HK1170974A

HK1170974A - A golf club head

Info

Publication number: HK1170974A
Application number: HK12111688.0A
Authority: HK
Inventors: H. Kuan Jimmy; G. Lacey Samuel; S. Nivanh Dan; J. Radcliffe Nathaniel
Original assignee: Sri Sports Limited
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2012-11-16
Publication date: 2013-03-15

Description

Golf club head

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of golf clubs, and in particular to golf club heads.

Background

It is generally known to those skilled in the art of golf club manufacture that the increased moment of inertia (MOI) of a golf club is associated with improved performance on off-center shots. A larger club head MOI may be achieved by increasing the projected area of the head (i.e., the "footprint") above the ground plane, most commonly associated with an increase in head volume. However, rules promulgated by the United States Golf Association (USGA) include regulations governing the volume and other parameters of a golf club head. In view of these considerations, manufacturers have attempted to maximize the projected area of a golf club head without exceeding the existing USGA limits by providing club heads having non-traditional shapes. However, the extent to which such shapes are accepted by golfers has been limited. In addition, some non-traditional designs have been associated with undesirable acoustic characteristics.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention, in one or more aspects thereof, may advantageously include a golf club head that provides increased projected area and greater moment of inertia, maintains a traditional shape, and provides an advantageous dynamic excitation response while complying with USGA regulations.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head, when in a reference position, includes a bottom portion, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, and a striking face having a face center. The top portion has an outer surface. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane, the outer surface of the top portion includes a passageway including a first point and a second point rearward of the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first and second points but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion. The first point and the second point define a segment of the imaginary straight line. The first point, the second point, the passageway, and the imaginary infinite straight line define a two-dimensional space. A maximum distance between the section and the outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line, is not greater than 0.70mm, and a distance between the first point and the second point is not less than 22 mm. Preferably, an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary hosel plane passes through the face center.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head, when in a reference position, comprises: a ball striking face having a face center and a center vertex, a sole portion, and a top portion opposite the sole portion. The top portion has an outer surface. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline. The total length L of the golf club head_oThe shortest distance between a first imaginary vertical plane that corresponds to a point parallel to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the forwardmost point of the club head and a second imaginary vertical plane that corresponds to a point parallel to the hosel plane and passing through the rearwardmost point. In a third imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center, the outer surface of the top portion includes a passagewayThe via has a first point and a second point after the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first and second points but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion. The first point and the second point define a segment of the imaginary straight line. D₁Is the distance between the first point and the second point. The first point, the second point, the passageway, and the imaginary infinite straight line define a two-dimensional space. The distance D between the center vertex and the first point of the segment of the imaginary straight line₂Is such that D₂/L₀Not less than 0.10. D_{Maximum of}Is the maximum distance between the segment and the outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line. D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.023.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head, when in a reference position, comprises: a ball striking face having a face center and a center vertex, a sole portion, and a top portion opposite the sole portion. The top portion has an outer surface. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center, the outer surface of the top portion includes a passageway having a first point and a second point rearward of the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first and second points but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion. The first point and the second point define a segment of the imaginary straight line. The first point, the second point, the passageway, and the imaginary infinite straight line define a two-dimensional space. D₁Is the distance between the first point and the second point. D₂Is the distance between the central apex and the first point. D_{Maximum of}The outer part of the section and the top part measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight lineThe maximum distance between the surfaces. D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.023; and D₁/D₂Is not more than 3.0.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head, when in a reference position, includes a bottom portion, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, and a striking face having a face center. The top portion has an outer surface and a maximum height H_{Maximum of}. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline. The rearmost point of the head has a height H_{Rear end}The height is such that H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.30. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center, the outer surface of the top portion includes a passageway having a first point and a second point rearward of the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first and second points but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion. The first point and the second point define a segment of the imaginary straight line. D₁Is the distance between the first point and the second point. The first point, the second point, the passageway, and the imaginary infinite straight line define a two-dimensional space. D_{Maximum of}Is the maximum distance between the segment and the outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line. D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.035.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head, when in a reference position, includes a bottom portion, a top portion opposite the bottom portion, and a striking face having a face center. The top portion has an outer surface. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline, and a fully recessed area consisting of all points on the exterior surface of the top portion that are positioned in the following manner: such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point also penetrates the outer surface of the top portion. The fully recessed region has an associated volume of no more than 0.1cc, the associated volume consisting of all points of space above the top portion of the club head that are located in the following manner, namely: such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such one point in space also penetrates the outer surface of the top portion. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center, the outer surface of the top portion includes a passageway including a first point and a second point rearward of the first point. An imaginary infinite straight line passes through the first and second points but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion. The first point and the second point define a segment of the imaginary straight line. The first point, the second point, the passageway, and the imaginary infinite straight line define a two-dimensional space. The maximum distance between the segment and the outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line, is not more than 0.90 mm. The distance between the first point and the second point is not less than 22 mm.

In one embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head is a wood-type golf club head that exhibits the following features when in a reference position. The golf club head includes: a ball striking face having a face center and a center vertex, a sole portion, and a top portion opposite the sole portion. The top portion includes an outer surface. The golf club head also includes a forward-most point, a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point, a hosel having an imaginary centerline, and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing the imaginary centerline. The volume of the club head is not less than 150 cc. In an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane, the outer surface of the top portion includes a continuous straight line segment bounded by a first endpoint and a second endpoint that is rearward of the first endpoint. An imaginary infinite straight line is collinear with the segment but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion.

These and other features and advantages of golf club heads in accordance with various aspects of the present invention, as provided by one or more of these various examples described in detail below, will become apparent after consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims. These drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Drawings

One or more aspects of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which:

FIG. 1(a) is a heel side perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 1(b) is a bottom perspective thereof;

FIG. 1(c) is a heel side view thereof;

FIG. 1(d) is a cross-sectional view in an imaginary vertical plane extending through the center of face of the golf club head of FIG. 1 (a);

FIG. 1(e) is a cross-sectional view in the same plane as the view of FIG. 1(d), further illustrating one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 1(f) is a detail of FIG. 1(e) further illustrating one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 1(g) is a cross-sectional view in the same plane as the view of FIG. 1(d) and depicts further aspects of the invention;

FIG. 1(h) is a side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 (a);

FIG. 1(i) is a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 (a);

FIG. 1(j) is a front view of the golf club head of FIG. 1(a) with a template applied thereto;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2(a) is a top view thereof;

FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2(b) -2(b) of FIG. 2 (a);

FIG. 2(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2(c) -2(c) of FIG. 2 (a);

FIG. 2(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2(d) -2(d) of FIG. 2 (a);

FIG. 2(e) is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a golf club head according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3(a) is a heel side view thereof;

FIG. 3(b) is a top view thereof;

FIG. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3(c) -3(c) of FIG. 3 (b);

FIG. 3(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3(d) -3(d) of FIG. 3 (b);

FIG. 3(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3(e) -3(e) of FIG. 3 (b);

FIG. 4 is a heel side perspective view of a golf club in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4(a) is a side view thereof;

FIG. 4(b) is a top view thereof; and is

Fig. 4(c) is a cross-sectional view in an imaginary vertical plane extending through the center of face of the golf club head of fig. 4.

The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. In all the figures, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Detailed Description

The following disclosed representative examples of one or more novel and non-obvious aspects and features of golf club heads in accordance with the present invention are not intended to be limiting in any way. Furthermore, these various aspects and features of the present invention may be used alone or in various novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations with each other.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, and as depicted by way of example in fig. 1(a) through 1(j), the golf club head 100 is a head for a wood-type golf club, such as a driver or fairway wood. Referring to fig. 1(a) and 1(d), for example, the club head 100 has: a front portion 101 including a striking face 102 for striking a golf ball; a rear portion 103 opposite the front portion 101; a top portion 104 including an outer surface 114a and an inner surface 114 b; a bottom portion 108 opposite the top portion 104; a heel portion 134; a toe portion 136 opposite the heel portion; and a hosel 106 located on the heel side of the top portion 104 for receiving a rod (not shown). The hosel 106 is further defined below as having a hosel centerline 138. The golf club head 100 has an actual volume of at least about 150 cc. As used herein, "actual volume" refers to the volume of the entire golf club head 100 including the hosel 106.

Referring to fig. 1(c) and 1(i), as used herein, "reference position" refers to the following position of the club head 100: wherein the hosel centerline 138 is oriented at a 60 deg. strike angle relative to the horizontal ground plane 128 and lies in an imaginary vertical hosel plane 146 containing an imaginary horizontal line generally parallel to the ball striking face 102. Unless otherwise specified, all parameters are specified for the club head in the reference position. Furthermore, if not explicitly defined or otherwise indicated, the terms applied to the various components of the golf club head set forth herein are to be understood as defined and explained in the first introduction to this specification.

As shown in fig. 1(i), the ball striking face 102 includes a forward toe point 140. As used herein, a "toe point" (e.g., toe point 140) represents the furthest laterally extending point of the ball striking face 102 adjacent the toe portion 136. An imaginary horizontal plane 142 passing through front toe point 140 intersects hosel centerline 138 at a point 143. As used herein, a "hosel" (e.g., hosel 106) refers to a portion of club head 100 that is bounded from the remainder of club head 100 by an imaginary plane 144 that is perpendicular to hosel centerline 138 and contains this point 143.

Referring again to fig. 1(c), the boundary between the ball striking face 102 and the sole portion 108 includes a forward most point 110. The boundary between the top portion 104 and the bottom portion 108 includes a rearmost point 112 opposite the frontmost point 110. The total length L of the club head 100_oThe shortest distance between a first imaginary vertical plane 145, which corresponds to a plane parallel to the imaginary vertical hosel plane 146 and passes through the forward-most point 110, and a second imaginary vertical plane 147, which corresponds to a plane parallel to the imaginary vertical hosel plane 146 and passes through the rearward-most point 112. The length L_oIs greater than or equal to 90mm, preferably greater than or equal to 100mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 105mm, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 110 mm. As used herein, the phrase "Greater than or equal to "and" not less than "are used interchangeably. Likewise, the phrases "less than or equal to" and "not greater than" are used interchangeably. The length L of the club head_oIncreasing to at least 90mm allows the projected area of the head on the ground plane to be enlarged, which in turn promotes a higher moment of inertia (MOI) of the club head, providing improved performance, particularly for off-center hits.

Referring again to fig. 1(a), the ball striking face 102 includes a face center 116 and a center vertex 118. As used herein, "center vertex" (e.g., center vertex 118) refers to an intersection between a third imaginary vertical plane 149 perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane 146 and passing through the center of face 116 and the top of the ball striking face 102 when the club head 100 is in the reference position.

Referring again to fig. 1(j), as used herein, the "center of face" (e.g., center of face 116) is located using a template 156 having a coordinate system with a heel-toe axis 158 orthogonal to a top-sole axis 160. An aperture 162 is located at the origin of the coordinate system and the axes 158, 160 are indexed in evenly spaced increments. The template 156 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as a transparent polymer.

The position of the center of face 116 is determined as follows. The template 156 is initially applied to the ball striking surface 102 such that the aperture 162 is approximately in the middle of the ball striking surface 102 and the heel-toe axis 158 is generally parallel to an imaginary horizontal line 164. The template 156 is then translated along the ball striking face 102 in the heel-toe direction until the heel and toe measurements along the axis 158 at these opposite edges of the ball striking face 102 have the same absolute value. Once the template 156 is centered with respect to the ball striking surface 102 in the heel-toe direction, the template 156 is translated along the ball striking surface 102 in the top-bottom direction until these measurements along the axis 160 at these opposite edges of the ball striking surface 102 have the same absolute value. The above sequence is repeated until the absolute value of the heel measurement is equal to the absolute value of the toe measurement along axis 158 and the absolute value of the sole measurement is equal to the absolute value of the top measurement along axis 160. A dot is then marked on the front surface through the aperture 162 to indicate this centroid 116.

One locating template, such as template 156, has been referenced by the United states Golf Association's flow for measuring the resilience of a golf club head (version 2.0, 25/3 2005) and is available from the United States Golf Association (USGA).

Referring now to fig. 1(e), in the third imaginary vertical plane 149 or in a fourth imaginary plane 149(a) parallel to plane 149 and intersecting club head 100 (see fig. 1(a)), the exterior surface 114a of the top portion 104 includes a passageway 121 bounded by a first point 122 and a second point 124 behind the first point 122. An imaginary infinite straight line 120 passes through the first point 122 and the second point 124, but does not penetrate the outer surface 114a of the top portion 104. In one or more aspects of the present invention, the plane 149(a) is preferably spaced from the plane 149 by less than or equal to 0.25W_oA lateral distance of, wherein W_oIs the overall width of the club head 100 as defined below. More preferably, the plane 149(a) is spaced from the plane 149 by less than or equal to 0.25W_oAnd still more preferably less than or equal to 0.15W_o。

Referring to fig. 1(f), the first point 122 and the second point 124 define a section 123 of the imaginary straight line 120. In addition, the section 123 and the passageway 121 define a two-dimensional space 126. Those skilled in the art of golf club manufacturing will recognize that the points along the pathway 121 may or may not be located within a fully recessed area of the outer surface 114 a. As used herein, "fully recessed region" refers to a region of the outer surface 114a of the top portion 104 that is: this area consists of all points on the outer surface 114a of the top portion 104 that are positioned in such a way that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point also penetrates the outer surface 114 a.

The maximum distance D between the section 123 and the passage 121, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line 120_{Maximum of}Is less than or equal to 0.90mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.80mm, more preferably less than or equal to 0.70mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.61mm, yet more preferably less than or equal to 0.52mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 0.45 mm. And, D_{Maximum of}Preferably greater than or equal to 0.20mm and more preferably greater than or equal to 0.30 mm. As disclosed above, limit D_{Maximum of}A golf club head having an enhanced MOI, an advantageous dynamic excitation response upon impact with a ball, and a conventional shape as seen by a player when addressing is provided.

According to one or more aspects of the present invention, the golf club head 100 has an adjusted volume that is greater than or equal to about 150cc, more preferably greater than or equal to about 250cc, even more preferably greater than or equal to about 320cc, still more preferably between about 400 and about 460cc, and still more preferably between about 420 and about 460 cc.

As used herein, the "adjusted volume" of a golf club head refers to the sum of the actual volume of the club head and the volume associated with the fully recessed region of the exterior surface of the top portion of the golf club head. As used herein, "volume associated with a fully recessed region" refers to a volume consisting of all such spatial points on the outer surface 114a of the top portion 104: these points of space are such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point of space also penetrates the outer surface 114a of the top portion 104. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a fully recessed region may be continuous or discontinuous (i.e., include a plurality of separate sub-regions).

See FIGS. 1(g), D₁Is the distance between the first point 122 and the second point 124. In one aspect of the invention, D₁Is greater than or equal to 22 mm. Preferably, D₁Is greater than or equal to 25mm, more preferably D₁Is greater than or equal to 30mm and stillMore preferably D₁Is greater than or equal to 35mm, and still more preferably D₁Is greater than or equal to 40 mm. Will D₁Limiting within the ranges described above provides a number of advantages, such as the ability to maintain the traditional shape of the club head as seen by the golfer when addressing the ball.

See again FIGS. 1(g), D₂Is the distance between the first point 122 and the location of the central apex 118 that extends into the plane of the paper. D₂Is greater than or equal to 40 mm. Preferably D₂Is between 50 and 100 mm. Still more preferably D₂Is between 70 and 90 mm. Still more preferably D₂Is between 80 and 90 mm.

These distances D_{Maximum of}、D₁And D₂Are related to each other as follows. D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is less than or equal to 0.035, preferably less than or equal to 0.030, more preferably less than or equal to 0.023, even more preferably less than or equal to 0.020, yet more preferably less than or equal to 0.018, yet more preferably between 0.005 and 0.018, and yet more preferably between 0.010 and 0.018.

D₁/D₂Preferably less than or equal to 3.0, more preferably less than or equal to 2.5, still more preferably less than or equal to 2.0, and still more preferably less than or equal to 1.5.

In one or more aspects of the invention, in particular D_{Maximum of}、D₁And D₂Not only relative to each other, but also to the total length L_oAnd (4) correlating. Precisely, D₂/L_oPreferably greater than or equal to 0.10, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.20, still more preferably greater than or equal to 0.30, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 0.40. Based on practical considerations, D₂/L_oIs between 0.50 and 0.90 and preferably between 0.60 and 0.80. As described above, D is defined_{Maximum of}、D₁、D₂And L_oThe ability to maintain (among other advantages) the traditional shape of the club head as seen by the golfer when addressing the ball is enhanced, thus enhancing the golfer's ability to the deviceThe confidence of (3).

Referring again to fig. 1(g), to further facilitate the traditional appearance of the golf club head 100, the distance D between the second point 124 and the rearmost point 112 of the club head that extends into the plane of the paper is₅Is set to be less than or equal to 45mm, more preferably less than or equal to 30mm, still more preferably less than or equal to 20mm, and still more preferably less than or equal to 15 mm.

Referring again to FIG. 1(i), as used herein, "total width" or "W_o"refers to the distance between the front toe point 140 and the point 143 of the golf club head 100. W_oRelated to the projected area of the club head 100 on the ground plane. To facilitate increased MOI of the club head 100, the width W_oPreferably greater than or equal to 3 inches, more preferably greater than or equal to 3.5 inches, and still more preferably greater than or equal to 4 inches.

Referring to fig. 1(H), the top portion 104 of the golf club head 100 has a maximum height H_{Maximum of}. As used herein, "maximum height" or "H_{Maximum of}"refers to the maximum vertical distance between the ground plane 128 and the exterior surface 114a of the top portion 104 with the club head 100 in a reference position. Preferably H_{Maximum of}Is less than or equal to 2.8 inches.

Referring again to FIG. 1(H), as used herein, "height of rearmost point" or "H_{Rear end}"refers to the vertical distance between the ground plane 128 and the rearmost point 112 of the club head 100 with the club head 100 in the reference position. H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Preferably less than or equal to 0.50, more preferably less than or equal to 0.40, still more preferably less than or equal to 0.30, and still more preferably less than or equal to 0.25. Most preferably H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Is between 0.10 and 0.22. As disclosed above, H_{Rear end}And H_{Maximum of}The advantageous relationship therebetween helps maintain the conventional shape of the club head as seen by the golfer when addressing the ball.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, as shown in fig. 2-2(e), the golf club head 200 includes: a top portion 204, a bottom portion 208, a ball striking face 202 having a face center 216 and a center vertex 218, and a hosel 206 having an imaginary vertical hosel plane 246 that includes a hosel centerline 238. The top portion 204 includes an outer surface 214a having a fully recessed region 230. In addition to the fully recessed region 230, the golf club head 200 may have aspects that are the same as or similar to those aspects of the present invention shown in fig. 1(a) -1 (j).

The fully recessed region 230 consists of all points on the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204 that are located in the following manner: such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point also penetrates the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204. The fully recessed region 230 has an associated volume 232 (see, e.g., fig. 2(b)) that consists of all spatial points above the top portion 204 of the club head 200 that are located in the following manner, namely: such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such one point in space also penetrates the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204. The associated volume of the fully recessed region 230 of the golf club head 200 is preferably less than or equal to 4cc, more preferably less than or equal to 2cc, even more preferably less than or equal to 1cc, and yet even more preferably less than or equal to 0.1 cc. In one or more aspects of the invention, the fully recessed region 230 comprises a surface area of less than or equal to 6cm²More preferably less than or equal to 3cm²Even more preferably less than or equal to 1cm²And still even more preferably less than or equal to 0.5cm². These ranges are advantageous for reducing the gap between the adjusted volume of the golf club head 200 and the actual volume of the golf club head 200 as defined above. Thus, the mass of the golf club head 200 may be more strategically placed, for example, to enhance the moment of inertia of the golf club head 200. In one or more aspects of the invention, as shown in FIG. 2(a), the fully recessed region 230 comprisesIncluding a plurality of separate sub-regions 230a, 230 b.

Fig. 2(b) through 2(d) each show the golf club head 200 in one cross-section taken at one of the three parallel, spaced-apart cross-sections shown in fig. 2 (a). Vertical sections 2(b) and 2(d) are perpendicular to the hosel plane 246 and pass through sub-regions 230b and 230a, respectively, of the fully-recessed region 230. Vertical section 2(c) is also perpendicular to the hosel plane 246 but passes through the central apex 218.

Referring to fig. 2(c), the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204 includes a passageway 221 defined by a first point 222 and a second point 224 after the first point 222. This via 221 is the same or similar to the via 121 shown in fig. 1 (f). An imaginary infinite straight line 220 passes through the first point 222 and the second point 224, but does not penetrate the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204. The first point 222 and the second point 224 define a section 223 of the imaginary straight line. The first point 222, the second point 224, the passageway 221, and the imaginary infinite straight line 220 define a two-dimensional space 226 such that a maximum distance D between the segment 223 and the outer surface 214a of the top portion 204, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line 220_{Maximum of}Is less than or equal to 0.90 mm. This maximum distance is more preferably less than or equal to 0.80 mm. And, the distance D₁Representing the shortest distance between the first point 222 and the second point 224. Distance D₂Representing the shortest distance between first point 222 and central vertex 218. These distances D₁And D₂Distance D from the position shown in FIG. 1(g)₁And D₂Are similar.

Referring to fig. 2(e), the golf club head 200 further includes a forward-most point 210 and a rearward-most point 212. Maximum height H of the top portion 204 of the golf club head 200_{Maximum of}And height H of the rearmost point 212 of the golf club head 200_{Rear end}And H shown in FIG. 1(H)_{Maximum of}And H_{Rear end}Are the same or similar.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, referring to fig. 3-3 (e), a golf club head 300 includes a top portion 304 having contour features 348a, 348 b. In other aspects, the golf club head 300 may be the same or identical to those aspects of the invention illustrated, for example, in fig. 1(a) -1 (j). The contour features 348a, 348b form a fully recessed region 330 with sub-regions 330a, 330b (see fig. 3 (b)). Specifically, the sub-region 330a of the fully recessed region 330 includes a portion of the outer surface 314a corresponding to the contour feature 348a and a portion of the outer surface 314a substantially behind the contour feature 348 a. Similarly, the sub-region 330b of the fully recessed region 330 includes a portion of the outer surface 314a corresponding to the contour feature 348b and a portion of the outer surface 314a substantially behind the contour feature 348 b.

The fully recessed region 330 has a surface area similar to the surface area of the fully recessed region 230 shown in fig. 2 (a). Volume 332 is associated with fully recessed region 330 and is similar to volume 132 associated with fully recessed region 230 shown in fig. 2 (a). The volume 332 includes a separate sub-volume 332a associated with the sub-region 330a and a separate sub-volume 332b associated with the sub-region 330 b.

With particular reference to fig. 3(d), the outer surface 314a of the top portion 304 forms a passageway 321 bounded by a first point 322 and a second point 324 after the first point 322. The via 321 is the same or similar to the via 121 shown in fig. 1 (f). An imaginary infinite straight line 320 passes through the first point 322 and the second point 324, but does not penetrate the outer surface 314a of the top portion 304. The first point 322 and the second point 324 define a section 323 of the imaginary straight line 320. The first point 322, the second point 324, the passage 321, and the imaginary infinite straight line 320 define a two-dimensional space 326 such that a maximum distance D between the section 323 and the passage 321, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line 320, is_{Maximum of}Is less than or equal to 0.90mm, more preferably less than or equal to 0.80 mm. As disclosed above, limit D_{Maximum of}Provide M with enhancementOI, a favorable dynamic excitation response upon impact with the ball, and a conventional shape of the golf club head as seen by the golfer when addressing the ball.

Referring again to FIG. 3(D), distance D₁Indicating the shortest distance between the first point 322 and the second point 324. Distance D₂Representing the shortest distance between first point 322 and central vertex 318. Distance D of the golf club head 300₁And D₂Distance D from the golf club head 100 shown in FIG. 1(g)₁And D₂Are similar.

In one or more aspects of the invention, referring to fig. 4-4(c), golf club head 400 comprises a wood-type golf club head. Referring to fig. 4, the golf club head 400 includes: a top portion 404, a bottom portion 408 (see fig. 4(a)), a ball striking face 402 having a face center 416 and a center apex 418, and a hosel 406 having a hosel centerline 438 and an imaginary vertical hosel plane 446 that encompasses the hosel centerline 438 (see fig. 4 and 4 (b)).

Referring to fig. 4(a), the golf club head 400 further includes a forward-most point 410 and a rearward-most point 412 located opposite the forward-most point 410. The golf club head 400 preferably has a volume of greater than or equal to about 150cc, more preferably greater than or equal to 250cc, and still more preferably greater than or equal to about 320 cc.

Referring to fig. 4(b), a vertical section 4(c) passes through a portion of the club head 400 and is perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane 446. As shown, section 4(c) passes through central apex 418. However, in one or more alternative aspects of the invention, section 4(c) may be, for example, at a width no greater than the overall width W of club head 400_oIs laterally offset from the central apex 418 by a distance of 0.25 times.

Referring to fig. 4(c), the golf club head 400 is shown in section 4 (c). The top portion 404 includes an outer surface 414a and an opposite inner surface 414 b. As shown inThe outer surface 414a forms a passage 421 that forms a straight segment 423. Specifically, the segment 423 is bounded by a first end 422 and a second end 424 that is subsequent to the first end 422. In section 4(c), an imaginary infinite straight line 456 is collinear with the straight section 423 but does not penetrate the outer surface 414a of the top portion 404. Distance D₃Representing the shortest distance between first endpoint 422 and second endpoint 424. D₄Indicating the distance between first end point 422 and central apex 418 that extends into the plane of section 4 (c). D₃Preferably greater than or equal to 4mm, more preferably greater than or equal to 8 mm.

Referring again to fig. 4(a), where the golf club head 400 is in a reference position, the rearmost point 412 includes a height H_{Rear end}And the top portion 404 of the golf club head 400 includes a maximum height H_{Maximum of}。H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}The ratio of (A) to (B) is preferably less than or equal to 0.50, more preferably less than or equal to 0.40, most preferably less than or equal to 0.25.

Referring again to FIG. 4(c), in section 4(c), a distance D extending into the plane of section 4(c) between the second end point 424 and the rearmost point 412₅Preferably less than or equal to 45mm, more preferably less than or equal to 25mm, even more preferably less than or equal to 15mm, and still even more preferably less than or equal to 10 mm. Limiting the distance D as disclosed above₅A golf club head is provided having an enhanced MOI, a favorable dynamic excitation response upon impact with a ball, and a conventional shape as seen by a golfer while addressing the ball.

Referring to fig. 4(a) and 4(c), the golf club head 400 includes an overall length L_oThe total length is equal to the total length L shown in FIG. 1(c)_oAre the same or similar. D₄/L_oThe ratio is preferably greater than or equal to 0.35, more preferably greater than or equal to 0.45, most preferably greater than or equal to 0.50.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the presently preferred aspects thereof, many changes, modifications and equivalents may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is not intended to be limited by the foregoing except as may appear in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face, said striking face including a face center;

a bottom portion and a top portion opposite the bottom portion, the top portion including an outer surface;

a hosel comprising an imaginary centerline and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing said imaginary centerline; and

a forward-most point and a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

Wherein, in an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center:

the outer surface of the top portion includes a passageway, the passageway including a first point and a second point after the first point;

an imaginary infinite straight line passing through said first and second points without penetrating through the outer surface of said top portion, said first and second points defining a section of said imaginary straight line;

defining a two-dimensional space by said first point, said second point, said passageway, and said imaginary infinite straight line;

a maximum distance between the segment and an outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line, is no greater than 0.70 mm; and is

The distance between the first point and the second point is not less than 22 mm.

2. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein a distance between the first point and the second point is not less than 25 mm.

3. The golf club head according to claim 2 wherein a distance between the first point and the second point is not less than 30 mm.

4. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein a maximum distance between the section and an outer surface of the top portion is no greater than 0.61 mm.

5. The golf club head according to claim 4 wherein a maximum distance between the section and an outer surface of the top portion is no greater than 0.52 mm.

6. The golf club head according to claim 1 further comprising a fully recessed area consisting of all points on the exterior surface of the top portion positioned such that each imaginary infinite line passing through any such point also penetrates the exterior surface of the top portion, the fully recessed area having no more than 6cm²Surface area of (a).

7. The golf club head according to claim 6 wherein the surface area of the fully recessed area is no greater than 3cm²。

8. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein each point of the exterior surface of the top portion is positioned such that at least one imaginary infinite straight line passes through the point without penetrating the exterior surface of the top portion.

9. The golf club head according to claim 1 further comprising a second distance between the second point and the rearwardmost point, the second distance being no greater than 45 mm.

10. The golf club head according to claim 1 wherein a maximum distance between the segment and an outer surface of the top portion is not less than 0.20 mm.

11. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face, said striking face including a face center;

a forward-most point and a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

Wherein, in an imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane:

an imaginary infinite straight line passing through said first point and said second point but not penetrating through the outer surface of said top portion, said first point and second point defining a section of said imaginary straight line;

12. The golf club head according to claim 11 further comprising a total width W_oWherein the imaginary vertical plane is spaced from the face center by no more than 0.25W_oOne lateral distance of (a).

13. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face comprising a face center and a center vertex;

a hosel comprising an imaginary centerline and an imaginary vertical hosel plane containing said imaginary centerline;

a forward-most point and a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point; and

a total length L_oSaid total length corresponding to the shortest distance between a first imaginary vertical plane parallel to said imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through said forward-most point and a second imaginary vertical plane parallel to said hosel plane and passing through said rearward-most point,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

Wherein, in a third imaginary vertical plane perpendicular to the imaginary vertical hosel plane and passing through the face center:

D₁is the distance between the first point and the second point;

D₂is the distance between the central vertex and the first point;

D₂/L_ois not less than 0.10;

D_{maximum of}A maximum distance between the segment and an outer surface of the top portion measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line; and is

D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.023.

14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein D is₂/L_oIs not less than 0.20.

15. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein D is_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.020.

16. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein D is₁/D₂Is not more than 3.0.

17. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein D is_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.70 mm.

18. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein D is₁Is not less than 22 mm.

19. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face comprising a face center and a center vertex;

a forward-most point and a rearward-most point opposite the forward-most point,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

D₁is the distance between the first point and the second point;

D_{maximum of}A maximum distance between the segment and an outer surface of the top portion measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line;

D₂is the distance between the central vertex and the first point;

D_{maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.023; and is

D₁/D₂Is not more than 3.0.

20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein D is₁/D₂Is not more than 2.5.

21. The golf club head of claim 20, wherein D is₁/D₂Is not more than 2.0.

22. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein D is_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.020.

23. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein D is_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.70 mm.

24. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein D is₁Is not less than 22 mm.

25. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face, said striking face including a face center;

a bottom portion and a top portion opposite the bottom portion, the top portion comprising an outer surface and a maximum height H_{Maximum of}；

a forward most point and a rearward most point opposite the forward most point, the rearward most point having a height H_{Rear end}，H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}The ratio of (A) to (B) is not more than 0.30,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

D₁is the distance between the first point and the second point;

D_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.035.

26. The golf club head of claim 25, wherein D is_{Maximum of}/D₁Is not more than 0.030.

27. The golf club head of claim 25, wherein H is H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.25.

28. The golf club head of claim 25, wherein D is_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.70 mm.

29. The golf club head of claim 25, wherein D is₁Is not less than 22 mm.

30. A golf club head, comprising:

a striking face, said striking face including a face center;

a fully recessed region consisting of all points on the exterior surface of the top portion located such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point also penetrates the exterior surface of the top portion, the fully recessed region having an associated volume consisting of all points of space above the top portion of the club head located such that each imaginary infinite straight line passing through any such point of space also penetrates the exterior surface of the top portion, the associated volume being no greater than 0.1cc,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

a maximum distance between the segment and an outer surface of the top portion, measured perpendicular to the imaginary straight line, is no greater than 0.90 mm; and is

31. The golf club head according to claim 30 wherein the maximum distance is not greater than 0.80 mm.

32. The golf club head according to claim 30 wherein the fully recessed area comprises no more than 6cm²Surface area of (a).

33. The golf club head according to claim 32 wherein the surface area of the fully recessed region is no greater than 3cm²。

34. A wood-type golf club head, comprising:

a striking face comprising a face center and a center vertex;

a volume of not less than 150cc,

wherein the golf club head is in a reference position; and is

the outer surface of the top portion comprises a continuous straight section, the section being defined by a first end point and a second end point after the first end point; and is

An imaginary infinite straight line is collinear with the segment but does not penetrate the outer surface of the top portion.

35. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein the distance between the first end point and the second end point is not less than 4 mm.

36. The golf club head according to claim 35 wherein the distance between the first end point and the second end point is not less than 8 mm.

37. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein the volume is not less than 250 cc.

38. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein the volume is not less than 320 cc.

39. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein the rearwardmost point comprises a height H_{Rear end}And said outer surface includes a maximum height H_{Maximum of}And further wherein H_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}The ratio of (A) to (B) is not more than 0.50.

40. The golf club head of claim 39, wherein H is_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.40.

41. The golf club head of claim 40, wherein H is_{Rear end}/H_{Maximum of}Is not more than 0.25.

42. The golf club head according to claim 34 further comprising a total width W_oWherein the imaginary vertical plane is spaced from the face center by no more than 0.25W_oOne lateral distance of (a).

43. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein the imaginary vertical plane passes through the center of face.

44. The golf club head according to claim 43 wherein a distance between the second endpoint and the rearwardmost point is no greater than 45 mm.

45. The golf club head according to claim 44 wherein a distance between the second endpoint and the rearwardmost point is no greater than 25 mm.

46. The golf club head according to claim 34 wherein a distance D is defined between the first point and the central apex point₄The golf club head has an overall length L_oSaid distance D₄And the total length L_oThe ratio of (A) to (B) is not less than 0.35.