Patent Publication Number: US-2022233925-A1

Title: Low and back crown mass for a golf club head

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/131,487, filed on Dec. 22, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,298,598, issued on Apr. 12, 2022, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/509,404, filed on Jul. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,888,750, issued on Jan. 12, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/163,456, filed Oct. 17, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,376,758, issued on Aug. 13, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/147,698, filed on May 5, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,130,855, issued Nov. 20, 2018, which claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/157,306, filed on May 5, 2015, all of which are incorporated fully herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a golf club, and more specifically to a mass of discretionary weight on a crown of a golf club head that increases a moment of inertia by positioning the weight an increased distance away from a center of gravity. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf clubs take various forms, for example a wood, a hybrid, an iron, a wedge, or a putter, and these clubs generally differ in head shape and design (e.g., the difference between a wood and an iron), club head material(s), shaft material(s), club length, and club loft. 
     Woods and hybrids generally have a longer shaft and lower loft than irons and wedges. Thus, a golf ball that is struck with a wood or a hybrid generally travels a greater distance than a golf ball struck with an iron or a wedge. While a longer shaft and a lower loft provide increased golf ball travel distance, this combination also results in less forgiveness. The longer shaft requires a golfer to stand farther away from the golf ball at address. This leads to greater difficulty during the golf swing to return the club head squarely to impact the golf ball. A golf club that is slightly open or slightly closed at impact results in reduced accuracy as the golf ball is not launched on the desired target line. Further, the higher swing speeds from the longer length shaft can lead to greater difficulty in making consistent contact with the center or “sweet spot” of the golf club face. Off-center contact can lead to imparting increased side spin on the golf ball. At reduced lofts of woods and hybrids, less back spin is imparted on the golf ball at impact, further exacerbating imparted side spin and leading to undesirable hooks or slices, which further decrease accuracy. 
     To improve directional forgiveness, golf club manufacturers have made efforts to increase the moment of inertia of a golf club at impact. The moment of inertia (or “MOI”) is a measure of a body&#39;s resistance to angular acceleration, or twisting. The higher the MOI of a golf club head, the more the golf club head resists twisting at impact, improving golf ball accuracy, especially on off-center contact (or mishits). In addition, the increased stability of a higher MOI golf club head results in a golf ball losing less ball speed on off-center contact due to reduced energy loss associated with reduced twisting. A higher MOI of a golf club head further increases consistency in spin rate and launch angle of a golf ball on off-center contact. 
     While woods and hybrids have a variety of known designs, there is a need for enhancing directional forgiveness (e.g., a reduction in side-to-side variation) to improve accuracy, especially on off-center hits (e.g., contact of the golf ball with a location on the golf club face other than the sweet spot). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an embodiment of a golf club head having a weight member. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the golf club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is another side view of the club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged side view of the club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is another top view of the club head of in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a table providing data associated with exemplary club heads of the club head in  FIG. 1  including drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids. 
         FIG. 8  is another table providing data associated with exemplary club heads of the club head in  FIG. 1  including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons. 
         FIG. 9  is a graphical illustration of certain data presented in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is another top view of the club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  is a method of manufacturing the golf club head in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates an embodiment of the club head in  FIG. 1  having a high density region near the first end of the weight member to achieve a toe bias. 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates an embodiment of the club head in  FIG. 1  having a high density region near the second end of the weight member to achieve a heel bias. 
         FIG. 12C  illustrates an embodiment of the club head in  FIG. 1  having a high density region near the center of the weight member. 
         FIG. 12D  illustrates an embodiment of the club head in  FIG. 1  having high density regions near both the first and second ends of the weight member. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates test results of the club head in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One embodiment includes a club head design that increases and/or maximizes golf club head moment of inertia (MOI) by positioning discretionary weight farther away from the head center of gravity than other known golf club heads. Discretionary weight, or a portion thereof, is positioned on the exterior side of the club head crown in the form of a weight member that extends about a portion of a perimeter defined by the crown at the back of the club head. By positioning the weight member on an exterior surface of the club head crown, the distance between the center of gravity and the discretionary weight is increased over club heads that position discretionary weight on an interior surface or the exterior surface of the sole of the club head. Therefore, the MOI of the club head is increased to provide greater forgiveness and consistency in direction, trajectory, and distance. 
     Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or construction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Discretionary weight, as described herein, refers to a portion of the total weight of the club head that can be moved to optimize performance without impacting the structural integrity of the club head. 
     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, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. 
     Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
     For ease of discussion and understanding, and for purposes of description only, the following detailed description illustrates a golf club head  10  as a fairway wood. It should be appreciated that the fairway wood is provided for purposes of illustration of the discretionary weight positioning on an exterior surface of the club head  10  that increases MOI and directional forgiveness, as disclosed herein. The disclosed discretionary weight positioning may be used on any desired wood, hybrid, or other club that has discretionary weight that may be moved to increase MOI. For example, the club head  10  may include, but is not limited to, a driver, a fairway wood, or a hybrid. 
       FIGS. 1-4  illustrate an embodiment of the golf club head  10  for use with a golf club. Referring generally to  FIGS. 1-4 , the club head  10  includes a body  12 , the body  12  having a toe or toe end  14  opposite a heel or heel end  18 , a crown  30  opposite a sole  34 , a back or rear or back end  26 , and a hosel axis  36  extending through the center of a hosel  38 . The club head  10  further includes a face or club face or strike face  22  opposite the back end  26 , an exterior side  78 , and an interior side  82 , the club face  22  having a geometric center. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the crown  30  defines a crown surface curvature or profile  84  when viewed from a side view ( FIG. 4 ) and a perimeter  74  when viewed from a top view ( FIG. 1 ). The club head  10  further includes a head center of gravity  86 , and a weight member or plurality of weight members  70  positioned adjacent to the crown  30 , the weight member  70  having a weight member center of gravity  88 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4 , the head center of gravity  86  defines an origin of a coordinate system including an x-axis  500 , a y-axis  510 , and a z-axis  520 . The x-axis extends  500  through the head center of gravity  86  from the toe end  14  to the heel end  18 , the y-axis  510  extends through the head center of gravity  86  from the crown  30  to the sole  34 , and the z-axis  520  extends through the head center of gravity  86  from the club face  12  to the back  26 . For additional guidance, the x-axis  500  and z-axis  520  are arranged to coincide with numbers on an analog clock, with the z-axis  520  extending between 12 o&#39;clock (“12” through the club face  22 ) and 6 o&#39;clock (“6” through the back  26 ), and the x-axis  500  extending between 3 o&#39;clock (“3” through the toe end  14 ) and 9 o&#39;clock (“9” through the heel end  18 ). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  includes a first end  92  positioned near the toe  14  and a second end  96  positioned near the heel  18 . In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  is positioned on the exterior of the crown and about a portion of a perimeter defined by the crown. The weight member  70  has a width  200  and a projection height  204 . The projection height  204  may vary along the width  200  of the weight member  70 , defining a projection height profile  208 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  has an elongated shape wherein the projection height profile  208  of the weight member  70  is substantially constant from the first end  92  to the second end  96 . Specifically, the projection height  204  of the weight member  70  varies along the width  200  defining an arcuate or curved shape. The curved projection height profile  208  has a maximum projection height  212  positioned approximately centrally along the width  200  of the weight member  70 , wherein the maximum projection height  212  is approximately constant from the first end  92  to the second end  96  of the weight member  70 . 
     In other embodiments, the weight member  70  may be any suitable shape, including, but not limited to a polygon or a shape with at least one curved surface. For example, the weight member  70  may be round, triangular, elliptical, trapezoidal, or any other shape. Further, the projection height profile  208  of the weight member may have any profile and may be constant or may vary along the width  200  of the weight member  70  in any capacity. For example, the projection height profile  208  may be linear, quadratic, exponential, or a combination of the above described projection height profiles  208  such that the maximum projection height  212  may be positioned anywhere along the width  200  of the weight member  70 . Further still, the projection height profile  208  and the maximum projection height  212  may vary from the first end  92  to the second end  96  of the weight member  70 . 
     In some embodiments, the width  200  may range from 0.05-2.5 inches (1.27-63.5 mm). For example, the width  200  may be between 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) and 1.5 inches (38.1 mm), or the width  200  may be greater than approximately 0.25 inches (6.35 mm), greater than approximately 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), greater than approximately 0.66 inches (16.8 mm), greater than approximately 0.75 inches (19.0 mm), or greater than approximately 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). For further example, the width  200  can be approximately 0.3 inches (7.6 mm), 0.4 inches (10.2 mm), 0.5 inches (12.7 mm), 0.6 inches (15.2 mm), 0.7 inches (17.8 mm), 0.8 inches (20.3 mm), 0.9 inches (22.9 mm), or 1.0 inches (25.4 mm). 
     In some embodiments, the maximum projection height  212  may range from 0.05 inches (1.27 mm) to 0.45 inches (11.43 mm). For example, the maximum projection height  212  may be between 0.10 inches (2.54 mm) and 0.30 inches (7.62 mm), or the maximum projection height may be approximately 0.10 inches (2.54 mm), 0.15 inches (3.81 mm), 0.175 inches (4.45 mm), 0.20 inches (5.08 mm), 0.225 inches (5.72 mm), 0.25 inches (6.35 mm), 0.275 inches (6.99 mm), 0.30 inches (7.62 mm), or 0.35 inches (8.89 mm). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, shown in  FIG. 5 , the maximum projection height  212  is greater than the maximum projection height of known golf club heads having weight members positioned on the sole. In known golf club heads having sole weight members, the weight member center of gravity is typically positioned within the club head. In known golf club heads having sole weight members wherein the weight member center of gravity is positioned outside the club head, the maximum projection height is significantly smaller than the maximum projection height  212  in the illustrated embodiment. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  and the crown surface curvature  84  together define a modified crown surface curvature or profile  85  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) that has a non-linear profile or a bimodal profile or a bimodal slope that extends from the club face  22  to the back end  26  at a portion of the perimeter  74  defined by the crown  30 . Generally, the slope of modified crown surface profile  85  decreases from the portion of the crown  30  in vertical alignment with the center of gravity  86  ( FIG. 3 ) to the weight member  70 , ceases decreasing or increases along a portion of the weight member  70 , and then decreases to the back end  26  adjacent or at a portion of the perimeter  74 . In other embodiments, the modified crown surface profile  85  may vary differently than the modified crown surface profile  85  described herein. For example, the modified crown surface profile  85  may be linear, quadratic, exponential, or a combination of the above described modified crown surface profiles  85 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  is positioned adjacent to the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  and projects above or from or extends above the crown surface curvature  84 . In other embodiments, the weight member  70  may be positioned adjacent to the interior side  82  of the crown  30  and project below or extend below the crown surface curvature  84 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  is a continuous portion or band that extends adjacent to, near, or along a portion of the perimeter  74  defined by the crown  30 . In other embodiments, the weight member  70  may include a plurality of weights or weight members  70  that extend adjacent to, near, or along a portion of the perimeter  74  defined by the crown  30 . Further, one or more weight members  70  may be positioned on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30 , one or more weight members  70  may be positioned on the interior side  82  of the crown  30 , or one or more weight members  70  may be positioned on the exterior side  78  and the interior side  82  of the crown  30 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the weight member  70  is positioned adjacent to the crown  30  such that the weight member  70  extends through quadrants defined on the back side  26  of the x-axis  500  extending between the toe and heel ends  14 ,  18 . The weight member  70  is also intersected by the z-axis  520 , such that the z-axis  520  bisects the weight member  70  at 6 o&#39;clock. In other words, the weight member center of gravity  88  is positioned at the 6 o&#39;clock position when viewed from a top view, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the weight member  70  may be provided at any location in the quadrants defined on a side of the x-axis  500  toward the back  26  of the club head  10 . Stated another way, the weight member  70  may be provided at any location within the 3 o&#39;clock to 6 o&#39;clock quadrant such that the weight member center of gravity  88  is positioned closer to the toe end  14  than to the heel end  18 , and/or at any location within the 6 o&#39;clock to 9 o&#39;clock quadrant such that the weight member center of gravity  88  is positioned closer to the heel end  18  than to the toe end  14 . 
     The illustrated embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , depicts the weight member  70  positioned on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  and extending about the crown  30  in an arcuate or curved manner, matching the curvature defined by the perimeter  74  of the crown  30 . The weight member  70  is positioned on the crown  30  within the perimeter  74  as viewed in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-5 , and in particular  FIG. 5 , the weight member center of gravity  88  is positioned at a perpendicular distance  220  from the crown  30 . The weight member  70  includes a curved center line  250  extending through the weight member center of gravity  88 , following the profile of the weight member  70  such that at any position along the perimeter  74  of the crown  30 , the curved center line  250  is positioned at the perpendicular distance  220  from the crown  30 . 
     In many embodiments, the weight member  70  further includes a length measured along the center line  250  extending from the first end  92  to the second end  96 . In many embodiments, the length may range from 0.10-6.0 inches (2.54-152.4 mm). For example, the length may be between 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) and 5.5 inches (136.7 mm), or the length may be greater than approximately 0.10 inches (2.54 mm), greater than approximately 0.50 inches (12.7 mm), greater than approximately 1.0 inches (25.4 mm), greater than approximately 1.5 inches (38.1 mm), greater than approximately 2.0 inches (50.8 mm), or greater than approximately 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). For further example, the length can be approximately 2.5 inches (63.4 mm), 3.0 inches (76.2 mm), 3.5 inches (88.9 mm), 4.0 inches (101.6 mm), 4.5 inches (114.3 mm), or 5.0 inches (127 mm). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the weight member  70  is positioned on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  to maximize the distance from the weight member  70  to the head center of gravity  86 . As depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the weight member  70  is positioned such that the curved center line  250  extends a first distance D 1  from the head center of gravity  86  in any particular position relative to the perimeter  74  of the club head  10 . The distance D 1  may vary with position along the perimeter  74  of the club head  10 . The first distance D 1  may be greater than any distance from the head center of gravity  86  to the interior side  82  or the exterior side  78  of the club head  10  on the crown  30  or sole  34  measured at the same particular position relative to the perimeter  74  of the club head  10 . For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates that the first distance D 1  is greater than both a second distance D 2 , which extends from the head center of gravity  86  to the interior side  82  of the crown  30  of the club head  10 , and a third distance D 3 , which extends from the head center of gravity  86  to the interior side  82  of the sole  34  of the club head  10 , wherein D 1 , D 2 , and D 3  are measured at approximately the 6 o&#39;clock position along the perimeter  74 . The same relationship may apply to the distances D 1 , D 2 , and D 3  when measured at any other position along the perimeter  74  of the club head  10 , such as, for example, the 5 o&#39;clock position or the 7 o&#39;clock position. 
     The club head  10  may be made of any material such as titanium, steel, aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, composites, or any combination of materials. The weight member  70  may be made of the same material as the club head  10 , or the weight member  70  may be made of a different material than the club head  10 , such as titanium, steel, aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, composites, or any combination of materials. In embodiments where the weight member comprises a different material than the club head  10 , the density of the weight member  70  can be greater than the density of the club head. 
     In some embodiments, the density of the weight member  70  can vary. Referring to  FIG. 12 , the weight member  70  can have one or more high density regions  90  (e.g. region(s) of the weight member  70  having greater density than the remaining regions of the weight member  70 ). For example, referring to  FIG. 12 a   , the weight member can have a high density region  90  near the first end  92  to achieve a toe bias. For further example, referring to  FIG. 12 b   , the weight member can have a high density region  90  near the second end  96  to achieve a heel bias. For further example, referring to  FIG. 12 c   , the weight member  70  can have a high density region  90  near the center of the weight member  70 . For further example, referring to  FIG. 12 d   , the weight member  70  can have a plurality of high density regions  90  including a first high density region  90  near the first end  92  and a second high density region near the second end  96 . In other embodiments, the density of the weight member  70  can be greater in any position, plurality of positions, or combination of positions along the weight member  70 . Further, in other embodiments, the density of the weight member  70  can vary in discrete positions, or according to any profile. Further, in embodiments where the weight member includes one or more high density region(s)  90 , the remaining regions of the weight member  70  can comprise a shell or have a void to reduce the mass of the weight member  70  outside the high density region(s)  90 . 
     The weight member  70  has a mass or weight that can range from approximately 5 grams to approximately 150 grams, as described in further detail below. In embodiments where the weight member  70  includes one or more high density regions  90 , the high density region(s)  90  comprises at least a portion of the mass of the weight member  70 . In some embodiments, the high density region(s)  90  can comprise a majority of the mass of the weight member  70 . For example, the high density region(s)  90  can comprise approximately 30%, approximately 35%, approximately 40%, approximately 45%, approximately 50%, approximately 60%, approximately 65%, approximately 70%, approximately 75%, approximately 80%, approximately 85%, approximately 90%, or approximately 95% of the mass of the weight member  70 . 
     The weight member  70  has a mass or weight, wherein the weight of the weight member  70  may be a portion of the discretionary weight of the club head  10 , or the weight of the weight member  70  may be the same as the discretionary weight of the club head  10 . When the weight of the weight member  70  is a portion of the discretionary weight of the club head  10 , the remaining discretionary weight may be positioned in areas of the club head  10  other than the crown  30 , such as the sole  34 , the face  22 , the hosel  38 , or a combination of the above listed positions. 
     The amount of discretionary weight of the club head  10  varies with the type of club head  10 . For example, the discretionary weight varies with total weight and length of the club head  10 , and can range from 5 grams to 150 or more grams.  FIG. 7  depicts a table with ranges of total weight of the club head  10 , discretionary weight of the club head  10 , discretionary weight as a percentage of total weight of the club head  10 , and assembled golf club length for exemplary drivers, a fairway woods, and hybrids. For example, the discretionary weight may range from approximately 20-60 grams for a driver (approximately 15-35 percent of the total weight of the driver-type club head  10 ), the discretionary weight may range from approximately 45-85 grams for a fairway wood (approximately 20-40 percent of the total weight of the wood-type club head  10 ), and the discretionary weight may range from approximately 70-130 grams for a hybrid (approximately 25-55 percent of the total weight of the hybrid-type club head  10 ). Generally, discretionary weight, measured as a percentage of total weight of the club head  10 , increases as the weight of the club head  10  increases and as the length of the club head  10  decreases. 
       FIGS. 8-9  depict the interdependent relationship between discretionary weight, length of the golf club, swing weight, and total weight of the club head  10  through an exemplary set of golf clubs including drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, and irons. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the amount of discretionary weight, listed as discretionary mass, varies as swing weight (“SWT,” which generally is assigned a value from A0 (lightest) to F9 (heaviest), e.g. D0-D6) of the golf club, the length of the golf club (or “club length” measured in inches), and weight of the club head  10  (measured in grams) vary. It should be appreciated that the disclosed club lengths, head weights, swing weights, and discretionary weights are provided for purposes of illustration, and may include a range or band of club lengths, head weights, swing weights, and/or discretionary weights above and below the disclosed data points of  FIGS. 8-9 . 
     Generally, club heads  10  are lighter in longer clubs to preserve swing weight in a range that does not hinder a golf swing. When the golf club has a swing weight that is too light, the performance of the club is reduced due to lower MOI of the club head and poor head center of gravity  86  placement. When the golf club has a swing weight that is too high, the club can be difficult to swing and deliver at impact. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , discretionary weight is provided for a group of example drivers having the same target swing weight of D3, but different club lengths from 44 inches (112 cm) to 48 inches (122 cm), and corresponding different head weights from 202.5 grams (for the longest, 48 inch (122 cm) long driver) to 208.5 grams (for the shortest, 44 inch (112 cm) long driver). The discretionary weight ranges from greater than or equal to 39.5 grams, or approximately 19.5% of the total head weight (for the longest, 48 inch (122 cm) long driver) to greater than or equal to 45.5 grams, or approximately 21.8% of the total head weight (for the shortest, 44 inch (112 cm) long driver). While the drivers described herein are exemplary drivers, the same relationship may apply to drivers having a volume greater than or equal to approximately 400 cc, lofts between approximately 5-16 degrees, and club lengths greater than or equal to approximately 43 inches. Further, other exemplary drivers may have volumes ranging from 400 cc-470 cc (including 400, 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, 435, 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, or 470 cc), lofts ranging from 0-20 degrees (including 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, or 20 degrees), and club lengths greater than or equal to 30 inches (76 cm), 31 inches (79 cm), 32 inches (81 cm), 33 inches (84 cm), 34 inches (86 cm), 35 inches (89 cm), 36 inches (91 cm), 37 inches (94 cm), 38 inches (97 cm), 39 inches (99 cm), 40 inches (102 cm), 41 inches (104 cm), 42 inches (107 cm), 43 inches (109 cm), 44 inches (112 cm), 45 inches (114 cm), 46 inches (117 cm), 47 inches (119 cm), 48 inches (122 cm), 49 inches (124 cm), or 50 inches (127 cm). 
     Further referring to  FIG. 8 , discretionary weight is also provided for a group of example fairway woods having the same target swing weight of D1, but different club lengths from 43 inches (for a lower lofted 3-wood) to 41.5 inches (for a higher lofted 9-wood), and corresponding different head weights from 219 grams (for the 3-wood) to 232 grams (for the 9-wood). The discretionary weight ranges from greater than or equal to 59 grams, or approximately 26.9% of the total head weight (for the 3-wood) to greater than or equal to 72 grams, or approximately 31.0% of the total head weight (for the 9-wood). While the fairway woods described herein are exemplary fairway woods, the same relationship may apply to any fairway woods having a volume between approximately 115-300 cc, lofts between approximately 10-40 degrees, and club lengths between approximately 38-44 inches (97-112 cm). 
     Further referring to  FIG. 8 , discretionary weight is also provided for a group of example hybrids having the same target swing weight of D1, but different club lengths from 40.75 inches (103.5 cm) (for a lower lofted 2-hybrid) to 38.75 inches (98.4 cm) (for a higher lofted 6-hybrid), and corresponding different head weights from greater than or equal to 230 grams (for the 2-hybrid) to greater than or equal to 250 grams (for the 6-hybrid). The discretionary weight ranges from 90 grams, or approximately 39.1% of the total head weight (for the 2-hybrid) to 110 grams, or approximately 44.0% of the total head weight (for the 6-hybrid). While the hybrids described herein are exemplary hybrids, the same relationship may apply to any hybrid having a volume between approximately 80-140 cc, lofts between approximately 15-60 degrees, and club lengths between approximately 35-42 inches (89-107 cm). 
     Further referring to  FIG. 8 , discretionary weight is also provided for a group of example irons having the same target swing weight of D0, but different club lengths from 38.875 inches (98.7 cm) (for a lower lofted 4-iron) to 35 inches (88.69 cm) (for a higher lofted wedge), and corresponding different head weights from 239 grams (for the 4-iron) to 306 grams (for the wedge). The discretionary weight ranges from greater than or equal to 24 grams, or approximately 10.1% of the total head weight (for the 4-iron) to greater than or equal to 43 grams, or approximately 14.1% of the total head weight (for the wedge). While the irons described herein are exemplary irons, the same relationship may apply to any iron having lofts between approximately 15-60 degrees, and club lengths between approximately 35-42 inches (88.9-107 cm). 
       FIG. 9  graphically depicts an exemplary relationship of club length (in inches) to total weight of the club head  10  (in grams) for a traditional target swing weight. By graphically depicting the data in  FIG. 8 , the interdependent relationship of head weight, club length, and swing weight (and in turn discretionary weight) for the exemplary golf clubs described herein is illustrated, as evidence by the high correlation of the data points to the coefficient of determination, which is denoted by an R squared value of 0.9818. 
     The weight member  70 , described herein, affects the head center of gravity  86  position and the MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510 , the x-axis  500 , and/or the hosel axis  36 . Changing the head center of gravity  86  and the moment of inertia of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510 , the x-axis  500 , and/or the hosel axis  36  by positioning of the weight member  70  may change the performance characteristics of the golf club during a swing, at impact with a golf ball, or a combination of both (i.e. during a swing and at impact with the golf ball). 
     During a swing, the club head  10  rotates about the hosel axis  36  to square the face  22  at impact with the golf ball. Squaring the face  22  during a swing promotes the desired ball direction. At impact, the position of contact with the golf ball on the club face  22 , relative to the head center of gravity  86  position, affects the spin of the golf ball, or the gear effect. During flight, the golf ball spins or rotates about an axis. The axis of rotation of the golf ball can be broken down into components including a vertical axis perpendicular to a ground plane, and a horizontal axis parallel to a ground plane. The component of spin of the golf ball about the vertical axis affects ball direction. The component of spin of the golf ball about the horizontal axis affects trajectory and distance. The gear affect is described in further detail in the example below. 
     For example, impact of the golf ball on the club face  22 , offset from the head center of gravity  86  in the direction of the x-axis  500 , causes the club head  10  to rotate about the y-axis  510  in a first direction, thereby imparting a component of spin on the golf ball about the vertical axis in a second direction opposite the first direction. The component of spin of the golf ball about the vertical axis affects the fade or draw of the golf ball. Similarly, impact of the golf ball on the face  22 , offset from the head center of gravity  86  in the direction of the y-axis  510 , causes the club head  10  to rotate about the x-axis  500  in a third direction, thereby imparting a component of spin on the golf ball about the horizontal axis in a fourth direction opposite the third direction. The component of spin of the golf ball about the horizontal axis affects the trajectory and distance of the golf ball. 
     Typically, in golf club design, increased MOI of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500  and the y-axis  510  is desired. Increasing the MOI of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500  and/or the y-axis  510  results in increased resistance to rotation of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500  and/or the y-axis  510 , respectively, leading to reduced rotation of the club head and golf ball due to off center hits at impact. Increasing the MOI of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500  reduces the component of horizontal spin of the golf ball due to off center impact, thereby increasing forgiveness and consistency in ball trajectory and distance. Increasing the MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  500  reduces the component of vertical spin of the golf ball due to off center impact, thereby increasing forgiveness and consistency in ball direction. MOI of the club head  10  about an axis may be increased or maximized by increasing or maximizing the perpendicular distance between the weight member center of gravity  86  and the axis. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, shown in  FIG. 4 , the weight member  70  is positioned on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  such that the distance between the weight member center of gravity  88  and the head center of gravity  86  is increased or maximized compared to a known club head with a weight member positioned closer to the head center of gravity. Specifically, the perpendicular distance between the weight member center of gravity  88  and the y-axis  510  (and therefore the MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510 ) is increased or maximized, and the perpendicular distance between the weight member center of gravity  88  and the x-axis  500  (and therefore the MOI of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500 ) is increased or maximized compared to a known club head having a weight member positioned closer to the head center of gravity. Therefore, the club head  10  having the weight member  70  has increased or maximized directional forgiveness and consistency (due to the increased MOI of the club head about the y-axis) and increased or maximized consistency in trajectory and distance of the golf ball (due to the increased MOI of the club head about the x-axis). 
     The position of the weight member  70  on the club head  10  may also be used affect the MOI of the club head  10  about the hosel axis  36 . For example, the weight member center of gravity  88  may be positioned closer to the heel  18  or closer to the toe  14  of the club head  10  to create a heel or toe bias. 
     Positioning the weight member  70  such that the weight member center of gravity  88  is closer to the heel  18  than to the toe  14  (i.e. between the 6 o&#39;clock and 9 o&#39;clock positions) will shift the head center of gravity  86  toward the heel  18  and decrease the perpendicular distance from the head center of gravity  86  to the hosel axis  36 , thereby reducing the MOI of the club head  10  about the hosel axis  36 . Therefore, the club head  10  would have less resistance to rotation about the hosel axis  36  during a swing, allowing the user to more easily square the face  22  at impact to correct the tendency of a user to impact the golf ball with an open face  22 . Conversely, positioning the weight member  70  such that the weight member center of gravity  88  is closer to the toe  14  than to the heel  18  (i.e. between the 3 o&#39;clock and 6 o&#39;clock positions) will shift the head center of gravity  86  toward the toe  14  and increase the perpendicular distance from the weight member center of gravity  86  to the hosel axis  36 , thereby increasing the MOI of the club head  10  about the hosel axis  36 . Therefore, the club head  10  would have greater resistance to rotation about the hosel axis  36  during a swing to correct the tendency of a user to impact the golf ball with a closed face  22 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a proof of concept test was performed to demonstrate the increased MOI of the club head  10  having the weight member  70  about the y-axis  510 , leading to increased forgiveness of the club head  10 . The proof of concept demonstrates that the MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510  increases as the weight member  70  position and/or position of the discretionary weight is moved away from the head center of gravity  86  of the club head  10 . To demonstrate this conclusion, discretionary weight was moved and repositioned in the form of weight members  70  at increasing distances d away from the head center of gravity  86  along concentric circles or bands  102   a - d . The MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510  was calculated with no repositioning of discretionary weight on the crown  30  of the club head (a baseline). Then, the MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510  was separately calculated for discretionary weight repositioned in the form of weight members  70  along bands  102   a ,  102   b ,  102   c , and  102   d , respectively. The MOI of the club head  10  about the y-axis  510  was significantly greater (up to approximately 50% greater) when discretionary weight was repositioned in the form of the weight member  70  along band  102   d  than when discretionary weight was not repositioned at all (the baseline, i.e. without the weight member  70 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the club head  10  having the weight member  70  demonstrated reduced scatter in golf ball landing location (as indicated by the elliptical trend lines), compared to a similar control club head without the weight member. The results illustrated in  FIG. 13  utilized exemplary fairway-wood type golf clubs with controlled swing conditions (e.g. swing speed and orientation). Reduced scatter in golf ball landing location of the club head  10  having the weight member  70  is a result of the increased MOI of the club head  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the weight member  70  on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  may result in aerodynamic benefits of the club head. For example, the position of the weight member  70  on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  may result in reduced aerodynamic drag and therefore increased club head  10  speed. Increased club head  10  speed may result in greater golf ball travel distance. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the weight member  70  is positioned on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30 , therefore the head center of gravity  86  is positioned closer to the crown  30  and the back  26  of the club head  10  than the head center of gravity  86  of the club head  10  without the weight member  70 . The shift in head center of gravity  86  toward the crown  30  of the club head  10  may impart additional, undesired backspin on the golf ball at impact, which can lead to a decrease in golf ball travel distance. In order to counteract the described effects, other known methods of reducing backspin on the golf ball at impact may be implemented. For example, reducing backspin on the golf ball may be accomplished by increasing surface roughness on the club face  22 . Generally, the additional forgiveness and consistency in direction and distance of the golf ball, resulting from the increased MOI of the club head  10  about the x-axis  500  and y-axis  510 , outweigh the undesired effects from the head center of gravity  86  position relative to the crown  30  of the club head  10 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the weight member  70  on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  may require balancing of additional discretionary weight or non-discretionary weight in alternative positions. For example, the internal or external structure of the club head  10  may be adjusted to balance the position of the weight member  70  on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  by adding internal or external geometries, altering the material or geometry of the body  12  of the club head  10 , altering the material or geometry of the club face  22 , or any combination of the described alterations. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a method of manufacturing the club head  10  having the weight member  70 . The method includes providing the body  12  having the crown  30 , the sole  34 , the heel  18 , the toe  14 , the back end  26 , and the hosel  38 , providing the club face  22 , providing the weight member  70 , and forming or coupling the weight member  70  and the club face  22  to the club body  12 . In some embodiments, providing the body  12  includes casting or machining the body  12 . In other embodiments, the body  12  can be formed using any other suitable method, such as machining or 3D printing. In some embodiments, providing the club face  22  includes machining the club face  22 . In other embodiments, the club face  22  can be formed using any other suitable method, such as casting or 3D printing. In some embodiments, providing the weight member  70  can include casting, machining, 3D printing, or any other suitable method to form the weight member  70 . 
     The method of manufacturing the club head  10  described herein is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. The method can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, the processes of the method described can be performed in any suitable order. In other embodiments, one or more of the processes may be combined, separated, or skipped. 
     The weight member  70  may be formed at the same time as the body  12  during casting or the weight member  70  may be formed separately and coupled to the body  12  of the club head  10 . When the weight member  70  is be formed at the same time as the body  12  during casting, the added weight provided on the exterior side  78  of the crown  30  may increase the flow rate of molten material during the casting process to form the club head  10  having the weight member  70 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the club head  10  includes a first port or gate  106  at the toe side  14 , a second port or gate  110  at the heel side  18 , and a third port or gate  114  at the rear of the club head  10 . Each gate  106 ,  110 ,  114  allows for the introduction of molten material into the mold during casting to integrally form the weight member  70  to the crown  30 . The molten material flow direction is illustrated by arrows  108 ,  112 , and  116 . The position of the weight member  70  on the crown  30  near the third gate  114  results in an increase in flow rate of the molten material through the casting mold due to the increased size in cross sectional area of the third gate  114  opening required to accommodate weight member  70 . The increase in molten material flow rate and/or the ability of the molten material to move more freely, assists the molten material in flowing to the crown  30 , the sole  34 , the heel  18 , and/or the toe  14  to reach relatively thin sections of the casting mold and to carry slag and/or particulates out of the club body  12 . It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the weight member  70  may be attached or otherwise secured to the crown  30  as a separate component after casting of the crown  30 . Further, the weight member  70  may be formed at the same time as the body  12  using processes other than casting, such as, for example, metal injection molding (MIM), separate cast, forging, machining, printing, or rapid prototyping. 
     Clause 1: A golf club head comprising: a body having a crown defining a perimeter of the club head, a sole opposite the crown, a toe end opposite a heel end, a back end, and a hosel; a club face; an exterior side; an interior side; a head center of gravity; and a weight member positioned on one of the exterior side or the interior side of the crown, the weight member having a weight member center of gravity and an elongated arcuate shape along the crown. 
     Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 2, wherein the weight member is positioned on a side of an x-axis toward the back end, wherein the x-axis extends through the head center of gravity from the toe end to the heel end. 
     Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight member further includes at least one of (a) a width between approximately 0.25 and 1.5 inches, (b) a projection height between approximately 0.05 and 0.45 inches, (c) a length between approximately 2.5 and 5.5 inches, or (d) any combination thereof. 
     Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight member includes a plurality of weight members. 
     Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 4, wherein each weight member of the plurality of weight members extends along a portion of the perimeter defined by the crown. 
     Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 4, wherein the plurality of weight members includes at least one weight member positioned on the exterior side of the club head and at least one weight member positioned on the interior side of the club head. 
     Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the crown defines a crown surface curvature that extends from the club face to the back end, the weight member projecting from the crown surface curvature. 
     Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the crown and the weight member define a crown surface curvature having a bi-modal profile that extends from the club face to the back end. 
     Clause 9: The golf club head clause 1, wherein the crown and the weight member define a crown surface curvature having a bi-modal profile that extends from the club face to the back end at a portion of the perimeter defined by the crown. 
     Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight member is formed of discretionary weight. 
     Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the club head is a driver-type club head, a wood-type club head, or a hybrid-type club head. 
     Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from approximately 15% to 55% of a total weight of the golf club head. 
     Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from 15% to 35% of a total weight of the driver-type club head. 
     Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from approximately 20% to 40% of a total weight of the wood-type club head. 
     Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from approximately 25% to 55% of a total weight of the hybrid-type club head. 
     Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from 20 grams to 130 grams. 
     Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from 20 grams to 60 grams for the driver-type club head. 
     Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from 45 grams to 85 grams for the wood-type club head. 
     Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the weight member has a weight ranging from 70 grams to 130 grams for the hybrid-type club head. 
     Clause 20: A golf club head comprising: a body having a crown defining a perimeter of the club head, a sole opposite the crown, a toe end opposite a heel end, a back end, and a hosel; a club face; an exterior side; an interior side; a head center of gravity; and a weight member positioned on one of the exterior side or the interior side of the crown, the weight member having a weight member center of gravity and a curved center line extending through the weight member center of gravity such that at any position along the perimeter, the curved center line is positioned at the same perpendicular distance from the crown; wherein a first distance from the head center of gravity to the curved center line at a particular position relative to the perimeter is greater than any second distance from the head center of gravity to the interior side or the exterior side of the club head on the crown or sole at the particular position relative to the perimeter. 
     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 wood-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. 
     Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.