Patent ID: 12257485

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

DESCRIPTION

The following U.S. Patents and Patent Applications, which are collectively referred to herein as “the incorporated by reference patent documents,” are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,961,336, 9,199,143, 9,421,437, 9,427,634, 9,468,821, 9,533,201, 9,610,481, 9,649,542, 9,675,853, 9,814,952, 9,878,220, 10,029,158, 10,029,159, 10,159,876, 10,232,235, 10,265,590, 10,279,233, 10,286,267, 10,293,229, 10,449,428, 10,478,684, 10,512,829, 10,596,424, 10,596,425, 10,632,349, 10,716,978, 10,729,948, 10,729,949, 10,814,193, 10,821,339, 10,821,340, 10,828,538, 10,864,414, 10,874,919, 10,874,921, 10,905,920, 10,933,286, 10,940,375, 11,058,932, 11,097,168, 11,117,030, 11,141,633, 11,154,755, 11,167,187, 11,173,359, 11,192,003, 11,207,575, 11,235,211; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20170282026, 20170282027, 20170368429, 20180050243, 20180050244, 20180133567, 20180140910, 20180169488, 20180221727, 20180236325, 20190232125, 20190232126, 20190247727, 20200171363, 20210023422, 20210069557, 20210086044, 20210162278, 20210197037, 20210205672, 20210308537, 20220032138, and 20220040541.

In the example ofFIG.1, a golf club90may include a golf club head100, a shaft92, and a grip94. The golf club head100may be attached to one end of the shaft92and the grip94may be attached to the opposite end of the shaft92. An individual can hold the grip94and swing the golf club head100with the shaft92to strike a golf ball (not illustrated).

In the example ofFIGS.2-24, a golf club head100may include a body portion110having a toe portion140with a toe portion edge142, a heel portion150with a heel portion edge152that may include a hosel portion155. A golf club shaft such as the shaft92that is illustrated for example inFIG.1may include one end coupled to the hosel portion155and an opposite end coupled to a golf club grip such as the grip94that is illustrated for example inFIG.1to form a golf club such as the golf club90that is illustrated for example inFIG.1. The body portion110may further include a front portion160, a back portion170with a back wall portion172, a top portion180with a top portion edge182, and a sole portion190with a sole portion edge192. The toe portion140, the heel portion150, the front portion160, the back portion170, the top portion180, and/or the sole portion190may partially overlap. The toe portion edge142, the heel portion edge152, the top portion edge182, and the sole portion edge192may define a periphery or boundary of the body portion110. The golf club head100may be any type of golf club head described herein, such as, for example, an iron-type golf club head or a wedge-type golf club head. The volume of the golf club head100, the materials of construction of the golf club head100, and/or any components thereof may be similar to any of the golf club heads described herein and/or described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head100may include a face portion162(i.e., the strike face) that may be integrally formed with the body portion110(e.g., a single unitary piece). In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the face portion162may be a separate piece coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly, adhesively, mechanically, by welding, and/or by soldering) to the front portion160to close a front opening of the front portion160. The face portion162may include a front surface164and a back surface166. The front surface164may include front grooves168that may extend between the toe portion140and the heel portion150. The front grooves168may be similar in many respects to the front grooves of any of the golf club heads described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The back surface166of the face portion162may include one or more grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. In one example, the grooves on the back surface166may be similar in many respects to any of the back grooves2800and2900illustrated inFIGS.28and29, respectively, and described herein. In another example, the grooves on the back surface166may be similar to any of the back grooves described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,400,352 and 10,449,428, which are incorporated by reference herein. In another example, the back surface166may not include any grooves, slots, channels, depressions, or recesses. The face portion162and the attachment thereof to the body portion110or manufacturing thereof with the body portion110may be similar in many respects to any of the face portions described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the illustrated example ofFIG.28, the back surface166of the face portion162may include a back groove2800having a first end portion2802, a first portion2804, a first transition portion2805, a second portion2806, a second transition portion2807, a third portion2808, and a second end portion2810. In one example, as illustrated inFIG.28, the first end portion2802may be proximate to the face toe edge2140and proximate to the face sole edge2190. The first end portion2802may be circular as illustrated inFIG.28to eliminate or reduce stress concentration regions on the face portion162at or proximate to the first end portion2802. The first portion2804may extend from the first end portion2802toward the face top edge2180. In the illustrated example ofFIG.28, the first portion2804may be linear and extend vertically from the first end portion2802toward the face top edge2180. In another example, the first portion2804may extend from the first end portion2802toward the face top edge2180with a curvature that may be similar or substantially similar to the curvature or contour of the face toe edge2140. In yet another example, the first portion2804may be inwardly curved. The first portion2804may then transition to the second portion2806via the first transition portion2805located proximate to the face toe edge2140and proximate to the face top edge2180. The first transition portion2805may be curved to eliminate or reduce stress concentration regions on the face portion162at or proximate to the first transition portion2805. The second portion2806may extend from the first transition portion2805toward the face heel edge2150. The second portion2806may be linear and have the same orientation and contour as the face top edge2180. The second portion2806may then transition to the third portion2808via the second transition portion2807located proximate to the face heel edge2150and proximate to the face top edge2180. The second transition portion2807may be curved to prevent or reduce stress concentration regions on the face portion162at or proximate to the second transition portion2807. The third portion2808may extend from the second transition portion2807toward the second end portion2810to the second end portion2810. The second portion2806may be linear and have the same orientation and contour as the face heel edge2150. The second end portion2810may be located proximate to the face heel edge2150and proximate to the face sole edge2190. The second end portion2810may be circular as illustrated inFIG.28to eliminate or reduce stress concentration regions on the face portion162at or proximate to the second end portion2810. In another example, the back groove2800may have the same as described herein but be in an inverted configuration (i.e., U-shaped or rotated 180 degrees relative to the back groove2800shown inFIG.28). In another example, the back groove2800may have the shape as described herein but be rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the back groove2800shown inFIG.28(i.e., C-shaped). In another example, the grooves on the back surface166may be similar to any of the back grooves described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,400,352 and 10,449,428, which are incorporated by reference herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example, as illustrated inFIG.29, the back surface166of the face portion162may include a back groove2900, which may have similar back groove width, back groove depth, and/or cross-sectional shape as described and illustrated herein with respect to the back groove2800. The back groove2900may include a first portion2904, a first transition portion2905, a second portion2906, a second transition portion2907, a third portion2908, and a third transition portion2909, a fourth portion2910, and a fourth transition portion2911, all of which may be continuous such that the back groove2900extends proximate to a perimeter of the back surface166of the face portion162and generally follows the contour of the perimeter of the face portion162without having any sharp corners to prevent stress concentration regions at or near any portion of the back groove2900. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As illustrated inFIGS.28and29, the back grooves2800and2900may define inner areas2862and2962and outer areas2864and2964, respectively, of the face portion162. The inner areas may correspond to or include a portion of the face portion162that generally strikes a golf ball. Further, the back grooves may provide a relatively thinner part of the face portion162as compared to the remaining parts of the face portion162. Accordingly, the back grooves may provide enhanced deflection of the inner areas relative to the outer areas as compared to face portion162without the back grooves. In other words, the back grooves may provide a trampoline effect for the inner areas of the face portion162. The enhanced deflection of the inner areas may provide enhanced rebounding of the inner areas after the face portion162strikes a golf ball, which may increase ball speed and/or carry distance. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the thickness of the face portion162, which may be referred to herein as the face thickness, may be greater than or equal to 0.025 inch (0.635 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inch (3.175 mm). In another example, the face thickness may be greater than or equal to 0.047 inch (1.181 mm) and less than or equal to 0.078 inch (1.969 mm). In another example, the face thickness may be greater than or equal to 0.054 inch (1.378 mm) and less than or equal to 0.070 inch (1.772 mm). In yet another example, the face thickness may be greater than or equal to 0.060 inch (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.065 inch (1.651 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any location on the golf club head100(or any of the golf club heads described herein) may be referenced by x, y, and z coordinates of a reference coordinate system. The coordinate system may have a horizontal x-axis, a vertical y-axis that is orthogonal to the x-axis, and a z-axis that is orthogonal to both the x-axis and the y-axis, all of which intersect at an origin of the coordinate system. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2,4and7, the origin505of the coordinate system or the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at the lowest point of the planar portion or flat portion of the face portion162or the lowest point on the face portion162prior to any curved transition portion between the face portion162and the sole portion edge192. The x-axis (shown for example by reference number506) of the coordinate system may extend in the horizontal and heel-to-toe direction with the positive x-axis extending from the origin505in a direction towards the heel portion edge152. The y-axis (shown for example by reference number507) of the coordinate system may extend in the vertical direction and be orthogonal to the x-axis with the positive y-axis extending vertically upward from the origin505. The z-axis (shown for example by reference number508) of the coordinate system may be orthogonal with both the x-axis and the y-axis with the negative z-axis extending from the origin in a direction towards the back portion170(positive z-axis direction is shown inFIGS.4and7). In another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at the lowest location of the toe portion edge142. In another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at the center of gravity of the golf club head100. In yet another example, the location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at a geometric center of the face portion162. The location of coordinates x=0, y=0, and z=0 may be at any location on the golf club head100or outside the golf club head100. Additionally, the coordinate system may have the x-axis, y-axis, and the z-axis at different directions (e.g., x direction being vertical and y direction being horizontal) than the coordinate systems described herein. Accordingly, any location on the golf club head100may be referenced with x, y, and z coordinates relative to x=0, y=0, and z=0 of a reference coordinate system. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The golf club head100may be associated with a ground plane510, a horizontal midplane520, and a top plane530. In particular, the ground plane510may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and is tangent to the lowest portion of the sole portion edge192when the golf club head100is at an address position (e.g., the golf club head100aligned to strike a golf ball). A top plane530may be a plane that is tangent to the upper most portion of top portion edge182when the golf club head100is at the address position. The ground plane510and the top plane530may be parallel or substantially parallel. The horizontal midplane520may be vertically halfway between the ground plane510and the top plane530, respectively, and be parallel or substantially parallel to the ground plane510. Further, the golf club head100may be associated with a loft plane540defining a loft angle545(a) of the golf club head100. The loft plane540may be a plane that is tangent to or coplanar with the face portion162. The loft angle545may be defined by an angle between the loft plane540and a vertical plane550that is normal to the ground plane510. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The back wall portion172may include an upper back wall portion220, a lower back wall portion222, and a ledge portion230between the upper back wall portion220and the lower back wall portion222. The ledge portion230may extend outward (i.e., away from the face portion162) from the upper back wall portion220to the lower back wall portion222(i.e., the ledge portion230may extend inward or toward the face portion162from the lower back wall portion222to the upper back wall portion220). The ledge portion230may include a first ledge portion232that may extend from a location at or proximate to the toe portion edge142toward the heel portion150, a second ledge portion234that may be located at or proximate to a center portion173of the back wall portion172, and a third ledge portion236that may extend from a location at or proximate to the heel portion edge152toward the toe portion140. The second ledge portion234may extend between the first ledge portion232and the third ledge portion236. The first ledge portion232may also extend in a downwardly inclined direction from a location at or proximate to the toe portion edge142to the second ledge portion234. The third ledge portion236may also extend in a downwardly inclined or horizontal direction from a location at or proximate to the heel portion edge152to the second ledge portion234. Alternatively, the first ledge portion232and/or the third ledge portion236may be upwardly inclined or horizontally oriented. The ledge portion230including the first ledge portion232, the second ledge portion234, and the third ledge portion236may be similar in many respects (e.g., height, width, orientation, configurations of any sidewall portions, configurations of any ledge portion transition portions, etc.) to any of the ledge portions described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIG.7, a top rail width183, which may be defined as a distance between the back wall portion172and the face portion162at the top portion edge182, may be greater than equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm) and less than or equal to 0.35 inch (8.89 mm), and a sole width193, which may be defined as a distance between the back wall portion172and the face portion162at the sole portion edge192, may be greater than equal to 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 1.05 inch (26.67 mm). In another example, the top rail width183may be greater than equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.7 mm), and the sole width193may be greater than equal to 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inch (44.45 mm). In yet another example, a ratio of the sole width193to the top rail width183may be greater than or equal to 2.5 and less than or equal to 3.5. Accordingly, a greater portion of the mass portion of the body portion110may be located closer to the sole portion edge192than the top portion edge182to place the center of gravity of the golf club head100relatively low or as low as possible while complying with rules established by one or more golf governing bodies to provide optimum performance for the golf club head100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The body portion110may include one or more ports, which may be exterior ports and/or interior ports (e.g., located inside the body portion110). The one or more ports may be at any location on the body portion110. The inner walls of the body portion110that define the interior cavity210may include one or more ports. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the body portion110may include a first port321above the first ledge portion232, a second port331located below the second ledge portion234, and a third port341in the interior cavity210. Accordingly, the first port321and the second port331may be external ports, i.e., having port openings on an external surface of the body portion110, whereas the third port341may be an internal port having an opening on one or more internal walls of the body portion110that define the interior cavity210. The body portion110may include ports that may be similar in many respects to any of the ports described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the first port321may be located above the first ledge portion232and proximate to the toe portion edge142. In another example, the first port321may be on the toe portion edge142. In yet another example, the first port321may be below the first ledge portion232. The first port321may have a first port first opening326on the back wall portion172that may be raised, coplanar, or recessed relative to portions of the back wall portion172that surround the first port first opening326. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the first port first opening326may be inside a recessed portion426on the upper back wall portion220. The first port321may be cylindrical and extend from the first port first opening326to the interior cavity at a first port second opening327to connect to the interior cavity210. Accordingly, the first port first opening326may provide access to the interior cavity210from outside of the body portion110via the first port second opening327. As illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the first port321may have a circular cross section (i.e., cylindrical port). In another example, the first port321may be elliptical. In yet another example, the first port321may have any shape. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the recessed portion426may be configured to receive a cover portion or a badge428to cover the first port first opening326. In another example, the first port321may be closed with a mass portion that may be constructed from a material having a different density than a material of the body portion110. In yet another example, the first port321may be closed with a mass portion that may be constructed from a material having the same density as a material of the body portion110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the badge428may display one or more alphanumeric characters, symbols, shapes or other visual marks to signify a particular feature of or information about of the golf club head100. Accordingly, the badge428may be configured to be inserted and secured in the recessed portion426. In one example, the badge428may be secured in the recessed portion426with an adhesive or a bonding agent. In another example, depending on the material of construction of the badge428, welding or soldering may be used to attach the badge428inside the recessed portion426. In another example, the badge428may be press fit into the recessed portion426. In yet another example, one or more fasteners may be used to attach the badge428inside recessed portion426. As described herein, the badge428may cover and/or close the first port321. In one example, the badge428may be plate shaped to fit in the recessed portion426. In another example, the badge428may further have a projection that may be received in the first port321to close the first port321. In another example, the badge428may be rectangular, circular, or have any shape. In another example, the badge428may be visible and distinguishable from the remaining parts of the body portion110by color, texture, materials of construction, and/or other visual features. In yet another example, the badge428may be attached to the body portion110such as to appear seamless or almost seamless with the body portion110and be an integral part of the body portion110, i.e., indistinguishable or almost indistinguishable from the body portion110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the second port331may be larger in diameter than the first port321. The distance between a center of the second port331and the sole portion edge192may be less than the distance between the center of the second port331and the top portion edge182. Accordingly, the second port331may be closer to the sole portion edge192than to the top portion edge182. The second port331may be located at or proximate to the center portion173of the back wall portion172and may have a diameter that is sized such that portions of the second port331may be located at or proximate to the sole portion edge192. The second port331may be located between the sole portion edge192and the second ledge portion234. The second port331may have a second port first opening333on the back wall portion172and port walls335that extend from the second port first opening333to a second port second opening337that may be connected to the interior cavity210. Accordingly, the interior cavity210may be accessed from outside of the body portion110through the second port first opening333and the second port second opening337. In one example, an inner diameter of the second port331may be greater than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.4 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port331may be greater than or equal to 0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and less than 1.5 inch (38.1 mm). In another example, the inner diameter of the second port331may be greater than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 0.8 inch (20.32 mm). In yet another example, the inner diameter of the second port331may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) and less than or equal to 0.7 inch (17.78 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the second ledge portion234may partially surround the second port331. Accordingly, in one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the second ledge portion234may have a curved or semi-circular shape that may surround the upper portion of the second port331. Alternatively, the second ledge portion234may be similar to any of the second ledge portions described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The body portion110may include any number of ports above and/or below the first ledge portion232, the second ledge portion234, and/or the third ledge portion236. The body portion110may include any number of ports above and/or below the horizontal midplane520. The body portion110may include any number of ports on the toe portion edge142, the heel portion edge152, the top portion edge182, and/or the sole portion edge192. Any port may be connected to the interior cavity210. The number of ports on the body portion110, the arrangement and/or the configuration of the ports on the body portion110may be similar in many respects to any of the golf club heads described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the golf club head may include a port sleeve1610that may be sized to be inserted into the second port331. The port sleeve1610may be constructed from any material such as metals, polymers, and/or composite materials. The port sleeve1610may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion110. The lower mass of the port sleeve1610relative to a port sleeve1610constructed from a material having the same or higher density than the material of the body portion110, or a golf club head100without a port sleeve1610(i.e., the space filled by the port sleeve1610is filled with a material having the same or higher density than the material of the body portion110), allows more mass to be shifted to the toe region of the body portion110to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head or optimize the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head100without changing or greatly changing the total mass of the golf club head100. In other words, the port sleeve1610allows mass to be shifted from the center portion of the golf club head100to other parts of the golf club head100to optimize the performance of the golf club head100. In one example, the port sleeve1610may provide a weight savings of greater than or equal to 0.5 gram and less than or equal to 10 grams at the center portion of the golf club head100to be shifted to other locations on the golf club head100as described herein. In another example, the port sleeve1610may provide a weight savings of greater than or equal to 2 gram and less than or equal to 7 grams at the center portion of the golf club head100to be shifted to other locations on the golf club head100as described herein. In yet another example, the port sleeve1610may provide a weight savings of greater than or equal to 1 gram and less than or equal to 5 grams at the center portion of the golf club head100to be shifted to other locations on the golf club head100as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from titanium or any titanium-based materials, whereas all or portions of the body portion110may be constructed from steel or steel-based materials. In another example, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from a polymer material. In yet another example, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from a composite material. For certain applications or configurations of the golf club head100, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from a material having a greater density than the density of the material of the body portion110to place more mass at or proximate to the center portion of the golf club head100. The port sleeve1610may be constructed from a material having the same density or a different density as the density of the material of the body portion110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the port sleeve1610may include a sleeve body1612and a sleeve bezel1614. The sleeve body1612may have an outer diameter that is sized to be movably received in the second port331while coupling to or engaging the inner walls of the second port331as described herein. In one example, the sleeve body1612may be externally threaded and compatible with threaded port walls335of the second port331. Accordingly, the port sleeve1610may be inserted into and engage the threaded inner walls of the second port331by being screwed into the second port331. The port sleeve1610may include a sleeve bottom1616having one or more structures, such as projections, recesses, and/or apertures for engaging a tool to turn the port sleeve1610inside the second port331and/or to provide access to the interior cavity210. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the sleeve bottom1616may include a bottom opening1617to provide access to the interior cavity210from the second port331when the port sleeve1610is inside the second port331, and the sleeve bottom1616may include recesses1618that may be rectangular and configured in a four quadrant arrangement to provide engagement with a correspondingly shaped tool (not shown) to turn the port sleeve1610and secure the port sleeve1610in the second port331. A tool that engages the recesses1618may also include a cylindrical projection that may be inserted into the bottom opening1617to engage the sleeve bottom1616and/or function to center the tool on the sleeve bottom1616for engagement with the recesses1618. The sleeve bottom1616may have any structure and/or openings for engaging a corresponding tool for turning the port sleeve1610inside the second port331. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The sleeve bezel1614may have a greater diameter than the sleeve body1612and a greater diameter than the internal diameter of the second port331. Accordingly, the sleeve bezel1614may engage the back wall portion172surrounding the second port331to prevent further insertion of the sleeve body1612into the second port331. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, a portion of the back wall portion172surrounding the second port331may include a recessed ledge portion177that may be sized and shaped to receive the sleeve bezel1614therein and prevent further insertion of the sleeve body1612into the second port331. Accordingly, in one example, the sleeve bezel1614may sit flush with the back wall portion172when the port sleeve1610is fully inserted into the second port331and the sleeve bezel1614is engaged with the recessed ledge portion177. Alternatively, the sleeve bezel1614may not be flush with the back wall portion172such that the sleeve bezel1614may be partially or fully raised or partially or fully recessed relative to the back wall portion172. In one example, the sleeve bezel1614may also include one or more structures for engaging a correspondingly shaped tool to secure the port sleeve1610in the second port331. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the length of the port sleeve1610may be greater than the length of the second port331. Accordingly, a sleeve front portion1620of the port sleeve1610may extend past the second port331and into the interior cavity210. As the port sleeve1610is screwed into the second port331as described herein, the sleeve front portion1620may extend through the second port331and enter or penetrate the interior cavity210. As the port sleeve1610is further screwed into the second port331, the sleeve front portion1620may advance farther into the interior cavity210until the engagement of the sleeve bezel1614with the recessed ledge portion177prevents further insertion of the port sleeve1610into the second port331. Accordingly, interior cavity penetration depth of the sleeve front portion1620may be adjusted by the port sleeve1610being screwed into and out of the second port331with the maximum interior cavity penetration depth being defined by engagement of the sleeve bezel1614with the recessed ledge portion177. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The body portion110may include one or more mass portions (e.g., weight portion(s)) at any location on the body portion110. The one or more mass portions may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to the body portion110at any exterior or interior location on the body portion110. In the illustrated example ofFIGS.2-24, the body portion110may include an external mass portion435, which may be also referred to herein as the first mass portion, and an internal mass portion445, which may be also referred to herein as the second mass portion. In one example, the external mass portion435may be disc shaped as illustrated inFIGS.2-26and further illustrated in detail inFIG.27and referred to as mass portion2700. Referring toFIG.27, the mass portion2700may be cylindrical or cylindrical shaped with a head portion2702, a shaft portion2706and a top portion2710including a tool engagement portion2712. The diameter2704of the mass portion2700may be greater than the length2708of the mass portion2700. Accordingly, the mass portion2700may be disc shaped as illustrated inFIG.27. In another example, the external mass portion435may be similar to any of the mass portions described. In another example, the external mass portion435may be similar to any of the mass portions or the disc-shaped mass portion described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,369,847, 11,400,352, and 11,707,655, which are incorporated by reference herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The diameter of the external mass portion435may be determined based on one or more properties (e.g., material density) of the materials of construction of the external mass portion435. The port sleeve1610may be configured to receive the external mass portion435, which may be inserted and secured into the port sleeve1610by any of the methods described herein with respect to any of the golf club heads described herein such as being screwed in, press fitted, secured with an adhesive, or welded. In other words, the port sleeve1610may function as a sleeve for receiving the external mass portion435. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the inner walls of the port sleeve1610may be threaded to engage corresponding threads on the external mass portion435. Accordingly, the inner diameter of the port sleeve1610may correspond to the outer diameter of the external mass portion435. The external mass portion435may be fully inserted into the port sleeve1610and engage the sleeve bottom1616. Accordingly, the outer surface of the external mass portion435may define a portion of the back wall portion172and be flush with the sleeve bezel1614. Alternatively, the external mass portion435may be recessed relative to the sleeve bezel1614or protrude outward relative to the sleeve bezel1614. The external mass portion435may be visible to an individual viewing the golf club head100. In another example, the external mass portion435may be configured (e.g., size of diameter, length, etc.) to be directly inserted (e.g., screwed into) and fastened in the second port331as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,369,847, 11,400,352, and 11,707,655, which are incorporated by reference herein. In other words, the golf club head100may not include the port sleeve1610, or optionally the port sleeve1610may not be used. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

A center region or a geometric center of the second port331may be located at or proximate to the CG of the golf club head100. Accordingly, a center of gravity of the external mass portion435may also be located at or proximate to the CG of the golf club head100when the external mass portion435is secured in the second port331as described herein. The x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the golf club head100may be denoted herein by CGX, CGY, and CGZ, respectively, and the x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the external mass portion435may be denoted herein by CGM1X, CGM1Y, and CGM1Z, respectively. In one example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGXmay be less than or equal to 0.02 inch (0.51 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.3 inch (7.62 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGXmay be less than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.6 inch (15.24 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGXmay be less than or equal to 0.01 inch (0.25 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.15 inch (3.81 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). In yet another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGXmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm). As a result, the external mass portion435may be interchangeable with another mass portion having a lower mass or a mass portion having a higher mass without causing a relatively large or a significant shift in the CG of the golf club head100. In one example, for each gram of mass increase of the external mass portion435, the CG location of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.5% of the CGXlocation (x-axis coordinate of the CG), less than 0.5% of the CGYlocation (y-axis coordinate of the CG), and/or less than 0.2% of the CGZlocation (z-axis coordinate of the CG). In another example, for each gram of mass increase of the external mass portion435, the CG location of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.35% of the CGXlocation, less than 0.35% of the CGYlocation, and/or less than 0.15% of the CGZlocation. In yet another example, for each gram of mass increase of the external mass portion435, the CG location of the golf club head may shift by less than 0.25% of the CGXlocation, less than 0.25% of the CGYlocation, and/or less than 0.10% of the CGZlocation. Thus, the external mass portion435may be interchangeable with another mass portion having a lower or a greater mass to provide certain performance characteristics for an individual (i.e., customize the performance of the golf club head100for a certain individual) without substantially shifting the CG of the golf club head100and/or altering the overall or general performance characteristics of the golf club head100. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the entire external mass portion435may be below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, a substantial portion of the external mass portion435may be below the horizontal midplane520. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The internal mass portion445may be at any location on the body portion110. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the internal mass portion445may be located proximate to the toe portion edge142. In another example, the internal mass portion445may be located between the external mass portion435and the toe portion edge142. The location of the internal mass portion445being proximate to the toe portion edge142may increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100to improve performance. All or portions of the internal mass portion445may be placed close to the toe portion edge142to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head. Referring toFIGS.14, in one example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). In another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to 0.3 inch (7.62 mm). In another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm). In another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm). In another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to half the distance between the external mass portion435and the toe portion edge142. In yet another example, the shortest distance447between the internal mass portion445and the toe portion edge142may be less than or equal to ¼ the distance between the external mass portion435and the toe portion edge142. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the internal mass portion445may have a curved shape that may correspond or approximately correspond to the shape of portions of the toe portion edge142that are proximate to the internal mass portion445. Accordingly, the internal mass portion445may be located close to the toe portion edge142and have curvature that is the same or substantially the same as the curved shape of the toe portion edge142. The shape and location of the internal mass portion445allows the internal mass portion to be placed close to the toe portion edge and have a mass distribution that closely resembles or resembles the curvature of the portions of the of the toe portion edge that are proximate to the internal mass portion445. Accordingly, the internal mass portion445may increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head100. The location of the internal mass portion445along the y-axis and the z-axis may be determined so that the internal mass portion445may not greatly affect or shift the location of the CG of the golf club head100. In other words, the y-coordinate and/or the z-coordinate of the CG of the internal mass portion445may be the same or substantially similar (considering manufacturing tolerances) or offset from the y-coordinate and/or z-coordinate of the CG of the golf club head, respectively, by a small amount so that the CG of the golf club head100may be maintained relatively low and aft on the golf club head100. The x, y, and z coordinates of the center of gravity of the internal mass portion445may be denoted herein by CGM2X, CGM2Y, and CGM2Z, respectively. In one example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM2Xand CGXmay be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 1.5 inch (38.10 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM2Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM2Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM2Xand CGXmay be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 2.0 inch (50.80 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM2Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM2Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM2Xand CGXmay be greater than or equal to 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inch (44.45 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM2Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM2Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm). In yet another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM2Xand CGXmay be greater than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inch (44.45 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM2Yand CGYmay be less than or equal to 0.75 inch (19.05 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM2Zand CGZmay be less than or equal to 0.75 inch (19.05 mm). In other examples, the internal mass portion445may be the same or substantially the same as any of the internal mass portions described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The external mass portion435and the internal mass portion445may be strategically located to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head100, whereas the internal mass portion445may also increase the MOI of the golf club head100. Accordingly, the distance between the external mass portion435and the internal mass portion445along the x-axis may be relatively large to increase the MOI of the golf club head100, whereas the distances between the external mass portion435and the internal mass portion445along the y-axis and the z-axis, respectively, may be relatively small to maintain a relatively low position for the center of gravity of the golf club head100. In one example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGM2Xmay be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 2.0 inch (50.80 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGM2Ymay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGM2Zmay be less than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGM2Xmay be greater than or equal to 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inch (44.45 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGM2Ymay be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGM2Zmay be less than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGM2Xmay be greater than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) and less than or equal to 2.0 inch (50.80 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGM2Ymay be less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGM2Zmay be less than or equal to 0.25 inch (6.35 mm). In yet another example, a distance on the x-axis between CGM1Xand CGM2Xmay be greater than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.40 mm) and less than or equal to 1.75 inch (44.45 mm), a distance on the y-axis between CGM1Yand CGM2Ymay be less than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm), and/or a distance on the z-axis between CGM1Zand CGM2Zmay be less than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the top portion946of the internal mass portion445may have a smaller volume than the bottom portion948, and the internal mass portion445may have a gradually increasing volume from the top portion946to the bottom portion948. Accordingly, to lower a center of gravity of the golf club head100, a distance between a center of gravity of the internal mass portion445and the sole portion edge192may be less than or substantially less than a distance between the center of gravity of the internal mass portion445and the horizontal midplane520. In other words, the shape of the internal mass portion445as provided herein allows placement of the internal mass portion445close to the toe portion edge and placement of a relatively larger portion of the internal mass portion445below the horizontal midplane520and relatively close to the sole portion edge192. As illustrated in the example ofFIGS.2-24, the entire internal mass portion445may be below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, a substantial portion of the internal mass portion445may be below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, the internal mass portion445may include a plurality of internal mass portions arranged proximate to the toe portion edge142in a top-to-sole and toe-to heel direction, with a greater number or all of the mass portions being located below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, the internal mass portion445may include large portions that extend close to the sole portion edge192. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the internal mass portion445may include a height1810in a top-to-sole direction, a width1820in a toe-to-heel direction, and a depth1830in a front-to-back direction. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the height1810may be greater than the width1820and greater than the depth1830. Accordingly, the internal mass portion445may extend proximate to a greater portion of the toe portion edge142to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100. In another example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the depth1830may increase in a top-to-sole direction to increase the volume and the mass of the internal mass portion445in a top-to-sole direction as described herein. In another example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the depth1830may be greater than the width1820. Accordingly, the internal mass portion445may extend proximate to a greater portion of the toe portion edge142and farther aft to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100and move the center of gravity of the golf club head100lower and farther aft. In one example, the height1810may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 1.25 inch (31.75 mm). In another example, the height1810may be greater than or equal to 0.8 inch (20.32 mm) and less than or equal to 1.1 inch (27.94 mm). In yet another example, the height1810may be greater than or equal to 0.9 inch (22.86 mm) and less than or equal to 1.0 inch (25.40 mm). In one example, the width1820and the depth1830may have the same values with any variation being due to manufacturing tolerances. In another example, the width1820may be greater than equal to 75% and less than or equal to 125% of the depth1830. In another example, the depth1830may be greater than or equal to 75% and less than or equal to 125% of the width1820. In another example, the width1820and/or the depth1830may be greater than or equal to 0.2 inch (5.08 mm) and less than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm). In another example, the width1820and/or the depth1830may be greater than or equal to 0.27 inch and less than or equal to 0.37 inch. In another example, the width1820and/or the depth1830may be greater than or equal to 0.3 inch (7.62 mm) and less than or equal to 0.35 inch (8.89 mm). In another example, the width1820and/or the depth1830may be greater than or equal to 10% of the height1810and less than or equal to 50% of the height1810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The third port341may define a recess or cavity in the body portion110that may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the internal mass portion445to receive the internal mass portion445. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the third port341may be shaped to completely receive the internal mass portion445so that the outer surface of the internal mass portion is flush with the interior walls of the body portion110defining the interior cavity210. The internal mass portion445may be secured inside the third port341with one or more adhesives or bonding agents, by welding or soldering, and/or by being press fit. The third port341may be defined by a cavity inside a body mass portion145, which may be an integral portion of the body portion110, formed with the body portion110, and/or include the same materials as the materials of the body portion110. The body mass portion145may be located in the toe portion140and may extend to the toe portion edge142to increase the moment of inertial of the golf club head100. In the illustrated example ofFIGS.2-24, the body mass portion may extend from the top portion edge182to the sole portion edge192and extend into the interior cavity210from the toe portion edge142. The shape, size, volume, and/or mass of the body mass portion145may be determined to provide certain performance characteristics for the golf club head100. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the body mass portion145may be located in the toe portion140, extend to the toe portion edge142, and extend from the top portion edge182to the sole portion edge192. The shape, size, volume, and/or mass of the body mass portion145may vary and depend on various properties of the golf club head100including the loft angle545. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior cavity210may vary in width between the toe portion140and the heel portion150. An interior cavity width710may be smaller proximate to the toe portion edge142than the interior cavity width710at the center portion of the body portion or at the heel portion150due to the presence of the body mass portion145. Accordingly, a greater portion of the mass of the body portion110may be closer to the toe portion edge142than the heel portion edge152to increase the moment of inertia of the body portion110. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the interior cavity width710may have a maximum value at a location between the external mass portion435and the internal mass portion445. As illustrated in the example ofFIGS.2-24, portions of the interior cavity210may extend vertically below the port sleeve1610and/or the external mass portion435and be farther from the face portion162than portions of the port sleeve1610and/or the external mass portion435. Accordingly, in the example illustrated inFIGS.2-24, a maximum value of the interior cavity width710, which may be measured in a face-to-back direction, may be between the external mass portion435and the internal mass portion445in a toe-to-heel direction and between the sole portion edge192and the external mass portion435in a top-to sole direction. In one example, the maximum value of the interior cavity width710may be greater than or equal to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm) and less than or equal to 0.9 inch (22.86 mm). In another example, the maximum value of the interior cavity width710may be greater than or equal to 0.5 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal to 0.8 inch (20.32 mm). In yet another example, the maximum value of the interior cavity width710may be greater than or equal to 0.6 inch (15.24 mm) and less than or equal to 0.7 inch (17.78 mm). As illustrated in the example ofFIGS.2-24, portions of the interior cavity210located vertically above the port sleeve1610and/or the external mass portion435may be farther from the face portion162than portions of the port sleeve1610and/or the external mass portion435. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the second port331, the badge428, and the internal mass portion445may be located between the external mass portion435and the toe portion edge142. As described herein, the external mass portion435may function to lower the center of gravity of the golf club head100and shift the center of gravity rearward. The internal mass portion445may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100. The internal mass portion445may also lower and/or shift rearward the center of gravity of the golf club head100. Additionally, with the bottom portion948of the internal mass portion445having a greater mass than the top portion946, a vertical location of the center of gravity of the golf club head100may not be largely shifted by the internal mass portion445while placing more mass toward the toe portion edge to increase the MOI of the golf club head100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the badge428may be constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the body portion110to not have a large effect on the mass distribution of the body portion110. In yet another example, the badge428may be made from a material having a relatively large density such as the material form which any of the mass portions may be constructed. Accordingly, the badge428may function to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The interior cavity210may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the filler material612may be a urethane elastomer material that may be curable at room temperature or higher temperatures to accelerate the curing process. In one example, the filler material612may be injected into the interior cavity210from the first port321and/or the second port331to fill the interior cavity210partially or completely. The first port321may serve as an injection port whereas the second port331may serve as an exhaust port to allow the air that is displaced in the interior cavity210by the filler material to exit the interior cavity210. Alternatively, the second port331may serve as an injection port whereas the first port321may serve as an exhaust port. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS.2-24, the filler material612may be molded in the shape of the interior cavity210. After injection of the filler material612into the interior cavity210, the filler material612may be allowed to cure. In one example, the filler material612may cure at room temperature. In another example, the filler material612may be cured at 50 degrees Celsius. In another example, the filler material612may be cured at 70 degrees Celsius. In yet another example, the filler material612may be cured at 80 degrees Celsius. In another example, the filler material612may be similar to any of the filler materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. In yet another example, the interior cavity210may be filled with a first filler material and a second filler material that may be similar to the first filler material and the second filler material of any of the golf club heads described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the golf club head100may have a total weight of greater than or equal to 180 grams and less than or equal to 340 grams. In another example, the golf club head100may have a total weight of greater than or equal to 220 grams and less than or equal to 300 grams. In yet another example, the golf club head100may have a total weight of greater than or equal to 250 grams and less than or equal to 270 grams. In one example, the weight of the filler material may be greater than or equal to 15 grams and less than or equal to 35 grams. In another example, the weight of the filler material may be greater than or equal to 22 grams and less than or equal to 30 grams. In yet another example, the weight of the filler material may be greater than or equal to 22 grams and less than or equal to 28 grams. The total weight of the filler material612may be expressed as a percentage of the total weight of the golf club head100. Accordingly, the weight of the filler material may comprise greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 19% of the total weight of the golf club head100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, the sizes and weights of the external mass portion435, the internal mass portion445, and/or the port sleeve1610may be determined to affect the moments of inertia and CG location of the golf club head100to provide certain performance characteristics for the golf club head100. The internal mass portion445may have a total weight that may be greater than the total weight of the external mass portion435, the total weight of the port sleeve1610, and/or the sum of the total weights of the external mass portion435and the port sleeve1610to increase the MOI of the golf club head100. In one example, the total weight of the internal mass portion445may be greater than or equal to 10 grams and less than or equal to 20 grams. In another example, the total weight of the internal mass portion445may be greater than or equal to 12 grams and less than or equal to 16 grams. In yet another example, the total weight of the internal mass portion445may be greater than or equal to 13 grams and less than or equal to 15 grams. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than or equal to 5 grams and less than or equal to 11 grams. In another example, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than or equal to 7 grams and less than or equal to 9 grams. In another example, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than or equal to 6 grams and less than or equal to 8 grams. In another example, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than or equal to 25% and less than or equal to 75% of the total weight of the internal mass portion445. In another example, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the total weight of the internal mass portion445. In another example, a ratio of a weight of the internal mass portion445to a weight of the external mass portion may be greater than or equal to 1.0. In another example, a ratio of a weight of the internal mass portion445to a weight of the external mass portion may be greater than or equal to 1.25. In yet another example, a ratio of a weight of the internal mass portion445to a weight of the external mass portion may be greater than or equal to 1.25 and less than or equal to 2.0. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The port sleeve1610may be constructed from a material that has a lower density than the density of the material of the body portion110and the density of the material of the external mass portion435so that the weight savings from using the port sleeve1610may be strategically transferred to other portions of the golf club head100to achieve certain performance characteristics. In one example, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from an aluminum-based material. In another example, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from a titanium-based material. In yet another example, the port sleeve1610may be constructed from a polymer material. As described herein, the external mass portion435may be constructed from a material having a greater density than the density of the material of the body portion110. In one example, the external mass portion435may be constructed from a tungsten-based material. Accordingly, the total weight of the external mass portion435may be greater than the total weight of the port sleeve1610. In one example, the total weight of the port sleeve1610may be greater than or equal to 3 grams and less than or equal to 6 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve1610may be greater than or equal to 3.5 grams and less than or equal to 5 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve1610may be greater than or equal to 4 grams and less than or equal to 4.75 grams. In another example, the total weight of the port sleeve1610may be greater than or equal to 25% and less than or equal to 75% of the total weight of the external mass portion435. In yet another example, the total weight of the port sleeve1610may be greater than or equal to 40% and less than or equal to 60% of the total weight of the external mass portion435. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As described herein, the interior cavity210may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) filler material may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a certain loft angle) to (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The interior cavity210may be filled with a filler material such that the back surface166of the face portion is covered with the filler material. Accordingly, the filler material may provide structural support for the relatively thinner portions of the face portion162.

The resilience of the urethane elastomer filler material612of the golf club head100, which is referred to herein as GC1 (i.e., Golf Club No. 1), was tested and compared with the resilience of the filler materials of three example golf clubs, which are referred to herein as GC2, GC3, and CG4. To test each golf club head, the face portion of each golf club head was removed by a milling machine by cutting around the perimeter of the face portion and exposing the filler material in intact for by carefully removing the face portion. The resilience of the filler material of each golf club head was tested using the test equipment and procedures used by United States Golf Association to determine the characteristic time (CT) of a golf club head as provided inR&A Rules Limited and United States Golf Association PROTOCOL FOR MEASURING THE FLEXIBILITY OF A GOLF CLUBHEAD, TPX3004 Rev. 2.0, 9 Apr. 2019; andUnited States Golf Association PROCEDURE FOR MEASURING THE FLEXIBILITY OF A GOLF CLUBHEAD, USGA-TPX3004 Revision 1.0.0 May 1, 2008. In other words, the CT test equipment used by the United States Golf Association, which includes a pendulum striking the face of a test golf club, was used to determine the resilience of the filler material. Each golf club head was mounted in the fixture of the CT test equipment such that the pendulum struck the face portion at a location approximately 0.75 inch (19.05 mm) from the leading edge of the sole portion edge192and at a center of a face groove at that location. Additionally, each golf club head was mounted in the fixture such that the heel-to-toe direction of the golf club head was in a vertical orientation (i.e., face groove oriented vertically). The pendulum was equipped with an accelerometer and accelerometer data was sampled at 10240 Hz to determine the maximum velocity of the pendulum in meters per second (m/s) before contact with the filler material and the maximum velocity of the pendulum in m/s after contact with the filler material during the rebound of the pendulum. For all tests, the average pendulum velocity when striking the filler material was between 0.79 and 0.81 m/s. In one example, the maximum rebound velocity obtained from multiple tests for GC1 was greater than 2.0 m/s and less than 2.09 m/s with an average maximum rebound velocity of 2.06 m/s; the maximum rebound velocity obtained from multiple tests for GC2 was greater than 1.9 m/s and less than 1.98 m/s with an average maximum rebound velocity of 1.95 m/s; the maximum rebound velocities obtained from multiple tests for GC3 and CG4 were similar and greater than 1.71 m/s and less than 1.79 m/s with an average maximum rebound velocity of 1.76. Accordingly, the average maximum rebound velocity of GC1 or golf club head100may be greater than the maximum rebound velocity of GC2 by 5%, and greater than the maximum rebound velocities of GC3 and GC4 by 15%. The golf swing speed of an individual may vary between 60 miles per hour (27 m/s) to 170 miles per hour (76 m/s). Accordingly, the increased rebound or resiliency of the filler material612of the golf club head100as evidenced by the increase in the average maximum rebound velocity of GC1 relative to the average maximum rebound velocities of GC2, CG3, and CG4, may represent a significant improvement in ball speed and consequently ball carry distance when a golf club having a golf club head100is used by an individual.

In one example, as the sleeve front portion1620penetrates the interior cavity210as described herein by the port sleeve1610being screwed into the second port331, the sleeve front portion1620may compress the filler material612between the sleeve front portion1620and the face portion162at or proximate to the ball strike region of the face portion162. Accordingly, driving the port sleeve1610into the interior cavity210may provide preloading of the filler material612at or around the ball strike region of the golf club head100to provide a higher coefficient of restitution (COR) for the golf club head100. The COR of the golf club head100may be adjusted by the depth of penetration of the port sleeve1610into the interior cavity210.

Accordingly, by engaging the port sleeve1610with a tool to screw the port sleeve1610into or out of the second port331, the COR of the golf club head100may be adjusted. The COR may be adjusted to a certain value to comply with rules of certain golf governing bodies. For example, the COR of the golf club head100may be adjusted to a maximum or a near maximum value permitted by a certain golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). In one example, the COR of the golf club head100may be greater than or equal to 0.80 and less than or equal to 0.86. In another example, the COR of the golf club head100may be greater than or equal to 0.82 and less than or equal to 0.85. In yet another example, the COR of the golf club head may be greater than or equal to 0.82 and less than or equal to a COR value that complies with the maximum COR value allowed by a golf governing body. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIG.24, a method2400of manufacturing the golf club head100includes providing a body portion110, a face portion162, an external mass portion435, an internal mass portion445, a port sleeve1610, and a badge428as described herein (block2410). The internal mass portion445is inserted and/or attached to the body portion110inside the third port341(block2420) as described herein. The face portion162is attached to the body portion110to enclose the interior cavity210at the front portion160of the body portion110(block2430). The port sleeve1610is inserted into the second port331by being screwed into the second port331(block2440) as described herein. In one example, the port sleeve1610may be completely screwed into the second port331until further penetration into the interior cavity210is prevented by the sleeve bezel1614as described herein. In another example, the port sleeve1610may be partially screwed into the second port331to allow preloading of one or more filler materials in the interior cavity210as described herein. In yet another example, the port sleeve1610may be partially screwed into the second port331to allow the filler material to fill portions of the second port331. The interior cavity210may be filled with a filler material (block2450) from the first port321or the second port331as described herein. The filler material may then cure at room temperature, at a temperature greater than room temperature, and/or using one or more cure cycles. The badge428may then be coupled to the body portion110over the first port321to close the first port321. As described herein, the badge428may be attached to the body portion110by being inserted and/or secured inside the recessed portion426. The external mass portion435may then be secured into the second port331(block2460) as described herein. The external mass portion435may be removed if required to change the penetration depth of the port sleeve1610as described herein and reinstalled inside the second port331. In other words, the preloading of the filler material612may be adjusted at any time. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.25and26, the golf club head100may include a filler compression portion2510between the port sleeve1610and the filler material612. The filler compression portion2510may have any shape, size, orientation and/or configuration. In one example, as illustrated in FIGS.FIGS.25and26, the filler compression portion2510may be annular and include a center hole2512. The outer diameter of the filler compression portion2510may be the same, greater or smaller than the outer diameter of the port sleeve1610. In one example, as illustrated in FIGS.FIGS.25and26, the filler compression portion2510may have the same or substantially the same outer diameter as the outer diameter of the port sleeve1610. In another example, the sleeve front portion1620may include a circular recess to receive the filler compression portion2510therein. As the sleeve front portion1620penetrates the interior cavity210as described herein by the port sleeve1610being screwed into the second port331, the filler compression portion2510may compress the filler material612behind the face portion162and at or proximate to the ball strike region of the face portion162. Accordingly, driving the port sleeve1610into the interior cavity210and using the filler compression portion2510may provide preloading of the filler material612to provide a higher coefficient of restitution (COR) for the golf club head100as described herein. To avoid an excessive force on the face portion162due to the preloading of the filler material612and possible bulging of the face portion162, portions of the filler material612may flow, displace or move due to the elasticity of the filler material612into the center hole2512of the filler compression portion2510and gaps2550inside the interior cavity210around the port sleeve1610and the filler compression portion2510. Accordingly, the center hole2512and the gaps2550may provide certain compression relief to the filler material612to prevent bulging of the face portion162. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The filler compression portion2510may be constructed from a polymer material having a higher COR than the filler material612. Accordingly, the filler compression portion2510may compress and rebound during use and contribute to increasing the COR of the golf club head100. In other words, the filler compression portion2510may increase the COR of the golf club head100by preloading the filler material612and by providing a rebounding force on the face during a golf ball strike. Alternatively, the filler compression portion2510may be constructed from a relatively more rigid material to provide preloading of the filler material612.

In one example, the filler compression portion2510may be constructed from any of the filler materials described herein such as any urethane-based materials, and the filler material612may be constructed from a polymer material having a lower COR than the filler compression portion2510. For example, the filler material612may be constructed from a polybutadiene material or any of the filler materials described herein. The filler compression portion, however, may be constructed from any type of material. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIG.30illustrates another example of the golf club head100with an internal mass portion3145having a different configuration than the internal mass portion445. As illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the internal mass portion3145may have an angled shape that may approximately correspond to the shape of the toe portion edge142. Accordingly, a top portion3246of the internal mass portion3145may be oriented at an obtuse angle3247relative to a bottom portion3248of the internal mass portion3145to discreetly simulate the curvature of the toe portion edge142. In another example (not shown), the internal mass portion3145may be located close to the toe portion edge142and have more than two angled portions oriented at obtuse angles relative to each other to closely discreetly but more closely simulate the curved shape of the toe portion edge142. In another example, the internal mass portion3145may include two separate mass portions that may be located close to the toe portion edge142. In yet another example, the internal mass portion3145may include a plurality of separate mass portions that may be arranged close to the toe portion edge142to correspond to the shape of the toe portion edge142. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example as illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the top portion3246of the internal mass portion3145may have a smaller volume than the bottom portion3248, and the internal mass portion3145may have a gradually increasing volume from the top portion3246to the bottom portion3248. Accordingly, to lower a center of gravity of the golf club head100, all or a larger portion of the internal mass portion3145may be below the horizontal midplane520, and/or a distance between a center of gravity of the internal mass portion3145and the sole portion edge192may be less than or substantially less than a distance between the center of gravity of the internal mass portion3145and the top portion edge182. In other words, the shape of the internal mass portion3145as provided herein allows placement of the internal mass portion3145close to the toe portion edge and placement of all or a relatively larger portion of the internal mass portion3145below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, all portions of the internal mass portion3145may be below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, the internal mass portion3145may include a plurality of internal mass portions arranged proximate to the toe portion edge142in a top-to-sole and toe-to heel direction, with a greater number or all of the mass portions being located below the horizontal midplane520. In another example, the internal mass portion3145may include large portions that extend close to the sole portion edge192. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the internal mass portion3145may include a height3310in a top-to-sole direction, a width3320in a toe-to-heel direction, and a depth3330in a front-to-back direction. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the height3310may be greater than the width3320and greater than the depth3330. Accordingly, the internal mass portion3145may extend proximate to a greater portion of the toe portion edge142to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100. In another example, as illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the depth3330may increase in a top-to-sole direction to increase the volume and the mass of the internal mass portion3145in a top-to-sole direction as described herein. In another example, as illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the depth3330may be greater than the width3320. Accordingly, the internal mass portion3145may extend proximate to a greater portion of the toe portion edge142and farther aft to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head100and move the center of gravity of the golf club head100lower and farther aft. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The third port341may define a recess or cavity in the body portion110that may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the internal mass portion3145to receive the internal mass portion3145. In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.31-33, the third port341may be shaped to completely receive the internal mass portion3145so that the outer surface of the internal mass portion is flush with the interior walls of the body portion110defining the interior cavity210. The internal mass portion3145may be secured inside the third port341with one or more adhesives or bonding agents, by welding or soldering, and/or by being press fit. The third port341may be defined by a cavity inside a body mass portion145, which may be an integral portion of the body portion110, formed with the body portion110, and/or include the same materials as the materials of the body portion110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

FIGS.34-36illustrate another example of the golf club head100having one or a plurality of rib portions on the back wall portion172, which in the example ofFIGS.34-36extend into the body portion110from an inner surface179of the back wall portion172(i.e., the surface of the back wall portion172defining the interior cavity210). In another example (not shown), the one or the plurality of rib portions may extend outward from the body portion110. Accordingly, the one or the plurality of rib portions may be located on an outer surface of the back wall portion172and extend outward from the outer surface of the back wall portion172. In yet another example, the one or the plurality of rib portions may include both one or more rib portions that may extend outward from the outer surface of the back wall portion172and one or more rib portions that may extend into the body portion110from the inner surface179of the back wall portion172. The one or the plurality rib portions (e.g., generally shown as3402,3404,3406, and3408) on the back wall portion172as described herein may provide (i) structural support for the back wall portion172, (ii) reduce bending or deflection of the back wall portion172during a strike on the face portion162by a golf ball to provide further compression of the filler material612between the face portion162and the back wall portion172, and/or (iii) allow a reduction in a thickness of the back wall portion172at one or more portions of the back wall portion172without compromising the structural integrity of the back wall portion172. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIGS.34-36, the plurality of rib portions may include four rib portions, which are shown inFIGS.34-36as a first rib portion3402, a second rib portion3404, a third rib portion3406, and a fourth rib portion3408. The first rib portion3402may extend from the port wall335of the second port331toward the top portion edge182and the toe portion edge142in a slanted or diagonal orientation. The first rib portion3402may extend from the port wall335to a location on the body portion110that may define a transition portion between the back wall portion172and the top portion edge182. In other words, an end portion of the first rib portion3402may be attached to or form an integral portion of a perimeter portion of the back wall portion172and/or the top portion edge182. The second rib portion3404may extend from the port wall335toward the sole portion edge192and the toe portion edge142in a slanted or diagonal orientation.

The second rib portion3404may extend from the port wall335to the body mass portion145. The third rib portion3406may extend from the port wall335toward the sole portion edge192and the heel portion edge152in a slanted or diagonal orientation. The third rib portion3406may extend from the port wall335to a location on the body portion110that may define a transition portion between the back wall portion172and the sole portion edge192. In other words, an end portion of the third rib portion3406be attached to or form an integral portion of a perimeter portion of the back wall portion172and/or the sole portion edge192. The fourth rib portion3408may extend from the port wall335toward the top portion edge182and the heel portion edge152in a slanted or diagonal orientation. The fourth rib portion3408may extend from the port wall335to a location on the body portion110that may define a transition portion between the back wall portion172and/or the top portion edge182. In other words, an end portion of the fourth rib portion3408be attached to or form an integral portion of a perimeter portion of the back wall portion172and/or the top portion edge182. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS.34-36, the first rib portion3402, the second rib portion3404, the third rib portion3406and the fourth rib portion3408may be radially arranged on the back wall portion172and extend outward from the port wall335toward opposing corner regions of the body portion110. In other words, each of the first rib portion3402, the second rib portion3404, the third rib portion3406and the fourth rib portion3408may be located in a corresponding quadrant of the back wall portion172to provide structural support to the back wall portion172as described herein. While the above example may describe a particular number of rib portions, the back wall portion172may include any number of radially arranged rib portions (e.g., two, three, four or more number of rib portions). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Each rib portion of the plurality of rib portions described herein may be defined by a wall or projection extending outward and into the interior cavity210from the inner surface179of the back wall portion172. As illustrated inFIGS.34-36and schematically inFIG.37, a rib portion3700may project from a chamfered or rounded base portion3702at the inner surface179of the back wall portion172to a rounded peak portion3704. The rounded base portions3702and the rounded peak portion3704may reduce stress concentration at or around the rib portion3700. The rib portion3700may include a rib portion height3710, which may be defined by a distance between the peak portion3702and the inner surface179of the back wall portion172, a rib portion width3720, which may be defined by a distance between the rounded base portions3702, and a rib portion length3730(shown inFIG.35). As illustrated inFIG.37, the back wall portion thickness178of the back wall portion172may be less than the rib portion height3710. The rib portion3700may define a thicker portion of the back wall portion172to provide structural support for the back wall portion172. In other words, a thickness of the back wall portion172at the rib portion3700may be the sum of the back wall portion thickness178and the rib portion height3710. In one example, the rib portion height3710and/or the rib portion width3720may be greater than or equal to 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.075 inch (1.905 mm). In another example, the rib portion height3710and/or the rib portion width3720may be greater than or equal to 0.040 inch (1.016 mm) and less than or equal to 0.100 inch (2.540 mm). In another example, the rib portion height3710and/or the rib portion width3720may be greater than or equal to 0.055 inch (1.397 mm) and less than or equal to 0.150 inch (3.810 mm). In another example, the rib portion height3710and/or the rib portion width3720may remain constant along the rib portion length3730. In another example, the rib portion height3710and/or the rib portion width3720may vary along the rib portion length3730. In another example, the rib portion height3710may vary and the rib portion width3720may remain constant along the rib portion length3730. In yet another example, the rib portion height3710may remain constant and the rib portion width3720may vary along the rib portion length3730. The rib portion height3710, the rib portion width3720, and/or the cross-sectional shape of the rib portion3700may be configured along the rib portion length3730, which may also be configured, to provide (i) structural support for the back wall portion172, (ii) reduce bending or deflection of the back wall portion172during a golf ball strike on the face portion162, and/or (iii) allow a reduction in thickness of the back wall portion172at all or portions of the back wall portion172without compromising the structural integrity of the back wall portion172. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example, as illustrated inFIG.38, a rib portion3800may be defined by a planar and thicker portion of the back wall portion172. The rib portion3800may have a rib portion height3810, which may be uniform or generally uniform along the rib portion width3820of the rib portion3800as illustrated inFIG.38. Accordingly, the back wall portion thickness at the rib portion3800may be the sum of the back wall portion thickness178outside the rib portion3800and the rib portion height3810. The rib portion3800may extend at a certain rib portion width3820on the back wall portion172and have the same or similar cross-sectional shape as the back wall portion172. In one example, as illustrated inFIG.38, the rib portion3800may have a planar top portion. In another example, the rib portion3800may have curved (i.e., concave or convex) top portion. In another example, as illustrated inFIG.38, the rib portion width3820may be greater than the rib portion height3810. In yet another example, the rib portion width3820may be less than the rib portion height3810. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example, as illustrated inFIG.39, the back wall portion172may include two relatively closely spaced rib portions, which are shown by example as rib portion3902and rib portion3904, and each of which may be similar in cross section to the rib portion3700. In one example, as illustrated inFIG.39, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may have the same rib portion height3910. In another example, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may have different rib portion heights. In another example, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may have different rib portion widths. In another example, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may be parallel. In another example, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may diverge in a direction between a center portion of the back wall portion172toward an outer perimeter of the back wall portion172. In yet another example, the rib portion3902and the rib portion3904may converge in a direction between a center of the back wall portion172toward an outer perimeter of the back wall portion172. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In yet another example, as illustrated inFIG.40, the back wall portion172may include one or more relatively closely spaced rib portions, which are shown as rib portion4002and rib portion4004. The space between the rib portion4002and the rib portion4004may define a relatively thicker portion of the back wall portion172. Accordingly, the back wall portion172may have a first back wall portion thickness, which is defined by the back wall portion thickness178, a second back wall portion thickness4014between the rib portion4002and the rib portion4004, a third back wall portion thickness that may be defined by the sum of the rib portion height4010of the rib portion4002and the back wall portion thickness178, and a fourth back wall portion thickness that may be defined by the sum of the rib portion height4012of the rib portion4004and the back wall portion thickness178. The second back wall portion thickness4014may be greater than the back wall portion thickness178. The third back wall portion thickness and the fourth back wall portion thickness may be greater than the second back wall portion thickness4014. The third back wall portion thickness and the fourth back wall portion thickness may be the same or differ. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the example ofFIGS.34-36may illustrate radially arranged rib portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture as described herein may include rib portions configured in various configurations, positions or orientations. In one example, as illustrated inFIG.41, the back wall portion172may include one or more circular rib portions4100, which may be at any location on the back wall portion172.

In the example ofFIG.41, the circular rib portions4100(schematically illustrated inFIG.41) may be concentrically arranged with the second port331. In another example, one or more of the circular rib portions4100may not be concentrically arranged with each other and/or with the second port331. In another example, as illustrated inFIG.42, the back wall portion172may include one or a plurality of elliptical or non-circular rib portions4200(schematically illustrated inFIG.42). In yet another example, as illustrated inFIG.43, the back wall portion172may include one or more horizontally arranged rib portions4300(schematically illustrated inFIG.43). In yet another example, as illustrated inFIG.44, the back wall portion172may include one or more vertically arranged rib portions4400(schematically illustrated inFIG.44). In yet another example, as illustrated inFIGS.45, the back wall portion172may include one or more diagonally arranged rib portions4500(schematically illustrated inFIG.45). The diagonally arranged rib portions4500may be in any non-vertical or non-horizontal direction. In yet another example, as illustrated inFIG.46, the back wall portion172may include a plurality of curved rib portions4600(schematically illustrated inFIG.46). In yet another example, the back wall portion172may include a combination of any two or more of the rib portions described herein and illustrated inFIGS.34-46. The back wall portion172may include any number of linear or curved rib portions in any geometric or non-geometric arrangement to provide certain performance characteristics for the golf club head100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The rib portions of the back wall portion as described herein may be used on any type of golf head. In one example, one or more rib portions as described herein may be used on a golf club head that does not have any ports and/or mass portions integral with or coupled to the back wall portion. In another example, one or more rib portions as described herein may be used on a golf club head that does not have any filler material in the interior cavity of the golf club head. Accordingly, the back wall portion of any golf club head may include any number of linear or curved rib portions in any geometric or non-geometric arrangement, such as the examples described and illustrated herein, to provide certain performance characteristics for the golf club. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the rib portions described herein may have any length, width, and/or height to provide certain performance characteristics for a golf club head. In one example, each rib portion may increase in width and/or height from a perimeter portion of the back wall portion toward a center portion of the back wall portion. In another example, each rib portion may increase in width from a perimeter portion of the back wall portion toward a center portion of the back wall portion. In yet another example, each rib portion may vary in height and/or width at certain locations along the length of the rib portion depending on the thickness of the back wall portion at or proximate to those locations. To optimize performance of a golf club head, each rib portion may be configured in height, width, length, location, and/or shape depending on the thickness of the back wall portion, location of one or more mass portions and/or ports on the back wall portion, any other structural features of the back wall portion, material of construction of the back wall portion, different characteristics of any filler material in the golf club head, and/or other specific or general features and/or characteristics of the golf club head. In the example described herein, rib portions extend into the body portion110from an inner surface179of the back wall portion172. In another example, rib portions may extend outward from an outer surface of the back wall portion172. In yet another example, the back wall portion172may include one or more rib portions that extend into the body portion from the inner surface179of the back wall portion and one or more rib portions may extend outward from an outer surface of the back wall portion172. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIG.47, the face portion162or the front surface164of the face portion162may include horizontal curvature4700(i.e., schematically illustrated inFIG.47, which may also be referred to herein as face bulge) extending between the toe portion edge142and the heel portion edge152. The horizontal curvature4700may be defined by a segment of a circle having a center4702located aft of the golf club head100with a bulge radius4704. In one example, the bulge radius4704may be greater than or equal to 7 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 15 inches (381 mm). In another example, the bulge radius4704may be greater than or equal to 8 inches (203.2 mm) and less than or equal to 12 inches (304.8 mm). In another example, the bulge radius4704may be greater than or equal to 6 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 10 inches (254 mm). In yet another example, the bulge radius4704may be greater than or equal to 6 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 25 inches (635 mm). For an off-center golf ball strike on the face portion162, the horizontal curvature4700or bulge may impart a horizontal spin on the ball to optimize ball trajectory toward a target line (i.e., a target line of an on-center hit). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated inFIG.48, the face portion162or the front surface164of the face portion162may include vertical curvature4800(i.e., schematically illustrated inFIG.48, which may also be referred to herein as face roll) extending between the top portion edge182and the sol portion edge192. The vertical curvature4800may be defined by a segment of a circle having a center4802located aft of the golf club head100with a roll radius4804. In one example, the roll radius4804may be greater than or equal to 7 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 15 inches (381 mm). In another example, the roll radius4804may be greater than or equal to 8 inches (203.2 mm) and less than or equal to 12 inches (304.8 mm). In another example, the roll radius4804may be greater than or equal to 6 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 10 inches (254 mm). In yet another example, roll radius4804may be greater than or equal to 6 inches (152.4 mm) and less than or equal to 25 inches (635 mm). For an off-center golf ball strike on the face portion162, the vertical curvature4800or bulge may impart a vertical spin on the ball to optimize ball trajectory toward a target line (i.e., a target line of an on-center hit). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the mass portions described herein may be constructed from a material having a greater density than one or more materials of a body portion of a golf club head. In one example, any of the mass portions described herein may be constructed from tungsten or tungsten-based materials, whereas the body portion may be constructed from one or more materials having a lower density than tungsten or tungsten-based materials such as aluminum, steel, titanium, and/or composite materials. Any of the mass portions described herein may be similar in some physical properties but different in other physical properties. For example, a mass portion may be made from an aluminum-based material or an aluminum alloy whereas another mass portion may be made from a tungsten-based material or a tungsten alloy. In another example, a mass portion may be made from a polymer material whereas another mass portion may be made from a steel-based material. Any of the mass portions described herein may be constructed from a material having a lower density than one or more materials of a body portion of a golf club head. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the golf club heads described herein may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., a 1-iron, a 2-iron, a 3-iron, a 4-iron, a 5-iron, a 6-iron, a 7-iron, an 8-iron, a 9-iron, etc.), or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, a sand wedge, an n-degree wedge such as 44 degrees (°), 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, etc.). Although a particular type of club head may be depicted and described, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head, a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The body portion and/or the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be partially or entirely made of a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, alloy steel8620, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), a titanium-based material, an aluminum-based material (e.g., a high-strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high-strength alloy), any combination thereof, non-metallic materials, composite materials, and/or other suitable types of materials. The body portion and/or the face portion may be constructed with materials that are similar to any of the body portions and/or face portions described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 330 mm2and less than or equal to 5000 mm2. In another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 1000 mm2and less than or equal to 5300 mm2. In yet another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 1500 mm2and less than or equal to 4800 mm2. While the above examples may describe particular areas, the area of the front surface may greater than or less than those numbers. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, a filler material as described herein may include an elastic polymer or an elastomer material, a thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), other polymer material(s), bonding material(s) (e.g., adhesive), and/or other suitable types of materials that may absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise. In another example, a filler material may be one or more thermoset polymers having bonding properties. In another example, a filler material may include low-viscosity, organic, solvent-based solutions and/or dispersions of polymers and other reactive chemicals. In another example, a filler material may be a polymer material such as an ethylene copolymer material that may absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when a golf club head strikes a golf ball via the face portion. In another example, a filler material may be a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, an injection moldable ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer having high compression and low resilience similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubbers, and/or a blend of highly neutralized polymer compositions, highly neutralized acid polymers or highly neutralized acid polymer compositions, and fillers. In another example, any one or more of the filler materials described herein may be formed from one or more metals or metal alloys, such as aluminum, copper, zinc, and/or titanium. A filler material not specifically described in detail herein may include one or more similar or different types of materials described herein and in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the filler materials described herein may be subjected to different processes during manufacturing of any of the golf club heads described herein. Such processes may include one or more filler materials being heated and/or cooled by conduction, convection, and/or radiation during one or more injection molding processes or post injection molding curing processes. For example, all the heating and cooling processes may be performed by using heating or cooling systems that employ conveyor belts that move a golf club head described herein through a heating or cooling environment for a period of time as described herein. The processes of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more filler materials may be similar to any of the processes described in any of the incorporated by reference patent documents. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While each of the above examples may describe a certain type of golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads (e.g., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, an iron-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, etc.).

Procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of any of the golf club heads described herein. For example, a club head volume may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). Although the figures may depict particular types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head or iron-type golf club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head as described herein may have a volume that is within a volume range corresponding to certain type of golf club head as defined by golf governing bodies. A driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm3or cc). In another example, a driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of 460 cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of between 100 cc and 300 cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180 cc. An iron-type golf club head may have a club head volume of between 25 cc and 100 cc. In one example, an iron-type golf club head may have a volume of 50 cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical characteristics of a certain type of golf club (i.e., driver, fairway wood, iron, etc.), but have a volume that may fall outside of the above-described ranges. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may include one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.) for sensing linear motion (e.g., acceleration) and/or forces in all three axes of motion and/or rotational motion (e.g., angular acceleration) and rotational forces about all three axes of motion. In one example, the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, the hosel, the shaft, and/or the grip. In another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, on the shaft, on the hosel, and/or on the golf club head. In yet another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be attached by an individual to the grip, to the shaft, to the hosel, and/or to the golf club head. In one example, data collected from the sensors may be used to determine any one or more design parameters for any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein to provide certain performance or optimum performance characteristics. In another example, data from the sensors may be collected during play to assess the performance of an individual. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the apparatus, methods, or articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more visual identifiers such as alphanumeric characters, colors, images, symbols, logos, and/or geometric shapes. For example, one or more visual identifiers may be manufactured with one or more portions of a golf club such as the golf club head (e.g., casted or molded with the golf club head), painted on the golf club head, etched on the golf club (e.g., laser etching), embossed on the golf club head, machined onto the golf club head, attached as a separate badge or a sticker on the golf club head (e.g., adhesive, welding, brazing, mechanical lock(s), any combination thereof, etc.), or any combination thereof. The visual identifier may be made from the same material as the golf club head or a different material than the golf club head (e.g., a plastic badge attached to the golf club head with an adhesive). Further, the visual identifier may be associated with manufacturing and/or brand information of the golf club head, the type of golf club head, one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. In particular, a visual identifier may include a brand identifier associated with a manufacturer of the golf club (e.g., trademark, trade name, logo, etc.) or other information regarding the manufacturer. In addition, or alternatively, the visual identifier may include a location (e.g., country of origin), a date of manufacture of the golf club or golf club head, or both.

The visual identifier may include a serial number of the golf club or golf club head, which may be used to check the authenticity to determine whether or not the golf club or golf club head is a counterfeit product. The serial number may also include other information about the golf club that may be encoded with alphanumeric characters (e.g., country of origin, date of manufacture of the golf club, or both). In another example, the visual identifier may include the category or type of the golf club head (e.g., 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc.). In yet another example, the visual identifier may indicate one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, such as one or more materials of manufacture (e.g., visual identifier of “Titanium” indicating the use of titanium in the golf club head), loft angle, face portion characteristics, mass portion characteristics (e.g., visual identifier of “Tungsten” indicating the use of tungsten mass portions in the golf club head), interior cavity and filler material characteristics (e.g., one or more abbreviations, phrases, or words indicating that the interior cavity is filled with a polymer material), any other information that may visually indicate any physical or play characteristic of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. Further, one or more visual identifiers may provide an ornamental design or contribute to the appearance of the golf club, or the golf club head.

Any of the golf club heads described herein may be manufactured by casting from metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing a golf club head as described herein may be used such as3D printing or molding a golf club head from metal or non-metal materials such as ceramics.

All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a particular order of actions may be described herein with respect to one or more processes, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more actions in any of the processes described herein may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.

The terms “and” and “or” may have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure indicates otherwise. The term “coupled,” and any variation thereof, refers to directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably connected” is defined such that two elements that are “removably connected” may be separated from each other without breaking or destroying the utility of either element.

The term “substantially” when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “close,” “immediate,” “nearby,” “neighboring,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure.

Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. A numerical range defined using the word “between” includes numerical values at both end points of the numerical range. A spatial range defined using the word “between” includes any point within the spatial range and the boundaries of the spatial range. A location expressed relative to two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word “between” includes (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, and/or (iii) the boundaries of each element.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely for clarification and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of any embodiments discussed herein.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements disclosed herein. One or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

While different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described with respect to one or more features, a singular feature may comprise multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into one element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although methods may be disclosed as comprising one or more operations, a single operation may comprise multiple steps, and multiple operations may be combined into one step without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alternative embodiments.

As the rules of 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 USGA, the R&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.

Further, while the above examples may be described with respect to golf clubs, the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other suitable types of sports equipment such as a fishing pole, a hockey stick, a ski pole, a tennis racket, etc.

Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.