end and a rear end opposite the front end, and a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end. and; The x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center; The x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends, and the y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end. and the z-axis extends through the front and rear ends and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper and rear ends; The step of providing the reinforcing device comprises providing a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing element includes an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face plane is closer to the rear surface, closer to the center of the face than closer to the face perimeter; The outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted with respect to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of at least about 0.012 cm; The inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of at least about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

Clause 53: The golf club head of clause 52, wherein the annular rib includes a central cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and a rear surface, the central cavity receiving an insert.

Clause 54: The golf club head of clause 52, wherein the reinforcing elements comprise a first reinforcing element and the annular ribs comprise a first annular rib; The step of providing the reinforcing device further includes providing a second reinforcing element; The second reinforcing element includes a second annular rib; The second annular rib is approximately concentric with the first annular rib.

Clause 55: A golf club includes a shaft and a golf club head connected to the shaft, the golf club head comprising: an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end; a front end and a rear end opposite this front end; a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end; A face element, a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter, and a rear surface located at the rear end and approximately opposite the face surface, having a rear center and a rear perimeter approximately opposite the face center. A face element comprising a rear surface having a face element; and a reinforcing device located on the rear surface; wherein the x-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and intersects the posterior center; the y-axis extends approximately parallel to the face plane and approximately perpendicular to the x-axis and intersects the posterior center; The z-axis extends approximately perpendicular to the face plane and extends approximately perpendicular to the x- and y-axes and intersects the posterior center; the x-axis extends through the toe end and the heel end and is equidistant between the upper and lower ends; The y-axis extends through the upper and lower ends and is equidistant between the toe end and the heel end; The z-axis extends through the front end and the back end and is equidistant (i) between the toe end and the heel end and (ii) between the upper end and the back end; The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center located approximately at the z-axis, the reinforcing element extending from the rear face towards the rear end and away from the front end; The reinforcing element includes an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface; The face plane is closer to the rear surface, closer to the center of the face than closer to the face perimeter; The outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element may be filleted with respect to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of at least about 0.012 cm; The inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of at least about 0.609 cm to about 1.88 cm.

The club head and related methods described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of these specific embodiments is not intended to be a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may also disclose alternative embodiments.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements is considered a reconstruction rather than a correction. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in connection with specific embodiments. However, a benefit, advantage, solution to a problem, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to emerge or become more pronounced, Unless explicitly stated in the relevant claims, they should not be construed as essential, intended, or essential features or elements of any or all claims.

Because the rules of golf may change from time to time [e.g., new rules may be adopted or older rules may become outdated], golf standards associations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal Golf Association (R&A), etc. may be removed or modified by], the golf equipment associated with the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method and/or manufacturing article described herein may or may not be consistent with the Rules of Golf at any particular time. Accordingly, the golf equipment, manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and manufacturing article described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or marketed as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. . The manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method and manufactured article described herein are not limited in this respect.

Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are limited unless such embodiments and/or limitations (1) are expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) if it is or is potentially equivalent to the explicit elements and/or limitations of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents, it is not diverted to the public under the doctrine of contribution to the public.

Claims (11)

In the golf club head,
an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end;
a front end and a rear end opposite this front end;
a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end;
As a face element:
a face surface located at the front end and having a face center and a face perimeter; and
A rear surface located at the rear end, opposite the face surface, and having a rear center and a rear perimeter opposite the face center.
A face element containing; and
a reinforcement device located on the rear surface;
Including,
The reinforcing device has a reinforcing element comprising a geometric center,
the reinforcing element extends from the rear face toward the rear end and away from the front end,
The reinforcing element includes an annular rib having an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface,
The outer peripheral surface of the reinforcing element is filleted with respect to the rear surface with a fillet having a radius of at least 0.012 cm,
The inner peripheral surface includes a maximum rib span of not less than 0.609 cm and not more than 1.88 cm,
The center thickness measured from the center of the face to the center of the rear is 0.203 cm or less,
A golf club head, wherein the face thickness outside of the reinforcing element, measured from the face face to the back face, ranges from 0.150 cm to 0.30 cm. According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head, wherein the geometric center of the reinforcing element is located at the center of the face. According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head, wherein the annular rib comprises a shape selected from the group consisting of polygonal, oval, and circular. According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head, wherein the inner peripheral surface of the annular rib is filleted with respect to the rear surface. According to paragraph 1,
the annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and the rear surface;
A golf club head, wherein the cavity is without a weighted insert. According to paragraph 1,
the annular rib includes a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface and the rear surface;
A golf club head, wherein the cavity receives an insert. According to clause 6,
A golf club head wherein the insert includes elastomer or foam. According to clause 6,
the rear surface at least partially includes vibration damping features disposed thereon,
The vibration damping features include:
A damping foil disposed on the rear surface of the golf club head; and
At least one of a badge that at least partially covers the rear surface of the golf club head or a badge that at least partially covers the cavity.
A golf club head comprising: According to clause 8,
The damping foil is
badge,
At least one of the rear surfaces or cavities of the golf club head
The golf club head is placed between the golf club heads. According to paragraph 1,
A golf club head, wherein the rib thickness between the inner circumferential surface of the annular rib and the outer circumferential surface of the annular rib is 0.0508 cm to 1.448 cm. According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A golf club head, wherein the face thickness at rib height is 0.3048 cm or more.