Golf club head with reinforced crown

A golf club head with reinforced crown is described herein. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND

Modern wood-type golf club heads are now almost exclusively made of metal rather than the persimmon wood that gave the clubs their name. These club heads are generally constructed as a hollow metal shell with a relatively thick face to withstand the ball impact and a relatively thick sole to withstand grazing impact with the ground as well as lowering the center of gravity of the club head. The remainder of the club head is manufactured as thin as possible so as to allow the maximum amount of material to be dedicated to the face and sole portions. Although the crown and skirt of a modern club head are quite thin, they still must be sufficiently rigid in the direction of the maximum stress in order to provide support for the face of the club head.

Ribs have commonly been employed in the crowns of club heads to enable the crowns to be as lightweight as possible while still providing sufficient stiffness in the fore and aft direction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,754 to Zebelean discloses a hollow club head with a crown that includes parallel ribs running perpendicular to the face of the club head that extend internally and bridge the thin transition with the crown. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,871 to Sano discloses a hollow club head with a separately attached face and a crown that includes a plurality of parallel ribs extending perpendicular to the face. U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,715 to Schmidt et al discloses a hollow club head that includes a crown with a plurality of parallel ribs that merge into and run perpendicularly to the club head face as well as a plurality of ribs that merge into and run perpendicularly to a rear wall of the club head.

The prior art fails to recognize that a club head having a crown with parallel ribs that uniformly reinforce the face of the club head is not an efficient structure since the club head face is not uniformly loaded but is subjected to essentially a point impact near its center.

DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS. 1-3, golf club10comprises a club head12, a hosel14and a shaft16. Club head12is composed of a hollow body18, typically made of stainless steel, titanium or other material having a high shear modulus of elasticity and high strength-to-weight ratio. Hollow body18comprises a front wall or face20adapted for impacting a golf ball. Hollow body18further comprises a top wall or crown22, a bottom wall or sole24, and a side wall or skirt26that connects the face20to crown22and sole24. Club head12further includes a heel end30and a toe end32. Skirt26wraps around the club head12between the heel and toe ends30,32to form a rear wall28. Golf club head12can be a golf club head for a driver type club, a fairway wood, or a hybrid club.

Crown22comprises a thin walled structure preferably cast as part of hollow body18. Crown22is preferably titanium having a relatively thin thickness dimension of 0.076 centimeters (cm)±0.013 cm. Crown22is reinforced with a plurality of ribs34extending downward from lower surface36of crown22. Each rib34extends from a first end proximal, but spaced from, the front wall20to a second end proximal, but spaced from, the rear wall28. The ribs34are spaced apart by a greater amount, preferably 20 percent greater, at their second ends than at their first ends. Adjacent ribs34diverge from their first ends toward their second ends by an angle of at least 5 degrees. Ribs34comprise narrow, elongate, generally straight, metallic, shock wave distributing elements with a height dimension of 0.051 cm. ±0.013 cm and width dimension of 0.178 cm±0.013 cm. Ribs34are generally convex downward when viewed in cross-section and blend smoothly into lower surface36of crown22. It will be understood that crown22is free of ribs extending transversely between the ribs34.

The lower surface36of the crown22has a forward portion and a rearward portion as defined by a midline lying generally parallel to the front wall20one-half the distance between a forwardmost point on the front wall20and a rearwardmost point on the rear wall28. The first ends of the ribs34terminate in the forward portion of the crown22and the second ends of the ribs34terminate in the rearward portion of the crown22.

As shown most clearly inFIG. 2, ribs34are arrayed in a pattern such that the longitudinal axes38of the ribs34radiate from and intersect at a point40in space located forward of front wall20. Point40is preferably located within the middle one third (W/3) of the width of front wall20and is preferably located substantially in front of the center line of front wall20. Note that because club head12is a three dimensional body, as used herein, point40refers to a single point when viewed in plan view as inFIG. 2. Alternatively, point40can be thought of as a vertical line consisting of the locus of intersections of vertical planes passing through the center lines of the ribs34.

Ribs34originate at a first location proximal the intersection42of the rear surface44of front wall20and lower surface36of crown22and extend to a second location proximal rear wall28. In the illustrative embodiment, at least half, and preferably all of the ribs34extend from front wall20past the mid-point (L/2) of club head12and are not interconnected by any transverse ribs. Accordingly, each rib34acts independently of the other ribs34interconnected only by the intervening thin section of crown22therebetween. Preferably, point40is also no more than L/2 forward of front wall20. This results in a pattern of ten ribs34subtending an angle of approximately 60 degrees or an angular divergence of from 4 to 8 degrees, preferably about 6 degrees of divergence between adjacent ribs34.

The surprising result of this arrangement of ribs34is that although an array of perpendicular ribs 0.051 cm high by 0.178 cm wide results in only a 9% reduction in maximum stress as compared with unreinforced crown region, ribs34arranged in a radial fan pattern in accordance with the present invention reduce maximum stress in the crown region by almost 36%. Although not wishing to be held to any particular theory of operation, it is believed that because the face20itself deforms non-uniformly extending outward from the point of impact, the loads are transferred to the crown region in a similar non-uniform manner radiating outward from the point of impact. Therefore, arranging the ribs34in a radial pattern extending out from near the point of impact yields a crown22that more efficiently supports the face20during impact.

In addition to straight linear ribs with substantially constant widths and heights as demonstrated in the example ofFIGS. 1-3, it is possible to have alternate embodiments of a golf club head with ribs. For example, the ribs can be curved or the heights and/or widths of the ribs can be varied.

As an example,FIG. 4illustrates another embodiment of a golf club head.FIG. 5illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4taken at the lines labeled “5.” Golf club head412(FIG. 4) includes a hollow body418(FIG. 4) with a front wall420(FIG. 4), a crown422(FIG. 4), a sole524(FIG. 5), a side wall526(FIG. 5) connecting crown422and sole524, a heel end430(FIG. 4), a toe end432(FIG. 4), and a rear side428(FIG. 4) that is opposite of front wall420. In addition, golf club head412can also include ribs440(FIG. 4) that extend downwardly from the lower surface of crown422. In the example of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, ribs440comprise ribs441,442,443,444,445, and446that have a first end that is proximal to front wall420and a second end that is proximal to rear side428.

In some examples, one or more of ribs440can be curved. As an example, each of ribs441,442,443,444,445, and446are curved in the example ofFIG. 4. In other examples, however, some of ribs440may not be curved. For example, rib441can be linear. When ribs440are curved, the length of ribs440can be increased. A longer rib allows for more of the rib to absorb the vibration.

Each of ribs440ofFIG. 4are curved. In some examples, ribs440can be curved in different directions. For example, ribs441,442, and443can be curved in one direction, while ribs444,445, and446can be curved in the opposite direction. Ribs441,442, and443are curved convexly with respect to toe end432. Therefore, the first end and second end of ribs441,442, and443are curved away from toe432end towards heel end430. On the other hand, ribs444,445, and446are curved convexly with respect to heel end430. Therefore, the first end and second end of ribs444,445, and446are curved away from heel end430towards toe end432. In one example, at least two of ribs440would intersect if extended forwardly in a linear or curved fashion toward front wall420. For example, the linear extension of rib442would intersect with the linear extension of rib444near front wall420or, in a different embodiment, in front of front wall420. It should be noted that there may be alternate curve arrangements for ribs440. For example, more ribs of ribs440may curve towards one direction than the other, or all the ribs may curve in the same direction. In addition, there may be less or more than six ribs440.

Each of ribs440can have a radius of curvature. A radius of curvature is the radius of the circle that is created by an extrapolation of the rib. In some examples, each of ribs440has a different radius of curvature. In other examples, some of the radii can be approximately equal to each other.

In the example of golf club head412illustrated inFIG. 4, rib441has the largest radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the subsequent ribs decreases the closer the rib is to heel end430or toe end432relative to rib441. For example, the radius of curvature of rib442is less than that of rib441, and the radius of curvature of rib443is less than that of rib442. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of rib444is less than that of rib441; the radius of curvature of rib445is less than that of rib444; and the radius of curvature of rib446is less than that of rib445. In other examples the radii of curvature of ribs440can increase the closer the rib is to heel end430or toe end432relative to rib441. In yet other examples, the radii of curvature of ribs440can have no relation to the rib's position relative to rib441.

In the same or other examples, the radii of curvature for the ribs can be symmetric with each other according to their position relative to rib441. For example, the radius of curvature of rib442can be approximately equal to the radius of curvature of rib444, and the radius of curvature of rib443can be approximately equal to the radius of curvature of rib445. In other examples, the radii of curvature for ribs440are asymmetric with each other.

Each of ribs440has a width dimension. In the example ofFIG. 4, each of ribs440has a width that is approximately equal to the other ribs. In other examples, ribs440can have widths that are not equal to every other rib. In some examples, each of ribs440has a tapering first end and a tapering second end. In other examples, there is no tapering of the first end and/or the second end.

In addition, each of ribs440has a height dimension. The height dimension is a measure of the distance that a rib extends from crown422into hollow body418. In the example ofFIG. 5, each of ribs440has a height that is approximately equal to the heights of each of the other ribs. In other examples, ribs440can have heights that are not equal to the other ribs.

Each of ribs440has a length dimension also. The length dimension is a measure of the (curved) distance between a rib's first end and its second end. In the example ofFIG. 4, the ribs towards the midpoint between toe end432and heel end430have the greatest length. In addition, the length of a rib decreases the closer the rib is to toe end432or heel end430. As an example, rib441has the greatest length; the length of rib442is greater than that of rib443; the length of rib444is greater than that of rib445; and the length of rib445is greater than that of rib446. In other examples, all of ribs440have an approximately equal length.

FIG. 6illustrates another embodiment of a golf club head.FIG. 7illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 6taken at the lines labeled “7.” Golf club head612(FIG. 6) includes a hollow body618(FIG. 6) with a front wall620(FIG. 6), a crown622(FIG. 6), a sole724(FIG. 7), a side wall726(FIG. 7) connecting crown622and sole624, a heel end630(FIG. 6), a toe end632(FIG. 6), and a rear side628(FIG. 6). In addition, golf club head612can also include ribs640(FIG. 6) that extend downwardly from the lower surface of crown622. In the example of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, ribs640comprise ribs641,642,643,644,645, and646that have a first end that is proximal to toe end632and a second end that is proximal to heel end630.

In some examples, one or more of ribs640can be curved. As an example, each of ribs641,642,643,644,645, and646are curved in the example ofFIG. 6. In other examples, however, some of ribs640may not be curved. For example, rib641can be linear.

Each of ribs640ofFIG. 6are curved. In some examples, ribs640are all curved in the same direction. For example, ribs641,642,643,644,645, and646are curved convexly with respect to front wall620. Therefore, the first end and second end of ribs640are curved away from front wall620. It should be noted that there may be alternate curve arrangements for ribs640. For example, if the dimensions of golf club head612decrease significantly at rear side628relative to front wall620, some of ribs640may be curved concavely with respect to front wall602. In other embodiments, some of ribs640may have a first end that is proximal to front wall620and a second end that is proximal to rear side628. In addition, there may be less or more than six ribs440.

Each of ribs640can have a radius of curvature. In some examples, each of ribs640has a different radius of curvature. In other examples, some of the radii of curvature can be approximately equal to each other.

In the example of golf club head612illustrated inFIG. 6, rib641has the largest radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the subsequent ribs decreases the closer the rib is to rear end628. For example, the radius of curvature of rib642is less than that of rib641; the radius of curvature of rib643is less than that of rib642; the radius of curvature of rib644is less than that of rib643; the radius of curvature of rib645is less than that of rib644; and the radius of curvature of rib646is less than that of rib645. In other examples, the radii of curvature of ribs640can increase for each rib that is closer to rear628. In yet other examples, the radii of curvature of ribs640have no relation to the rib's position relative to rear end628.

Each of ribs640has a width dimension. In the example ofFIG. 6, each of ribs640has a width that is approximately equal to the other ribs. In other examples, ribs640can have widths that are not equal to the other ribs. In some examples, each of ribs640has a tapering first end and a tapering second end. In other examples, there is no tapering of the first end and/or the second end.

In addition, each of ribs640has a height dimension. The height dimension is a measure of the distance that a rib extends from crown622into hollow body618. In the example ofFIG. 7, each of ribs640have a height that is approximately equal to the heights of each of the other ribs. In other examples, ribs640can have heights that are not equal to the other ribs.

Each of ribs640has a length dimension also. The length dimension is a measure of the (curved) distance between a rib's first end and its second end. In the example ofFIG. 6, the ribs closer to front wall620generally have a greater length than the ribs closer to rear side628. As an example, the length of rib642is greater than that of rib643; the length of rib643is greater than that of rib644; the length of rib644is greater than that of rib645; and the length of rib645is greater than that of rib646. The length of rib642, however, is greater than that of rib641. In other examples, all of ribs640have an approximately equal length.

FIG. 8illustrates another embodiment of a golf club head.FIG. 9illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 8taken at the lines labeled “9.” Golf club head812(FIG. 8) includes a hollow body818(FIG. 8) with a front wall820(FIG. 8), a crown822(FIG. 8), a sole924(FIG. 9), a side wall926(FIG. 9) connecting crown422and sole524, a heel end830(FIG. 8), a toe end832(FIG. 8), and a rear side828(FIG. 8) that is opposite of front wall820. In addition, golf club head812can also include ribs840(FIG. 8) that extend downwardly from the lower surface of crown822. In the example of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8, ribs840comprise ribs841,842,843,844, and845that have a first end that is proximal to toe end832and a second end that is proximal to heel end830.

In some examples, one or more of ribs840can be curved. As an example, each of ribs841,842,843,844, and845are curved in the example ofFIG. 8. In other examples, however, some of ribs840may not be curved. For example, rib841can be linear.

Each of ribs840ofFIG. 8are curved. In some examples, ribs840are all curved in the same direction. For example, ribs841,842,843,844, and845are curved concavely with respect to front wall820. Therefore, the first end and second end of ribs840are curved toward front wall820. It should be noted that there may be alternate curve arrangements for ribs840. For example, some of ribs840may have a first end that is proximal to front wall820and a second end that is proximal to rear side828. In addition, there may be less or more than six ribs840.

Each of ribs840has a radius of curvature. In some examples, each of ribs840has a different radius of curvature. In other examples, some of the radii can be approximately equal.

In the example of golf club head812illustrated inFIG. 8, rib841has the smallest radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of the subsequent ribs increases the closer the rib is to rear end828. For example, the radius of curvature of rib842is greater than that of rib841; the radius of curvature of rib843is greater than that of rib842; the radius of curvature of rib844is greater than that of rib843; and the radius of curvature of rib845is greater than that of rib844. In other examples the radii of curvature of ribs840can decrease for each rib that is closer to rear end828. In yet other examples, the radii of curvature of ribs840have no relation to the rib's position relative to rear end828.

In the same or other examples, the radii of curvature for the ribs can be such that the ribs are concentric. If each of ribs840was extrapolated to complete a circle, the resulting circles would be concentric. In other examples, the radii of curvature for ribs840are not concentric.

Each of ribs840has a width dimension. In the example ofFIG. 8, each of ribs840has a width that is approximately equal to the other ribs. In other examples, ribs840can have widths that are not equal to the other ribs. In some examples, each of ribs840has a tapering first end and a tapering second end. In other examples, there is no tapering of the first end and/or the second end.

In addition, each of ribs840has a height dimension. The height dimension is a measure of the (curved) distance that a rib extends from crown822into hollow body818. In the example ofFIG. 9, each of ribs840has a height that is approximately equal to the heights of the other ribs. In other examples, ribs840can have heights that are not equal to the other ribs.

Each of ribs840has a length dimension also. The length dimension is a measure of the distance between a rib's first end and its second end. In the example ofFIG. 8, the ribs closer to rear side828have a greater length than the ribs closer to front wall820. As an example, rib845has the greatest length; the length of rib844is greater than that of rib843; the length of rib843is greater than that of rib842; and the length of rib842is greater than that of rib841. In other examples, all of ribs840have an approximately equal length.

In addition to having curved ribs, a golf club head can have ribs that have varying widths. For example.FIG. 10illustrates another embodiment of a golf club head.FIG. 11illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 10taken at the lines labeled “11.” Golf club head1012(FIG. 10) includes a hollow body1018(FIG. 10) with a front wall1020(FIG. 10), a crown1022(FIG. 10), a sole1124(FIG. 11), a side wall1126(FIG. 11) connecting crown1022and sole1124, a heel end1030(FIG. 10), a toe end1032(FIG. 10), and a rear side1028(FIG. 10) that is opposite of front wall1020. In addition, golf club head1012can also include ribs1040(FIG. 10) that extend downwardly from the lower surface of crown1022. In the example of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, ribs1040comprise ribs1041,1042,1043,1044, and1045that have a first end that is proximal to front wall1020and a second end that is proximal to rear end1028.

In some examples, one or more of ribs1040are linear. As an example, each of ribs1041,1042,1043,1044, and1045are linear in the example ofFIG. 10. In other examples, however, some of ribs1040may not be linear. For example, one or more of ribs1040can be curved. In some examples, ribs1040are arranged so that each of the axes of ribs1040converge at a common point. In some examples, the common point is forward of the front wall. In other examples, each of the axes of ribs1040do not converge at a common point.

Each of ribs1040has a width dimension. In the example ofFIG. 10, each of ribs1040has a width that tapers. For example, the width of each of ribs1040decreases from its midpoint to its first end and its second end. As demonstrated inFIG. 10, the width at the midpoint of each of ribs1040can be approximately equal to the width of each of the other ribs at their respective midpoints. In other examples, ribs1040can have widths at their midpoints that are not equal to the width of the other ribs at their respective midpoints.

The widths of ribs1040can taper at any rate. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the widths can have a smooth, non-constant tapering, giving ribs1040the shape of an elongated oval. In other examples, the widths can taper in a linear or constant manner, giving ribs1040a shape similar to that of a diamond.

In addition, each of ribs1040has a height dimension. The height dimension is a measure of the distance that a rib extends from crown1022into hollow body1018. In the example ofFIG. 11, each of ribs1040has a height that tapers. For example, the height of each of ribs1040decreases from its midpoint to its first end and its second end. As demonstrated inFIG. 11, each of ribs1040can have a height that is approximately equal to the heights of the other ribs at their respective midpoints. In other examples, ribs1040can have heights at their midpoints that are not equal to the height of the other ribs at their respective midpoints.

The heights of ribs1040can taper at any rate. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the widths can have a smooth, non-constant tapering, giving ribs1040a smooth contour. In other examples, the widths can taper more drastically or in a linear or constant manner, giving ribs1040a shape having a much more pointed height at the midpoint of ribs1040.

Each of ribs1040has a length dimension also. The length dimension is a measure of the distance between a rib's first end and its second end. In the example ofFIG. 10, the ribs closer to the midpoint between toe end1032and heel end1030have a greater length than the ribs closer to toe end1032or heel end1030. As an example, rib1041has the greatest length; the length of rib1042is greater than that of rib1043; and the length of rib1044is greater than that of rib1045. In other examples, all of ribs1040have an approximately equal length.

FIG. 12illustrates another embodiment of a golf club head.FIG. 13illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment ofFIG. 12taken at the lines labeled “13.” Golf club head1212(FIG. 12) includes a hollow body1218(FIG. 12) with a front wall1220(FIG. 12), a crown1222(FIG. 12), a sole1324(FIG. 13), a side wall1326(FIG. 13) connecting crown1222and sole1324, a heel end1230(FIG. 12), a toe end1232(FIG. 12), and a rear side1228(FIG. 12) that is opposite of front wall1220. In addition, golf club head1212can also include ribs1240(FIG. 12) that extend downwardly from the lower surface of crown1222. In the example of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12, ribs1240comprise ribs1241,1242,1243,1244, and1245that have a first end that is proximal to front wall1220and a second end that is proximal to rear end1228.

In some examples, one or more of ribs1240are linear. As an example, each of ribs1241,1242,1243,1244, and1245are linear in the example ofFIG. 12. In other examples, however, some of ribs1240may not be linear. For example, one or more of ribs1240can be curved. In some examples, ribs1240are arranged so that each of the axes of ribs1240converge at a common point. In some examples, the common point is forward of the front wall. In other examples, each of the axes of ribs1240do not converge at a common point.

Each of ribs1240has a width dimension. In the example ofFIG. 12, each of ribs1240has a width that remains substantially constant. In some examples, the width of each of ribs1240tapers at its first end and its second end. In other examples, the width of each of ribs1240does not taper at its first and/or second end. As demonstrated inFIG. 12, the width of each of ribs1040can vary. For example, the closer a rib is to the midpoint between toe end1232and heel end1230, the greater the width of that particular rib. As illustrated inFIG. 12, rib1241can have the largest width; the width of rib1242is greater than width of rib1243; and the width of rib1244is greater that the width of rib1245. In some examples, the widths of ribs1240are symmetric across golf club head1212. For example, the width of rib1243is approximately equal to the width of rib1245, and the width of rib1242is approximately equal to the width of rib1244. In other examples, the widths of ribs1240are asymmetric across golf club head1212. In yet other examples, the widths of ribs1240can change such as, for example, by increasing the closer the rib is to toe end1232or heel end1230. In further examples, the widths of ribs1240have no correlation to the rib's position relative to toe end1232and/or heel end1230. Ribs1240can be positioned so that the ribs with greater widths can be placed in areas of higher vibration.

In addition, each of ribs1240has a height dimension. The height dimension is a measure of the distance that a rib extends from crown1222into hollow body1218. In the example ofFIG. 13, each of ribs1240has a height that remains substantially constant. As also demonstrated inFIG. 13, each of ribs1240can have a height that is different from the height of at least one of the other ribs. In some examples, the height of ribs1240increases the closer a rib is to the midpoint between toe end1232and heel end1230. As illustrated inFIG. 12, rib1241can have the largest height; the height of rib1242is greater than height of rib1243; and the height of rib1244is greater that the height of rib1245. In some examples, the heights of ribs1240are symmetric across golf club head1212. For example, the height of rib1243is approximately equal to the height of rib1245, and the height of rib1242is approximately equal to the height of rib1244. In other examples, the heights of ribs1240are asymmetric across golf club head1212. In yet other examples, the heights of ribs1240can change, such as, for example, by increasing the closer the rib is to toe end1232and heel end1230. In further examples, the height of ribs1240has no correlation to the rib's position relative to toe end1232and/or heel end1230. Ribs1240can be positioned so that the ribs with greater heights can be placed in areas of higher vibration.

Each of ribs1240has a length dimension also. The length dimension is a measure of the distance between a rib's first end and its second end. In the example ofFIG. 12, the ribs closer to the midpoint between toe end1232and heel end1230have a greater length than the ribs closer to toe end1232or heel end1230. As an example, rib1241has the greatest length; the length of rib1242is greater than that of rib1243; and the length of rib1244is greater than that of rib1245. In other examples, all of ribs1240have an approximately equal length.

In other embodiments, ribs can have widths and/or heights that taper and vary from one rib to the next. For examples, ribs can have tapering widths as illustrated by ribs1040ofFIG. 10, and ribs can have varying widths as illustrated by ribs1240ofFIG. 12. In addition, ribs can have tapering heights as illustrated by ribs1040ofFIG. 11, and ribs can have a varying heights as illustrated by ribs1240ofFIG. 13.

In another embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head is provided. The method of providing a golf club head can include providing a body having a heel end, a toe end, a crown having an upper surface and a lower surface, a sole, a front wall, a rear side, and ribs extending from a first end to a second end and extending downwardly from the lower surface of the crown. In addition, the ribs can comprise a first rib and at least one second rib that is curved. As an example, the heel end can be heel end430(FIG. 4), heel end630(FIG. 6), or heel end830(FIG. 8); the toe end can be toe end432(FIG. 4), toe end632(FIG. 6), or toe end832(FIG. 8); the crown can be crown422(FIG. 4), crown622(FIG. 6), or crown822(FIG. 8); the sole can be sole524(FIG. 5), sole724(FIG. 7), or sole924(FIG. 9); the front wall can be front wall420(FIG. 4), front wall620(FIG. 6), or front wall820(FIG. 8); the rear side can be rear side428(FIG. 4), rear side628(FIG. 6), or rear side828(FIG. 8); and ribs can be ribs440(FIG. 4), ribs640(FIG. 6), or ribs840(FIG. 8).

In one example, the ribs can be provided to be integral with the body. In other examples, the ribs can be provided to be initially separate from the body. Afterwards, the ribs can be coupled to the body by way of a brazing technique, a welding technique, or an adhesive.

In yet another embodiment, a method of providing a golf club head is provided. The method of providing a golf club head can include providing a body having a heel end, a toe end, a crown having an upper surface and a lower surface, a sole, a front wall, a rear side, and generally linear ribs extending downwardly from the lower surface of the crown and extending from a first end proximal the front wall to a second end proximal the rear side. In some examples, the ribs can have a tapering width from its midpoint towards its ends. In the same or other examples, the widths of at least two of the ribs are different. As an example, the heel end can be heel end1030(FIG. 10) or heel end1230(FIG. 12); the toe end can be toe end1032(FIG. 10) or toe end1232(FIG. 12); the crown can be crown1022(FIG. 10) or crown1222(FIG. 12); the sole can be sole1124(FIG. 11) or sole1324(FIG. 13); the front wall can be front wall1020(FIG. 10) or front wall1220(FIG. 12); the rear side can be rear side1028(FIG. 10) or rear side1228(FIG. 12); and ribs can be ribs1040(FIG. 10) or ribs1240(FIG. 12).

In one example, the ribs can be provided to be integral with the body. In other examples, the ribs can be provided to be initially separate from the body. Afterwards, the ribs can be coupled to the body by way of a brazing technique, a welding technique, or an adhesive.

Although certain illustrative embodiments and methods have been described herein, it will be apparent from the foregoing disclosure to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of such embodiments and methods may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly it is intended that the invention should be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the rules and principles of applicable law.