Patent Publication Number: US-8979673-B2

Title: Golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/230,626, filed on Sep. 12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,728. The contents of the disclosures listed above are incorporated herein by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and relates, more particularly, to golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The development of golf club head technology has been characterized in part by the desire to enhance playability characteristics while managing weight and mass location considerations. The ability to alter or redistribute mass at or around locations of high stress and/or of limited thickness in a golf club head, however, has to be balanced with respect to structural resilience considerations. Considering the above, further developments in terms of weight redistribution will advance the playability characteristics of golf club heads. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure may be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description of examples of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 , along line of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a forward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of the golf club head of  FIG. 1 , along line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of the golf club head of  FIG. 1  cut along line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a force distribution diagram of a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of  FIG. 1  at impact with a golf ball; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the golf club head of  FIG. 1  along line VII-VII of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the golf club head of  FIG. 1  along line VIII-VIII of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of a second golf club head similar to the golf club head of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of a third golf club head similar to the golf club head of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of a fourth golf club head similar to the golf club head of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart for a method that can be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a multiple channels thereof. 
         FIG. 19  presents a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a channel of another golf club head. 
         FIG. 20  presents a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a channel of another golf club head. 
         FIG. 21  presents a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a channel of another golf club head. 
         FIG. 22  presents a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a channel of another golf club head. 
         FIG. 23  presents a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a channel of another golf club head. 
         FIG. 24  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of another golf club head, showing a channel thereof. 
         FIG. 25  shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of  FIG. 11  along line XXV-XXV, showing the channel skirt portion thereof. 
     
    
    
     For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus. 
     The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. 
     The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, but not mechanically or otherwise coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, but not electrically or otherwise coupled. Coupling (whether mechanical, electrical, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. 
     “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. 
     As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece of material. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In one embodiment, a golf club head can comprise a (a) body comprising a heel portion, a toe portion, and a sole comprising a sole interior surface, (b) a front face adjacent to the body, and (c) a channel in the sole interior surface. The channel can comprises a channel length and a channel sole section. The channel sole section can comprise a channel heel-sole section at the sole and towards the heel portion of the body, a channel toe-sole section at the sole and towards the toe portion of the body, and a channel first reinforced section between the channel heel-sole section and the channel toe-sole section. The channel can be continuous throughout the channel length. The channel sole section can be separated from the front face throughout the channel length. The grove heel-sole section and the channel toe-sole section can be are substantially parallel to the front face. 
     In one example, a method can comprise (a) providing a body of a golf club head, the body comprising a heel portion a toe portion, and a sole comprising a sole interior surface, (b) providing a front face configured to be adjacent to the body, and (c) providing a channel in the sole interior surface, the channel comprising a channel length. Providing the channel can comprises providing a channel sole section comprising (a) a channel heel-sole section at the sole, substantially parallel to the front face, and towards the heel portion of the body, (b) a channel toe-sole section at the sole, substantially parallel to the front face, and towards the toe portion of the body, and (c) a channel first reinforced section between the channel heel-sole section and the channel toe-sole section. Providing the channel can also comprise providing the channel separated from the front face throughout the channel length. 
     In one embodiment, a golf club head can comprise (a) a body comprising a heel portion, a toe portion, a crown, a skirt, and a sole, (b) a front face coupled to the body, and (c) a channel into the sole interior surface. The channel can comprise a channel sole section extended between the heel portion and the toe portion and comprising a channel first reinforced section therebetween, a channel front portion facing towards the front face, and a channel rear portion facing away from the front face. The channel can be continuous throughout the channel length, and can be separated from the front face throughout the channel length. The channel may decrease in depth from the channel front portion to the channel rear portion. A depth of the channel first reinforced section can be less than a depth of a rest of the channel sole section. A distance from the front face to the channel first reinforced section can be greater than a distance from the front face to the rest of the channel sole section. The sole can comprise a sole front section separating the front face from the channel. The sole front section can be wider between the front face and the channel first reinforced section than between the front face and the rest of the channel sole section. The sole front section may comprise a concave interface with channel first reinforced section. 
     Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the figures, in the claims, and/or in the present description. 
     Turning to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a front perspective view of golf club head  100  according to one example of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of golf club head  100 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  100  along line of  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a forward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  100  along line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of golf club head  100  cut along line IV-IV of  FIG. 1 . 
     In the present example, golf club head  100  comprises a golf club head having body  110 , where body  110  comprises heel portion  111 , toe portion  112 , sole  113 , and crown  115 . Golf club head  100  also comprises skirt  114  extending between sole  113  and crown  115  in the present example, although there can be examples that do not comprise skirt  114 . As shown in the figures, front face  120  of golf club head  100  is coupled to front portion  119  of body  110 . In some examples, front portion  119  of body  110  can comprise a through-hole to which front face  120  can be coupled to. There can also be examples where front face  120  and front portion  110  of body  110  can comprise a unitary piece of material. In the same or other examples, at least the front portion of sole  113  can also be comprised by the unitary piece of material. 
     Golf club head  100  comprises hollow interior  301  ( FIG. 3 ) in the present embodiment, where golf club head  100  can be one of several types of golf club heads, such as a driver, a hybrid, or fairway wood, among others. As seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , golf club head  100  comprises channel  310  at hollow interior  301 , where channel  310  is configured to permit a redistribution of mass for golf club head  100 . In the present example, channel  310  is located at front portion  119  of body  110 , thereby freeing with mass that can be redistributed elsewhere away from front portion  119  for better playability and club head characteristics. In some examples, such mass can be redistributed towards the rear and/or bottom of sole  113 , thereby contributing to an increase in the moment of inertia and a lowering of the center of gravity of golf club  100  for better launch and forgiveness characteristics. 
     In the present example, channel  310  is located at hollow interior  301  of body  110 . There can be other embodiments, however, where an external channel similar to channel  310  or other channels depicted in the figures herein could be located externally instead, rather than within hollow interior  301 . As an example, in such embodiments, the external channel could be located similarly to channel  310  illustrated in  FIG. 3 , but at an exterior surface of sole  113 . Placing such an external channel externally can permit other types of golf club heads without hollow interiors, such as irons or putters, to incorporate the benefits provided by the present disclosure. 
     In the present example, channel  310  is cast with body  110 , but there may be other examples where channel  310  may be otherwise formed. As an example, channel  310 , and/or other channels herein described, may be cast, machined via electric discharge machining (EDM), a chemically etched, and/or a stamp forged. 
     Channel  310  extends into the sole interior surface of sole  310  in the present embodiment, and comprises several sections. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , channel heel-sole section  3111  is located towards heel portion  111  of body  110 , and channel toe-sole section  3112  is located towards toe portion  112  of body  110 . Channel  310  also comprises channel reinforced section  3113  located between channel heel-sole section  3111  and channel toe-sole section  3112 . Channel reinforced section  3113  can be located at approximately a midpoint of sole  113  between heel portion  111  and toe portion  112 . Combined, channel heel-sole section  3111 , channel toe-sole section  3112 , and channel reinforced section  3113  may be referred to as channel sole section  311 . 
     Continuing with  FIG. 3 , front face  120  comprises target strike zone  121  in the present example, configured to be the desired point of impact between golf club head  100  and a golf ball under most circumstances. In the present example, target strike zone  121  is substantially aligned with channel reinforced section  3113  relative to target axis  351 , where target axis  351  is substantially perpendicular to target strike zone  121  of front face  120 , and where target strike zone  121  and channel reinforced section  3113  are aligned with target axis  351  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Channel  351  is substantially symmetric relative to target axis  351  in the present example. In the same or other examples, channel  3541  can be substantially symmetric about a centerline of golf club head  100 . 
     In the present example, channel  310  comprises channel length  316  extended between channel ends  3151 - 3152  and through channel heel-sole section  3111 , channel reinforced section  3113 , and channel toe-sole section  3112 , where channel ends  3151  and  3152  are separate from each other, thus making channel length  316  finite. In some examples, at least one of channel ends  3151  or  3152  may be configured to blend into sole  113 . As an example, channel  310  may blend into sole  113  as the width and/or thickness of channel  310  decreases towards one or both of channel ends  3151  and/or  3152 . 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , channel  310  is continuous throughout channel length  316 , where each of channel heel-sole section  3111 , channel reinforced section  3113 , and channel toe-sole section  3112  define channel sole section  311  substantially seamlessly relative to each other. Channel heel-sole section  3111  and channel toe-sole section  3112  are substantially parallel to front face  120  in the present example, substantially following a contour of the interface between front face  120  and front portion  119  of body  110 . In some embodiments, such a characteristic can even out the distance between the front ends of channel heel-sole section  3111  and channel toe-sole section  3112  with respect to front face  120  to allow for consistent rebound velocities when front face  120  impacts a golf ball. 
     In the present example, the widths of channel heel-sole section  3111  and of channel toe-sole section  3112  are substantially constant and similar to each other. There can be other examples, however, where the widths and/or other features of channel heel-sole section  3111  and channel toe-sole section  3112  may differ from each other. In the same or other examples, the width of channel  310  may vary along its length. For instance, the widths of channel heel-sole section  3111  and/or of channel toe-sole section  3112  may vary by decreasing or increasing towards channel reinforced section  3113  in other examples. 
     As can be seen in  FIGS. 3-5 , channel  310  does not reach front face  120 , but is rather separated therefrom throughout channel length  316  by sole front section  3130  of sole  113 . In the present example, sole front section  3130  comprises sole front-heel section  3131 , sole front-toe section  3132 , and sole front mid section  3133 . Sole front-heel section  3131  is located between channel heel-sole section  3111  and front face  120 , sole front-toe section  3132  is located between channel toe-sole section  3112  and front face  120 , and sole front mid section  3133  is located between channel reinforced section  3113  and front face  120 . Sole front section  3130  can be configured to at least partially receive or absorb impact forces from a golf ball impact at front face  120 . In some examples, such a configuration can provide better structural integrity for golf club head  100 , mitigating the amount of stress transmitted to channel  310  from the golf ball impact. 
     In the present example, channel  310  comprises a substantially constant channel width of approximately 10.2 mm (millimeters), but there can be embodiments having channel widths ranging from approximately 2 mm to approximately 16.5 mm. In such embodiments, the channel width may or may not be substantially constant. 
     There can also be examples where the width of sole front-heel section  3131 , and/or of sole front-toe section  3132  may be variable, and/or examples where the width of sole front mid section  3133  may be constant. For instance, the width of sole front-heel section  3131  and/or of sole front-toe section  3132  may vary, such as by increasing or decreasing towards sole front mid section  3133  in some examples. In the same or other examples, the width of channel heel-sole section  3111  and/or of channel toe-sole section  3112  may vary, such as by increasing or decreasing towards channel reinforced section  3113 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a force distribution diagram of a cross-sectional view of golf club head  100  at impact with golf ball  610 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , when golf club  100  impacts golf ball  610  with target strike zone  121  of front face  120 , impact forces tend to concentrate at sole  113  along the interface between sole front mid section  3133  and channel reinforced section  3113 . Considering the above, and with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 , sole front mid section  3133  is wider than either of sole front-heel section  3131  or sole front-toe section  3132 . In addition, the distance from front face  120  to channel reinforced section  3113  is greater than the distance from front face  120  to either of channel heel-sole section  3111  or channel toe-sole section  3112 . Furthermore, sole front mid section  3133  comprises arcuate interface  3123  with channel reinforced section  3113 , where arcuate interface  3123  is concave relative to front face  120  in the present example. In the same or other examples, arcuate interface  3123  can provide greater interface area for better distribution and dissipation of impact forces. Arcuate interface  3123  lacks sharp or non-arcuate features that could otherwise create stress points or concentrate impact forces towards channel reinforced section  3113 . In some examples, this configuration can provide structural reinforcement for channel reinforced section  3113  to better withstand golf ball impact forces from front face  120 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  100  along line VII-VII ( FIG. 4 ), which is substantially perpendicular to the intersection point of sole  113 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  100  along line VIII-VIII ( FIG. 4 ), which is substantially perpendicular to the intersection point of sole  113 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 7-8 , the width of channel  310 , from channel front portion  717  to channel rear portion  718 , is at least three times greater than the depth of channel  310 . The depth of channel  310  is not constant in the present embodiment, but rather increases for a short distance and then decreases for most of the distance from channel front portion  717  to channel rear portion  718  as can be seen in  FIGS. 7-8 . Furthermore, the depth of channel  310  can vary depending on the section of channel  310 . As an example and as can be seen in  FIGS. 7-8 , the depth of channel toe-sole section  3112  ( FIG. 8 ) is greater than the depth of channel reinforced section  3113  ( FIG. 7 ). Similarly, the depth of channel heel-sole section  3111  ( FIG. 3 ) can be greater than the depth of channel reinforced section  3113  and/or can be the substantially the same as the depth of channel toe-sole section  3112  ( FIG. 8 ) in the same or other examples. In some implementations, the varying depth of channel  310  and/or channel reinforced section  3113  may contribute to the structural reinforcement of reinforced section  3113 . 
     In some examples, channel  310  can be configured to be substantially neutral with respect to one or more attributes of golf club head  100 . As an example, channel  310  can be implemented in the present example such that a characteristic time of golf club head  100 , describing how long a golf ball remains in contact with target strike zone  121  when struck by golf club head  100 , is not substantially affected or changed by the inclusion of channel  310  when compared to the characteristic time of an embodiment of golf club  100  lacking channel  310 . The inclusion and location of channel reinforced section  3113  as part of channel  310  may be configured, such as shown in  FIGS. 3-6  and  8 , to permit such a neutrality of channel  310  with respect to the characteristic time or other attributes of golf club head  100 . 
     Continuing with the figures,  FIG. 9  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of golf club head  900 , similar to the perspective view of  FIG. 5  for golf club head  100 . Golf club head  900  is similar to golf club head  100 , and comprises channel  910  which is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). Channel  910  differs from channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), however, by comprising channel skirt section  911  extending from channel sole section  311  and substantially parallel to front face  120  in the present example. In the present example, channel skirt section  911  extends along an interior surface of skirt  114 , although there can be other embodiments where a similar channel skirt section could extend along an exterior surface of skirt  114 . 
     Channel skirt section  911  is similar to channel sole section  311  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but is located at skirt  114  rather than at sole section  113 . In the present example, channel skirt section  911  is continuous with channel sole section  311 . There may be other embodiments, however, where channel skirt section  911  and channel sole section  311  may be discontinuous with each other. As an example, a first one of channel skirt section  311  or channel skirt section  911  can be located along an interior surface of body  110  while a different one of channel skirt section  311  or channel skirt section  911  can be located along an exterior surface of body  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, channel skirt section  911  comprises channel reinforced section  9113 , which is similar to channel reinforced section  3113  ( FIGS. 3-9 ), but located, instead, at skirt  114 . Channel skirt section  911  also comprises channel sole-skirt section  9111  at skirt  114  towards sole  113 , and channel crown-skirt section  9112  at skirt  114  towards crown  115 . In the same or other embodiments, channel sole-skirt section  9111  and/or channel crown-skirt section  9112  can be similar to channel heel-sole section  3111  and/or channel toe-sole section  3112 , but located, instead, at skirt  114  rather than at sole  113 . Channel reinforced section  9113  is located between channel sole-skirt section  9111  and/or channel crown-skirt section  9112 , and may be configured similar to the configuration described above regarding channel reinforced section  3113  with respect to structural integrity and/or neutrality with respect to club head attributes. As an example, channel reinforced section  9113  may comprise a depth shallower than a depth of channel sole-skirt section  9111  and/or channel crown-skirt section  9112 . In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  9113  may comprise a distance from front face  120  greater a distance between front face  120  and one or both of channel sole-skirt section  9111  and/or channel crown-skirt section  9112 . Channel reinforced section  9113  may also be located, between crown  115  and sole  113 , to be aligned with target strike zone  121 . In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  9113  may be located at approximately a midsection of channel skirt section  911  between sole  113  and crown  115 . 
     Continuing with the figures,  FIG. 10  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of golf club head  1000 , similar to the perspective view of  FIG. 5  for golf club head  100 . Golf club head  1000  is similar to golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-8 ), and to golf club head  900  ( FIG. 9 ), and comprises channel  1010  which is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ) and to channel  910  ( FIG. 9 ). Channel  1010  differs from channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), and from channel  910  ( FIG. 9 ), however, by comprising channel crown section  1011  extending from channel skirt section  911  and substantially parallel to front face  120  between heel portion  111  and toe portion  112  in the present example. In the present example, channel crown section  1011  extends along an interior surface of crown  115 , although there can be other embodiments where a similar channel crown section that extend along an exterior surface of crown  115 . 
     Channel crown section  1011  is similar to channel sole section  311  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), and to channel skirt section  911  ( FIG. 9 ), but is located at crown  115  instead. In the present example, channel crown section  1011  is continuous with channel skirt section  911 . There may be other embodiments, however, where channel crown section  1011  and channel skirt section  911  may be discontinuous with each other, and/or where a golf club head similar to golf club head  1000  may comprise channel crown section  1011  without one or both of channel sole section  311  and/or channel skirt section  911 . As an example, a first one of channel skirt section  311 , channel skirt section  911 , or channel crown section  1011  can be located at an interior surface of body  110  which the other ones of channel skirt section  311 , channel skirt section  911 , and channel crown section  1011  can be located at an exterior surface of body  110 . 
     In the present embodiment, channel crown section  1011  comprises channel reinforced section  10113 , which is similar to channel reinforced section  3113  ( FIGS. 3-10 ), but, located, instead at crown  115 . Channel crown section  1011  also comprises channel heel-crown section  10111  at crown  115  towards heel portion  111 , and channel toe-crown section  10112  at crown  115  towards toe portion  112 . In the same or other embodiments, channel heel-crown section  10111  and/or channel toe-crown section  10112  can be similar to channel heel-sole section  3111  and/or channel toe-sole section  3112 , but located instead at crown  115  rather than at sole  113 . Channel reinforced section  10113  is located between channel toe-crown section  10111  and/or channel heel-crown section  10112 , and may be configured similar to the configuration described above regarding channel reinforced section  3113  and/or channel reinforced section  9113  with respect to structural integrity and/or neutrality with respect to club head attributes. As an example, channel reinforced section  10113  may comprise a depth shallower than a depth of channel heel-crown section  10111  and/or channel toe-crown section  10112 , and channel heel-crown section  10111  and channel toe-crown section  10112  may comprise the same depth. In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  10113  may comprise a distance from front face  120  greater a distance between front face  120  and one or both of channel heel-crown section  10111  and/or channel toe-crown section  10112 . Channel reinforced section  10113  may also be located, between heel portion  111  and toe portion  112 , to be aligned with target strike zone  121 . In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  10113  may be located at approximately a midpoint of channel crown section  1011  between heel portion  111  and toe portion  112 . 
     Continuing with the figures,  FIG. 11  illustrates a rear perspective view of a cross-section of golf club head  1100 , similar to the perspective view of  FIG. 5  for golf club head  100 . Golf club head  1100  is similar to golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-8 ), to golf club head  900  ( FIG. 9 ), and to golf club head  1000  ( FIG. 10 ), and comprises channel  1110  which is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), to channel  910  ( FIG. 9 ), and to channel  1010  ( FIG. 10 ). Channel  1110  differs from channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), from channel  910  ( FIG. 9 ), and from channel  1010  ( FIG. 10 ), however, by comprising channel skirt section  1111  extending from channel heel-sole section  3111  and substantially parallel to front face  120  between crown  115  and sole  113  in the present example.  FIG. 25  shows a cross-sectional view of golf club head  1100  along line XXV-XXV of  FIG. 11 , showing the interior of heel portion  1111  with channel skirt section  1111  in more detail. The interior portion of the hosel of golf club head  1100  is not presented in  FIG. 25  for clarity. 
     In the present example, channel skirt section  1111  extends along an interior surface of skirt  114 , although there can be other embodiments where a similar channel skirt section could extend along an exterior surface of skirt  114 . As an example, one or more of channel  310 , channel  910 , channel  1010 , and/or channel  1110  can be located at an interior surface of body  110  which the rest of channel  310 , channel  910 , channel  1010 , and channel  1110  can be located at an exterior surface of body  110 . 
     Channel skirt section  1111  is similar to channel sole section  311  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), to channel skirt section  911  ( FIG. 9 ), and to channel crown section  1011  ( FIG. 10 ), but is located, instead, at skirt  114  towards heel portion  111 . In the present example, channel skirt section  1111  is continuous with channel sole section  311  and channel crown section  1011 . There may be other embodiments, however, where channel skirt section  1111  may be discontinuous with channel crown section  1011  and/or channel sole section  311 , and/or where a golf club head similar to golf club head  1000  may comprise channel skirt section  1111  without one or more of channel sole section  311 , channel skirt section  911 , and/or channel crown section  1011 . 
     In the present embodiment, channel skirt section  1111  comprises channel reinforced section  25113 , which is similar to channel reinforced section  3113  ( FIGS. 3-10 ), but located, instead, at skirt  114 . Channel skirt section  1111  also comprises channel sole-skirt section  25112 , and channel crown-skirt section  25111 . In the same or other embodiments, channel sole-skirt section  25112  and/or and channel crown-skirt section  25111  can be similar to channel heel-sole section  3111  and/or channel toe-sole section  3112 , but located, instead, at skirt  114  towards heel portion  111  rather than at sole  113 . Channel reinforced section  25113  is located between channel sole-skirt section  25112  and channel crown-skirt section  25111 , and may be configured similar to the configuration described above regarding channel reinforced section  3113 , channel reinforced section  9113 , and/or channel reinforced section  10113  with respect to structural integrity and/or neutrality with respect to club head attributes. As an example, channel reinforced section  25113  may comprise a depth shallower than a depth of channel sole-skirt section  25112  and/or channel crown-skirt section  25111 . In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  25113  may comprise a distance from front face  120  greater a distance between front face  120  and one or both of channel sole-skirt section  25112  and/or channel crown-skirt section  25111 . Channel reinforced section  25113  may also be located, between crown  115  and sole  113 , to be aligned with target strike zone  121 . In the same or other examples, channel reinforced section  25113  may be located at approximately a midpoint of channel skirt section  1111  between crown  115  and sole  113 . 
     Moving on,  FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart for a method  12000 , which can be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club head in accordance with the present disclosure. Method  12000  comprises block  12100  for providing a golf club head body of a golf club head. In some examples, the golf club head can be similar to one or more of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-8 ), golf club head  900  ( FIG. 9 ), golf club head  1000  ( FIG. 10 ), and/or golf club head  1100  ( FIG. 11 ). Similarly, the golf club head body provided in block  12100  can be similar to one of the bodies of the golf club heads previously described with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 . The golf club head body of method  121000  may comprise one or more portions, such as a heel portion, a toe portion, a crown, a sole, and/or a skirt, where such portions may be provided via casting, forging, machining, and/or other processes, and where such portions may comprise a single piece or may comprise several pieces coupled together such as via welding, brazing, or adhesives. 
     Method  12000  also comprises block  12200  for providing a front face configured to be coupled to the golf club head body. In some examples, the front face can be similar to front face  120 , as described with respect to  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     Block  12300  of method  12000  comprises providing a channel in an interior surface of the body. In the present example, block  12300  comprises sub-block  12310  for providing a channel sole section comprising a channel first reinforced section. In some examples, the channel sole section can be similar to channel sole section  311 , and the channel first reinforced section can be similar to channel reinforced section  3113 , as described above with respect to the golf club heads of  FIGS. 1-11 . 
     In some examples, block  12300  can optionally comprise sub-block  12320  for providing a channel toe-skirt section comprising a channel second reinforced section. In such examples, the channel toe-skirt section can be similar to channel skirt section  911 , and the channel second reinforced section can be similar to channel reinforced section  9113 , as described above with respect to the golf club heads of  FIGS. 9-11 . 
     In the same or other examples, block  12300  can optionally comprise sub-block  12330  for providing a channel crown section comprising a channel third reinforced section. In such examples, the channel crown section can be similar to channel crown section  1011 , and the channel third reinforced section can be similar to channel reinforced section  10113 , as described above with respect to the golf club heads of  FIGS. 10-11 . 
     In the same or other examples, block  12300  can optionally comprise sub-block  12340  for providing a channel heel-skirt section comprising a channel fourth reinforced section. In such examples, the channel heel-skirt section can be similar to channel skirt section  1111 , and the channel fourth reinforced section can be similar to channel reinforced section  25113 , as described above with respect to the golf club head of  FIGS. 11 and 25 . 
     The channel of block  12300  may be provided in one or more ways, depending on the embodiment. As an example, the channel may be provide by one or more of a casting process, an electric discharge machining (EDM) process, a chemical etching process, and/or a stamp forging process. 
     In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of method  12000  can be combined into a single block or performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be changed. For example, block  12100  may be combined with block  12300 , such as when the golf club head body of block  12100  is cast simultaneously with the channel of block  12300 . In the same or other examples, some of the blocks of method  12000  can be subdivided into several sub-blocks. As an example, block  12200  may comprise a sub-block for coupling the front face to the golf club head body. There can also be examples where method  12000  can comprise further or different blocks. As an example, method  12000  may comprise another sub-block for coupling a golf club shaft to the golf club head body of block  12100 . In addition, there may be examples where method  12000  can comprise only part of the steps described above. For instance, one or more of sub-blocks  12310 ,  12320 ,  12330 , or  12340  may be optional in some implementations. Other variations can be implemented for method  12000  without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Although the golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. As an example, there may be embodiments where one or more channel sections, such as channel sole section  311  ( FIGS. 3-11 ), channel skirt section  911  ( FIGS. 9-11 ), channel crown section  1011  ( FIGS. 10-11 ), and/or channel skirt section  1111  ( FIG. 11 ) may comprise more than one channel reinforced sections. 
     For instance,  FIG. 13  illustrates a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1300 , comprising channel  1310  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but with three channel reinforced sections  13111 ,  13112 , and  13113  spread along the length of channel sole section  13111 . There can also be other examples similar to  FIG. 13 , but where the rear end of reinforced sections  13111 ,  13112 , and/or  13113  may not be shaped as its respective front end. For instance, the rear ends of reinforced sections  13111 ,  13112 , and/or  13113  may comprise a substantially linear contour or a contour complementary with front face  120 . 
     As another example, there may be embodiments where one or more of channel sole section  311  ( FIGS. 3-11 ), channel skirt section  911  ( FIGS. 9-11 ), channel crown section  1011  ( FIGS. 10-11 ), and/or channel skirt section  1111  ( FIG. 11 ) may not comprise a channel reinforced section. As yet another example, although channel reinforced sections  3113  ( FIGS. 3-11 ),  9113  ( FIGS. 9-11 ),  10113  ( FIGS. 10-11 ) and  25113  ( FIGS. 11 ,  25 ) are shown in the figures as comprising an arcuate shapes at their respective channel sections, there may be embodiments where such channel reinforced regions need not comprise such arcuate shapes. 
       FIG. 14  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1400 , comprising channel  1410  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). In the present example, the width of channel  1410  varies along its length, such that channel heel-sole section  14111  and channel toe-sole section  14112  decrease towards channel reinforced section  14113 . There can be other embodiments where only one of the widths of channel heel-sole section  14111  or channel toe-sole section  14112  varies while the width of the other remains substantially constant. 
       FIG. 15  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1500 , comprising channel  1510  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). In the present example, channel  1510  comprises a reinforced section  15113 , similar to reinforced section  3113  of channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but where at the rear end of channel  1510  reinforced section  15113  follows instead the contour of channel heel-sole section  3111  and channel toe-sole section  3112 . There can also be embodiments where one or more of the rear ends of the channels described herein, such as the rear end of channel  1510 , may be substantially straight. 
       FIG. 16  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1600 , comprising channel  1610  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). In the present example, channel  1610  comprises a V-shaped channel reinforced section  16113 , rather than the U-shaped channel reinforced section  3113  of channel  310  ( FIG. 3 ). In addition, the rear of reinforced section  16113  is similar to the rear of reinforced section  15113  ( FIG. 15 ), There may be other embodiments, however, where the rear of reinforced section  16113  may comprise a V-shape as well or another geometric shape. 
       FIG. 17  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1700 , comprising channel  1710  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). In the present example, channel  1710  comprises a partial hexagon-shaped channel reinforced section  17113 , rather than the U-shaped channel reinforced section  3113  of channel  310  ( FIG. 3 ). In addition, the rear of reinforced section  16113  is similar to the rear of reinforced section  15113  ( FIG. 15 ), There may be other embodiments, however, where the rear of reinforced section  16113  may comprise a partial hexagon-shape as well or another geometric shape. There also can be other embodiments with a reinforced section similar to reinforced section  17113  ( FIG. 17 ) and/or reinforced section  3113  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but shaped with other kinds of geometric forms, like partial square-shaped, partial heptagon-shaped, or partial octagon-shaped, for example. 
       FIG. 18  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  1800 , comprising multiple channels  1810 . In the present embodiment, multiple channels  1810  comprise channels  1811 ,  18212 , and  1813 . In the present example, multiple channels  1810  are similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but there can be other examples where one or more of multiple channels  1810  can be similar to other channels described herein for other embodiments. In the same or other examples, the widths and/or depths of one or more of channels  1710 ,  1720 , and/or  1730  may differ from each other and/or may differ from those of channel  310  ( FIG. 3 ). 
       FIG. 19  presents another example, illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of channel  1910  golf club head  1900 , similar to the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 7-8  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Channel  1910  is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but its profile is deeper towards a midsection of its width, rather than substantially constant. 
       FIG. 20  presents another example, illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of channel  2010  golf club head  2000 , similar to the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 7-8  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Channel  2010  is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but its profile is deeper towards front face  120 . 
       FIG. 21  presents another example, illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of channel  2110  golf club  2100 , similar to the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 7-8  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Channel  2110  is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but its profile is stepped, with different portions comprising different depths and with curved transitions between the different depth portions thereof. 
       FIG. 22  presents another example, illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of channel  2210  golf club head  2200 , similar to the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 7-8  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Channel  2210  is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but its profile comprises alternating convex and concave sections defining different depth portions thereof. 
       FIG. 23  presents another example, illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of channel  2310  golf club  2300 , similar to the cross-sectional side views of  FIGS. 7-8  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 1-7 ). Channel  2310  is similar to channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ), but its profile comprises a single concave section. In other examples, the profile of a channel similar to channel  2510  could comprise a single convex section instead. 
       FIG. 24  presents another example, illustrating a downward-looking cross-sectional view of a portion of golf club head  2400 , comprising channel  2410  similar to channel  310  of golf club head  100  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). In the present example, channel  2410  comprises a reinforced section  24113 , similar to reinforced section  3113  of channel  310  ( FIGS. 3-8 ). Channel  2410  also comprises reinforced section s  24111  and  24112 , similar to reinforced sections  13111  and  13112  of channel  1310  in  FIG. 13 . The rear end of channel  2410  is also similar to the rear end of channel  1510  of  FIG. 15 , but there may be other embodiments where the rear end of channel  1410  can be substantially straight. In the present embodiment, the front end of channel  2410  comprises an alternating concave and convex pattern, which may be similar to a sinusoidal curve. 
     Additional examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Other permutations of the different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. 
     The golf club heads with weight redistribution channels and related methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments. 
     All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims. 
     As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     While the above examples may be described in connection with a driver-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc. 
     Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.