KR102519324B1 - Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

According to embodiments, a golf club head, golf club, and a method for manufacturing a golf club head and a golf club are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the golf club head may comprise a body portion including an internal cavity, a filler material within the internal cavity, and a front surface, a back surface, a face toe edge, a face heel edge, a face top edge, and a face sole edge. In addition, a face portion may further comprise: a first rear groove portion on a rear surface located close to a face toe edge and extending from a position at or close to a face top edge toward a face sole edge; a second rear groove portion on a rear surface located close to the face top edge and extending from a position at or close to the face toe edge to a position at or close toward a face heel edge; and a third rear groove portion on a rear surface located close to the face heel edge and extending from a position at or close to the face top edge toward the face sole edge. The first rear groove portion and the second rear groove portion, or the second rear groove portion and the third rear groove portion may be connected. Moreover, the first rear groove portion, the second rear groove portion, and the third rear groove portion may be at least partially filled with a filler material. Additionally, other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed. Therefore, a specific trajectory and a spin rate of a golf ball can be generated.

Description

Golf club head and golf club head manufacturing method {GOLF CLUB HEADS AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUB HEADS}

This specification may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction of this specification and related documents as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but reserves all applicable copyright rights.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/629,459, filed February 12, 2018; US Provisional Application Serial No. 62/714,948, filed on August 6, 2018; US Provisional Application Serial No. 62/722,491, filed on August 24, 2018; US Provisional Application Serial No. 62/732,062, filed September 17, 2018; US Provisional Application 62/755,160, filed on November 2, 2018; US Provisional Application 62/756,446, filed on November 6, 2018; US Provisional Application Serial No. 62/787,554, filed January 2, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application 62/792,191, filed on January 14, 2019, application 16/272,269, filed on February 11, 2019, current U.S. Patent 11,207,575, application filed on September 10, 2019, application 16/272,269 It is a partial continuation of application 17/528,402 filed on November 17, 2021, which is a continuation application of 566,597.

This application is filed on September 30, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/908,467, filed on September 20, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/903,467, filed on July 24, 2019 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/877,934 , U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/877,915, filed on July 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/865,532, filed on June 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,310, filed on March 29, 2019, and 2019 U.S. Patent 10,632,349 claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/814,959, filed on March 7, 2019, and U.S. Patent 10,874,919, a continuation of Application 16/590,105, filed on October 1, 2019, filed on March 16, 2020. It is a continuation-in-part of application 17/682,476 filed on February 28, 2022, which is a continuation of US application 17/099,362 filed on November 16, 2020, which is a continuation of filed US application 16/820,136.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 17/154,579, filed on January 21, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/775,022, filed on December 4, 2018, and filed on December 3, 2019. 16/702,063 (now US Patent 10,905,920).

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application Serial No. 17/505,838, filed on October 20, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/985,382, filed on March 5, 2020, and filed on February 25, 2021. It is a continuation of filed application Ser. No. 17/185,544 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,192,003).

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63/171,481, filed on April 6, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application 63/135,426, filed on January 8, 2021, filed on December 8, 2021. It is a partial continuation of application Ser. No. 17/545,708.

This application claims priority from US Provisional Application Serial No. 63/276,981, filed on November 8, 2021.

The disclosures of the above referenced applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to golf club heads and methods of manufacturing golf club heads.

A variety of materials (eg, steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) may be used to manufacture the golf club head.

By manufacturing the golf club head using different materials, the location of the center of gravity (CG) and/or moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head can be optimized to create a specific trajectory and spin rate of the golf ball.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing drawings illustrate general arrangements, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Also, elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

The following United States patents and patent applications are collectively referred to herein as "incorporated by reference" and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: US Patent Nos. 9610481, 9649542, 9675853, 9814952, 9878220, 10029158, 10029159, 10159876, 10232235, 10265590, 10279233, 10286267, 10293229, 10449428, 10478684, 10512829, 10596424, 10596425, 10632349, 10716978, 10729948, 10729949, 10814193, 10821339, 10821340, 10828538, 10864414, 10874919, 10874921, 10905920, 10933286, 10940375, 11058932, 11097168, 11117030, 11141633, 11154755, 11167187, 11173359 및 미국 특허 공개 번호 제 20170282026, 20170282027, 20170368429, 20180050243, 20180050244, 20180133567, 20180140910, 20180169488, 20180221727, 20180236325, 20190232125, 20190232126, 20190247727, 20200171363, 20210023422, 20210069557, 20210086044, 20210162278, 20210197037, 20210205672, 20210308537, 20220032138, and 20220040541.

1 is a golf club head having a golf club according to any embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are, respectively, a front perspective view, rear surface, of a golf club head according to an embodiment of an apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein. Perspective view, perspective cross-section (along line 4-4 in Fig. 3), isometric cross-section (along line 5-5 in Fig. 3), perspective cross-section (along line 6-6 in Fig. 3), front view without face portion A perspective view, another front perspective view without a face portion, another front perspective view without a face portion, a perspective cross-section (along line 10-10 in FIG. 2), a perspective cross-sectional view (along line 11-11 in FIG. 2), and a perspective view. A cross-sectional view (along line 12-12 in FIG. 2).
13 illustrates a rear view of a face portion of a golf club head according to any embodiment of the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.
14 shows how the exemplary golf club heads described herein may be manufactured.
15 and 16 show schematic cross-sectional views of two exemplary face portions of golf club heads in accordance with embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
17 illustrates a plan view of a mass portion of a golf club head in accordance with an embodiment of an apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein.
18 and 19 show side views of two exemplary mass portions of a golf club head in accordance with embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, respectively, golf club heads according to embodiments of the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein. Front view, top view, bottom view, rear surface view, other rear surface view, top view and toe side view, toe side view, heel side view, section line 28-28 in FIG. 23, section line 29-29 in FIG. 23, section line 29-29 in FIG. A sectional view along line 30-30, a sectional view along line 31-31 in FIG. 20, a sectional view along line 32-32 in FIG. 20, and a sectional view along line 33-33 in FIG. 20.
34 is a mass portion for the golf club head of FIG. 20 according to an embodiment of an apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein;
35 is a face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 according to an embodiment of an apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein;
35 is a face portion of the golf club head of FIG. 20 in accordance with another embodiment of apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
FIG. 37 is an enlarged view of area 37 in FIG. 28 .
FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of area 38 in FIG. 29 .
39, 40, 41 and 42 are plots of experimental results for the golf club head of FIG. 20 in accordance with various embodiments of the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein.
Figures 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 are here A face portion according to various embodiments of the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described in

In the examples of FIGS. 1-14 , golf club 100 may include golf club head 200 , shaft 104 and grip 106 . A golf club head 200 may be attached to one end of the shaft 104 and a grip 106 attached to the other end. An individual may grab the grip 106 and swing the golf club head 200 with the shaft 104 to hit a golf ball (not shown). The golf club head 200 includes a body portion 210 having a toe portion 240 having a toe portion edge 242, to form a golf club (an exemplary golf club 100 is shown in FIG. 1), A hosel portion 255 configured to receive a shaft (example shaft 104 is shown in FIG. 1 ) with a grip at one end (example grip 106 is shown in FIG. 1 ) and at the opposite end of the shaft. A heel portion that may include a golf club head 200. A heel portion 250 having an edge 252, a front portion 260 having a peripheral edge portion 261, a rear portion 270 having a rear wall portion 272 ), a top portion 280 having a top edge 282 , and a sole portion 290 having a sole portion edge 292 . Toe portion edge 242 , heel portion edge 252 , top portion edge 282 , and sole portion edge 292 may define a periphery of body portion 210 . The toe portion 240, heel portion 250, front portion 260, rear portion 270, top portion 280, and/or sole portion 290 may each partially overlap. For example, a portion of toe portion 240 may overlap portion(s) of front portion 260 , rear portion 270 , top portion 280 , and/or sole portion 290 . In a similar manner, some portion 250 of the heel may overlap portion(s) of the front portion 260 , the back portion 270 , the top portion 280 , and/or the sole portion 290 . In another example, portions of rear portion 270 include a toe portion 240 , a heel portion 250 , a top portion 280 , and/or a sole portion 290 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club head 200 may include a face portion 262 (ie, striking face) that may be formed integrally (eg, as a single unitary piece) with body portion 210 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , face portion 262 is coupled (eg, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and/or by soldering) to face portion 260 . may be a separate piece. Face portion 262 can include an anterior surface 264 and a posterior surface 266 . In one example (not shown), front portion 260 may include one or a plurality of concave shoulders configured to receive face portion 262 for attachment of face portion 262 to body portion 210 . there is. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , posterior surface 266 can include a peripheral portion 267 that can be attached to peripheral edge portion 261 of body portion 210 . The peripheral portion 267 of the face portion 262 may be attached to the peripheral edge portion 261 of the body portion 210 by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and/or welding or brazing. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , peripheral portion 267 of face portion 262 may be welded to peripheral edge portion 261 of body portion 210 at one or more locations. Optionally, the full circumferential portion 267 of the face portion 262 may be welded (ie, continuous welded) to the full circumferential edge portion 261 of the body portion 210 . Face portion 262 may include a ball striking area 268 for striking a golf ball. In one example, the center of the ball striking area 268 may be the geometric center 263 of the face portion 262 . In another example, the geometric center 263 of the face portion 262 may be offset from the center of the ball striking area 268 . In one example, geometric center 263 and one or more areas near and/or around geometric center within ball strike area 268 are generally positioned at an optimal location for face portion 262 for striking a golf ball (i.e., optimal ball distance, ball speed, ball spin characteristics, etc.) can be provided. In another example, any location at or near geometric center 263 and within ball striking area 268 may provide a generally optimal location on face portion 262 for striking a golf ball. However, the ball may be struck with any portion of the face portion 262 inside the ball strike area 268 or outside the ball strike area 268 as an individual may prefer for any golf club head described herein. This can result in specific ball flight characteristics that differ from center strikes. The construction of face portion 262 and attachment (eg, welding) of face portion 262 to body portion 210 may be performed in any golf club head described herein and/or described in any of the referenced publications. may be similar in many respects to The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club head 200 may be associated with a ground plane 510 , a horizontal midplane 520 , and a top plane 530 . In particular, tread 510 is at the lowest portion of sole edge 292 when golf club head 200 is in an address position (eg, golf club head 200 aligned to strike a golf ball). It may be a plane parallel or substantially parallel to the ground in contact. Top plane 530 may be the plane tangent to the top of top edge 282 when golf club head 200 is in the address position. Ground plane 510 and top plane 530 may each be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Horizontal midplane 520 may be vertically midway between ground and top planes 510 and 530, respectively. Additionally, golf club head 200 can be associated with a loft plane 540 that defines a loft angle 545(?) of golf club head 200. Loft plane 540 may be a plane tangent to face portion 262 . Loft angle 545 may be defined by the angle between loft plane 540 and vertical plane 550 perpendicular to ground plane 510 .

Body portion 210 may be a hollow body that includes an internal cavity 310 having an inner wall 312 . Internal cavity 310 may extend between front portion 260 , rear portion 270 , top portion 280 and sole portion 290 . In the examples of FIGS. 2-13 , the interior cavity 310 of the body portion 210 may be formed partially surrounded by the face portion 262 . The configuration of the internal cavity 310 (eg, height, width, volume, shape, etc.), the configuration of the internal cavity 310 relative to the body portion 210 (eg, the internal cavity 310 relative to the volume of the body) ) of the volume) portion 210, the width and height changes of the interior cavity 310, and access to the interior cavity 310 from one or more ports on the body portion 210 are described herein and/or any document may be similar to any of the golf club heads described in . incorporated by reference publications. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Rear wall portion 272 of rear portion 270 may include an upper rear wall portion 612 and a lower rear wall portion 614 . Rear wall portion 272 may include a ledge portion 616 that may extend between toe portion edge 242 and heel portion edge 252 in a continuous or discontinuous manner. The lower rear wall portion 614 can be positioned more posteriorly on the body portion 210 than the upper rear wall portion 612, and the ledge portion 616 is positioned between the upper rear wall portion 612 and the lower rear wall portion 614. ) defines the transition part between Thus, ledge portion 616 may extend across upper back wall portion 612 and lower back wall portion 614 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , ledge portion 616 may include a first ledge portion 626 and a second ledge portion 636 . The first ledge portion 626 can extend over the rear surface wall portion from the toe portion edge 242 to the center portion of the rear surface wall rear surface wall portion 272 . The second ledge portion 636 can extend from a central portion of the rear wall portion 272 to the heel portion edge 252 . 2-13, the ledge portion 616 can provide a relatively greater mass of the body portion 210 below the horizontal midplane 520, and the It may provide for the mass of the body portion 210 to be moved further back on the body portion 210 . The width of the ledge portion 616 may be greater than, equal to, or less than the width of the internal cavity at a particular location of the body portion 210 . The configuration (eg, width, segments, tapering, shape, etc.) of the ledge portion 616 and the characteristics of the ledge portion 616 relative to the width of the internal cavity may be determined by any ledge portion or those described herein and/or referenced herein. may resemble any similar structure of a golf club head described in any incorporated by . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Body portion 210 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and/or internal ports (eg, located inside body portion 210 ). The inner wall 312 of the inner cavity 310 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , rear portion 270 may include one or more ports along or proximate to the periphery of body portion 210 . For example, body portion 210 may have a first set of ports 320 above horizontal midplane 520 (eg, illustrated by ports 321 and 322 ), below horizontal midplane 520 . A second set of ports 330 (eg, illustrated by ports 331 and 332 ), a third set of ports 340 below horizontal midplane 520 (eg, ports 341 , 342 , 343), and a fourth set of ports 350 below the horizontal midplane 520 (eg, illustrated as ports 351 and 352).

location, spacing relative to other ports, and any other configuration of each port of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and/or the fourth set of ports 350 may be similar in many respects to any port described herein or included in referenced publications. Further, any one or more of the ports of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and/or the fourth set of ports 350 may be provided in an internal cavity. It may be connected to 310 through which one or more filler material may be injected into interior cavity 310 . As shown in FIGS. 2-13 , ports 321 , 331 , and 351 may be connected to internal cavity 310 through openings 361 , 351 , and 381 , respectively. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Body portion 210 may include one or more mass portions (eg, weight portion(s)) that may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to body portion 210 . can In the illustrated example as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , body portion 210 includes a first set of mass portions 420 (eg, shown as mass portions 421 and 422 ), a second set a mass portion 430 of (e.g., shown as mass portions 431 and 432), a third set of mass portions 440 (e.g., shown as mass portions 441, 442, 443) , and a fourth set of mass portions 450 (eg, shown as mass portions 451 and 452). While the above examples may describe a particular number or portions of mass portions, a set of mass portions may include a single mass portion, or multiple mass portions as described herein and elsewhere incorporated herein by reference. there is. For example, any one of the first set of mass portions 420 or a combination of adjacent sets of mass portions may be a single mass portion, the second set of mass portions 430 may be a single mass portion, and The third set of mass portions 440 may be a single mass portion and/or the fourth set of mass portions 450 may be a single mass portion. Additionally, the first set of mass portions 420, the second set of mass portions 430, the third set of mass portions 440, and/or the fourth set of mass portions 450 may be body portion 210. may be part of the physical structure of The mass portions of the first set of mass portions 420, the second set of mass portions 430, the third set of mass portions 440, and/or the fourth set of mass portions 450 may be determined by reference publications. It may be similar to any of the mass parts described in any document incorporated therein. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Internal cavity 310 may be partially or entirely filled with one or more fillers (ie, cavity fillers), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , internal cavity 310 can be filled with a first filler material 512 and a second filler material 514 . In one example, the first filler material 512 can be rubber or a rubber compound and the second filler material 514 can be an epoxy type material. In another example, the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514 can be different polymeric materials. The first filler material 512 and the second filler material 514 may be similar to any filler material described herein or described anywhere incorporated by reference. The first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514 may be coupled to all or part of the inner wall 312 of the inner cavity 310 . In one example, the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties to adhere to all or a portion of the inner wall 312 . In another example, the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material are all of the inner wall 312 with one or more binders or adhesives that can be mixed with the first filler material 512 and/or the first filler material 512 . Or it may be attached to a part. Each includes a second filler material 514. In another example, first filler 512 and/or second filler 514 include first filler 512 and/or second filler 514 , respectively. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 may be (i) vibration damping or noise damping (e.g., individual using golf club head 200). a consistent and/or pleasant sound and feel when the golf club head 200 strikes a golf ball as perceived by (ii) providing structural support for the face portion 262, and/or (iii) ) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball rotation speed, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and/or ball dispersion. The filler materials 512 and 514, the body portion 210 and the bonding of the filler materials 512 and 514 to each other, the material composition and/or physical properties of the filler materials 512 and 514, the mass and/or volume of each. Details regarding the fillings 512 and 514 of the interior cavity 310 may be provided in detail in any publication incorporated by reference, particularly US Pat. No. 10,632,349, incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

2-13, an interior cavity 310 comprising a central portion 311 of the interior cavity 310, which may be part of the interior cavity 310, which may generally correspond to the ball striking area 268. A part of ) may include the first filler 512 and the second filler 514 . The width 313 of the inner cavity 310 at the central portion 311 of the inner cavity 310 may be generally greater than the width 313 of the inner cavity 310 at other portions of the inner cavity 310 . Thus, the area of interior cavity 310 behind ball strike area 268, i.e., central portion 311, may contain a relatively large volume of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514. Additionally, the configuration (ie, size, shape, contour, volume, etc.) of the central portion 311 may vary depending on the loft angle 545 . The configuration (ie, greater volume, depth, height, etc.) of the central portion 311 is larger than the golf club head 200 having a relatively large loft angle. Thus, as described herein, the amount of first filler material 512 and/or second filler material 514 inside interior cavity 310, more specifically within central portion 311, is the loft angle ( 545 may be determined based on: (i) vibration damping or noise damping (e.g., golf club head 200 as perceived by an individual using golf club head 200). 200) provides a consistent and/or enjoyable sound and feel when hitting a golf ball, (ii) provides structural support for the face portion 262, and/or (iii) provides ball travel distance, ball speed, and ball speed. Optimize launch angle, ball rotation speed, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The contour of the inner cavity 310 or the shape of the inner wall 312 may be defined by a plurality of recessed portions that may be concave with respect to the peripheral edge portion 261 . As shown in FIGS. 2 to 13 , the inner cavity 310 has a generally smaller depth (i.e., the first recessed portion 314) than the first recessed portion 314 (i.e., FIGS. 5 to 40). a second recessed portion 315, which may have an inner cavity width 313 as viewed in cross section, and a third recessed portion 315, which may have a generally smaller depth than the second recessed portion 315; portion 316, the fourth recessed portion 317, which may have a generally smaller depth than the third recessed portion 316, and the fourth recessed portion 317, which may have a generally smaller depth. A fifth recessed portion 318 may be included. Internal cavity 310 may have more or fewer recessed portions. The internal cavity 310 can extend to the central portion 311 at the location of the heel portion 250 and a first internal channel 325 that can extend to the central portion 311 at the location of the toe portion 240 . A second inner channel 326 may be included. The first recessed part 314, the second recessed part 315, the third recessed part 316, the fourth recessed part 317, the fifth recessed part 318, the first internal channel ( 325), the second inner channel 326, and/or any transition region therebetween may be described in detail in one or more references, particularly U.S. Patent No. 10,632,349, incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 2-13 , the first recessed portion 314, the second recessed portion 315, the third recessed portion 316, and the inner channels 325, 326 may be filled with the first filler material 512, while the remaining portion of the inner cavity 310 may be filled with the second filler material 514. In another example, the first recessed portion 314, the second recessed portion 315, and the inner channels 325, 326 may be filled with the first filler material 512, while the remainder of the inner cavity 310 The portion may be filled with the second filling material 514 . In another example, the first recessed portion 314, the second recessed portion 315, the inner channels 325, 326, the third recessed portion 316, and the fifth recessed portion 318 may Filler 512 may be filled, but the remaining portion of inner cavity 310 may be filled with second filler 514 . In another example, the entire internal cavity 310 may be filled with the first filler material 512 or the first filler material. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The width 522 (W _F1 ) of the first filler material 512 and the width 524 (W _F2 ) of the second filler material 514 are from the toe portion 240 to the heel portion 250 and/or the top portion 280 ), the first recessed part 314, the second recessed part 315, the third recessed part 316, the fourth recessed part ( 317), and/or to a fifth recessed portion 318 depending on its location within the inner cavity 310. The width 522 of the first filler material 512 and the width 524 of the second filler material 514 are dependent on the physical properties, ball strike and trajectory characteristics, and configuration (e.g., loft angle) of the golf club head 200. is provided in detail in all publications incorporated by reference and, in particular, U.S. Patent No. 10,632,349, incorporated herein by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 13 , posterior surface 266 of face portion 262 may include one or more grooves proximate peripheral portion 267 of face portion 262 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 13 , posterior groove 269 may be a continuous groove (ie, defining a loop) extending in a path similar to that of peripheral portion 267 proximate to peripheral portion 267 . can Back groove 269 may include a relatively thin portion of face portion 262 . Thus, the back groove 269 increases the flexibility of the face portion 262 so that when the golf ball hits the face portion 262, the face portion 262 provides greater rebound (i.e., greater trampoline effect); Accordingly, all or part of the inner back groove 269 of the larger golf ball may be filled with the first filler material 512 and/or the second filler material 514 . In the example golf club head 200 , back grooves 269 may all be filled with secondary filler material 514 . Thus, the second filler material 514 can structurally support the relatively thin portion of the face portion 262 defined by the posterior groove 269 . In another example, a plurality of individual grooves (not shown) may be provided on the posterior surface 266 of the face. At a specific location proximal to periphery 267 portion 262 provides a specific repulsive effect to face portion 262 . In another example, a plurality of individual grooves (not shown) are formed on the rear surface 266 of the face portion 262 at specific locations proximal to the peripheral portion 267 to provide a specific rebound effect to the face portion 262. can be provided in

In another example, a continuous groove similar to posterior groove 269 and/or a plurality of individual grooves (not shown) is provided between perimeter 267 and geometric center 263 on posterior surface 266 of face portion 262. is provided at a specific location of the face portion 262 to provide a specific repelling effect. The face portion of any golf club head described herein may include a back groove 269 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

As described herein, face portion 262 may be relatively thin to provide increased bending and deflection of face portion 262 during golf ball strike. Additionally, face portion 262 may include one or more grooves 269 on rear surface 266 of face portion 262 as described herein to further increase the flexibility of face portion 262. Can contain grooves. Second filler material 514 may be a polymeric material having relatively high strength and stiffness to provide structural support and stability to face portion 262 during golf ball strikes or repeated golf ball strikes (ie, face portion fatigue). can As described herein, the second filler material 514 may be an epoxy type material. The secondary filler 514 may also have a relatively high COR as described herein to provide a rebound effect against the face portion 262 after a golf ball strike. As further described herein, the first filler material 512 has a lower strength and stiffness (ie, softer or less stiff) than the second filler material 514 and a higher COR than the second filler material 514. It may be a rubber-type compound having Thus, first filler material 512 may provide additional structural support to face portion 262 . Additionally, the relatively higher COR of the first filler material 512 provides a relatively large rebound effect against the face portion 262 so that the first filler material 512 stores energy from golf ball strikes and dissipates a significant amount of energy. It can be released back into the golf ball (i.e. without losing much impact energy). Additionally, the different material properties of the first filler material 512 and the second filler material 514 as described herein can provide noise and vibration damping in different frequency ranges to provide a pleasant sound and feel to an individual. . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

FIG. 14 illustrates one manner in which golf club head 200 or any golf club head described herein may be manufactured. In the example of FIG. 14 , process 1400 may begin by providing body portion 210 and face portion 262 of golf club head 200 (block 1410). A first filler material 512 may be coupled to the interior cavity 310 (block 1420). In one example, the first filler material 512 may be formed in one or more recessed portions as described herein (ie, any of the recessed portions described herein) of the interior cavity 310 by injection molding. can The first filler material 512 can then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heat/cool cycles depending on the material used for the first filler material 512 . In another example, the first filler material 512 can be molded into the shape of one or more recessed portions as described herein, and then coupled to the one or more recessed portions with an adhesive as described herein. . Face portion 262 may then be attached to body portion 210 as described herein to enclose interior cavity 310 (block 1430). The second filler material 514 is then applied through one or more of the ports of the first set of ports 320, the second set of ports 330, the third set of ports 340, and/or the fourth set of ports to the internal cavity. (310). and a port 350 that can be connected to the interior cavity 310 as described herein (block 1440). The second filler material 514 can then be cured at ambient temperature or by one or more heat/cool cycles depending on the material used for the second filler material 514 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 15 , face portion 1562 , which can be any face portion described herein, will have a first thickness 1510 (T1) or a second thickness 1520 (T2). can The first thickness 1510 can be the thickness of the section of the face portion 1562 adjacent the groove 1568, while the second thickness 1520 can be the thickness of the section of the face portion 1562 below the groove 1568. can For example, first thickness 1510 can be the maximum distance between anterior surface 1564 and posterior surface 1566 . Second thickness 1520 may be based on groove 1568 . In particular, groove 1568 may have a groove depth 1525 (Dgroove). The second thickness 1520 may be the maximum distance between the bottom of the groove 1568 and the back surface 1566. The sum of the second thickness 1520 and the groove depth 1525 may be substantially equal to the first thickness 1510 (eg, T ₂ + Dgroove = T ₁ ). Accordingly, the second thickness 1520 may be thinner than the first thickness 1510 (eg, T ₂ < T ₁ ).

Mass from the front portion of the golf club head can be removed using a relatively thinner face portion 1562 to move the CG of the golf club head further back or lower, such as the CG of any golf club head described herein. can For example, the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 may be less than 0.1 inch (2.54 millimeters). In another example, the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.075 inches (1.875 millimeters) (eg, T ₁ =0.075 inches). With support of the back wall portion of the golf club head to define an internal cavity and fill at least a portion of the internal cavity with one or more fillers as described herein, face portion 1562 may be relatively thinner (e.g., , T ₁ < 0.075 inches) does not degrade the structural integrity, sound and/or feel of the golf club head. In one example, the first thickness 1510 can be less than or equal to 0.060 inches (1.524 millimeters) (eg, T ₁ ≤ 0.060 inches). In another example, the first thickness 1510 can be less than or equal to 0.040 inches (1.016 millimeters) (eg, T ₁ ≤ 0.040 inches). Based on the type of material(s) used to form face portion 1562 and/or body portion 210, face portion 1562 may be much larger with first thickness 1510 less than or equal to 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters). It can be thin (eg, T ₁ ≤ 0.030 inches). The groove depth 1525 may be greater than or equal to the second thickness 1520 (eg, Dgroove ≥ T ₂ ). In one example, groove depth 1525 may be about 0.020 inches (0.508 millimeters) (eg, Dgroove = 0.020 inches). Accordingly, the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.010 inches (0.254 millimeters) (eg, T ₂ =0.010 inches). In another example, the groove depth 1525 can be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters) and the second thickness 1520 can be about 0.015 inches (eg, Dgroove = T ₂ =0.015 inches). Optionally, the groove depth 1525 can be less than the second thickness 1520 (eg, Dgroove < T ₂ ). Without the support of the back wall portion of the golf club head and the one or more fillers used to fill the interior cavity, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts by a golf ball against the face portion. In contrast, a golf club head having a relatively thin face portion but no back wall portion support (e.g., a hollow bag golf club head) produces an unpleasant sound (e.g., a squeaking sound) and/or noise during impact with a golf ball. feeling can be created. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Based on the manufacturing processes and methods used to form a golf club head, such as any of the golf club heads described herein, face portion 1562 may be made of additional material at or near the periphery of face portion 1562. can include Accordingly, face portion 1562 may also include third thickness 1530 and chamfer portion 1540 . The third thickness 1530 may be greater than the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 (eg, T3 > T1 > T2). In particular, face portion 1562 may be coupled to the body portion of the golf club head by a welding process. For example, the first thickness 1510 can be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters), the second thickness 1520 can be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), and the third thickness 1530 can be about 0.050 inches. (1.27 millimeters). Thus, the chamfer portion 1540 can receive some of the additional material when the face portion 1562 is welded to the body portion of the golf club head.

As shown in FIG. 16 , for example, face portion 1562 can include a reinforcement section illustrated generally as reinforcement section 1605 below one or more grooves 1568 . In one example, face portion 1562 can include a stiffening section 1605 under each groove. Optionally, face portion 1562 can include a stiffening section 1605 under some grooves (eg, under all other grooves) or under just one groove. Face portion 1562 can include a first thickness 1610 , a second thickness 1620 , a third thickness 1630 , and a chamfer portion 1640 . Groove 1568 may have a groove depth 1625 . The stiffening section 1605 can define a second thickness 1620 . The first and second thicknesses 1610 and 1620 may each be substantially equal (eg, T1 = T2). In one example, the first and second thicknesses 1610 and 1620 may each be about 0.030 inches (0.762 millimeters) (eg, T1 = T2 = 0.030 inches). Groove depth 1625 may be about 0.015 inches (0.381 millimeters), and third thickness 1630 may be about 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters). Groove 1568 can also have a groove width. The width of the reinforcement section 1605 may be greater than or equal to the groove width. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Optionally, face portion 1562 may vary in thickness at and/or between the top portion of the golf club head and the sole portion. In one example, face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near the top portion than at or near the sole portion (e.g., the thickness of face portion 1562 may be greater than that at or near the sole portion). may taper towards the sole portion). In another example, face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker at or near a bottom portion than at or near a top portion (e.g., the thickness of face portion 1562 is may taper toward the top portion at ). In another example, face portion 1562 may be relatively thicker between the top portion and sole portion than at or near the top portion and sole portion (eg, the thickness of face portion 1562 may be bell-shaped). may have the outline of). Face portion 1562 may be similar to any face portion described in any incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

One or more mass portions of any of the set of mass portions described herein may have similar or different physical properties (eg, color, markings, shape, size, density, mass, volume, external surface texture, material of construction, etc.) In the example illustrated as shown in FIG. 17 , one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may have a cylindrical shape (eg, circular cross-section). Optionally, one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may have a similar or different shape relative to one or more other mass portions of the set of mass portions. In another example, one or more mass portions of a set of mass portions described herein may include different color(s), marking(s), shape(s), density or densities, mass(es), volume(s), material of construction (s), external surface texture(s), and/or other physical properties compared to one or more mass portions of the other of the set of mass portions described herein. The properties of any of the mass portions and sets of mass portions described herein may be similar to any of the mass portions and sets of mass portions described in any incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

18 and 19 , for example, first mass portion 1800 and second mass portion 1900 may include threads, illustrated generally as threads 1810 and threads 1910, respectively; , which engages correspondingly constructed threads on the port to secure to the port as described. here. Thus, one or more mass portions as described herein may have a shape and function similar to a screw or threaded fastener for engaging the threads of a port. For example, one or more mass portions of any of the set of mass portions described herein may be a screw. At least one of the mass portions described herein cannot be readily removed from the body portion of the golf club head with or without the use of tools. Optionally, one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein can be easily removed (eg, with a tool) such that the relatively heavier or lighter mass portions are of any set of mass portions described herein. One or more mass parts may be substituted. In another example, one or more of the mass portions of the set of mass portions described herein may be secured to the port with an epoxy or adhesive such that the mass portion may not be easily removed. In another example, one or more mass portions of any of the set of mass portions described herein may be a combination of a thread and a thread sealant (eg, an acrylic adhesive, a cyanoacrylate adhesive, an epoxy, a thermoplastic adhesive, a silicone sealant, or a urethane adhesive). ) mass part may not be easily removed. In another example, one or more mass portions of any of the set of mass portions described herein may be press fit into the port. In another example, one or more mass portions of any of the set of mass portions described herein may be formed inside the pot by injection molding. For example, liquid metal material (ie molten metal) or plastic material (eg rubber, foam or any polymeric material) may be injected or otherwise introduced into the pot. After the liquid material cools and/or hardens inside the pot, the resulting solid material (eg, metal material, plastic material, or combination thereof) may form the mass portion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

As noted above, one or more of the mass portions of the set of mass portions described herein may be similar in some physical properties but different in other physical properties. For example, the mass portion may be made of an aluminum-based material or aluminum alloy, while the other mass portion may be made of a tungsten-based material or tungsten alloy. In another example, the mass portion may be made of a polymeric material while the other mass portion may be made of a steel-based material. In another example, as shown in FIGS. 17-19 , one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may have a diameter 1710 of about 0.25 inches (6.35 millimeters); One or more mass portions of another one or more sets of mass portions described herein are of different heights. In particular, one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may be associated with a first height 1820, and one or more mass portions of another one or more sets of mass portions described herein may be associated with a second height (1820). 1820) may be related. Height 1920. The first height 1820 may be relatively shorter than the second height 1920. In one example, the first height 1820 may be about 0.125 inches (3.175 millimeters) while the second height 1920 may be about 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters). In another example, the first height 1820 may be about 0.16 inches (4.064 millimeters) while the second height 1920 may be about 0.4 inches (10.16 millimeters). Alternatively, the first height 1820 may be equal to or greater than the second height 1920 . While the examples above may illustrate specific dimensions, one or more of the mass portions described herein may have other dimensions. In one example, any of the mass parts described herein may be used interchangeably in any of the ports described herein. Any property of a mass portion described herein may be similar to a corresponding property of a mass portion described in any publication incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In the example of FIGS. 20-38 , a golf club head 2000 may include a body portion 2010 having a toe portion 2040 having a toe portion edge 2042 , a heel portion edge that may include a hosel portion 2055 A heel portion 2050 with 2052 may be included. A shaft 104, such as for example golf club shaft 104 illustrated in FIG. 1, has one end coupled to hosel portion 2055, and a golf club (eg golf club 100 shown in FIG. 1) and body portion 2010 may include opposite ends coupled to a golf club grip portion (eg, such as grip portion 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 ) to form a golf club grip portion (eg, grip portion 106 illustrated in FIG. 1). A front portion 2060 with an edge portion 2061, a rear portion 2070 with a rear wall portion 2072, a top portion 2080 with a top portion edge 2082, and a sole portion with a sole portion edge ( 2090. Toe portion 2040, heel portion 2050, front portion 2060, rear portion 2070, top portion 2080, and/or sole portion 2090 are partially Toe portion edge 2042, heel portion edge 2052, top portion edge 2082, and sole portion edge 2092 may define a perimeter of body portion 2010. Golf club head 2000 can be any type of golf club head described herein, such as a steel golf club head or a wedge golf club head. The volume of golf club head 2000, the golf club head ( 2000) may be similar to any of the golf club heads described herein and/or incorporated in any of the referenced applications. and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.

Golf club head 2000 can include a face portion 2062 (ie, striking face) (eg, a single unitary piece) that can be integrally formed with body portion 2010 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , face portion 2062 is coupled to (e.g., directly or indirectly) face portion 2060 to close a front surface opening of face portion 2060. , adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and/or by brazing). Face portion 2062 can include an anterior surface 2064 and a posterior surface 2066 . Front surface 2064 can include a plurality of front grooves 2068 that can extend between toe portion 2040 and heel portion 2050 . Each front groove 2068 may have a front groove depth 2069 (D _FG ). . In one example, the front groove depth 2069 may be greater than or equal to 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) and less than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) (0.005 inches ≤ D _FG ≤ 0.025 inches). In another example, the front groove depth 2069 may be greater than or equal to 0.011 inches (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.018 inches (0.445 mm) (0.011 inches ≤ D _FG ≤ 0.018 inches). In another example, front groove depth 2069 may be greater than or equal to 0.012 inches (0.311 mm) and less than or equal to 0.016 inches (0.400 mm) (0.012 inches ≤ D _FG ≤ 0.016 inches). In another example, front groove depth 2069 may be greater than or equal to 0.013 inches (0.33 mm) and less than or equal to 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) (0.013 inches ≤ D _FG ≤ 0.015 inches). The configuration (ie, cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) of front groove depth 2069 and front groove 2068 can be determined to provide specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000 . And the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Each front groove 2068 may have a front groove width 2071 (W _FG ). In one example, front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.011 inches (0.267 mm) and less than or equal to 0.033 inches (0.833 mm) (0.011 inches < W _FG < 0.033 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.014 inches (0.347 mm) and less than or equal to 0.055 inches (1.406 mm) (0.014 inches < W _FG < 0.055 inches). In another example, front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.017 inches (0.427 mm) and less than or equal to 0.062 inches (1.562 mm) (0.017 inches < W _FG < 0.062 inches). In another example, the front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.021 inches (0.521 mm) and less than or equal to 0.041 inches (1.041 mm) (0.021 inches < W _FG < 0.041 inches). In another example, front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.640 mm) and less than or equal to 0.032 inches (0.800 mm) (0.025 inches < W _FG < 0.032 inches). In another example, front groove width 2071 may be greater than or equal to 0.027 inches (0.677 mm) and less than or equal to 0.053 inches (1.354 mm) (0.027 inches ≤ W _FG ≤ 0.053 inches). The configuration (ie, cross-sectional shape, curvature, length, width, etc.) of front groove width 2071 and front groove 2068 may be determined to provide specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000. And the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example (not shown), front portion 2060 may include one or a plurality of concave shoulders configured to receive face portion 2062 for attachment of face portion 2062 to body portion 2010. . 20-38 , posterior surface 2066 can include a peripheral portion 2067 that can be attached to peripheral edge portion 2061 of body portion 2010 . Body portions 2010 may be joined by one or more fasteners, one or more adhesives or bonding agents, and/or welding or brazing. In one example, perimeter 2067 can be welded to peripheral edge portion 2061 at one or more locations. In another example, full circumferential portion 2067 may be welded to full circumferential edge portion 2061 (ie, continuous welding). The configuration of the face portion 2062 and the attachment (eg, welding) of the face portion 2062 to the body portion 2010 may in many respects be described in golf golf as described herein and/or in any incorporated thereby. It can be similar to a club head. Reference application. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club head 2000 can be associated with a ground plane 2410 , a horizontal midplane 2420 and a top surface 2430 . In particular, ground plane 2410 is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and the sole portion edge when golf club head 2000 is at an address position (eg, golf club head 2000 aligned to strike a golf ball). It may be a plane tangent to the lowest part of (2092). Top plane 2430 may be the plane tangent to the top of top edge 2082 when golf club head 2000 is in the address position. Ground plane 2410 and top plane 2430 may each be parallel or substantially parallel. Horizontal midplane 2420 may be vertically intermediate between ground plane 2410 and top plane 2430 , and may be parallel or substantially parallel to ground plane 2410 . Additionally, golf club head 2000 can be associated with a loft plane 2440 that defines: Loft plane 2440 can be a plane that is tangent to or coplanar with face portion 2062 . Loft angle 2445 can be defined by the angle between loft plane 2440 and a vertical plane. 2450 perpendicular to ground plane 2410. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The back wall portion 2072 may include an upper back wall portion 2120, a lower back wall portion 2122, and a ledge portion 2130 between the upper and lower back wall portions 2120 and 2122. there is. The ledge portion 2130 may extend outwardly (ie, away from the face portion 2062) from the upper rear wall portion 2120 to the lower rear wall portion 2122 (ie, the ledge portion 2130 may extend from the lower rear wall portion 2122). It may extend inward from wall portion 2122 to the upper rear wall or towards face portion 2062. Accordingly, body portion upper width 2150 (W _UB ) is equal to the front surface 2064 of face portion 2062. and the outer surface of the upper posterior surface wall portion 2120, body portion lower width 2152 (W _LB ) is defined by the front surface 2064 of face portion 2062 and the lower posterior surface wall. can be defined by the distance between the outer surfaces of portions 2122. In one example, the maximum value of the lower body portion width 2152 can be greater than 1.5 times the maximum value of the upper body portion width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≥ 1.5W _UB(MAX) ) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body portion width 2152 may be greater than or equal to 1.25 of the maximum value of the upper body portion width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≥ 1.25W _UB(MAX) ) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body portion width 2152 may be greater than or equal to 1.75 of the maximum value of the upper body portion width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≥ 1.75W _{UB(MAX) )} ) In another example, the maximum value of the lower body portion width 2152 may be greater than twice the maximum value of the upper body portion width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≥ 2.0W _UB(MAX) ). In an example, the maximum value of the lower body portion width 2152 can be greater than the maximum value of the upper body portion width 2150 (W _LB(MAX) ≥ W _UB(MAX) ) Apparatus, method described herein and articles of manufacture are not limited in this respect.

In the examples of FIGS. 20-38 , the ledge portion 2130 includes a first ledge portion 2132, a back wall portion (which may extend from a location at or proximate to the toe portion edge 2042 toward the heel portion 2050) a central portion 2073 of 2072 , and a third protruding portion 2136 that may extend toward toe portion 2040 from a location at or proximate heel portion edge 2052 . The second protruding portion 2134 may extend between the first protruding portions 2132 . and a third ledge portion 2136. The first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136 may also extend in a direction inclined downward toward the sole portion 2090 . 20-38, the first ledge portion height 2142, which may be defined by the distance between the first ledge portion 2132 and the ground plane 2410, is the distance from the central portion 2073 to the toe portion. Third ledge portion height 2146, which may increase toward edge 2042 and which may be defined by the distance between third ledge portion 2136 and ground plane 2410, is the heel portion edge ( 2052) may increase. 20-38 , for example, the second protrusion portion 2134 may include a first sidewall portion 2137 that may extend from the first protrusion portion 2132 toward the top portion 2080; It may include a central protrusion portion 2138 that may extend from the first sidewall portion 2137 . toward the heel portion 2050 and from the central lug portion 2138 toward the sole portion 2090 and toward the third lug portion 2136 may include a second sidewall portion 2139 . The second protrusion portion 2134 may include a second protrusion portion height 2144, the second ledge portion height 2144 being more central than the first ledge portion height 2142 and the third ledge portion height 2146. It may be larger at portion 2073 or closer to central portion 2073 . In another example, ledge portion 2130 may be similar in some or many respects to ledge portion 616 of golf club head 200 . In another example, ledge portion 2130 may be similar in some or many respects to a ledge portion of a golf club head described in any application incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

20-38 , the first ledge portion 2132 can include a first ledge portion width 2162 that can decrease from the central portion 2073 toward the toe portion edge 2042. . Accordingly, the first ledge portion 2132 and the first sidewall portion 2137 meet at the widest portion of the first ledge portion 2132 . In one example, an increase in first ledge portion height 2142 and a decrease in first ledge portion width 2162 may be correlated. For example, any increase in the height of the first ledge portion 2142 may be due to a particular factor, a similar rate of change, a particular dissimilar rate of change, or a particular mathematical relationship. In another example, an increase in first ledge portion height 2142 and a decrease in first ledge portion width 2162 may not have any correlation. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

20-38 , the third ledge portion 2136 can include a third ledge portion width 2166 that can decrease from the central portion 2073 toward the heel portion edge 2052. . Accordingly, the third ledge portion 2136 and the second sidewall portion 2139 meet at the widest portion of the third ledge portion 2136 . In one example, an increase in third ledge portion height 2146 and a decrease in third ledge portion width 2166 may be correlated. For example, every increase in third shelf portion height 2146 may correspond to a decrease in third shelf portion width 2166, which may be based on a particular factor, a similar rate of change, a particular dissimilar rate of change, or a particular mathematical relationship. . In another example, an increase in third ledge portion height 2146 and a decrease in third ledge portion width 2166 may not have any correlation. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

20 to 38, the first sidewall portion 2137 and the second sidewall portion 2139 extend from the central protrusion 2138 to the first protrusion 2132 and from the central protrusion 2138 to the third protrusion, respectively. The protrusion 2136 may increase the width. The downward slope configuration and the width increases toward the central portion 2073 of the first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136, and downward toward the first sidewall portion 2137 and the second sidewall portion 2139 Increasing width may allow for more mass. disposed in the toe portion 2040 and/or heel portion 2050 below the first ledge portion 2132 and the third ledge portion 2136 to optimize the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head 2000; can have more mass. It is placed at or below the center portion 2073 of the rear wall portion to lower the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head 2000 and move it farther rearward. That is, the configuration of the ledge portion 2130 is such that a relatively large portion of the mass of the optionally disposed golf club head 2000 is (i) below the ledge portion 2130 and closer to the toe portion edge 2042, ( ii) below ledge portion 2130 and closer to heel portion edge 205, (iii) at or near central portion 2073, and/or (iv) at or near sole portion edge 2092. Proximity increases the MOI of the golf club head 2000 and moves the CG of the golf club head lower and farther. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Body portion 2010 may include one or more ports, which may be external ports and/or internal ports (eg, located inside body portion 2010 ). One or more ports may be located anywhere on body portion 2010 . An inner wall of body portion 2010 defining interior cavity 2110 may include one or more ports. In the illustrated example of FIGS. 20-38 , the body portion may include a first port area 2225 located below the first protruding portion 2132 and between the toe portion edge 2042 and the central portion 2073. can As shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the first port area 2225 may include a first peripheral groove 2227 that may visually define part or all of the first port area 2225 . The first peripheral groove 2227 can be a slot, channel, recessed portion, or recess. A mass that can be removed from the body portion 2010 to define the first circumferential groove 2227 can be placed at another location on or within the body portion 2010 without altering or substantially changing a specific MOI, CG location, and/or Golf club performance characteristics may be provided. In another example, a portion of body portion 2010 within first circumferential groove 2227 may have a visually different color, texture, or other visual distinguishing feature relative to the exterior of first circumferential groove 2227 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

20-38, the body portion is located under the second port area 2235 located below the central protruding portion 2138 of the second protruding portion 2134, and under the third protruding portion 2136 and It may include a third port area 2245 located between the heel portion edge 2052 and the heel portion 2052 . The second port area 2235 may be located between the first port area 2225 and the third port area 2245 . As shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the third port area 2245 may include a second peripheral groove 2247 that may visually define part or all of the third port area 2245 . The second peripheral groove 2247 can be a slot, channel, recessed portion, or recess. A mass that can be removed from the body portion 2010 to define the second circumferential groove 2247 can be placed at another location on or within the body portion 2010 without altering or substantially altering the specific MOI, CG location and Golf club performance characteristics may be provided. In another example, a portion of body portion 2010 within second circumferential groove 2247 may have a different color, texture, or other visual distinguishing feature relative to the outside of second circumferential groove 2247 to visually define it. Third port area 2245. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The first port region 2225 can include any number of ports, and any one or more of the ports of the first port region 2225 can be connected to the interior cavity 2110 . As shown in FIGS. 20-38 , a first port area 2225 can include a first set of ports 2220 (eg, illustrated by ports 2221 , 2222 , and 2223 ). Ports 2221 , 2222 , 2223 can be arranged in the first port area 2225 in any manner. In one example, ports 2221 , 2222 , 2223 may be arranged to align with the contour of sole portion edge 2092 similar to the ports of golf club head 200 . As shown in FIGS. 20 to 38 , the ports 2221 , 2222 , and 2223 may be arranged to align with the general direction of the first protrusion 2132 . The spacing between the first set of ports 2220 may have any configuration. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 20-38 , each port of the first set of ports 2220 is a distance equal to or less than the port diameter of any one of the ports of the first set of ports 2220 to the first set of ports 2220. It may be spaced from adjacent ports of the set. The distance from any of the ports of the first set of ports 2220 to the toe portion edge 2042 is the distance from any of the ports of the first set of ports 2220 to the heel portion edge 2052 or the heel portion edge ( 2052) may be less than the distance. First port region 2225 can be a thicker portion and/or structurally reinforced portion of back wall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and/or function of the first set of ports of port 2220. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Second port region 2235 can include any number of ports, any one or more of which can be connected to interior cavity 2110 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the second port area 2235 can be at or near the central portion 2073 . The second port area 2235 can include a second set of ports 2230 (eg, illustrated as ports 2231 ). Second port area 2235 can be a thicker and/or structurally reinforced portion of back wall portion 2072 to accommodate a second set of ports of ports 2230 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 29 , second port area 2235 can include a structurally reinforced portion of rear wall portion 2072 to accommodate the structure and/or function of port 2231 . there is. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Third port region 2245 can include any number of ports, and any one or more of the ports of third port region 2245 can be connected to interior cavity 2110 . In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , third port area 2245 can include a third set of ports 2240 (e.g., illustrated by ports 2241 and 2242). ). Ports 2241 and 2242 can be arranged in third port area 2245 in any manner. In one example, ports 2241 and 2242 may be arranged to align with the contours of sole portion edge 2092 similar to the ports of golf club head 200 . As shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the ports 2241 and 2242 may be arranged to align with the general direction of the third protrusion 2136 . The spacing between ports in the third set of ports 2240 may have any configuration. In the illustrated examples of FIGS. 20-38 , each port in the third set of ports 2240 is a distance less than or equal to a port diameter of any of the ports in the third set of ports 2240. It may be spaced from an adjacent port of The distance from any of the ports of the third set of ports 2240 to the toe portion edge 2042 is the distance from any of the ports of the third set of ports 2240 to the heel portion edge 2052 or the heel portion edge ( 2052). Third port area 2245 is a thicker portion of back wall portion 2072 and/or It may be a structurally reinforced part. and the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 may include any number of ports. The location, spacing relative to the other ports, and any other configuration of each port in the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 may differ from any other. They may be similar in many ways. Any port described herein or incorporated by referenced application. Additionally, any one or more of the ports of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 may have internal cavities ( 2110) can be connected. to the inner cavity 2110. 20-38, port 2221 and port 2241 may be connected to internal cavity 2110 via opening 2261 and opening 2281, respectively. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and as shown in FIGS. It may include a single port 2231 which may be larger in diameter than any of the three sets of ports. Port 2231 may be located. In one example, the diameter of port 2231 may be greater than or equal to 1.1 times the diameter and less than or equal to the diameter. equal to 8.0 times the diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 2220 and the ports of the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of port 2231 may be more than doubled. The diameter of any port in the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of the diameter port 2231 can be at least 3.5 times the diameter of any of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240. In another example, the diameter of port 2231 can be greater than or equal to the diameter of any of the first set of ports of ports 2220 and any of the third set of ports of ports 2240 . 20-38, the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 are shown as cylindrical. In another example (not shown), the port may have any shape. Thus, the relative size of a port can be expressed in any dimension, such as length, width, radius, diameter, distance between two boundaries, or any dimension corresponding to a particular geometric shape (e.g., the major and minor axes of an elliptical port). .). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Body portion 2010 can include any number of ports above and/or below first protruding portion 2132 , second protruding portion 2134 , and/or third protruding portion 2136 . Body portion 2010 may have any number of toe portion edge 2042, heel portion edge 2052, top portion edge 2082, and/or sole portion edge 2092 on top and/or body portion 2010. It can contain the port of In body portion 2010, the arrangement and/or configuration of ports on body portion 2010 may in many respects be similar to golf club head 200 or any golf club head described in any incorporated by reference application. can The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Body portion 2010 may include one or more mass portions (eg, weight portion(s)) at any location on body portion 2010 . The one or more mass portions may be integral mass portion(s) or discrete mass portion(s). It can be coupled to body portion 2010 at any external or internal location of body portion 2010 . 20-38, body portion 2010 includes a first set of mass portions 2320 (e.g., shown as mass portions 2321, 2322, and 2323), a second set of mass portions. 2330 (eg, shown as mass portion 2331 ), and a third set of mass portions 2340 (eg, illustrated as mass portions 2341 and 2342 ). 20-38, the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2320 and the third set of mass portions 2320 are the mass portions 1800 and 1900 of FIGS. 17-19 or by reference application It may be similar to any mass part described herein, such as a mass part described in any incorporated therein. The second set of mass portions 2330 can include a single mass portion 2331, which is greater than any of the first set of mass portions 2320 and the third set of mass portions 2340. may have a greater mass. As shown in FIG. 33 , mass portion 2331 may be cylindrical with a top portion 2337 that includes a head portion 2333 , a shaft portion 2335 , and a tool engagement portion 2339 . The diameter 2334 of the mass portion 2331 may be greater than the length 2336 of the mass portion. Accordingly, mass portion 2331 may be disk-shaped as shown in FIG. 34 and diameter 2334 may be a first set as illustrated, for example, by mass portions 1800 and 1900 of FIGS. 17-19 . greater than the diameter of the mass portion 2320 of the third set of mass portions 2340, as described herein. Port 2231 may be configured to receive mass portion 2331, which is inserted into port 2231 by any of the methods described herein, such as being screwed, press-fit, adhesively secured, or welded. and can be fixed. In one example, as shown in FIG. 33 , head portion 2333 may be threaded to mate with internal threads of port 2231 to secure mass portion 2331 to port 2231 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Each port of the first set of ports 2220 and the third set of ports 2240 is described herein (eg, mass portions 1800 and 1900 in FIGS. 17-19) or incorporated by reference. receive any mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 similar to coupling and/or coupling of any of the mass portions and ports described in any application filed herein. can be configured to 18 and 19, the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2320 and/or the third set of mass portions 2340 may have different lengths or other physical properties (as described herein). eg, one or more constituent materials). Accordingly, each port of the first set of ports 2220 and/or the third set of ports 2240 may correspond to or substantially correspond to the depth of the port in the mass portion 2320 of the first set or the third set. can accommodate the mass portion of the mass portion 2340 of For example, as shown in FIGS. 28-30 , the depth of the port 2222 may be greater than the depth of the port 2241 . Thus, the mass portion 2322 fixed to the port 2222 may have a longer length (example shown in FIG. 19) than the mass portion 2341 fixed to the port 2241 (example shown in FIG. 18). there is. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the inner diameter and/or depth of each port of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 and/or the diameter and/or length of each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2330 of the second set of mass portions 2320, and the third set of mass portions 2340 of the rear wall portion 2072. The selection of the corresponding mass part for the flush configuration of the mass part to the outer surface can be determined. Further, as described herein and in any application incorporated by reference, the materials of construction of each mass portion that affect the density of each mass portion may determine the selection of the mass portion. In other words, each port can receive a correspondingly sized mass portion having a specific total mass as described herein. In another example, the inner diameter and/or depth of each port of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and the third set of ports 2240 and/or the diameter of each mass portion and The length of the first set of mass portions 2320, the second set of mass portions 2330, and the third set of mass portions 2340 are the corresponding masses for the concave configuration of the mass portions relative to the outer surface of the backrest. You can decide which part to choose. In another example, the inner diameter and/or depth of each port of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 and/or each of the first set of ports 2220. The diameter and/or length of the mass portion The second set of mass portions 2330, and the third set of mass portions 2340 of the mass portion 2320 are concave of the mass portions relative to the outer surface of the back wall portion 2072. The selection of the corresponding mass part for the configuration can be determined. In another example, the inner diameter and/or depth of each port of the first set of ports 2220, the second set of ports 2230, and/or the third set of ports 2240 and/or the first set of ports 2230. The diameter and/or length of each mass portion of the second set of mass portions 2330 of the mass portion 2320, and the third set of mass portions 2340 of the mass portion relative to the outer surface of the rear wall portion 2072. The selection of the corresponding mass for the protruding configuration can be determined. Certain golf club head performance criteria, which can be influenced by the MOI and CG position of the golf club head, may dictate the cross-section of the mass portion to port. In one example, a mass portion having a greater mass may be placed in a port closer to the toe than the heel portion to increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head. In another example, the port closest to the central portion 2073 may receive a relatively heavier mass portion to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head. The mass of each of first set of masses 2320, second set of masses 2330, and/or third set of masses 2340 provides a particular performance characteristic for golf club head 2000. may be interchangeable with a relatively heavier or lighter mass to Thus, the configuration of each port, the configuration of each mass portion, and/or specific golf club head performance criteria may determine the selection and/or placement of mass portions in the ports. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The total mass of mass portion 2331 may be greater than the total mass of any mass portion of first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 . The total mass of mass portion 2331 can be greater than or the total mass of the first set of mass portions 2320 and/or the third set of mass portions 2340. The total mass of mass portion 2331 can be determined to provide specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000 . For example, the mass portion 2331 may have a total mass of greater than or equal to 2 g and less than or equal to 30 g. In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a total mass that is greater than or equal to 4 grams and less than or equal to 18 grams. In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a total mass that is greater than or equal to 6 g and less than or equal to 12 g. In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a total mass that is greater than or equal to 7 g and less than or equal to 9 g. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

A diameter of mass portion 2331 may be determined based on one or more properties of a material of which mass portion 2331 is composed (eg, material density). In one example, mass portion 2331 is equal to 0.2 inches (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) and less than 1.5 inches (38.1 mm). In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 0.8 inches (20.32 mm). In another example, mass portion 2331 may have a diameter greater than or equal to 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) and less than or equal to 0.7 inches (17.78 mm). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The center region or geometric center of the second set of ports 2231 of ports 2230 may be located at or proximate to the CG of golf club head 2000 . Accordingly, the center of gravity of mass portion 2331 may also be located at or proximate to the CG of golf club head 2000 when mass portion 2331 is secured to port 2231 as described herein. there is. As a result, the mass portion 2331 can be compared to the other mass portion 2331 having a lower mass or the mass portion 2331 having a higher mass without causing a relatively large or significant shift in the CG of the golf club head 2000. can be interchanged with For each gram mass increase of mass portion 2331, the CG position of the golf club head may move by less than 0.5% of the CG _X position (the x-axis coordinate of the CG) and less than 0.5% of CG _Y . position (y-axis coordinate of CG) and/or CG _Z- position (z-axis coordinate of CG) is less than 0.2%. In another example, for each gram mass increase of mass portion 2331, the CG location of the golf club head is less than 0.35% of the CG _X location, less than 0.35% of the CG _Y location, and/or 0.15% of the CG _Z location. You can move less than more. In another example, for each gram mass increase of mass portion 2331, the CG location of the golf club head is less than 0.25% of the CG _X location, less than 0.25% of the CG _Y location, and/or 0.10 of the CG _Z location. less than %. Accordingly, mass portion 2331 may have a lower or greater mass to provide specific performance characteristics for an individual (ie, to tailor golf club head 2000 performance to a specific individual) without substantially moving. Interchangeable with other mass portions 2331. Alter the CG of the golf club head 2000 and/or the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head 2000. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, each mass portion of first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 0.25 grams and less than or equal to 6.0 grams. In another example, each mass portion of first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 1.25 grams and less than or equal to 5.25 grams. In another example, each mass portion of first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 1.75 grams and less than or equal to 4.1 grams. In another example, each mass portion of first set of mass portions 2320 and/or third set of mass portions 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 0.75 grams and less than or equal to 3.5 grams. In another example, each mass portion of the first set of mass portions 2320 and/or the third set of mass portions 2340 may have a mass greater than or equal to 0.5 grams and less than or equal to 4.0 grams. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Internal cavity 2110 may be partially or fully filled with one or more fillers (ie, cavity fillers), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38, interior cavity 2110 is filled in filler material 2512, which may be similar to any of the filler materials described herein or any incorporated by reference. It can be. In another example (not shown with respect to FIGS. 20-38 ), interior cavity 2110 may be filled with a first filler material and a second filler material that may be similar to golf club head 200 or similar to any golf club head. can are described in all applications incorporated by reference. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , filler 2512 may be injected into interior cavity 2110 from any of ports 2221 and 2241 , while either of ports 2221 and 2241 The other may serve as an air discharge port through which air in the inner cavity passes. 2110 displaced by filler material 2512 can escape. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-38 , the filler material 2512 may be molded into the shape of the inner cavity 2110 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, the one or more materials of the filler material, the physical properties of the one or more materials (ie, density and/or elasticity), and the amount (ie, volume and/or mass) of the filler material 2512 may be applied to each golf club head (ie, density and/or elasticity). , with a particular loft angle) is (i) vibration damping or noise damping (e.g., consistent when the golf club head 2000 strikes a golf ball as perceived by the individual using the golf club head 2000, and (ii) structural support for the face portion 2062 and/or (iii) optimization of ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle, and/or /or may decide to provide ball dispersion. In one example, filler material 2512 may be formed from any type of polymeric material, such as any polymeric material described herein or in any application incorporated by reference. In one example, filler material 2512 may be formed from a rubber-based compound such as rubber or any rubber-based compound described herein. In another example, the filler material 2512 can be formed of a thermoset material such as an epoxy-based material. In another example, filler material 2512 may be formed of a thermoplastic material. In another example, the filler material may be formed of a metal or metal alloy (eg, aluminum or aluminum alloy) that may have a density different from that of the material of body portion 2010 . The filler material 2512 may be applied to the body portion 2010 and the face portion 2010 with any adhesive or any adhesive that may be suitable for bonding or attaching the filler material 2512 to the material of the body portion 2010 and/or face portion 2062. It may be attached to the inner wall of portion 2062. In another example (not shown), filler material 2512 can be a polymeric material that can include self-adhesive properties to adhere to body portion 2010 and/or face portion 2062 without the use of bonding agents or adhesives. . In another example, injection molding and/or curing of the filler material 2512 allows the filler material 2512 to form the body portion 2010 and/or the surface portion 2062 without the use of a binder or adhesive. In another example, the filler material 2512 may be preformed and disposed within the interior cavity 2110 and/or of the body portion 2010 defining the interior cavity 2110 prior to surrounding the interior cavity 2110. Can be attached to interior walls. Injection molding, curing and/or attachment of filler material 2512 in interior cavity 2110 may be similar to the processes described herein or any processes incorporated by referenced applications. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 35 , face portion 2062 has a first peripheral side defined by a face portion toe portion edge (herein referred to as face toe edge 2740 ), a face portion heel portion edge (herein face heel edge). a second peripheral side defined by (referred to as 2750), a third peripheral side defined by a face portion top portion edge (referred to herein as face top portion edge 2780), and a face portion sole portion edge ( A face perimeter, which may include four perimeter sides, which may be a fourth perimeter side defined by face sole edge 2790 ). The posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions or recesses, any of which may be referred to herein as posterior grooves and have relatively reduced Any structure on the posterior surface 2066 that can provide face thickness can be defined. In the illustrated example of FIG. 35 , posterior surface 2066 includes a first end portion 3502, a first portion 3504, a first transition portion 3505, a second portion 3506, a second transition portion 3507 ), a third portion 3508, and a back groove 3500 having a second end. part (3510). In one example, as shown in FIG. 35 , first end portion 3502 may be proximate face toe edge 2740 and proximate face sole edge 2790 . First portion 3504 can extend from first end 3502 toward face top edge 2780 . As shown in FIG. 35 , first portion 3504 may be linear and extend vertically from first end portion 3502 toward face top edge 2780 . It may resemble or substantially resemble the curvature or contour of face toe edge 2740 . In another example, first portion 3504 can be curved inwardly. The first portion 3504 can then transition to a second portion 3506 via a first transition portion 3505 positioned proximate the face toe edge 2740 and proximate the face top edge 2780. . The first transition portion 3505 can be curved to eliminate or reduce stress concentration regions. The second portion 3506 can extend from the first transition portion 3505 toward the face heel edge 2750 . The second portion 3506 may be linear and may have the same orientation and contour as the first transition portion 3505 . The second portion 3506 can then transition to a third portion 3508 via a second transition portion 3507 positioned proximate the face heel edge 2750 and proximate the face top edge 2780. . The second transition portion 3507 can be curved to prevent or reduce stress concentration areas on the face portion 2062 at or near the second transition portion 3507 . The third portion 3508 can extend from the second transition portion 3507 toward the second end portion 3510 to the second end portion 3510 . Second portion 3506 may be linear and may have the same orientation and contour as face heel edge 2750 . The second end portion 3510 may be circular as illustrated in FIG. 35 to eliminate or reduce the stress concentration region on the face portion 2062 at or proximate the second end portion 3510. can The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

As shown in FIG. 35 , back groove 3500 can define an inner region 3562 and an outer region 3564 of face portion 2062 . Interior region 3562 can correspond to or include a portion of face portion 2062 that can generally hit a golf ball. As discussed herein, back groove 3500 can provide a relatively thinner portion of face portion 2062 compared to the rest of face portion 2062 . Thus, back groove 3500 can provide improved deflection of inner region 3562 relative to outer region 3564 compared to face portion 2602 without back groove 3500 . In other words, back groove 3500 can provide a trampoline effect to inner region 3562 of face portion 2062 . Enhanced deflection of the inner region 3562 may provide improved rebound. The improved deflection of inner area 3562 can provide improved rebound of inner area 3562 after face portion 2062 hits a golf ball, which increases ball launch angle compared to similar golf clubs, It can reduce backspin and/or increase ball distance. The head is like golf club head 2000 but without back groove 3500. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35, 37 and 38, any portion of back groove 3500 may include back groove width 3710 (W BG). Back groove width 3710 (W BG) can have any value to provide specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000. In one example, the back groove width 3710 is greater than and less than 0.050 inches (1.270 mm) or equal to 0.200 inches (5.080 mm) (0.050 inches < W _BG < 0.200 inches). In another example, back groove width 3710 may be greater than or equal to 0.094 inches (2.381 mm) and less than or equal to 0.156 inches (3.969 mm) (0.094 inches < W _BG < 0.156 inches). In another example, back groove width 3710 may be greater than or equal to 0.109 inches (2.778 mm) and less than or equal to 0.141 inches (3.572 mm) (0.109 inches < W _BG < 0.141 inches). In another example, back groove width 3710 may be greater than or equal to 0.120 inches (3.048 mm) and less than or equal to 0.130 inches (3.302 mm) (0.120 inches < W _BG < 0.130 inches). Back groove width 3710 may be constant or substantially constant along any one or more portions of back groove 3500 or along the entire back groove 3500 (considering manufacturing tolerances). Back groove width 3710 can vary at a particular portion or portions of the back. Any portion of back groove 3500 and/or any portion of back groove 3600 can have any cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, back groove width 3710 in any one or more portions may vary with a corresponding change in cross-sectional shape of back groove 3500. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 35 , 37 and 38 , any portion of back groove 3500 can include back groove depth 3720 (D _BG ). Back groove depth 3720 (D _BG ) can have any value that provides specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000. In one example, back groove depth 3720 may be greater than or equal to 0.003 inches (0.076 mm) or equal to 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) (0.003 inches ≤ D _BG ≤ 0.015 inches). In another example, back groove depth 3720 may be greater than or equal to 0.005 inches (0.133 mm) and less than or equal to 0.009 inches (0.222 mm) (0.005 inches < D _BG < 0.009 inches). In another example, back groove depth 3720 may be greater than or equal to 0.006 inches (0.156 mm) and less than or equal to 0.008 inches (0.200 mm) (0.006 inches ≤ D _BG ≤ 0.008 inches). In another example, back groove depth 3720 may be greater than or equal to 0.0065 inches (0.1651 mm) and less than or equal to 0.0075 inches (0.1905 mm) (0.0065 inches < D _BG < 0.0075 inches). Back groove depth 3720 may be constant or substantially constant along any one or more portions of back groove 3500 or along the entire back groove 3500 (considering manufacturing tolerances). Back groove depth 3720 can vary at a particular portion or portions of the back. Any portion of back groove 3500 and/or any portion of back groove 3600 can have any cross-sectional shape. Accordingly, back groove depth 3720 in any one or more portions may vary with a corresponding change in the cross-sectional shape of back groove 3500. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 37-38 , the face portion 2062 includes a first face thickness 3750(T ₁ ), a second face thickness 3752(T ₂ ), and a third face thickness ( 3754(T ₃ )), and a fourth face thickness 3756(T ₄ ). The first face thickness 3750 is any portion of the front groove 2068 and the second face thickness 3752 is the face portion 2062 including the front surface 2064 of the face portion 2062 and a portion of the back groove. It can be defined by the distance between the bottom surfaces of the rear grooves 3500 at the top position. Thus, the second face thickness 3752 can be determined by subtracting the back groove depth 3720 from the first face thickness 3750 . Third face thickness 3754 is defined as the distance between the bottom surface of front groove 2068 and the back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 at a location on front portion 2062 that does not include any portion of back groove 3500. can be defined by distance. Thus, third thickness 3754 can be determined by subtracting front groove depth 2069 from first face thickness 3750 . A location on face portion 2062 that includes a portion of front groove 2068 and an opposite portion of back groove 3500. Thus, the fourth face thickness 3756 is the back groove depth 3720 and the front groove first face thickness 3750 is the second face thickness 3752, the third face thickness 3754, and the fourth face thickness 3756 ) may be greater than (T ₁ > T ₂ , T ₁ > T ₃ , T ₁ > T ₄ ). The second face thickness 3752 may be greater than the fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₂ > T ₄ ). The third face thickness 3754 may be greater than the fourth face thickness 3756 (T ₃ > T ₄ ). In one example, the second face thickness 3752 can be greater than the third face thickness 3754 (T ₂ > T ₃ ), as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 . ). In another example (not shown), the third face thickness 3754 may be greater than the second face thickness 3752 (T ₃ > T ₂ ). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The first face thickness 3750 can have any value that provides specific performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. In one example, the first face thickness 3750 may be greater than or equal to 0.025 inches (0.635 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) (0.025 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.125). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.047 inches (1.181 mm) and less than or equal to 0.078 inches (1.969 mm) (0.047 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.078). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.054 inches (1.378 mm) and less than or equal to 0.070 inches (1.772 mm) (0.054 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.070). In another example, the first face thickness 3750 can be greater than or equal to 0.060 inches (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.065 inches (1.651 mm) (0.060 inches ≤ T ₁ ≤ 0.065). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Second face thickness 3752 can have any value to provide specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000. The value of the second face thickness 3752 is the first face thickness 3750. The value of the back groove depth 3720 as described herein. The value of second face thickness 3752 can also be expressed as a percentage of the value of first face thickness 3750 . In one example, the second face thickness 3752 can be greater than 75% and less than 98% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.75 ≤ T ₂ /T ₁ ≤ 0.98). Thus, back groove depth 3720 may be less than or equal to 25% and greater than or equal to 2% of first face thickness 3750 (0.02 ≤ D _BG /T ₁ ≤ 0.25). In another example, the second face thickness 3752 may be greater than or equal to 70% and less than or equal to 85% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.70 ≤ T ₂ /T ₁ ≤ 0.85). Thus, back groove depth 3720 can be less than 30% and greater than 15% of first face thickness 3750 (0.15 ≤ D _BG /T ₁ ≤ 0.30). In another example, the second face thickness 3752 can be greater than or equal to 85% and less than or equal to 95% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.85 ≤ T ₂ /T ₁ ≤ 0.95). Thus, back groove depth 3720 can be less than 15% and greater than 5% of first face thickness 3750 (0.05 ≤ D _BG /T ₁ ≤ 0.15). In another example, the second face thickness 3752 can be greater than 80% and less than 90% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.80 ≤ T ₂ /T ₁ ≤ 0.90). Thus, back groove depth 3720 can be less than 20% and greater than 10% of first face thickness 3750 (0.10 ≤ D _BG /T ₁ ≤ 0.20). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Third face thickness 3754 can have any value that provides specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000 . The value of the third face thickness 3754 can be determined by subtracting the value of the front groove depth 2069 as described herein from the value of the first face. The value of third face thickness 3754 can also be expressed as a percentage of the value of first face thickness 3750 . In one example, the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than 60% and less than 97% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.60 ≤ T ₃ /T ₁ ≤ 0.97). In another example, the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than 75% and less than 85% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.75 ≤ T ₃ /T ₁ ≤ 0.85). In another example, the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than 80% and less than 95% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.80 ≤ T ₃ /T ₁ ≤ 0.95). In another example, the third face thickness 3754 can be greater than 70% and less than 90% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.70 ≤ T ₃ /T ₁ ≤ 0.90). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Fourth face thickness 3756 can have any value that provides specific performance characteristics for golf club head 2000 . The value of the fourth face thickness 3756 can be expressed as a percentage of the value of the front groove depth 2069 and the value of the fourth face thickness 3756 can also be expressed as a percentage of the value of the first face thickness 3750 as described herein. can In one example, the fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than 45% and less than 85% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.45 ≤ T ₄ /T ₁ ≤ 0.85). In another example, the fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than 55% and less than 75% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.55 ≤ T ₄ /T ₁ ≤ 0.75). In another example, the fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than 60% and less than 70% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.60 ≤ T ₄ /T ₁ ≤ 0.70). In another example, the fourth face thickness 3756 can be greater than or equal to 62% and less than or equal to 68% of the first face thickness 3750 (0.62 ≤ T ₄ /T ₁ ≤ 0.68). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 and referring to FIGS. 37 and 38 , back groove width 3710 is greater than front groove width 2071 and back groove depth 3720 is front groove depth 2069 ) can be smaller than In another example (not shown), the rear groove width 3710 may be as follows. The front groove width 2071 and the back groove depth 3720 may be greater than the front groove depth 2069 . In another example (not shown), back groove width 3710 may be less than front groove width 2071 and back groove depth 3720 may be greater than front groove depth 2069 . In another example (not shown), back groove width 3710 can be less than front groove width 2071 , and back groove depth 3720 can be less than front groove depth 2069 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 may be similar. In another example, back groove width 3710 may be less than back groove depth 3720 . In another example, back groove width 3710 may be greater than back groove depth 3720 . As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38 , back groove width 3710 may be substantially greater than back groove depth 3720 . Back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 can be determined to provide sufficient deflection for face portion 2062 without compromising the structural integrity of the face portion. In other words, back groove width 3710 and back groove depth 3720 are sufficiently large to provide the rebound and trampoline effects described herein when face portion 2062 hits a golf ball once, several times, and without repeated failures. It can be determined to be biased. or repeated, prolonged use of the golf club head 2000 for striking a golf ball. In addition, values of the rear groove width 3710 and the rear groove depth 3720 may vary depending on the values of the first face thickness 3750 , the front groove width 2071 , and/or the front groove depth 2069 . The fabrication described herein is not limited in this respect.

As described herein, interior cavity 2110 may be filled with one or more fillers, such as filler 2512 . Thus, in one example, all or part of back groove 3500 may be filled with filler 2512 . Material 2512 can structurally support a relatively thin portion of face portion 2062 within and/or proximate back groove 3500 . In another example, a portion of back groove 3500 may be filled with a first filler material, while another portion of back groove 3500 may be filled with a second filler material. A material having at least one different physical property from the first filler material. The configuration (eg, depth, width, position on the face portion, cross-sectional shape) of the back groove 3500 can determine the physical properties of the one or more fillers and the amount of one or more fillers that can be formed. It is used to fill the back groove 3500 and/or the inner cavity 2110. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 are free of any sharp edges or vertices to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or regions at or proximate to the back groove 3500. It can have any shape and/or size. First end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may have an elliptical or semi-elliptical shape. In another example, first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 can have a triangular shape with a rounded apex. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may have an oval shape (ie, a rectangle with half circles on opposite sides). In another example, as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66 , back groove 3500 may extend to the face periphery. In other words, any portion of back groove 3500 may extend around the face and may terminate around the face. In another example, as shown in FIG. 59 , back groove 3500 may not have an enlarged end and terminate in a rounded or curved end portion 5952 having a width equal to back groove width 3710. . Any end portion of any back groove described herein can be any shape without sharp edges or vertices to eliminate or reduce any stress concentration areas on face portion 2062 at or proximate to the back groove; and /or may have any shape. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The cross-sectional shape of back groove 3500 may be free of any sharp edges to eliminate or reduce stress concentration points or regions in or proximate back groove 3500 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 37 , a cross section of the rear groove 3500 may have a wide and shallow U-shape. In another example, the cross section of back groove 3500 can have a deep and/or narrow U-shape. In another example, the cross section of the rear groove 3500 may have a rectangular shape with corners or vertices rounded. In another example, the cross-sectional shape of the back groove 3500 may be semi-circular or semi-elliptical. Thus, the back groove 3500 can be made of any cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape of back groove 3500 can be made without sharp edges or vertices to eliminate or reduce any stress concentration areas on face portion 2062 at or proximate back groove 3500. The fabrication described herein is not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 36 , posterior surface 2066 of face portion 2062 may include posterior groove 3600, which may be similar in many respects to posterior groove 269 of FIG. . Back groove 3600 can have a back groove width, back groove depth, and/or cross-sectional shape similar to those described and illustrated herein with respect to back groove 3500 . Back groove 3600 includes a first portion 3604, a first portion 3604, a transition portion 3605, a second portion 3606, a second transition portion 3607, a third portion 3608, and a second portion. A third transition portion 3609 , a fourth portion 3610 , and a fourth transition portion 3611 , all of which may define a continuous back groove 3600 . The face portion 2062 extends proximately around the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 and generally does not have any sharp edges to prevent stress concentration areas at or near any portion of the posterior groove 3600. ) follows the contour of the perimeter of As shown in FIG. 36 , back groove 3600 can define an inner region 3662 and an outer region 3664 of face portion 2062 . Interior region 3662 may correspond to or include the portion of face portion 2062 that generally strikes a golf ball. Further, back groove 3600 can provide face portion 2062 with a relatively thinner portion compared to the rest of face portion 2062 . Thus, the back groove 3600 can provide improved deflection of the inner region 3662 relative to the outer region 3664. In other words, the back groove 3600 can provide a trampoline to the inner region 3662 of the face portion 2062. effect can be provided. The inner area 3662 after face portion 2062 hits the golf ball can increase ball speed and/or distance. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, any portion of back groove 3500 may have a curved or chamfered shape when changing direction, in order to eliminate or reduce stress concentration regions in or around back groove 3500 . In one example, as shown in FIG. 35 , first transition portion 3505 and/or second transition portion 3507 of back groove 3500 may be curved. In another example, as shown in FIG. 36 , the first transition portion 3605, the second transition portion 3607, the third transition portion 3609, and the fourth transition portion 3611 of the back groove 3600 are can be curved In another example, as shown in FIG. 35 , first end 3502 and second end 3510 of back groove 3500 may be circular. The size of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 may be the first face thickness, the second face thickness, the third face thickness, the fourth face thickness, the material properties of the face portion, The decision may be made taking into account how the face portion is manufactured, and/or the wide range of deflection to which face portion 2062 may be subjected to repeated golf ball strikes. In one example, the diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 may be greater than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) and less than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm). In another example, the diameter of the circle defining first end portion 3502 and/or second end portion 3510 may be greater than or equal to 0.188 inches (4.763 mm) and less than or equal to 0.313 inches (7.938 mm). In another example, the diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and/or the second end portion 3510 may be greater than or equal to 0.219 inches (5.556 mm) and less than or equal to 0.281 inches (7.144 mm). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

To determine the effect of the back grooves 3500 and 3600 on the performance of the golf club head 2000, certain club performance parameters were calculated in FIGS. club), and the number 3 golf club (Club 3). All three golf clubs are 7 with golf club heads identical in all respects to golf club head 2000 as described herein except for the configuration of the rear groove on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. It was a burn iron golf club. Club #1 did not include a back groove such as back groove (3500) or back groove (3600). The number 2 club included a back groove 3500 as described herein and shown in FIG. 35 . The number 3 club included a back groove 3600 as described herein and shown in FIG. 36 . The back groove of club #2 (3500) and the back groove of club #3 (3600) had a back groove width (3710) of about 0.125 inches (3.175 mm) and a back groove depth (3720) of about 0.007 inches (0.178 mm). . The diameter of the circle defining the first end portion 3502 and the second end portion 3510 of the back groove 3500 was about 0.25 inches (6.350 mm).

Each of the sample golf clubs were tested with the swing robot hitting the golf ball from 84 mph to 86 mph at average golf club head speeds for multiple repetitions at each of 5 positions on the face portion of the golf club head, resulting in average ball speed (mph), average ball speed (mph), Ball launch angle (degrees), average ball backspin (rpm), and average total distance (yards) were determined. For example, the swing robot may be a model manufactured by Golf Laboratories of San Diego, California. The five positions of the face portion were center position, toe position, heel position, low position and high position, all of which may be referred to herein as measurement positions. The center location was generally determined as the location of the portion of the face where the individual struck the golf ball. That is, statistically (e.g., over 75%), the center position receives the most ball hits. The center position was set at or approximately 0.75 inches upwards from the edge of the sole portion 2092 and was adjusted according to measurement tolerances and/or variations and/or approximations to the actual ball striking area on the face portion 2062 by the swinging robot. It was set in the center of the corresponding front groove 2068 of the face portion 2062. The toe and heel positions were set at or about 0.5 inches from the center position to the toe and heel directions, respectively, and varied and/or approximated depending on the measurement tolerance and the actual ball hitting point of the face portion 2062 by the swinging robot. may vary depending on The high and low positions were set at 0.25 inches or about 0.25 inches respectively upwards and downwards from the center position, with deviations and/or approximations depending on measurement tolerances and the actual ball striking point. Face part 2062 by swinging robot. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

As shown in FIG. 39, the ball speed of club 3 was higher than that of club 1 and club 2 at all measurement positions. As shown in FIG. 36 , posterior groove 3600 forms a continuous loop on posterior surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . Thus, the entire inner area 3662 of the face portion 2062 is deflected inward relative to the outer area 3664 upon golf ball strikes to provide an enhanced trampoline or rebound effect for the golf ball, resulting in both the 1 and 3 clubs. results in improved ball speed at all measurement locations for

As shown in FIG. 40, the launch angle of club 2 was higher than that of club 1 and club 3 at all measurement positions. As shown in FIG. 35 , back groove 3500 forms a C-shaped groove on back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . The lower portion of interior region 3562 launches the golf ball more, and thus launches the golf ball at a higher launch angle. That is, the upper portion of the inner region 3562 may provide a greater trampoline or rebound effect than the lower portion of the inner region 3562 to create a relatively higher launch angle than the number 1 and number 3 clubs.

As shown in FIG. 41, the ball backspin of the 2nd club was lower than that of the 1st and 3rd clubs at the center position. As shown in FIG. 35 , back groove 3500 forms a C-shaped groove on back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . The golf ball is smaller than the lower portion of the inner region 3562 to create lower backspin on the golf ball. In other words, the relatively greater inward deflection of the top portion of inner region 3562 can impart lower backspin to the ball than the number 1 and number 3 clubs.

As shown in FIG. 42, the ball distances of the 2nd and 3rd clubs were generally similar at the center and heel positions, but were higher than those of the 1st club at all 5 positions. As discussed herein, the greater trampoline or rebound effect provided by the number 2 club back groove 3500 and the number 3 club back groove 3600 can produce greater distance than the number 1 club.

The configuration of the back groove on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can affect the performance characteristics of the golf club. Thus, certain performance characteristics for a golf club can be achieved by different groove configurations. In one example, as shown in FIG. 43 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 4304, a first transition portion 4305, a second portion 4306, a second transition portion 4307, a third It may include a back groove 4300 having a portion 4308 , a third transition portion 4310 , and a fourth portion 4312 . and a fourth transition portion 4314, all of which define a continuous back groove 4300. Back groove 4300 may extend linearly between face top edge 2780 and face sole edge 2790 instead of first portion 4304 following the contour of face toe edge 2740 as shown in FIG. 36 . can The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 44 , face portion 2062 includes a first end portion 4402 , a first portion 4404 , a first transition portion 4405 , a second portion 4406 , a second It may include a transitional portion 4407, a third portion 4408, and a back groove 4400 having a second end. Back groove 4400 is back groove except that first portion 4404 terminates at first end portion 4402 located at or proximate face toe edge 2740 and face sole edge 2790. Similar in many respects to 3600, third portion 4408 terminates in second end portion 4410 located at or proximate face heel edge 2750 and face sole edge 2790. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 45 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 4504, a first transition portion 4505, a second portion 4506, a second transition portion 4507, and a second transition portion 4507. It may include a back groove 4500 having three parts 4508. The rear groove (4500) is

a fourth portion 4501 extending from the first end portion 4520 towards the face toe edge 2740 and to a third transition portion 4503 connecting the fourth portion 4501 to the first portion 4504; and a fifth portion 4512 extending from the second end portion 4530 toward the face heel edge 2750 and to a fourth transition portion 4509 connecting the fifth portion 4512 to the third portion 4508. may further include. Thus, posterior groove 4500 may be partially similar in construction to posterior groove 3500, except for the discontinuity defined by gap 4540 between posterior groove 3500 and posterior surface of anterior portion 2062. (2066) can be continuously extended. It includes a first end portion 4520 and a second end portion 4530. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 46 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 4604, a first transition portion 4605, a second portion 4606, a second transition portion 4607, and a second transition portion 4607. It may include a back groove 4600 having three parts 4608. First end portion 4620 can be closer to face toe edge 2740 than face heel edge 2750, and second end portion 4630 can be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740. can be close The back groove 4600 has a fourth portion extending from the first end portion 4620 toward the face toe edge and to a third transition portion 4603 connecting the fourth portion 4601 to the first portion 4604 ( 4601), and a fifth portion extending from the second end portion 4630 toward the face heel edge 2750 and to a fourth transition portion 4609 connecting the fifth portion 4612 to the third portion 4608. (4612) may be further included. Thus, posterior groove 4600 may be partially similar in construction to posterior groove 3600, maintaining the discontinuity defined by gap 4640 between first end portion 4620 and second end portion 4630. except that it may extend continuously on the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 47 , face portion 2062 can include a first back groove 4710 and a second back groove 4720 . First back groove 4710 may be closer to face toe edge 2740 than face heel edge 2750 . a second portion 4726, and a second end portion 4728. Second back groove 4720 may be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740 . Also, all or a substantial portion of first back groove 4710 and second back groove 4720 may be closer to face top edge 2780 than face sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 48 , face portion 2062 can include a first back groove 4810 and a second back groove 4820 . The first back groove 4810 includes a first end portion 4812, a first portion 4814, a first transition portion 4815, a second portion 4816, a second transition portion 4817, and a second end portion. portion 4818. First back groove 4810 may be closer to face top edge 2780 than face sole edge 2790 . The second back groove 4820 includes a first end portion 4822, a first portion 4824, a transition portion 4825, a second portion 4826, a second transition portion 4827, and a second end portion ( 4828) may be included. Second back groove 4820 may be closer to face sole edge 2790 than face top edge 2780 . Additionally, each of first back groove 4810 and second back groove 4820 can extend from a position at or proximate face toe edge 2740 to a position at or proximate face heel edge 2750 . The first back groove 4810 may proximate and follow the contours of face toe edge 2740, face top edge 2780, and face heel edge 2750. The second back groove 4820 may proximate and follow the contours of face toe edge 2740, face sole edge 2790, and face heel edge 2750. The methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , face portion 2062 can include a rear groove 4900, except for first end portion 4902 and second end portion 4910, which are rear grooves. It may be similar in many ways to (3500). As shown in FIG. 35 , first end portion 3502 and second end portion 3510 may be circular and may have any diameter as described herein. In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , first end portion 4902 can be circular with a larger diameter than first end portion 3502 in FIG. 49 . In another example, as shown in FIG. 49 , the second end 4910 can be elliptical (ie, a rectangle with half circles opposing it). In another example (not shown), first end portion 4902 and/or second end portion 4910 may have an elliptical shape. In another example (not shown), the first end portion 4902 and/or the second end portion 4910 may have a triangular shape with a rounded apex. In another example (not shown), the first end portion 4902, the second end portion 4910, and/or any back grooved end portion described herein are free of sharp edges or vertices so as to: It can have any shape and/or any shape. Any stress concentration areas on face portion 2062 at or proximate to the back groove are removed or reduced. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 50 , face portion 2062 can include a first back groove 5010 and a second back groove 5020 . First back groove 5010 may be closer to face toe edge 2740 than face heel edge 2750 . The second back groove 5020 can include a first end portion 5022 , a first portion 5024 , a transition portion 5025 , a second portion 5026 , and a second end portion 5028 . Second back groove 5020 may be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740 . Further, each of first rear groove 5010 and second rear groove 5020 may extend from a location at or proximate to top face edge 2780 to a location at or proximate to face sole edge 2790 . First back groove 5010 may proximate and follow the contours of face top edge 2780, face toe edge 2740, and face sole edge 2790. Second back groove 5020 may proximate and follow the contours of face top edge 2780, face heel edge 2750, and face sole edge 2790. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 51 , face portion 2062 includes a first end portion 5102, a first portion 5104, a first transition portion 5105, a second portion 5106, a second It may include a transitional portion 5107, a third portion 5108, and a back groove 5100 having a second end. Back groove 5100 may extend proximal to the contours of face top edge 2780 , face heel edge 2750 , and face sole edge 2790 . First end portion 5102 can be at or proximate face top edge 2780 and face toe edge 2740, and second end portion 5110 can be face sole edge 2790 and face toe edge 2740. may be at or close to it. Accordingly, back groove 5100 has a first end portion 5102 extending in a direction from face top edge 2780 to face sole edge 2790 at or proximate face toe edge 2740 and a second end portion 5102 . It may not include the extended portion between portions 5110 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 52 , face portion 2062 includes first end portion 5202, first portion 5204, first transition portion 5205, second portion 5206, second It may include a transitional portion 5207, a third portion 5208, and a back groove 5200 having a second end. Back groove 5200 may extend close to and along the contours of face top edge 2780, face toe edge 2740, and face sole edge 2790. First end portion 5202 can be at or proximate face top edge 2780 and face heel edge 2750, and second end portion 5210 can be face sole edge 2790 and face heel edge 2750. may be at or close to it. Accordingly, back groove 5200 has a first end portion 5202 extending in a direction from face top edge 2780 to face sole edge 2790 at or proximate face heel edge 2750 and a second end portion 5202. It may not include the extended portion between portions 5210 . The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 53 , face portion 2062 includes a first end portion 5302, a first portion 5304, a first transition portion 5305, a second portion 5306, a second It may include a back groove 5300 having a transition portion 5307, a third portion 5308, and a second end 5310. Back groove 5300 can extend proximate face toe edge 2740, face sole edge 2790, and face heel edge 2750. First end portion 5302 includes face top edge 2780 and It may be at or proximate face toe edge 2740 , and the second end portion 5310 may be at or proximate face top edge 2780 and face toe edge 2740 . Accordingly, the back groove 5300 has a first end portion 5302 and a second end portion 5310 extending from the face toe edge 2740 toward the face heel edge 2750 at or proximate to the face top edge 2780. ) may not include the extended part between. As shown in FIG. 53 , back groove 5300 can be similar in many ways to back groove 3500 but with an inverted configuration on back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 as compared to back groove 3500 . can be The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 54 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5404, a first transition portion 5405, a second portion 5406, a second transition portion 5407, and a second transition portion 5407. It may include a back groove 5400 having three parts 5408. Back groove 5400 can also include a first end portion 5420 that can be at or proximate face top edge 2780 and a second end portion 5430 that can be at or proximate face top edge 2780. . First end portion 5420 can be closer to face toe edge 2740 than face heel edge 2750, and second end portion 5430 can be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740. can be close As shown in FIG. 54 , back groove 5400 can be similar in many ways to back groove 4600 but with an inverted configuration on back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 as compared to back groove 4600 . can be The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 55 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5504, a first transition portion 5505, a second portion 5506, a second transition portion 5507, a third portion 5508, and a back groove 5500 having a third transition portion 5510 (fourth portion). Back groove 5500 may be similar in many respects to back groove 4300 except that fourth portion 5512 may have a convex shape relative to face sole edge 2790 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, as shown in FIG. 56 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5604, a first transition portion 5605, a second portion 5606, a second transition portion 5607, a third portion 5608, and a third transition portion 5610, a back groove 5600 having a fourth portion. Back groove 5600 may be similar in many respects to back groove 3600 except that fourth portion 5612 may have a concave shape relative to back groove 5612 . Face Sole Edge (2790). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 57 , face portion 2062 includes a first end portion 5702, a first portion 5704, a first transition portion 5705, a second portion 5706, a second It may include a transitional portion 5707, a third portion 5708, and a back groove 5700 having a second end. Back groove 5700 is similar to back groove 3500 except that back groove width 5720 of second portion 5706 may be greater than back groove width 5720 of the remainder of back groove 5700. They may be similar in many ways. In another example, any one or more of first portion 5704, second portion 5706, and third portion 5708 may have similar or different back groove widths and/or back groove depths. Any of the back grooves described herein may have portions that are different or similar in back groove width and/or back groove depth. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 58 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 5804 , a first transition portion 5805 , a second portion 5806 , a second transition portion 5807 , and a third transition portion 5807 . It may include a back groove 5800 having a portion 5808 , a third transition portion 5810 , and a fourth portion 5812 . and a fourth transition portion 5814, all of which may define a continuous back groove 5800. Back groove 5800 is similar to back groove 3600 except that back groove width 5820 of second portion 5806 can vary between first transition portion 5805 and second transition portion 5807. They may be similar in many ways. 58, the rear groove width 5820 may gradually increase in a direction from the first transition portion 5805 to the second transition portion 5807, up to a maximum rear groove width 5822, and The rear groove width 5822 may gradually decrease in a direction toward the second transition portion 5807 from the position. Any portion of the posterior groove described herein may have a different or similar posterior groove width and/or posterior groove depth that may increase or decrease in a continuous (i.e., gradual) or discontinuous manner (i.e., increase or decrease stepwise). can have The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 59 , face portion 2062 can include a first back groove 5900 and a second back groove 5950 . It includes a second transition portion 5907, a third portion 5908, and a second end portion 5910. First back groove 5900 may be similar in many respects to back groove 3500 . It includes an end portion 5910 and a second groove first end portion 5952 , a second groove portion 5954 , and a second groove second end portion 5960 . The second groove first end portion 5952 can proximate the first end portion 5902 and the second groove second end portion 5960 can proximate the second end portion 5910 . 59 illustrates an example of multiple rear grooves disposed on the rear surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 having different configurations. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 60 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 6004 , a first transition portion 6005 , a second portion 6006 , a second transition portion 6007 , and a third transition portion 6007 . It may include a back groove 6000 having a portion 6008 , a third transition portion 6010 , and a fourth portion 6012 . and a fourth transition portion 6014, all of which may form a continuous back groove 6000. Back groove 6000 may be similar in many respects to back groove 6000, and may further include a fifth portion 6016 and a sixth portion 6018. It may be positioned between the first portion 6004 and the third portion 6008 and may extend from the second portion 6006 to the fourth portion 6012 . The fifth portion 6016 can be closer to the face toe edge 2740 than the face heel edge 2750 . Sixth portion 6018 can be closer to face heel edge 2750 than face toe edge 2740 . The back groove 6000 includes a first portion 6004, a first transition portion 6005, a second portion 6006, a second transition portion 6007, a third portion 6008, and a third transition portion 6010. , fourth portion 6012 , and/or any groove portion that extends and/or connects between any two adjacent or opposite pairs of fourth transition portion 6014 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 61 , face portion 2062 includes a first end portion 6102, a first portion 6104, a first transition portion 6105, a second portion 6106, a second It may include a transitional portion 6107, a third portion 6108, and a back groove 6100 having a second end. Back groove 5700 can be similar in many ways to back groove 3500, and can further include a fifth portion 6114 and a sixth portion 6116, both of which are second portion 6106. And face sole edge 2790 and fifth portion 6114 may be closer to face top edge 2780 than face sole edge 2700 . The sixth portion 6116 can be closer to the face sole edge 2790 than the face top edge 2780 . Back groove 6100 comprises a first end portion 6102, a first portion 6104, a first transition portion 6105, a second portion 6106, a second transition portion 6107, a third portion 6108 , and/or any groove portion that extends and/or connects between any two adjacent or opposing pairs of second end portions 6110 . The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 62 , face portion 2062 can include a first back groove 6200 and a second back groove 6230 . The first back groove 6200 may extend diagonally on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062, and may include a first end portion located proximate the face toe edge 2740 and the face top edge 2780 ( 6202), a second end portion 6206 located proximate the face heel edge 2750 and the face sole edge 2790, and a groove portion connecting the first end portion 6202 and the second end portion 6206. (6204). The second back groove 6230 may extend diagonally on the back surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 and may include a first end portion (located proximate the face toe edge 2740 and the face sole edge 2790). 6232), a second end portion 6236 located proximate the face heel edge 2750 and face top edge 2780, and a groove portion connecting the first end portion 6232 and the second end portion 6236 ( 6234) may be included. Groove portion 6204 of first back groove 6200 and groove portion 6234 of second back groove 6230 are common groove portion 6220, which may be located at or proximate to the central region of face portion 2062. ) can intersect. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 63 , face portion 2062 may be within the boundaries of face portion 2062 as defined by face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, and face top. It may include a posterior groove 6300, which may be circular, having an inner diameter 6302 that is angular. The back groove 6300 may be located in the central region of the face portion 2062 as shown in the example of FIG. 27 . In another example, posterior groove 6300 may be at any location on posterior surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . In another example, posterior groove 6300 may include a plurality of individual or overlapping circular grooves on posterior surface 2066 of the face portion. In another example, posterior groove 6300 may include a plurality of separate concentric circular grooves on posterior surface 2066 of the face portion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 64 , face portion 2062 can be oval and as defined by face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, and face Likewise, it may include a back groove 6400 located within the boundary of the face portion 2062. The central portion of the back groove 6400 may be located in the central region of the face portion 2062 as shown in the example of FIG. 64 . In another example, posterior groove 6400 may be at any location on posterior surface 2066 of face portion 2062 . In another example, posterior groove 6400 may include a plurality of separate or concentric or overlapping elliptical grooves on posterior surface 2066 of the face portion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 65 , face portion 2062 includes a first portion 6504, a first transition portion 6505, a second portion 6506, a second transition portion 6507, and a second transition portion 6507. It may include a back groove 6500 having three parts 6508. Back groove 6500 can be similar in many respects. Back groove 6500 is related to back groove 3500 except that back groove 3500 may not include first end portion 3502 and second end portion 3510 of back groove 3500 . Similarly, any portion of any back groove discussed herein may extend to face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, or face sole edge 2790. . There is no limitation in this respect here.

In another example, as shown in FIG. 66 , face portion 2062 can include a back groove 6600 having a curved shape that can be concave with respect to face sole edge 2790 . Back groove 6600 may be continuous and may extend from first groove end 6602 at face sole edge 2790, with a second groove end at face sole edge 2790 proximate face toe edge 2740. 6610 and close to face heel edge 2750. Similarly, any portion of any back groove discussed herein may have any linear or curved shape and may include face toe edge 2740, face heel edge 2750, face top edge 2780, or face It may extend to the sole edge 2790. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Any one or more of the posterior grooves illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 13, 35, 36 and 43-66, or any one or more portions of the posterior grooves illustrated in the examples of FIGS. They may be combined to provide a groove configuration. In one example, the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include either or both of the posterior grooves 6200 and 6230 of FIG. 62 in combination with the posterior groove of FIG. 64 . In another example, posterior surface 2066 of face portion 2062 can include posterior groove 3600 of FIG. 36 and posterior groove 3600 of FIG. 64 . In another example, back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 can include back grooved portions 4710 and 4720 of FIG. 47 and back grooved portion 5950 of FIG. 59 . In another example, back surface 2066 of face portion 2062 can include back groove 6500 of FIG. 65 and back groove portion 5950 of FIG. In another example, the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can include either or both of the posterior grooves 5010 and 5020 of FIG. 50 and the posterior groove 6300 of FIG. 63 . Accordingly, any one or more of the posterior grooves or any one or more portions of posterior grooves discussed herein and shown in FIGS. They can be combined to provide any configuration of grooved parts. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

13, 35, 36, and 43-66, the posterior surface 2066 of the face portion 2062 can be any configuration having any configuration to provide specific performance characteristics for the golf club head 2000. It may have a number of posterior grooves. Face portion 2062, which may be partially or completely surrounded by one or more posterior grooves (i.e., partially or completely constrained by the posterior groove portion), is a face portion that surrounds the posterior groove when throwing a golf ball ( 2062) may exhibit a larger bias than the region of Thus, by providing a specific back groove characteristic, a specific face portion deflection characteristic can be achieved. Referring again to FIG. 50 in one example, the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the first rear groove 5010 and the portion of the face portion 2062 surrounded by the second rear groove 5020 are respectively the face portion ( 2062) may have a larger deflection than the central region. In another example and referring back to FIG. 51 , the portion of face portion 2062 surrounded by rear groove 5100 is closer to face heel edge 2750 than the portion of rear groove 5100 closer to face toe edge 2740. A closer location can have a larger deflection. In another example, and referring back to FIG. 54 , the portion of face portion 2062 surrounded by back groove 5400 is closer to face sole edge 2790 than the portion of back groove 5400 closer to face top edge 2780. may have a larger deflection at a location closer to Referring again to FIG. 62 in another example, the greatest deflection of face portion 2062 may be at or near common groove portion 6220 . 13, 35, 36 and 43-66 may provide specific performance characteristics for golf club heads. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Golf club head 2000 may be made by any method described herein, such as the method shown in FIG. 14, or method described in any incorporated by reference application. The back groove is manufactured with or formed in the face portion after fabricating the face portion by any method that creates grooves, channels, slots, slits, recessed portions, dimples, recesses, or generally reduces the thickness of a part of an object. It can be. For example, a posterior groove may be machined into the posterior surface of the face portion. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Any of the golf club heads described herein are iron-type golf club heads (e.g., 1-iron, 2-iron, 3-iron, 4-iron, 5-iron, 6-iron, 7-iron, 8-iron). irons, 9-irons, etc.), or wedge-type golf club heads (e.g., pitching wedges, lob wedges, sand wedges, n-degree wedges such as 44°, 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°) can While specific types of club heads may be depicted and described, the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be used for other types of club heads (e.g., driver type club heads, fairway wood type club heads), hybrid club heads. , putter-type club head, etc.). The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

The body portion and/or face portion of the golf club head described herein may be partially or wholly made of a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, alloy steel 8620, maraging steel, or other types of stainless steel). steel), titanium-based materials, aluminum-based materials (e.g., high-strength aluminum alloys or composite aluminum alloys coated with high-strength alloys), any combination thereof, non-metallic materials, composite materials, and/or other suitable types of materials. can The body portion and/or face portion may be constructed of materials similar to any of the body portion and/or face portion described herein or in any incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein may be greater than or equal to 330 mm ² and less than or equal to 5000 mm ² . In another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein may be greater than 1000 mm ² and less than 5300 mm ² . In another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any golf club head described herein may be greater than 1500 mm ² and less than 4800 mm ² . The example above may account for a specific area, but the area of the anterior surface may be larger or smaller than that number. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

In one example, the filler material as described herein is an elastomeric or elastomeric material (eg, a viscoelastic urethane polymer material such as the Sorbothane® material manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio), a thermoplastic elastomeric material ( TPE), thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), other polymeric material(s), bonding material(s) (e.g. adhesives), and/or shock absorbing, vibration isolating and/or It may be any other suitable type of material capable of damping the noise. In another example, the filler material may be one or more thermoset polymers (eg, one or more adhesive or epoxy materials) with bonding properties. The material may also absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when a golf club head as described herein strikes a golf ball. Additionally, the filler material may be an epoxy material that may be flexible or slightly flexible when cured. In another example, the filler may include 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ DP100 series of epoxy adhesives manufactured by 3M Corporation of St. Paul, Minn. (eg, 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesives DP100, DP100 Plus, DP100NS and DP100FR). can In another example, the filler may include 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ DP100 Plus Clear adhesive. In another example, the filler material is a low viscosity, organic, solvent-based solution and/or dispersion of a polymer, and/or a MEGUM™, ROBOND™ and/or THIXON™ material manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company of Auburn Hills, Michigan and may contain other reactive chemicals such as In another example, the filler material may be a LOCTITE® material manufactured by Henkel Corporation of Rocky Hill, Connecticut. In another example, the filler material can be a polymeric material such as an ethylene copolymer material that can absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when a golf club head hits a golf ball through the face portion. . In another example, the filler material is a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a rubber shaped ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer including magnesium ionomer, a conventional Injection moldable ethylene copolymers that can be used for injection Molding equipment that can make various shapes, ethylene copolymers that can make various shapes with existing extrusion equipment, ethylene copolymers with high compression and low elasticity properties similar to thermosetting polybutadiene rubber, and /or a blend of a highly neutralized polymer composition, a highly neutralized acid polymer or a highly neutralized acid polymer composition, and a filler. For example, ethylene copolymers are part of the DuPont™ HPF (High Performance Resin) family of materials, such as DuPont™ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000, EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington. , manufactured by Delaware). The ethylene copolymers in the DuPont TM HPF family are injection moldable and can be used with existing injection molding equipment and molds, offer low compressibility and high elasticity, i.e. relatively high coefficient of restitution (COR). In another example, any one or more of the filler materials described herein may be formed from one or more metals or metal alloys such as aluminum, copper, zinc and/or titanium. Filler materials not specifically described in detail herein may include one or more similar or different types of materials described herein and anywhere incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Any of the fillers described herein may undergo different processing during manufacture of any golf club head described herein. Such processes may include one or more filler materials that are heated and/or cooled by conduction, convection, and/or radiation during one or more injection molding processes or post-injection molding curing processes. For example, all heating and cooling processes may be performed using a heating or cooling system that uses a conveyor belt to move a golf club head described herein through a heating or cooling environment for a period of time as described herein. there is. The process of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more fillers may be similar to any of the processes described in any incorporated by reference. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

While each of the above examples may describe a particular type of golf club head, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used for other types of golf club heads (e.g., driver type golf club heads, fairway wood type golf club heads). , hybrid type golf club heads, iron type golf club heads, putter type golf club heads, etc.).

Procedures defined by golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) measure the club head volume of any one of the golf club heads described herein. can be used to For example, club head volume can be determined using the weighted water displacement method (ie Archimedes principle). Although the drawings may depict a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver type club head or an iron type golf club head), the devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be used for other types of club heads (e.g., fairway woods). type club head, hybrid type club head, putter type club head, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head as described herein may have a volume that is within a range of volumes corresponding to a particular type of golf club head as defined by the golf governing body. A driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume greater than 300 cubic centimeters (cm ³ or cc). As another example, a driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of 460 cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 300 cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180 cc. An iron type golf club head may have a club head volume between 25cc and 100cc. As an example, an iron-type golf club head may have a volume of 50 cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical characteristics of a particular type of golf club (ie, driver, fairway wood, iron, etc.), but may have a volume that may fall outside the ranges described above. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may have one or more sensors (e.g., an accelerometer, strain gages, etc.), and/or rotational motion (eg, angular acceleration) and torque about all three axes of motion. In one example, the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, hosel, shaft and/or grip. In another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, shaft, hosel and/or golf club head. In another example, one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be attached to a grip, shaft, hosel, and/or golf club head by an individual. In one example, the data collected from the sensors can be used to determine any one or more design parameters for any golf club head and/or golf club described herein to provide specific performance or optimal performance characteristics. there is. In another example, data from sensors may be collected during play to assess an individual's performance. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Any device, method, or article of manufacture described herein may include one or more visual identifiers, such as alphanumeric characters, colors, images, symbols, logos, and/or geometric shapes. For example, one or more visual identifiers may include one or more portions of a golf club, such as a golf club head (eg, cast or molded into a golf club head), painted on a golf club head, etched on a golf club (eg, laser etched), golf A club head machined into an embossed golf club head, a club head attached as a separate badge or sticker to a golf club head (e.g., adhesive, welded, brazed, mechanically fastened, a combination thereof, etc.), or a combination thereof. can The visual identifier may be made of the same material as the golf club head or a different material than the golf club head (eg, a plastic badge attached to the golf club head with adhesive). Additionally, the visual identifier may be associated with make and/or brand information of the golf club head, a type of golf club head, one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. In particular, the visual identifier may include a brand identifier (eg, trademark, trade name, logo, etc.) associated with the manufacturer of the golf club or other information about the manufacturer. Additionally or alternatively, the visual identifier may include location (eg, country of origin), date of manufacture of the golf club or golf club head, or both.

The visual identifier may include a serial number of the golf club or golf club head, which may be used to verify authenticity to determine whether the golf club or golf club head is counterfeit. The serial number may also include other information about the golf club that may be encoded as alphanumeric characters (eg, country of origin, date of manufacture of the golf club, or both). In another example, the visual identifier may include a category or type of golf club head (eg, 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc.). In yet another example, a visual identifier may include one or more materials of manufacture (eg, visual identifier for "titanium" indicating use of titanium in a golf club head), loft angle, face portion characteristic, mass fraction characteristic (eg, tungsten in a golf club head). a visual identifier for “tungsten” that indicates the use of a mass fraction), internal cavity and filler properties (e.g., one or more abbreviations, phrases, or words indicating that the internal cavity is filled with a polymeric material), and the physical or playing characteristics of the golf club head. It may represent one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, such as other visually presentable information, or a combination thereof. Additionally, one or more visual identifiers may provide a decorative design or contribute to the appearance of a golf club or golf club head.

Any of the golf club heads described herein may be made by casting from a metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing a golf club head as described herein may be used, such as 3D printing or molding the golf club head from metallic or non-metallic materials such as ceramics.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a specific order of operations may be described herein with respect to one or more processes, such actions may be performed in a different temporal order. Additionally, two or more of the processes described herein may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or concurrently.

The terms "and" and "or" can have both combined and separate meanings. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless the disclosure dictates otherwise. The term "coupled" and variations thereof means to directly or indirectly connect two or more elements chemically, mechanically and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably linked” is defined such that two elements “removably linked” can be separated from each other with or without destroying the utility of either element.

The term "substantially" when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, attribute or value of an element may refer to a deviation or variation that does not reduce the characteristic, parameter, attribute or value that the element may be intended to provide. . Deviations or variations in the value of a characteristic, parameter, attribute or element may be based, for example, on tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors. The term “adjacent” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “near,” “direct,” “proximate,” “neighboring,” and the like, which terms may be used interchangeably as they appear in this disclosure.

References herein to ranges of values are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Numerical ranges defined using the word "between" include the numerical values at the endpoints of the numerical range. A spatial extent defined using the word “between” includes all points within the spatial extent and the boundaries of the spatial extent. A position expressed for two spaced or overlapping elements by use of the word "between" is (i) any space between the elements, (ii) part of each element, and/or (iii) the boundary of each element. include

The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (eg, “such as”) provided herein is illustrative only and does not limit the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments discussed herein.

The grouping of optional elements or embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements disclosed herein. One or more members of a group may be included in or removed from a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to include the group as amended and satisfies the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

While different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described in terms of more than one feature, a single feature may include multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into a single element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, while a method may be disclosed as comprising more than one operation, a single operation may include multiple steps, and multiple operations may be combined into a single step without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The apparatuses, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in various embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent an exhaustive description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

As the Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new Rules may be adopted or old Rules may be removed or modified by Golf Standards Bodies and/or Associations, such as the USGA, R&A, etc.), golf equipment devices, methods, and devices described herein. and related articles of manufacture may or may not comply with the Rules of Golf at certain times. Accordingly, golf equipment associated with the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as suitable or unsuitable golf equipment. The devices, methods and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

Further, while the above examples may be described in relation to golf clubs, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other suitable types of sports equipment, such as fishing rods, hockey sticks, ski poles, tennis racquets, and the like.

Although certain example devices, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of applicability of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. To the contrary, the present invention includes all devices, methods and articles of manufacture that fall substantially within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or by virtue of their equivalents.

Claims (20)

In the golf club head,
A body including an inner cavity, a toe portion having a toe portion edge, a heel portion having a heel portion edge, a front portion, a rear portion having a rear wall portion, a top portion having a top portion edge, and a sole portion having a sole portion edge. part time job;
filling of internal cavities;
a face portion coupled to the front portion to enclose the inner cavity;
The face part,
a front surface configured to hit a golf ball;
posterior surface opposite anterior surface;
a face perimeter defined by a face toe edge, a face heel edge, a face top edge, and a face sole edge;
a first rear groove portion on the rear surface positioned proximate the face toe edge and extending from a location at or proximate the face top edge towards the face sole edge;
a second rear groove portion on the rear surface positioned proximate the face upper edge and extending from a location at or proximate the face toe edge to a location proximate the face heel edge; and
a third rear groove portion on the rear surface extending from a position at or proximate the top edge of the face toward the edge of the face sole;
the first rear groove portion and the second rear groove portion or the second rear groove portion and the third rear groove portion are connected; and
The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein said first back groove portion, said second back groove portion and said third back groove portion are at least partially filled with a filler material. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first rear groove portion extends vertically from a position at or near the top edge of the face to a position near or at the edge of the face sole. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first rear groove portion extends from a position at or near the top edge of the face to a position at or near the edge of the face sole along the same path as the contour of the edge of the face sole. . 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second rear groove portion extends from a position at or near the face toe edge to a position at or near the face heel edge along the same path as the contour of the top edge of the face,
The golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the third rear groove portion extends from a position at or near the top edge of the face to a position at or near the edge of the face sole along the same path as the heel edge of the face. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising a fourth rear groove portion on the rear surface positioned proximate the face sole edge and extending from a location at or proximate the face toe edge to a location proximate the face heel edge. golf club head. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first back groove portion, the second back groove portion, or the third back groove portion includes an end having a shape without a sharp edge or apex. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first rear groove portion is connected to the second rear groove portion through a first rear groove transition portion having a curvature, the second rear groove portion being a second curved rear groove portion having a curvature. A golf club head, characterized in that connected to the third rear groove portion through a transition portion. A body portion with an internal cavity, a toe portion with a toe portion edge, a heel portion with a heel portion edge, a rear portion with a rear wall portion, a top portion with a top portion edge, a sole portion with a sole portion edge, and a face. A golf club head comprising a front portion having a portion, comprising:
The face part is:
a front surface configured to hit a golf ball;
a plurality of front grooves on the front surface, each front groove having a front groove depth and a front groove width;
posterior surface facing the internal cavity;
a face periphery including a face toe edge, a face heel edge, a face top edge, and a face sole edge;
a plurality of rear groove portions on the rear surface of the face portion;
Each rear groove portion of the plurality of rear groove portions has a rear groove portion depth and a rear groove portion width, and the plurality of rear groove portions:
a first rear groove portion located proximate to the first portion of the face periphery extending in the same direction as the first portion of the face periphery;
a second rear groove portion positioned proximate a second portion of the face periphery adjacent to the first portion of the face periphery and extending in the same direction as the second portion of the face periphery; and
a rear groove transition portion having a curvature and connecting the first rear groove portion and the second rear groove portion;
The front groove depth is greater than the rear groove part depth,
Golf club head, characterized in that the width of the rear groove portion is larger than the width of the front groove. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein each groove portion of the plurality of back groove portions is at least partially filled with a polymeric material. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the face periphery is one of a face top edge and a face sole edge, and wherein the second portion of the face periphery is a face top edge. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the face periphery is one of a face top edge and a face sole edge and the second portion of the face periphery is a face heel edge. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third rear groove portion located proximate to the third portion of the face periphery adjacent the first portion of the face periphery and extending in the same direction as the third portion of the face periphery;
A golf club head according to claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the face periphery is one of a face top edge and a face sole edge, the second portion of the face periphery is a face toe edge, and the third portion of the face periphery is a face heel edge. 2. The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first rear groove portion or the second rear groove portion includes an end portion having a shape without sharp edges or vertices. A hollow body portion including a toe portion with a toe portion edge, a heel portion with a heel portion edge, a rear portion with a rear wall portion, a top portion with an upper portion edge, a sole portion with a sole portion edge, and a face portion. A golf club head comprising a face portion comprising:
The face part is:
a front surface configured to hit a golf ball;
posterior surface;
a face perimeter including a first perimeter defined by a face toe edge, a second perimeter defined by a face heel edge, a third perimeter defined by a face top edge, and a fourth perimeter defined by a face sole edge; and
a plurality of rear groove portions formed on the rear surface of the face portion;
at least two rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions extend from the rear surface of the face portion proximate to at least two of the four peripheral sides of the face portion;
At least two rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions extend from the rear surface of the face portion along the same path as the contours of at least two peripheral sides of the four peripheral sides of the face portion, and
A golf club head, wherein at least two rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions are connected to form a continuous rear groove portion on a rear surface of the face portion. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein one of the plurality of rear groove portions is located proximate the face toe edge and extends vertically from a location at or near the top edge of the face to a location at or near the edge of the face sole. a golf club head. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein one of the plurality of rear groove portions is positioned proximate the face toe edge and extends along the same path as the contour of the face toe edge. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least three rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions extend from a rear surface of the face portion proximal to at least three peripheral sides of the four peripheral sides of the face portion;
At least three rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions extend from the rear surface of the face portion along the same path as the contours of three or more of the four peripheral sides of the face portion, and at least three of the plurality of rear groove portions A golf club head, characterized in that the dog rear groove portions are connected to form a continuous rear groove on the rear surface of the face portion. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein at least four rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions extend from a rear surface of the face portion proximal to four circumferential sides of the face portion, the at least four rear surfaces being grooves of the plurality of rear groove portions. The portion extends from the rear surface of the front portion along the same path as the contours of the four peripheral sides of the front portion, and at least four of the rear groove portions are connected with a plurality of rear groove portions to form a continuous pattern on the rear surface of the face portion. A golf club head, characterized in that forming a rear groove. 15. The golf club head of claim 14, wherein at least one groove portion of the plurality of back groove portions includes an end having a shape without a sharp edge or apex. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of rear groove portions include a curved rear groove transition portion, and at least two rear groove portions of the plurality of rear groove portions are connected through the curved rear groove transition portion. golf club head.

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