KR20220061154A - Golf club head with flex structure - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of a wood-type club head having a flex structure for controlling characteristic time (CT) are described herein. The club head includes a flex structure formed integrally with the club face and sole. The flex structure has a curved shape including troughs and vertices. The flex structure allows the club face to flex backwards, relieves stress within the club face, and reduces CT variability within the local club face region.

Description

Golf club head with flex structure

Cross-referencing of related applications

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/900,318, filed September 13, 2019, the contents of all above-described disclosures being incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

field of invention

The present disclosure relates generally to golf club heads having structures that control characteristic time.

Golf club design takes into account several performance characteristics, such as ball speed and characteristic time (CT). In general, golf club design aims to control the amount of ball velocity through CT of the club face. However, current designs have limitations in controlling the variability of CT across the club face, and sacrifice ball speed to achieve desirable CT values. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a club head that reduces CT variability across the club face without sacrificing ball speed.

The present embodiments, discussed below, are suitable for wood-type golf club heads (eg, drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids) that include a flex structure to reduce CT variability across the club face. it's about

1 illustrates a front side perspective view of a golf club head, including a flex structure in accordance with an embodiment;
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 ;
FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 ;
Fig. 5 shows a partially cut-away rear side perspective view of the golf club head of Fig. 1;
FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2 ;
7 shows a partially cut-away rear side perspective view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 ;
8 shows a cross-sectional view of a golf club head including a flex structure according to a second embodiment.
9 illustrates impact between a golf ball and a golf club head comprising a flex structure.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings depict configuration in a general manner, and description and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. There will be. Additionally, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. In different drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements.

The present embodiments, discussed below, are suitable for wood-type golf club heads (eg, drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids) that include a flex structure to reduce CT variability across the club face. it's about The flex structure is integrally formed with or connected to the club face and club head sole. The flex structure has a double curved shape (eg, an s-shape) with a trough and an apex. The flex structure extends freely within the inner club head cavity to allow the club face to flex during golf ball impact. The flex structure supports and relieves stress from the club face during golf ball impact. The flex structure provides an alternative way to control CT variability across the club face without having to increase the overall club face thickness. The flex structure reduces CT variability by increasing the frequency response of the club face inside the localized location (ie, the connection between the club face and the flex structure provides a localized increase in club face thickness). Locally increasing club face thickness and frequency response reduces CT variability while avoiding increasing overall club face thickness. A wood-type club head with a flex structure provides CT variability control without sacrificing ball speed performance.

Other features and aspects will become apparent from consideration of the detailed description that follows and the accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or arrangement of embodiments and components, either described in the description that follows or shown in the drawings. You have to understand that it doesn't. This disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. The description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure, to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

With reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to identify similar or identical elements in the various drawings, FIGS. 1-7 schematically depict a first embodiment of the present design. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a front side perspective view of a driver-type club head 100 . The club head 100 includes a club face 104 and a body 108 secured together to define a substantially closed/internal volume. The club head includes a crown 110 , a sole 112 opposite the crown 110 , a heel 116 , a toe 120 opposite the heel 116 , and a rear portion 122 opposite the club face 104 . be prepared

The club face 104 further includes a striking surface 124 intended to strike a golf ball and a rear surface 128 opposite the striking surface 124 . The striking surface 124 further defines a geometric center 132 . In one approach, geometric center 132 may be located equidistant between crown 110 and sole 112 and equidistant between heel 116 and toe 120 . In another approach, the geometric center 132 of the striking surface 124 may be located according to the regulations of a golf operating organization, such as the American Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center 132 of the striking surface 124 may be determined according to Section 2.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 2.0, April 9, 2019). (available at https://www.usga.org/equipment-standards/test-protocols-for-equipment-9df6d04f.html) (“Flexibility Procedures”).

1-3 , geometric center 132 defines an origin for a coordinate system having an x-axis 700 , a y-axis 800 , and a z-axis 900 . Club head 100 further defines a ground plane 1000 tangent to sole 112 when club head 100 is placed in an address position. The x-axis 700 extends through the geometric center 132 from near the heel end 116 to near the toe end 120 in a direction parallel to the ground plane 1000 . The y-axis 800 extends from near the crown 110 to near the sole 112 through the geometric center 132 , and the y-axis 800 is to the x-axis 700 and to the ground plane 1000 . ) is perpendicular to The z-axis 900 extends in a direction parallel to the ground plane 1000 behind the club face 104 through the geometric center 132 . The z-axis 900 is perpendicular to the x-axis 700 and the y-axis 800 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , club head 100 is tangent to geometric center 132 of striking surface 124 and has crown 110 , sole 112 , toe end 120 , and heel end 116 . It defines a loft plane 1100 , extending towards it. The loft plane 1100 is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the y-axis 800 , the acute angle may correspond to a loft angle of the club head 100 . Club head 100 further defines an intermediate plane 1200 , extending through geometric center 132 in a direction perpendicular to loft plane 1100 . The intermediate plane 1200 is disposed at an acute angle to the z-axis 900 . Mid plane 1200 extends from near toe end 120 to near heel end 116 , and extends behind club face 104 or loft plane 1100 . Mid plane 1200 intersects ground plane 1000 at a point away from and behind club face 104 .

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the club face 104 further includes an upper portion 136 positioned near the crown 110 , a lower portion 140 positioned near the sole 112 , and a proximal toe 120 . It has a toeside portion 142 located near the heel 116 , a heelside portion 144 located near the heel 116 , and a central portion 148 located near the geometric center 132 . Each club face portion 136 , 140 , 142 , 144 , 148 extends through the thickness of the club face 104 in a direction extending from the striking surface 124 to the back surface 128 . The club face 104 may have a variable thickness. In one embodiment, the club face 104 may have a maximum thickness at a central portion and a decreasing or narrowing thickness in a direction towards the circumference of the club face 104 . The club face 104 may have a minimum thickness in at least one of an upper portion, a lower portion, a toe-side portion, and a heel-side portion. In some embodiments, the club face 104 may have a thickness in the range of 0.065 to 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the club face 104 may range from 0.065 to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the club face 104 may range from 0.065 to 0.11 inches, 0.07 to 0.12 inches, 0.075 to 0.13 inches, 0.08 to 0.14 inches, or 0.085 to 0.15 inches. For example, the thickness of the club face 104 may be 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.11, 0.115, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.135, 0.14, 0.145, or 0.15 inches. can be

flex structure

As described above, the club head 100 includes a flex structure 152 . The flex structure 152 may be positioned inside the closed interior cavity 156 of the club head 100 . The flex structure 152 may be integrally formed with or connected to the club face 104 and sole 112 , wherein the flex structure 152 is made of a material similar to the club face 104 and/or sole 112 . may include The flex structure 152 extends away from the club face 104 for connection with the sole 112 . The flex structure 152 couples or connects the club face 104 to the sole 112 . The flex structure 152 allows the club face 104 to flex inwardly while relieving stress during golf ball impact. As will be described in more detail below, the location and shape of the flex structure 152 reduces CT variability across the club face 104 without sacrificing ball speed performance and club face durability.

4-7 , the flex structure 152 may define a first end 160 and a second end 162 . The first end 160 of the flex structure 152 may be integrated with the club head face 104 , and the second end 162 of the flex structure 152 may be integrated with the sole 112 . In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4-7 , first end 160 may be integrally formed with or connected to a central portion of club face 104 . In other embodiments, the first end 160 of the flex structure 152 is integrally formed with or is formed with the upper portion 136 , the lower portion 140 , the toeside portion 142 , or the heelside portion 144 . can be connected

5-7, flex structure 152 is, between first end 160 and second end 162, parabolic, curved, S-shaped, double curved, double curved. , or a sine wave shape. In some embodiments, flex structure 152 may include one or more interconnected parabolas. In some embodiments, flex structure 152 may include one or more interconnected bends. The flex structure 152 has a cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of the flex structure 152 may be a rectangle, a triangle, an oval, a rectangle with rounded corners, a square with rounded corners, or any other suitable shape.

The curvature nature of the flex structure 152 may define an apex 164 and a trough 166 . Apex 164 may define the highest or highest portion of flex structure 152 , and trough 166 may define the lowest or lowest portion of flex structure 152 . The flex structure 152 may have a concave curvature at the trough 166 relative to the crown 110 . The flex structure 152 may have a convex curvature at the apex 164 relative to the sole 112 . The connection between the flex structure first end 160 and the club face 104 , and the connection between the flex structure second end 162 and the sole 112 , allows the flex structure 152 to move inside the interior cavity 156 . allowed to extend freely. This allows the apex 164 and trough 166 to be positioned above the sole 112 , which contact the club face 104 or any portion of the sole 112 . I never do that.

4 and 5 , the flex structure 152 extends in a direction towards the sole 112 away from the club face 104 to form a trough 166 . The flex structure 152 then extends from the trough 166 in a direction towards the crown 110 to form an apex 164 . The flex structure 152 then extends from the apex 164 in a direction towards the sole 112 for connection with the sole 112 .

The apex 164 and the trough 166 of the flex structure 152 may be referenced with respect to the structure of the club head 100 or with respect to the planes defined by the club head 100 . The trough 166 may be located closer to the sole 112 than the apex 164 , and the apex 164 may be located closer to the crown 110 than the trough 166 . In one configuration, flex structure 152 may be located below mid-plane 1200 , and apex 164 and trough 166 may be located below mid-plane 1200 . In another configuration, the apex 164 may be located above the mid-plane 1200 , and the trough 166 may be located below the mid-plane 1200 . In other configurations, the trough 166 may be located closer to the club face 104 than the apex 164 . In other configurations, the apex 164 may be located closer to the club face 104 than the trough 166 .

The flex structure 152 may further define a radius of curvature. The flex structure 152 may define more than one radius of curvature. As shown in FIG. 5 , the flex structure 152 may define two radii, the flex structure 152 defining a radius of curvature at the apex 164 and a radius of curvature at the bottom 166 . can do. In one example, the radii of curvature at the apex 164 and the trough 166 may be the same. In another example, the radii of curvature at the apex 164 and the trough 166 may be different. In another example, the radius of curvature at vertex 164 may be less than the radius of curvature at trough 166 . In another example, the radius of curvature at the trough 166 may be greater than the radius of curvature at the vertex 164 . The radius of curvature at the apex 164 and the trough 166 may range from 0.25 to 1 inch. In other embodiments, the radius of curvature at the apex 164 and the trough 166 may range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches, or from 0.5 to 1 inch. In another embodiment, the radius of curvature at the apex 164 and the trough 166 may range from 0.25 to 0.5 inches, 0.5 to 0.75 inches, or 0.75 to 1 inch. For example, the radius of curvature at apex 164 and trough 166 is 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, or 1 inch. can be

The flex structure 152 further defines an upper surface 168 and a lower surface 172 . The upper surface 168 of the flex structure 152 faces the crown 110 , and the lower surface 172 of the flex structure 152 faces the sole 112 . The flex structure 152 defines a thickness measured between the upper surface 168 and the lower surface 172 . The thickness of the flex structure 152 may be defined as the distance between the upper surface 168 and the lower surface 172 measured in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 168 or the lower surface 172 . In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be constant from the first end 160 to the second end 162 .

In other embodiments, a portion of the flex structure 152 may have a tapered thickness. In one example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be greater at the first end 160 and may decrease toward the trough 166 , and the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be at the second end. It may be greater at 162 and may decrease towards apex 164 . The tapered thickness of the flex structure 152 at the first end 160 and the second end 162 increases the strength of the connection between the flex structure 152 , the club face 104 , and the sole 112 . can do it

The thickness of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.05 inches to 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.05 inches to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the flex structure 152 is between 0.05 and 0.09 inches, between 0.06 and 0.10 inches, between 0.07 and 0.11 inches, between 0.08 and 0.12 inches, between 0.09 and 0.13 inches, between 0.10 and 0.14 inches, or between 0.11 and 0.15 inches. can be a range. For example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, or 0.15 inches. In one example, the thickness of the flex structure 152 may be 0.06 inches.

The flex structure 152 defines a width. The width of the flex structure 152 is defined as the distance that the flex structure 152 extends in the toe 120 to heel 116 direction. The width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 1 inch. In some embodiments, the width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 0.5 inches, or from 0.5 to 1 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the flex structure 152 may range from 0.1 to 0.5 inches, 0.2 to 0.6 inches, 0.3 to 0.7 inches, 0.4 to 0.8 inches, 0.5 to 0.9 inches, or 0.6 to 1 inch. For example, the width of the flex structure 152 may be 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 inches. In one example, the width of the flex structure 152 may be 0.4 inches.

Referring to FIG. 6 , club head 100 further defines an XY plane 1300 extending in the directions of x-axis 700 and y-axis 800 . Club head 100 further defines a vertical plane 1400 . The vertical plane 1400 is parallel to the XY plane 1300 and is tangent to the second end 162 of the flex structure 152 . The vertical plane 1400 is offset from the XY plane 1300 , which lies closer to the rear portion 122 of the club head 100 than the XY plane 1300 . Referring to the planes defined by the club head 100 , the flex structure 152 is positioned from the club face 104 such that a flex structure distance 176 is formed between the XY plane 1300 and the vertical plane 1400 . extended farther away A flex structure distance 176 extends between the XY plane 1300 and the vertical plane 1400 in a direction perpendicular to the XY plane 1300 . The flex structure distance 176 is the horizontal distance from the geometric center 132 to the second end 162 of the flex structure 152 at which the flex structure 152 extends away from the club face 104 . could be the street. The flex structure distance 176 may be measured along the z-axis 900 between the geometric center 132 and the second end 162 of the flex structure 152 .

The flex structure distance 176 may be at least 0.7 inches. Distance 176 may be at least 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, or 1.5 inches. In other embodiments, the flex structure distance 176 may range from 0.8 to 2 inches. In other embodiments, the flex structure distance 176 is in the range of 0.8 to 1.4 inches, 0.9 to 1.5 inches, 1.0 to 1.6 inches, 1.1 to 1.7 inches, 1.2 to 1.8 inches, 1.3 to 1.9 inches, or 1.4 to 2.0 inches. can be For example, the flex structure distance 176 may be 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 inches. During golf ball impact, the portion of sole 112 closest to club face 104 experiences stress risers. To ensure that the flex structures 152 do not add any additional stress rise to the front portion of the sole 112 , the flex structures 152 are spaced apart by a flex structure distance 176 . The flex structure distance 176 improves overall club head durability while still reducing CT variability of the club face 104 .

club head assembly

Referring to FIG. 7 , the club head 100 may further form an opening 178 inside the crown 110 . Specifically, crown 110 defines an opening 178 , which may be configured to receive a crown insert 180 . The multi-component design of the club head 100 allows for the fabrication of the flex structure 152 inside the interior cavity 156 . In one example, the club head 100 is formed with an additive manufacturing method. The opening 178 allows the support material used during the additional manufacturing process to be removed from the interior cavity 156 . As will be described in more detail below, the club head 100 has an abutment surface around the perimeter of the opening 178 to facilitate securement of the crown insert 180 .

The club head 100 may have a bonding surface in the form of a recessed rim 182 . The indented rim 182 may be adapted to accommodate the combined thickness of the overlapping crown insert 180 and any adhesive used to secure the crown insert 180 to the crown 110 . indented from the outer surface. The indented rim 182 may extend around the perimeter of the opening 178 . In one configuration, the indented rim 182 is such that, when the crown insert 180 is installed, the crown insert 180 is substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the crown 110 , or otherwise It may be indented from the outer surface of the crown 110 , such that it may be partially indented relative to the outer surface of the crown 110 .

The indented rim 182 may include a plurality of bonding features 184 to promote a uniform bonding layer between the crown insert 180 and the indented rim 182 . The plurality of bonding features may include one or more bumps, ridges, protrusions, ribs, openings, or recesses spaced along the indented rim 182 . The plurality of bonding features may be equally spaced from each other, or confined within an area of the indented rim 182 , such as near the heel 116 , toe 120 , club face 104 , or back portion 122 . will be able

Opening 178 may be configured to receive crown insert 180 . Crown insert 180 may be formed separately and may be attached or secured to opening 178 at recessed rim 182 . Crown insert 180 may be secured to crown 110 using adhesives, or epoxies or adhesive tapes. Crown insert 180 overlaps recessed rim 182 to define a lap joint 186 therebetween. Crown insert 180 may be secured or attached to club head 100 across lap seam 186 . The lap seam 186 may extend around the perimeter of the opening 178 . In some embodiments, lap seam 186 may extend beyond crown 110 to wrap around at least one of toe 120 and heel 116 .

additional Examples

While Figs. 1-7 show a first embodiment of how the present technology may be practiced, Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 8 shows the club head 200 . The club head 200 includes a club face 204 and a body 208 secured together to define a substantially closed/internal volume 256 . The club head 200 includes a crown 210 , a sole 212 opposite the crown 210 , a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a rear portion 222 opposite the club face 204 . The club head 200 may be similar to the club head 100 shown in FIGS. 1-7 , but differ in how the flex structure is secured to the club head.

The club head 200 includes a flex structure 252 . The flex structure 252 has a first end 260 and a second end 262 . The flex structure 252 may be formed separately from the club head 100 and secured within the interior cavity 256 . The flex structure 252 may be removably connected or secured to the club face 204 and sole 212 . The flex structure 252 may be secured to the club face 204 and sole 212 through the use of, for example, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof. In one configuration, the second end 262 of the flex structure 252 may be secured to the sole 212 by a mechanical fastener, and the first end 260 of the flex structure 252 is a club It may contact or rest against the back surface of the face 204 . 8 , a damping member 296 may be disposed between the first end 260 and the club face 204 . The damping member 296 may be formed of a material different from the material of the flex structure 252 of the club head 200 . The damping member 296 provides additional CT adjustment capability to the club face 204 . Damping member 296 , in combination with removable flex structure 252 , may reduce CT variability across club face 204 .

Additionally, club head 100 or 200 may include a cascading sole (not shown) positioned on the inner surface of the sole between the club face and the second end of the flex structure. The laminated sole may have multiple layers of thickness. In one example, the layered sole may include a first layer and a second layer. Each layer may have a constant thickness throughout the layer extending from the heel to the toe and from the club face to the rear. The laminated sole allows the stress experienced by the club face near the sole to be dissipated into the first and second layers. The first and second layers of the laminated sole can prevent stress from collecting in the thinnest part of the sole, and can prevent permanent deformation of the club face.

In another embodiment, the layered sole may include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer (not shown). Each layer may have a constant thickness throughout the layer extending from the heel to the toe and from the club face to the rear. The first layer may have a greater thickness than the second layer, and the second layer may have a greater thickness than the third layer. The thicknesses of the first, second, and third layers are measured in a direction perpendicular to the ground plane from the outer surface of the sole to the inner surface of the sole.

The first layer can have a first layer length, the second layer can have a second layer length, and the third layer can have a third layer length. In some embodiments, the first layer length may be greater than the second layer length, and the second layer length may be greater than the third layer length. In other embodiments, the first layer length, the second layer length, and the third layer length may be the same. In some embodiments, the lengths of the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer decrease in a direction extending rearward from the club face. A layered sole allows some of the stress experienced by the club face in the vicinity of the sole to be dispersed into the first, second and third layers. The additional third layer allows the stress to travel further and further away from the club face to prevent permanent deformation of the club face.

Features and Benefits

The flex structures described in this disclosure (ie, flex structures 152 and 252 ) provide a structure that strengthens the club face, relieves stress from the club face, and reduces CT variability across the club face. . The flex structure allows the club face to flex backwards during golf ball impact and achieves this benefit without sacrificing ball speed performance. The disclosed club head including a flex structure reduces CT variability across the club face to meet the American Golf Association (USGA) standard of 257 microseconds or less.

During golf ball impact, the curved shape of the flex structures (ie, flex structures 152 and 252 ) allows the club face and flex structures to flex under the impact force of the golf ball. 9 shows the final displacement of the club face and flex structure after striking a golf ball. As shown in FIG. 9 , the flex structure is flexed backwards and downwards. The flex structure bends more at the trough than at the apex because the trough is closest to the source of the impact force. When subjected to an impact force, the total distance between the first and second ends of the flex structure, measured in a rearward direction from the club face, at which the flex structure will be at rest (ie, no impact force will be imparted on the club head). smaller than ever The flex structure provides support to the club face without impeding club face flexion.

The flex structures (ie, flex structures 152 and 252 ) provide support to the club face while relieving stress during golf ball impact. The flex structure allows for a thinner overall club face as compared to club faces without a support structure. Club heads without a support structure need to have a greater club face thickness to provide sufficient structural support to withstand the impact force from a golf ball. Increasing the club face thickness negatively affects CT and ball speed performance. Thicker clubface reduces CT and ball speed performance. To achieve a balance between club face thickness, CT, and ball velocity performance, the disclosed flex structure couples the club face and sole together, thereby transferring some of the impact force away from and into the sole. The flex structure causes the sole to curve slightly outward. By diverting the impact force into the flex structure and sole, the club face can be thinner overall to improve ball speed performance without exceeding the elastic limits of the material of the club face. The disclosed club head comprising a flex structure allows for greater ball velocity compared to a club head without a club face support structure. The disclosed club heads including flex structures can reduce the overall thickness of the club face by approximately 0.005 to 0.010 inches. An overall reduction in club face thickness can result in an increase in ball speed of 0.5 to 1.5 mph as compared to a club head with a club face thickness and without a club face support structure.

The flex structures (ie, flex structures 152 and 252 ) reduce CT variability across the club face by increasing the frequency response of the club face inside the localized location. The club head has a resonant frequency at which the response amplitude of the club head is at or near a maximum. Imposing a resonant frequency on the club head will cause the club head to oscillate with a greater amplitude compared to other non-resonant frequencies. A greater amplitude corresponds to a greater displacement (ie, greater movement). Finite element simulations were used to identify the points of greatest displacement on the club face. In one simulation, the point of greatest displacement may be located at a central portion of the club face at a frequency between 4100 and 4200 hertz. The flex structure may be secured to the central portion of the club face to increase the frequency response within the central portion by approximately 200-500 hertz. Increasing the frequency response by approximately 200 to 500 hertz can decrease the CT by approximately 5 to 20 microseconds. In some embodiments, the CT may decrease by about 5 to 15 microseconds, or by 15 to 20 microseconds. In other embodiments, the CT is about 5-10 microseconds, 6-11 microseconds, 7-12 microseconds, 8-13 microseconds, 9-14 microseconds, 10-15 microseconds, 11-16 microseconds , 12 to 17 microseconds, 13 to 18 microseconds, 14 to 19 microseconds, or 15 to 20 microseconds. The flex structure locally increases the club face frequency response without having to increase the overall club face thickness. The flex structure can reduce CT of the club face without sacrificing ball speed performance.

Produce

In many embodiments, a method of forming a club head 100 having a flex structure 152 includes a club face 104 , a back portion 122 , a crown 110 , a sole 112 , a toe 120 , forming a club head 100 having a heel 116 , and a flex structure 152 . The club head 100 with the flex structure 152 may be integrally formed as a single body. Forming the integral club head 100 may include casting, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, machining, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments where the club head 100 is formed in additive manufacturing, the club head 100 having the flex structure 152 may be integrally formed together as a single body, and the crown insert 180 may include: , may be formed separately from the club head 100 . Crown insert 180 may be secured, attached, or secured to club head 100 through the use of adhesives, adhesive tapes, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof.

In another embodiment, a method of forming a club head 200 having a flex structure 252 includes a club head 200 having a club face 204, a rear portion 222, a crown, a sole, a toe, and a heel. forming , and separately forming the flex structure 252 . Forming the club head 200 or flex structure 252 may include casting, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, machining, or a combination thereof. The flex structure 252 may then be secured or secured within the club head 200 through the use of adhesives, adhesive tapes, mechanical fasteners, or a combination thereof.

The club head 100 or 200 may be formed of metal. Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, steel, steel alloy, stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, C300, C350, Ni(nickel)-Co(cobalt)-Cr(chromium)-steel alloy, 8620 Alloy steel, S25C steel, 303 SS, 17-4 SS, carbon steel, maraging steel, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, titanium alloy, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4 -4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92 or Ti- 8-1-1 titanium alloy, amorphous metal alloy, or other similar metals.

Crown insert 180 may be formed of a non-metallic material. Examples of non-metallic materials may include, but are not limited to, polymers, composites, thermoplastic materials, thermoplastic composites, or fiber reinforced polymers such as reinforced carbon fiber polymers. .

The flex structure 152 may be formed of a material similar to the club head 100 . The flex structure 152 may be formed of metal. Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, steel, steel alloy, stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, C300, C350, Ni(nickel)-Co(cobalt)-Cr(chromium)-steel alloy, 8620 Alloy steel, S25C steel, 303 SS, 17-4 SS, carbon steel, maraging steel, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel, titanium alloy, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4 -4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92 or Ti- 8-1-1 titanium alloy, amorphous metal alloy, or other similar metals.

The flex structure 252 may be formed from the metal, or non-metal material described above for the flex structure 152 . Examples of non-metallic materials may include, but are not limited to, polymers, composites, thermoplastic materials, thermoplastic composites, or fiber reinforced polymers such as reinforced carbon fiber polymers. .

The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes a rebuild and not a repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, include, but not limited to, any or all claims of any or all claims. should not be construed as essential, important, required, or essential, features or elements.

As the rules of golf may change from time to time (eg, new rules may be adopted or old rules may may be removed or amended by golf standards bodies and/or governing bodies), the manufacturing apparatus, method of manufacture, and golf equipment associated with the article of manufacture described herein, are the rules of golf at any particular point in time. may or may not conform to Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and article of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or nonconforming golf equipment. The manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and manufacturing article described herein are not limited in this respect.

In the description and in the claims, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like are used to distinguish between like elements, if any, and necessarily It is not intended to be used to describe any particular continuous or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein may operate, for example, in an order other than illustrated or otherwise described herein. In addition, the terms “comprises”, and “comprises”, and any variations thereof, indicate that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus, including elements in a list, necessarily includes those elements. Rather than being limiting, it is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, which may include other elements not explicitly listed or inherent in such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

In the description and in the claims, the terms “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “below” and the like refer to, if any, of the description. It is used for this purpose and is not necessarily used to describe a permanent relative position. The terms used as such are used as appropriate, such that the embodiments of the apparatus, method, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may operate, for example, in a direction different from that illustrated or otherwise described herein. It should be understood that they are compatible under the circumstances.

While the above examples may be described in the context of a driver-type golf club, the manufacturing apparatus, manufacturing method, and article of manufacture described herein may include a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club head, or a hollow wood It may be applicable to other types of golf clubs, such as -type club heads.

For wood-type club heads, such as driver-type, fairway wood-type and hybrid-type golf clubs, a measure is used to determine the spring effect or elasticity of the club face. This measurement is characteristic time (hereinafter "CT"). CT is defined as the amount of time, measured in microseconds (μs), that a golf ball contacts the club face at the moment of impact. The characteristic time is measured by hitting a specific point on the striking face several times using a small steel pendulum. A computer program measures the amount of time the steel pendulum makes contact with the club face at the moment of impact.

As used herein, the terms “loft” or “loft angle” for a golf club refer to the angle formed between the club face and the shaft, as measured by any suitable loft and lie machine. refers to

In embodiments where the club head is a driver-type club head, the loft angle of the driver-type club head is less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, about less than 11 degrees, or less than approximately 10 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the volume of the driver-type club head is greater than about 400 cc, greater than about 425 cc, greater than about 445 cc, greater than about 450 cc, greater than about 455 cc, greater than about 460 cc, greater than about 475 cc , greater than about 500 cc, greater than about 525 cc, greater than about 550 cc, greater than about 575 cc, greater than about 600 cc, greater than about 625 cc, greater than about 650 cc, greater than about 675 cc, or greater than about 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the driver-type club head is approximately 400cc - 600cc, 425cc ? It may be about 500cc, about 500cc - 600cc, about 500cc - 650cc, about 550cc - 700cc, about 600cc - 650cc, about 600cc - 700cc, or about 600cc - 800cc.

In embodiments where the club head is a fairway wood-type club head, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees , or less than about 30 degrees. Also, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood-type club head is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, about 18 degrees. greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in other embodiments, the loft angle of a fairway wood-type club head may be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees. there is.

The volume of the fairway wood-type club head is less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood-type club head is approximately 150cc - 200cc, approximately 150cc - 250cc, approximately 150cc - 300cc, approximately 150cc ? 350cc, about 150cc ? 400cc, about 300cc - 400cc, about 325cc - 400cc, about 350cc - 400cc, about 250cc - 400cc, about 250 ? 350 cc, or approximately 275-375 cc.

In embodiments where the club head is a hybrid-type club head, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head is less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, about less than 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Further, in other embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, about 22 degrees greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

The volume of the hybrid-type club head is less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the hybrid-type club head may be approximately 100cc - 150cc, approximately 75cc - 150cc, approximately 100cc - 125cc, or approximately 75cc - 125cc.

Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not made available to the public under the principle of deduction if: (1) the embodiments and/or limitations are expressly stated in the claims if not charged; and (2) equivalent or potentially equivalent to the expressive elements and/or limitations in the claims under the principle of equality.

Item 1. A golf club head comprising: a club face; a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and a flex structure; the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity; the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole; and wherein the flex structure has a curved shape having a trough and an apex.

Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or sole.

Item 3. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the bottom of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure.

Item 4. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

Item 5. The golf club head of item 4, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

Item 6. Item 5, wherein the indented rim extends around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown.

Item 7. Item 6, wherein the crown insert and the indented rim overlap to define a lap seam therebetween; and wherein the crown insert is attached to the club head across the lap joint.

Item 8. The flex structure of item 1, wherein the flex structure defines a first radius of curvature at a trough and a second radius of curvature at the apex; and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are the same.

Item 9. The flex structure of item 1, wherein the flex structure defines a first radius of curvature at a trough and a second radius of curvature at the apex; and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different.

Item 10. A golf club head comprising: a club face; a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and a flex structure; the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity; the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole; The flex structure has a curved shape having a trough and an apex; and the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure.

Item 11. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or sole.

Item 12. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the bottom of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure.

Item 13. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

Item 14. The golf club head of item 13, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

Item 15. Item 14, wherein a recessed rim extends around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown.

Item 16. The item of item 15, wherein the crown insert and the indented rim overlap to define a lap seam therebetween; and wherein the crown insert is attached to the club head across the lap joint.

Item 17. A golf club head comprising: a club face; a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and a flex structure; the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity; the club face defines a loft plane tangent to the club face at a geometric center; the club head defining a ground plane tangent to the sole when the club head is in an address position; the club head defines an intermediate plane through the geometric center and perpendicular to the loft plane, the intermediate plane extending in a direction from the heel to the toe and rearward of the club face; the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole; the flex structure has a curved shape comprising a trough and an apex; and the bottom of the flex structure and the apex of the flex structure are located below the mid-plane.

Item 18. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure.

Item 19. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or sole.

Item 20. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the bottom of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure.

Item 21. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the crown further defines an opening.

Item 22. The golf club head of item 21, wherein the opening is configured to receive a crown insert.

Item 23. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the thickness of the club face ranges from 0.08 to 0.14 inches.

Item 24. The crown of item 1, wherein the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a recessed rim extending around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown.

Various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the claims that follow.

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
club face;
a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and
comprising a flex structure;
the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity;
the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity;
the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole; And
wherein the flex structure has a curved shape having a trough and an apex. According to claim 1,
wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole. According to claim 1,
wherein the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure. According to claim 1,
the flex structure defines a first radius of curvature at the trough and a second radius of curvature at the apex; and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different. According to claim 1,
wherein the thickness of the club face is in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches. According to claim 1,
the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a recessed rim extending around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown. 7. The method of claim 6,
the crown insert and the indented rim overlap to define a lap joint therebetween; and wherein the crown insert is attached to the club head across the lap joint. As a golf club head,
club face;
a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and
comprising a flex structure;
the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity;
the flex structure is disposed within the closed interior cavity;
the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole;
The flex structure has a curved shape having a trough and an apex; And
wherein the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the sole than the apex of the flex structure. 9. The method of claim 8,
the flex structure defines a first radius of curvature at the trough and a second radius of curvature at the apex; and the first radius of curvature and the second radius of curvature are different. 9. The method of claim 8,
wherein the thickness of the club face is in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches. 9. The method of claim 8,
the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a recessed rim extending around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown. 14. The method of claim 13,
the crown insert and the recessed rim overlap to define a lap seam therebetween; and wherein the crown insert is attached to the club head across the lap joint. As a golf club head,
club face;
a body having a crown, a sole, a heel, and a toe; and
comprising a flex structure;
the club face and the body are secured together to define a closed interior cavity;
the club face defines a loft plane tangent to the club face at a geometric center;
the club head defining a ground plane tangent to the sole when the club head is in an address position;
the club head defines an intermediate plane through the geometric center and perpendicular to the loft plane, the intermediate plane extending in a direction from the heel to the toe and rearward of the club face;
the flex structure is integrally formed with the club face and the sole;
the flex structure has a curved shape comprising a trough and an apex; And
wherein the bottom of the flex structure and the apex of the flex structure are located below the mid-plane. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the trough of the flex structure is located closer to the club face than the apex of the flex structure. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the troughs and apex of the flex structure do not contact any portion of the club face or the sole. 16. The method of claim 15,
wherein the thickness of the club face is in the range of 0.08 to 0.14 inches. 16. The method of claim 15,
the crown further defines an opening configured to receive a crown insert; a recessed rim extending around a perimeter of the opening; and the indented rim is indented from an outer surface of the crown. 20. The method of claim 19,
the crown insert and the recessed rim overlap to define a lap seam therebetween; and wherein the crown insert is attached to the club head across the lap joint.

Images