KR102797861B1 - Club head set having variable characteristic values and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of a set of golf club heads having variable characteristic values are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.

Description

Club head set having variable characteristic values and related methods

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/096,944, filed April 28, 2011, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/306,033, filed June 16, 2014. Meanwhile, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/096,944 claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/323,349, filed Apr. 12, 2010, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/828,260, filed Jun. 25, 2007 (now abandoned), which is a continuation-in-part of (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,734, filed Jun. 1, 2010 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,690,710), (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,738, filed Jun. 1, 2010 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,574,094), and (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/791,740, filed Jun. 1, 2010 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,574,094). This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/453,904, filed March 17, 2011. The contents of all of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Additionally, this application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/277,342, filed January 11, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/318,665, filed April 5, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to sporting goods, and more specifically to club heads and related methods.

Traditionally, various designs of golf clubs, and specifically golf club heads, have been developed to improve an individual's golf swing and thus their golf shots. In particular, many individuals are unable or inconsistent in striking the ball "down low," i.e., striking the ball straight ahead on a regular basis. Golf club designs, and particularly golf club head designs, can optimize the weighting scheme of the golf club head, such as the location of the center of gravity of the golf club head and the moment of inertia. Such designs can alleviate the problem of an individual's inconsistency. Back weighting and/or additional lower toe weighting can strategically position the center of gravity and encourage an individual to strike the ball "down low" during the swing, thereby striking the ball straight ahead.

In one embodiment of the golf club and the method of making it described herein, the golf club head includes a body having a toe area, a heel area opposite the toe area, a sole area, and a top area opposite the sole area. The golf club head further includes a front surface, a first rear surface opposite the front surface, and a second rear surface provided opposite the front surface and extending further from the front surface than the first rear surface. The second rear surface extends from the heel area to the toe area and extends from the sole area to approximately a midpoint between the sole area and the top area. The golf club head further includes a first cavity between the first rear surface and the second rear surface, and a second cavity integral with the second rear surface in the toe area. The present embodiment may further include a first weight inserted into the first cavity and a second weight inserted into the second cavity.

In another embodiment of a golf club and a method of making a golf club, a golf club head includes a body having a front surface, a heel region, a toe region opposite the heel region, and a sole. The sole extends from the heel region to the toe region, and the sole extends from the front surface to a rear sole edge. The golf club head further includes a top opposite the sole, and a first back surface opposite the front surface and substantially parallel to the front surface. The first back surface extends from the heel region to the toe region and extends from a midpoint between the top and the sole to the top. The golf club head further includes a second back surface opposite the first front surface and extending from the rear sole edge to approximately the midpoint. The golf club head further includes a rectangular first cavity between the second back surface and the front surface, and a second cavity integrally formed with the second back surface in the toe region. The present embodiment may further include a first weight inserted into the first cavity and a second weight inserted into the second cavity.

In another embodiment of the golf club and the method of making the golf club, the golf club comprises a golf club head coupled to the shaft described herein. The golf club further comprises a hosel ratio of 0.75, the hosel ratio being defined as hosel distance to front face distance. The hosel distance extends from a point on the heel area to a second end opposite the first end, and the front face distance is defined as a distance measured substantially parallel to the sole along the front face from the point to the toe edge. The golf club may further comprise a first weight occupying the first cavity and a second weight occupying the second cavity.

In one embodiment of a golf club and a method of manufacturing a golf club head, a method of manufacturing a golf club head includes the step of providing a body having a toe region, a heel region opposite the toe region, a sole region, and a top region opposite the sole region. The embodiment further includes a front surface, a first rear surface opposite the front surface, and a second rear surface provided opposite the front surface and extending further from the front surface than the first rear surface. The second rear surface extends from the heel region to the toe region and extends from the sole region to approximately a midpoint between the sole region and the top region. The body is further provided to include a first cavity between the first rear surface and the second rear surface, and a second cavity integral with the second rear surface in the toe region. The embodiment may further include the steps of providing a first weight inserted into the first cavity, and providing a second weight inserted into the second cavity.

An example according to the present disclosure may be a club head set comprising two or more club heads, each club head including a loft angle, a front face, a rear face opposite the front face, and one or more support bars protruding from the rear face. The loft angle can be incrementally varied across the two or more club heads, and as the loft angle is incrementally varied across the two or more club heads, a characteristic value of the one or more support bars is incrementally varied across the two or more club heads.

Additionally, there may be examples according to the present disclosure where a set of club heads may include first and second club heads. The first club head may include a first loft angle, a first front face, and a first back face including a first heel area, a first toe area, a first back face provided opposite the first front face and extending between the first heel area and the first toe area, and one or more first support bars coupled to the first back face. The second club head may include a second loft angle, a second front face, and a second back face including a second heel area, a second toe area, a second back face provided opposite the second front face and extending between the second heel area and the second toe area, and one or more second support bars coupled to the second back face. In such examples, the first loft angle is greater than the second loft angle, and an attribute value of the one or more first support bars is greater than an attribute value of the one or more second support bars.

Additionally, there may be examples according to the present disclosure where the method may include the step of providing a club head set. The step of providing the club head set may include the step of providing a first club head, the first club head including a first loft angle, a first front face, and a first back face including a first heel area, a first toe area, a first back face provided opposite the first front face and extending between the first heel area and the first toe area, and at least one first support bar coupled to the first back face, wherein the at least one first support bar includes a first support bar characteristic. The step of providing a set of club heads may also include the step of providing a second club head, wherein the second club head includes a second loft angle, a second front face, and a second back face including a second heel area, a second toe area, a second back face provided opposite the second front face and extending between the second heel area and the second toe area, and at least one second support bar coupled to the second back face, wherein the at least one second support bar includes a second support bar characteristic. In such examples, the step of providing the first club head includes the steps of providing a first loft angle greater than the second loft angle and providing the first support bar characteristic greater than the second support bar characteristic.

A set of club heads may include two or more club heads, each club head having a loft angle, a front face, and a back face opposite the front face, wherein weight is disposed only on a lower toe section of the back face, as in the present disclosure. In such examples, the loft angle may be varied across the two or more club heads, a first characteristic of the weight may be varied across the two or more club heads, a second characteristic of the weight may be varied across the two or more club heads, and the first characteristic and the second characteristic may be varied in opposite directions with respect to one another.

Additionally, there may be an example according to the present disclosure where a set of club heads may include first and second club heads. The first club head may include a first loft angle, a first front face, and a first back portion, the first back portion including a first heel area, a first toe area including a first lower toe section, and a first back face extending between the first heel area and the first toe area and opposite the first front face. The second club head may include a second loft angle, a second front face, and a second back portion, the second back portion including a second heel area, a second toe area including a second lower toe section, and a second back face extending between the second heel area and the second toe area and opposite the second front face. The first club head may also include a first weight in a first lower toe section of the first toe area, and the second club head may also include a second weight in a second lower toe section of the second toe area. In such examples, the first loft angle may be greater than the second loft angle, the first and second weights may include substantially similar masses, the first and second weights each include a first dimension corresponding to one another, and the first and second weights each include a second dimension corresponding to one another. When the first dimension of the first weight is greater than the first dimension of the second weight, the second dimension of the second weight may be greater than the second dimension of the first weight. When the second dimension of the first weight is greater than the second dimension of the second weight, the first dimension of the second weight may be greater than the first dimension of the first weight.

Additionally, there may be an example according to the present disclosure where the method may include the step of providing a set of club heads. The step of providing the set of club heads may include the steps of providing a first club head of the set of club heads and providing a second club head of the set of club heads. The first club head may include a first loft angle, a first front surface, and a first back portion, the first back portion including a first back surface provided opposite the first front surface and extending between a heel region and a toe region of the first back portion, and a first lower toe section having a first cavity. The second club head may include a second loft angle, a second front surface, and a second back portion, the second back portion including a second back surface provided opposite the second front surface and extending between a heel region and a toe region of the second back portion, and a second lower toe section having a second cavity. The step of providing the first club head may include the step of providing a first weight in the first cavity and the step of providing a first loft angle greater than the second loft angle. The step of providing the second club head may include the step of providing a second weight in the second cavity. The step of providing the first weight may include the step of providing a first length, a first width, and a first depth of the first weight. The step of providing the second weight may include the step of providing a second length and a second width of the second weight such that at least one of the conditions of the second length of the second weight being greater than the first length of the first weight or the second width of the second weight being greater than the first width of the first weight is satisfied. The step of providing the second weight may also include the step of providing a second length of the second weight such that the first depth of the first weight is greater than the second depth of the second weight.

Additionally, there may be an example according to the present disclosure where the golf club head may include a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion may include a heel region, a toe region, a central region between the heel region and the toe region, a rear end extending between the heel region and the toe region, and a cavity. The cavity may include a heel region of the cavity, a toe region of the cavity, a cavity central region between the heel region and the toe region of the cavity, an inner section of the cavity disposed toward the front portion, and an outer section of the cavity disposed toward the rear end. The width of the cavity may be wider in the central region of the cavity than in the heel region and the toe region of the cavity.

Additionally, there may be examples according to the present disclosure where the method may include the step of providing an insert for a golf club head and/or the step of providing a body of the club head. The step of providing the insert may include the step of providing heel and toe regions of the insert, and the step of providing a central region of the insert between the heel region and the toe region, the central region of the insert being thicker than the heel region and the toe region of the insert. The step of providing the body may include the step of providing a rear surface and a rear end at a rear portion of the body, and the step of providing a cavity between the rear surface and the rear end. The cavity may include an inner section of the cavity adjacent the rear surface, an outer section of the cavity opposite the rear end, heel and toe regions of the cavity, and a central region of the cavity being thicker than the heel region and the toe region of the cavity, the central region of the cavity being provided between the heel region and the toe region of the cavity. The insert may be provided to be at least partially received in the cavity.

Additionally, there may be an example according to the present disclosure where a golf club head may include a rear portion of a body of the club head and an insert. The rear portion may include a heel region, a toe region, a central region between the heel region and the toe region, a rear surface provided opposite the front surface and extending between the heel region and the toe region, a rear wall extending between the heel region and the toe region, and a cavity disposed between the rear surface and the rear wall. The cavity may include a heel region of the cavity, a toe region of the cavity, a central region of the cavity between the heel region and the toe region of the cavity, an inner wall of the cavity including a portion of the rear surface, and an outer wall of the cavity disposed opposite the rear wall. The insert may include a heel region of the insert, a toe region of the insert, a central region of the insert between the heel region and the toe region of the insert, an inner wall of the insert complementary to the inner wall of the cavity, and an outer wall of the insert complementary to the outer wall of the cavity. A golf club head can include a moment of inertia about a central region. An insert can be configured to be at least partially received in a cavity. From an inner wall of the cavity to an outer wall of the cavity, a width of the cavity can be wider in a central region of the cavity than in a heel region and a toe region of the cavity. From an inner wall of the insert to an outer wall of the insert, a width of the insert can be wider in a central region of the insert than in a heel region and a toe region of the insert. A mass distribution of the inner wall of the cavity can be concentrated in a central region of the cavity. A mass distribution of the insert can be shifted away from the heel region and the toe region of the insert and toward the central region of the insert. A density of the body of the golf club head can be greater than a density of the insert. A first portion of the moment of inertia caused by the body of the club head in the heel region and the toe region of the cavity may be greater than a second portion of the moment of inertia caused by the insert in the heel region and the toe region of the insert. The heel region and the toe region of the insert may be obtuse angles relative to a central region of the insert and along an inner wall of the insert. The inner wall of the cavity may be complementarily obtuse angled relative to the inner wall of the insert. The insert may include a gripping portion to assist in removal of the insert from the cavity, the gripping portion being configured to remain outside the cavity when the insert is accommodated in the cavity.

Additionally, there may be examples according to the present disclosure, wherein the golf club head set may include a first club head including a first striking face, a first rear surface opposite the first striking face, a first top end, a first bottom end opposite the first top end, a first toe end, a first toe region including the first toe end, a first heel end opposite the first toe end, a first heel region including the first heel end, and a first vertical axis extending substantially vertically through the first top end and the first bottom end and extending between the first heel region and the first toe region. The first rear surface may include a first cavity disposed in the toe region, the first cavity including a first cavity base and a first cavity wall defining a boundary between at least a portion of the first cavity base. The first rear surface may also include a first bar, the first bar including a first bar axis extending along a length of the first bar. The first bar can protrude from the first cavity base and extend diagonally with respect to a first vertical axis across at least a first portion of the first cavity. The first bar axis can intersect the first vertical axis and extend from the first vertical axis toward the first toe end and the first top end.

Additionally, there may be examples according to the present disclosure, wherein the golf club head set may include a first club head comprising a first striking face, a first rear surface opposite the first striking face, a first upper end, a first lower end opposite the first upper end, a first toe end, a first toe region including the first toe end, a first heel end opposite the first toe end, a first heel region including the first heel end, and a first vertical axis extending substantially vertically through the first upper end and the first lower end and extending between the first heel region and the first toe region. The first rear surface may include a first cavity disposed in the toe region, the first cavity including a first cavity base and a first cavity wall defining a boundary between the first cavity base and the first cavity base. The first rear surface can also include a first bar protruding from the first cavity base and extending across the first cavity at a first bar angle relative to the first vertical axis. The first rear surface can also include a first hourglass-shaped support portion protruding from the first rear surface and having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a middle portion narrower than the upper and lower portions, and a heel side wall and a toe side wall forming the upper portion, the middle portion, and the lower portion of the first hourglass-shaped support portion therebetween. The toe side wall of the first hourglass-shaped support portion can protrude above the first cavity base. The first cavity wall can include the toe side wall of the first hourglass-shaped support portion.

Additionally, there may be an example according to the present disclosure, wherein a method for providing a set of golf club heads may include providing a first club head of one or more club heads including a diagonal stabilizing bar. A first vertical axis may extend through a first top portion and a first bottom portion of the first club head and between a first heel region and a first toe region of the first club head. The step of providing the first club head may include providing a first rear surface opposite a first striking face of the first club head, providing a first cavity in the first rear surface and the first toe region, and providing a first bar within the first cavity and protruding from the first cavity. The first bar may include a first bar axis extending along a length of the first bar. The diagonal stabilizing bar of the one or more club heads may include the first bar. The step of providing a first cavity may include the steps of providing a first cavity base, and the steps of providing a first cavity wall defining a boundary of the first cavity base. The step of providing the first bar may include the step of aligning the first bar obliquely at a first bar angle relative to the first vertical axis such that the first bar axis intersects the first vertical axis and extends from the first vertical axis toward the first toe end and the first top end of the first club head.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a striking face, a rear surface opposite the striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion opposite the top portion, a toe end, a toe region including the toe end, a heel end opposite the toe end, and a heel region including the heel end. The golf club head also includes a vertical axis. The vertical axis extends substantially perpendicular to a horizontal centerline of the rear surface, is disposed approximately midway between the toe end and the heel end, extends through the top portion and the bottom portion, and defines a boundary of the heel region from the toe area. Furthermore, the golf club head includes a perimeter weight extending away from the striking face and along at least the top portion and the bottom portion of the club head. The golf club head also includes an hourglass-shaped support member extending transversely to the vertical axis and between the top portion perimeter weight and the bottom portion perimeter weight. An hourglass support member includes an upper hourglass portion, a lower hourglass portion, a middle hourglass portion narrower than the upper hourglass portion and the lower hourglass portion, and heel and toe hourglass sidewalls defining the upper hourglass portion, the middle hourglass portion, and the lower hourglass portion of the hourglass support member. In the above-described embodiments, the middle hourglass portion may be disposed above a horizontal centerline to raise a center of gravity of the golf club head, and/or the upper hourglass portion may be wider and/or thicker than the lower hourglass portion to raise a center of gravity of the golf club head. Also in the above-described or other embodiments, the golf club head may be part of a set of golf club heads.

In another embodiment of a golf club and a method of making one, a golf club head comprises a support structure having a top region, a sole region opposite the top region, a toe region, a heel region opposite the toe region, a center support bar and a lower support bar, a striking face having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface, wherein a thinnest portion of the striking face has a thickness of less than or equal to about 0.080 inches measured as a minimum vertical distance from the front surface to the back surface of the striking face, and a cavity configured to receive an insert, wherein a contact area of the back surface and the insert is from 20% to 45% of a surface area of the front surface.

In some embodiments, the center support bar has a width that increases from near the top region to near the sole region, and the lower support bar has a height that decreases from near the center region to near the heel region and toe region of the club head.

In some embodiments, a striking surface of a club head includes a central region including a portion of the striking surface that is reinforced by a central support bar, a heel region including a portion of the striking surface that is not reinforced by a support structure near a heel region of the club head, a toe region including a portion of the striking surface that is not reinforced by a support structure near a toe region of the club head, and a perimeter region including a portion of the striking surface surrounding the central region, the heel region, the toe region and the lower support bar, wherein a thickness of the striking surface in the heel region is approximately the same as a thickness of the striking surface in the toe region, the thicknesses of the striking surface in the heel region and the toe region are less than a thickness of the striking surface in the central region, and the thickness of the striking surface in the central region is less than a thickness of the striking surface in the perimeter region.

In some embodiments, the cavity of the club head can comprise a volume in the range of about 4.5 cc to about 5.0 cc. In some embodiments, the cavity of the club head can comprise a volume greater than or equal to about 4.0 cc.

In some embodiments, the insert can extend a distance of about 0.15 inches to about 0.20 inches beyond the opening of the cavity adjacent the rear surface. In some embodiments, the insert can extend a distance of less than about 0.25 inches beyond the opening of the cavity adjacent the rear surface.

In some embodiments, the club head's moment of inertia about an x-axis extending from the heel region to the toe region through the club head's center of gravity is greater than or equal to about 80 g in². In some embodiments, the club head's moment of inertia about a y-axis extending from the top region to the sole region through the club head's center of gravity is greater than or equal to about 350 g in².

Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be identified in the drawings, in the claims, and/or in the specification of the present application.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary golf club head according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein;
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary golf club head taken along cross-sectional line 3-3 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of an exemplary golf club head taken along cross-sectional line 4-4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart of one method by which a golf club head may be manufactured;
FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of one method by which a golf club may be manufactured;
FIG. 8 presents a rear view of a club head of a set of club heads having variable characteristic values according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein;
Figure 9 presents a toe-side drawing of the club head of Figure 8;
Fig. 10 shows a rear view of the body of the club head of Fig. 8 with the club head disassembled;
FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the body of another club head among the club head set of FIG. 8 with the club head disassembled;
FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the body of another club head from among the club head sets of FIG. 8, with the club head in an disassembled state;
FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head of FIGS. 8 and 10 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10;
FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head of FIG. 11 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11;
FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head of FIG. 12 taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between loft angle and support bar width for the exemplary club head sets of FIGS. 8 through 15;
FIG. 17 illustrates several club heads of a set of club heads having variable characteristic values according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein;
FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head of FIG. 8 taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 8;
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary relationship between a distance from a lower toe insert to a front surface and a loft angle for the exemplary club heads of FIGS. 8-18, according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein;
FIG. 20 shows a flow diagram of a method for providing a club head set similar to the club head set described with respect to FIGS. 8 through 19;
FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of another method for providing a club head set similar to the club head sets described with respect to FIGS. 8-19, according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein;
Figure 22 shows a graph using a sample range of the relationship between loft angle/club head number and support bar width;
Figure 23 shows a graph using a sample range of the relationship between the distance from the lower toe insert to the front face of the club head and the loft angle/club head number;
FIG. 24 shows a flow chart of a method for providing a club head similar to the club heads illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, 13 and 18.
FIG. 25 shows a rear view of a club head of a club head set having variable characteristic values according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein.
Fig. 26 shows a rear view of another club head of the club head set of Fig. 25.
Figure 27 shows a rear view of another club head of the club head set of Figure 25.
Figure 28 shows an "x-ray" top view of the club head of Figure 25 positioned to strike a golf ball.
Figure 29 shows a rear view of a club head similar to the club head of Figure 25 and having a variable stabilization bar.
Fig. 30 shows a rear view of a club head similar to the club head of Fig. 25 and having multiple stabilizing bars.
Fig. 31 shows a flow chart of a method for providing a club head set according to Figs. 25 to 30.
FIG. 32 shows a rear view of an exemplary golf club head according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein.
Figure 33 shows a cross-sectional view taken along section 33-33 of the golf club head of Figure 32.
FIG. 34 shows another rear view of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 32.

For the sake of simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general constructions, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf club and the method of making it. Additionally, elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements of the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the golf club and the method of making it. Like reference numerals in several drawings represent like elements.

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like, when used in the detailed description and claims, are used to distinguish similar elements, and not to describe any particular sequential or chronological order. Such terms, as used, are to be understood as being interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and accordingly, the embodiments of the golf clubs and manufacturing methods described herein are capable of operating in other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "include," and "have," and any derivatives thereof, are intended to encompass a non-exclusive inclusiveness, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements is not limited to those elements, but may include other elements inherent in or not explicitly listed in such process, method, article, or device.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “above,” “below,” and the like, when used in the detailed description and claims, are used for descriptive purposes only and not to describe permanent relative positions. Such terms, as used, are to be understood as interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and accordingly, the embodiments of the golf clubs and manufacturing methods described herein are to be understood to be operable in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectly connected, whether electrically, physically, mechanically, or otherwise.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a rear exploded perspective view of an exemplary golf club head (100) according to one embodiment of a golf club and a method of manufacturing the same, and FIG. 2 shows a front view of the golf club head (100). In one embodiment of the golf club and the method of manufacturing the same described herein, the golf club head (100) includes a body (101) having a toe region (110), a heel region (120) opposite the toe region (110), a hosel (105) in the heel region (120), a sole region (130), and a top region (140) opposite the sole region (130). The sole region (130) can extend from the heel region (120) to the toe region (110), and the sole region (130) can extend from the front surface (250) ( FIG. 2 ) to a rear sole edge (165). In another embodiment, the golf club head (100) may have a bore (not shown) in the heel area (120) instead of the hosel (105).

The golf club head (100) further includes a first rear surface (160) (FIG. 1) opposite the front surface (250) (FIG. 2), as described in more detail below, and a second rear surface (170) provided opposite the front surface (250) (FIG. 2) and extending further from the front surface (250) (FIG. 2) than the first rear surface (160). The first rear surface (160) can be substantially parallel to the front surface (250) (FIG. 2), and the first rear surface (160) can extend from a heel region (120) to a toe region (110). The first rear surface (160) may also extend from the sole region (130) to a midpoint (115) (FIG. 1) between the sole region (130) and the top region (140), and may further extend from the midpoint (115) to the top region (140). As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 5, the second rear surface (170) (FIG. 1) may extend from the heel region (120) to the toe region (110), and may extend from the sole region (130) to approximately a midpoint (115) (FIG. 1) between the sole region (130) and the top region (140). In other embodiments, the rear surface (170) (FIG. 1) may extend from the sole region (130) beyond the midpoint (115), or the rear surface (170) may extend from the sole region (130) but short of the midpoint (115).

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the golf club head (100) further includes a first cavity (180) between the first back surface (160) and the second back surface (170). As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first cavity (180) separates the first back surface (160) from the second back surface (170), and vice versa. According to various embodiments described herein, the golf club and the manufacturing method include the first cavity (180) having a rectangular shape, although other configurations are contemplated. For example, the first cavity (180) can have an irregular shape, or other regular shapes, such as a triangle, a circle, an octagon, a hexagon, etc. In other examples, the first cavity (180) can have a symmetrical shape or an asymmetrical shape. Additionally, the first cavity (180) can include various dimensions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the golf club head (100) also includes a second cavity (190) integral with the second rear surface (170) in the lower toe area (110). Similar to the first cavity (180), the second cavity (190) may also include configurations having various shapes and dimensions. The shapes and dimensions of the first cavity (180) and the second cavity (190) may be determined by variables that optimize the utility of the golf club head (100), and to adjust the moment of inertia, center of gravity, etc. In addition, the golf club and manufacturing method described herein may further include a cavity of variable volume, the volume of which may be determined according to a desired design of the golf club head. While the above example may describe two cavities (e.g., first and second cavities (180, 190)), the golf clubs and manufacturing methods described herein may include additional cavities.

Embodiments of such a golf club head (100) may further include a first weight (185) inserted into the first cavity (180) and a second weight (195) inserted into the second cavity (190). According to various embodiments described herein, the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may include configurations having various shapes and dimensions. For example, the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may include complementary shapes and dimensions for each cavity into which they are inserted (e.g., the first cavity (180) and the second cavity (190) respectively). In other examples, the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may include shapes that partially occupy the cavities into which the weights are inserted, or the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may include shapes that completely fill the first cavity (180) and the second cavity (190), respectively. The first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may include various materials. In one embodiment, the first weight (185) includes a metal matrix material. In other embodiments, the first weight (185) includes a polymer, which may be a thermoset or thermoplastic polymer. In some examples, the first weight (185) may include a specific gravity of from about 1 g/cm3 (grams per cubic centimeter) to about 9 g/cm3. The second weight (195) may comprise a metal, and may be a single component metal such as iron, or a metal alloy such as tungsten or a titanium alloy. In the present embodiment, the first weight (185) comprises a metal matrix material, which generally provides the ability to adjust for greater rearward weighting than the lightest or least dense metal or metal alloy, and the second weight (195) comprises a metal, since the outside toe weighting may be beneficial in inducing a golfer to swing "downward" and "outward." In other embodiments, the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may be composed of the same material, such as a polymer, a composite, a metal, or a metal alloy. The body (101) may comprise standard golf club head materials, such as iron, an iron alloy, a titanium alloy, and the first weight (185) and the second weight (195) may comprise the same or different materials as the body (101). As with the shape determination of the first and second cavities, materials may be determined in a similar manner based on variables that maximize the utility of the golf club head, and other material configurations other than those specifically described are considered.

In another embodiment of the golf club and the method of manufacturing the golf club, with reference to FIG. 2, the golf club (200) includes a golf club head (100) coupled to a shaft (208). In this embodiment, the golf club (200) may also include a hosel ratio of 0.75. The hosel ratio is comprised of hosel distance (203) to front face distance (253). The hosel distance (203) is measured from a first end (206) at approximately the heel region (120) to a second end (207) opposite the first end (206). The first end (206) is located at a point (204) where the linear portion of the hosel (105) begins to curve toward the front face (250). The front face distance (253) is a distance measured along the front face (250) from the point (204) to the toe edge (211) and substantially parallel to the sole (130). The golf club (200) may further include a first weight (185) occupying a first cavity (180) and a second weight (195) occupying a second cavity (190), as illustrated in FIG. 1, for example.

A golf club (200) having a cavity and an inserted weight in a golf club head (100) as described herein provides an exemplary golf club that assists a golfer in improving his or her swing ability by allowing customization of the rear weight and the toe weight of the club head (100). Additionally, among the various embodiments described herein, the golf club and its manufacturing method may be for an iron, a driver, a fairway wood, a hybrid, a putter, and/or any other suitable type of club.

In one embodiment of the golf club and the manufacturing method, the golf club head manufacturing method (600) includes the step of providing a golf club head (block (610)). The golf club head of the block (610) may be similar to the golf club head (100) illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The method (600) further includes the steps of determining a first weight (block (620)), fixing the first weight to a first cavity (block (630)), determining a second weight (block (640)), and fixing the second weight to the second cavity (block (650)). As an example, the first weight of the block (620) may be similar to the first weight (185) of FIG. 1, and the second weight of the block (640) may be similar to the second weight (195) of FIG. 1.

Additionally, the decision step at block (620) may include a step of a professional golf technician analyzing the golfer's swing. Based on the swing analyzed by the professional golf technician, a lighter or heavier weight may be determined. Similarly, the decision step at block (640) may include a step of determining whether to use a lighter weight or a heavier weight based on the analysis of the golfer's swing by the professional golf technician. Additionally or alternatively, software, firmware, and/or hardware may be used to determine the first weight (e.g., to monitor, measure, and/or analyze various parameters associated with the individual's golf swing).

In one embodiment of a golf club and a manufacturing method, a method (700) of manufacturing a golf club includes the steps of providing a golf club head (block (610)), determining a first weight (block (620)), securing the first weight to a first cavity (block (630)), determining a second weight (block (640)), securing the second weight to the second cavity (block (650)), and coupling the body to a golf club shaft (block (760)). As an example, the shaft of the block (760) can be similar to the shaft (208) of FIG. 2. Additionally, the coupling step of the block (760) can include tapping, bonding, welding, swaging, or other suitable techniques.

In accordance with the method embodiments described herein, the method of securing the first and/or second weight(s) comprises any process for securing the weights to the individual cavities. For example, where each of the weights comprises a polymeric material, the weights may be bonded and/or secured by an adhesive. For example, where each of the weights is made of metal, the weights may similarly be bonded or secured by an adhesive, or additionally secured by any other known method for securing metal within a cavity, such as welding, swaging, or the like.

Although a particular order of operations is illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, these operations may be performed in other temporal orders. For example, the operations illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or at one time. Additionally, blocks (640) and (650) may be performed before blocks (620) and (630), and blocks (620) and (640) may be performed before blocks (630) and (650).

The providing step in the described method of FIGS. 6 and 7 may include a design and/or manufacturing step of a golf club head. As an example, the body (100) of FIG. 5 may be manufactured using a metal casting process. Additionally, the method described above may be used to manufacture other aspects of the body (100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 8 presents a rear view of a club head (800) of a club head set (80) according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein. FIG. 9 presents a toe-side view of the golf club head (800). FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the body (800) of the club head (800) in an exploded state. The club head (800) is similar to the club head (100) ( FIGS. 1-5 ) and includes a loft angle (955) ( FIG. 9 ) between the front surface (950) ( FIG. 9 ) and the shaft bore axis (806). In the example of FIG. 9, the shaft bore axis (806) is defined by the bore of the hosel (805), although other hosel-less examples may exist in which the shaft bore axis (806) may be defined by the shaft bore at the heel of the club head body. In the example of FIG. 8, the club head (800) also includes a rear portion (802) having a rear surface (860) that is opposite the front surface (950) (FIG. 9) and extends between the toe region (810) and the heel region (820) of the rear portion (802). In some embodiments, the rear portion (802) may also be referred to as the rear side of the club head (800). The club head (800) also includes inserts (885, 895) of the present embodiment. The insert (885) may be similar to the weight (185) (FIGS. 1, 3) and may be inserted into a cavity (1080) (FIG. 10) similar to the cavity (180) (FIGS. 1, 3, 5) of the club head (100) at the rear end (802). The lower toe insert (895) may be similar to the weight (195) (FIGS. 1, 4) of the club head (100). The club head (800) comprises part of a club head set (80) of two or more golf clubs, as further described below.

The club head (800) also includes, in this embodiment, an insert (862) positioned in the center of the rear face (860) on the insert base (863). As illustrated in FIG. 8, the insert (862) may include a logo or other identifying feature relating to the club head (800). There may be embodiments in which the insert (862) may include materials such as those described for the weight (185) and/or the weight (195) in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 to affect the sound, vibration, frequency, and/or mass distribution of the club head (800).

The club head (800) differs from the club head (100) (FIGS. 1-5) in that it includes a support bar (861) that is coupled to the rear surface (860) across the central region (864) and equidistant from the central region. The support bar (861) includes a support bar (8611) in the heel region (820) and a support bar (8612) in the toe region (810), both of which protrude from the rear surface (860). However, other examples may exist having different numbers and/or different arrangements of support bars. For example, an additional support bar may be positioned between the support bar (8611) and the heel end of the heel region (820). Similarly, an additional support bar may be positioned between the support bar (8612) and the toe end of the toe region (810). In some examples, the insert base (863) may also be considered to include one or more support bars. For example, the base ends (8613, 8614) of the insert base (863) may also be considered as support bars that protrude from the rear surface (860) in some examples. Additionally, there may be examples where the insert base (863) protrudes from the rear surface (860), such that the insert base (863) itself may be considered as a support bar.

In the present embodiment, the support bars (8611, 8612) include substantially the same support bar width. In the same or other embodiments, the support bar width can be from about 0.03 inches (0.75 millimeters) to about 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters). While the example of FIG. 8 shows that the support bar width is constant for both support bars (8611, 8612), there may be other examples in which the support bar width gradually tapers or otherwise varies along the length of the support bar similar to the support bars (8612 and/or 8611). Additionally, although in this example the thickness of the support bar for the support bar (861) is also constant, there may be examples where the thickness of the support bar may taper or otherwise vary along the length of the support bar, as measured from the rear surface (860), similar to the support bars (8611 and/or 8612).

In this embodiment, the support bar (861) is integral with the rear surface (860) by including a portion of the same material as the member. For example, the support bar (861) may be cast, forged, or machined together with the rear surface (860). Other embodiments may exist in which the support bar is not integral with the individual rear surfaces, but is fixedly attached to the individual rear surfaces. In such examples, the support bar may be welded, brazed, epoxy bonded, or otherwise joined to the rear surface.

In the present embodiment, the support bar (8611) includes an angle (8615) measured from the horizontal axis (807) toward the center region (864). Similarly, the support bar (8612) also includes an angle (8616) measured from the horizontal axis (807) toward the center region (864). The horizontal axis (807) is an axis that bisects the club head (800) into upper and lower halves. Embodiments may exist in which the angles (8615 and/or 8616) form an acute angle of about 30° to about 90° from the horizontal axis (807). In the same or other embodiments, the support bars (8611 and 8612) are angled to converge toward the center region (864). Embodiments may also exist in which the angles (8615 and/or 8616) can be obtuse and/or between about 90° and about 150° from the horizontal axis (807). In the example of FIG. 8 , the angles (8615 and 8616) both include about 68°, but other embodiments may exist in which the angles (8615 and 8616) are not equal to one another, and/or other embodiments in which at least one angle (8615 and/or 8616) is not acute relative to the central region (864). The angles (8615 and/or 8616) may remain constant across different club heads in the set of club heads (80), or may vary from club head to club head within the same set of club heads.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the body (800) of the club head (800) in an exploded state. Skipping over the previous drawings, FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head (800) taken along line 18-18 in FIG. 8. For simplicity, FIG. 18 omits details of the lower toe insert (895), but it should be noted that the insert (885) is shown inserted into the cavity (1080). As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 18, the rear portion (802) of the club head (800) includes a rear end (870) extending between the heel region (820) and the toe region (810), which may be similar to the second rear end (170) of the club head (100) (FIGS. 1, 3-5). In some examples, the rear end (870) may be referred to as a rear wall. The cavity (1080) is also positioned between the rear surface (860) and the rear end (870) in the rear portion (802), and includes a heel region (1082) of the cavity, a toe region (1083) of the cavity, a central region (1181) of the cavity, an inner section (1084) of the cavity disposed toward the front surface (950), and an outer section (1885) of the cavity disposed toward the rear end (870). In the present example, the inner section (1084) of the cavity is disposed opposite the rear surface (860), and the outer section (1885) of the cavity is disposed opposite the rear end (870). In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the cavity (1080) has a wider width in a central region (1181) of the cavity than in a heel region (1082) of the cavity or a toe region (1083) of the cavity. For example, an inner section (1084) of the cavity is thinner relative to the front surface (950) in the central region (1181) of the cavity than in the heel region (1082) of the cavity or the toe region (1083) of the cavity. In some examples, the inner section (1084) of the cavity may be referred to as an inner wall of the cavity, and/or the outer section (1885) of the cavity may be referred to as an outer wall of the cavity.

In this example, the distance between the front end (950) and the exposed surface of the inner section (1084) of the cavity is greater in the heel section (1082) of the cavity and the toe section (1083) of the cavity than in the central section (1181) of the cavity. Additionally, embodiments may exist in which the distance between the rear end (870) and the exposed surface of the outer section (1885) of the cavity may be greater in the heel section (1082) of the cavity and the toe section (1083) of the cavity than in the central section (1181) of the cavity.

The insert (885) includes an insert heel region (1886), an insert toe region (1887), and an insert center region (1888) in the present embodiment, and is formed complementarily with respect to the cavity (1080) such that the insert center region (1888) is thicker than the insert heel region (1886) or the insert toe region (1887). In the example of FIG. 18, the insert heel region (1886) and the insert toe region (1887) are at an obtuse angle with respect to each other along the insert inner wall (1889) and about the insert center region (1888). Similarly, the inner section (1084) of the cavity is at an obtuse angle complementarily with respect to the insert inner wall (1889). In this example, the cavity (1080) is configured such that the insert (885) can be inserted in a top-to-sole direction relative to the club head (800). There may also be examples in which the insert (885) can be interchanged with other inserts of similar shape.

In some examples, the material of the body (801) of the club head (800) may have a specific gravity of at least about 5.0 g/cm3, and/or the material of the insert (885) may have a specific gravity of at least about 1.2 g/cm3. In the same or other examples, the mass of the insert (885) may be about 10 g.

The dimensional relationships described above for the cavity (1080) and the insert (885) and between the cavity (1080) and the insert (885) may be advantageous in allowing for, for example, control of mass distribution for the club head (800). In the present embodiment where the density of the material of the insert (885) is lower than the density of the material of the body (801) of the club head (800), increasing the thickness of the inner wall section (1084) of the cavity in the heel region (1082) of the cavity and the toe region (1083) of the cavity compared to the central region (1181) of the cavity, and increasing the thickness of the insert central region (1888) compared to the insert heel region (1886) and the insert toe region (1887) can allow mass to be redistributed away from the center of the club head (800) and toward the heel region (820) and the toe region (810). As an example, the mass distribution of the inner section (1084) of the cavity is shifted toward the heel region (820) and toward the toe region (810) and away from the central region (1181) of the cavity. Additionally, the mass distribution of the insert (885) is concentrated in the insert center region (1888) and decreases toward the insert heel region (1886) and toward the insert toe region (1887).

This mass distribution can increase the moment of inertia about the central region of the club head (800), which can improve game play by reducing club head twisting during off-center impacts. For example, due to the shape and configuration described above, a portion of the moment of inertia caused by the inner section (1084) of the cavity in the heel region (1082) of the cavity and in the toe region (1083) of the cavity is greater than a portion of the moment of inertia caused by the insert (885) in the insert heel region (1886) and the insert toe region (1887). In other embodiments, other shapes and/or density relationships between the insert (885) and the cavity (1080) can be used to achieve various desired moment of inertia or mass distributions.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 18, the insert (885) is partially accommodated in the cavity (1080), such that the grip portion of the insert (885) protrudes outside the cavity (1080), allowing or facilitating, for example, insertion of the insert (885) into the cavity (1080) or removal of the insert (885) from the cavity (1080). However, in other embodiments, the insert (885) need not protrude from the cavity (1080). In the present embodiment, the support bar (861) also extends from the rear surface (860) to the inner section (1084) of the cavity, and the inner section (1084) of the cavity is formed with at least the same thickness as the support bar (861) with respect to the rear surface (860), thereby preventing the support bar (861) from interfering with inserting the insert (885) into the cavity (1080) or removing the insert (885) from the cavity (1080).

Looking back at the drawings, FIGS. 10 to 15 show various drawings of exemplary club heads of the club head set (80). FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the body (800) of the club head (800) in an exploded state. FIG. 11 shows a rear view of the body (1101) of the club head (1100) of the club head set (80) in an exploded state. FIG. 12 shows a rear view of the body (1201) of the club head (1200) of the club head set (80) in an exploded state. FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head (800) taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 10. FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the club head (1100) taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 11. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a club head (1200) taken along line 15-15 of Figure 12. The club heads (800, 1100, 1200) may be similar to each other as described in detail below.

In this example, the club heads (800, 1100, 1200) form a portion of a set of club heads (80) of an associated golf club, where the club head set (80) may include two or more club heads. For simplicity, only the club heads (800, 1100, 1200) of the club head set (80) are illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 , but the club head set (80) may include three or more club heads. Additionally, other embodiments may exist where the club head set (80) may include only two club heads. Each club head of the club head set (80) includes one or more support bars protruding from a respective rear surface. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 10, the club head (800) includes a support bar (861) including support bars (8611, 8612) protruding from the rear surface (860) as described in detail above. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the club head (1100) includes a support bar (1161), i.e., support bars (11611, 11612) protruding from the rear surface (1160). Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the club head (1200) includes a support bar (1261), i.e., support bars (12611, 12612) protruding from the rear surface (1260).

In this example, the loft angles of the club heads of the club head set (80) vary incrementally across two or more club heads. For example, in this example of the club head set (80), the club head (800) comprises a 2-iron club head having a loft angle (955) (FIG. 9) between the front face (950) and the shaft bore axis (806) of about 18.5° (FIG. 13); the club head (1100) comprises a 6-iron club head having a loft angle (1455) between the front face (1450) and the shaft bore axis (1406) of about 30.5° (FIG. 14); and the club head (1200) comprises a wedge-iron club head having a loft angle (1555) between the front face (1550) and the shaft bore axis (1506) of about 47° (FIG. 15). As a result, the loft angle (1555) of the club head (1200) is greater than the loft angle (1455) of the club head (1100), and thus greater than the loft angle (955) of the club head (800).

Additionally, in this example, a property value of one or more support bars is incrementally changed across two or more club heads according to a loft angle. For example, the loft angle (1555) is greater than the loft angle (1455) as described above, and thus, a property value of the support bar (1261) (FIG. 12) of the golf club (1200) is greater than a property value of the support bar (1161) (FIG. 11) of the golf club (1100). In this example, the property of the support bar that undergoes a change is a width of the support bar, and thus, the width of the support bar (1261) (FIG. 12) is greater than the width of the support bar (1161) (FIG. 11), and the width of the support bar (1161) (FIG. 11) is greater than the width of the support bar (861) (FIG. 10).

The variation of support bar width with respect to loft angle for an exemplary club head set (80) is summarized in FIG. 16. In this example, the club head set (80) includes a club head (800) as a 2-iron head, a club head (1630) as a 3-iron head, a club head (1640) as a 4-iron head, a club head (1650) as a 5-iron head, a club head (1100) as a 6-iron head, a club head (1670) as a 7-iron head, a club head (1680) as an 8-iron head, a club head (1690) as a 9-iron head, and a club head (1200) as a wedge-iron head. As can be appreciated from FIG. 16, as the loft angle increases from one club head to the next club head in the set of club heads (80), the width property values of the support bars change incrementally. As a result, the support bar width for a club having a greater loft angle is greater than or equal to the support bar width for a club having a less loft angle. However, there may be examples in which one or more of the characteristic values and/or property values of the support bars may change incrementally as the loft angle increases, such that the support bar width for a club having a greater loft angle is greater than the support bar width for any club having a less loft angle.

Skipping over the previous drawings, the relationship between the support bar width and the loft angle/club head number can fall within one or more ranges, as illustrated in FIG. 22. For example, the club head set (2281) includes club heads having thick support bar widths that vary from club head to club head, as illustrated in FIG. 22. Likewise, in another example, the club head set (2282) includes club heads having thin support bar widths that vary from club head to club head, as also illustrated in FIG. 22. Other examples or club sets with different rates of variation are also possible.

In the same or other examples, the support bar width may vary within a certain range, depending on the loft angle and/or club head number, for one or more club heads in a set of club heads. For example:

For a 2-iron head, the loft angle can be about 18° to about 20°, and the support bar width can be about 0.03 inches (0.75 millimeters) to about 0.2 inches (5.1 millimeters);

For a 2-iron head, the loft angle can be about 20° to about 23°, and the support bar width can be about 0.04 inches (1.0 millimeters) to about 0.21 inches (5.3 millimeters);

For a 4-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 21° to about 25°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.05 inches (1.3 millimeters) to about 0.23 inches (5.8 millimeters);

For a 5-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 23° to about 28°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.06 inches (1.5 millimeters) to about 0.26 inches (6.6 millimeters);

For a 6-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 26° to about 32°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.07 inches (1.8 millimeters) to about 0.30 inches (7.6 millimeters);

For a 7-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 29° to about 36°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.08 inches (2.0 millimeters) to about 0.34 inches (8.7 millimeters);

For an 8-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 34° to about 42°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.09 inches (2.3 millimeters) to about 0.39 inches (9.8 millimeters);

For a 9-iron head, the loft angle can be from about 38° to about 45°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.10 inches (2.5 millimeters) to about 0.44 inches (11.2 millimeters); and/or

For wedge-iron heads, the loft angle can be from about 42° to about 64°, and the support bar width can be from about 0.11 inches (2.8 millimeters) to about 0.50 inches (12.7 millimeters).

In the same or different embodiments, one or more other characteristics or attributes of the support bar may be varied in addition to, instead of, or in place of, the support bar width, in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the support bar width. For example, in one embodiment, the other characteristics or attributes may include the support bar thickness, measured from the rear face, which may vary incrementally with loft angle. In such an example, the thickness of the support bar (1261) of the club head (1200) of FIG. 12 may be thicker than the thickness of the support bar (1161) of the club head (1100) of FIG. 11, and/or the thickness of the support bar (1161) of the club head (1100) of FIG. 11 may be thicker than the thickness of the support bar (861) of the club head (800) of FIG. 10.

In the same or different embodiments, the other characteristic or attribute values may include the total number of support bars, which may be incrementally varied with the loft angle. One such embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 17 for a set of club heads (171) including a club head (800), a club head (1702) similar to the club head (1100), and a club head (1703) similar to the club head (1200). In the example of FIG. 17, the loft angle for the club head (1703) is greater than the loft angle for the club head (1702), the loft angle for the club head (1702) is greater than the loft angle for the club head (1701), and thus the total number of support bars for the club head (1703) is greater than the total number of support bars for the club head (1702), and the total number of support bars for the club head (1702) is greater than the total number of support bars for the club head (1701). In one example, the width, thickness, and angle of the support bars remain the same for each support bar of a single club head. In other examples, one or more of the characteristics or attributes may vary from club head to club head, and/or the support bars within a single club head may have different widths, thicknesses, and/or angles.

As described above, incorporating a support bar into the rear face of the club head of a club head set can be advantageous for a number of reasons. For example, by locating the support bar adjacent to the central region of the rear face of the club head, the support for the front face and/or front plate can be increased to better withstand the stresses associated with impact with a golf ball. In situations where the thickness of the front plate is minimized for weight savings and/or weight redistribution considerations, the additional support described above can be useful.

In the case of a short iron, such as a wedge head similar to the club head (1200) of FIGS. 12 and 15, by arranging a wide and/or thick support bar, such as a support bar (1261), on the rear surface (1260) opposite the front surface (1550), the effect of moving the center of gravity of the club head (1200) toward the front can be obtained. This movement of the center of gravity can reduce the gear effect between the front surface (1550) and the golf ball, thereby limiting the spin imparted to the golf ball upon impact with the front surface (1550) for better trajectory control. In addition, due to the support bar having a wider width and/or a thicker thickness, surface stability can be added upon impact and surface bending can be reduced, resulting in improved distance control and repeatability. In some examples, similar results can also be obtained by increasing the number of support bars, such as in the case of the support bars (1761) of the club head (1703) of FIG. 17.

For long irons, such as a 2-iron, similar to the club head (800) of FIGS. 8, 10 and 13, by reducing the associated characteristic or property of the support bars, whether the support bar width, the support bar thickness, and/or the total number of support bars, the moment of inertia of the club head can be increased to improve control, and thus a greater mass of the club head (800) can be distributed toward the edge of the front face (950) of the club head (800) to increase the moment of inertia. Additionally, by allowing greater curvature of the front face and/or front plate of the club head, a longer and/or more penetrating flight path can be secured due to the associated reduction in the characteristic of the support bars.

Additionally, for the club head set (80) as shown, since the support bar can be seen from the rear surface of the club head, increased user confidence can be achieved for users who can understand the increased support, strength and control characteristics provided by the placement of the support bar.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the club head (800) is also illustrated as including a lower toe insert (895) in addition to the insert (885) and associated cavity (1080) (FIG. 10). However, other embodiments may exist that include the insert (885) and cavity (1080) without the lower toe insert (895), and/or other embodiments may exist that include the lower toe insert (895) without the insert (885) and cavity (1080). Similar variations in features may be extended to other clubs in the set of club heads. For example, all or some of the club heads in the set of club heads (80) may include a lower toe insert similar to the lower toe insert (895), in addition to an insert and associated cavity similar to the insert (885) and associated cavity (1080). Additionally, there may be embodiments in which all or some of the club heads of the set of club heads may include an insert and associated cavity similar to insert (885) and associated cavity (1080), but may lack a lower toe insert similar to lower toe insert (895). Additionally, there may be embodiments in which all or some of the club heads of the set of club heads may include a lower toe insert similar to lower toe insert (895), but may lack an insert and associated cavity similar to insert (885) and associated cavity (1080).

Continuing with reference to FIG. 8, the lower toe insert (895) may be similar to the weight (195) of the club head (100) (FIGS. 1 and 4), and in this example also includes a weight. The lower toe insert (895) is positioned in the lower toe section (811) of the rear end (802), and while the club head (800) includes a perimeter weight (875), the lower toe insert (895) is positioned only in the lower toe section (811). In this example, the lower toe insert (895) includes a tungsten material and has a specific gravity of about 10 g/cm3. In this example, the other club heads of the club head set (80) also include a corresponding lower toe insert similar to the lower toe insert (895).

In some examples, the lower toe insert (895) and/or other similar inserts may be positioned in the lower toe section (811) to affect mass redistribution of the club head (800). For example, the lower toe insert (895) may be configured to increase the moment of inertia of the club head (800) by moving the mass distribution of the club head (800) away from the center region (861) and toward the toe region (810) and/or the lower toe section (811). In the same or other examples, the lower toe insert (895) may be configured to balance the mass of the hosel (805) at the heel or upper heel portion of the club head (800). By having the hosel (805) and the lower toe insert (895) substantially opposite each other, the mass distribution of the club head (800) can be shifted toward the end of the club head (800), thereby increasing the moment of inertia and tolerance factor. In the same or other examples, the dimensions, position and/or mass of the lower toe insert (895) can be configured to adjust or align the center of gravity of the club head (800) to a desired position relative to the heel region (820) and/or the toe region (810).

As described above, the loft angles of the club heads of the club head set (80) are incrementally varied across the two or more club heads in the present example. Additionally, the characteristic values or dimensions of the corresponding lower toe inserts are also varied across the two or more club heads of the club head set (80) in relation to the variation in the loft angles. For example, if each lower toe insert includes two characteristic values, the two characteristic values may vary in an inverse relationship with respect to each other for each lower toe insert across the club heads of the club head set (80) as the loft angle varies. As an example, the varied characteristic value of the lower toe insert may vary incrementally, while the inverse characteristic value of the lower toe insert varies decrementally as the loft angle varies.

The change in characteristic values for loft angles can be further recognized by taking the club head set (80) as an example through club heads (800, 1100, 1200) as presented in FIGS. 10-15. As illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, the loft angle (1555) of the club head (1200) is greater than the loft angle (1455) of the club head (1100), which in turn is greater than the loft angle (955) of the club head (800). Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as the loft angle increases for each club head, the lower toe thickness measured along each depth axis of the club head tends to increase for each club head. In the same and other embodiments, the lower toe thickness of the club head may be associated with and/or defined by the sole of the club head. As an example, the lower toe thickness (15954) (FIG. 15) of the club head (1200) is greater than the lower toe thickness (14954) (FIG. 14) of the club head (1100), and in turn, the lower toe thickness (14954) is greater than the lower toe thickness (13954) (FIG. 13) of the club head (800). Similarly, the lower toe thickness (13954) of the club head (800) is defined by the thickness of the sole (13001) (FIG. 13) and includes a portion of the thickness of the sole (13001), whereas the lower toe thickness (15954) of the club head (1200) is defined by the thickness of the sole (15001) (FIG. 15) and includes a portion of the thickness of the sole (15001), such that the thickness of the sole (15001) is greater than the thickness of the sole (13001).

In an embodiment of the club head set (80), the altered characteristic may be the depth of the lower toe insert, while the reverse characteristic may be the area of the lower toe insert. As an example, for a club head (800), the insert depth (13952) (FIG. 13) of the lower toe insert (895) is measured along a depth axis (13953), the depth axis (13953) intersects a minimum distance point (13955) between the lower toe insert (865) and the front face (950), and the insert area (8951) (FIGS. 8, 10) represents a cross-sectional area of the lower toe insert (895) that is substantially perpendicular to the depth axis (13953), and/or the depth axis (13953) is substantially parallel to the sole (13001) (FIG. 13) and/or substantially perpendicular to the shaft bore axis (806). Similarly, for the club head (1100), the insert depth (14952) (FIG. 14) is measured along the depth axis (14953), which intersects the minimum distance point (14955) between the lower toe insert (1195) and the front face (1450), and the insert area (11951) (FIG. 11) represents a cross-sectional area of the lower toe insert (1195) that is substantially perpendicular to the depth axis (14953), and/or the depth axis (14953) is substantially parallel to the sole (14001) (FIG. 14) and/or substantially perpendicular to the shaft bore axis (1406). As another example, for a club head (1200), the insert depth (15952) (FIG. 15) is measured along a depth axis (15953), the depth axis (15953) intersects a minimum distance point (15955) between the lower toe insert (1295) and the front face (1550), and the insert area (12951) (FIG. 12) represents a cross-sectional area of the lower toe insert (1295) that is substantially perpendicular to the depth axis (15953), and/or the depth axis (15953) is substantially parallel to the sole (15001) (FIG. 15) and/or substantially perpendicular to the shaft bore axis (1506). In the above examples, when the changed characteristic value of the lower toe insert depth (13952, 14952, 15952) increases from the club head (800) to the club head (1200), the area of the lower toe insert (8951, 11951, 12951), which is the reverse characteristic value, decreases from the club head (800) to the club head (1200). In another embodiment, as the loft angle (955, 1455, 1555) increases, the lower toe insert depth (13952, 14952, 15952) increases.

In the same or different embodiments, one of the characteristics or dimensions that is changed can be the distance between the front surface of the individual club head and the center of gravity of the lower toe insert. For example, the distance between the center of gravity of the lower toe insert and the front surface of a club head having a correspondingly smaller loft angle can be greater than the distance between the center of gravity of the lower toe insert and the front surface of a club head having a correspondingly larger loft angle. As an example, the distance (13957) between the center of gravity (13956) of the lower toe insert (895) and the front surface (950) of the club head (800) (FIG. 13) is greater than the distance (14957) between the center of gravity (14956) of the lower toe insert (1195) and the front surface (1450) of the club head (1100) (FIG. 14), and in turn, the distance (14957) is greater than the distance (15957) between the center of gravity (15956) of the lower toe insert (1295) and the front surface (1550) of the club head (1200) (FIG. 15). In the above examples, when the changed characteristic value of the lower toe insert depth (13952, 14952, 15952) increases from the club head (800) to the club head (1200), the inverse characteristic value of the center of gravity distance (13957, 14957, 15957) decreases from the club head (800) to the club head (1200). In another embodiment, as the loft angle (955, 1455, 1555) increases, the center of gravity distance (13957, 14957, 15957) decreases.

The variation of the club head based on the loft angles described above may allow for the insert depth of the lower toe insert to be varied. For example, the insert depth (15952) of the insert (1295) (FIG. 15) may be greater than the insert depth (14952) of the insert (1195) (FIG. 14), which in turn may be greater than the insert depth (13952) of the lower toe insert (895) (FIG. 13). Additionally, the distance between the lower toe insert and the front face of the individual club head may be varied accordingly. In the club head set (80) of the present example, the insert-to-face distance (1360) (FIG. 13) of the club head (800) is about 0.281 inches (7.14 millimeters), which is greater than the insert-to-face distance (1460) (FIG. 14) of the club head (1100) of about 0.233 inches (5.92 millimeters), which in turn is greater than the insert-to-face distance (1560) (FIG. 15) of the club head (1200) of about 0.195 inches (4.95 millimeters).

The above variations in the insert depth of the lower toe insert, the distance between the lower toe insert and the individual club head front face, and/or the distance between the center of gravity of the lower toe insert and the individual club head front face can change the mass distribution for the club head, thereby allowing for adjustment of certain qualities of the club head.

For example, by increasing the insert-to-face distance and/or making the insert shallower for a club head having a smaller loft, the center of gravity of such club head can be moved further away from the individual club head front face, thereby increasing the dynamic loft and spin imparted to the club head, for example, thereby increasing the flight trajectory and/or launch angle for balls struck. Conversely, by decreasing the insert-to-face distance and/or making the insert deeper for a club head having a larger loft, the center of gravity of such club head can be moved closer to the individual club head front face, thereby increasing the penetrating flight path for balls struck.

The aforementioned variation in insert depth may result in a variation in the mass of the different lower toe inserts of the club head. To accommodate this variation in mass, and to affect other qualities of the club head, such as balancing individual hosels with individual lower toe inserts, other characteristics or dimensions of the lower toe inserts may be varied in direct response to the variation in insert depth. For example, as the insert depth of the lower toe insert increases, the area of the lower toe insert may be reduced, such that all of the lower toe inserts comprise substantially similar mass. In some embodiments, the mass of each of the lower toe inserts of the club head set (80) is about 10.25 grams. In the same or other examples, the mass may be about 5 grams to about 50 grams. In the example of the club head set (80), as the insert depth changes from insert depth (13952) (Fig. 13) to insert depth (14952) (Fig. 14) and from insert depth (14952) to insert depth (15952) (Fig. 15), the corresponding area for the insert changes in the opposite direction from insert area (8951) (Fig. 10) to insert area (11951) (Fig. 11) and from insert area (11951) (Fig. 11) to insert area (12951) (Fig. 12).

FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary relationship between the distance from the lower toe insert to the front face and the loft angle for an embodiment of a club head set (80). Skip ahead to the previous drawings, as illustrated in FIG. 23 , the relationship between the front-to-lower toe weight distance and the loft angle/club head number can fall within one or more ranges. For example, the club head set (2381) includes club heads having a long front-to-lower toe weight distance that varies from club head to club head, as illustrated in FIG. 23 . Similarly, in another example, the club head set (2382) includes club heads having a short front-to-lower toe weight distance that varies from club head to club head, as also illustrated in FIG. 23 . The club heads of the club head set (2381) may have a sole that is generally wider in the fore-aft direction of the club head compared to the sole of the club heads of the club head set (2382). This is also possible for other club sets with different examples or rates of change.

In the same or other examples, the distance of the front-to-lower toe weight may vary within a certain range for a club head of one or more sets of club heads, depending on the loft angle and/or club head number. For example:

2- The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of the iron can be from about 0.050 inches (1.27 millimeters) to about 1.2 inches (28.08 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 3-iron can be from about 0.048 inches (1.22 millimeters) to about 1.2 inches (28.08 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 4-iron can be from about 0.046 inches (1.17 millimeters) to about 1.19 inches (27.85 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 5-iron can be from about 0.044 inches (1.12 millimeters) to about 1.17 inches (27.38 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 6-iron can be from about 0.042 inches (1.07 millimeters) to about 1.16 inches (27.14 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 7-iron can be from about 0.040 inches (1.02 millimeters) to about 1.15 inches (26.91 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of an 8-iron can be from about 0.038 inches (0.97 millimeters) to about 1.13 inches (26.44 millimeters);

The distance of the front-to-lower toe weight of a 9-iron can be from about 0.036 inches (0.91 millimeters) to about 1.125 inches (26.33 millimeters); and/or

The distance between the front face and the lower toe weight of a wedge iron can range from about 0.034 inches (0.86 millimeters) to about 1.10 inches (25.74 millimeters).

Referring back to FIGS. 13 to 15, in order to simplify the subject matter, the relationship between a club head having a large loft angle and a club head having a small loft angle with respect to the lower toe insert will be described below with reference to the club heads (800, 1200) of the club head set (80). The relationship between other club heads can be inferred or added based on the description below regarding the club heads (800, 1200).

In the club head set (80) of the present example, the lower toe insert (895) of the club head (800) and the lower toe insert (1295) of the club head (1200) include weights having substantially similar masses. In addition, the dimensions of the lower toe inserts (895, 1295) correspond to each other, and accordingly, the insert depth (13952) (FIG. 13) of the lower toe insert (895) corresponds to the insert depth (15952) (FIG. 15) of the lower toe insert (1295), and the insert area (8951) (FIG. 10) of the lower toe insert (895) corresponds to the insert area (12951) (FIG. 12) of the lower toe insert (1295). The insert area (8951, 12951) may represent a cross-sectional area and/or a rear end area of an individual lower toe insert in the present embodiment or another embodiment. In the present example, since the insert depth (15952) of the lower toe insert (1295) is greater than the insert depth (13952) of the lower toe insert (895), the insert area (8951) of the lower toe insert (895) is greater than the insert area (12951) of the lower toe insert (1295). As a result, the insert area and the insert depth dimensions change in an inverse relationship with each other.

Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15, the insert-to-face distance (1560) between the lower toe insert (1595) and the front face (1550) is greater than the insert-to-face distance (1360) between the lower toe insert (895) and the front face (950). In this example, the insert-to-face distance (1560) includes the shortest distance between the front face (1550) and the lower toe insert (1295), while the insert-to-face distance (1360) includes the shortest distance between the front face (950) and the lower toe insert (895). This aforementioned relationship between the front face (950, 1550) of the individual club heads (800, 1200) and the lower toe insert (895, 1295) defines an individual mass distribution such that the center of gravity of the club head (1200) is located closer to the front face (1550) compared to the proximity of the center of gravity of the club head (800) to the front face (950).

In this example, both lower toe inserts (895 and 1295) are visible in respective lower toe sections of the club head (800, 1200). In some instances, such a configuration where the lower toe inserts are visible may provide the user with confidence that they will perceive improved performance and control characteristics as a result of the placement of the individual lower toe inserts. However, other embodiments may exist where the lower toe inserts may not be visible. For example, the interface between the lower toe inserts (895) and the lower toe sections (811) may be interwoven or otherwise difficult to discern after machining or grinding steps.

In the club head set (80) of the present example, the club head (800) includes a perimeter weight (875) around the rear end (802), and the club head (1200) includes a perimeter weight (1275) around the rear end (1202). The perimeter weight (875) includes a cavity provided in the lower toe section (811), in which a lower toe insert (895) is disposed. Similarly, the perimeter weight (1275) includes a cavity provided in the lower toe section (1211), in which a lower toe insert (1295) is disposed. As a result, these lower toe inserts can be integrated with the individual perimeter weights, while being disposed only in the individual lower toe sections. Additionally, in this example, the lower toe insert (1295) is not compatible with the cavity of the lower toe section (811) in the club head (800), and the lower toe insert (895) is not compatible with the cavity of the lower toe section (1211) in the club head (1200).

Moving forward, FIG. 20 illustrates a flow diagram of a method (2000) for providing a club head set. In some examples, the club head set of the method (2000) may be similar to the club head set (80) of FIGS. 8-16 and FIGS. 18, 19 and/or similar to the club head set (171) of FIG. 17.

A block (2010) of the method (2000) comprises providing a first club head of a set of club heads, the first club head including one or more first support bars coupled to a first rear surface, the one or more first support bars including a first support bar characteristic. In some examples, the first club head can be similar to club head (1200) ( FIGS. 12 , 15 , 16 , 19 ), and the one or more first support bars can be similar to support bars (1261) coupled to the rear surface (1260) ( FIG. 12 ) or support bars (1761) coupled to the rear surface (1760) ( FIG. 17 ). In the same or different examples, the first support bar characteristic can include a support bar width, a support bar thickness, and/or a total number of support bars.

Block (2020) of the method (2000) comprises providing a second club head of a set of club heads, the second club head including one or more second support bars coupled to the second rear surface, the one or more second support bars including a second support bar characteristic. In some examples, the second club head can be similar to the club head (800) (FIGS. 8-10, FIGS. 13, FIGS. 16-19), and the one or more second support bars can be similar to support bars (861) coupled to the rear surface (860) (FIGS. 8, 12, 17). In the same or different examples, the second support bar characteristic can include a second support bar width, a second support bar thickness, and/or a total number of second support bars.

Block (2030) of method (2000) includes the step of providing a first loft angle of the first club head that is greater than a second loft angle of the second club head. In some examples, the first loft angle may be similar to the loft angle (1555) of the club head (1200) (FIG. 15) and the second loft angle may be similar to the loft angle (955) of the club head (800) (FIGS. 9, 13).

Block (2040) of method (2000) includes the step of providing a first support bar characteristic of the first first club head that is greater than a second support bar characteristic of the second club head. As a result, the support bar characteristic will be greater for a club head having a greater loft angle. As an example, the first support bar characteristic for the club head (1200) of FIG. 12 includes a support bar width of the support bar (1261), and the second support bar characteristic for the club head (800) of FIG. 10 includes a support bar width of the support bar (861). As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 8 and 12 and by referring to the graph of FIG. 16, the support bar width for the support bar (1261) (FIG. 12) is greater than the support bar width for the support bar (861) (FIG. 10) in the example of the golf club set (80). In the same or different examples where the support bar characteristic is comprised of the support bar thickness, the support bar thickness for the support bar (1261) (FIG. 12) may be thicker than the support bar thickness for the support bar (861) (FIG. 10). In the example of FIG. 17, the support bar characteristic includes the total number of support bars, and as can be confirmed by comparing the club head (1703) of FIG. 17 to the club head (800), the total number of support bars (1761) of the club head (1703) includes the support bars (12611, 12612) and the support bars (17613-17616), and thus is greater than the total number of support bars (861) of the club head (800) including the support bars (8611, 8612).

There may be examples where the above description of the method (2000) may be extended across two or more club heads of a set of club heads. For example, the method (2000) includes the steps of providing two or more club heads of the set of club heads, and providing a support bar characteristic for each of the two or more club heads, the support bar characteristic incrementally varying across the two or more club heads as the loft angle varies across the two or more club heads. In such an example, the two or more club heads include first and second club heads of blocks (2010, 2020). Furthermore, the support bar characteristic for the first club head may include the first support bar characteristic described above with respect to blocks (2010, 2040), and the support bar characteristic for the second club head may include the second support bar characteristic described above with respect to blocks (2020, 2040). In the same or another example, the step of providing a support bar characteristic value for each of the two or more club heads may include the step of incrementally varying the support bar characteristic value across the two or more club heads when the loft angles of each are incrementally varied across the two or more club heads.

In some examples, the method (2000) may include the steps of providing a hosel for a club head of a set of club heads, and providing a balancing weight disposed only on a lower toe section at the rear of the club head to balance the hosel. In some examples, the balancing weight may be provided for a first club head of block (2010), for a second club head of block (2020), and/or for some or all of the club heads of the set of golf clubs of the method (2000). In some examples, the balancing weight may be similar to a lower toe insert (895) (FIGS. 8, 10, 13) and/or a lower toe insert (1295) (FIGS. 12, 15).

Additionally, there may also be an example of a method (2000) in which an insert may be provided and disposed in a cavity at a rear end of a club head. For example, the first rear end of the first club head may further include a rear wall extending between a heel region and a toe region, and a first cavity disposed between the first rear surface and the rear wall. The first cavity may include a heel region of the cavity, a toe region of the cavity, a central region of the cavity, an inner wall of the cavity located opposite the first rear surface, and an outer wall of the cavity located opposite the rear wall. Additionally, the inner wall of the cavity of the first cavity may have a thickness with respect to the first front surface that is thicker in the heel region of the cavity and in the toe region of the cavity than in the central region of the cavity. In some examples, the first cavity can be similar to the cavity (1280) of the club head (1200) (FIG. 12) and can also be similar to the cavity (1080) of the club head (800) (FIG. 10). Additionally, the first club head can further include a first insert comprising an insert heel region, an insert toe region, and an insert center region, the first insert being configured to be at least partially received in the first cavity, each of the insert heel region and the insert toe region being thinner than the insert center region. The first insert can include an insert inner wall complementary to the cavity inner wall, such that the insert heel region and the insert toe region are at an obtuse angle relative to each other about the insert center region and along the insert inner wall, and/or the cavity inner wall is at a complementary obtuse angle relative to the insert inner wall. In some examples, the first insert may be similar to insert (885) as described above with respect to FIGS. 8 and 18. Such an arrangement may be advantageous for redistributing mass away from the center of the club head to increase the moment of inertia, as described above with respect to insert (885) and cavity (1080) of club head (800) (FIGS. 8, 10).

In some examples, some blocks of the method (2000) may be subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block (2010) may be subdivided into several sub-blocks as described above to provide different portions of the first club head, such as the rear cavity and insert.

In the same or different examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method (2000) may be combined into a single block or may be performed concurrently, and/or the order of these blocks may be changed. For example, block (2030) may occur concurrently with block (2010) for the first club head and concurrently with block (2020) for the second club head. Additionally, block (2040) may occur concurrently with block (2030). In another example, all details of the first club head may be performed in the first block, and all details of the second club head may be performed in the second block.

There may also be examples in which the method (2000) may include additional or different blocks. As an example, the method (2000) may also include individual blocks similar to block (2010) and/or block (2020) for each of two or more club heads of the set of club heads of the method (2000). Other variations of the method (2000) may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of a method (2100) for providing a club head set. In some examples, the club head set of the method (2100) may be similar to the club head set (80) of FIGS. 1-16 and FIG. 19 and/or similar to the club head set (171) of FIG. 17.

Block (2110) of method (2100) includes providing a first club head of a set of club heads, the first club head including a first rear lower toe section including a first cavity and a first loft angle. In some examples, the first club head may be similar to club head (1200) (FIGS. 12, 15, 16, 19) such that the first loft angle may be similar to loft angle (1555) (FIG. 15), and the first cavity may be similar to cavity (1596) (FIG. 15) of a lower toe section (1211) of club head (1200).

Block (2120) of method (2100) includes providing a first weight to the first cavity. In some examples, the first weight may be similar to a lower toe insert (1295) (FIG. 15) provided in a cavity (1596) of the club head (1200).

Block (2130) of method (2100) includes providing a second club head of a set of club heads, the second club head including a second rear lower toe section including a second cavity and a second loft angle, the first loft angle being greater than the second loft angle. There may be examples where the second club head can be similar to the club head (800) (FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 13, 17, 18) such that the second loft angle can be similar to the loft angle (955) (FIGS. 9, 13), and the second cavity can be similar to the cavity (1396) (FIG. 13) of the lower toe section (811) of the club head (800). In another example, the second club head can be another club head of the set of club heads having a loft angle less than the loft angle of the first club head.

Block (2140) of method (2100) includes the step of providing a second weight in a second cavity, wherein a first depth of the first weight is greater than a second depth of the second weight, and a second area of the second weight is greater than the first area of the first weight. There may be examples in which the second weight may be similar to a lower toe insert (895) (FIG. 13) provided in a cavity (1396) of a club head (800). In this example, the first depth and the first area of the first weight may be similar to the insert depth (15952) (FIG. 15) and the insert area (12951) (FIG. 12), respectively, and the second depth and the second area may be similar to the insert depth (13952) (FIG. 13) and the insert area (8951) (FIG. 10), respectively, such that the insert depth (15952) of the lower toe insert (1295) is greater than the insert depth (3952) of the lower toe insert (895), and the insert area (8951) of the lower toe insert (895) is greater than the insert area (12951) of the lower toe insert (1295).

There may be implementations in which the above-described relationship between the first area and the second area of the first weight and the second weight may be achieved by changing the individual lengths and widths of the first weight and the second weight. For example, the second length of the second weight may be formed to be greater than the first length of the first weight, and/or the second width of the second weight may be formed to be greater than the first width of the first weight. In an example of a club head set (80) where the area (8951) (FIG. 10) is determined by the length (8952) and width (8953) of the lower toe insert (895) and the area (12951) (FIG. 12) is determined by the length (12952) and width (12953), the area (8951) of the lower toe insert (8955) may be greater than the area (12951) of the lower toe insert (12955) as a result of the length (8952) being greater than the length (12952) and/or as a result of the width (8953) being greater than the width (12953). In this example, the length (8952) and width (8953) of the lower toe insert (895) are substantially similar to each other, measuring about 0.475 inches (12.06 millimeters), and the length (12952) and width (12953) of the lower toe insert (1295) are also substantially similar to each other, measuring about 0.425 inches (10.8 millimeters). The corresponding length and width of the lower insert weight (1195) ( FIG. 11 ) is approximately 0.450 inches (11.43 millimeters). However, other embodiments may exist in which the length and area of the lower toe inserts need not be substantially similar to each other.

In some embodiments, block (2140) of method (2100) can further include providing a second minimum distance from the second weight to the second front face that is greater than the first minimum distance from the first weight to the first front face. In the same or another embodiment, block (2140) can also include providing a center of gravity of the first club head that is closer to the first front face than the proximity of the center of gravity of the second club head to the second front face. For example, the second minimum distance can be similar to the insert-to-face distance (1560) ( FIG. 15 ) between the lower toe insert (1295) and the front face (1550) of the club head (1200), and the first minimum distance can be similar to the insert-to-face distance (1360) ( FIG. 13 ) between the lower toe insert (895) and the front face (950) of the club head (800). In the same or other embodiments, the above-described arrangement may allow the center of gravity of a club head having a large loft angle, such as the club head (1200), to be arranged closer to the individual front faces than the center of gravity of a club head having a small loft angle, such as the club head (800).

There may also be examples of the method (2100) in which an insert may be provided to be disposed in a cavity provided in a rear portion of a club head of a club head set of the method (2100) similar to that described above for the method (2000) and/or for each of the cavities (1080) (FIG. 10) and (1280) (FIG. 12) of the club head (800, 1200), and for an insert similar to the insert (885) (FIGS. 8, 18). For example, the cavity inner wall of the cavity may be thinner in a central region of the cavity than in the heel region and toe region of the cavity. Similarly, the insert central region may be thicker than the insert heel and toe regions for the insert. This arrangement may be advantageous in redistributing mass away from the center of the club head to increase the moment of inertia, as described above for the insert (885) and cavity (1080) of the club head (800) (FIGS. 8, 10).

Embodiments of the method (2100) may also exist in which the above description may extend across all or part of two or more club heads of the set of club heads. For example, the method (2100) may include the steps of providing two or more club heads of the set of club heads, and inversely varying the depth and area of the lower toe insert as the loft angle of the individual club heads increases across the two or more club heads of the set of club heads.

In some examples, some blocks of the method (2100) may be subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block (2110) may be subdivided into several sub-blocks as described above to provide different portions of the first club head, such as the rear cavity and insert. As another example, block (2140) may also include a step of providing a mass of a second weight that is substantially similar to the mass of the first weight. Similar providing steps may also be performed throughout the method (2100) so that the masses of all lower toe inserts of the club head set are substantially similar to one another.

In the same or different examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method (2100) may be combined into a single block or may be performed concurrently, and/or the order of these blocks may be changed. For example, block (2110) may occur concurrently with block (2120) for the first club head, and/or block (2130) may occur concurrently with block (2140) for the second club head.

There may also be examples in which the method (2100) may include additional or different blocks. As an example, the method (2100) may also include individual blocks similar to block (2110) and/or block (2120) for each of two or more club heads of the set of club heads of the method (2100). Other variations of the method (2100) may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Moving forward, FIG. 24 illustrates a flow diagram of a method (2400) for providing a club head. In some examples, the club head of the method (2400) may be similar to the club head (800) illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 and FIG. 18.

Block (2410) of method (2400) comprises providing an insert for a golf club head of method (2400). In some examples, the insert may be similar to insert (185) (FIGS. 1, 3) and/or insert (885) (FIGS. 8, 18). The insert may include a heel, a toe, and a center region, wherein the center region is thicker than the heel and toe regions.

Block (2420) of method (2400) includes providing a body of a golf club head having a cavity for an insert in a rear portion of the body. Providing the body can include providing a rear surface and a rear end in the rear portion of the body, and providing a cavity between the rear surface and the rear end. The cavity can include an inner section of the cavity adjacent the rear surface, an outer section of the cavity opposite the rear end, a heel region and a toe region of the cavity, and a central region of the cavity that is thicker than the heel region and the toe region of the cavity. In some examples, the body may be similar to the body (801) of the club head (800) (FIGS. 8, 18), the rear surface may be similar to the rear surface (860) (FIGS. 8, 18), the rear end may be similar to the rear end (870) (FIGS. 8, 18), and the cavity may be similar to the cavity (1080) (FIGS. 10, 18).

Block (2430) of method (2400) comprises a step of inserting an insert into a cavity of a body of a golf club head. In some examples, block (2430) may comprise a step of attaching or otherwise coupling the insert to the cavity.

In some examples, some blocks of the method (2400) may be subdivided into one or more sub-blocks. For example, block (2420) may be subdivided into several sub-blocks to provide different portions of the body of the club head.

In the same or different examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method (2400) may be combined into a single block or may be performed concurrently, and/or the order of these blocks may be changed. For example, in some examples, block (2410) may occur concurrently with or after block (2420). In other examples, either block (2410) or block (2420) may be optional. Examples may also exist in which the method (2400) may include additional or different blocks. Other variations to the method (2400) may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 25 presents a rear view of a club head (25000) of a club head set (250) according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein. FIG. 26 presents a rear view of a club head (26000) of the club head set (250), and FIG. 27 also presents a rear view of a club head (27000) of the club head set (250). The club head set (250) includes one or more club heads, such as club head (25000) ( FIG. 25 ), club head (26000) ( FIG. 26 ), and club head (27000) ( FIG. 27 ), each having a diagonal stabilizing bar on its rear surface. As described below, the diagonal stabilizing bars may be used to strengthen the club head by damping vibration of the club head and/or reducing deformation of the club head upon impact with a golf ball. Additionally, in the same or different examples, the diagonal stabilizing bar described above can be angled to align with the club head's striking path, depending on the loft angle of the club head, thereby further stiffening the club head against deformation and/or absorbing vibrations along the anticipated impact point or path and/or providing better desired directional control for the impacted golf ball.

In the example of FIG. 25, the club head (25000) is depicted as a wedge iron head including a rear surface (25100) opposite the striking face. However, other embodiments may exist in which other types of club heads may be used, such as iron heads with greater or lesser loft angles or club heads similar to irons. The club head (25000) also includes a toe region (25210), a heel region (25220), a toe end (25230), a heel end (25240), a top rail or top end (25250), and a sole or bottom end (25260). A vertical axis (25290) extends through the top end (25250) and the bottom end (25260) to divide the club head (25000) between the heel region (25220) and the toe region (25210).

In this example, the rear surface (25100) of the club head (25000) includes a cavity (25300) disposed in a toe region (25210), the cavity (25300) including a cavity base (25310) and a cavity wall (25320) defining a boundary of at least a portion of the cavity base (25310). In this example, the cavity base (25310) is formed to be recessed compared to a perimeter (25110) of the rear surface (25100), and thus the perimeter (25110) protrudes above the cavity base (25310) to form at least a portion of the cavity wall (25320). However, there may be other embodiments in which the cavity walls (25320) do not completely form a boundary of the cavity base (25310) and/or the perimeter (25110) may not protrude above the cavity base (25310). In some embodiments, the perimeter (25110) is a perimeter weight, and/or the cavity (25300) is positioned within or below a large rear cavity defined by the perimeter (25110). In the present embodiment, the cavity (25300) is positioned only in the toe region (25210), although other embodiments may exist in which the cavity (25300) may extend at least partially into the heel region (25220).

The rear surface (25100) also includes a stabilizing bar (25400) extending diagonally with respect to the vertical axis (25290) and protruding from the cavity base (25310). The length of the stabilizing bar (25400) may extend completely or partially across the cavity base (25310) depending on the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the bar axis (25410) extends along the length of the stabilizing bar (25400), intersects the vertical axis (25290), and extends from the vertical axis to the high toe portion of the rear surface (25100), toward the toe end (25230) and the top end (25250). In some examples, the thickness or height from the cavity base (25310) of the stabilizing bar (25400) and/or other stabilizing bar of the club head set (250) can be from about 0.010 inches to about 0.25 inches. In the same or other examples, the width of the stabilizing bar (25400) and/or other stabilizing bar or other club head of the club head set (250) can be from about 0.050 inches to about 0.75 inches. In the same or other examples, the thickness or width of the stabilizing bar (25400) can vary along its length, such that it increases or decreases toward the high toe portion of the rear face (25100). In the present example, the bar axis (25410) forms a bar angle (25420) of about 43° with respect to the vertical axis (25290). Embodiments may exist where the angle between the vertical axis (25290) and the bar axis (25410) may range from about 40° to about 50°. Depending on the club head, other club heads of the club head set (250) may include a bar angle similar to the bar angle (25420), between their individual vertical axes and the bar axis, of from about 25° to about 65°.

Skipping over the previous drawings, FIG. 28 shows an "x-ray" top view of a club head (25000) along the striking path (28100) as it is poised to strike a golf ball (28500). In this example, the stabilizing bar (25400) is at a bar angle (25420) (FIG. 25) with respect to the vertical axis (25290) (FIG. 25) such that when the club head (25000) approaches the point of impact (28600) with the golf ball (28500), the bar axis (25410) (FIG. 25) is substantially aligned with the striking path (28100). As a result, the stabilizing bar (25400) is better positioned to accommodate, attenuate, and/or dissipate impact stresses and/or frequencies along its length upon impact with the golf ball (28500) than if the stabilizing bar (25400) were aligned substantially parallel or perpendicular to the vertical axis (25290), for example (FIG. 25). Additionally, because the length of the stabilizing bar (25400) is aligned substantially parallel to the impact path (28100) as viewed in the top view of FIG. 28, the stabilizing bar (25400) can also provide consistency and directional control to enforce alignment of the flight path of the golf ball (2500) with the impact path (28100).

As can be seen from the top view of FIG. 28, when the club head (25000) approaches the impact point (28600) and makes a target open-face impact angle (28700), the stabilizing bar (25400) is angled substantially aligned with the flight path (28100). In some examples, one or more of the club heads may have a stabilizing bar similar to the stabilizing bar (25400) that is angled substantially aligned with the flight path (28100) for a target open-face impact angle of about 30° to about 50°. However, there may also be other examples where the stabilizing bar may instead be angled to be aligned with the flight path (28100) when the club head makes a closed-face impact angle or is square as it approaches the impact point (28600).

Referring again to FIG. 26, the club head (26000) includes a vertical axis (26290) similar to the vertical axis (25290) (FIG. 25) of the club head (25000) (FIG. 25), and a stabilizing bar (26400) in a cavity (26300) similar to the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25). The stabilizing bar (26400) forms a bar angle (26420) with respect to the vertical axis (26290). FIG. 27 shows a club head (27000) including a vertical axis (27290) similar to the vertical axis (25290) (FIG. 25) of the club head (25000) (FIG. 25), and a stabilizing bar (27400) in a cavity (27300) similar to the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25). The stabilizing bar (27400) forms a bar angle (27420) with respect to the vertical axis (27290).

The club heads of FIGS. 25 to 27 are each a part of a club head set (250), but are different from each other by including different lofts. In this example, the loft of the club head (27000) (FIG. 27) is greater than the loft of the club head (26000) (FIG. 26), and the loft of the club head (26000) (FIG. 26) is greater than the loft of the club head (25000) (FIG. 25). The club head set (250) is configured such that the bar angle of the club head varies based on the loft of the club. For example, the bar angle (27420) (FIG. 27) is greater than the bar angle (26420) (FIG. 26), and the bar angle (26420) (FIG. 26) is greater than the bar angle (25420) (FIG. 25). Accordingly, when the club head (26000) makes a target open-face impact angle greater than the target open-face impact angle (28700) (FIG. 28) of the club head (25000) (FIG. 25), the stabilizing bar (26400) (FIG. 26) will be substantially aligned with the striking path (28100) (FIG. 28). Similarly, when the club head (27000) makes a target open-face impact angle greater than the target open-face impact angle (28700) (FIG. 28) described above with respect to the club head (26000) (FIG. 26), the stabilizing bar (27400) (FIG. 27) will be substantially aligned with the striking path (28100) (FIG. 28).

Consistent with the above description, in the present example, the club head (25000) (FIG. 25) is configured to have a loft of about 52°, a bar angle (25420) of about 43°, and a target open face impact angle (28700) of about 37°. The club head (26000) (FIG. 26) is configured to have a loft of about 56°, a bar angle (26420) of about 44°, and a target open face impact angle of about 38°. The club head (27000) (FIG. 27) is configured to have a loft of about 60°, a bar angle (27420) of about 47°, and a target open face impact angle (28700) of about 42°.

In the same or different embodiments, the set of club heads (250) may, in addition to or instead of one or more of the club heads (25000, 26000, and/or 27000), include other club heads having different loft angles and corresponding characteristic values. For example, the set of club heads (250) may include club heads having lofts of 50°, 54°, and/or 58° and/or lower loft irons having corresponding bar angles and target open face impact angle characteristic values.

Several ranges may be implemented for the values described above. For example, there may be embodiments where the club head (25000) (FIG. 25), the club head (26000) (FIG. 26), the club head (27000) (FIG. 27), and/or other club heads of the club head set (250) can have a loft of from about 45° to about 70°, a bar angle of from about 40° to about 50°, and/or can be configured for a target open face impact angle of from about 30° to about 50°. In the same or other embodiments, where lower lofted irons are included, the loft can range from about 18° to about 70°, and the bar angle can range from about 25° to about 65°.

As can be seen in FIGS. 25 to 27, the club head of the club head set (250) includes an hourglass-shaped support portion toward the middle of each rear surface. As an example, the club head (25000) includes an hourglass-shaped support portion (25600) protruding from the rear surface (25100), and the hourglass-shaped support portion (25600) includes an upper portion (25630), a lower portion (25640), and a middle portion (25650). The hourglass-shaped support portion (25600) also includes a toe side wall (25610) and a heel side wall (25620), and the upper portion (25630), the lower portion (25640), and the middle portion (25650) are formed therebetween. In this example, the cavity wall (25320) includes a toe side wall (25610), and thus the toe side wall (25610) protrudes above the cavity base (25310). Additionally, in this example, the cavity wall (25720) of the cavity (25700) includes a heel side wall (25620), and thus the heel side wall (25620) protrudes above the cavity base of the cavity (25700).

The hourglass support member (25600) may be configured to provide several advantages to the club head (25000). For example, by dividing most of its mass between the upper portion (25630) and the lower portion (25640), the midsection (25650) is made relatively light. This arrangement improves the moment of inertia about the midsection (25650) to improve stability at a center impact hit on the striking surface opposite the midsection (25650) and/or opposite the cavity (25300 or 25700). Additionally, the mass of the upper portion of the hourglass support member positioned high in the club head (25000) may be advantageous in positioning the center of gravity for optimal launch conditions and in increasing the moment of inertia. In some examples, the middle portion (25650) of the hourglass support portion (25600) may be positioned above the horizontal centerline (25280) of the rear face (25100), thereby further raising the center of gravity of the club head (25000). By raising the center of gravity as described above via the hourglass support portion (25600), launch control may be improved, launch angles may be lowered, and/or gear effect and ball spin may be increased for a more stable golf ball flight path. In the same or other embodiments, the upper portion (25630) may be wider and/or thicker than the lower portion (25640) of the hourglass support portion (25600).

The toe side wall (25610) of the hourglass support (25600) includes an upper segment (25611) that at least partially forms an upper portion (25630) of the hourglass support (25600). In the same or another example, the upper segment (25611) is substantially parallel to the stabilizing bar (25400). This parallel relationship may allow the upper segment (25611) and/or other portions of the hourglass support (25600) to work with the stabilizing bar (25400) to help provide better golf ball directional control when aligned with the striking path (28100) (FIG. 8), and/or to better accommodate, attenuate and/or dissipate impact stresses, vibrations and/or frequencies. The toe side wall (25610) also forms, at least partially, a lower portion (25640) of the hourglass support (25600), including, in this example, a lower segment (25612). In some examples, the lower segment (25612) can be substantially perpendicular to the stabilizing bar (25400), and/or can be at a different angle relative to the stabilizing bar.

The toe side wall (25610) is substantially non-linear along the middle portion (25650) of the hourglass-shaped support (25600) in the present embodiment. In particular, in the present example, the toe side wall (25610) is angled in the middle portion, approaching a “U” or “V” shape, such that an angle of about 80° to about 100° may exist between the upper portion (25611) and the lower portion (25612) of the toe side wall (25610).

In this example, the rear surface (25100) also includes a cavity (25700) disposed in the heel region (25220). The cavity (25700) may be similar to the cavity (25300), but includes a cavity wall (25720) that includes a heel side wall (25620) of an hourglass support (25600). In FIG. 25, the cavity (25700) and the cavity (25300) are both disposed above the horizontal centerline (25280). In this example, the cavity (25700) lacks a stabilizing bar similar to the stabilizing bar (25400). However, other embodiments may exist in which a stabilizing bar may be provided in the cavity (25700), such as in a club head configured for a closed-face impact angle. In the above examples where a stabilizing bar is provided in the cavity (25700), the stabilizing bar may be angled in other ways, such as being parallel to the upper segment of the heel sidewall (25620) of the hourglass support (25600), parallel to an angle of the stabilizing bar (25400), substantially perpendicular to an angle of the stabilizing bar (25400), and/or aligned with the striking path of the club head while at a target open-face impact angle. In the same or other examples where the cavity (25700) includes a stabilizing bar, the cavity (25300) may or may not include the stabilizing bar (25400).

As can be seen in FIGS. 25-27, the club head of the club head set (250) also includes individual toe weights that can vary depending on the loft angle of the club head. For example, in FIG. 25, the club head (25000) includes a toe weight (25800) that is positioned toward the lower portion (25260) in the toe area (25210). The toe weight (25800) includes a weight surface (25810) that faces toward the heel area (25240), the weight surface (25810) being angled with respect to the vertical axis (25290). Similarly, in FIG. 26, the club head (26000) includes a toe weight (26800) having a weight surface (26810) angled relative to a vertical axis (25290), and in FIG. 27, the club head (27000) includes a toe weight (27800) having a weight surface (27810) angled relative to a vertical axis (27290). In this example of a club head set (250), the angles of the weight surface (25810) (FIG. 25), the weight surface (26810) (FIG. 26), and the weight surface (27810) (FIG. 27) vary depending on the loft of the individual club heads, similar to the variations described above with respect to the angles of the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25), the stabilizing bar (26400) (FIG. 26), and the stabilizing bar (27400) (FIG. 27). For example, if the loft of the club head (27000) is greater than the loft of the club head (26000), and if the loft of the club head (26000) is greater than the loft of the club head (25000), the angle of the weight surface (27810) with respect to the vertical axis is greater than the angle of the weight surface (26810) with respect to the vertical axis, and the angle of the weight surface (26810) with respect to the vertical axis is greater than the angle of the weight surface (25810) with respect to the vertical axis. In this example, the weight surfaces of the given angle are aligned substantially parallel to the corresponding stabilizing bars, such that the weight surface (25810) is substantially parallel to the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25), the weight surface (26810) is substantially parallel to the stabilizing bar (26400) (FIG. 26), and the weight surface (27810) is substantially parallel to the stabilizing bar (27400) (FIG. 27). In the same or other examples, such angular variations of the weight surfaces can provide similar advantages as described above with respect to variations between the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25), the stabilizing bar (26400) (FIG. 26), and the stabilizing bar (27400) (FIG. 27), by aligning the weight surfaces (25810, 26810, 27810) with individual striking paths, for example, when the club head is at individual target open-face impact angles. However, there may be other examples where the club heads of a club head set similar to the club head set (250) need not include individual toe weights, or may include individual toe weights that do not necessarily vary with the loft angle of the club head.

With continued reference to the drawings, FIG. 29 illustrates a rear view of a club head (29000). The club head (29000) may be similar to the club head (25000) (FIG. 25), but includes a stabilizing bar (29400). The stabilizing bar (29400) may be similar to the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25), but may have a width that increases toward the upper toe end of the club head (29000). In the same or another example, the stabilizing bar (29400) may also, or alternatively, have a thickness that increases toward the upper toe end of the club head (29000). In some examples, by increasing the width or thickness of the stabilizing bar toward the upper toe end of the club head, additional structural support may be provided to the high toe area, and/or additional reinforcement area may be provided along a wide path that is aligned for impact with a golf ball. These reinforcements can additionally reduce deformation and absorb additional stress at impact. Additionally, the increased width and/or thickness allows the center of gravity of the club head to be positioned higher, either to increase spin rate or to increase moment of inertia.

FIG. 30 shows a rear view of a club head (30000). The club head (30000) is similar to the club head (25000) ( FIG. 25 ), but includes a stabilizing bar (30401) and a stabilizing bar (30402) rather than just a single stabilizing bar like the stabilizing bar (25400) ( FIG. 25 ). In this example, the stabilizing bars (30401, 30402) are angled as described above with respect to the stabilizing bar (25400) ( FIG. 25 ), but the stabilizing bar (30401) is wider than the stabilizing bar (30402) and is positioned closer to the toe end of the club head (30000) than the stabilizing bar (30402). In the same or different examples, the stabilization bar (30401) may be thicker or taller than the stabilization bar (30402), in addition to or instead of being wider than the stabilization bar (30402). Likewise, in the same or different examples, the stabilization bars (30401, 30402) may be the same width. In some embodiments, the additional stabilization bar may provide additional structural support across the toe area of the club head. While a single stabilization bar may provide reinforcement at certain locations, the additional bar may increase support over a larger cross-section of the face.

Next, FIG. 31 illustrates a flow diagram of a method (31000) for providing a golf club head set. In some examples, the golf club head set of the method (31000) may be similar to a golf club head set including club heads similar to the golf club head set (250) described with respect to FIGS. 25-28 and/or the club heads of FIGS. 29 and/or 30. The golf club head set may include one or more club heads including a diagonal stabilizing bar.

A block (31100) of a method (31000) comprises the step of providing a first club head including a first diagonal stabilizing bar. In some examples, the first club head can be similar to any of the club heads of the set of club heads (250) described above, such as club head (25000) (FIG. 25), club head (29000) (FIG. 29), or club head (30000) (FIG. 30). A first vertical axis can be defined to pass through a first top portion and a first bottom portion of the first club head and extend between a first heel region and a first toe region of the first club head. In some examples, the first vertical axis can be similar to vertical axis (25290) (FIG. 25), and the first toe region can be similar to toe region (25210) (FIG. 25).

The block (31100) may, in some examples, include a sub-block (31110) providing a first rear surface of the first club head. As an example, the first rear surface may be similar to the rear surface (25100) of the club head (25000) (FIG. 25). The first rear surface may be disposed opposite the first striking surface of the first club head. The first club head may be provided, for example, through a casting or forging process.

Here, the block (31100) can include a sub-block (31120) providing a first cavity in a first rear surface at a first toe area of the first club head. The first cavity can be similar to the first cavity (25300) (FIG. 25) and can include a first cavity base similar to the cavity base (25310), and a first cavity wall similar to the cavity wall (25320) (FIG. 25) defining a boundary of the first cavity base. In some examples, a perimeter of the first club head can protrude above the first cavity base, and/or can form a portion of the first cavity wall as illustrated in FIG. 25 with respect to the perimeter (25110) protruding above the cavity base (25310). In the same or another example, the first rear surface may be configured such that the first cavity is located only in the first toe area of the first club head.

The block (31100) of the method (31000) may also include a sub-block (31130) providing a first diagonal stabilizing bar within the first cavity, the first diagonal stabilizing bar protruding from the first cavity and forming a first bar angle with respect to the vertical axis of the first club head. The first diagonal stabilizing bar may be similar to the stabilizing bar (25400) (FIG. 25) and may include a first bar axis similar to the bar axis (25410) (FIG. 25) and extending along the length of the first bar. The first bar axis may be aligned to intersect the first vertical axis and extend from the first vertical axis toward the high toe portion of the first club head. In some examples, the first diagonal stabilizing bar may be forged or cast along with the first club head, and/or may be machined from the first club head. There may be other examples where the first diagonal stabilizing bar does not include a first rear surface and a single material member.

There may be embodiments in which the first bar axis may form a first bar angle such that the first bar axis is substantially aligned with the striking path of the first club head as the first club head approaches the point of impact with the golf ball along the striking path. In some examples, this alignment of the first bar axis and/or the first stabilizing bar may be accomplished as described above with respect to the stabilizing bar (25400) with respect to the striking path (28100) with reference to FIG. 28. In the same or another example, this alignment of the first bar axis and/or the first stabilizing bar may be configured with respect to the target open face impact angle as described above with respect to the club heads of FIGS. 25-28.

Additionally, embodiments may exist having different configurations for the first diagonal stabilizing bar. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the thickness or the width of the first diagonal stabilizing bar may be configured to increase toward the first top end of the first club head, as described above with respect to FIGS. 25 and 29. As another example, the second diagonal stabilizing bar may be positioned in the first cavity parallel to the first diagonal stabilizing bar, as described with respect to FIG. 30. In such examples, the second diagonal stabilizing bar may have a greater thickness and/or width than the first diagonal stabilizing bar, and may be positioned closer to the first toe end of the first club head than the first diagonal stabilizing bar.

In some examples, the block (31100) may further include a sub-block (31140) providing a first hourglass-shaped support protruding from the first rear surface. There may be examples where the first hourglass-shaped support may be similar to the hourglass-shaped support (25600) (FIG. 25). While the first hourglass-shaped support may in some examples be machined into the first rear surface, there may also be examples where the first hourglass-shaped support need not comprise a single material member with the first rear surface. In some implementations, the first hourglass-shaped support may include an upper portion, a lower portion, and a middle portion, which may be similar to the upper portion (25630), the lower portion (25640), and/or the middle portion (25650) of the hourglass-shaped support (25600) (FIG. 25), respectively. The first hourglass support may also include heel and toe hourglass sidewalls, which may be similar to the heel sidewall (25620) and/or the toe sidewall (25610) of the hourglass support (25600) (FIG. 25), respectively. In some embodiments, the toe hourglass sidewall may protrude above the first cavity of the block (31120), and/or may include a portion of the first cavity wall. There may also be examples where an upper segment of the toe hourglass sidewall may be substantially parallel to the first bar axis of the first diagonal stabilizing bar. In the same or another example, the toe hourglass sidewall may be non-linear along the middle hourglass portion of the first hourglass support, as illustrated for the toe sidewall (25610) in FIG. 25. In the same or another embodiment, the heel hourglass sidewall may protrude above the second cavity of the first club head. For example, in some embodiments, such a second cavity may be located in the heel area of the first club head, and/or may be similar to cavity (25700) (FIG. 25).

The block (31100) may, in some embodiments, include a sub-block (31150) providing a first toe weight including a first weight surface facing the heel area of the first club head and forming a first weight angle. The first toe weight may be disposed in the first toe area and toward the first lower portion of the first club head, and the first weight surface may be facing toward the first heel area at the first weight angle relative to a first vertical axis of the first club head. In some examples, the first toe weight may be similar to the toe weight (25800), and the first weight surface may be similar to the weight surface (25810) (FIG. 25). In the same or another example, the first toe weight may be similar to the insert (895) (FIG. 8), for example, by including similar material(s).

In some examples, the method (31000) may include a block (31200) providing a second club head including a second diagonal stabilizing bar. The second club head may, in some examples, be similar to another one of the club heads of the set of club heads (250), such as either club head (26000) (FIG. 26) or club head (27000) (FIG. 27).

The block (31200) includes a sub-block (31210) providing a second diagonal stabilizing bar having a second bar angle greater than the first bar angle. In some examples, the loft of the second club head of the block (31200) may be greater than the loft of the first club head of the block (31100), thereby increasing the bar angle by increasing the loft. In some embodiments, the second diagonal stabilizing bar may be similar to the stabilizing bar (26400) having a bar angle (26420) (FIG. 26).

The block (31200) may also include a sub-block (31220) providing a second toe weight having a second weight surface having a second weight angle greater than the first weight angle, in some examples. Embodiments may exist in which the second toe weight may be similar to the toe weight (26800) having the weight surface (26810).

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method (31000) may be combined into a single block or may be performed concurrently, and/or the order of these blocks may be changed. For example, sub-blocks (31120, 31130) may be performed concurrently with sub-block (31110), such as during casting, forging, and/or machining of the first club head. In the same or different examples, a block of the method (31000) may be further divided into multiple sub-blocks. For example, sub-block (31150) may include a sub-block that joins a first toe weight to the first club head, such as by welding or via an adhesive. There may also be examples in which the method (31000) may include additional or different blocks. As an example, other blocks similar to block (31100) and/or corresponding sub-blocks (31110, 31120, 31130, 31140 and/or 31150) may be provided to provide a third club head including a third diagonal stabilizing bar, such as in the case of club head (27000) ( FIG. 27 ) or another club head of the set of club heads (250). Additionally, there may be instances where the method (31000) may include only some of the steps described above. For example, sub-block (31150) may be optional in some embodiments. Other variations to the method (31000) may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While the club head set having variable characteristic values and related methods have been described with reference to particular embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Additional examples of the above options and other embodiments are provided in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the present disclosure of embodiments of club head sets and related methods having variable characteristic values is intended to be illustrative, and not limiting, of the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, a golf club head may have one or more of the features of FIGS. 1-5 , with or without other features described with reference to FIGS. 1-5 . In another example, a club head set described above with reference to FIGS. 8-21 may include more or fewer club heads than those listed in FIGS. 16 and 19 , and the loft angle, support bar characteristics, and/or lower toe insert weighting attributes may be different than in the examples of FIGS. 8-21 , but still be related. As another example, the club heads according to the embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 25-31, while embodying the teachings of the present disclosure, may include corresponding stabilizing bars of various shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, circular, crescent-shaped, and/or rhomboidal, and/or may include corresponding stabilizing bars of various patterns, such as solid, waffle, recessed, honeycomb, growth and/or degenerate patterns. Other permutations of different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various Figures are likewise contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the club head sets and related methods having variable characteristic values be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

FIGS. 32 to 34 illustrate a golf club head (4000) of a golf club set (45000) according to one embodiment of the golf club and manufacturing method described herein. The club head (40000) may be similar to the club head (100) and the club head (800), and a golf club including the club head (40000) may be similar to the golf club including the club head (100) and the golf club including the club head (800). A club head (40000) includes a body (40101) having a striking face (40102) having a front surface (40250) and a rear surface (40860), a toe area (40110), a heel area (40120) opposite the toe area (40110), a hosel (40105) in the heel area (40120), a sole area (40130), and a top area (40140) opposite the sole area (40130). The sole area (40130) can extend from the heel area (40120) to the toe area (40110), and the sole area (40130) can extend from the front surface (40250) to a rear sole edge (40165). The club head (40000) also includes a rear portion (40802) having a rear surface (40860) opposite the front surface (40250) and extending between a toe region (40110) and a heel region (40120) of the rear portion (40802). In another embodiment, the golf club head (40000) may have a bore (not shown) in the heel region (40120) instead of the hosel (40105).

Referring to FIG. 32, the club head (40000) further includes a support structure (40200) protruding from the rear surface (40860). The support structure (40200) includes a central support bar (40210) and a lower support bar (40220). The central support bar (40210) is disposed in the central region and extends from near the upper portion of the striking face (40102) to near the lower portion of the striking face (40102). Additionally, the central support bar (40220) includes a width (40212) measured from the heel to the toe direction of the club head (40000) (i.e., measured in a direction extending from the heel region (40120) to the toe region (40110). In the illustrated embodiment, the width (40212) of the central support bar (40210) increases from about the top region (40140) of the club head (40000) toward about the sole region (40130). In other embodiments, the width (40212) of the central support bar (40210) may remain constant, or the width (40212) of the central support bar (40210) may decrease from about the top region (40140) of the club head (40000) toward about the sole region (40130). The lower support bar (40220) is positioned below the center of the rear face (40860) and extends from about the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000) toward about the toe region (40110). Additionally, the lower support bar (40220) includes a height (40222) measured in a superior-inferior direction of the striking face (40102) (i.e., measured in a direction extending from the top region (40140) to the sole region (40130). In the illustrated embodiment, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) decreases from about the center of the club head (40000) toward about the heel region (40120) and about the toe region (40110). In other embodiments, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) may be constant from about the center of the club head (40000) to about the heel region (40120) and to about the toe region (40110), or the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) may increase from about the center of the club head (40000) to about the heel region (40120) and to about the toe region (40110).

In the present embodiment, the support bars (40210) and (40220) are formed integrally, and the support bar thicknesses measured from the rear surface (40860) are substantially the same. In the example of FIG. 32, the support bar thicknesses for the two support bars (40210, 40220) are constant, but there may be other examples in which the thickness of the support bar gradually tapers along the length of the support bar or varies in other ways.

In the present embodiment, the support bars (40210, 40220) are integral with the back surface (40860) by including a portion of the same material as the back surface. For example, the support bars (40861) may be cast, forged, or machined together with the back surface (40860). Other embodiments may exist in which the support bars (40210, 40220) are not integral with the respective back surfaces, but are fixedly attached to the respective back surfaces. In such examples, the support bars may be welded, brazed, epoxy bonded, or otherwise joined to the back surface. The striking surface (40102) of the golf club (40000) includes a thickness measured as a vertical distance from the front surface (40250) to the back surface (40860). In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) varies depending on the striking surface area, as described below. In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) can be substantially constant.

Referring to FIG. 32, the striking surface (40102) has a central region (40106), a heel region (40107), a toe region (40108), and a perimeter region (40109). The central region (40106) includes a portion of the striking surface (40102) that is reinforced by a central support bar (40210). The heel region (40107) includes a portion of the striking surface (40102) that is not reinforced by a support structure (40200) near the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000). The toe region (40108) includes a portion of the striking surface (40102) that is not reinforced by a support structure (40200) near the toe region (40110) of the club head (40000). The perimeter area (40109) includes a portion of the club head surrounding the center area (40106), the heel area (40107), the toe area (40108), and the lower support bar (40220).

In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface in the heel region is approximately the same as the thickness of the striking surface in the toe region. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface in the heel region and the toe region is less than the thickness of the striking surface in the central region, and the thickness of the striking surface in the central region is less than the thickness of the striking surface in the peripheral region.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) at the heel region (40107) is about 0.075 inches (0.19 cm). In many embodiments, the thickness of the face plate at the heel region (40107) ranges from about 0.067 inches (0.17 cm) to 0.082 inches (0.21 cm). In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) at the heel region (40107) can be less than about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm), less than about 0.09 inches (0.23 cm), less than about 0.08 inches (0.20 cm), or less than about 0.07 inches (0.18 cm).

For further examples, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the toe region (40108) is about 0.075 inches (0.19 cm). In many embodiments, the thickness of the face plate in the toe region (40108) ranges from about 0.067 inches (0.17 cm) to 0.082 inches (0.21 cm). In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the toe region (40108) can be less than about 0.10 inches (0.25 cm), less than about 0.09 inches (0.23 cm), less than about 0.08 inches (0.20 cm), or less than about 0.07 inches (0.18 cm).

For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the central region (40106) is about 0.085 inches. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face plate in the central region (40106) is in the range of about 0.078 inches (0.20 cm) to 0.092 inches (0.23 cm). In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the central region (40106) can be in the range of about 0.065 inches (0.17 cm) to 0.15 inches (0.38 cm). For example, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the central region (40106) can be about 0.065 inches (0.17 cm), about 0.070 inches (0.18 cm), about 0.075 inches (0.19 cm), about 0.080 inches (0.20 cm), about 0.085 inches (0.22 cm), about 0.090 inches (0.23 cm), about 0.095 inches (0.24 cm), about 0.100 inches (0.25 cm), about 0.105 inches (0.27 cm), about 0.110 inches (0.28 cm), or about 0.115 inches (0.29 cm).

For further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the perimeter region (40109) is about 0.160 inches (0.406 cm). In many embodiments, the thickness of the face plate in the perimeter region (40109) ranges from about 0.140 inches (0.356 cm) to 0.180 inches (0.457 cm). In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the perimeter region (40109) can be less than or equal to about 0.260 inches (0.660 cm). For example, the thickness of the striking surface (40102) in the perimeter region (40109) can be about 0.260 inches (0.660 cm) or less, about 0.240 inches (0.610 cm) or less, about 0.220 inches (0.559 cm) or less, about 0.200 inches (0.508 cm) or less, about 0.180 inches (0.457 cm) or less, about 0.160 inches (0.406 cm) or less, or about 0.140 inches (0.356 cm) or less.

In many embodiments, the striking surface (40102) can include an upper region and a lower region. In the above embodiments, the upper region can include a region on the striking surface (40102) that is above the cavity (40180) or a region between the top of the cavity (4018) and the top of the striking surface (40102). Additionally, in the above embodiments, the lower region can include a region on the striking surface (40102) that is in front of or within the cavity (40180) or a region between the top of the cavity (4018) and the bottom of the striking surface (40102).

In some embodiments, the upper thickness of the upper region can be measured from the front surface (40250) to the rear surface (40860) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface (40250) in the upper region of the striking surface (40102). In many embodiments, the upper thickness can be varied such that a minimum or lower upper thickness is determined. In many embodiments, the minimum upper thickness can be between 0.06 inches (0.125 cm) and 0.12 inches (0.305 cm). In many embodiments, the minimum top thickness can be no greater than 0.12 inches (0.305 cm), no greater than 0.11 inches (0.279 cm), no greater than 0.10 inches (0.254 cm), no greater than 0.09 inches (0.2286 cm), no greater than 0.08 inches (0.2032 cm), no greater than 0.07 inches (0.1778 cm), or no greater than 0.06 inches (0.1524 cm). For example, in some embodiments, the minimum top thickness can be about 0.06 inches (0.1524 cm), 0.07 inches (0.1778 cm), 0.08 inches (0.2032 cm), 0.09 inches (0.2286 cm), or 0.1 inches (0.254 cm).

In some embodiments, the lower region's lower thickness can be measured from the front surface (40250) to the rear surface (40860) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface (40250) in the lower region of the striking surface (40102). In many embodiments, the lower thickness can be varied such that a minimum or lower thickness is determined. In many embodiments, the minimum lower thickness can be less than the minimum upper thickness. In some embodiments, the minimum lower thickness of the lower region can be between 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) and 0.10 inches (0.254 cm). In many embodiments, the minimum bottom thickness can be less than or equal to 0.10 inches (0.254 cm), less than or equal to 0.09 inches (0.2286 cm), less than or equal to 0.08 inches (0.2032 cm), less than or equal to 0.07 inches (0.1778 cm), less than or equal to 0.06 inches (0.1524 cm), or less than or equal to 0.05 inches (0.127 cm). For example, in some embodiments, the minimum bottom thickness can be about 0.05 inches (0.127 cm), 0.06 inches (0.1524 cm), 0.07 inches (0.1778 cm), 0.08 inches (0.2032 cm), or 0.09 inches (0.2286 cm).

In many embodiments, the minimum lower thickness is greater than the minimum upper thickness. In other embodiments, the minimum lower thickness can be less than the minimum upper thickness. In many embodiments, the minimum thickness of the striking surface (40102), including the upper region and the lower region, measured from the front surface (40250) to the rear surface (40860) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front surface (40250), can be 0.11 inches (0.279 cm) or less, 0.10 inches (0.254 cm) or less, 0.09 inches (0.2286 cm) or less, 0.08 inches (0.2032 cm) or less, 0.07 inches (0.1778 cm) or less, 0.06 inches (0.1524 cm) or less, or 0.05 inches (0.127 cm) or less.

Referring to FIG. 33, the front surface (40250) of the club head (40000) includes a surface area. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface area of the front surface (40250) ranges from about 4.0 in² to about 5.5 in². In other embodiments, the surface area of the front surface (40250) may range from about 3.0 in² to about 6.0 in². For example, the surface area of the front surface (40250) can be about 3.00 in², about 3.25 in², about 3.50 in², about 3.75 in², about 4.00 in², about 4.25 in², about 4.50 in², about 4.75 in², about 5.00 in², about 5.25 in², about 5.50 in², about 5.75 in², or about 6.00 in².

The golf club head (40000) further includes a cavity (40180) configured to receive a cavity insert (40885). The cavity (40180) is positioned between the rear surface (40860) and the rear end (40870) in the rear portion (40802), and includes a heel region (40182) of the cavity, a toe region (40183) of the cavity, a central region (40181) of the cavity, an inner section (40184) of the cavity disposed toward the front surface (40250), and an outer section (40885) of the cavity disposed toward the rear end (40870). In this example, the inner section (40184) of the cavity is positioned opposite the rear face (40860), and the outer section (40885) of the cavity is positioned opposite the rear end (40870). In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity (40180) has a width in a central region (40181) of the cavity greater than a width in a heel region (40182) of the cavity or a toe region (40183) of the cavity.

In the present example, the distance between the front end (40250) and the exposed surface of the inner section (40184) of the cavity is greater in the heel region (40182) of the cavity and the toe region (40183) of the cavity than in the central region (40181) of the cavity. Additionally, embodiments may exist in which the distance between the rear end (40870) and the exposed surface of the outer section (40885) of the cavity may be greater in the heel region (40182) of the cavity and the toe region (40183) of the cavity than in the central region (40181) of the cavity. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity (40180) has a volume in the range of about 4.5 cubic centimeters (cc) to about 5.0 cc. In other embodiments, the cavity (40180) can have any volume greater than about 4.0 cc. For example, the cavity (40180) can have a volume greater than about 4.0 cc, greater than about 4.1 cc, greater than about 4.2 cc, greater than about 4.3 cc, greater than about 4.4 cc, greater than about 4.5 cc, greater than about 4.6 cc, greater than about 4.7 cc, greater than about 4.8 cc, greater than about 4.9 cc, or greater than about 5.0 cc.

The cavity (40180) is configured to receive a cavity insert (40885). The cavity insert (40885) includes an insert heel region (40886), an insert toe region (40887), and an insert center region (40888) in the present embodiment, wherein the insert center region (40888) is formed complementarily to the cavity (40180) such that the insert heel region (40886) is thicker than either the insert toe region (40887) or the insert heel region (40886). In the illustrated embodiment, the insert heel region (40886) and the insert toe region (40887) are at an obtuse angle relative to each other along the insert inner wall (40889) and about the insert center region (40888). Likewise, the inner section (40184) of the cavity is complementarily obtuse relative to the inner wall (40889) of the insert. In this example, the cavity (40180) is configured such that the insert (40885) is insertable in a top-to-sole orientation relative to the club head (40000). Additionally, there may be examples in which the insert (40885) is interchangeable with another similarly shaped insert. In some embodiments, the insert (40185) may include a shape that only partially occupies the cavity (40180), or the insert (40185) may include a shape that completely fills the cavity (40180).

In this embodiment, the insert (40185) can include a shape that fills the cavity (40180) adjacent the rear surface (40860). In the illustrated embodiment, the insert (40185) extends a distance of about 0.15 inches (0.38 cm) to about 0.2 inches (0.51 cm) beyond the opening of the cavity (40180) adjacent the rear surface (40860). In other embodiments, the insert (40185) can extend a distance of about 0 inches to about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) beyond the cavity (40180) adjacent the rear surface (40860). In many embodiments, the insert (40185) extending beyond the cavity adjacent the striking face (40102) provides increased support to the striking face (40102) during an impact with a golf ball. In some embodiments, there is a limit to how far the insert (40185) extends beyond the cavity (40180) to provide increased support to the striking face (40102). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, an insert that extends more than about 0.25 inches (0.64 cm) beyond the cavity (40180) does not provide further support to the striking face (40102) during an impact with a golf ball.

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In many embodiments, the insert (40185) of the club head (40000) has an increased contact area with the back surface (40860) or the interior section (40184) of the cavity as compared to current designs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the contact area between the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) is about 1.0 in² (6.45 cm²). In other embodiments, the contact area between the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) can be greater than about 0.9 in² (5.81 cm²), greater than about 1.0 in² (6.45 cm²), greater than about 1.1 in² (7.10 cm²), greater than about 1.2 in² (7.74 cm²), greater than about 1.3 in² (8.39 cm²), greater than about 1.4 in² (9.03 cm²), or greater than about 1.5 in² (9.68 cm²). In many embodiments, the contact area between the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) comprises about 18% to 25% of the surface area of the front surface (40250). In other embodiments, the contact area between the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) is 20% to 45%, 20% to 35%, 25% to 40%, 25% to 45%, or 30% to 45% of the surface area of the front surface (40250). For example, in some embodiments, the contact area between the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) is greater than about 18%, greater than about 19%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 21%, greater than about 22%, greater than about 23%, greater than about 24%, or greater than about 25% of the surface area of the front surface (40250).

Additionally, in many embodiments, the insert (40185) has an increased contact area with the outer section (40885) of the cavity or the rear surface of the cavity (40180) as compared to current designs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the contact area of the rear surface and the insert (40185) is about 0.8 in² (5.16 cm²). In other embodiments, the contact area between the back surface of the cavity (40180) and the insert (40185) can be greater than about 0.7 in² (4.52 cm²), greater than about 0.8 in² (5.16 cm²), greater than about 0.9 in² (5.81 cm²), greater than about 1.0 in² (6.45 cm²), greater than about 1.1 in² (7.10 cm²), greater than about 1.2 in² (7.74 cm²), greater than about 1.3 in² (8.39 cm²), greater than about 1.4 in² (9.03 cm²), or greater than about 1.5 in² (9.68 cm²). In many embodiments, the contact area between the back surface of the cavity (40180) and the insert (40185) is between about 16% and 25% of the surface area of the front surface (40250). For example, in some embodiments, the contact area between the back surface of the cavity (40180) and the insert (40185) is greater than about 16%, greater than about 17%, greater than about 18%, greater than about 19%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 21%, greater than about 22%, greater than about 23%, greater than about 24%, or greater than about 25% of the surface area of the front surface (40250).

The increased contact area between the insert (40185) and the rear surface (40860) reduces vibration of the club head (40000), creating a better feel. Additionally, the increased contact area between the insert (40185) and the rear surface (40860) of the club head (40000) increases support for the striking surface (40102) upon impact with a golf ball. The increased support allows a portion of the striking surface (40102) to be made thinner, thereby reducing the weight of the club head while maintaining durability. In the illustrated embodiment, the thinnest portion of the striking surface (40102) is disposed in the toe region (40108) and the heel region (40107) of the striking surface (40102) and has a thickness of about 0.075 inches (0.19 cm), measured as the minimum distance from the front surface (40250) to the rear surface (40860) of the striking surface (40102). In other embodiments, the thinnest portion of the striking surface (40102) can have a thickness, measured as a minimum distance from the front surface (40250) to the rear surface (40860), of less than about 0.100 inches (0.25 cm), less than about 0.090 inches (0.23 cm), less than about 0.080 inches (0.20 cm), less than about 0.075 inches (0.19 cm), or less than about 0.070 inches (0.18 cm).

In these or other embodiments, the thickness of the striking face (40102) (i.e., the thickness of the center region (40106), the thickness of the heel region (40107), the thickness of the toe region (40108), the thickness of the perimeter region (40109), or the thickness of the thinnest portion of the striking face (40102)) can be reduced by up to about 30% as compared to current club head designs. In some embodiments, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can be reduced by about 20% to about 25% as compared to current club head designs. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the thickness of the striking face (40102) is reduced by about 23% as compared to current club head designs.

By reducing the weight of the club head (40000) due to making the striking face (40102) thinner, additional weight may be placed in the perimeter region of the club head to increase moment of inertia and forgiveness. In many embodiments, the additional weight is placed in at least one of the high toe region (40910), the low toe region (40912), or the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000).

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a weight of about 13 grams to about 15 grams is relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) of the club head (40000). In other embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams to about 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) of the club head (40000). For example, in some embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) of the club head (40000).

For further examples, in the illustrated embodiment, a weight of about 40 grams to about 65 grams is relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) of the club head (40000). In other embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams to about 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) of the club head (40000). For example, in some embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) of the club head (40000).

For further examples, in the illustrated embodiment, a weight of about 65 grams to about 85 grams is relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000). In other embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams to about 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000). For example, in some embodiments, a weight of about 10 grams, 20 grams, 30 grams, 40 grams, 50 grams, 60 grams, 70 grams, 80 grams, 90 grams, or 100 grams can be relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) of the club head (40000).

In many embodiments, redistributing weight from the striking face (40102) to the perimeter of the club head (40000) can increase the moment of inertia of the club head, and thus increase the forgiveness of the club head. Accordingly, in many embodiments, the low toe cavity and the low toe insert are not necessary to achieve or improve the desired club head performance characteristics. The club head (40000) described herein without the low toe cavity and the low toe insert has an increased moment of inertia compared to a similar club head without the thinned striking face and having the low toe cavity and the low toe insert.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the club head (40000) has a moment of inertia about the x-axis of between about 80 g in² and 130 g in² (516 g cm² and 839 g cm²). The x-axis extends through the center of gravity of the head from the heel region (40120) of the club head to the toe region (40110). In the above or other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the x-axis is between about 2.0% and 8.5% greater than a similar club head without the thinned striking face and having the low toe cavity and the low toe insert. In other embodiments, the club head (40000) can have a moment of inertia about the x-axis greater than about 80 g in² (516 g cm²). For example, the club head (40000) can have a moment of inertia about the x-axis greater than about 90 g·in² (581 g·cm²), greater than about 100 g·in² (645 g·cm²), greater than about 110 g·in² (710 g·cm²), greater than about 120 g·in² (774 g·cm²), or greater than about 130 g·in² (839 g·cm²).

As a further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the club head (40000) has a moment of inertia about the y-axis of between about 390 g in² and 470 g in² (2516 g cm² and 3032 g cm²). The y-axis extends through the center of gravity of the head from the upper region of the club head to the lower region. In the above or other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the y-axis is between about 2.5% and 7.5% greater than a similar club head without the thinned striking face and having the low toe cavity and the low toe insert. In other embodiments, the club head (40000) can have a moment of inertia about the y-axis greater than about 350 g in² (2258 g cm²). For example, the club head (40000) can have a moment of inertia about the y-axis greater than about 350 g·in² (2258 g·cm²), greater than about 375 g·in² (2419 g·cm²), greater than about 400 g·in² (2580 g·cm²), greater than about 425 g·in² (2741 g·cm²), greater than about 450 g·in² (2903 g·cm²), greater than about 475 g·in² (3064 g·cm²), or greater than about 500 g·in² (3226 g·cm²).

In many embodiments, the cavity (40180) further includes one or more ribs (not shown) corresponding to one or more grooves on the insert (40185). The one or more ribs can have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the one or more grooves. The one or more ribs can be disposed on the cavity interior section (40184) or the cavity exterior section (40885). Additionally, the one or more grooves can be disposed on a side surface of the insert (40185) corresponding to a location of the one or more ribs. The one or more grooves can accommodate the one or more ribs when the insert (40185) is disposed within the cavity (40180) to secure the insert (40185) within the cavity (40180). The insert (40185) can be disposed within the cavity (40180) with or without an epoxy or other bonding material.

The club head (40000) may be part of a set of club heads (45000) that includes two or more club heads having loft angles that vary incrementally across the two or more club heads. For example, the set of club heads (45000) may include a first golf club head having a first loft angle and a second golf club head having a second loft angle greater than the first loft angle. Additionally, one or more additional characteristics may vary across the two or more golf club heads in the set (45000), as described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the surface area of the striking face (40102) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). In the illustrated embodiment, the surface area of the striking face (40102) increases as the loft angle increases within the set (45000). For example, a first golf club head has a first surface area and a second golf club head has a second surface area that is greater than the first surface area.

In some embodiments, the width (40212) of the central support bar can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). For example, the width (40212) of the central support bar can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first width of the central support bar (40210) and a second golf club head can have a second width of the central support bar (40210) that is greater than the first width. As a further example, the width (40212) of the central support bar can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first width of the central support bar (40210) and the second golf club head can have a second width of the central support bar (40210) that is less than the first width. In other embodiments, the width (40212) of the central support bar can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the central support bar (40210) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). For example, the thickness of the central support bar (40210) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first thickness of the central support bar (40210) and a second golf club head can have a second thickness of the central support bar (40210) that is greater than the first thickness. As a further example, the thickness of the central support bar (40210) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first thickness of the central support bar (40210) and the second golf club head can have a second thickness of the central support bar (40210) that is less than the first thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the central support bar (40210) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). In some embodiments, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). For example, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first height of the lower support bar (40220) and a second golf club head can have a second height of the lower support bar (40220) that is greater than the first height. For additional examples, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first height of the lower support bar (40220) and the second golf club head can have a second height of the lower support bar (40220) that is less than the first height. In other embodiments, the height (40222) of the lower support bar (40220) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000). In some embodiments, the thickness of the central support bar (40210) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000).

In some embodiments, the thickness of the lower support bar (40220) can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). For example, the thickness of the lower support bar (40220) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first thickness of the lower support bar (40220) and a second golf club head can have a second thickness of the lower support bar (40220) that is greater than the first thickness. As a further example, the thickness of the lower support bar (40220) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first thickness of the lower support bar (40220) and the second golf club head can have a second thickness of the lower support bar (40220) that is less than the first thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the lower support bar (40220) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the contact area of the back surface (40860) or the cavity interior section (40184) and the insert (40185) can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). For example, the contact area of the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf club head can have a second contact area that is greater than the first contact area. As a further example, the contact area of the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf club head can have a second contact area that is smaller than the first contact area. In other embodiments, the contact area of the back surface (40860) and the insert (40185) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the contact area of the cavity outer section (40885) or the rear surface of the cavity (40180) and the insert (40185) can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). For example, the contact area of the cavity outer section (40885) and the insert (40185) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf club head can have a second contact area that is greater than the first contact area. As a further example, the contact area of the cavity outer section (40885) and the insert (40185) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first contact area and the second golf club head can have a second contact area that is smaller than the first contact area. In other embodiments, the contact area of the cavity outer section (40885) and the insert (40185) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the volume of the cavity (40180) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). For example, the volume of the cavity (40180) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first volume, and the second golf club head can have a second volume that is greater than the first volume. As a further example, the volume of the cavity (40180) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first volume, and the second golf club head can have a second volume that is less than the first volume. In another embodiment, the volume of the cavity (40180) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the distance that the insert (40185) extends past the cavity (40180) adjacent the back surface (40860) can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). For example, the distance that the insert (40185) extends past the cavity (40180) adjacent the back surface (40860) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first distance and a second golf club head can have a second distance that is greater than the first distance. As a further example, the distance that the insert (40185) extends past the cavity (40180) adjacent the back surface (40860) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first distance and the second golf club head can have a second distance that is less than the first distance. In other embodiments, the distance that the insert (40185) extends past the cavity (40180) adjacent the back surface (40860) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). In these embodiments, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can represent the thickness of the striking face in any region, including the center region (4016), the heel region (40107), the toe region (40108), or the perimeter region (40109). For example, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can increase as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, a first golf club head can have a first striking face thickness and a second golf club head can have a second striking face thickness that is greater than the first striking face thickness. As a further example, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can decrease as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first striking face thickness and the second golf club head can have a second striking face thickness that is less than the first striking face thickness. In other embodiments, the thickness of the striking face (40102) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more golf club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the club heads about the x-axis can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). In the illustrated embodiments, the moment of inertia about the x-axis increases as the loft angle of one or more club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first moment of inertia about the x-axis and the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the x-axis that is greater than the first moment of inertia about the x-axis. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the x-axis can decrease as the loft angle of one or more club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first moment of inertia about the x-axis and the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the x-axis that is less than the first moment of inertia about the x-axis. Additionally, in other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the x-axis can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the club heads about the y-axis can vary across two or more golf club heads in the set (45000). In the illustrated embodiments, the moment of inertia about the y-axis increases as the loft angle of one or more club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first moment of inertia about the y-axis and the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the y-axis that is greater than the first moment of inertia about the y-axis. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the y-axis can decrease as the loft angle of one or more club heads in the set (45000) increases. In these embodiments, the first golf club head can have a first moment of inertia about the y-axis and the second golf club head can have a second moment of inertia about the y-axis that is less than the first moment of inertia about the y-axis. Additionally, in other embodiments, the moment of inertia about the y-axis can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases.

In some embodiments, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to a peripheral region of the club head (i.e., the high toe region (40910), the low toe region (40912), or the heel region (40120)) can vary across two or more golf club heads within the set (45000). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) decreases as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases. In other embodiments, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) can increase as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases, or the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the high toe region (40910) can remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases.

As a further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) increases as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases. In other embodiments, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) may decrease as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases, or the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the low toe region (40912) may remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases.

As a further example, in the illustrated embodiment, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) increases as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases. In other embodiments, the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) may decrease as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases, or the amount of weight relocated from the striking face (40102) to the heel region (40120) may remain substantially constant as the loft angle of one or more club heads within the set (45000) increases.

The club head sets and related methods having variable characteristic values described herein can be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of these embodiments is not intended to be a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings and the drawings themselves disclose at least one preferred embodiment and may disclose additional embodiments.

The replacement of one or more claimed elements is considered a reconfiguration, not a correction. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause or make any benefit, advantage, or solution to be realized should not be construed as an essential, intended, or essential feature or element of any or all claims unless the benefit, advantage, solution, or element is expressly stated in the claim.

Moreover, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of contribution to the public unless such embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are equivalent or potentially equivalent to explicit elements and/or limitations of the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (20)

As a golf club head,
top area;
The sole area, opposite the top area;
toe area;
Heel area on the opposite side of the toe area;
A support structure having a central support bar and a lower support bar;
A striking surface having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, the striking surface having a non-uniform thickness, the thinnest portion of the striking surface having a thickness of not more than 0.080 inches as measured as a minimum vertical distance from the front surface to the rear surface of the striking surface; and
A cavity configured to accommodate a complementary insert.
, and the contact area of the rear surface and the insert is 30% to 45% of the surface area of the front surface,
The above insert can be inserted from the top area toward the toe area,
The specific gravity of the above insert is in grams per cubic centimeter,
The above insert includes an insert heel region, an insert toe region, and an insert center region between the insert heel region and the insert toe region,
The above insert heel area and insert toe area form an obtuse angle with respect to the insert center area and the insert inner wall,
The insert is wider from the inner wall of the insert to the outer wall of the insert in the center area of the insert than in the insert heel area and the insert toe area.
The above cavity comprises a volume in the range of 4.5 cc to 5.0 cc,
The above central support bar is placed in the central area of the striking surface and extends from the vicinity of the top area to the vicinity of the sole area,
The lower support bar is connected to the lower end of the central support bar and extends from the central area of the striking surface toward the heel area and the toe area,
The lower support bar includes a lower support bar height that increases from near the center region to near the heel region and toe region,
A golf club head wherein the lower support bar height is measured from the lower end of the center support bar to the upper end of the cavity. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the central support bar has a width that increases from the vicinity of the top area to the vicinity of the sole area. In the first paragraph, the striking surface:
A central region comprising a portion of the striking surface reinforced by the central support bar;
A heel region comprising a portion of the striking face that is not reinforced by a supporting structure near the heel area of the golf club head;
a toe region comprising a portion of the striking face that is not reinforced by a supporting structure near the toe region of the golf club head; and
A peripheral region comprising a portion of the striking surface surrounding the central region, the heel region, the toe region and the lower support bar;
A golf club head wherein the thickness of the striking face in the heel region is the same as the thickness of the striking face in the toe region, the thicknesses of the striking face in the heel region and the toe region are smaller than the thickness of the striking face in the center region, and the thickness of the striking face in the center region is smaller than the thickness of the striking face in the perimeter region. delete delete A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the insert extends past an opening of a cavity adjacent to the rear surface. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the insert extends a distance of 0.15 inches to 0.20 inches beyond the opening of the cavity adjacent the rear surface. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the insert extends a distance of less than 0.25 inches beyond the opening of the cavity adjacent the rear surface. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the moment of inertia centered on the x-axis passing through the center of gravity of the golf club head and extending from the heel area to the toe area is 80 g·in² or more. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the moment of inertia centered on the y-axis extending from the top area to the sole area through the center of gravity of the golf club head is 350 g·in² or more. In the first paragraph, the cavity:
Inner section of the cavity;
External section of the cavity;
Hill area of the cavity;
the toe area of the cavity; and
Contains the central area of the cavity;
The above cavity has a width in the central region of the cavity greater than the width in the heel region of the cavity or the toe region of the cavity; and
A golf club head, wherein the distance between the front surface and the exposed surface of the inner section of the cavity is greater in the heel region of the cavity and the toe region of the cavity than in the central region of the cavity. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the thinnest portion of the striking surface has a thickness of 0.075 inches or less. A golf club head in claim 1, wherein the thinnest portion of the striking surface has a thickness of 0.070 inches or less. delete delete As a golf club head,
top area;
The sole area, opposite the top area;
toe area;
Heel area on the opposite side of the toe area;
A support structure having a central support bar and a lower support bar;
A striking surface having a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, an upper portion, a lower portion opposite the upper portion, an upper region, a lower region and an uneven thickness;
comprising a cavity configured to accommodate a complementary insert;
The contact area of the rear surface and the insert is 30% to 45% of the surface area of the front surface;
The specific gravity of the above insert is in grams per cubic centimeter,
The above insert comprises an insert heel region, an insert toe region, and an insert center region between the insert heel region and the insert toe region;
The above insert heel area and the insert toe area form an obtuse angle with respect to the insert center area and the insert inner wall;
The insert is wider from the inner wall of the insert to the outer wall of the insert in the center area of the insert than in the insert heel area and the insert toe area;
The upper region of the striking surface is disposed between the upper end of the cavity and the upper end of the striking surface and includes a minimum upper thickness of less than or equal to 0.090 inches;
The lower region of the striking surface is positioned between the upper portion of the cavity and the lower portion of the striking surface and includes a minimum lower thickness of less than or equal to 0.10 inches;
The above cavity comprises a volume in the range of 4.5 cc to 5.0 cc,
The above central support bar is placed in the central area of the striking surface and extends from the vicinity of the top area to the vicinity of the sole area,
The lower support bar is connected to the lower end of the central support bar and extends from the central area of the striking surface toward the heel area and the toe area,
The lower support bar includes a lower support bar height that increases from near the center region to near the heel region and toe region,
A golf club head wherein the lower support bar height is measured from the lower end of the center support bar to the upper end of the cavity. delete delete A golf club head in claim 16, wherein the contact area between the rear surface and the insert is greater than 0.9 in². A golf club head in claim 16, wherein the contact area between the rear surface and the insert is greater than 1.0 in².

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