Patent Publication Number: US-6663504-B2

Title: Multiple material golf club head

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/906,889, filed on Jul. 16, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,592, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/431,982, filed Nov. 1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,962. 
    
    
     FEDERAL RESEARCH STATEMENT 
     [Not Applicable] 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a golf club head with a major body composed of an amorphous metal material, and a minor body composed of a light-weight material. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head with a major body composed of an amorphous metal material for a more efficient transfer of energy to a golf ball at impact, and a non-metallic minor body to control the mass distribution. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     When a golf club head strikes a golf ball, large impacts are produced that load the club head face and the golf ball. Most of the energy is transferred from the head to the golf ball, however, some energy is lost as a result of the collision. The golf ball is typically composed of polymer cover materials (such as ionomers) surrounding a rubber-like core. These softer polymer materials having damping (loss) properties that are strain and strain rate dependent which are on the order of 10-100 times larger than the damping properties of a metallic club face. Thus, during impact most of the energy is lost as a result of the high stresses and deformations of the golf ball (0.001 to 0.20 inch), as opposed to the small deformations of the metallic club face (0.025 to 0.050 inch). A more efficient energy transfer from the club head to the golf ball could lead to greater flight distances of the golf ball. 
     The generally accepted approach has been to increase the stiffness of the club head face to reduce metal or club head deformations. However, this leads to greater deformations in the golf ball, and thus increases in the energy transfer problem. 
     Some have recognized the problem and disclosed possible solutions. An example is Campau, U.S. Pat. No. 4,398,965, for a Method Of Making Iron Golf Clubs With Flexible Impact Surface, which discloses a club having a flexible and resilient face plate with a slot to allow for the flexing of the face plate. The face plate of Campau is composed of a ferrous material, such as stainless steel, and has a thickness in the range of 0.1 inches to 0.125 inches. 
     Another example is Eggiman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,261, for a Golf Club Head With Elastically Deforming Face And Back Plates, which discloses the use of a plurality of plates that act in concert to create a spring-like effect on a golf ball during impact. A fluid is disposed between at least two of the plates to act as a viscous coupler. 
     Yet another example is Jepson et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,474, for a golf Club With A Polyurethane Insert. Jepson discloses that the polyurethane insert has a hardness between 40 and 75 shore D. 
     Still another example is Inamori, U.S. Pat. No. 3,975,023, for a Golf Club Head With Ceramic Face Plate, which discloses using a face plate composed of a ceramic material having a high energy transfer coefficient, although ceramics are usually harder materials. Chen et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,813 for a Golf Club Head, discloses using multiple layers in the face to absorb the shock of the golf ball. One of the materials is a non-metal material. 
     Lu, U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,814, for a Hollow Club Head With Deflecting Insert Face Plate, discloses a reinforcing element composed of a plastic or aluminum alloy that allows for minor deflecting of the face plate which has a thickness ranging from 0.01 to 0.30 inches for a variety of materials including stainless steel, titanium, KEVLAR®, and the like. Yet another Campau invention, U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,248, for a Golf Club Having Insert Capable Of Elastic Flexing, discloses a wood club composed of wood with a metal insert. 
     Although not intended for flexing of the face plate, Viste, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,624 discloses a golf club head having a face plate composed of a forged stainless steel material and having a thickness of 3 mm. Anderson, U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,140, for a Golf Club Head And Method Of Forming Same, also discloses use of a forged material for the face plate. The face plate of Anderson may be composed of several forged materials including steel, copper and titanium. The forged plate has a uniform thickness of between 0.090 and 0.130 inches. 
     Another invention directed toward forged materials in a club head is Su et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,011 for a Golf Club Head. Su discloses a club head composed of three pieces with each piece composed of a forged material. The main objective of Su is to produce a club head with greater loft angle accuracy and reduce structural weaknesses. Aizawa, U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,216 for a Golf Club Head, discloses a face plate having a curved ball hitting surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,146,571 to Vincent, et al., discloses a method of manufacturing a golf club head wherein the walls are obtained by injecting a material such as plastic over an insert affixed to a meltable core. The core has a melt point lower than that of the injectable plastic material so that once the core is removed, an inner volume is maintained to form the inner cavity. The insert may comprise a resistance element for reinforcing the internal portion of the front wall of the shell upon removal of the core where the reinforcement element is comprised of aluminum with a laterally extending portion comprised of steel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,534 to Peters, et al., discloses a golf club head having upper and lower metal engagement surfaces formed along a single plane interface wherein the metal of the lower surface is heavier and more dense than the metal of the upper surface. 
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,570,886 and 5,547,427 to Rigal, et al., disclose a golf club head of molded thermoplastic having a striking face defined by an impact-resistant metallic sealing element. The sealing element defines a front wall of the striking surface of the club head and extends upward and along the side of the impact surface to form a neck for attachment of the shaft to the club head. The sealing element preferably being between 2.5 and 5 mm in thickness. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,538 to Vincent, et al., discloses a hollow golf club head having a steel shell and a composite striking surface composed of a number of stacked woven webs of fiber. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,986 to Viollaz, et al., discloses a golf club head having a body composed of a series of metal plates and a hitting plate comprised of plastic or composite material wherein the hitting plate is imparted with a forwardly convex shape. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,185 to Viollaz, et al., discloses a hollow golf club head having a body composed of a series of metal plates, a metal support plate being located on the front hitting surface to which a hitting plate comprised of plastic or composite is attached. The metal support plate has a forwardly convex front plate associated with a forwardly convex rear plate of the hitting plate thereby forming a forwardly convex hitting surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,106,094 to Desboilles, et al., discloses a golf club head having a metal striking face plate wherein the striking face plate is a separate unit attached to the golf club head with a quantity of filler material in the interior portion of the club head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,568,088 to Kurahashi discloses a wooden golf club head body reinforced by a mixture of wood-plastic composite material. The wood-plastic composite material being unevenly distributed such that a higher density in the range of between 5 and 15 mm lies adjacent to and extends substantially parallel with the front face of the club head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,021,047 to Mader discloses a golf club wherein the sole plate, face plate, heel, toe and hosel portions are formed as a unitary cast metal piece and wherein a wood or composite crown is attached to this unitary piece thereby forming a hollow chamber in the club head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,331 to Lo, et al. discloses a hollow metal golf club head where the metal casing of the head is composed of at least two openings. The head also contains a composite material disposed within the head where a portion of the composite material is located in the openings of the golf club head casing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,167,387 to Daniel discloses a hollow golf club head wherein the shell body is comprised of metal such as aluminum alloy and the face plate is comprised of a hard wood such as beech, persimmon or the like. The face plate is aligned such that the wood grain presents endwise at the striking plate. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,692,306 to Glover discloses a golf club head having a bracket with sole and striking plates formed integrally thereon. At least one of the plates has an embedded elongate tube for securing a removably adjustable weight means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,798 to Lo discloses a method of manufacturing a composite golf club head using a metal casing to which a laminated member is inserted. A sheet of composite material is subsequently layered over the openings of the laminated member and metal casing to close off the openings in the top of both. An expansible pocket is then inserted into the hollow laminated member comprising sodium nitrite, ammonium chloride and water causing the member to attach integrally to the metal casing when the head is placed into a mold and heated. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,249 to Thompson discloses a wood golf club head embodying a laminated upper surface and metallic sole surface having a keel. In order to reinforce the laminations and to keep the body from delaminating upon impact with an unusually hard object, a bolt is inserted through the crown of the club head where it is connected to the sole plate at the keel and tightened to compress the laminations. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,066 to Belmont discloses a wooden golf club head having removably inserted weight adjustment members. The members are parallel to a central vertical axis running from the face section to the rear section of the club head and perpendicular to the crown to toe axis. The weight adjustment members may be held in place by the use of capsules filled with polyurethane resin, which can also be used to form the faceplate. The capsules have openings on a rear surface of the club head with covers to provide access to adjust the weight means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,750,194 to Clark discloses a wooden golf club head with weight adjustment means. The golf club head includes a tray member with sides and bottom for holding the weight adjustment preferably cast or formed integrally with the heel plate. The heel plate with attached weight member is inserted into the head of the golf club via an opening. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,811 to Okumoto, et al. discloses a wood type club head body comprised primarily of a synthetic resin and a metallic sole plate. The metallic sole plate has on its surface for bonding with the head body integrally formed members comprising a hosel on the heel side, weights on the toe and rear sides and a beam connecting the weights and hosel. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,107 to Okumoto, et al., discloses a golf club head having an outer shell, preferably comprised of synthetic resin, and metal weight member/s located on the interior of the club head. A foamable material is injected into the hollow interior of the club to form the core. Once the foamable material has been injected and the sole plate is attached, the club head is heated to cause the foamable material to expand thus holding the weight member/s in position in recess/es located in toe, heel and/or back side regions by pushing the weight member into the inner surface of the outer shell. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,685 to Sun discloses a wood type golf club head wherein a female unit is mated with a male unit to form a unitary golf club head. The female unit comprises the upper portion of the golf club head and is preferably composed of plastic, alloy, or wood. The male unit includes the structural portions of sole plate, a face insert consists of the striking plate and weighting elements. The male unit has a substantially greater weight being preferably composed of a light metal alloy. The units are mated or held together by bonding and or mechanical means. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,935 to Katayama discloses a wood golf club head having a striking face wherein the height of the striking face at a toe end of the golf club head is nearly equal to or greater than the height of the striking face at the center of the club head. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 1,780,625 to Mattern discloses a club head with a rear portion composed of a light-weight metal such as magnesium. U.S. Pat. No. 1,638,916 to Butchart discloses a golf club with a balancing member composed of persimmon or a similar wood material, and a shell-like body composed of aluminum attached to the balancing member. 
     Several California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) patents disclose amorphous metals and methods of producing articles composed of amorphous metals. One of the earliest Cal Tech amorphous metal patents is U.S. Pat. No. 4,564,396, which discloses a method of forming metastable solid, amorphous materials. A subsequent Cal Tech amorphous metal patent is U.S. Pat. No. 5,288,344, which discloses an amorphous metal containing beryllium ranging from 5 to 52 atomic percent of the amorphous metal. Another Cal Tech patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,618,359 discloses amorphous alloys composed of quaternary alloys of Zr, Ti, Cu and Ni. Yet another Cal Tech patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,975 discloses amorphous alloys composed of quinary alloys of Zr, AL, Ti, Cu and Ni. U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,642 is a Cal Tech patent that discloses fabricating amorphous metal articles through die-forming. U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,443, is a Cal Tech patent that discloses casting articles from amorphous metals. 
     Scruggs, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,363 discloses die casting amorphous alloys to form articles. 
     Colvin, U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,840, discloses vacuum die casting amorphous metals to form articles. 
     The Rules of Golf, established and interpreted by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Saint Andrews, set forth certain requirements for a golf club head. The requirements for a golf club head are found in Rule 4 and Appendix II. A complete description of the Rules of Golf are available on the USGA web page at www.usga.org. Although the Rules of Golf do not expressly state specific parameters for a golf club face, Rule 4-1e prohibits the face from having the effect at impact of a spring with a golf ball. In 1998, the USGA adopted a test procedure pursuant to Rule 4-1e which measures club face COR. This USGA test procedure, as well as procedures like it, may be used to measure club face COR. 
     Although the prior art has disclosed many variations of multiple material club heads, the prior art has failed to provide a multiple material club head with a high moment of inertia and greater forgiveness for the typical golfer. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a golf club with a golf club head having an amorphous metal major body and a light-weight minor body in order to provide a golf club head with a high moment of inertia and greater forgiveness. The golf club heads are preferably fairway woods, having loft angles greater than thirteen degrees, and ranging up to approximately twenty-five degrees for an eleven wood. 
     One aspect of the present invention is a golf club head including a major body composed of an amorphous metal material and a minor body composed of a non-metal material. The major body has a striking plate section, a return section, a sole section, a ribbon section and a ledge section. The striking plate section has a thickness in the range of 0.010 inch to 0.250 inch. The return section has a thickness in the range of 0.010 inch to 0.200 inch. The minor body has a crown section and a ribbon section. The minor body is attached to the ledge section of the major body. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a golf club including a golf club head and a shaft. The golf club head has a major body composed of an amorphous metal material and a minor body composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg co-cured into a solid composite shell. The major body has a striking plate section, a return section, a sole section, a ribbon section and a ledge section. The minor body has a crown section and a ribbon section. The minor body is attached to the ledge section of the major body. The golf club has a loft angle greater than thirteen degrees. The moment of inertia of the golf club head about the Izz axis through the center of gravity is greater than 1900 grams-centimeter squared, and the moment of inertia about the Iyy axis through the center of gravity is greater than 1000 grams-centimeter squared. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of the golf club of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the golf club head of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is rear side view of the golf club head of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a toe side plan view of the golf club head of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the golf club head of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the golf club head of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view along line  8 — 8  of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 8A is an isolated view of circle A of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 8B is an isolated view of circle B of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the components of the golf club head of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a heel side plan view of a golf club of the present invention illustrating the Z axis and X axis. 
     FIG. 10A is a front plan view of a golf club of the present invention illustrating the Z axis and Y axis. 
     FIG. 11 is a front plan view of a golf club of the present invention illustrating the test frame coordinates X T  and Y T  and transformed head frame coordinates Y H  and Z H . 
     FIG. 11A is a toe end view of the golf club of the present invention illustrating the test frame coordinate Z T  and transformed head frame coordinates X H  and Z H . 
     FIG. 12 is a front plane view of the golf club head of the present invention illustrating the variation in face thickness for one embodiment. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-9, a golf club is generally designated  30 . The golf club  30  has a golf club head  40  with a hollow interior, not shown. Engaging the club head  40  is a shaft  48  that has a grip, not shown, at a butt end and is inserted into a hosel  54  at a tip end. 
     The club head  40  is generally composed of two components, a major body  50  and minor body  60 . The minor body  60  has a crown section  62  and a ribbon section  64 . The club head  40  may also be partitioned into a heel end  66  nearest the shaft  48 , a toe end  68  opposite the heel section  66 , and an aft end  70 . 
     The major body  50  is generally composed of a single piece of metal, and is preferably composed of an amorphous metal material. The amorphous metal has a Young&#39;s modulus preferably in the range of 80 giga-Pascals (GPa) to 120 GPa, and most preferably 90 GPa to 100 GPa. Such amorphous metals include Fe, Ni, Co and Cr based amorphous metals, which have a density ranging from 8 grams per cubic centimeters (g/cc) to 10 g/cc. Other amorphous metals include Mg, Zr, Ti and Al based amorphous metals, which have a density ranging from 2 g/cc to 6 g/cc. Specific amorhpous metals include: Zr 41.2 Ti 3.8 Cu 10 Ni 12.5 Be 22.5 ; Zr 60 Al 15 Co 2.5 Ni 7.5 Cu 5  (which has a Hardness of 1360, a density of 6.5 g/cc and an Elastic Modulus of 91 GPa); Fe 72 Al 5 Ga 2 P 10 C 6 B 4 Si 1  (which has a Hardness of 1250); Cu 60 Zr 30 Ti 10  (which has a Hardness of approximately 700 and an Elastic Modulus of 112-134 GPa); Cu 60 Hf 30 Ti 10  (which has a Hardness of approximately 700 and an Elastic Modulus of 112-134 GPa); and, Mg 80 Cu 10 Y 10  (which has a Hardness of 220). Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other amorphous metals may be used for the face component without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     Methods such as vacuum die casting, permanent mold casting and hot forming sheet material for fabricating bulk articles from amorphous metals are known in the art and such methods may be used to fabricate the face component  60  of the present invention. Amorphous metal fabrication methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,797,443, 5,896,642, 5,711,363, and 6,021,840, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     The major body  50  generally includes a striking plate section (also referred to herein as a face plate)  72 , a return section  74  extending laterally rearward from the upper perimeter of the striking plate section  72 , a sole section  76  extending laterally rearward from the striking plate section  72 , a ribbon section  78  extending upward from the sole section  76 , and a ledge section  80  stepped inward for attachment of the minor body  60 . The striking plate section  72  typically has a plurality of scorelines thereon. 
     The return section  74  extends inward, towards the minor body  60 , and has a general curvature from the heel end  66  to the toe end  68 . The return section  74  has a length from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72  that is preferably a minimal length near the center of the striking plate section  72 , and increases toward the toe end  68  and the heel end  66 . A distance d represents the length of the return section  74  from the perimeter  73  at the center of the striking plate section  72 , a distance d′ from the perimeter  73  at the heel end  66  of the striking plate section  72 , and a distance d″ from the perimeter  73  at the toe end  68  of the striking plate section  72 . In a preferred embodiment, the distanced ranges from 0.2 inch to 1.0 inch, more preferably 0.30 inch to 0,75 inch, and most preferably 0.60 inch for a 3-wood golf club head  40  and 0.35 inch for an eleven wood golf club head  40 , as measured from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72  to the rearward edge of the return section  74 . In a preferred embodiment, the distance d′ ranges from 0.4 inch to 1.25 inch, more preferably 0.50 inch to 0.100 inch, and most preferably 0.8 inch, as measured from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72  to the rearward edge of the return section 74. In a preferred embodiment, the distanced d″ ranges from 0.4 inch to 1.25 inch, more preferably 0.50 inch to 0.100 inch, and most preferably 0.9 inch, as measured from the perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72  to the rearward edge of the return section  74 . The perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72  is defined as the transition point where the major body  50  transitions from a plane substantially parallel to the striking plate section  72  to a plane substantially perpendicular to the striking plate section  72 . Alternatively, one method for determining the transition point is to take a plane parallel to the striking plate section  72  and a plane perpendicular to the striking plate section  72 , and then take a plane at an angle of forty-five degrees to the parallel plane and the perpendicular plane. Where the forty-five degrees plane contacts the major body  50  is the transition point thereby defining the perimeter  73  of the striking plate section  72 . 
     The minor body  60  is preferably composed of a non-metal material, preferably a composite material such as continuous fiber pre-preg material (either thermosetting resin or thermoplastic resin). Other materials for the minor body  60  include other thermosetting materials or other thermoplastic materials such as injection molded plastics. The minor body  60  is preferably manufactured through bladder-molding, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, injection molding, compression molding, or a similar process. In a preferred process, the major body  50 , with an adhesive on the exterior surface of the ledge section  80 , is press-fitted with the minor body  60 . Such adhesives include thermosetting adhesives in a liquid or a film medium. A preferred adhesive is a two part liquid epoxy sold by 3M of Minneapolis Minn. under the brand names DP420NS and DP460NS. Other alternative adhesives include modified acrylic liquid adhesives such as DP810NS, also sold by the 3M company. Alternatively, foam tapes such as Hysol Synspan may be utilized with the present invention. 
     As shown specifically in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the minor body  60  overlaps the ledge section  80   a  distance Lo, which preferably ranges from 0.10 inch to 1.00 inch, more preferably ranges from 0.40 inch to 0.70 inch, and is most preferably 0.50 inch. The ledge section  80  is preferably inward from the exterior surface of the major body  50  toward the hollow interior  46  a distance Li of 0.005 inch to 0.050 inch, more preferably 0.020 inch to 0.040 inch and most preferably 0.035 inch. The edge  195  of the major body  50  determines the inward distance Li of the ledge section  80 . An annular gap  170  is created between an edge  190  of the minor body  60  and the edge  195  of the major body  50 . The annular gap  170  has a distance Lg that preferably ranges from 0.020 inch to 0.100 inch, more preferably from 0.050 inch to 0.070 inch, and is most preferably 0.060 inch. An optional projection from an exterior surface of the ledge section  80  may establish a minimum bond thickness between the interior surface of the ledge section  80  and the overlapping portion of the minor body  60 . The bond thickness preferably ranges from 0.002 inch to 0.100 inch, more preferably ranges from 0.005 inch to 0.040 inch, and is most preferably 0.0150 inch. A liquid adhesive preferably secures the minor body  60  to the ledge section  80  of the major body  50 . 
     The crown section  62  of the minor body  60  is generally convex toward the sole section  76 , and transitions into the ribbon section  64 . The crown section  62  preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch. The ribbon section  64  preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the minor body  60  is composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg, typically six or seven plies, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,025, entitled Composite Golf Head And Method Of Manufacturing, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     The sole section  76  of the major body  50  is generally convex toward the crown section  62 . The sole section  76  alternatively has a recess for attachment of a sole plate thereto. The sole plate is preferably attached with a pressure sensitive adhesive such as a polyethylene foam acrylic adhesive sold by the 3M company. The sole plate is preferably composed of a light weight metal such as aluminum, titanium or titanium alloy. Alternatively, the sole plate is composed of a durable plastic material. The sole plate may have graphics thereon for designation of the brand of club and loft. 
     FIG. 9 illustrates the hollow interior  46  of the club head  42  of the present invention. The hosel  54  is disposed within the hollow interior  46 , and is preferably integral with the major body  50 . The hosel  54  is preferably cast with the major body  50 . Additionally, the hosel  54  may be composed of a non-similar material that is light weight and secured using bonding or other mechanical securing techniques. A hollow interior of the hosel  54  is defined by a hosel wall  120  that forms a tapering tube from the aperture  59  to the sole section  78 . The shaft  48  is disposed within a hosel insert  121  that is disposed within the hosel  54 . Such a hosel insert  121  and hosel  54  are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,482, filed on Aug. 31, 2000, entitled Golf Club With Hosel Liner, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     As shown in FIG. 9, a rear weighting member  122  is preferably positioned within the hollow interior  46  of the club head  40 . In a preferred embodiment, the rear weighting member  122  is disposed on the interior surface of the ribbon section  78  in order to increase the moment of inertia and control the center of gravity of the golf club head  40 . A heel weighting member  123  is placed adjacent the hosel  54  on the interior surface of the sole section  76 . However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that additional weighting members may be placed in other locations of the club head  40  in order to influence the center of gravity, moment of inertia, or other inherent properties of the golf club head  40 . The weighting members  122  and  123  are preferably weight chips thickened areas of the major body  50  or weight chips welded to the interior surface of the major body  50 . Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other high density materials may be utilized as an optional weighting member without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 12 illustrates the variation in the thickness of the striking plate section  72 . The striking plate section  72  is preferably partitioned into elliptical regions, each having a different thickness. In a preferred embodiment for the striking plate section  72 , the striking plate section  72  has an central elliptical region  102  which preferably has the greatest thickness that ranges from 0.120 inch to 0.100 inch, preferably from 0.115 inch to 0.105 inch, and is most preferably 0.111 inch. The central elliptical region  102  preferably has uniform thickness. A first concentric region  104  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.110 inch to 0.090 inch, preferably from 0.104 inch to 0.094 inch. The first concentric region  104  preferably transitions in thickness from 0.110 inch to 0.100 inch. A second concentric region  106  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.100 inch to 0.080 inch, preferably from 0.095 inch to 0.085 inch. The second concentric region  106  preferably transitions in thickness from 0.100 inch to 0.090 inch. A third concentric region  108  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.090 inch to 0.070 inch, preferably from 0.083 inch to 0.073 inch. The third concentric region  108  preferably transitions in thickness from 0.090 inch to 0.080 inch. A first periphery region  110  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.085 inch to 0.061 inch. The first periphery region  110  preferably transitions in thickness from 0.080 inch to 0.070 inch. A second periphery region  112  preferably has a uniform thickness that ranges from 0.050 inch to 0.080 inch, and most preferably 0.070 inch. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a central elliptical region  102  preferably has the greatest thickness that ranges from 0.120 inch to 0.100 inch, preferably from 0.115 inch to 0.105 inch, and is most preferably 0.111 inch. The central elliptical region  102  preferably has uniform thickness. A first concentric region  104  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.110 inch to 0.090 inch, preferably from 0.104 inch to 0.094 inch, and is most preferably 0.099 inch. A periphery region  110  preferably has the next greatest thickness that ranges from 0.069 inch to 0.061 inch. The variation in the thickness of the striking plate section  72  allows for the greatest thickness to be distributed in the center  111  of the striking plate section  72  thereby enhancing the flexibility of the striking plate section  72  which corresponds to less energy loss to a golf ball and a greater coefficient of restitution. 
     Alternatively, the striking plate portion  72  of the face component  60  has uniform thickness preferably ranging from 0.060 inch to 0.120 inch, more preferably from 0.080 inch to 0.105 inch, and most preferably 0.090 inch. 
     The present invention is directed at a golf club head that has a high coefficient of restitution thereby enabling for greater distance of a golf ball hit with the golf club head of the present invention. The coefficient of restitution (also referred to herein as COR) is determined by the following equation:        e   =         v   1     -     v     2                        U   1     -     U   2                         
     wherein U 1  is the club head velocity prior to impact; U 2  is the golf ball velocity prior to impact which is zero; v 1  is the club head velocity just after separation of the golf ball from the face of the club head; v 2  is the golf ball velocity just after separation of the golf ball from the face of the club head; and e is the coefficient of restitution between the golf ball and the club face. 
     The values of e are limited between zero and 1.0 for systems with no energy addition. The coefficient of restitution, e, for a material such as a soft clay or putty would be near zero, while for a perfectly elastic material, where no energy is lost as a result of deformation, the value of e would be 1.0. The present invention provides a club head having a coefficient of restitution ranging from 0.81 to 0.94, as measured under conventional test conditions. 
     The mass of the club head  40  of the present invention ranges from 165 grams to 250 grams, preferably ranges from 175 grams to 230 grams, and most preferably from 200 grams to 221 grams, with the three-wood golf club head  40  preferably having a mass of 203 grams and the eleven-wood golf club head  40  preferably having a mass of 221 grams. Preferably, the major body  50  has a mass ranging from 140 grams to 200 grams, more preferably ranging from 150 grams to 180 grams, yet more preferably from 155 grams to 166 grams, and most preferably 161 grams. The minor body  60  has a mass preferably ranging from 4 grams to 20 grams, more preferably from 5 grams to 15 grams, and most preferably 7 grams. The rear weighting member  122  has a mass preferably ranging from 10 grams to 50 grams, more preferably from 30 grams to 40 grams, and most preferably 31 grams. The heel weighting member  123  has a mass preferably ranging from 2 grams to 15 grams, more preferably from 3 grams to 10 grams, and most preferably 5 grams. Additionally, epoxy, or other like flowable materials, in an amount ranging from 0.5 grams to 5 grams, may be injected into the hollow interior  46  of the golf club head  40  for selective weighting thereof. 
     FIGS. 10 and 10A illustrate the axes of inertia through the center of gravity of the golf club head. The axes of inertia are designated X, Y and Z. The X axis extends from the striking plate section  72  through the center of gravity, CG, and to the rear of the golf club head  40 . The Y axis extends from the toe end  68  of the golf club head  40  through the center of gravity, CG, and to the heel end  66  of the golf club head  40 . The Z axis extends from the crown section  62  through the center of gravity, CG, and to the sole section  76 . 
     The center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a golf club head  40  are preferably measured using a test frame (X T , Y T , Z T ), and then transformed to a head frame (X H , Y H , Z H ), as shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A. The center of gravity of a golf club head may be obtained using a center of gravity table having two weight scales thereon, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,425 Ser. No. 09/796,951, filed on Feb. 27, 2001, entitled High Moment Of Inertia Composite Golf Club, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     In general, the moment of inertia, Izz, about the Z axis for the golf club head  40  of the present invention will range from 1900 g-cm 2  to 3000 g-cm 2 , preferably from 1990 g-cm 2  to 2500 g-cm 2 , and most preferably from 1990 g-cm 2  to 2400 g-cm 2 . The moment of inertia, Iyy, about the Y axis for the golf club head  42  of the present invention will range from 900 g-cm 2  to 1700 g-cm 2 , preferably from 950 g-cm 2  to 1500 g-cm 2 , and most preferably from 965 g-cm 2  to 1200 g-cm 2 . 
     In a first example, the major body  50  is composed of an amorphous metal material having a chemical composition of Cu 60 Zr 20 Hf 10 Ti 10 , and having a density of approximately 8.4 g/cc. Table One illustrates the mass and volume of the major body, the mass of the minor body  60 , the mass of the heel weighting member  123 , the mass of the rear weighting member  122  and the total mass for fairway woods 3, 3+, 4, 4+, 5, 7, 9 and 11. 
     In a second example, the major body  50  is composed of an amorphous metal material having a chemical composition of Zr 34 Ti 15 Cu 10 Ni 11 Be 28 Y 2 , and having a density of approximately 5.78 g/cc. Table One illustrates the mass and volume of the major body, the mass of the minor body  60 , the mass of the heel weighting member  123 , the mass of the rear weighting member  122  and the total mass for fairway woods 3, 3+, 4, 4+, 5, 7, 9 and 11. 
     In a third example, the major body  50  is composed of an amorphous metal material having a chemical composition of Cu 60 Zr 10 Hf 15 Ti 15 , and having a density of approximately 8.63 g/cc. Table One illustrates the mass and volume of the major body, the mass of the minor body  60 , the free mass which is preferably comprised of the heel weighting member  123 , and the rear weighting member  122 , but which is not limited to these weighting members, and the total mass for fairway woods 3, 3+, 4, 4+, 5, 7, 9 and 11. 
     [t1] 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                     TABLE ONE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 Major 
                   
                   
                 Minor 
                   
               
               
                 Density 
                 Thickness 
                 Body 
                 Total 
                 Structural 
                 Body 
                 Free 
               
               
                 8.4 
                 (in.) 
                 Volume 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 3 wood 
                 0.04 
                 23.051 
                 203 
                 193.6284 
                 7 
                 2.3716 
               
               
                 Strong 3 
                 0.045 
                 22.981 
                 207 
                 193.0404 
                 7 
                 6.9596 
               
               
                 4 wood 
                 0.045 
                 23.195 
                 206 
                 194.838 
                 7 
                 4.162 
               
               
                 Strong 4 
                 0.05 
                 21.727 
                 211 
                 182.5068 
                 7 
                 21.4932 
               
               
                 5 wood 
                 0.05 
                 22.011 
                 210 
                 184.8924 
                 7 
                 18.1076 
               
               
                 7 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.553 
                 214 
                 189.4452 
                 7 
                 17.5548 
               
               
                 9 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.631 
                 217 
                 190.1004 
                 7 
                 19.8996 
               
               
                 11 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.781 
                 217 
                 191.3604 
                 7 
                 18.6396 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     [t2] 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                                                      TABLE TWO 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 Major 
                   
                   
                 Minor 
                   
               
               
                 Density 
                 Thickness 
                 Body 
                 Total 
                 Structural 
                 Body 
                 Free 
               
               
                 5.78 
                 (in.) 
                 Volume 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 3 wood 
                 0.04 
                 23.051 
                 203 
                 133.2347 
                 7 
                 62.76522 
               
               
                 Strong 3 
                 0.045 
                 22.981 
                 207 
                 132.8301 
                 7 
                 67.16982 
               
               
                 4 wood 
                 0.045 
                 23.195 
                 206 
                 134.0671 
                 7 
                 64.9329 
               
               
                 Strong 4 
                 0.05 
                 21.727 
                 211 
                 125.5820 
                 7 
                 78.41794 
               
               
                 5 wood 
                 0.05 
                 22.011 
                 210 
                 127.2235 
                 7 
                 75.77642 
               
               
                 7 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.553 
                 214 
                 130.3563 
                 7 
                 76.64366 
               
               
                 9 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.631 
                 217 
                 130.8071 
                 7 
                 79.19282 
               
               
                 11 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.781 
                 217 
                 131.6741 
                 7 
                 78.32582 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     [t3] 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                                                     TABLE THREE 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Wall 
                 Major 
                   
                   
                 Minor 
                   
               
               
                 Density 
                 Thickness 
                 Body 
                 Total 
                 Structural 
                 Body 
                 Free 
               
               
                 8.63 
                 (in.) 
                 Volume 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
                 Mass 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 3 wood 
                 0.38 
                 21.9 
                 203 
                 188.997 
                 7 
                 7.003 
               
               
                 Strong 3 
                 0.042 
                 21.44 
                 207 
                 185.0272 
                 7 
                 14.9728 
               
               
                 4 wood 
                 0.042 
                 21.65 
                 206 
                 186.8395 
                 7 
                 12.1605 
               
               
                 Strong 4 
                 0.05 
                 21.727 
                 211 
                 187.5040 
                 7 
                 16.49599 
               
               
                 5 wood 
                 0.05 
                 22.011 
                 210 
                 189.9549 
                 7 
                 13.04507 
               
               
                 7 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.553 
                 214 
                 194.6323 
                 7 
                 12.36761 
               
               
                 9 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.631 
                 217 
                 195.3055 
                 7 
                 14.69447 
               
               
                 11 wood 
                 0.06 
                 22.781 
                 217 
                 196.6000 
                 7 
                 13.39997 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.