U.S. patent application number 14/072190 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-07 for club heads with bounded face to body yield strength ratio and related methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Eric Morales, Ryan Stokke.
Application Number | 20150126305 14/072190 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53007440 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150126305 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stokke; Ryan ; et
al. |
May 7, 2015 |
CLUB HEADS WITH BOUNDED FACE TO BODY YIELD STRENGTH RATIO AND
RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Some embodiments include a club head with a bounded face to body
yield strength ratio. Other embodiments of related club heads and
methods are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Stokke; Ryan; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Morales; Eric; (Laveen, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
53007440 |
Appl. No.: |
14/072190 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/342 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0466 20130101;
A63B 53/042 20200801; A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B 53/0408 20200801;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/342 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1) A golf club head comprising: a face portion comprising a first
material having a first yield strength, the first yield strength
being greater than or equal to approximately 910 MegaPascals; and a
support body comprising a second material having a second yield
strength, the support body being configured to be coupled to the
face portion; wherein: a yield strength ratio of the second yield
strength to the first yield strength is greater than or equal to
approximately 0.50.
2) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the yield strength ratio
is greater than or equal to approximately 0.63.
3) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the first yield strength
is greater than or equal to approximately 1378 MegaPascals.
4) The golf club head of claim 3 wherein: the yield strength ratio
is greater than or equal to approximately 0.63.
5) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the first yield strength
is greater than or equal to approximately 1655 MegaPascals.
6) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the first yield strength
is greater than or equal to approximately 1720 MegaPascals.
7) The golf club head of claim 6 wherein: the yield strength ratio
is greater than or equal to approximately 0.63.
8) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the face portion consists
essentially of the first material.
9) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the support body
comprises a crown support body; the golf club head comprises a
crown, and the crown comprises the crown support body; and the
crown support body consists essentially of the second material.
10) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the support body
comprises a sole support body; the golf club head comprises a sole,
and the sole comprises the sole support body; and the sole support
body consists essentially of the second material.
11) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the face portion
comprises a face insert; the golf club head comprises a face
comprising the face insert; and the face insert comprises a face
insert front surface, a face insert rear surface opposite the face
insert front surface, and a face insert perimeter edge.
12) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the face portion
comprises at least one of a crown face portion or a sole face
portion; the golf club head comprises a crown and a sole; when the
face portion comprises the crown face portion, the crown comprises
the crown face portion; and when the face portion comprises the
sole face portion, the sole comprises the sole face portion.
13) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein at least one of: the
first material comprises one of iron or titanium; the second
material comprises one of iron or titanium; or the face portion
comprises a face center, and a thickness of the face portion at the
face center is less than or equal to approximately 0.2540
centimeters.
14) The golf club head of claim 13 wherein: the thickness of the
face portion at the face center is less than or equal to
approximately 0.1905 centimeters.
15) The golf club head of claim 1 wherein: the golf club head
comprises a wood-type golf club head.
16) A method of manufacturing a golf club head, the method
comprising: providing a face portion comprising a first material
having a first yield strength, the first yield strength being
greater than or equal to approximately 1378 MegaPascals; and
providing a support body comprising a second material having a
second yield strength, the support body being configured to be
coupled to the face portion; wherein: a yield strength ratio of the
second yield strength to the first yield strength is greater than
or equal to approximately 0.50.
17) The method of claim 16 wherein at least one of: the yield
strength ratio is greater than or equal to approximately 0.63; or
the first yield strength is greater than or equal to approximately
1720 MegaPascals.
18) The method of claim 16 further comprising: coupling the face
portion to the support body.
19) The method of claim 18 wherein: coupling the face portion to
the support body comprises welding the face portion to the support
body.
20) The method of claim 16 wherein: providing the face portion
comprises providing a face insert having a face insert perimeter
edge with an elliptical shape.
21) A golf club head comprising: a face portion comprising a first
material having a first yield strength, the first yield strength
being greater than or equal to approximately 1378 MegaPascals; and
a support body comprising a second material having a second yield
strength, the support body being coupled to the face portion;
wherein: a yield strength ratio of the second yield strength to the
first yield strength is greater than or equal to approximately
0.50; the support body comprises a support shell; and the golf club
head comprises a wood-type golf club head.
22) The method of claim 21 wherein at least one of: the yield
strength ratio is greater than or equal to approximately 0.63; or
the first yield strength is greater than or equal to approximately
1720 MegaPascals.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and
relates more particularly to club heads and related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Various characteristics of a golf club can affect the
performance of the golf club. For example, the center of gravity,
the moment of inertia, and the coefficient of restitution of the
club head of the golf club are each characteristics of a golf club
that can affect performance.
[0003] The center of gravity and moment of inertia of the club head
of the golf club are functions of the distribution of mass of the
club head. In particular, distributing mass of the club head to be
closer to a sole of the club head, farther from a face of the club
head, and/or closer to toe and heel ends of the club head can alter
the center of gravity and/or the moment of inertia of the club
head. For example, distributing mass of the club head to be closer
to the sole of the club head and/or farther from the face of the
club head can increase a flight angle of a golf ball struck with
the club head. Meanwhile, increasing the flight angle of a golf
ball can increase the distance the golf ball travels. Further,
distributing mass of the club head to be closer to the toe and/or
heel ends of the club head can affect the moment of inertia of the
club head, which can alter the forgiveness of the golf club.
[0004] Further, the coefficient of restitution of the club head of
the golf club can be a function of at least the flexibility of the
face of the club head. Meanwhile, the flexibility of the face of
the club head can be a function of the geometry (e.g., height,
width, and/or thickness) of the face and/or the material properties
(e.g., Young's modulus) of the face. That is, maximizing the height
and/or width of the face, and/or minimizing the thickness and/or
Young's modulus of the face, can increase the flexibility of the
face, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club
head; and increasing the coefficient of restitution of the club
head of the golf club, which is essentially a measure of the
efficiency of energy transfer from the club head to a golf ball,
can increase the distance the golf ball travels after impact.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top, heel side view of a club
head, according to an embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates the club head of FIG. 1 when a perimeter
of a face insert of the club head is decoupled from a perimeter of
a face support body of the club head, according to the embodiment
of FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the club head of FIG. 1,
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4, illustrates a toe side view of the club head of FIG.
1, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates a front, bottom, heel side view of the
club head of FIG. 1, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method of manufacturing a golf club head;
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a face
portion, according to the embodiment of FIG. 6; and
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary activity of providing a
support body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 6.
[0014] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0015] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0016] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0017] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more
mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not
be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for
any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for
an instant.
[0018] "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
[0019] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
[0020] In many examples as used herein, the term "approximately"
can be used when comparing one or more values, ranges of values,
relationships (e.g., position, orientation, etc.) or parameters
(e.g., velocity, acceleration, mass, temperature, spin rate, spin
direction, etc.) to one or more other values, ranges of values, or
parameters, respectively, and/or when describing a condition (e.g.,
with respect to time), such as, for example, a condition of
remaining constant with respect to time. In these examples, use of
the word "approximately" can mean that the value(s), range(s) of
values, relationship(s), parameter(s), or condition(s) are within
.+-.0.5%, .+-.1.0%, .+-.2.0%, .+-.3.0%, .+-.5.0%, and/or .+-.10.0%
of the related value(s), range(s) of values, relationship(s),
parameter(s), or condition(s), as applicable.
DESCRIPTION
[0021] Some embodiments include a golf club head. The gold club
head can comprise a face portion and a support body. The face
portion can comprise a first material, and the support body can
comprise a second material. Further, the first material can
comprise a yield strength of the first material, and the second
material can comprise a yield strength of the second material. The
yield strength ratio of the yield strength of the second material
to the yield strength of the first material can be greater than or
equal to approximately 0.50. Likewise, the yield strength of the
first material can be greater than or equal to approximately 1378
MegaPascals.
[0022] Other embodiments include a method of manufacturing a golf
club head. The method can comprise: providing a face portion; and
providing a support body. The face portion can comprise a first
material, and the support body can comprise a second material.
Further, the first material can comprise a yield strength of the
first material, and the second material can comprise a yield
strength of the second material. The yield strength ratio of the
yield strength of the second material to the yield strength of the
first material can be greater than or equal to approximately 0.50.
Likewise, the yield strength of the first material can be greater
than or equal to approximately 1378 MegaPascals.
[0023] Further embodiments include a golf club head. The gold club
head can comprise a face portion and a support body. The face
portion can comprise a first material, and the support body can
comprise a second material. Further, the first material can
comprise a yield strength of the first material, and the second
material can comprise a yield strength of the second material. The
yield strength ratio of the yield strength of the second material
to the yield strength of the first material can be greater than or
equal to approximately 0.50. Likewise, the yield strength of the
first material can be greater than or equal to approximately 1378
MegaPascals. Meanwhile, the face portion can be coupled to the
support body, the support body can comprise a support shell, and
the golf club head can comprise a wood-type golf club head.
[0024] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top,
heel side view of a club head 100, according to an embodiment. Club
head 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Club head 100 can be employed in many different
embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described
herein.
[0025] Regarding club head 100 generally, club head 100 can
comprise a golf club head. The golf club head can be part of a
corresponding golf club. Further, the golf club head can be part of
a set of golf club heads, and/or the golf club can be part of a set
of golf clubs. For example, club head 100 can comprise any suitable
wood-type golf club head (e.g., a driver club head, a fairway wood
club head, a hybrid club head, etc.). In many embodiments, club
head 100 can comprise a metal wood-type golf club head, but in
these or other embodiments, club head 100 can comprise any suitable
materials, provided the materials satisfy certain material strength
conditions as discussed below. Nonetheless, although club head 100
is generally described in implementation with respect to a
wood-type golf club head, club head 100 can also be implemented
with any other suitable golf club head-type. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufactured described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0026] Club head 100 comprises a top end 101, a bottom end 102
opposite top end 101, a front end 103, a rear end 104 opposite
front end 103, a toe end 105, and a heel end 106 opposite toe end
105, which provide convenient points of reference when discussing
the elements of club head 100. In many embodiments, club head 100
can comprise a face 107, a crown 108, a sole 109, and/or a skirt
(not illustrated). In some embodiments, sole 109 can comprise the
skirt. Also, club head 100 can comprise either (i) a hosel and/or a
hosel transition portion, or (ii) a bore. Nonetheless, in some
embodiments, one or more of the skirt, the hosel, the hosel
transition portion, and the bore can be omitted.
[0027] Face 107 can be located at front end 103. Meanwhile, crown
108 can be at least partially located at top end 101, and can
interface with face 107 at top end 101, such as, for example, at a
crown intersection 111 of club head 100. Further, sole 109 can be
at least partially located at bottom end 102, and can interface
with face 107 at bottom end 102, such as, for example, at a sole
intersection 112 of club head 100. In many examples, crown
intersection 111 and/or sole intersection 112 can be curved or
faceted, providing smooth (or substantially smooth) transitions
between face 107 and crown 108 and/or face 107 and sole 108,
respectively. In these embodiments, crown intersection 111 can
refer to a crown radius of club head 100 and/or sole intersection
112 can refer to a lead edge radius of club head 100. In other
embodiments, crown intersection 111 and/or sole intersection 112
can be angular, providing sharp transitions between face 107 and
crown 108 and/or face 107 and sole 109, respectively.
[0028] When implemented, the skirt can be located between crown 108
and sole 109, and can extend between toe end 105 and heel end 106.
In some embodiments, the skirt can extend between crown 108 and
sole 109 completely around to face 107 at toe end 105 and/or at
heel end 106, while in other embodiments, the skirt surface can
extend less than all of the way to face 107 at toe end 105 and/or
at heel end 106.
[0029] In some embodiments, crown 108 and sole 109 can interface
with each other, such as, for example, at rear end 104, toe end
105, and/or heel end 106. However, in other embodiments, such as,
for example, when club head 100 comprises the skirt, and the skirt
extends from face 107 at toe end 105 to face surface 107 at heel
end 106, crown 108 and sole 109 may not interface with each other
at all, but rather with the skirt. Like with crown intersection 111
and/or sole intersection 112, the interfaces of crown 108 and sole
109 with each other and/or with the skirt can be smooth and/or
sharp. Further, when applicable, the interfaces of the skirt with
face 107 can also be smooth and/or sharp.
[0030] Face 107 can refer to a striking face of club head 100, and
can comprise a face surface configured to impact a ball (not
shown), such as, for example, a golf ball. Club head 100 and/or the
face surface of face 107 can comprise a face center. Meanwhile, the
face center of the face surface of face 107 can refer to a location
at the face surface of face 107 that is equidistant between toe end
105 and heel end 106 and further that is equidistant between top
end 101 and bottom end 102. In various examples, the face center
can refer to the face center as defined at United States Golf
Association: Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf
Clubhead, USGA-TPX 3004, Revision 1.0.0, p. 6, May 1, 2008
(retrieved Sep. 18, 2013 from
http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Test-Protocols-For-Equipm-
ent), which is incorporated herein by reference. In many
embodiments, face 107 (and/or face portion 113 as discussed below)
can comprise one or more scoring lines (e.g., grooves). The scoring
line(s) can extend between toe end 105 and heel end 106.
[0031] Further, club head 100 can comprise a heel-toe axis and a
front-rear axis. The heel-toe axis of club head 100 can refer to a
reference axis extending between toe end 105 and heel end 106, and
the front-rear axis of club head 100 can refer to a reference axis
extending between front end 103 and rear end 104. The heel-toe axis
and front-rear axis of club head 100 can be approximately
perpendicular to each other, and also can be approximately parallel
to a ground plane when club head 100 is positioned in an address
configuration. The address configuration can refer to a
configuration of club head 100 in which club head 100 is positioned
to address a golf ball (e.g., by a user as part of a golf club)
while club head 100 is in a resting state. In other embodiments,
the address configuration can refer to a configuration of club head
100 in which club head 100 is balanced (e.g., at sole 109) on a
level surface (e.g., a ground surface) and acted upon only by
gravity. In these or other embodiments, club head 100 can be
decoupled from the shaft.
[0032] Also, club head 100 can comprise a loft plane. The loft
plane can refer to a plane that intersects the face center of the
face surface of face 107 and that is approximately parallel with
face 107 when club head 100 is positioned in the address
configuration. When face 107 is planar and/or substantially planar,
face 107 and the loft plane can be approximately co-planar.
Meanwhile, when face 107 is non-planar (e.g., curved), the loft
plane can be tangent to the face center of face 107, and at least
part of face 107 can be located in front of or behind the loft
plane.
[0033] The hosel and the hosel transition portion of club head 100,
or when applicable, the bore of club head 100, can be located at or
proximate to heel end 106. In various embodiments, an opening of
the bore of club head 100 can be located at or proximate to crown
108. Further, a hosel port can be located at or proximate to sole
109 and/or opposite the opening of the bore or an opening of the
hosel. In embodiments where club head 100 comprises the hosel
and/or the hosel transition portion, the bore can be omitted, and
vice versa. The hosel port can be implemented with the hosel of
club head 100, or when applicable, the bore of club head 100.
[0034] Meanwhile, although a shaft is not illustrated at the
drawings, the hosel of club head 100, or when applicable, the bore
of club head 100, can be configured to receive a shaft (i.e., via
the opening of the hosel or the bore), such as, for example, a golf
club shaft. Accordingly, the hosel or the bore can receive the
shaft and permit the shaft to be coupled (e.g., permanently or
removably) to club head 100 when the hosel or the bore receives the
shaft. In some embodiments, the hosel or the bore can be further
configured to couple the shaft to club head 100, such as, for
example, via threaded coupling. Further or alternatively, and as
applicable, a bolt can be implemented to couple the shaft to club
head 100 at the hosel port, opposite of the opening of the hosel or
the bore and towards sole 102. In these embodiments, the shaft,
when received at the hosel or the bore, can pass through club head
100 to the hosel port.
[0035] Club head 100 can comprise one or more branding and/or other
symbols, such as, for example, to indicate a manufacturer of club
head 100. In other embodiments, the branding and/or other symbol(s)
can be omitted.
[0036] In some embodiments, club head 100 can comprise a face
portion 113 and a support body 114. As explained in detail below,
various advantages of club head 100 can be provided by binding one
or more characteristics (e.g., material characteristics) of face
portion 113 to those corresponding characteristics of support body
114, and vice versa. For example, club head 100 can be configured
so that a material characteristic (e.g., yield strength) of face
portion 113 is approximately bound within a predetermined ratio
(e.g., as a maximum ratio or minimum ratio) with a corresponding
material characteristic (e.g., yield strength) of support body
114.
[0037] Focusing initially on face portion 113, face portion 113 can
be implemented according to numerous embodiments. That is, face
portion 113 can comprise some or all of face 107 in some
embodiments, and moreover, can also be part of crown 108 and/or
sole 109 in some of those embodiments when face portion 113
comprises all of face 107.
[0038] For example, in some embodiments, face portion 113 comprises
face 107. In some of these embodiments, face portion 113 is face
107. However, as discussed previously, in further embodiments, face
portion 113 can comprise more of club head 100 than face 107, such
as, for example, a crown face portion, a sole face portion, and/or
one or two skirt face portions. In these embodiments, as
applicable, crown 108 comprises the crown face portion, sole 109
comprises the sole face portion, and the skirt comprises the skirt
face portion(s). When implemented, the skirt face portions can
comprise a toe end skirt face portion and/or a heel end skirt face
portion. Generally, face portion 113 can comprise the skirt face
portion(s) when the skirt face portion(s) are implemented and the
skirt extends between crown 108 and sole 109 completely around to
face 107 at toe end 105 and/or at heel end 106. In other
embodiments, the crown face portion, the sole face portion, and/or
the skirt face portion(s) can be omitted, such as, for example,
when face portion 113 is face 107, and/or when face portion 113
comprises face insert 117, as discussed below. Generally, even
though the crown face portion and/or sole face portion may be
implemented, the skirt face portion(s) can be omitted when the the
skirt extends between crown 108 and sole 109, but less than
completely around to face 107 at toe end 105 and/or at heel end
106, thereby not interfacing with face 107. In other words,
implementation of the crown face portion, sole face portion, and/or
skirt face portion(s) can depend on whether and the manner in which
face 107, crown 108, sole 109, and/or the skirt are implemented. In
some embodiments, when face portion 113 comprises the crown face
portion and the sole face portion (and the skirt face portions if
applicable), face portion 113 can form a cup shape.
[0039] As illustrated at FIG. 1, in many embodiments, face portion
113 can comprise face insert 117. In these embodiments, face 107
can comprise face portion 113 and/or face insert 117. When face
portion 113 comprises face insert 117, face insert 117 can comprise
a strike plate of club head 100. Accordingly, when face portion 113
is limited to face insert 117, face portion 113 can comprise only a
portion of face 107.
[0040] Meanwhile, in these embodiments, support body 114 also can
comprise a face support body 118, which can comprise a remaining
portion of face 107. In some embodiments, face support body 118 can
comprise face support body top portion 119 and/or face support body
bottom portion 120, and/or can comprise one or more other portions
depending on the manner in which face insert 117 is implemented
(e.g., the shape and/or size of face insert 117). In these
embodiments, when applicable, face support body top portion 119,
face support body bottom portion 120, etc. can be continuous or
discontinuous with each other, again depending on the manner in
which face insert 117 is implemented. Notably, in many embodiments,
face support body 118 completely surrounds a perimeter edge 123 of
face insert 117, thereby being completely continuous about face
insert 117. Still, in other embodiments, face support body 118,
face support body top portion 119, and/or face support body bottom
portion 120 can be omitted, such as, for example, when face portion
113 is implemented such that face portion 113 does not comprise
face insert 117.
[0041] Face insert 117 can comprise a front surface 121, a rear
surface 222 (FIG. 2) opposite front surface 121, and perimeter edge
123. Meanwhile, in these embodiments, face support body 118 can
comprise a front surface 124, a rear surface 225 (FIG. 2) opposite
front surface 124, and a perimeter edge 126.
[0042] In these embodiments, face support body top portion 119 also
can comprise a front surface 127, a rear surface 228 (FIG. 2)
opposite front surface 127, and a perimeter edge 129; and/or face
support body bottom portion 120 also can comprise a front surface
130, a rear surface 231 (FIG. 2) opposite front surface 130, and a
perimeter edge 132. Meanwhile, front surface 124 of face support
body 118 can comprise front surface 127 and/or front surface 130;
rear surface 225 (FIG. 2) of face support body 118 can comprise
rear surface 228 (FIG. 2) and/or rear surface 231 (FIG. 2); and
perimeter edge 126 of face support body 118 can comprise perimeter
edge 129 and/or perimeter edge 132.
[0043] Turning focus now to support body 114, in many embodiments,
support body 114 can comprise a crown support body 115, a sole
support body 116, and/or a skirt support body. In these
embodiments, crown 108 comprises crown support body 115, sole 109
comprises sole support body 116, and/or the skirt comprises the
skirt support body. In some embodiments, crown support body 115 is
crown 108, sole support body 116 is sole 109, and/or the skirt
support body is the skirt, such as, for example, when the crown
face portion, the sole face portion, and/or the skirt face portions
are omitted, respectively.
[0044] Club head 100 can be solid, hollow, or partially hollow.
When club head 100 is hollow or partially hollow, support body 114
can comprise a support shell. When the support shell is coupled to
face portion 113, as discussed below, face portion 113 and the
support shell can provide and enclose or substantially enclose a
void space of club head 100. In some embodiments, the void space
can be empty, though in other embodiments, the void space can be
filled and/or partially filled with a filler material different
from a material of face portion 113 and/or the support shell. For
example, the filler material can comprise plastic foam.
[0045] In many embodiments, face portion 113 can be coupled to
support body 114. Face portion 113 can be coupled to support body
114 mechanically (e.g., via one or more coupling mechanisms and/or
via a friction fit, etc.) and/or by bonding (e.g., via welding, via
crimping, via brazing, via soldering, and/or via adhesive,
etc.).
[0046] When face portion 113 is face 107, face portion 113 can be
coupled to support body 114 at crown intersection 111, sole
intersection 112, and/or when applicable, the intersection(s) of
the skirt with face 107. Meanwhile, when face portion 113 comprises
the crown face portion, the sole face portion, and/or the skirt
face portion(s) (i.e., face portion 113 comprises more than face
107), face portion 113 can be coupled to support body 114 at the
intersections of the crown face portion, the sole face portion,
and/or the skirt face portion(s) with crown support body 115, sole
support body 116, and/or the skirt support body, respectively.
Further, when face portion 113 comprises face insert 117, perimeter
edge 123 of face portion 113 can be coupled to perimeter edge 126
of support body 114. Although the foregoing may suggest the
interface between face portion 113 and support body 114 is uniform
(e.g., planar), in some embodiments, face portion 113 may comprise
one or more face portions (e.g., the crown face portion, the sole
face portion, and/or the skirt face portion(s), etc.) in the same
embodiments in which support body 114 comprises one or more body
portions (e.g., crown support body 115, sole support body 116,
and/or skirt the support body, etc.) such that the interface
between face portion 113 and support body 114 may be non-uniform
(e.g., non-planar).
[0047] Meanwhile, when face portion 113 comprises face insert 117,
perimeter edge 123 can substantially correspond in shape to
perimeter edge 126. Although the shape of perimeter edge 123 and
perimeter edge 126 can be any suitable shape. The shape can be
regular or irregular. In specific examples, the shape can be (e.g.,
approximately) a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon. In many
embodiments, the shape can be oblong and can comprise a major axis
and minor axis. Generally, the major axis can be oriented in any
suitable manner, though in many embodiments, the major axis can
intersect the face center of the face surface of face 107. Further,
the major axis can be oriented approximately parallel or orthogonal
to the heel-toe axis of club head 100. However, in still other
embodiments, the major axis can be oriented at an angle (e.g., a
complimentary angle) with respect to the heel-toe axis of club head
100.
[0048] As discussed previously, the center of gravity and moment of
inertia of club head 100 are functions of the distribution of mass
of club head 100. By reducing a thickness of face 107 and/or face
portion 113 (i.e., a mass of face 107 and/or face portion 113),
additional mass can be distributed elsewhere at club head 100. For
example, the mass savings of face 107 and/or face portion 113 can
be distributed closer to sole 109, farther from face 107, and/or
closer to toe end 105 and/or heel end 106, thereby altering the
center of gravity and/or the moment of inertia of club head 100.
Meanwhile, distributing such mass of club head 100 closer to sole
109 and/or farther from face 107 can increase a flight angle of a
golf ball struck with club head 100, and, increasing the flight
angle of a golf ball can increase the distance the golf ball
travels after impact. Further, distributing the mass savings of
face 107 and/or face portion 113 to be closer to toe end 105 and/or
heel end 106 can affect the moment of inertia of club head 100,
which can alter the forgiveness of club head 100.
[0049] Likewise, the coefficient of restitution of club head 100
can be a function of at least the flexibility of face 107 and/or
face portion 113. By reducing a thickness of face 107 and/or face
portion 113, the flexibility of face 107 and/or face portion 113
can be increased, thereby increasing the coefficient of restitution
of club head 100. Increasing the coefficient of restitution of club
head 100 can increase the distance a golf ball travels after
impact.
[0050] Accordingly, it can be seen that reducing a thickness of
face 107 and/or face portion 113 can advantageously improve the
performance of club head 100. However, as a practical matter, the
extent to which the thickness of face 107 and/or face portion 113
can be reduced can be constrained by a durability of face 107
and/or face portion 113. Specifically, as the thickness of face 107
and/or face portion 113 is reduced, the durability can also be
reduced. Meanwhile, insufficient durability can result in plastic
deformation, cracking, and failure of club head 100.
[0051] To offset a reduction in durability due to reducing a
thickness of face 107 and/or face portion 113, one possible
solution is to increase a strength (e.g., yield strength, ultimate
strength, etc.) of club head 100, face 107, and/or face portion
113. Specifically, increasing the strength (e.g., yield strength,
ultimate strength, etc.) of club head 100, face 107, and/or face
portion 113 can permit additional reductions in the thickness of
face 107 and/or face portion 113 before plastic deformation,
cracking, and failure of club head 100 would result. In
implementation, increasing the strength (e.g., yield strength,
ultimate strength, etc.) of club head 100, face 107, and/or face
portion 113 can be accomplished through material selection, heat
treatment, and/or other manufacturing conditions. However, as a
practical matter, using a higher strength (e.g., yield strength,
ultimate strength, etc.) material for all of club head 100 may be
impractical due to material and/or manufacturing costs.
Accordingly, it may be desirable to use the higher strength (e.g.,
yield strength, ultimate strength, etc.) material only at face 107
and/or face portion 113 while using another material (e.g., with
lower strength) for part or all of the remainder of club head 100
(e.g., support body 114), such as, for example, to reduce material
and/or manufacturing costs. Nonetheless, where there is too great a
difference in the strength (e.g., yield strength, ultimate
strength, etc.) of the higher strength material and the other
material, peak stresses can develop where face portion 113 couples
and/or transitions to support body 114. These peak stresses can
still lead to plastic deformation, cracking, and failure of club
head 100, at least with repeated use.
[0052] One possible solution to bridge the strength (e.g., yield
strength, ultimate strength, etc.) gap between the higher strength
material and the other material is to thicken club head 100 and/or
implement reinforcing structures (e.g., ribs) where face portion
113 couples and/or transitions to support body 114. Thickening club
head 100 and/or implementing reinforcing structures (e.g., ribs)
where face portion 113 couples and/or transitions to support body
114 can distribute stresses over more area and prevent the other
material from yielding. Another possible solution is to constrain
the difference in the strength (e.g., yield strength, ultimate
strength, etc.) of the higher strength material and the other
material. This latter solution can be advantageous compared to the
former solution because thickening club head 100 and/or
implementing reinforcing structures (e.g., ribs) where face portion
113 couples and/or transitions to support body 114 results in a
reduced ability to distribute mass elsewhere at club head 100.
Indeed, thickening club head 100 and/or implementing reinforcing
structures (e.g., ribs) where face portion 113 couples and/or
transitions to support body 114 may even offset the other mass
saved by thinning face 107 and/or face portion 113. Accordingly,
the latter approach can permit for increased ability to optimize
the center of gravity and moment of inertia of club head 100
because the area of club head 100 where face portion 113 couples
and/or transitions to support body 114 can require less mass.
Further, by not thickening club head 100 and/or implementing
reinforcing structures (e.g., ribs) where face portion 113 couples
and/or transitions to support body 114, the flexibility of face 107
and/or face portion 113 can be greater.
[0053] Accordingly, face portion 113 can comprise a first material,
and support body 114 can comprise a second material. The first
material can comprise a hardness, yield strength, and/or ultimate
strength of the first material, and the second material can
comprise a hardness, yield strength, and/or ultimate strength of
the second material. In many embodiments, the first material can
differ from the second material. Likewise, the yield strength
and/or ultimate strength of the first material can differ from the
yield strength and/or ultimate strength of the second material,
respectively.
[0054] In many embodiments, the yield strength of the first
material can be greater than or equal to approximately 910.0
MegaPascals, 1034 MegaPascals, 1242 MegaPascals, 1378 MegaPascals,
or 1720 MegaPascals. In some of these embodiments or in other
embodiments, the yield strength of the first material can be less
than or equal to approximately 1138, 1242, or 1720 MegaPascals. In
some specific embodiments, the yield strength of the first material
can be approximately 1172 MegaPascals or 1655 MegaPascals.
[0055] In some embodiments, the ultimate strength of the first
material can be greater than or equal to approximately 1034
MegaPascals or 1770 MegaPascals and/or can be less than or equal to
approximately 1275 MegaPascals or 2172 MegaPascals. In some
specific embodiments, the ultimate strength can be approximately
1724 MegaPascals, 1896 MegaPascals, or 1979 MegaPascals.
[0056] In some embodiments, the yield strength of the second
material can be greater than or equal to approximately 1103
MegaPascals. Further, the ultimate strength of the second material
can be greater than or equal to approximately 1276 MegaPascals.
[0057] In many embodiments, the yield strength of the second
material can be greater than or equal to approximately 275
MegaPascals, 344 MegaPascals, 551 MegaPascals, 689 MegaPascals, 758
MegaPascals, or 792 MegaPascals. In some of these embodiments or in
other embodiments, the yield strength of the second material can be
less than or equal to approximately 310 MegaPascals, 414
MegaPascals, 759 MegaPascals, 828 MegaPascals, 862 MegaPascals, or
897 MegaPascals.
[0058] Meanwhile, as introduced previously above, one or more
characteristics of the first material can be bound to those
corresponding characteristics of the second material, and vice
versa. For example, in many embodiments, a yield strength ratio of
the yield strength of the second material to the yield strength of
the first material can be greater than or equal to approximately
0.50. In some embodiments, the yield strength ratio can be greater
than or equal to approximately 0.63. In these or other embodiments,
an ultimate strength ratio of the ultimate strength of the second
material to the ultimate strength of the first material can be
greater than or equal to approximately 0.50. In some embodiments,
the ultimate strength ratio can be greater than or equal to
approximately 0.63. In further embodiments, the ultimate strength
can be greater than or equal to approximately 0.74. In these
embodiments, the exemplary yield strengths and/or ultimate
strengths provided would conform to the yield strength ratio and/or
the ultimate strength ratio.
[0059] In other embodiments, the hardness of the first material can
be greater than or equal to approximately 50 Rockwell Hardness
Scale C (HRC) and/or can be less than or equal to approximately 56
HRC. In some embodiments, the hardness can be approximately 52.5
HRC or 53.5 HRC.
[0060] In many embodiments, the first material can comprise iron
and/or titanium. In some embodiments, the first material can
comprise an iron alloy and/or a titanium alloy. In specific
examples, the first material can comprise carpenter grade 455 steel
and/or carpenter grade 475 steel. In other specific examples, the
first material can comprise Ti SSAT2041 titanium alloy, Ti SP700
titanium alloy, Ti 15-0-3 titanium alloy, Ti 15-5-3 titanium alloy,
or Ti-9 titanium alloy or any combination thereof
[0061] In many embodiments, the second material can comprise iron
and/or titanium. In some embodiments, the second material can
comprise an iron alloy and/or a titanium alloy. In specific
examples, the second material can comprise heat treated 17-4
stainless steel, 431SS steel, 8620 steel, 1020 steel, or 1025
steel. In other specific examples, the second material can comprise
Ti 6-4 titanium alloy, Ti 811 titanium alloy, or Ti 9S titanium
alloy or any combination thereof.
[0062] In many embodiments, a thickness of face portion 113 at the
face center of face portion 113 can be less than or equal to
approximately 0.1905 centimeters, 0.2540 centimeters, 0.2794
centimeters, 0.3556 centimeters, or 0.3683 centimeters. In some of
these embodiments, the thickness can be greater than or equal to
approximately 0.1143 centimeters, 0.1270 centimeters, 0.1828
centimeters, or 0.1905 centimeters.
[0063] In many embodiments, face portion 113 can consist
essentially of the first material. In these embodiments, the first
material can account for at least 90%, 95% or 98% of a volume of
face portion 113. In these or other embodiments, the first material
can contribute account for at least 90%, 95% or 98% of a weighted
average of the strength (e.g., yield strength and/or ultimate
strength) of face portion 113.
[0064] In many embodiments, support body 114 can consist
essentially of the second material. In these embodiments, the
second material can account for at least 90%, 95% or 98% of a
volume of support body 114. In these or other embodiments, the
second material can contribute account for at least 90%, 95% or 98%
of a weighted average of the strength (e.g., yield strength and/or
ultimate strength) of support body 114.
[0065] In some embodiments, crown 108 and/or crown support body 115
can consist essentially of the second material. In these
embodiments, the second material can account for at least 90%, 95%
or 98% of a volume of crown 108 and/or crown support body 115,
respectively. In these or other embodiments, the second material
can contribute account for at least 90%, 95% or 98% of a weighted
average of the strength (e.g., yield strength and/or ultimate
strength) of crown 108 and/or crown support body 115,
respectively.
[0066] In some embodiments, sole 109 and/or sole support body 116
can consist essentially of the second material. In these
embodiments, the second material can account for at least 90%, 95%
or 98% of a volume of sole 109 and/or sole support body 116,
respectively. In these or other embodiments, the second material
can contribute account for at least 90%, 95% or 98% of a weighted
average of the strength (e.g., yield strength and/or ultimate
strength) of sole 109 and/or sole support body 116,
respectively.
[0067] Notably, club head 100 can comprise elements other than face
portion 113 and support body 114, such as, for example, material
coatings, weights, ornamentation, etc.. Accordingly, the foregoing
discussion of embodiments where face portion 113 consists
essentially of the first material and/or where support body 113,
crown 108, crown support body 115, sole 109, and/or sole support
body 116 consists essentially of the second material is intended to
make clear that in some embodiments, the elements of club head 100
that do not materially contribute to the structural integrity of
club head 100 can be excluded from the concepts contemplated
herein.
[0068] Further, in some embodiments, it may not be necessary that
all of support body 114 comprise the second material. In these
embodiments, it may be sufficient that only part of support body
114 comprises the second material. For example, it may be
sufficient that support body 114 comprises the second material
within a certain distance away from the loft plane of club head 100
and/or the area of club head 100 where face portion 113 couples
and/or transitions to support body 114. For example, support body
114 can comprise the second material where support body 114 is
within 0.20 centimeters, 0.30 centimeters, or 0.40 centimeters of
the loft plane of club head 100 and/or the area of club head 100
where face portion 113 couples and/or transitions to support body
114. This distance can be measured in a direction parallel to a
front-rear axis of club head 100.
[0069] Moreover, although the foregoing generally discusses on
constraining strength ratios of face portion 113 to support body
114, these concepts can also be applied to other embodiments, such
as, for example, where crown 108 is coupled to a remainder of club
head 100 and/or where sole 109 is coupled to a remainder of club
head 100. In these embodiments, crown 108 or sole 109 could be
implemented with increased strength materials in comparison to the
remainder of club head 100. However, generally, applying these
concepts to embodiments where face portion 113 is coupled to
support body 114 may be more advantageous from the standpoint that
face portion 113 may experience more impact stresses than crown 108
and/or sole 109. Nonetheless, it may be desirable to apply one
these concepts in these other embodiments when club head 100 is
manufactured according to a crown pull or sole pull approach, as
opposed to a face pull approach.
[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates club head 100 when perimeter 123 of face
insert 117 is decoupled from perimeter 126 of face support body
118, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. Notably, FIG. 2 is
intended in part to provide visual context for rear surfaces 222,
225, 228, and 231.
[0071] Meanwhile, FIGS. 3-5 illustrate club head 100 from other
views. Specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of club head
100, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1; FIG. 4, illustrates a
toe side view of club head 100, according to the embodiment of FIG.
1; and FIG. 5 illustrates a front, bottom, heel side view of club
head 100, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0072] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 6 illustrates a flow
chart for an embodiment of method 600 of manufacturing a golf club
head. Method 600 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the
embodiments presented herein. Method 600 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein. In some embodiments, the activities, the
procedures, and/or the processes of method 600 can be performed in
the order presented. In other embodiments, the activities, the
procedures, and/or the processes of method 600 can be performed in
any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more
of the activities, the procedures, and/or the processes in method
600 can be combined or skipped. In many embodiments, the club head
can be similar or identical to club head 100 (FIGS. 1-5).
[0073] Method 600 can comprise activity 601 of providing a face
portion. The face portion can be similar or identical to face
portion 113 (FIGS. 1-5). FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary activity
601.
[0074] Activity 601 can comprise activity 701 of providing a first
material. The first material can be similar or identical to the
first material described above with respect to club head 100 (FIGS.
1-5).
[0075] In many embodiments, activity 601 also can comprise activity
702 of providing a face insert. The face insert can be similar or
identical to face insert 117 (FIGS. 1 & 2). In some
embodiments, activity 702 can be omitted.
[0076] In some embodiments, activity 601 can further comprise
activity 703 of casting the face portion of the first material.
[0077] In other embodiments, activity 601 can comprise activity 704
of forming the face portion of the first material. In many
embodiments, when activity 704 is performed, activity 703 can be
omitted, and vice versa.
[0078] Referring back to FIG. 6, method 600 can comprise activity
602 of providing a support body. The support body can be similar or
identical to support body 114 (FIGS. 1-5). FIG. 8 illustrates an
exemplary activity 602.
[0079] Activity 602 can comprise activity 801 of providing a second
material. The second material can be similar or identical to the
second material described above with respect to club head 100
(FIGS. 1-5).
[0080] Activity 602 also can comprise activity 802 of casting the
face portion of the second material.
[0081] Activity 602 can comprise activity 803 of forming the face
portion of the second material. In many embodiments, when activity
803 is performed, activity 802 can be omitted, and vice versa.
[0082] Referring again back to FIG. 6, method 600 can comprise
activity 603 of coupling the face portion to the support body.
Performing activity 603 can comprise coupling the face portion to
the support body in any suitable manner, such as, for example, as
provided for above with respect to club head 100 (FIGS. 1-5). In
many embodiments, performing activity 603 can comprise welding the
face portion to the support body.
[0083] Other embodiments can include (1) a method of manufacturing
a golf club head comprising providing a crown and providing a
remainder of the golf club head, and/or (2) a method of
manufacturing a golf club head comprising providing a sole and
providing a remainder of the golf club head. These embodiments can
be similar to method 600 but with respect to a higher strength
(e.g., yield strength and/or ultimate strength) crown or sole.
[0084] Although the golf club heads and related methods herein have
been described with reference to specific embodiments, various
changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of
the present disclosure. For example, to one of ordinary skill in
the art, it will be readily apparent that activities 601-603 of
FIG. 6, activities 701-704 of FIG. 7, and/or activities 801-803 of
FIG. 8 may be comprised of many different procedures, processes,
and activities and be performed by many different modules, in many
different orders, that any element of FIGS. 1-8 may be modified,
and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments
does not necessarily represent a complete description of all
possible embodiments.
[0085] Further, while the above examples may be described in
connection with a wood-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods,
and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to
other types of golf clubs such as an iron-type golf club, a
wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively,
the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a
hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.
[0086] Additional examples of such changes and others have been
given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of the
different embodiments having one or more of the features of the
various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the
specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application
shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended
claims.
[0087] The club heads and related methods discussed herein may be
implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing
discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily
represent 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
disclose alternative embodiments.
[0088] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard 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, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly
stated in such claim.
[0089] As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new
regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or
modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies
such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment
related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules
of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related
to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as
conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0090] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *
References