U.S. patent application number 15/403291 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for club head sets with varying characteristics and related methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Cory S. Bacon, Martin R. Jertson, Ryan M. Stokke.
Application Number | 20170120112 15/403291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58638130 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170120112 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stokke; Ryan M. ; et
al. |
May 4, 2017 |
CLUB HEAD SETS WITH VARYING CHARACTERISTICS AND RELATED METHODS
Abstract
Embodiments of golf clubs head sets with varying characteristics
are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also
generally described herein.
Inventors: |
Stokke; Ryan M.; (Anthem,
AZ) ; Jertson; Martin R.; (Cave Creek, AZ) ;
Bacon; Cory S.; (Cave Creek, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58638130 |
Appl. No.: |
15/403291 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14306033 |
Jun 16, 2014 |
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15403291 |
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13096944 |
Apr 28, 2011 |
8753230 |
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14306033 |
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12791734 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
8690710 |
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13096944 |
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12791738 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
8574094 |
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12791734 |
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12791740 |
Jun 1, 2010 |
8657700 |
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12791738 |
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11828260 |
Jul 25, 2007 |
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12791740 |
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11828260 |
Jul 25, 2007 |
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11828260 |
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11828260 |
Jul 25, 2007 |
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11828260 |
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61323349 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
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61323349 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
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61323349 |
Apr 12, 2010 |
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61453904 |
Mar 17, 2011 |
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62318665 |
Apr 5, 2016 |
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62277342 |
Jan 11, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/54 20151001;
A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/0458 20200801; A63B 2053/0479
20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B
2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/005 20200801;
A63B 53/04 20130101; A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 53/0454 20200801;
A63B 60/02 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a top region; a sole region
opposite the top region; a toe region; a heel region opposite the
toe region; a support structure having a central support bar and a
bottom support bar; a strike face having a front face and a back
face opposite the front face, and a non-uniform thickness, wherein
a thinnest portion of the strike face has a thickness less than or
equal to approximately 0.080 inch, measured as the minimum
perpendicular distance from the front face to the back face of the
strike face; and a cavity configured to receive an insert, wherein
the contact area of the insert with the back face comprises 20%-45%
of the surface area of the front face.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the central support bar
has a width that increases from near the top region to near the
sole region, and the bottom support bar has a height that decreases
from near the center to near the heel region and the toe
region.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the strike face further
comprises: a central zone comprising a portion of the strike face
reinforced by the central support bar; a heel zone comprising a
portion of the strike face devoid of reinforcement from the support
structure near the heel region of the club head; a toe zone
comprising a portion of the strike face devoid of reinforcement
from the support structure near the toe region of the club head;
and a perimeter zone comprising a portion of the strike face
surrounding the central zone, the heel zone, the toe zone, and the
bottom support bar; wherein, the thickness of the strike face in
the heel zone is approximately the same as the thickness of the
strike face in the toe zone, the thickness of the strike face in
the heel zone and the toe zone is less than the thickness of the
strike face in the central zone, and the thickness of the strike
face in the central zone is less than the thickness of the strike
face in the perimeter zone.
4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cavity further
comprises a volume ranging from approximately 4.5 cc to
approximately 5.0 cc.
5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the volume of the cavity
is greater than or equal to approximately 4.0 cc.
6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the insert extends past
the opening of the cavity adjacent to the back face.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the insert extends past
an opening of the cavity adjacent to the back face by a distance of
approximately 0.15 inch to 0.20 inch.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the insert extends past
an opening of the cavity adjacent to the back face by a distance
less than or equal to approximately 0.25 inch.
9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the moment of inertia
about an x-axis extending through a center of gravity of the club
head from the heel region to the toe region is greater than or
equal to 80 gin.sup.2.
10. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the moment of inertia
about a y-axis extending through a center of gravity of the club
head from the top region to the sole region is greater than or
equal to 350 gin.sup.2.
11. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the cavity comprises: a
cavity inner section; a cavity outer section; a cavity heel zone; a
cavity toe zone; and a cavity center zone; wherein the cavity is
wider at the cavity center zone than at either of the cavity heel
zone or the cavity toe zone; and a distance between the front face
and an exposed surface of the cavity inner section is greater at
the cavity heel zone and at the cavity toe zone than at the cavity
center zone.
12. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the thinnest portion of
the strike face has a thickness less than or equal to approximately
0.075 inch.
13. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the thinnest portion of
the strike face has a thickness less than or equal to approximately
0.070 inch.
14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face comprises 25%-45% of the surface area of
the front face.
15. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face comprises 30%-45% of the surface area of
the front face.
16. A golf club head comprising: a top region; a sole region
opposite the top region; a toe region; a heel region opposite the
toe region; a support structure having a central support bar and a
bottom support bar; a strike face having a front face, a back face
opposite the front face, a top end, a bottom end opposite the top
end, an upper region, a lower region, and a non-uniform thickness;
a cavity configured to receive an insert, wherein the contact area
of the insert with the back face comprises 20%-45% of the surface
area of the front face; wherein the upper region of the strike face
is positioned between a top of the cavity and the top end of the
strike face, and includes a minimum upper thickness less than or
equal to 0.090 inch; and the lower region of the strike face is
positioned between a top of the cavity and the bottom end of the
strikeface, and includes a minimum lower thickness less than or
equal to 0.10 inch.
17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face comprises 25%-45% of the surface area of
the front face.
18. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face comprises 30%-45% of the surface area of
the front face.
19. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face is greater than 0.9 in.sup.2.
20. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the contact area of the
insert with the back face is greater than 1.0 in.sup.2.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/306,033, filed on Jun. 16, 2014, which is a
continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/096,944, filed on Apr. 28, 2011. Meanwhile, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/096,944 is a continuation-in-part
application of (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,734,
(now U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,710) filed on Jun. 1, 2010, (ii) U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 12/791,738, (now U.S. Pat. No.
8,574,094) filed on Jun. 1, 2010, and (iii) U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 12/791,740, (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,700) filed on Jun. 1,
2010, each of which claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/323,349, filed on Apr. 12, 2010, and each of
which are continuation-in-part applications of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/828,260, (now abandoned) filed on Jul. 25,
2007. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/096,944 also claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/453,904,
filed on Mar. 17, 2011. The contents of all of the above described
applications are fully incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/277,342, filed on Jan. 11, 2016, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/318,665, filed on Apr. 5,
2016, wherein each are fully incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and
relates more particularly to club heads and related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Golf clubs and specifically golf club heads of various
designs have typically been developed to improve a person's golf
swing and resulting golf shot. In particular, many people are
unable to hit or lack consistency when hitting "down" on a ball,
that is, to regularly hit the ball squarely. Golf club designs and,
particularly, golf club head designs may optimize a golf club
head's weighting scheme, such as the golf club head's center of
gravity position and moments of inertia. Such designs may mitigate
a person's inconsistency problems. Back weighting and/or an
additional lower toe weighting may strategically position the
center of gravity and may induce the person during his swing to hit
"down" on the ball, thus, hitting the ball squarely.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary golf
club head according to an embodiment of the golf clubs and methods
of manufacture described herein;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary golf club
head of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of the
exemplary golf club head, taken from a section line 3-3 in FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded, cross-sectional view of the
exemplary golf club head, taken from a section line 4-4 in FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary golf
club head of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram representation of one manner
in which a golf club head may be manufactured;
[0011] FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram representation of one manner
in which a golf club may be manufactured;
[0012] FIG. 8 presents a rear view of a club head of a club head
set with varying characteristics according to an embodiment of the
golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein;
[0013] FIG. 9 presents a toe side view of the club head of FIG.
8;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of a body of the club head
of FIG. 8, where the club head is in a disassembled state;
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of a body of another club
head of the club head set of the club head of FIG. 8, where the
club head is in a disassembled state;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of a body of yet another
club head of the club head set of the club head of FIG. 8, where
the club head s in a disassembled state;
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head
of FIGS. 8 and 10 along a line 13-13 of FIG. 10;
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head
of FIG. 11 along a line 14-14 of FIG. 11;
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head
of FIG. 12 along a line 15-15 of FIG. 12;
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a chart of an exemplary relationship
between support bar width relative to loft angle for the exemplary
club head set of FIGS. 8-15;
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates several club heads of a club head set
with varying characteristics according to an embodiment of the golf
clubs and methods of manufacture described herein;
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the club head
of FIG. 8 along line 18-18 from FIG. 8;
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a chart of exemplary relationship
between loft angle and distances between lower toe inserts to front
faces for the exemplary club heads of FIGS. 8-18 according to an
embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described
herein;
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing a
club head set similar to the club head sets described for FIGS.
8-19;
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of another method for
providing a club head set similar to the club head sets described
for FIGS. 8-19 according to an embodiment of the golf clubs and
methods of manufacture described herein;
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a chart with sample ranges for
relationships between the support bar widths and the loft
angles/club head numbers;
[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a chart with sample ranges for
relationships between the distances from the lower toe inserts to
the club head front faces and the loft angles/club head numbers;
and
[0028] FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing a
club head similar to the club head shown in FIGS. 8-10, 13, and
18.
[0029] FIG. 25 illustrates a rear view of a club head of a club
head set with varying characteristics according to an embodiment of
the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein.
[0030] FIG. 26 illustrates a rear view of another club head of the
club head set of FIG. 25.
[0031] FIG. 27 illustrates a rear view of yet another club head of
the club head set of FIG. 25.
[0032] FIG. 28 illustrates a top "x-ray" view of the club head of
FIG. 25 poised to strike a golf ball.
[0033] FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of a club head similar to
that of FIG. 25 and with a varying stabilizing bar.
[0034] FIG. 30 illustrates a rear view of a club head similar to
that of FIG. 25 and with a plurality of stabilizing bars.
[0035] FIG. 31 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing a
club head set in accordance with FIGS. 25-30.
[0036] FIG. 32 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary golf club
head according to an embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of
manufacture described herein.
[0037] FIG. 33 illustrates a cross sectional view taken from a
section line 33-33 of the golf club head of FIG. 32.
[0038] FIG. 34 illustrates another rear view of the exemplary golf
club head of FIG. 32.
[0039] 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 golf clubs and
their methods of manufacture. 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 golf clubs and their methods of
manufacture. The same reference numerals in different figures
denote the same elements.
[0040] 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 of golf clubs
and methods of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or
otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "contain,"
"include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to
cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method,
article, 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,
article, or apparatus.
[0041] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"side," "under," "over," 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 golf clubs
and methods of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated
or otherwise described herein. The term "coupled," as used herein,
is defined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical,
physical, mechanical, or other manner.
DESCRIPTION
[0042] In one embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of
manufacture described herein, a golf club head comprises a body
having a toe region, a heel region opposite the toe region, a sole
region, and a top region opposite the sole region. The golf club
head further comprises a front face, a first back opposite the
front face, a second back opposite the front face and extending
farther from the front face than the first back. The second back
extends from the heel region to the toe region, and extends from
the sole region to about a midpoint between the sole region and the
top region. The golf cub head further comprises a first cavity
between the first back and the second back, and a second cavity
integral with the second back at the toe region. This embodiment
may further comprise a first weight that is inserted in the first
cavity and a second weight inserted in the second cavity.
[0043] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, a golf club head comprises a body comprising a front
face, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, and a
sole. The sole extends from the heel region to the toe region, and
the sole extends from the front face to a back sole edge. The golf
club head further comprises a top opposite the sole, and a first
back opposite the front face and substantially parallel to the
front face. The first back extends from the heel region to the toe
region, and extends from a midpoint between the sole and the top,
to the top. The golf club head further comprises a second back
opposite the front face extending from the back sole edge to about
the midpoint. The golf club head further comprises a rectangular
first cavity between the second back and the front face, and a
second cavity integral with the second back at the toe region. This
embodiment may further comprise a first weight that is inserted in
the first cavity and a second weight inserted in the second
cavity.
[0044] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, a golf club comprises a golf club head described
herein and coupled to a shaft. The golf club further comprises a
hosel ratio of 0.75 wherein, the hosel ratio comprises a hosel
distance to a front face distance. The hosel distance extends from
a point at the heel region to a second end opposite the first end,
and the front face distance comprises a distance measured along the
front face from the point to a toe edge and substantially parallel
to the sole. The golf club may further comprise a first weight to
occupy the first cavity and a second weight to occupy the second
cavity.
[0045] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a
method for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a
body having a toe region, a heel region opposite the toe region, a
sole region, and a top region opposite the sole region. This
embodiment further comprises a front face, a first back opposite
the front face, a second back opposite the front face and extending
farther from the front face than the first back. The second back
extends from the heel region to the toe region, and extends from
the sole region to about a midpoint between the sole region and the
top region. The body is further provided to comprise a first cavity
between the first back and the second back, and a second cavity
integral with the second back at the toe region. This embodiment
may further comprise providing a first weight that is inserted in
the first cavity and providing a second weight inserted in the
second cavity.
[0046] There can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a club head set can comprise two or more club
heads, each comprising a loft angle, a front face, a back face
opposite the front face, and one or more support bars protruded
from the back face. The loft angle can be incrementally varied
across the two or more club heads, and a characteristic of the one
or more support bars is incrementally varied across the two or more
club heads as the loft angle is incrementally varied across the two
or more club heads.
[0047] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a club head set can comprise first and second club
heads. The first club head can comprise a first loft angle, a first
front face, and a first back portion comprising a first heel
region, a first toe region, a first back face opposite the first
front face and extended between the first heel and toe regions, and
one or more first support bars coupled to the first back face. The
second club head can comprise a second loft angle, a second front
face, and a second back portion comprising a second heel region, a
second toe region, a second back face opposite the second front
face and extended between the second head and toe regions, and one
or more second support bars coupled to the second back face. In
such examples, the first loft angle is greater than the second loft
angle, and an attribute of the one or more first support bars is
greater than an attribute of the one or more second support
bars.
[0048] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a method can comprise providing a club head set.
Providing the club head set can comprise providing a first club
head, the first club head comprising a first loft angle, a first
front face, and a first back portion comprising, a first heel
region, a first toe region, a first back face opposite the first
front face and extended between the first heel and toe regions, and
one or more first support bars coupled to the first back face, the
one or more first support bars comprising a first support bar
characteristic. Providing the club head set can also comprise
providing a second club head, the second club head comprising a
second loft angle, a second front face and a second back portion
comprising a second heel region, a second toe region, a second back
face opposite the second front face and extended between the second
heel and toe regions, and one or more second support bars coupled
to the second back face, the one or more second support bars
comprising a second support bar characteristic. In such examples,
providing the first club head comprises providing the first loft
angle to be greater than the second loft angle, and providing the
first support bar characteristic to be greater than the second
support bar characteristic.
[0049] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a club head set can comprise two or more club
heads, each comprising a loft angle, a front face, and a backside
comprising a back face opposite the front face, and a weight
located only at a lower toe section of the backside. In such
examples, the loft angle can be varied across the two or more club
heads, a first characteristic of the weight can be varied across
the two or more club heads, a second characteristic of the weight
can be varied across the two or more club heads, and the first and
second characteristics can be inversely varied relative to each
other.
[0050] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a club head set can comprise first and second club
heads. The first club head can comprise a first loft angle, a first
front face, and a first back portion that comprises a first heel
region, a first toe region comprising a first lower toe section,
and a first back face opposite the first front face and extended
between the first heel and first toe regions. The second club head
can comprise a second loft angle, a second front face, and a second
back portion that comprises a second heel region, a second toe
region comprising a second lower toe section, and a second back
face opposite the second front face and extended between the second
heel and second toe regions. The first club head can also comprise
a first weight at the first lower toe section of the first toe
region, and the second club head can also comprise a second weight
at the second lower toe section of the second toe region. In such
examples, the first loft angle can be greater than the second loft
angle, the first and second weights can comprise substantially
similar masses, the first and second weights each comprise first
dimensions corresponding to each other, and the first and second
weights each comprise second dimensions corresponding to each
other. When the first dimension of the first weight is greater than
the first dimension of the second weight, the second dimension of
the second weight can be greater than the second dimension of the
first weight. When the second dimension of the first weight is
greater than the second dimension of the second weight, the first
dimension of the second weight can be greater than the first
dimension of the first weight.
[0051] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a method can comprise providing a club head set.
Providing the club head set can comprise providing a first club
head of the club head set, and providing a second club head of the
club head set. The first club head can comprise a first loft angle,
a first front face, and a first back portion comprising a first
back face opposite the first front face and extended between heel
and toe regions of the first back portion and a first lower toe
section comprising a first cavity. The second club head can
comprise a second loft angle, a second front face, and a second
back portion comprising a second back face opposite the second
front face and extended between heel and toe regions of the second
back portion, and a second lower toe section comprising a second
cavity. Providing the first club head can comprise providing a
first weight at the first cavity, and providing the first loft
angle to be greater than the second loft angle. Providing the
second club head can comprise providing a second weight at the
second cavity. Providing the first weight can comprise providing a
first length, a first width, and a first depth of the first weight.
Providing the second weight can comprises providing a second length
and a second width of the second weight such that at least one of
the second length of the second weight is greater than the first
length of the first weight, or the second width of the second
weight is greater than the first width of the first weight.
Providing the second weight can also comprise providing a second
depth of the second weight such that the first depth of the first
weight is greater than the second depth of the second weight.
[0052] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a golf club head can comprise a front face and a
back portion. The back portion can comprise a heel region, a toe
region, a center region between the heel and toe regions, a back
end extended between the heel and toe regions, and a cavity. The
cavity can comprise a cavity heel zone, a cavity toe zone, a cavity
center zone between the cavity heel and toe zones, a cavity inner
section located towards the front face, and a cavity outer section
located towards the back end. The cavity can be wider at the cavity
center zone than at the cavity heel and toe zones.
[0053] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a method can comprise providing an insert for a
golf club head and/or providing a body of a club head. Providing
the insert can comprise providing insert heel and toe zones, and
providing an insert center zone between the insert heel and toe
zones that is thicker than the insert heel and toe zones. Providing
the body can comprise providing a back face and a back end at a
back portion of the body, and providing a cavity between the back
face and the back end. The cavity can comprise a cavity inner
section adjacent to the back face, a cavity outer section opposite
the back end, cavity heel and toe zones, and a cavity center zone
between the cavity heel and toe zones that is thicker than the
cavity heel and toe zones. The insert can be provided to be at
least partially housed in the cavity.
[0054] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a golf club head can comprise a back portion of a
body of the club head, and an insert. The back portion can comprise
a heel region, a toe region, a center region between the heel and
toe regions, a back surface opposite the front face and extended
between the heel and toe regions, a back wall extended between the
heel and toe regions, and a cavity located between the back surface
and the back wall. The cavity can comprise a cavity heel zone, a
cavity toe zone, a cavity center zone between the cavity heel and
toe zones, a cavity inner wall comprising a portion of the back
surface, and a cavity outer wall located opposite the back wall.
The insert can comprise an insert heel zone, an insert toe zone, an
insert center zone between the insert heel and toe zones, an insert
inner wall complementary to the cavity inner wall, and an insert
outer wall complementary to the cavity outer wall. The golf club
head can comprise a moment of inertia about the center region. The
insert can be configured to be at least partially housed in the
cavity. The cavity can be wider, from the cavity inner wall to the
cavity outer wall, at the cavity center zone than at the cavity
heel and toe zones. The insert can be wider, from the insert inner
wall to the insert outer wall, at the insert center zone than at
the insert heel and toe zones. A distribution of mass of the cavity
inner wall can be concentrated at the cavity center zone. A
distribution of mass of the insert can be shifted away from the
insert heel and toe zones and towards the insert center zone. A
density of a body of the golf club head can be greater than a
density of the insert. A first portion of the moment of inertia
contributed by the body of the club head at the cavity heel and toe
zones can be greater than a second portion of the moment of inertia
contributed by the insert at the insert heel and toe zones. The
insert heel and toe zones can be obtusely angled relative to each
other about the insert center zone and along the insert inner wall.
The cavity inner wall can be obtusely angled complementarily to the
insert inner wall. The insert can comprise a grip portion to aid
during removal of the insert from the cavity, where the grip
portion can be configured to remain external to the cavity when the
insert is housed in the cavity.
[0055] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a golf club head set can comprise a first club
head comprising a first strike face, a first back face opposite the
first strike face, a first top end, a first bottom end opposite the
first top end, a first toe end, a first toe region comprising the
first toe end, a first heel end opposite the first toe end, a first
heel region comprising the first heel end, and a first vertical
axis extended substantially perpendicularly through the first top
end and the first bottom ends, and extended between the first heel
and first toe regions. The first back face can comprise a first
cavity located at the toe region and comprising a first cavity base
and a first cavity wall bounding at least a portion of the first
cavity base. The first back face can also comprise a first bar
comprising a first bar axis extending along a length of the first
bar. The first bar can be protruded from the first cavity base and
extend diagonally, relative to the first vertical axis, across at
least a first portion of the first cavity. The first bar axis can
intersect the first vertical axis and extend therefrom towards the
first toe end and the first top end.
[0056] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a golf club head set can comprise a first club
head comprising a first strike face, a first back face opposite the
first strike face, a first top end, a first bottom end opposite the
first top end, a first toe end, a first toe region comprising the
first toe end, a first heel end opposite the first toe end, a first
heel region comprising the first heel end, and a first vertical
axis extended substantially perpendicularly through the first top
end and the first bottom end and extended between the first heel
region and the first toe region. The first back face can comprise a
first cavity located at the toe region and comprising a first
cavity base and a first cavity wall bounding the first cavity base.
The first back face can also comprise a first bar protruded from
the first cavity base, angled at a first bar angle relative to the
first vertical axis, and extending across the first cavity. The
first back face can also comprise a first hourglass support
protruded from the first back face and comprising top and bottom
portions a middle portion narrower than the top and bottom
portions, and heel and toe sidewalls defining the top, middle, and
bottom portions of the first hourglass support therebetween. The
toe sidewall of the first hourglass support can protrude above the
first cavity base. The first cavity wall can comprise the toe
sidewall of the first hourglass support.
[0057] There also can be examples in accordance with the present
disclosure where a method for providing a golf club head set can
comprise providing a first club head of one or more club heads
comprising diagonal stabilizing bars. A first vertical axis can
extend through a first top end and a first bottom end of the first
club head, and between a first heel region and a first toe region
of the first club head. Providing the first club head can comprise
providing a first back face opposite a first strike face of the
first club head, providing a first cavity at the first back face
and the first toe region, and providing a first bar within and
protruded from the first cavity. The first bar can comprise a first
bar axis extending along a length of the first bar. The diagonal
stabilizing bars of the one or more club heads can comprise the
first bar. Providing the first cavity can comprise providing a
first cavity base, and providing a first cavity wall bounding the
first cavity base. Providing the first bar can comprise aligning
the first bar diagonally at a first bar angle relative to the first
vertical axis such that the first bar axis intersects the first
vertical axis and extends therefrom towards a first toe end and the
first top end of the first club head.
[0058] Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club
head comprises a strike face, a back face opposite the strike face,
a top end, a bottom end opposite the top end, a toe end, a toe
region comprising the toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, and
a heel region comprising the heel end. Further, the golf club head
comprises a vertical axis. The vertical axis extends substantially
perpendicularly to a horizontal centerline of the back face, is
located approximately mid-way between the toe end and the heel end,
extends through the top end and the bottom end, and demarcates the
heel region from the toe region. Further still, the golf club head
comprises a perimeter weight at the back face extending away from
the strike face and along at least the top end and the bottom end
of the club head. Also, the golf club head comprises an hourglass
support at the back face traversing the vertical axis and extending
between the perimeter weight at the top end and the perimeter
weight at the bottom end. The hourglass support comprises top and
bottom hourglass portions, a middle hourglass portion narrower than
the top and bottom hourglass portions, and heel and toe hourglass
sidewalls defining the top, middle, and bottom hourglass portions
of the hourglass support therebetween. In these embodiments, the
middle hourglass portion can be located above the horizontal
centerline to raise a center of gravity of the golf club head,
and/or the top hourglass portion can be wider and/or thicker than
the bottom hourglass portion to raise the center of gravity of the
golf club head. Further in these or other embodiments, the golf
club head can be part of a set of golf club heads.
[0059] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, a golf club comprises a golf club head having a top
region, a sole region opposite the top region, a toe region, a heel
region opposite the toe region, a support structure having a
central support bar and a bottom support bar, a strike face having
a front face and a back face opposite the front face, wherein a
thinnest portion of the strike face has a thickness less than or
equal to approximately 0.080 inches, measured as the minimum
perpendicular distance from the front face to the back face of the
strike face, and a cavity configured to receive an insert, wherein
the contact area of the insert with the back face comprises 20%-45%
of the surface area of the front face.
[0060] In some embodiments, the central support bar has a width
that increases from near the top region to near the sole region,
and the bottom support bar has a height that decreases from near
the center to near the heel region and the toe region of the club
head.
[0061] In some embodiments, the strike face of the club head can
further comprise a central zone comprising a portion of the strike
face reinforced by the central support bar, a heel zone comprising
a portion of the strike face devoid of reinforcement from the
support structure near the heel region of the club head, a toe zone
comprising a portion of the strike face devoid of reinforcement
from the support structure near the toe region of the club head, a
perimeter zone comprising a portion of the strike face surrounding
the central zone, the heel zone, the toe zone, and the bottom
support bar, wherein the thickness of the strike face in the heel
zone is approximately the same as the thickness of the strike face
in the toe zone, the thickness of the strike face in the heel zone
and the toe zone is less than the thickness of the strike face in
the central zone, and the thickness of the strike face in the
central zone is less than the thickness of the strike face in the
perimeter zone.
[0062] In some embodiments, the cavity of the club head can
comprise a volume ranging from approximately 4.5 cc to
approximately 5.0 cc. In some embodiments, the cavity of the club
head can comprise a volume greater than or equal to approximately
4.0 cc.
[0063] In some embodiments, the insert can extend past the opening
of the cavity adjacent to the back face by a distance of
approximately 0.15 inches to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the
insert can extend past the opening of the cavity adjacent to the
back face by a distance less than or equal to approximately 0.25
inches.
[0064] In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the club head
about the x-axis extending through the center of gravity of the
club head from the heel region to the toe region is greater than or
equal to approximately 80 gin.sup.2. In some embodiments, the
moment of inertia of the club head about the y-axis extending
through the center of gravity of the club head from the top region
to the sole region is greater than or equal to approximately 350
gin.sup.2.
[0065] Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein.
Such examples and embodiments may be found in the figures, in the
claims, and/or in the description of the present application.
[0066] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a rear,
exploded perspective view of an exemplary golf club head 100
according to an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, and FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf club
head 100. In one embodiment of the golf clubs and methods of
manufacture described herein, the golf club head 100 comprises a
body 101 having a toe region 110, a heel region 120 opposite the
toe region 110, a hosel 105 at the heel region 120, a sole region
130, and a top region 140 opposite the sole region 130. The sole
region 130 may extend from the heel region 120 to the toe region
110, and the sole region 130 may extend from a front face 250 (FIG.
2) to a back sole edge 165. In a different embodiment, the golf
club head 100 may have a bore (not shown), instead of the hosel
105, at the heel region 120.
[0067] The golf club head 100 further comprises a first back 160
(FIG. 1) opposite the front face 250 (FIG. 2), a second back 170
(FIG. 1) opposite the front face 250 (FIG. 2) and extending farther
from the front face 250 (FIG. 2) than the first back 160 (FIG. 1),
as explained in more detail hereinafter. The first back 160 may be
substantially parallel to the front face 250 (FIG. 2) and the first
back 160 may extend from the heel region 120 to the toe region 110.
The first back 160 may also extend from the sole 130 to a midpoint
115 (FIG. 1) between the sole region 130 and the top region 140,
and may further extend from the midpoint 115 to the top region 140.
The second back 170 (FIG. 1) may extend from the heel region 120 to
the toe region 110, and may extend from the sole region 130 to
about the midpoint 115 (FIG. 1) between the sole region 130 and the
top region 140, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5. In a different
embodiment, back face 170 (FIG. 1) may extend from the sole region
130 beyond the midpoint 115, or the back face 170 may extend from
the sole region 130 below the midpoint 115.
[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the golf club head 100
further comprises a first cavity 180 between the first back 160 and
the second back 170. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first cavity 180
separates the first back 160 from the second back 170, and vice
versa. According to the various embodiments described herein, the
golf clubs and methods of manufacture comprise the first cavity 180
to have a rectangular shape, but other configurations are
contemplated. For example, the first cavity 180 may comprise an
irregular shape, or a different regular shape, for example,
triangular, circular, octagonal, hexagonal, and the like. In
another example, the first cavity 180 may comprise a symmetrical
shape or an asymmetrical shape. Moreover, the first cavity 180 may
comprise various dimensions.
[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the golf club head 100 also
comprises a second cavity 190 integral with the second back 170 at
the lower toe region 110. Similar to the first cavity 180, the
second cavity 190 may also comprise various shape and dimensional
configurations. The shape and dimensional of the first cavity 180
and the second cavity 190 may be determined by the variables that
optimize the utility of the golf club head 100, and to adjust the
moments of inertia, the center of gravity, and the like. Also, the
golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein, may further
comprise cavities that vary in volume, and the volume may depend
upon the desired design of the golf club head. Although the above
examples may describe two cavities (e.g., the first and second
cavities 180 and 190), the golf clubs and methods of manufacture
described herein may include additional cavities.
[0070] This embodiment of golf club head 100 may further comprises
a first weight 185 that is inserted in the first cavity 180 and a
second weight 195 that is inserted in the second cavity 190.
According to the various embodiments described herein, first weight
185 and second weight 195 may comprise various shapes and
dimensional configurations. For example, the first weight 185 and
the second weight 195 may comprise shapes and dimensions that are
complimentary to the respective cavities into which they are
inserted (e.g., the first and second cavities 180 and 190,
respectively). In another example, the first weight 185 and the
second weight 195 may comprise shapes that only partially occupy
the cavities into which they are inserted, or the first weight 185
and the second weight 195 may comprise shapes that overfill the
first and second cavities 180 and 190, respectively. The first
weight 185 and the second weight 195 can comprise various
materials. In one embodiment, the first weight 185 comprises a
metal matrix material. In another embodiment, the first weight 185
comprises a polymer, and may be either a thermoset or thermoplastic
polymer. First weight 185 may comprise a specific gravity of
approximately 1 g/cm.sup.3 (grams per cubed centimeter) to
approximately 9 g/cm3 in some examples. The second weight 195 may
comprise a metal, and may be either a single elemental metal such
as iron, or a metal alloy, such as tungsten or titanium alloy. In
this embodiment, the first weight 185 comprises a metal matrix
material because it generally provides the ability to adjust the
back weighting more so than the lightest, or least dense metal or
metal alloy, and the second weight 195 comprises a metal because an
outer toe weight may be beneficial to induce a golfer to swing
"downwardly" and "outwardly." In another embodiment, the first
weight 185 and the second weight 195 may comprise of the same
material, such as a polymer, a composite, a metal, or a metal
alloy. The body 101 can comprise standard golf club head materials
such as iron, iron alloys, titanium alloys, and the like, and the
first weight 185 and the second weight 195 can comprise the same or
different materials as the body 101. As with the shape
determination for the first and second cavities, the material
determination may be similarly dependant upon the variables that
maximize the utility of the golf club head, and other material
configurations other than those specifically described are
contemplated.
[0071] In another embodiment of golf clubs and methods of
manufacture, and with reference to FIG. 2 a golf club 200 comprises
the golf club head 100 coupled to a shaft 208. In this embodiment,
the golf club 200 may further comprise a hosel ratio of 0.75. The
hosel ratio comprises a hosel distance 203 to a front face distance
253. The hosel distance 203 measures from a first end 206 at about
the heel region 120 to a second end 207 opposite the first end 206.
The first end 206 is located at a point 204 where a linear portion
of the hosel 105 begins to curve into the front face 250. The front
face distance 253 comprises the distance measured along the front
face 250 from the point 204 to a toe edge 211 and substantially
parallel to the sole 130. The golf club 200 may further comprise,
for example as shown in FIG. 1, the first weight 185 to occupy the
first cavity 180 and the second weight 195 to occupy the second
cavity 190.
[0072] The golf club 200, as described herein with the cavities and
inserted weights of the golf club head 100, provides for an
exemplary golf club that assists a golfer to improve his or her
golf swing by allowing for customization of the back weight and toe
weight in the club head 100. Furthermore, among the various
embodiments described herein, the golf clubs and their methods of
manufacture may be for irons, drivers, fairway woods, hybrids,
putter, and or other suitable types of clubs.
[0073] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a
method 600 for manufacturing a golf club head comprises providing a
golf club head (a block 610). The golf club head of the block 610
may be similar to the golf club head 100 shown in FIGS. 1-5. Method
600 further comprises determining a first weight (a block 620),
securing the first weight in a first cavity (a block 630),
determining a second weight (a block 640), and securing the second
weight in a second cavity (a block 650). As an example, the first
weight of the block 620 may be similar to the first weight 185 of
FIG. 1, and the second weight of the block 640 may be similar to
the second weight 195 of FIG. 1.
[0074] Furthermore, the determining step in the block 620 may
include having a professional golf technician analyze a golfer's
swing. Depending on the swing analyzed by the professional golf
technician, a lighter or heavier weight may be determined.
Similarly, the determining step in the block 640 may likewise
include determining whether to use a lighter or heavier weight
based upon analysis of a golfers swing by a professional golf
technician. In addition or alternatively, software, firmware,
and/or hardware may be used to determine the first weight (e.g.,
monitor, measure, and/or analyze various parameters associated with
an individual's golf swing).
[0075] In an embodiment of golf clubs and methods of manufacture, a
method 700 for manufacturing a golf club, comprises providing a
golf club head (the block 610), determining a first weight (the
block 620), securing the first weight in a first cavity (the block
630), determining a second weight (the block 640), securing the
second weight in a second cavity (the block 650), and coupling the
body to a golf club shaft (a block 760). As an example, the shaft
of the block 760 may be similar to the shaft 208 of FIG. 2. Also,
the coupling step of the block 760 can include taping, adhering,
welding, swaging, or other suitable techniques.
[0076] According to the method embodiments described herein, the
method for securing the first and/or second weight(s) comprises any
process to secure the weights in their respective cavities. For
example, if either of the weights comprises a polymer material,
then the weights may be glued and/or secured by an adhesive. If,
for example, either of the weights is made of metal, then the
weights may be similarly glued or secured by an adhesive, and
additionally may be secured by any other known method for securing
a metal within a cavity, such as welding, swaging, and the
like.
[0077] Although a particular order of actions is illustrated in
FIGS. 6 and 7, these actions may be performed in other temporal
sequences. For example, the actions depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7 may
be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Also,
the blocks 640 and 650 can be performed before the blocks 620 and
630, and the blocks 620 and 640 may be performed before the blocks
630 and 650.
[0078] The providing steps in the described methods of FIGS. 6 and
7 may include designing and/or manufacturing a golf club head. As
an example, body 100 in FIG. 5 may be manufactured using a metal
casting process. Furthermore, the described methods may be used to
manufacture the other aspects of body 100 described with reference
to FIGS. 1-5.
[0079] Continuing with the figures, FIG. 8 presents a rear view of
club head 800 of club head set 80 according to an embodiment of the
golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein. FIG. 9
presents a toe side view of club head 800. FIG. 10 illustrates a
rear view of body 801 of club head 800, where club head 800 is in a
disassembled state. Club head 800 is similar to club head 100
(FIGS. 1-5), and comprises loft angle 955 (FIG. 9) between front
face 950 (FIG. 9) and shaft bore axis 806. In the present example
of FIG. 9, shaft bore axis 806 is defined by a bore of hosel 805,
but there can be other hosel-less examples where shaft bore axis
806 could be defined by a shaft bore at a heel of a club head body.
In the present example of FIG. 8, club head 800 also comprises back
portion 802 comprising back face 860 opposite front face 950 (FIG.
9) and extended between toe region 810 and heel region 820 of back
portion 802. In some embodiments, back portion 802 can also be
referred to as a back side of club head 800. Club head 800 also
comprises inserts 885 and 895 in the present embodiment. Insert 885
can be similar to weight 185 (FIGS. 1, 3), and can be inserted at
back portion 802 into a cavity 1080 (FIG. 10) similar to cavity 180
of club head 100 (FIGS. 1, 3, 5). Lower toe insert 895 can be
similar to weight 195 of club head 100 (FIGS. 1, 4). Club head 800
comprises part of club head set 80 of two or more golf clubs, as
will be further discussed below.
[0080] Club head 800 also comprises insert 862 located at insert
base 863 at a center of back face 860 in the present embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 8, insert 862 comprises a logo or other identifying
characteristic related to club head 800. There can be embodiments
where insert 862 can comprise materials such as those described for
weight 185 and/or weight 195 in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, such as to have
an effect on sound, vibration, frequency, and/or mass distribution
of club head 800.
[0081] Club head 800 differs from club head 100 (FIGS. 1-5) by
comprising support bars 861 coupled to back face 860 astride of,
and equidistant from, center region 864. Support bars 861 comprise
support bars 8611 at heel region 820, and support bar 8612 at toe
region 810, both protruding from back face 860. There can be other
examples, however, with a different number and/or different
arrangement of support bars. For example, additional support bars
may be positioned between support bar 8611 and the heel end of heel
region 820. Similarly, additional support bars may be positioned
between support bar 8612 and the toe end of toe region 810. In some
examples, insert base 863 may be considered as also comprising one
or more support bars. For example, base ends 8613 and 8614 of
insert base 863 can also be considered in some examples as support
bars protruding from back face 860. In addition, there can be
examples where insert base 863 is protruding from back face 860,
such that insert base 863 may itself be considered a support
bar.
[0082] In the present embodiment, support bars 8611 and 8612
comprise substantially the same support bar width. In the same or
other embodiments, the support bar width can be of approximately
0.03 inches (0.75 millimeters) to approximately 0.5 inches (12.7)
millimeters). Although the support bar width is constant for both
support bars 8611 and 8612 in the example of FIG. 8, there can be
other examples where the support bar width tapers or otherwise
varies along a length of a support bar similar to support bar 8611
and/or 8612. In addition, although the support bar thickness also
is constant for support bars 861 in the present example, there also
can be examples where the support bar thickness can taper or
otherwise vary, as measured from back face 860, along a length of a
support bar similar to support bar 8611 and/or 8612.
[0083] Support bars 861 are integral with back face 860 in the
present embodiment by comprising part of the same piece of
material. For example, support bars 861 can be cast, forged, or
machined along with back face 860. There can be other embodiments
where support bars may not be integral with their respective back
faces, but are securely attached thereto. In such examples, the
support bars can be welded, brazed, epoxied, or otherwise adhered
to the back faces.
[0084] In the present embodiment, support bar 8611 comprises angle
8615 facing center region 864 and measured from horizontal axis
807. Similarly, support bar 8612 also comprises angle 8616 facing
center region 864 and measured from horizontal axis 807. Horizontal
axis 807 is an axis bisecting club 800 into an upper half and a
lower half. There can be embodiments where angles 8615 and/or 8616
comprise acute angles of approximately 30 degrees to approximately
90 degrees from horizontal axis 807. In the same or other
embodiments, support bars 8611 and 8612 are angled for convergence
towards center region 864. There can also be embodiments where
angles 8615 and/or 8616 can be obtuse and/or of approximately 90
degrees to approximately 150 degrees from horizontal axis 807.
Angles 8615 and 8616 both comprise approximately 68 degrees in the
example of FIG. 8, but there can be other embodiments where angles
8615 and 8616 are not equal to each other, and/or where at least
one of angles 8615 and/or 8616 are not acute relative to center
region 864. Angles 8615 and/or 8616 may remain constant across the
different club heads of club head set 80, or they may vary within
the same club head set from club head to club head.
[0085] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear view of body 801 of club head 800
in a disassembled state. Skipping ahead in the figures, FIG. 18
illustrates a cross-sectional view of club head 800 along line
18-18 from FIG. 8. Note that, for simplicity, details about lower
toe insert 895 have been left out of FIG. 18, but insert 885 is
shown as inserted into cavity 1080. As seen in FIGS. 8, 10, and 18,
back portion 802 of club head 800 comprises back end 870 extended
between heel region 820 and toe region 810, where back end 870 can
be similar to second back 170 of club head 100 (FIGS. 1, 3-5). In
some examples, back end 870 can be referred to as a back wall.
Cavity 1080 is also located at back portion 802, between back face
860 and back end 870, and comprises cavity heel zone 1082, cavity
toe zone 1083, cavity center zone 1181, cavity inner section 1084
located towards front face 950, and cavity outer section 1885
located towards back end 870. In the present example, cavity inner
section 1084 is located opposite back face 860, and cavity outer
section 1885 is located opposite back end 870. In the present
embodiment, as seen in FIG. 18, cavity 1080 is wider at cavity
center zone 1181 than at either of cavity heel zone 1082 or cavity
toe zone 1083. For example, cavity inner section 1084 is thinner,
relative to front face 950, at cavity center zone 1181 than at
either of cavity heel zone 1082 or cavity toe zone 1083. In some
examples, cavity inner section 1084 can be referred to as a cavity
inner wall, and/or cavity outer section 1885 can be referred to as
a cavity outer wall.
[0086] In the present example, a distance between front face 950
and an exposed surface of cavity inner section 1084 is greater at
cavity heel zone 1082 and at cavity toe zone 1083 than at cavity
center zone 1181. There can also be embodiments where a distance
between back end 870 and an exposed surface of cavity outer section
1885 can be greater at cavity heel zone 1082 and at cavity toe zone
1083 than at cavity center zone 1181.
[0087] Insert 885 comprises insert heel zone 1886, insert toe zone
1887, and insert center zone 1888 in the present embodiment, and is
shaped complementarily to cavity 1080 such that insert center zone
1888 is thicker than either of insert heel zone 1886 or insert toe
zone 1887. In the example of FIG. 18, insert heel and toe zones
1886 and 1887 are obtusely angled relative to each other along
insert inner wall 1889 and about insert center zone 1888.
Similarly, cavity inner section 1084 is obtusely angled
complementarily to insert inner wall 1889. In the present example,
cavity 1080 is configured such that insert 885 is insertable in a
top-to-sole direction with respect to club head 800. There can also
be examples where insert 885 can be interchangeable with other
inserts of similar shape.
[0088] In some examples, a material of body 801 of club head 800
can comprise a specific gravity of at least approximately 5.0
g/cm.sup.3, and/or a material of insert 885 can comprise a specific
gravity of at least approximately 1.2 g/cm.sup.3. In the same or
other examples, a mass of insert 885 can be of approximately 10
grams.
[0089] The dimension relationships described above for and between
cavity 1080 and insert 885 can be beneficial, for example, to
permit adjustments in the distribution of mass for club head 800.
In the present embodiment, where a material of insert 885 is less
dense than a material of body 801 of club head 800, the greater
thickness of cavity inner section 1084 at cavity heel zone 1082 and
at cavity toe zone 1083, relative to cavity center zone 1181, and
the greater thickness of insert center zone 1888 relative to insert
heel zone 1886 and insert toe zone 1887, can permit a
redistribution of mass away from a center of club head 800 and
towards heel and toe regions 820 and 810. As an example, a
distribution of mass of cavity inner section 1084 is shifted
towards heel region 820 and towards toe region 810 and away from
cavity center zone 1181. Also, a distribution of mass of insert 885
is concentrated at insert center zone 1888 and diminishes towards
insert heel zone 1886 and towards insert toe zone 1887.
[0090] Such distributions of mass can augment the moment of inertia
about a center region of club head 800, and improve gameplay by
reducing club head twisting during off-center impacts. For example,
due to the shapes and configurations described above, a portion of
the moment of inertia contributed by cavity inner section 1084 at
cavity heel zone 1082 and at cavity toe zone 1083 is greater than a
portion of the moment of inertia contributed by insert 885 at
insert heel zone 1886 and at insert toe zone 1887. Other shape
and/or density relationships between insert 885 and cavity 1080 may
be used to achieve different desired distributions of mass or
moments of inertia in other embodiments.
[0091] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 18, insert 885 is partially housed
in cavity 1080, such that a grip portion of insert 885 protrudes
outside cavity 1080 to allow or facilitate, for example, insertion
or removal of insert 885 to or from cavity 1080. In other
embodiments, however, insert 885 need not protrude from cavity
1080. Support bars 861 also extend from back face 860 to cavity
inner section 1084 in the present embodiment, and cavity inner
section 1084 is at least as thick as support bars 861, relative to
back face 860, so as to prevent support bars 861 from interfering
with the insertion or removal of insert 885 into or out of cavity
1080.
[0092] Backtracking through the figures, FIGS. 10-15 illustrate
several views of exemplary club heads of club head set 80. FIG. 10
illustrates a rear view of body 801 of club head 800, where club
head 800 is in a disassembled state. FIG. 11 illustrates a rear
view of body 1101 of club head 1100 of club head set 80, where club
head 1100 is in a disassembled state. FIG. 12 illustrates a rear
view of body 1201 of club head 1200 of club head set 80, where club
head 1200 is in a disassembled state. FIG. 13 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of club head 800 along a line 13-13 of FIG.
10. FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of club head 1100
along a line 14-14 of FIG. 11. FIG. 15 illustrates a
cross-sectional view of club head 1200 along a line 15-15 of FIG.
12. Club heads 800, 1100, and 1200 can be similar to each other, as
detailed below.
[0093] In the present example, club heads 800, 1100, and 1200 form
part of club head set 80 of related golf clubs, where club head set
80 can comprise two or more club heads. Only club heads 800, 1100,
and 1200 of club head set 80 are shown in FIGS. 10-12 for
simplicity, but club head set 80 can comprise more than three club
heads. There also can be other embodiments where club head set 80
can comprise only two club heads. Each club head of club head set
80 comprises one or more support bars protruded from their
respective back faces. For example, as seen in FIGS. 8 and 10, club
head 800 comprises support bars 861, including support bars 8611
and 8612 protruded from back face 860, as detailed above. As seen
in FIG. 11, club head 1100 comprises support bars 1161, namely,
support bars 11611 and 11612, protruded from back face 1160. In
addition, as seen in FIG. 12, club head 1200 comprises support bars
1261, namely, support bars 12611 and 12612, protruded from back
face 1260.
[0094] In the present example, the loft angles of the club heads of
club head set 80 are incrementally varied across the two or more
club heads. For instance, in the present example of club head set
80, club head 800 comprises a 2-iron club head with loft angle 955
(FIG. 9) of approximately 18.5 degrees between front face 950 and
shaft bore axis 806, (FIG. 13); club head 1100 comprises a 6-iron
club head with loft angle 1455 of approximately 30.5 degrees
between front face 1450 and shaft bore axis 1406 (FIG. 14); and
club head 1200 comprises a wedge-iron club head with loft angle
1555 of approximately 47 degrees between front face 1550 and shaft
bore axis 1506 (FIG. 15). As a result, the loft angle 1555 of club
head 1200 is greater than loft angle 1455 of club head 1100, which,
in turn, is greater than loft angle 955 of club head 800.
[0095] Also in the present example, a characteristic of the one or
more support bars is incrementally varied across the two or more
club heads according to the loft angle. For instance, loft angle
1555 is greater than loft angle 1455 as discussed above, and
accordingly, an attribute of support bars 1261 of golf club 1200
(FIG. 12) is greater than an attribute of support bars 1161 of golf
club 1100 (FIG. 11). In the present example, the attribute of the
support bars that undergoes variation is the support bar width,
such that support bars 1261 (FIG. 12) are wider than support bars
1161 (FIG. 11), and support bars 1161 (FIG. 11) are wider than
support bars 861 (FIG. 10).
[0096] The variation of support bar width relative to loft angle is
summarized in FIG. 16 for the exemplary club head set 80. In the
present example, club head set 80 comprises club head 800 as a
2-iron head, club head 1630 as a 3-iron head, club head 1640 as a
4-iron head, club head 1650 as a 5-iron head, club head 1100 as a
6-iron head, club head 1670 as a 7-iron head, club head 1680 as an
8-iron head, club head 1690 as a 9-iron head, and club head 1200 as
a wedge-iron head. As can be appreciated from FIG. 16, the support
bar width attribute is varied incrementally as the loft angle
increases from one club head to the next in club head set 80. As a
result, the support bar width for a club with a higher loft angle
is greater than or equal to the support bar width for a club with a
lower loft angle. There can be examples, however, where the
characteristic and/or attribute of the one or more support bars can
be incrementally varied for each increment in loft angle, such that
the support bar width for a club with higher loft angle is greater
than the support bar width for any club with a lower loft
angle.
[0097] Skipping ahead in the figures, as seen in FIG. 22,
relationships between support bar width and loft angle/club head
number may lie within one or more ranges. For example, club head
set 2281 comprises club heads with thicker support bar widths that
vary from club head to club head as indicated in FIG. 22.
Similarly, in another example, club head set 2282 comprises club
heads with thinner support bar widths that vary from club head to
club head as also indicated in FIG. 22. Other examples or rates of
variation are also possible for other club head sets.
[0098] In the same or other examples, support bar widths may vary
within certain ranges, depending on the loft angle and/or the club
head number, for club heads of one or more club head sets. For
instance: [0099] For a 2-iron head, the loft angle can comprise
approximately 18 degrees to approximately 20 degrees, and the
support bar width can comprise approximately 0.03 inches (0.75
millimeters) to approximately 0.2 inches (5.1 millimeters); [0100]
For a 3-iron head, the loft angle can comprise approximately 20
degrees to approximately 23 degrees, and the support bar width can
comprise approximately 0.04 inches (1.0 millimeters) to
approximately 0.21 inches (5.3 millimeters); [0101] For a 4-iron
head, the loft angle can comprise approximately 21 degrees to
approximately 25 degrees, and the support bar width can comprise
approximately 0.05 inches (1.3 millimeters) to approximately 0.23
inches (5.8 millimeters); [0102] For a 5-iron head, the loft angle
can comprise approximately 23 degrees to approximately 28 degrees,
and the support bar width can comprise approximately 0.06 inches
(1.5 millimeters) to approximately 0.26 inches (6.6 millimeters);
[0103] For a 6-iron head, the loft angle can comprise approximately
26 degrees to approximately 32 degrees, and the support bar width
can comprise approximately 0.07 inches (1.8 millimeters) to
approximately 0.30 inches (7.6 millimeters); [0104] For a 7-iron
head, the loft angle can comprise approximately 29 degrees to
approximately 36 degrees, and the support bar width can comprise
approximately 0.08 inches (2.0 millimeters) to approximately 0.34
inches (8.7 millimeters); [0105] For a 8-iron head, the loft angle
can comprise approximately 34 degrees to approximately 42 degrees,
and the support bar width can comprise approximately 0.09 inches
(2.3 millimeters) to approximately 0.39 inches (9.8 millimeters);
[0106] For a 9-iron head, the loft angle can comprise approximately
38 degrees to approximately 45 degrees, and the support bar width
can comprise approximately 0.10 inches (2.5 millimeters) to
approximately 0.44 inches (11.2 millimeters); and/or [0107] For a
wedge-iron head, the loft angle can comprise approximately 42
degrees to approximately 64 degrees, and the support bar width can
comprise approximately 0.11 inches (2.8 millimeters) to
approximately 0.50 inches (12.7 millimeters).
[0108] In the same or other embodiments, one or more other
characteristics or attributes of the support bars can vary,
besides, instead of, or in addition to the support bar width, in a
fashion similar to that described above for the support bar width.
For example, in one embodiment, the other characteristic or
attribute can comprise a support bar thickness, measured from the
back face, that may be incrementally varied according to the loft
angle. In such an example, a thickness of support bars 1261 of club
head 1200 in FIG. 12 could be thicker than a thickness of support
bars 1161 of club head 1100 in FIG. 11, and/or a thickness of
support bars 1161 of club head 1100 in FIG. 11 could be thicker
than a thickness of support bars 861 of club head 800 in FIG.
10.
[0109] In the same or another embodiment, the other characteristic
or attribute can comprise a total number of support bars that may
be incrementally varied according to the loft angle. Such an
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17 for club head set 171,
comprising club head 800, club head 1702 similar to club head 1100,
and club head 1703 similar to club head 1200. In the example of
FIG. 17, the loft angle for club head 1703 is greater than the loft
angle for club head 1702, and the loft angle for club head 1702 is
greater than the loft angle for club head 1701, such that the total
number of support bars for club head 1703 is greater than the total
number of support bars for club head 1702, and the total number of
support bars for club head 1702 is greater than the total number of
support bars for club head 1701. In one example, the support bar
width, thickness, and angle remains the same for each of the
support bars in a single club head. In other examples, more than
one characteristic or attribute is varied per club head, and/or
support bars within a single club head can have different widths,
thicknesses, and/or angles.
[0110] The incorporation of support bars at the back faces of the
club heads of club head sets as described above can be beneficial
for several reasons. For example, the placement of support bars
proximate to a center region at back face of a club head can
increase support for the front face and/or face plate to better
withstand stresses associated with impacts to golf balls. Such
additional support can be useful in situations where the face plate
thickness has been minimized for weight savings and/or weight
redistribution considerations.
[0111] In the case of short irons, such as wedge heads like club
head 1200 in FIGS. 12 and 15, the placement of wider and/or thicker
support bars such as support bars 1261 at back face 1260 just
opposite to front face 1550 can have the effect of shifting the
center of gravity of club head 1200 towards the front thereof. This
shift can reduce a gear effect between front face 1550 and a golf
ball, thereby limiting spin imparted onto the golf ball upon impact
with front face 1550 for better trajectory control. In addition,
better distance control and repeatability may be gained as a result
of added face stability and reduced face deflection during impact
due to the wider and/or thicker support bars. In some examples,
similar results can also be achieved by having an increased number
of support bars, such as in the case of support bars 1761 of club
head 1703 in FIG. 17.
[0112] In the case of long irons, such as 2-irons like club head
800 in FIGS. 8, 10, and 13, the moment of inertia of the club head
can be increased for better control by decreasing the relevant
characteristic or attribute of the support bars, whether it be
support bar width, support bar thickness, and/or total number of
support bars, such that more of the mass of club head 800 can be
distributed towards the edges of front face 950 of club head 800
for increased moment of inertia. In addition, longer and/or more
penetrating flight paths may be achieved due to the decreased
relevant support bar characteristic by permitting greater flexure
of the front face and/or face plate of the club head.
[0113] Furthermore, in cases such as depicted for club head set 80,
because the support bars are visible at the back face of the club
heads, an increase in user confidence may be achieved for users
that can appreciate the enhanced support, strength, and control
features that the arrangement of support bars provides.
[0114] Backtracking to FIG. 8, club head 800 also is shown as
comprising lower toe insert 895 in addition to insert 885 and
related cavity 1080 (FIG. 10). There can be, however, other
embodiments comprising insert 885 and cavity 1080 without lower toe
insert 895, and/or other embodiments comprising lower toe insert
895 without insert 885 and cavity 1080. Similar variations in
features can be extended for other clubs of respective club head
sets. For example, all or part of the club heads of club head set
80 may comprise lower toe inserts similar to lower toe insert 895,
in addition to inserts and related cavities similar to insert 885
and related cavity 1080. There can also be embodiments where all or
a portion of the club heads of a club head set may comprise inserts
and related cavities similar to insert 885 and related cavity 1080,
but may lack lower to inserts similar to lower toe insert 895.
There can also be embodiments where all or a portion of the club
heads of a club head set may comprise lower toe inserts similar to
lower toe insert 895, but may lack inserts and related cavities
similar to insert 885 and related cavity 1080.
[0115] Continuing with FIG. 8, lower toe insert 895 can be similar
to weight 195 of club head 100 (FIGS. 1, 4) and, in the present
example, also comprises a weight. Lower toe insert 895 is located
at lower toe section 811 of back portion 802, and although club
head 800 comprises perimeter weight 875, lower toe insert 895 is
located only at lower toe section 811. In the present example,
lower toe insert 895 comprises a tungsten material and a specific
gravity of approximately 10 g/cm.sup.3 In the present example, the
other club heads of club head set 80 also comprise corresponding
lower toe inserts similar to lower toe insert 895.
[0116] In some examples, lower toe insert 895 and/or other similar
inserts can be located at lower toe portion 811 to effect a
redistribution of mass of club head 800. For example, lower toe
insert 895 can be configured to shift the mass distribution of club
head 800 away from center region 861 and towards toe region 810
and/or lower toe section 811 to thereby increase the moment of
inertia of club head 800. In the same or other examples, lower toe
insert 895 can be configured to counterbalance the mass of hosel
805 at the heel or upper heel portion of club head 800. By having
hosel 805 and lower toe insert 895 substantially opposite each
other, the distribution of mass of club head 800 can be shifted
towards the ends of club head 800 to thereby increase its moment of
inertia and forgiveness factor. In the same or other examples, the
dimensions, location, and/or mass of lower toe insert 895 can be
configured such as to adjust or align the center of gravity of club
head 800 at a desired location relative to heel region 820 and/or
toe region 810.
[0117] As previously described, the loft angles of the club heads
of club head set 80 are incrementally varied across the two or more
club heads in the present example. In addition, characteristics or
dimensions of the corresponding lower toe inserts are also varied
across the two or more club heads of club head set 80 in relation
with the variation in loft angle. For instance, where each lower
toe insert comprises two characteristics, the two characteristics
can be inversely varied relative to each other for each lower toe
insert across the club heads of club head set 80 as the loft angle
is varied. As an example, a varied characteristic of the lower toe
inserts may be incrementally varied, while an inverse
characteristic of the lower toe inserts is decrementally varied as
the loft angle changes.
[0118] The variation in characteristics relative to loft angle can
be further appreciated as presented in FIGS. 10-15, for the example
of club head set 80, via club heads 800, 1100, and 1200. As seen in
FIGS. 13-15, loft angle 1555 of club head 1200 is greater than loft
angle 1455 of club head 1100, which in turn is greater than loft
angle 955 of club head 800. Furthermore, for the present
embodiment, as loft angles increase from club head to club head,
lower toe thicknesses, as measured along respective depth axes of
the club heads, tend to increase from club head to club head. In
the same and other embodiments, the lower toe thickness of a club
head can be related and/or defined by a sole of the club head. As
an example, lower toe thickness 15954 (FIG. 15) of club head 1200
is greater than lower toe thickness 14954 (FIG. 14) of club head
1100, which in turn is greater than lower toe thickness 13954 (FIG.
13) of club head 800. Similarly, lower toe thickness 13954 of club
head 800 is defined by, and comprises a portion of, a thickness of
sole 13001 (FIG. 13), while lower toe thickness 15954 of club head
1200 is defined by, and comprises a portion of, a thickness of sole
15001 (FIG. 15), such that the thickness of sole 15001 is greater
than the thickness of sole 13001.
[0119] In the embodiment of club head set 80, the varied
characteristic can be a depth of the lower toe insert, while the
inverse characteristic can be an area of the lower toe insert. As
an example, for club head 800, insert depth 13952 (FIG. 13) of
lower toe insert 895 is measured along depth axis 13953, where
depth axis 13953 traverses minimum distance point 13955 between
lower toe insert 865 and front face 950, where insert area 8951
(FIGS. 8, 10) represents a cross-sectional area of lower toe insert
895 substantially perpendicular to depth axis 13953 and/or where
depth axis 13953 is substantially parallel to sole 13001 (FIG. 13)
and/or is substantially perpendicular to shaft bore axis 806.
Similarly, for club head 1100, insert depth 14952 (FIG. 14) is
measured along depth axis 14953, where depth axis 14953 traverses
minimum distance point 14955 between lower toe insert 1195 and
front face 1450, where insert area 11951 (FIG. 11) represents a
cross-sectional area of lower toe insert 1195 substantially
perpendicular to depth axis 14953, and/or where depth axis 14953 is
substantially parallel to sole 14001 (FIG. 14) and/or is
substantially perpendicular to shaft bore axis 1406. As another
example, for club head 1200, insert depth 15952 (FIG. 15) is
measured along depth axis 15953, where depth axis 15953 traverses
minimum distance point 15955 between lower toe insert 1295 and
front face 1550, and where insert area 12951 (FIG. 12) represents a
cross-sectional area of lower toe insert 1295 substantially
perpendicular to depth axis 15953, and/or where depth axis 15953 is
substantially parallel to sole 15001 (FIG. 15) and/or is
substantially perpendicular to shaft bore axis 1506. In such
examples, where the varied characteristic of lower toe insert depth
(13952, 14952, 15952) increases from club head 800 to club head
1200, the inverse characteristic of lower toe area (8991, 11951,
12951) decreases from club head 800 to club head 1200. In a
different embodiment, the lower toe insert depth (13952, 14952,
15952) increases as the loft angle (955, 1455, 1555) increases.
[0120] In the same or other embodiments, one of the characteristics
or dimensions that vary can be a distance between a center of
gravity of the lower toe insert and the front face of respective
club head. For instance, a distance between the center of gravity
of a lower toe insert and the front face of a corresponding
lower-lofted club head can be greater than a distance between the
center of gravity of a lower toe insert and the front face of a
corresponding higher-lofted club head. As an example, distance
13957 between center of gravity 13956 of lower toe insert 895 and
front face 950 of club head 800 (FIG. 13) is greater than distance
14957 between center of gravity 14956 of lower toe insert 1195 and
front face 1450 of club head 1100 (FIG. 14), which in turn is
greater than distance 15957 between center of gravity 15956 of
lower toe insert 1295 and front face 1550 of club head 1200 (FIG.
15). In such examples, where the varied characteristic of lower toe
insert depth (13952, 14952, 15952) increases from club head 800 to
club head 1200, the inverse characteristic of center of gravity
distance (13957, 14957, 15957) decreases from club head 800 to club
head 1200. In a different embodiment, the center of gravity
distance (13957, 14957, 15957) decreases as the loft angle (955,
1455, 1555) increases.
[0121] The club head variations described above based on loft angle
can permit the insert depths of the lower toe inserts to vary. For
example, insert depth 15952 (FIG. 15) of insert 1295 is greater
than insert depth 14952 (FIG. 14) of insert 1195, which in turn is
greater than insert depth 13952 (FIG. 13) of lower toe insert 895.
Furthermore, distances between the lower toe inserts and the
respective club head front faces can vary accordingly. In the
present example of club head 80, insert-to-face distance 1360 (FIG.
13) of club head 800 is of approximately 0.281 inches (7.14
millimeters), which is greater than insert-to-face distance 1460
(FIG. 14) of club head 1100 at approximately 0.233 inches (5.92
millimeters), which, in turn, is greater than insert-to-face
distance 1560 (FIG. 15) of club head 1200 at approximately 0.195
inches (4.95 millimeters).
[0122] Such variation in the insert depths of the lower toe
inserts, in the distances between the lower toe inserts and their
respective club head front faces, and/or in the distances between
the center of gravity of the lower toe inserts and their respective
club head front faces, can vary mass distribution for the club
heads, thereby permitting the adjustment of certain qualities of
the club heads.
[0123] For example, by having shallower insert depths and/or larger
insert-to-face distances for lower-lofted club heads, the center of
gravity of such club heads can be moved away from the respective
club head front faces, thereby increasing club head dynamic loft
and imparted spin such as to allow higher launch angles and/or
flight trajectories for impacted balls. Conversely, by having
deeper insert depths and/or shallower insert-to-face distances for
higher-lofted club heads, the center of gravity of such club heads
can be moved closer to the respective club head front faces,
thereby allowing for more penetrating flight paths for impacted
balls.
[0124] The variation in insert depth described above could lead to
a variation in mass of the different lower toe inserts of the club
heads. To counteract such mass variation, and the effects it could
have on other qualities of the club heads, like the
counterbalancing of respective hosels with respective lower toe
inserts, other characteristics or dimensions of the lower toe
inserts can be varied inversely with respect to the variation in
insert depth. For example, as the insert depths of the lower toe
inserts increase, an area of the lower toe inserts can be
decreased, such that all lower toe inserts comprise substantially
similar masses. In some embodiments, a mass of each of the lower
toe inserts of club head set 80 comprises approximately 10.25
grams. In the same or other examples, such mass may be of
approximately 5 grams to approximately 50 grams. In the example of
club head set 80, as insert depths vary by increasing from insert
depth 13952 (FIG. 13) to insert depth 14952 (FIG. 14), and from
insert depth 14952 to insert depth 15952 (FIG. 15), corresponding
areas for the inserts inversely vary by decreasing from insert area
8951 (FIG. 10) to insert area 11951 (FIG. 11), and from insert area
11951 (FIG. 11) to insert area 12951 (FIG. 12).
[0125] FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary relationship between loft
angle and the distances between lower toe inserts to front faces
for the embodiment of club head set 80. Skipping ahead in the
figures, as seen in FIG. 23, relationships between
front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distances and loft angle/club head
number may lie within one or more ranges. For example, club head
set 2381 comprises club heads with longer
front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distances that vary from club head
to club head as indicated in FIG. 23. Similarly, in another
example, club head set 2382 comprises club heads with shorter
front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distances that vary from club head
to club head as also indicated in FIG. 23. The club heads of club
head set 2381 can have soles that are generally wider, from front
to back of the club head, than the soles of the club heads of club
head set 2382. Other examples or rates of variation are also
possible for other club head sets.
[0126] In the same or other examples,
front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distances may vary within certain
ranges, depending on the loft angle and/or the club head number,
for club heads of one or more club head sets. For instance:
[0127] A 2-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters) to
approximately 1.2 inches (28.08 millimeters);
[0128] A 3-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.048 inches (1.22 millimeters) to
approximately 1.2 inches (28.08 millimeters);
[0129] A 4-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.046 inches (1.17 millimeters) to
approximately 1.19 inches (27.85 millimeters);
[0130] A 5-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.044 inches (1.12 millimeters) to
approximately 1.17 inches (27.38 millimeters);
[0131] A 6-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.042 inches (1.07 millimeters) to
approximately 1.16 inches (27.14 millimeters);
[0132] A 7-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.040 inches (1.02 millimeters) to
approximately 1.15 inches (26.91 millimeters);
[0133] A 8-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.038 inches (0.97 millimeters) to
approximately 1.13 inches (26.44 millimeters);
[0134] A 9-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.036 inches (0.91 millimeters) to
approximately 1.125 inches (26.33 millimeters); and/or
[0135] A wedge-iron front-face-to-lower-toe-weight distance can
comprise approximately 0.034 inches (0.86 millimeters) to
approximately 1.10 inches (25.74 millimeters).
[0136] Backtracking to FIGS. 13-15, to simplify matters,
relationships between higher-lofted club heads and lower-lofted
club heads, with respect to their lower-toe inserts, will be
described below by referencing club heads 800 and 1200 of club head
set 80. Relationships between other club heads may be extrapolated
or interpolated based on the description below of club heads 800
and 1200.
[0137] In the present example of club head set 80, lower toe insert
895 of club head 800, and lower toe insert 1295 of club head 1200,
comprise weights with substantially similar masses. In addition,
dimensions of lower toe inserts 895 and 1295 correspond to each
other, such that insert depth 13952 (FIG. 13) of lower toe insert
895 corresponds to insert depth 15952 (FIG. 15) of lower toe insert
1295, and insert area 8951 (FIG. 10) of lower toe insert 895
corresponds to insert area 12951 (FIG. 12) of lower toe insert
1295. Insert areas 8951 and 12951 can represent cross-sectional
areas and/or back-end areas of their respective lower toe inserts
in the present or other embodiments. In the present example,
because insert depth 15952 of lower toe insert 1295 is greater than
insert depth 13952 of lower toe insert 895, insert area 8951 of
lower toe insert 895 is greater than insert area 12951 of lower toe
insert 1295. As a result, the insert area and insert depth
dimensions are inversely varied relative to each other.
[0138] Furthermore, as seen in FIGS. 13 and 15, insert-to-face
distance 1560 between lower toe insert 1595 and front face 1550 is
greater than insert-to-face distance 1360 between lower toe insert
895 and front face 950. In the present example, insert-to-face
distance 1560 comprises a shortest distance between front face 1550
and lower toe insert 1295, while insert-to-face distance 1360
comprises a shortest distance between front face 950 and lower toe
insert 895. Such relationships described above between lower toe
inserts (895, 1295) and front faces (950, 1550) of respective club
heads 800 and 1200 define respective distributions of mass such
that a center of gravity of club head 1200 can be closer to front
face 1550 than a center of gravity of club head 800 is to front
face 950.
[0139] In the present examples, both lower toe inserts 895 and 1295
are visible at their respective lower toe sections of club heads
800 and 1200. In some examples, such visibility of the lower toe
inserts may inspire user confidence for users that can appreciate
the enhanced performance and control features that the arrangement
of the respective lower toe inserts provides. There can be other
embodiments, however, where lower toe inserts may not be visible.
For example, the interface between the lower toe insert 895 and
lower toe section 811 may blend or otherwise become indiscernible
after machining or polishing steps.
[0140] In the example of club head set 80, club head 800 comprises
perimeter weight 875 at a periphery of back portion 802, and club
head 1200 comprises perimeter weight 1275 at a periphery of pack
portion 1202. Perimeter weight 875 comprises a cavity at lower toe
section 811, where lower toe insert 895 is located. Similarly,
perimeter weight 1275 comprises a cavity at lower toe section 1211,
where lower toe insert 1295 is located. As a result, the lower toe
inserts can be integrated with their respective perimeter weights
while still being located only at their respective lower toe
sections. In addition, in the present example, lower toe insert
1295 is incompatible with the cavity of lower toe section 811 in
club head 800, while lower toe insert 895 is incompatible with the
cavity of lower toe section 1211 in club head 1200.
[0141] Forging ahead, FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart of method
2000 for providing a club head set. In some examples, the club head
set of method 2000 can be similar to club head set 80 of FIGS. 8-16
and 18-19, and/or to club head set 171 of FIG. 17.
[0142] Block 2010 of method 2000 comprises providing a first club
head of a club head set, the first club head comprising one or more
first support bars coupled to the first back face, the one or more
first support bars comprising a first support bar characteristic.
In some examples, the first club head can be similar to club head
1200 (FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 19), and the one or more first support bars
can be similar to support bars 1261 (FIG. 12) coupled to back face
1260, or to support bars 1761 (FIG. 17) coupled to back face 1760.
In the same or other examples, the first support bar characteristic
can comprise a support bar width, a support bar thickness, and/or a
total number of support bars.
[0143] Block 2020 of method 2000 comprises providing a second club
head of the club head set, the second club head comprising one or
more second support bars coupled to the second back face, the one
or more second support bars comprising a second support bar
characteristic. In some examples, the second club head can be
similar to club head 800 (FIGS. 8-10, 13, 16-19), and the one or
more first support bars can be similar to support bars 861 (FIGS.
8, 12, 17) coupled to back face 860. In the same or other examples,
the second support bar characteristic can comprise a second support
bar width, a second support bar thickness, and/or a second total
number of support bars.
[0144] Block 2030 of method 2000 comprises providing a first loft
angle of the first club head to be greater than a second loft angle
of the second club head. In some examples, the first loft angle can
be similar to loft angle 1555 (FIG. 15) of club head 1200, and the
second loft angle can be similar to loft angle 955 (FIGS. 9, 13) of
club head 800.
[0145] Block 2040 of method 2000 comprises providing the first
support bar characteristic of the first club head to be greater
than the second support bar characteristic of the second club head.
As a result, the support bar characteristic would be greater for
the club head having a greater loft angle. As an example, the first
support bar characteristic for club head 1200 in FIG. 12 comprises
a support bar width of support bars 1261, while the second support
bar characteristic for club head 800 in FIG. 10 comprises a support
bar width of support bars 861. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 8
and 12, and by referring to the graph in FIG. 16, the support bar
width for support bars 1261 (FIG. 12) is greater than the support
bar width for support bars 861 (FIG. 10) in the example of golf
club set 80. In the same or another example, where the support bar
characteristic comprised a support bar thickness, the support bar
thickness for support bars 1261 (FIG. 12) can be thicker than the
support bar thickness for support bars 861 (FIG. 10). In the
example of FIG. 17, the support bar characteristics comprise a
total number of support bars and, as can be seen by comparing club
head 1703 against club head 800 in FIG. 17, the total number of
support bars 1761 in club head 1703 comprises support bars
12611-12612 and 17613-17616, and is thus greater than the total
number of support bars 861 in club head 800, which comprises
support bars 8611-8612.
[0146] There can be examples where the description above for method
2000 can be extended throughout the two or more club heads of the
club head set. For example, method 2000 could comprise providing
two or more club heads of the club head set, and providing a
support bar characteristic for each of the two or more club heads,
the support bar characteristic incrementally varying across the two
or more club heads in accordance with loft angle variation across
the two or more club heads. In such an example, the two or more
club heads comprise the first and second club heads of blocks 2010
and 2020. In addition, the support bar characteristic for the first
club head could comprise the first support bar characteristic
described above with respect to blocks 2010 and 2040, while the
support bar characteristic for the second club head could comprise
the second support bar characteristic described above with respect
to blocks 2020 and 2040. In the same or other examples, providing
the support bar characteristic for each of the two or more club
heads can comprises incrementally varying the support bar
characteristic across the two or more club heads for each
incremental loft angle variation across the two or more club
heads.
[0147] In some examples, method 2000 could comprise providing a
hosel for a club head of the club head set, and providing a
counterbalance weight located only at a lower toe section at a back
portion of the club head to counterbalance the hosel. In some
examples, a counterbalance weight can be provided for the first
club head of block 2010, for the second club head of block 2020,
and/or for several or all of the club heads of the golf club set of
method 2000. In some examples, the counterbalance weight can be
similar to lower toe insert 895 (FIGS. 8, 10, 13) and or to lower
toe insert 1295 (FIGS. 12, 15).
[0148] There can also be examples of method 2000 where an insert
can be provided and located in a cavity at a back portion of a club
head. For instance, a first back portion of the first club head can
further comprise a back wall extended between the heel and toe
regions and a first cavity located between the first back face and
the back wall. The first cavity can comprises a cavity heel zone, a
cavity toe zone, a cavity center zone, a cavity inner wall located
opposite the first back face, and a cavity outer wall located
opposite the back wall. In addition, the cavity inner wall of the
first cavity can be thicker, relative to the first front face, at
the cavity heel and toe zones than at the cavity center zone. In
some examples, the first cavity can be similar to cavity 1280 of
club head 1200 (FIG. 12), which can also be similar to cavity 1080
of club head 800 (FIG. 10). Also, the first club head can further
comprise a first insert comprising an insert heel zone, an insert
toe zone and an insert center zone, where the first insert is
configured to be at least partially housed in the first cavity, and
each of the insert heel and toe zones are thinner than the insert
center zone. The first insert can comprise an insert inner wall
complementary to the cavity inner wall, such that the insert heel
and toe zones are obtusely angled relative to each other along the
insert inner wall and about the insert center zone, and/or such
that the cavity inner wall is obtusely angled complementarily to
the insert inner wall. In some examples, the first inset can be
similar to insert 885, as described above for FIGS. 8, and 18. Such
arrangements may beneficial, for example, to redistribute mass away
from a center of the club head to augment the moment of inertia
thereof, as described above with respect to insert 885 and cavity
1080 of club head 800 (FIGS. 8, 10).
[0149] In some examples, some of the blocks of method 2000 can be
subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block 2010 can
be subdivided into several sub-blocks as described above for
providing different portions of the first club head, such as the
cavity and the insert at the back portion thereof.
[0150] In the same or other examples, one or more of the different
blocks of method 2000 can be combined into a single block or
performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be
changed. For example, block 2030 can occur simultaneously with
block 2010 for the first club head, and can occur simultaneously
with block 2020 for the second club head. In addition, block 2040
can occur simultaneously with block 2030. In another example, all
of the details of the first club head can be performed in a first
block, and all of the details of the second club head can be
performed in a second block.
[0151] There can also be examples where method 2000 can comprise
further or different blocks. As an example, method 2000 can also
comprise individual blocks similar to blocks 2010 and/or 2020 for
each of the two or more club heads of the club head set of method
2000. Other variations can be implemented for method 2000 without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0152] Moving on, FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of method 2100
for providing a club head set. In some examples, the club head set
of method 2100 can be similar to club head set 80 of FIGS. 1-16 and
19, and/or to club head set 171 of FIG. 17.
[0153] Block 2110 of method 2100 comprises providing a first club
head of a club head set, the first club head comprising a first
loft angle and a first rear lower toe section comprising a first
cavity. In some examples, the first club head can be similar to
club head 1200 (FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 19), such that the first loft
angle can be similar to loft angle 1555 (FIG. 15), and the first
cavity can be similar to cavity 1596 at lower toe section 1211 of
club head 1200 (FIG. 15).
[0154] Block 2120 of method 2100 comprises providing a first weight
at the first cavity. In some examples, the first weight can be
similar to lower toe insert 1295 at cavity 1596 of club head 1200
(FIG. 15).
[0155] Block 2130 of method 2100 comprises providing a second club
head of the club head set, the second club head comprising a second
loft angle and a second rear lower toe section comprising a second
cavity, the first loft angle greater than the second loft angle.
There can be examples where the second club head can be similar to
club head 800 (FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13, 17, 18), such that the second
loft angle can be similar to loft angle 955 (FIGS. 9, 13), and the
second cavity can be similar to cavity 1396 at lower toe section
811 of club head 800 (FIG. 13). In other examples, the second club
head can be another club head of the club head set having a loft
angle less than the loft angle of the first club head.
[0156] Block 2140 of method 2100 comprises providing a second
weight at the second cavity, such that a first depth of the first
weight is greater than a second depth of the second weight, and a
second area of the second weight is greater than a first area of
the first weight. There can be examples where the second weight can
be similar to lower toe insert 895 at cavity 1396 of club head 800
(FIG. 13). In such examples, the first depth and the first area of
the first weight can be respectively similar to insert depth 15952
(FIG. 15) and insert area 12951 (FIG. 12), while the second depth
and the second area can be respectively similar to insert depth
13952 (FIG. 13) and insert area 8951 (FIG. 10), and as a result,
insert depth 15952 of lower toe insert 1295 is greater than insert
depth 3952 of lower toe insert 895, and insert area 8951 of lower
toe insert 895 is greater than insert area 12951 of lower toe
insert 1295.
[0157] There can be implementations where the relationship above
between the first and second areas of the first and second weights
can be achieved by varying respective lengths and widths of the
first and second weights. For example, the a second length of the
second weight can be made greater than a first length of the first
weight, and/or a second width of the second weight can be made
greater than a first width of the first weight. In the example of
club head set 80, where area 8951 (FIG. 10) is defined by length
8952 and width 8953 of lower toe insert 895, and where area 12951
(FIG. 12) is defined by length 12952 and width 12953, area 8951 of
lower toe insert 895 can be greater than area 12951 of lower toe
insert 1295 as a result of length 8952 being greater than length
12952, and/or as a result of width 8953 being greater than width
12953. In the present example, length 8952 and width 8953 of lower
toe insert 895 are substantially the similar to each other,
measuring approximately 0.475 inches (12.06 millimeters), while
length 12952 and width 12953 of lower toe insert 1295 are also
substantially similar to each other, measuring approximately 0.425
inches (10.8 millimeters). The corresponding length and width of
lower insert weight 1195 (FIG. 11) measure approximately 0.450
inches (11.43 millimeters). There can be other embodiments,
however, where the length and area of a lower toe insert need not
be substantially similar to each other.
[0158] In some embodiments, block 2140 of method 2100 can further
comprise providing a second minimum distance from the second weight
to the second front face to be greater than a first minimum
distance from the first weight to the first front face. In the same
or other embodiments, block 2140 can also comprise providing a
center of gravity of the first club head to be closer to the first
front face than what a center of gravity of the second club head is
to the second front face. For example, the second minimum distance
can be similar to insert-to-face distance 1560 between lower toe
insert 1295 and front face 1550 of club head 1200 (FIG. 15), while
the first minimum distance can be similar to insert-to-face
distance 1360 between lower toe insert 895 and front face 950 of
club head 800 (FIG. 13). In the same or other embodiments, such
arrangement may allow the center of gravity of higher-lofted club
heads, like club head 1200, to be closer to their respective front
faces than the center of gravity of lower lofted club heads like
club head 800.
[0159] There can also be examples of method 2100 where an insert
can be provided for location in a cavity at a back portion of a
club head of the club head set of method 2100, similar to as
described above for method 2000 and/or with respect to cavities
1080 (FIG. 10) and 1280 (FIG. 12) of club heads 800 and 1200,
respectively, and inserts similar to insert 885 (FIG. 8, 18). For
instance, the cavity inner wall of the cavity may be thinner at the
cavity center zone than at the cavity heel and toe zones.
Similarly, the insert center zone may be thicker than the insert
heel and toe zones for said insert. Such arrangements may
beneficial, for example, to redistribute mass away from a center of
the club head to augment the moment of inertia thereof, as
described above with respect to insert 885 and cavity 1080 of club
head 800 (FIGS. 8, 10).
[0160] There also can be embodiments of method 2100 where the
description above for can be extended throughout a portion or all
of the two or more club heads of the club head set. For example,
method 2100 could comprise providing two or more club heads of the
club head set, and inversely varying the depth and area of the
lower toe inserts as the loft angles of the respective club heads
increase across the two or more club heads of the club head
set.
[0161] In some examples, some of the blocks of method 2100 can be
subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block 2110 can
be subdivided into several sub-blocks as described above for
providing different portions of the first club head, such as the
cavity and the insert at the back portion thereof. As another
example, block 2140 also can comprise providing a mass of the
second weight to be substantially similar to a mass of the first
weight. Similar provisions can also be made across method 2100 such
that the masses of all lower toe inserts of the club head set are
substantially similar to each other.
[0162] In the same or other examples, one or more of the different
blocks of method 2100 can be combined into a single block or
performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be
changed. For example, block 2110 can occur simultaneously with
block 2120 for the first club head, and/or block 2130 can occur
simultaneously with block 2140 for the second club head.
[0163] There can also be examples where method 2100 can comprise
further or different blocks. As an example, method 2100 can also
comprise individual blocks similar to blocks 2110 and/or 2120 for
each of the two or more club heads of the club head set of method
2100. Other variations can be implemented for method 2100 without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0164] Skipping ahead, FIG. 24 illustrates a flowchart of method
2400 for providing a club head. In some examples, the club head of
method 2400 can be similar to club head 800 as depicted for FIGS.
8-10 and 18.
[0165] Block 2410 of method 2400 comprises providing an insert for
the golf club head of method 2400. In some examples, the insert can
be similar to insert 185 (FIGS. 1, 3) and/or to insert 885 (FIGS.
8, 18). The insert can comprise heel, toe, and center zones, where
the center zone is thicker than the heel and toe zones.
[0166] Block 2420 of method 2400 comprises providing a body of the
golf club head with a cavity for the insert at a back portion of
the body. Providing the body can comprise providing a back face and
a back end at a back portion of the body, and providing the cavity
between the back face and the back end. The cavity can comprise a
cavity inner section adjacent to the back face, a cavity outer
section opposite the back end, cavity heel and toe zones, and a
cavity center zone thicker than the cavity heel and toe zones. In
some examples, the body can be similar to body 801 of club head 800
(FIGS. 8, 18), the back face can be similar to back face 860 (FIGS.
8, 18), the back end can be similar to back end 870 (FIGS. 8, 18),
and the cavity can be similar to cavity 1080 (FIGS. 10, 18).
[0167] Block 2430 of method 2400 comprises inserting the insert
into the cavity of the body of the golf club head. In some
examples, block 2430 can include adhering or otherwise coupling the
insert to the cavity.
[0168] In some examples, some of the blocks of method 2400 can be
subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block 2420 can
be subdivided into several sub-blocks for providing different
portions of the body of the club head.
[0169] In the same or other examples, one or more of the different
blocks of method 2400 can be combined into a single block or
performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be
changed. For example, block 2410 can occur simultaneously with or
after block 2420 in some examples. In other examples one of blocks
2410 or 2420 may be optional. There can also be examples where
method 2400 can comprise further or different blocks. Other
variations can be implemented for method 2400 without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0170] Continuing with the figures, FIG. 25 presents a rear view of
club head 25000 of club head set 250 according to an embodiment of
the golf clubs and methods of manufacture described herein. FIG. 26
presents a rear view of club head 26000 of club head set 250, and
FIG. 27 presents a rear view of club head 27000, also of club head
set 250. Club head set 250 comprises one or more club heads, such
as club heads 25000 (FIG. 25), 26000 (FIG. 26), and 27000 (FIG.
27), having respective diagonal stabilizing bars at their back
faces. As will be described below, such diagonal stabilizing bars
can be used for strengthening the club heads by reducing club head
deformation and/or inhibiting vibrations with the club heads upon
impact with a golf ball. In addition, in the same or other
examples, such diagonal stabilizing bars may be angled, depending
on the loft angle of the club heads, to be aligned with a strike
path of the club head so as to better reinforce the club heads
against deformation and/or absorb vibrations along expected impact
points or paths, and/or to provide better desired directionality
control for the impacted golf ball.
[0171] In the example of FIG. 25, club head 25000 is shown as a
wedge iron head comprising back face 25100 opposite a strike face
thereof. There can be other embodiments, however, where other types
of club heads may be used, such as irons or iron-like club heads of
higher or lower loft. Club head 25000 also comprises toe region
25210, heel region 25220, toe end 25230, heel end 25240, top rail
or top end 25250, and sole or bottom end 25260. Vertical axis 25290
extends through top end 25250 and bottom end 25260, splitting club
head 25000 between heel region 25220 and toe region 25210.
[0172] In the present example, back face 25100 of club head 25000
comprises cavity 25300 located at toe region 25210, where cavity
25300 comprises cavity base 25310, and cavity wall 25320 bounding
at least a portion of cavity base 25310. Cavity base 25310 is sunk
in relative to perimeter 25110 of back face 25100 in the present
example, such that perimeter 25110 protrudes above cavity base
25310 and defines at least a portion of cavity wall 25320. There
can be other examples, however, where cavity wall 25320 may not
completely bound cavity base 25310, and/or where perimeter 25110
may not protrude above cavity base 25310. In some embodiments,
perimeter 25110 is a perimeter weight, and/or cavity 25300 is
located within or below a larger rear cavity defined by perimeter
25110. Although cavity 25300 is located only at toe region 25210 in
the present embodiment, there can be other embodiments where cavity
25300 may extend at least partially into heel region 25220
[0173] Back face 25100 also comprises stabilizing bar 25400
protruded from cavity base 25310 and extending diagonally relative
to vertical axis 25290. The length of stabilizing bar 25400 may
extend fully or partially across cavity base 25310, depending on
the embodiment. As seen in FIG. 25, bar axis 25410 extends along a
length of stabilizing bar 25400, being intersected with vertical
axis 25290, and extending therefrom to the high toe portion of back
face 25100, towards toe end 25230 and top end 25250. In some
examples, a thickness or height of stabilizing bar 25400 from
cavity base 25310, and/or of other stabilizing bars of club head
set 250, may be of approximately 0.010 inch to approximately 0.25
inch. In the same or other examples, a width of stabilizing bar
25400, and/or of other stabilizing bars or other club heads of club
head set 250, may be of approximately 0.050 inch to approximately
0.75 inch. In the same or other examples, the thickness or width of
stabilizing bar 25400 may vary along its length, such as to
increase or decrease towards the high toe portion of back face
25100. In the present example, bar axis 25410 is angled at bar
angle 25420 of approximately 43 degrees relative to vertical axis
25290. There can be embodiments where the angle between vertical
axis 25290 and bar axis 25410 may range from approximately 40
degrees to approximately 50 degrees. Depending on the club head,
other club heads of club head set 250 may comprise bar angles,
similar to bar angle 25420, of approximately 25 degrees to
approximately 65 degrees between their respective vertical and bar
axes.
[0174] Skipping ahead in the figures, FIG. 28 illustrates a top
x-ray view of club head 25000 along strike path 28100 and poised to
strike golf ball 28500. In the present example, stability bar 25400
is angled at bar angle 25420 (FIG. 25), relative to vertical axis
25290 (FIG. 25), such that bar axis 25410 (FIG. 25) is
substantially aligned with strike path 28100 when club head 25000
is proximate to impact point 28600 with golf ball 28500. As a
result, stability bar 25400 is better positioned to receive,
attenuate, and/or dissipate impact stresses and/or frequencies
along its length upon impact with golf ball 28500 than if stability
bar 25400 were aligned, for example, parallel or perpendicular to
vertical axis 25290 (FIG. 25). In addition, because the length of
stability bar 25400 is aligned substantially parallel with strike
path 28100, when viewed from the top view of FIG. 28, stability bar
25400 may impart further consistency and directionality control to
compel alignment of a flightpath of golf ball 2500 with strike path
28100.
[0175] As can be seen from the top view of FIG. 28, stability bar
25400 is angled to be substantially aligned with flight path 28100
when club head 25000 is at a target open face impact angle 28700
while proximate to impact point 28600. In some examples, one or
more club heads may have stability bars similar to stability bar
25400, angled for substantial alignment with flight path 28100 for
target open face impact angles of approximately 30 degrees to
approximately 50 degrees. There also can be other examples,
however, where stability bars could instead be angled such as to be
aligned with flight path 28100 when their club heads are square or
are at closed face impact angles when proximate to impact point
28600.
[0176] Backtracking to FIG. 26, club head 26000 comprises vertical
axis 26290 similar to vertical axis 25290 (FIG. 25) of club head
25000 (FIG. 25), and stabilizing bar 26400 at cavity 26300, similar
to stabilizing bar 25400 (FIG. 25). Stabilizing bar 26400 is
angled, relative to vertical axis 26290, at bar angle 26420. FIG.
27 shows club head 27000 comprising vertical axis 27290 similar to
vertical axis 25290 (FIG. 25) of club head 25000 (FIG. 25), and
stabilizing bar 27400 at cavity 27300, similar to stabilizing bar
25400 (FIG. 25). Stabilizing bar 27400 is angled, relative to
vertical axis 27290, at bar angle 27420.
[0177] The club heads in FIGS. 25-27 are each part of club head set
250, but differ from each other by comprising different lofts. In
the present example, the loft of club head 27000 (FIG. 27) is
greater than the loft of club head 26000 (FIG. 26), and the loft of
club head 26000 (FIG. 26) is greater than the loft of club head
25000 (FIG. 25). Club head set 250 is configured such that the bar
angles of its club heads vary based on the loft of its clubs. For
example, bar angle 27420 (FIG. 27) is greater than bar angle 26420
(FIG. 26), and bar angle 26420 (FIG. 26) is greater than bar angle
25420 (FIG. 25). Accordingly, stabilizing bar 26400 (FIG. 26) will
be substantially aligned with strike path 28100 (FIG. 28) when club
head 26000 is at a target open face impact face angle greater than
target open face impact angle 28700 (FIG. 28) of club head 25000
(FIG. 25). Similarly, stabilizing bar 27400 (FIG. 27) will be
substantially aligned with strike path 28100 (FIG. 28) when club
head 27100 is at a target open face impact angle greater than the
target open face impact angle described above for club head 26000
(FIG. 26).
[0178] Consistent with the description above, in the present
example, club head 25000 (FIG. 25) comprises a loft of
approximately 52 degrees, comprises bar angle 25420 of
approximately 43 degrees, and is configured for a target open face
impact angle 28700 of approximately 37 degrees. Club head 26000
(FIG. 26) comprises a loft of approximately 56 degrees, comprises
bar angle 26420 of approximately 44 degrees, and is configured for
a target open face impact angle of approximately 38 degrees. Club
head 27000 (FIG. 27) comprises a loft of approximately 60 degrees,
comprises bar angle 27420 of approximately 47 degrees, and is
configured for a target open face impact angle 28700 of
approximately 42 degrees.
[0179] In the same or other embodiments, club head set 250 may
comprise, in addition to, or instead of one or more of club heads
25000, 26000, and/or 27000, other club heads with different loft
angles and corresponding characteristics. For instance, club head
set 250 may comprise club heads with lofts of 50, 54, and/or 58
degrees, and/or lower lofted irons, with corresponding bar angle
and target open face impact angle characteristics.
[0180] Several ranges can be implemented for the values described
above. For example, there can be embodiments where club head 25000
(FIG. 25), club head 26000 (FIG. 26), club head 27000 (FIG. 27),
and/or another club head of club head set 250 can comprise a loft
of approximately 45 degrees to approximately 70 degrees, can
comprise a bar angle of approximately 40 degrees to approximately
50 degrees, and/or can be configured for a target open face impact
angle of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 50 degrees. In
the same or other embodiments, where lower lofted irons are
included, the lofts may range from approximately 18 degrees to
approximately 70 degrees, and the bar angles may range from
approximately 25 degrees to 65 degrees.
[0181] As can be seen in FIGS. 25-27, the club heads of club head
set 250 comprise hourglass supports towards the middle of their
respective back faces. As an example, club head 25000 comprises
hourglass support 25600 protruding from back face 25100, where
hourglass support 25600 comprises top portion 25630, bottom portion
25640, and middle portion 25650. Hourglass support 25600 also
comprises toe sidewall 25610 and heel sidewall 25620, defining top
portion 25630, bottom portion 25640, and middle portion 25650
therebetween. In the present example, cavity wall 25320 comprises
toe sidewall 25610, such that toe sidewall 25610 protrudes above
cavity base 25310. Also in the present example, the cavity wall
25720 of cavity 25700 comprises heel sidewall 25620, such that heel
sidewall 25620 protrudes above the cavity base of cavity 25700
[0182] Hourglass support 25600 can be configured to provide several
benefits to club head 25000. For example, by splitting the majority
of its mass between top portion 25630 and bottom portion 25640,
middle portion 25650 is made relatively lighter. Such an
arrangement provides for improved moment of inertia about middle
portion 25650 to improve stability on center impact hits at the
strike face opposite middle portion 25650, and/or opposite cavities
25300 or 25700. In addition, the mass of the top portion of the
hourglass support, located high on club head 25000, can be
beneficial for positioning the center of gravity for optimal launch
conditions and increasing moment of inertia. In some examples,
middle portion 25650 of hourglass support 25600 can be located
above a horizontal centerline 25280 of back face 25100, thereby
further raising the center of gravity of club head 25000. Raising
the center of gravity as described via hourglass support 25600 may
provide for better launch control, permitting lower launch angles,
and/or increased gear effect and ball spin, for a more stable golf
ball flight path. In the same or other embodiments, top portion
25630 can be wider and/or thicker than bottom portion 25640 of
hourglass support 25600.
[0183] Toe sidewall 25610 of hourglass support 25600 comprises top
segment 25611 that defines, at least in part, top portion 25630 of
hourglass support 25600. In the same or other examples, top segment
25611 is substantially parallel to stability bar 25400. Such
parallel relationship may permit top segment 25611, and/or other
parts of hourglass support 25600, to act in conjunction with
stability bar 25400 to better receive, attenuate, and/or dissipate
impact stresses, vibrations, and/or frequencies, and/or to assist
in imparting better golf ball directionality control when aligned
relative to strike path 28100 (FIG. 8). Toe sidewall 25610 also
comprises bottom segment 25612 in the present example, defining at
least in part bottom portion 25640 of hourglass support 25600. In
some examples, bottom segment 25612 can be substantially
perpendicular to stability bar 25400, and/or can be otherwise
angled relative thereto.
[0184] Toe sidewall 25610 is substantially non-linear along middle
portion 25650 of hourglass support 25600 in the present embodiment.
In particular, in the present example, toe sidewall 25610 is angled
thereat, approximating a "U" or "V" shape, such that an angle of
approximately 80 degrees to approximately 100 degrees can exist
between top portion 25611 and bottom portion 25612 of toe sidewall
25610.
[0185] In the present example, back face 25100 also comprises
cavity 25700 located at heel region 25220. Cavity 25700 can be
similar to cavity 25300, but comprises cavity wall 25720 which
includes heel sidewall 25620 of hourglass support 25600. In FIG.
25, both of cavities 25700 and 25300 are located above horizontal
centerline 25280. In the present example, cavity 25700 is devoid of
a stabilizing bar similar to stabilizing bar 25400. There may be
other embodiments, however, where a stabilizing bar could be
provided at cavity 25700, such as for club heads configured for
closed face impact angles. In such examples where a stabilizing bar
is provided at cavity 25700, such stability bar may be parallel to
a top segment of heel sidewall 25620 of hourglass support 25600,
parallel to the angle of stability bar 25400, substantially
perpendicular to the angle of stability bar 25400, and/or otherwise
angled, such as in alignment with a strike path of its club head
while at a target face impact angle. In the same or other examples,
where cavity 25700 comprises a stability bar, cavity 25300 may or
may not comprise stability bar 25400.
[0186] As can be seen in FIGS. 25-27, the club heads of club head
set 250 also comprise respective toe weights that can vary
depending on the loft angle of their club heads. For example, in
FIG. 25, club head 25000 comprises toe weight 25800 located at toe
region 25210 towards bottom end 25260. Toe weight 25800 comprises
weight surface 25810 facing towards heel region 25240, where weight
surface 25810 is angled relative to vertical axis 25290. Similarly,
in FIG. 26, club head 26000 comprises toe weight 26800 with weight
surface 26810 angled relative to vertical axis 25290, and in FIG.
27, club head 27000 comprises toe weight 27800 with weight surface
27810 angled relative to vertical axis 27290. In the present
example of club head set 250, the angles of weight surfaces 25810
(FIG. 25), 26810 (FIG. 26), and 27810 (FIG. 27) vary in accordance
with the loft of their respective club heads, similar to the
variation described above with respect to the angles of stability
bars 25400 (FIG. 25), 26400 (FIG. 26) and 27400 (FIG. 27). For
example, where the loft of club head 27000 is greater than the loft
of club head 26000 and where the loft of club head 26000 is greater
than the loft of club head 25000, the angle of weight surface 27810
relative to the vertical axis is greater than the angle of weight
surface 26810 relative to the vertical axis, and the angle of
weight surface 26810 relative to the vertical axis is greater than
the angle of weight surface 25810 relative to the vertical axis. In
the present example, the angled weight surfaces are aligned
substantially parallel to their corresponding stabilizing bars,
such that weight surface 25810 is substantially parallel to
stabilizing bar 25400 (FIG. 25), weight surface 26810 is
substantially parallel to stabilizing bar 26400 (FIG. 26), and
weight surface 27810 is substantially parallel to stabilizing bar
27400 (FIG. 27). In the same or other examples, such variation in
the angles of the weight surfaces can provide benefits similar to
those described above with respect to the variation between
stabilizing bars 25400 (FIG. 25), 26400 (FIG. 26), and 27400 (FIG.
27), such as by aligning weight surfaces 25810, 26810, 27810 with
respective strike paths when their club heads are at respective
target face impact angles. There may be other examples, however,
where club heads of a club head set similar to club head set 250
need not comprise respective toe weights, or may comprise
respective toe weights that do not necessarily vary depending on
the loft angle of their club heads.
[0187] Continuing with the figures, FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view
of club head 29000. Club head 29000 can be similar to club head
25000 (FIG. 25), but comprises stabilizing bar 29400. Stabilizing
bar 29400 is similar to stabilizing bar 25400 (FIG. 25), but
increases in width towards a top toe end of club head 29000. In the
same or other examples, stabilizing bar 29400 can also, or
alternatively, increase in thickness towards the top toe end of
club head 29000. In some examples, increasing the width or
thickness of the stabilizing bar towards the top toe end of the
club head can provide additional structural support to the high toe
region thereof, and/or provide further reinforced area along a
broader path aligned for impact with a golf ball. Such
reinforcement can further reduce deformation and absorb further
stresses at impact. Additionally, the increase width and/or
thickness can position the center of gravity of the club head
higher for increased spin rate and greater moment of inertia.
[0188] FIG. 30 illustrates a rear view of club head 30000. Club
head 30000 is similar to club head 25000 (FIG. 25), but comprises
stabilizing bars 30401 and 30402 rather than just a single
stabilizing bar like stabilizing bar 25400 (FIG. 25). In the
present example, stabilizing bars 30404 and 30402 are angled as
described above for stabilizing bar 25400 (FIG. 25), but
stabilizing bar 30401 is wider than stabilizing bar 30402, and is
located closer to the toe end of club head 30000 than stabilizing
bar 30402. In the same or other examples, stabilizing bar 30401 can
be thicker or taller in addition to, or instead of, wider than
stabilizing bar 30402. Similarly, in the same or other examples,
the widths of stabilizing bar 30401 and 30402 can be the same. In
some embodiments, additional stabilizing bars can provide further
structural support across the toe region of club head. While a
single stabilizing bar provides reinforcement at a particular
location, added bars can increase support over a larger cross
section of the face.
[0189] Moving along, FIG. 31 illustrates a flowchart of method
31000 for providing a golf club head set. In some examples, the
golf club head set of method 31000 can be similar to golf club head
set 250 described with respect to FIGS. 25-28, and/or to a golf
club head set comprising club heads similar to those of FIGS. 29
and/or 30. The golf club head set may comprise one or more club
heads comprising diagonal stabilizing bars.
[0190] Block 31100 of method 31000 comprises providing a first club
head comprising a first diagonal stabilizing bar. In some examples,
the first club head can be similar to one of the club heads of club
head set 250 described above, such as club head 25000 (FIG. 25),
club head 29000 (FIG. 29), or club head 30000 (FIG. 30). A first
vertical axis may be defined to extend through first top and first
bottom ends of the first club head, and between first heel and
first toe regions of the first club head. In some examples, the
first vertical axis can be similar to vertical axis 25290 (FIG.
25), and the first toe region can be similar to toe region 25210
(FIG. 25).
[0191] Block 31100 can comprise sub-block 31110, in some examples,
for providing a first back face of the first club head. As an
example, the first back face can be similar to back face 25100 of
club head 25000 (FIG. 25). The first back face can be located
opposite a first strike face of the first club head. The first club
head may be provided, for example, via a casting or forging
process.
[0192] Next, block 31100 can comprise sub-block 31120 for providing
a first cavity on the first back face at the first toe region of
the first club head. The first cavity can be similar to first
cavity 25300 (FIG. 25), and may comprise a first cavity base
similar to cavity base 25310, and a first cavity wall bounding the
first cavity base and similar to cavity wall 25320 (FIG. 25). In
some examples, a perimeter of the first club head may protrude
above the first cavity base and/or define a portion of the first
cavity wall, such as seen in FIG. 25 with respect to perimeter
25110 protruding above cavity base 25310. In the same or other
examples, the first back face may be configured such that the first
cavity is located only at the first toe region of the first club
head.
[0193] Block 31100 of method 31000 can also comprise sub-block
31130 for providing the first diagonal stabilizing bar within and
protruded from the first cavity, and angled at a first bar angle
relative to a vertical axis of the first club head. The first
diagonal stabilizing bar may be similar to stabilizing bar 25400
(FIG. 25), and may comprise a first bar axis extending along a
length of the first bar, similar to bar axis 25410 (FIG. 25). The
first bar axis can be aligned to intersect the first vertical axis,
and to extend therefrom towards a high toe portion of the first
club head. In some examples, the first diagonal stabilizing bar may
be forged or cast with the first club head, and/or may be machined
therefrom. There can be other examples where the first diagonal
stabilizing bar does not comprise a single piece of material with
the first back face.
[0194] There can be embodiments where the first bar axis can be
angled at the first bar angle such that the first bar axis can be
substantially aligned with a strike path of the first club head
when the first club head is proximate to an impact point with a
golf ball along the strike path. In some examples, such alignment
of the first bar axis and/or the first stabilizing bar can be as
described above with respect to FIG. 28 for stabilizing bar 25400
relative to strike path 28100. In the same or other examples, the
alignment of the first bar axis and/or of the first stabilizing bar
can be configured with respect to target face impact angles as
described above with respect to the club heads of FIGS. 25-28.
[0195] There can also be embodiments with other configurations for
the first diagonal stabilizing bar. As an example, in some
embodiments, at least one of a thickness or a width of the first
diagonal stabilizing bar may be configured to increase towards the
first top end of the first club head, as described above with
respect to FIGS. 25 and 29. As another example, a second diagonal
stabilizing bar may be located in the first cavity, parallel to the
first diagonal stabilizing bar, as described with respect to FIG.
30. In such examples, the second diagonal stabilizing bar may be
thicker and/or wider than the first diagonal stabilizing bar, and
can be located closer to the first toe end of the first club head
than the first diagonal stabilizing bar.
[0196] In some examples, block 31100 may further comprise sub-block
31140 for providing a first hourglass support protruded from the
first back face. There can be examples where the first hourglass
support may be similar to hourglass support 25600 (FIG. 25). The
first hourglass support may be machined at the first back face in
some examples, but there can also be examples where the first
hourglass support need not comprise a single piece of material with
the first back face. In some implementations, the first hourglass
support may comprise top, bottom, and middle portions that may be
respectively similar to top portion 25630, bottom portion 25640,
and/or middle portion 25650 of hourglass support 25600 (FIG. 25).
The first hourglass support may also comprise heel and toe
hourglass sidewalls, which may be respectively similar to heel
sidewall 25620 and/or toe sidewall 25610 of hourglass support 25600
(FIG. 25). In some embodiments, the toe hourglass sidewall may
protrude above the first cavity of block 31120, and/or may comprise
a portion of the first cavity wall. There can also be examples
where a top segment of the toe hourglass sidewall can be
substantially parallel to the first bar axis of the first diagonal
stabilizing bar. In the same or other examples, the toe hourglass
sidewall can be non-linear along the middle hourglass portion of
the first hourglass support, as seen for toe sidewall 25610 in FIG.
25. In the same or other embodiments, the heel hourglass sidewall
may protrude above a second cavity of the first club head. For
example, such second cavity can be located at the heel region of
the first club head, and/or can be similar to cavity 25700 (FIG.
25) in some embodiments.
[0197] Block 31100 may comprise, in some embodiments, sub-block
31150 for providing a first toe weight comprising a first weight
surface angled at a first weight angle and facing a heel region of
the first club head. The first toe weight can be located at the
first toe region and towards the first bottom end of the first club
head, and the first weight surface can face towards the first heel
region at a first weight angle relative to the first vertical axis
of the first club head. In some examples, the first toe weight can
be similar to toe weight 25800, and the first weight surface can be
similar to weight surface 25810 (FIG. 25). In the same or other
example, the first toe weight can be similar to insert 895 (FIG.
8), such as by comprising similar material(s).
[0198] In some examples, method 31000 can comprise block 31200 for
providing a second club head comprising a second diagonal
stabilizing bar. The second club head can be similar, in some
examples to another one of the club heads of club head set 250,
such as one of club heads 26000 (FIG. 26) or 27000 (FIG. 27).
[0199] Block 31200 comprises sub-block 31210 for providing the
second diagonal stabilizing bar angled at a second bar angle
greater than the first bar angle. In some examples, the loft of the
second club head of block 31200 can be greater than the loft of the
first club head of block 31100, such that bar angles increase with
increasing lofts. In some embodiments, the second diagonal
stabilizing bar can be similar to stabilizing bar 26400 at bar
angle 26420 (FIG. 26)
[0200] Block 31200 can also comprise, in some examples, sub-block
31220 for providing a second toe weight with a second weight
surface angled at a second weight angle greater than the first
weight angle. There can be embodiments where the second toe weight
can be similar to toe weight 26800 with weight surface 26810.
[0201] In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of
method 31000 can be combined into a single block or performed
simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be changed.
For example, sub-blocks 31120 and 31130 may be carried out
concurrently with sub-block 31110 in some examples, such as when
casting, forging, and/or machining the first club head. In the same
or other examples, some of the blocks of method 31000 can be
subdivided into several sub-blocks. For example, sub-block 31150
may comprise a sub-block for coupling the first toe weight to the
first club head, such as by welding or via adhesives. There can
also be examples where method 31000 can comprise further or
different blocks. As an example, another block similar to block
31100 and/or corresponding sub-blocks 31110, 31120, 31130, 31140,
and/or 31150 may be provided for providing a third club head
comprising a third diagonal stabilizing bar, such as for club head
27000 (FIG. 27) or other club heads of club head set 250. In
addition, there may be examples where method 31000 can comprise
only part of the steps described above. For instance, sub-block
31150 may be optional in some embodiments. Other variations can be
implemented for method 31000 without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure. Although the club head sets with varying
characteristics and related methods have been described with
reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.
Additional examples of such options and other embodiments have been
given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure
herein of embodiments of club head sets with varying
characteristics and related methods is intended to be illustrative
of the scope of the present disclosure and is not intended to be
limiting. For example, in one embodiment, a golf club head may have
one or more features of FIGS. 1-5, with or without the other
features described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In another example,
the club head sets described above with respect to FIGS. 8-21 may
comprise more or less club heads than those listed in FIGS. 16 and
19, and the loft angles, support bar characteristics, and/or lower
toe insert weight attributes may differ from those in the examples
of FIGS. 8-21 while still being related to each other. As yet
another example, club heads in accordance with the implementations
discussed for FIGS. 25-31 may have corresponding stabilizing bars
of several shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal,
circular, crescent, and/or rhomboid shapes, and/or may have
corresponding stabilizing bars of several patterns, such as solid,
waffle, dimpled, honeycomb, growth, and/or reduction patterns,
while still embracing the teachings of the present disclosure.
Other permutations of the different embodiments having one or more
of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated.
It is intended that the scope of the club head sets with varying
characteristics and related methods shall be limited only to the
extent required by the appended claims.
[0202] FIGS. 32-34 illustrate a golf club head 40000 of golf club
head set 45000 according to an embodiment of the golf clubs and
methods of manufacture described herein. Club head 40000 can be
similar to club head 100 and club head 800, and golf club
comprising club head 40000 can be similar to a golf club comprising
club head 100 and a golf club comprising club head 800. The club
head 40000 comprises a body 40101 having a strike face 40102 with a
front face 40250 and a back face 40860, a toe region 40110, a heel
region 40120 opposite the toe region 40110, a hosel 40105 at the
heel region 40120, a sole region 40130, and a top region 40140
opposite the sole region 40130. The sole region 40130 may extend
from the heel region 40120 to the toe region 40110, and the sole
region 40130 may extend from the front face 40250 to a back sole
edge 40165. The club head 40000 also comprises a back portion 40802
comprising back face 40860 opposite front face 40250 and extending
between toe region 40110 and heel region 40120 of back portion
40802. In a different embodiment, the golf club head 40000 may have
a bore (not shown), instead of the hosel 40105, at the heel region
40120.
[0203] Referring to FIG. 32, the club head 40000 further comprises
a support structure 40200 protruding from back face 40860. The
support structure 40200 includes a central support bar 40210 and a
bottom support bar 40220. The central support bar 40210 is
positioned in the center region and extends from near the top of
the strikeface 40102 to near the bottom of the strikeface 40102.
Further, the central support bar 40220 includes a width 40212
measured in a heel to toe direction of the club head 40000 (i.e.
measured in a direction from extending from the heel region 40120
to the toe region 40110). In the illustrated embodiment, the width
40212 of the central support bar 40210 increases from near the top
region 40140 to near the sole region 40130 of the club head 40000.
In other embodiments, the width 40212 of the central support bar
40210 may remain constant, or the width 40212 of the central
support bar 40210 may decrease from near the top region 40140 to
near the sole region 40130 of the club head 40000. The bottom
support bar 40220 is positioned below the center of the back face
40860 and extends from near the heel region 40120 to near the toe
region 40110 of the club head 40000. Further, the bottom support
bar 40220 includes a height 40222 measured in a top to bottom
direction of the strikeface 40102 (i.e. measured in a direction
extending from the top region 40140 to the sole region 40130). In
the illustrated embodiment, the height 40222 of the bottom support
bar 40220 decreases from near the center to near the heel portion
40120 and near the toe portion 40110 of the club head 40000. In
other embodiments, the height 40222 of the bottom support bar 40220
may be constant from near the center to near the heel portion 40120
and near the toe portion 40110 of the club head 40000, or the
height 40222 of the bottom support bar 40220 may increase from near
the center to near the heel portion 40120 and near the toe portion
40110 of the club head 40000.
[0204] In the present embodiment, support bars 40210 and 40220 are
integrally formed and comprise substantially the same support bar
thickness, as measured from back face 40860. Although the support
bar thickness is constant for both support bars 40210 and 40220 in
the example of FIG. 32, there can be other examples where the
support bar thickness tapers or otherwise varies along a length of
a support bar.
[0205] Support bars 40210 and 40220 are integral with back face
40860 in the present embodiment by comprising part of the same
piece of material. For example, support bars 40861 can be cast,
forged, or machined along with back face 40860. There can be other
embodiments where support bars 40210 and 40220 may not be integral
with their respective back faces, but are securely attached
thereto. In such examples, the support bars can be welded, brazed,
epoxied, or otherwise adhered to the back faces. The strike face
40102 of the club head 40000 includes a thickness measured as the
perpendicular distance from the front face 40250 to the back face
40860. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the strike
face 40102 varies according to a strike face zone, as described
below. In other embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102
may be substantially constant.
[0206] Referring to FIG. 32, the strike face 40102 has a central
zone 40106, a heel zone 40107, a toe zone 40108, and a perimeter
zone 40109. The central zone 40106 comprises a portion of the
strike face 40102 reinforced by the central support bar 40210. The
heel zone 40107 comprises a portion of the strike face 40102 devoid
of reinforcement from the support structure 40200 near the heel
region 40120 of the club head 40000. The toe zone 40108 comprises a
portion of the strike face 40102 devoid of reinforcement from the
support structure 40200 near the toe region 40110 of the club head
40000. The perimeter zone 40109 comprises a portion of the club
head surrounding the central zone 40106, the heel zone 40107, the
toe zone 40108, and the bottom support bar 40220.
[0207] In the illustrated embodiment the thickness of the strike
face in the heel zone is approximately the same as the thickness of
the strike face in the toe zone. Further, in the illustrated
embodiment, the thickness of the strike face in the heel zone and
the toe zone are less than the thickness of the strike face in the
central zone, and the thickness of the strike face in the central
zone is less than the thickness of the strike face in the perimeter
zone.
[0208] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of
the strike face 40102 in the heel zone 40107 is approximately 0.075
inch (0.19 cm). In many embodiments, the thickness of the faceplate
in the heel zone 40107 ranges from approximately 0.067 inch (0.17
cm) to 0.082 inch (0.21 cm). In other embodiments, the thickness of
the strike face 40102 in the heel zone 40107 can be less than
approximately 0.10 inch (0.25 cm), less than approximately 0.09
inch (0.23 cm), less than approximately 0.08 inch (0.20 cm), or
less than approximately 0.07 inch (0.18 cm).
[0209] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
thickness of the strike face 40102 in the toe zone 40108 is
approximately 0.075 inch (0.19 cm). In many embodiments, the
thickness of the faceplate in the toe zone 40108 ranges from
approximately 0.067 inch (0.17 cm) to 0.082 inch (0.21 cm). In
other embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102 in the
toe zone 40108 can be less than approximately 0.10 inch (0.25 cm),
less than approximately 0.09 inch (0.23 cm), less than
approximately 0.08 inch (0.20 cm), or less than approximately 0.07
inch (0.18 cm).
[0210] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
thickness of the strike face 40102 in the central zone 40106 is
approximately 0.085 inches. In many embodiments, the thickness of
the faceplate in the central zone 40106 ranges from approximately
0.078 inch (0.20 cm) to 0.092 inch (0.23 cm). In other embodiments,
the thickness of the strike face 40102 in the central zone 40106
can range from approximately 0.065 inch (0.17 cm) to 0.15 inch
(0.38 cm). For example, the thickness of the strike face 40102 in
the central zone 40106 can be approximately 0.065 inch (0.17 cm),
approximately 0.070 inch (0.18 cm), approximately 0.075 inch (0.19
cm), approximately 0.080 inch (0.20 cm), approximately 0.085 inch
(0.22 cm), approximately 0.090 inch (0.23 cm), approximately 0.095
inch (0.24 cm), approximately 0.100 inch (0.25 cm), approximately
0.105 inch (0.27 cm), approximately 0.110 inch (0.28 cm), or
approximately 0.115 inch (0.29 cm).
[0211] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
thickness of the strike face 40102 in the perimeter zone 40109 is
approximately 0.160 inch (0.406 cm). In many embodiments, the
thickness of the faceplate in the perimeter zone 40109 ranges from
approximately 0.140 inch (0.356 cm) to 0.180 inch (0.457 cm). In
other embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102 in the
perimeter zone 40109 can be less than or equal to approximately
0.260 inch (0.660 cm). For example, the thickness of the strike
face 40102 in the perimeter zone 40109 can be less than or equal to
approximately 0.260 inch (0.660 cm), less than or equal to
approximately 0.240 inch (0.610 cm), less than or equal to
approximately 0.220 inch (0.559 cm), less than or equal to
approximately 0.200 inch (0.508 cm), less than or equal to
approximately 0.180 inch (0.457 cm), less than or equal to
approximately 0.160 inch (0.406 cm), or less than or equal to
approximately 0.140 inch (0.356 cm).
[0212] In many embodiments, strikeface 40102 can comprise an upper
region and a lower region. In these embodiments, upper region can
comprise a region of the strikeface 40102 above the cavity 40180 or
between the top of the cavity 40180 and the top end of the
strikeface 40102. Further, in these embodiments, lower region can
comprise a region of the strikeface 40102 in front of or within the
cavity 40180 or between the top of the cavity 40180 and the bottom
end of strikeface 40102.
[0213] In some embodiments, an upper thickness of upper region can
be measured from the front face 40250 to the back face 40860 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to front face 40250 in the
upper region of the strikeface 40102. In many embodiments, the
upper thickness can vary defining a lowest or minimum upper
thickness. In many embodiments, minimum upper thickness can be 0.06
inch (0.152 cm) to 0.12 inch (0.305 cm). In many embodiments,
minimum upper thickness can be less than or equal to 0.12 inch
(0.305 cm), less than or equal to 0.11 inch (0.279 cm), less than
or equal to 0.10 inch (0.254 cm), less than or equal to 0.09 inch
(0.2286 cm), less than or equal to 0.08 inch (0.2032 cm), less than
or equal to 0.07 inch (0.1778 cm), or less than or equal to 0.06
inch (0.1524 cm). For example, in some embodiments, minimum upper
thickness can be approximately 0.06 inch (0.1524 cm), 0.07 inch
(0.1778 cm), 0.08 inch (0.2032 cm), 0.09 inch (0.2286 cm), or 0.1
inch (0.254 cm).
[0214] In some embodiments, a lower thickness of lower region can
be measured from the front face 40250 to the back face 40860 in a
direction substantially perpendicular to front face 40250 in the
lower region of the strikeface 40102. In many embodiments, the
lower thickness can vary defining a lowest or minimum lower
thickness. In many embodiments, minimum lower thickness can be less
than minimum upper thickness. In some embodiments, minimum lower
thickness of lower region can be 0.05 inch (0.127 cm) to 0.10 inch
(0.254 cm). In many embodiments, minimum lower thickness can be
less than or equal to 0.10 inch (0.254 cm), less than or equal to
0.09 inch (0.2286 cm), less than or equal to 0.08 inch (0.2032 cm),
less than or equal to approximately 0.07 inch (0.1778 cm), less
than or equal to 0.06 inch (0.1524 cm), or less than or equal to
0.05 inch (0.127 cm). For example, in some embodiments, minimum
lower thickness can be approximately 0.05 inch (0.127 cm), 0.06
inch (0.1524 cm), 0.07 inch (0.1778 cm), 0.08 inch (0.2032 cm), or
0.09 inch (0.2286 cm).
[0215] In many embodiments, the minimum lower thickness is greater
than the minimum upper thickness. In other embodiments, the minimum
lower thickness can be less than the minimum upper thickness. In
many embodiments, a minimum thickness of the strikeface 40102
including the upper region and lower region, measured from the
front face 40250 to the back face 40860 in a direction
substantially perpendicular to front face 40250, can be less than
or equal to 0.11 inch (0.279 cm), less than or equal to 0.10 inch
(0.254 cm), less than or equal to 0.09 inch (0.2286 cm), less than
or equal to 0.08 inch (0.2032 cm), less than or equal to 0.07 inch
(0.1778 cm), less than or equal to 0.06 inch (0.1524 cm), or less
than or equal to 0.05 inch (0.127 cm).
[0216] Referring to FIG. 33, the front face 40250 of the club head
40000 includes a surface area. In the illustrated embodiment, the
surface area of the front face 40250 ranges from approximately 4.0
in.sup.2 to approximately 5.5 in.sup.2. In other embodiments, the
surface area of the front face 40250 can range from approximately
3.0 in.sup.2 to approximately 6.0 in.sup.2. For example, the
surface area of the front face 40250 can be approximately 3.00
in.sup.2, approximately 3.25 in.sup.2, approximately 3.50 in.sup.2,
approximately 3.75 in.sup.2, approximately 4.00 in.sup.2,
approximately 4.25 in.sup.2, approximately 4.50 in.sup.2,
approximately 4.75 in.sup.2, approximately 5.00 in.sup.2,
approximately 5.25 in.sup.2, approximately 5.50 in.sup.2,
approximately 5.75 in.sup.2, or approximately 6.00 in.sup.2.
[0217] The golf club head 40000 further comprises a cavity 40180
configured to receive a cavity insert 40185. Cavity 40180 is
located at back portion 40802, between back face 40860 and back end
40870, and comprises cavity heel zone 40182, cavity toe zone 40183,
cavity center zone 40181, cavity inner section 40184 located
towards front face 40250, and cavity outer section 40885 located
towards back end 40870. In the present example, cavity inner
section 40184 is located opposite back face 40860, and cavity outer
section 40885 is located opposite back end 40870. In the
illustrated embodiment, cavity 40180 is wider at cavity center zone
40181 than at either of cavity heel zone 40182 or cavity toe zone
40183.
[0218] In the present example, a distance between front face 40250
and an exposed surface of cavity inner section 40184 is greater at
cavity heel zone 40182 and at cavity toe zone 40183 than at cavity
center zone 40181. There can also be embodiments where a distance
between back end 40870 and an exposed surface of cavity outer
section 40885 can be greater at cavity heel zone 40182 and at
cavity toe zone 40183 than at cavity center zone 40181. In the
illustrated embodiment, the cavity 40180 has a volume ranging from
approximately 4.5 cubic centimeters (cc) to approximately 5.0 cc.
In other embodiments, the cavity 40180 can have any volume greater
than approximately 4.0 cc. For example, the cavity 40180 can have a
volume greater than approximately 4.0 cc, greater than
approximately 4.1 cc, greater than approximately 4.2 cc, greater
than approximately 4.2 cc, greater than approximately 4.3 cc,
greater than approximately 4.4 cc, greater than approximately 4.5
cc, greater than approximately 4.6 cc, greater than approximately
4.7 cc, greater than approximately 4.8 cc, greater than
approximately 4.9 cc, or greater than approximately 5.0 cc.
[0219] The cavity 40180 is configured to receive the cavity insert
40185. The cavity insert 40885 comprises insert heel zone 40886,
insert toe zone 40887, and insert center zone 40888 in the present
embodiment, and is shaped complementarily to cavity 40180 such that
insert center zone 40888 is thicker than either of insert heel zone
40886 or insert toe zone 40887. In the illustrated embodiment,
insert heel and toe zones 40886 and 40887 are obtusely angled
relative to each other along insert inner wall 40889 and about
insert center zone 40888. Similarly, cavity inner section 40184 is
obtusely angled complementarily to insert inner wall 40889. In the
present example, cavity 40180 is configured such that insert 40885
is insertable in a top-to-sole direction with respect to club head
40000. There can also be examples where insert 40885 can be
interchangeable with other inserts of similar shape. In some
embodiments, the insert 40185 can comprise a shape that only
partially occupies the cavity 40180, or the insert 40185 can
comprise a shape that overfills the cavity 40180.
[0220] In the present embodiment, the insert 40185 comprises a
shape that overfills the cavity 40180 near the back face 40860. In
the illustrated embodiment, the insert 40185 extends past an
opening of the cavity 40180 adjacent to the back face 40860 by a
distance of approximately 0.15 inch (0.38 cm) to approximately 0.20
inch (0.51 cm). In other embodiments, the insert 40185 can extend
past the cavity 40180 adjacent to the back face 40860 by a distance
of approximately 0 inches to approximately 0.25 inch (0.64 cm). In
many embodiments, the insert 40185 extending past the cavity
adjacent to the strike face 40102 increases support to the strike
face 40102 on impact with a golf ball. In some embodiments, a limit
exists on the distance the insert 40185 extends past the cavity
40180 to increase support to the strike face 40102. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, an insert that extends greater than
approximately 0.25 inch (0.64 cm) past the cavity 40180 does not
further increase the support on the strike face 40102 during impact
with a golf ball.
[0221] In many embodiments, the insert 40185 of the club head 40000
has increased contact area with the back face 40860 or cavity inner
section 40184 compared to current designs. For example, in the
illustrated embodiment, the contact area of the insert 40185 with
the back face 40860 is approximately 1.0 in.sup.2 (6.45 cm.sup.2).
In other embodiments, the contact area of the insert 40185 with the
back face 40860 can be greater than approximately 0.9 in.sup.2
(5.81 cm.sup.2), greater than approximately 1.0 in.sup.2 (6.45
cm.sup.2), greater than approximately 1.1 in.sup.2 (7.10 cm.sup.2),
greater than approximately 1.2 in.sup.2 (7.74 cm.sup.2), greater
than approximately 1.3 in.sup.2 (8.39 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.4 in.sup.2 (9.03 cm.sup.2), or greater than
approximately 1.5 in.sup.2 (9.68 cm.sup.2). In many embodiments,
the contact area of the insert 40185 with the back face 40860
comprises approximately 18%-25% of the surface area of the front
face 40250. In other embodiments, the contact area of the insert
40185 with the back face 40860 can comprise 20%-45%, 20%-35%,
25%-40%, 25%-45%, or 30%-45% of the surface area of the front face
40250. For example, in some embodiments, the contact area of the
insert 40185 with the back face 40860 comprises greater than
approximately 18%, greater than approximately 19%, greater than
approximately 20%, greater than approximately 21%, greater than
approximately 22%, greater than approximately 23%, greater than
approximately 24%, greater than approximately 25% of the surface
area of the front face 40250.
[0222] Further, in many embodiments, the insert 40185 has increased
contact area with the back surface of the cavity 40180 or cavity
outer section 40885 compared to current designs. For example, in
the illustrated embodiment, the contact area of the insert 40185
with the back surface is approximately 0.8 in.sup.2 (5.16
cm.sup.2). In other embodiments, the contact area of the insert
40185 with the back surface of the cavity 40180 can be greater than
approximately 0.7 in.sup.2 (4.52 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 0.8 in.sup.2 (5.16 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 0.9 in.sup.2 (5.81 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.0 in.sup.2 (6.45 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.1 in.sup.2 (7.10 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.2 in.sup.2 (7.74 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.3 in.sup.2 (8.39 cm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 1.4 in.sup.2 (9.03 cm.sup.2), or greater than
approximately 1.5 in.sup.2 (9.68 cm.sup.2). In many embodiments,
the contact area of the insert 40185 with the back surface of the
cavity 40180 comprises approximately 16%-25% of the surface area of
the front face 40250. For example, in some embodiments, the contact
area of the insert 40185 with the back surface of the cavity 40180
comprises greater than approximately 16%, greater than
approximately 17%, greater than approximately 18%, greater than
approximately 19%, greater than approximately 20%, greater than
approximately 21%, greater than approximately 22%, greater than
approximately 23%, greater than approximately 24%, or greater than
approximately 25% of the surface area of the front face 40250.
[0223] Increased contact area between the insert 40185 and the back
face 40860 reduces vibrations of the club head 40000 to produce a
better feel. Further, increased contact area between the insert
40185 and the back face 40860 of the club head 40000 increases the
support of the strike face 40102 on impact with a golf ball.
Increased support allows portions of the strike face 40102 to be
thinned, thereby reducing club head weight, while maintaining
durability. In the illustrated embodiment, the thinnest portion of
the strike face 40102 is positioned in the toe zone 40108 and the
heel zone 40107 of the strike face 40102 and has a thickness of
approximately 0.075 inch (0.19 cm), measured as the minimum
distance from the front face 40250 to the back face 40860 of the
strike face 40102. In other embodiments, the thinnest portion of
the strike face 40102 can have a thickness measured as the minimum
distance from the front face 40250 to the back face 40860 of less
than approximately 0.100 inch (0.25 cm), less than approximately
0.090 inch (0.23 cm), less than approximately 0.080 inch (0.20 cm),
less than approximately 0.075 inch (0.19 cm), or less than
approximately 0.070 inch (0.18 cm).
[0224] In these or other embodiments, the thickness of the strike
face 40102 (i.e. thickness of central zone 40106, thickness of heel
zone 40107, thickness of toe zone 40108, thickness of perimeter
zone 40109, or thickness of thinnest portion of strike face 40102)
can be reduced by up to approximately 30% compared to current club
head designs. In some embodiments, the thickness of the strike face
40102 can be reduced by approximately 20%-25% compared to current
club head designs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
thickness of the strike face 40102 is reduced by approximately 23%
compared to current club head designs.
[0225] Reduced weight of the club head 40000 due to thinning of the
strike face 40102 allows additional weight to be positioned on
perimeter regions of the club head to increase the moment of
inertia and forgiveness. In many embodiments, additional weight is
positioned on at least one of a high toe region 40910, a low toe
region 40912, or the heel region 40120 of the club head 40000.
[0226] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, approximately 13
grams to 15 grams of weight is repositioned from the strike face
40102 to the high toe region 40910 of the club head 40000. In other
embodiments, approximately 10 grams to 100 grams of weight can be
repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the high toe region
40910 of the club head 40000. For example, in some embodiments,
approximately 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams, 60
grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams of weight can be
can be repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the high toe
region 40910 of the club head 40000.
[0227] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment,
approximately 40 grams to 65 grams of weight is repositioned from
the strike face 40102 to the low toe region 40912 of the club head
40000. In other embodiments, approximately 10 grams to 100 grams of
weight can be repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the low
toe region 40912 of the club head 40000. For example, in some
embodiments, approximately 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams,
50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams of
weight can be can be repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the
low toe region 40912 of the club head 40000.
[0228] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment,
approximately 65 grams to 85 grams of weight is repositioned from
the strike face 40102 to the heel region 40120 of the club head
40000. In other embodiments, approximately 10 grams to 100 grams of
weight can be repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the heel
region 40120 of the club head 40000. For example, in some
embodiments, approximately 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams,
50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams of
weight can be can be repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the
heel region 40120 of the club head 40000.
[0229] In many embodiments, repositioning weight from the strike
face 40102 to the perimeter of the club head 40000 can increase the
moment of inertia of the club head, thereby increasing club head
forgiveness. Accordingly, in many embodiments, a low toe cavity and
a low toe insert are not necessary to achieve or improve the
desired club head performance characteristics. The club head 40000
described herein, devoid of a low toe cavity and a low toe insert,
has increased moment of inertia compared to a similar club head
having a low toe cavity and a low toe insert, without a thinned
strike face.
[0230] For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the club head
40000 has a moment of inertia about an x-axis of approximately 80
gramsinches.sup.2 (gin.sup.2) to 130 gin.sup.2 (516
gramscentimeter.sup.2 to 839 gcm.sup.2). The x-axis extends through
the head center of gravity from the heel region 40120 to the toe
region 40110 of the club head. In these or other embodiments, the
moment of inertia about the x-axis is approximately 2.0% to 8.5%
greater than a similar club head having a low toe cavity and a low
toe insert, without a thinned strike face. In other embodiments,
the club head 40000 can have a moment of inertia about the x-axis
greater than approximately 80 gin.sup.2 (516 gcm.sup.2). For
example, the club head 40000 can have a moment of inertia about the
x-axis greater than approximately 90 gin.sup.2 (581 gcm.sup.2),
greater than approximately 100 gin.sup.2 (645 gcm.sup.2), greater
than approximately 110 gin.sup.2 (710 gcm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 120 gin.sup.2 (774 gcm.sup.2), or greater than
approximately 130 gin.sup.2 (839 gcm.sup.2).
[0231] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the club
head 40000 has a moment of inertia about a y-axis of approximately
390 gramsinches.sup.2 (gin.sup.2) to 470 gin.sup.2 (2516
gramscentimeter.sup.2 to 3032 gcm.sup.2). The y-axis extends
through the head center of gravity from a top region to a bottom
region of the club head 40000. In these or other embodiments, the
moment of inertia about the y-axis is approximately 2.5% to 7.5%
greater than a similar club head having a low toe cavity and a low
toe insert, without a thinned strike face. In other embodiments,
the club head 40000 can have a moment of inertia about the y-axis
greater than approximately 350 gin.sup.2 (2258 gcm.sup.2). For
example, the club head 40000 can have a moment of inertia about the
y-axis greater than approximately 350 gin.sup.2 (2258 gcm.sup.2),
greater than approximately 375 gin.sup.2 (2419 gcm.sup.2), greater
than approximately 400 gin.sup.2 (2580 gcm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 425 gin.sup.2 (2741 gcm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 450 gin.sup.2 (2903 gcm.sup.2), greater than
approximately 475 gin.sup.2 (3064 gcm.sup.2) or greater than
approximately 500 gin.sup.2 (3226 gcm.sup.2).
[0232] In many embodiments, the cavity 40180 further comprises one
or more ribs (not shown) corresponding to one or more grooves on
the insert 40185. The one or more ribs can have a cross sectional
shape corresponding to a cross sectional shape of the one or more
grooves. The one or more ribs can be positioned on the cavity inner
section 40184 or on the cavity outer section 40885. Further, the
one or more grooves can be positioned on a side of the insert 40185
corresponding to the position of the one or more ribs. The one or
more grooves can receive the one or more ribs on positioning the
insert 40185 within the cavity 40180 to secure the insert 40185
within the cavity 40180. The insert 40185 can be positioned in the
cavity 40180 with or without the use of epoxy or other bonding
material.
[0233] The club head 40000 can be part of a set of club heads 45000
comprising two or more club heads having loft angles varying
incrementally across the two or more club heads. For example, the
set of golf club heads 45000 can include a first golf club head
having a first loft angle and a second golf club head having a
second loft angle, greater than the first loft angle. Further, one
or more additional characteristics can vary across the two or more
golf club heads within the set 45000, as described in further
detail below.
[0234] In some embodiments, the surface area of the strike face
40102 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the set
45000. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface area of the
strike face 40102 increases with increasing loft angle within the
set 45000. For example, the first golf club head has a first
surface area, and the second golf club head has a second surface
area greater than the first surface area.
[0235] In some embodiments, the width 40212 of the central support
bar 40210 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the
set 45000. For example, the width 40212 of the central support bar
40210 can increase with increasing loft angle of one or more golf
club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first
golf club head can have a first width of the central support bar
40210 and the second golf club head can have a second width of the
central support bar 40210 greater than the first width. For further
example, the width 40212 of the central support bar 40210 can
decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more golf club heads
within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first golf club
head can have a first width of the central support bar 40210 and
the second golf club head can have a second width of the central
support bar 40210 less than the first width. In other embodiments,
the width 40212 of the central support bar 40210 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0236] In some embodiments, the thickness of the central support
bar 40210 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the
set 45000. For example, the thickness of the central support bar
40210 can increase with increasing loft angle of one or more golf
club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first
golf club head can have a first thickness of the central support
bar 40210 and the second golf club head can have a second thickness
of the central support bar 40210 greater than the first thickness.
For further example, the thickness of the central support bar 40210
can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more golf club
heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first golf
club head can have a first thickness of the central support bar
40210 and the second golf club head can have a second thickness of
the central support bar 40210 less than the first thickness. In
other embodiments, the thickness of the central support bar 40210
can remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one
or more golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0237] In some embodiments, the height 40222 of the bottom support
bar 40220 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the
set 45000. In some embodiments, the height 40222 of the bottom
support bar 40220 can vary across the two or more golf club heads
in the set 45000. For example, the height 40222 of the bottom
support bar 40220 can increase with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments,
the first golf club head can have a first height of the bottom
support bar 40220 and the second golf club head can have a second
height of the bottom support bar 40220 greater than the first
height. For further example, the height 40222 of the bottom support
bar 40220 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the
first golf club head can have a first height of the bottom support
bar 40220 and the second golf club head can have a second height of
the bottom support bar 40220 less than the first height. In other
embodiments, the height 40222 of the bottom support bar 40220 can
remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the central support bar 40210 can vary across the two
or more golf club heads in the set 45000
[0238] In some embodiments, the thickness of the bottom support bar
40220 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the set
45000. For example, the thickness of the bottom support bar 40220
can increase with increasing loft angle of one or more golf club
heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first golf
club head can have a first thickness of the bottom support bar
40220 and the second golf club head can have a second thickness of
the bottom support bar 40220 greater than the first thickness. For
further example, the thickness of the bottom support bar 40220 can
decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more golf club heads
within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first golf club
head can have a first thickness of the bottom support bar 40220 and
the second golf club head can have a second thickness of the bottom
support bar 40220 less than the first thickness. In other
embodiments, the thickness of the bottom support bar 40220 can
remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0239] In some embodiments, the contact area of the insert 40185
with the back face 40860 or cavity inner section 40184 can vary
across the two or more golf club heads in the set 45000. For
example, the contact area of the insert 40185 with the back face
40860 can increase with increasing loft angle of one or more golf
club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first
golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf
club head can have a second contact area greater than the first
contact area. For further example, the contact area of the insert
40185 with the back face 40860 can decrease with increasing loft
angle of one or more golf club heads within the set 45000. In these
embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area
and the second golf club head can have a second contact area less
than the first contact area. In other embodiments, the contact area
of the insert 40185 with the back face 40860 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0240] In some embodiments, the contact area of the insert 40185
with the cavity outer section 40885 or back surface of the cavity
40180 can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the set
45000. For example, the contact area of the insert 40185 with the
cavity outer section 40885 can increase with increasing loft angle
of one or more golf club heads within the set 45000. In these
embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area
and the second golf club head can have a second contact area
greater than the first contact area. For further example, the
contact area of the insert 40185 with the cavity outer section
40885 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more golf
club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first
golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf
club head can have a second contact area less than the first
contact area. In other embodiments, the contact area of the insert
40185 with the cavity outer section 40885 can remain substantially
constant with increasing loft angle of one or more golf club heads
within the set 45000.
[0241] In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity 40180 can vary
across the two or more golf club heads in the set 45000. For
example, the volume of the cavity 40180 can increase with
increasing loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set
45000. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a
first volume and the second golf club head can have a second volume
greater than the first volume. For further example, the volume of
the cavity 40180 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments,
the first golf club head can have a first volume and the second
golf club head can have a second volume less than the first volume.
In other embodiments, the volume of the cavity 40180 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0242] In some embodiments, the distance the insert 40185 extends
past the cavity 40180 adjacent to the back face 40860 can vary
across the two or more golf club heads in the set 45000. For
example, the distance the insert 40185 extends past the cavity
40180 adjacent to the back face 40860 can increase with increasing
loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set 45000. In
these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first
distance and the second golf club head can have a second distance
greater than the first distance. For further example, the distance
the insert 40185 extends past the cavity 40180 adjacent to the back
face 40860 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the
first golf club head can have a first distance and the second golf
club head can have a second distance less than the first distance.
In other embodiments, the distance the insert 40185 extends past
the cavity 40180 adjacent to the back face 40860 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0243] In some embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102
can vary across the two or more golf club heads in the set 45000.
In these embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102 can
indicate the strike face thickness in any zone including the
central zone 40106, the heel zone 40107, the toe zone 40108, or the
perimeter zone 40109. For example, the thickness of the strike face
40102 can increase with increasing loft angle of one or more golf
club heads within the set 45000. In these embodiments, the first
golf club head can have a first strike face thickness and the
second golf club head can have a second strike face thickness
greater than the first strike face thickness. For further example,
the thickness of the strike face 40102 can decrease with increasing
loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set 45000. In
these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first strike
face thickness and the second golf club head can have a second
strike face thickness less than the first strike face thickness. In
other embodiments, the thickness of the strike face 40102 can
remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0244] In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the club head
about the x-axis can vary across the two or more golf club heads in
the set 45000. In the illustrated embodiment, the moment of inertia
about the x-axis increases with increasing loft angle of one or
more club heads in the set 45000. In these embodiments, first golf
club head can have a first moment of inertia about the x-axis and
the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about
the x-axis greater than the first moment of inertia about the
x-axis. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the
x-axis can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more club
heads in the set 45000. In these embodiments, first golf club head
can have a first moment of inertia about the x-axis and the second
golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the x-axis
less than the first moment of inertia about the x-axis. Further, in
other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the x-axis can
remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0245] In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the club head
about the y-axis can vary across the two or more golf club heads in
the set 45000. In the illustrated embodiment, the moment of inertia
about the y-axis increases with increasing loft angle of one or
more club heads in the set 45000. In these embodiments, first golf
club head can have a first moment of inertia about the y-axis and
the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about
the y-axis greater than the first moment of inertia about the
y-axis. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the
y-axis can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more club
heads in the set 45000. In these embodiments, first golf club head
can have a first moment of inertia about the y-axis and the second
golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the x-axis
less than the first moment of inertia about the y-axis. Further, in
other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the y-axis can
remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or
more golf club heads within the set 45000.
[0246] In some embodiments, the amount of weight repositioned from
the strike face 40102 to perimeter regions of the club head (i.e.
the high toe region 40910, the low toe region 40912 or the heel
region 40120) can vary across the two or more golf club heads in
the set 45000. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
amount of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the
high toe region 40910 decreases with increasing loft angle of one
or more club heads in the set 45000. In other embodiments, the
amount of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the
high toe region 40910 can increase with increasing loft angle of
one or more club heads in the set 45000, or the amount of weight
repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the high toe region
40910 can remain substantially constant with increasing loft angle
of one or more club heads in the set 45000.
[0247] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
amount of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the low
toe region 40912 increases with increasing loft angle of one or
more club heads in the set 45000. In other embodiments, the amount
of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the low toe
region 40912 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more
club heads in the set 45000, or the amount of weight repositioned
from the strike face 40102 to the low toe region 40912 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
club heads in the set 45000.
[0248] For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
amount of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the
heel region 40120 increases with increasing loft angle of one or
more club heads in the set 45000. In other embodiments, the amount
of weight repositioned from the strike face 40102 to the heel
region 40120 can decrease with increasing loft angle of one or more
club heads in the set 45000, or the amount of weight repositioned
from the strike face 40102 to the heel region 40120 can remain
substantially constant with increasing loft angle of one or more
club heads in the set 45000.
[0249] The club head sets with varying characteristics and related
methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of
embodiments, and the foregoing discussion 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 additional embodiments.
[0250] 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 claims.
[0251] 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.
* * * * *