KR101884110B1 - Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads - Google Patents

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club head and golf club head manufacturing methods are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a body portion and a plurality of weight portions. The body portion may include a lower portion having a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion and an outer surface associated with the outer surface curve, and a weight port region located at or adjacent the lower portion. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a golf club head,

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to a golf club head and a golf club head manufacturing method.

This specification may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner shall not oppose the copying of this specification and any related documents thereof, except that this specification and its related documents shall be published in the Patent Office patent file or records, but shall retain all applicable copyrights.

This application is a continuation-in-part of US provisional application 62 / 042,155, filed on August 26, 2014, provisional application 62 / 048,693 filed September 10, 2014, and provisional application 62 / 101,543 filed January 9, 2015 , US Provisional Application No. 62 / 105,123, filed January 19, 2015, and Provisional Application No. 62 / 109,510, filed January 29, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application 29/516, 035 filed on January 29, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application 29 / 507,474 filed October 28, The disclosure of the referenced application is incorporated herein by reference.

In golf, a variety of factors can affect the distance and direction in which a golf ball can travel. In particular, the gravity center CG and / or the moment of inertia MOI of the golf club head can affect the angle of fire, spin rate and direction of the golf ball at impact. These factors can vary considerably based on the type of golf swing.

Generally, a method of manufacturing a golf club head and a golf club head is described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a golf club head comprising: a lower portion having a convex outer surface associated with a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion, And a body portion having a port region, the weight port region having a plurality of weight ports adjacent a transition region at a port region edge; The plurality of weight ports being formed on an outer surface curve formed on the outer surface edge convex at the lower portion; The outer surface curves being formed as a first arc and a second arc adjacent the transition region at the top and bottom of the port region edge, respectively; Each of the weight ports having an opening that is a hole entrance of a weight port that receives a weight portion on the convex outer surface of the lower portion and wherein an opening of each of the weight ports is configured to receive one or more weight portions of the plurality of weight portions; And each of the plurality of weight ports is associated with the port axis and the center of the weight port defines the port axis of the weight port and each of the port axes is perpendicular to the tangential plane of the outer surface curve at the intersection of the port axis and the outer surface curve Is provided.

1 to 13, the golf club head 100 includes a body portion 110 and generally a first set of weight portions 210 (Fig. 2) and a second set of weight portions 220 (Fig. 2). ≪ / RTI > The body portion 110 may include an upper portion 130, a lower portion 140, a toe portion 150, a heel portion 160, a forward portion 170 and a rear portion 180. The lower portion 140 may include a portion of the golf club head 100 that extends from the toe portion 150 to the rear portion 180 along the circumference of the golf club head 100, excluding the forward portion 170 between the upper portion 130 and the lower portion 140. [ And a skirt portion 190 that is defined by a side portion of the golf club head 100 that extends from the top portion 160 to the heel portion 160. The lower portion 140 may include a transition region 230 and a mass port region 240. For example, the weight port region 240 may be a D-shaped region. Weight port area 240 may include a plurality of weight ports 900 (FIG. 9) to accommodate a plurality of weight parts 120. The front portion 170 may include a face portion 175 to engage a golf ball (not shown). The body portion 110 may also include a hosel portion 165 to receive a shaft (not shown). Optionally, the body portion 110 may include a bore instead of the hosel portion 165. For example, the body portion 110 may be partially or exclusively made of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-based material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, the body portion 110 may be made of a non-metallic material, such as a ceramic material, partially or exclusively, a synthetic material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings illustrate the general manner of construction and the descriptions and details of features and techniques well known to avoid unnecessary obscuration of the present specification may be omitted. In addition, elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of certain elements in the figures may be enlarged relative to other elements to aid understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

1 is a plan perspective view of an exemplary golf club head according to an embodiment of the apparatus, method and article of manufacture described herein.
Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a front view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a rear view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a toe view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a heel view of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of an exemplary body portion of the exemplary golf club head of FIG. 1;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary body portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 11 shows two weight ports of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 12 is a plan view of an exemplary weight portion of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 13 is a side view of the exemplary weight portion of Figure 10;
Figure 14 is an exemplary launch trajectory profile of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 1;
Figure 15 illustrates a first weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion.
16 is a second weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion.
Figure 17 is an exemplary third weight configuration of a weight portion.
Figure 18 is a fourth weight configuration of an exemplary weight portion.
Figure 19 is an exemplary launch trajectory profile of the exemplary golf club head of Figure 18;
20 is a method in which the exemplary golf club head described herein can be manufactured.
Figure 21 is a bottom view of another exemplary golf club head.
22 is a bottom view of another exemplary golf club head.

The golf club head 100 may have a club head volume of more than 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc). In one example, the golf club head 100 may be approximately 460 cc. Alternatively, the golf club head 100 may have a club head volume of 300 cc or less. In particular, the golf club head 100 may have a club head volume between 100 cc and 200 cc. The club head volume of the golf club head 100 may be determined using a water weight displacement method (i.e., the principle of Archimedes). For example, a method defined by a golf standard authority and / or a control organization such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and / or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R & It can be used to measure the club head volume. While Figure 1 may illustrate a particular type of club head (e.g., a driver type club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used with other types of club heads Head type, hybrid type club head, iron type club head, putter type club head, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Each of the first set of weight portions 210, generally designated 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 (FIG. 4), may each be associated with a first mass. Each of the second set of weight portions 220, shown generally at 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and 480 (FIG. 4), may be associated with a second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass, or vice versa. In one example, the first set of weight portions 210 can be made of a tungsten-based material, while the second set of weight portions 220 can be made of an aluminum-based material. As described below, the first and second sets of weight portions 210, 220 may each provide a variety of weight configurations (e.g., Figs. 15-18).

Referring to Figures 9-11, for example, the lower portion 140 of the body portion 110 may include a plurality of weight ports 900. A plurality of weight ports 900, generally designated as 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, and 980, May be located along the periphery of the weight port area 240 of the first and second ports. A plurality of weight ports (900) may extend across the lower portion (140). In particular, a plurality of weight ports 900 may extend across the bottom portion 140 between the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. A plurality of weight ports 900 may also extend across the lower portion 140 between the forward and aft portions 170, 180, respectively. A plurality of weight ports 900 may be arranged along a path generally defining a D-shaped loop across the lower portion 140. In one example, a plurality of weigh ports 900 may extend across the bottom portion 140 by more than 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 between the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. The maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 of the golf club head 100 may be measured at the toe and heel portions 150 and 160, respectively, from the transition region between the top and bottom portions 130 and 140, respectively. Alternatively, the maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 may be the horizontal distance between the vertical projection portions of the outermost points of the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. For example, the maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 can be measured when the golf club head 100 is at a rough angle of about 60 degrees. The outermost point of the heel portion 160 is offset from the reference surface 530 at the height 520 of approximately 0.875 inches (22.23 millimeters) 100) is elevated). The plurality of weights ports 900 may extend beyond 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 of the golf club head 110. In particular, the plurality of weigh ports 900 may be positioned between the toe portion 150 and the heel portion at a maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance 995, which may be greater than 50% Portion 160 of the first embodiment. In one example, the maximum toe-to-heel distance 500 may be less than 5 inches (127 millimeters). Thus, a plurality of weight ports 900 may extend at least 2.5 inches between the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. The maximum toe-to-heel distance 995 may be the maximum distance between the toe side border of the farthest weight port in the heel portion 160 and the heel side boundary of the heaviest port in the toe portion 150. In the example of FIG. 9, the weight port maximum toe-to-heel distance 995 may be the maximum distance between the toe side edge of the weight port 980 and the heel side edge of the weight port 940. For example, the maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance 995 may be about 3.7 inches. Since the rules of golf may change over time (for example, new rules may be adopted or old rules may be removed or changed by the golf standard authority and / or control group), maximum toe-toe distance 500, The lie angle 510 and / or the height 520 for measuring the height may also vary. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Each of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be associated with a port diameter Dport (e.g., two of which are shown as 1105 and 1110 in FIG. 11). For example, the port diameter of each weight port of a plurality of weight ports 900 may be approximately 0.3 inches (7.65 millimeters). Optionally, the port diameters of adjacent weight ports may be different. In one example, a weight port 905 may be associated with a port diameter 1105, and a weight port 910 may be associated with a port diameter 1110. In particular, the port diameter 1105 of the weight port 905 may be greater than the port diameter 1110 of the weight port 910, or vice versa. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The lower portion 140 may also include an outer surface 990. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, a plurality of weight ports 900 may be formed on the outer surface curve 1090 formed by the outer surface 990 in the lower portion 140. In particular, each of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be associated with a port axis generally designated as 1005, 1010 and 1015. The center of the weight port may define the port axis of the weight port. Each port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a plane that contacts the outer surface curve 1090 at the intersection of the port axis and the outer surface curve 1090. [ In one example, substantially vertical may refer to deviations of +/- 5 degrees from vertical. In another example, substantially vertical may refer to deviations of +/- 3 degrees from vertical. The deviation from the vertical may depend on manufacturing tolerances.

In one example, the port axis 1010 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular (i.e., normal) to the tangential plane 1012 of the outer surface curve 1090. A plurality of fasteners can be used to create a plurality of weight ports 900 by positioning the golf club head 100 in various positions. Optionally, a plurality of mass ports (not shown) may be used to rotate the golf club head around the multi-axis to mill the excess material to form a plurality of weight ports 900 (e.g., by water jet cutting and / The weight port can be manufactured by a machining process. In addition, the multi-axis machining process can provide a suitable surface treatment since the milling tool can be moved tangentially around the surface. Thus, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may use a multi-axis machining process to form each of the plurality of weight ports 900 on the lower portion 140. For example, a five-axis milling machine may form a plurality of weight ports 900 such that the port axis 1000 of each of the plurality of weight ports 900 may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the outer surface curve 1090 have. The tool of the five-axis milling machine can be moved in contact with the outer surface curve 990 around the outer surface curve 1090.

Returning to FIG. 11, for example, two adjacent weight ports can be separated by a port distance 1100, which may be the shortest distance between two adjacent weight ports on the outer surface 990. In particular, port distance 1100 may be less than or equal to the port diameter of any of two adjacent weight ports. In one example, the port distance 1100 between the weight ports 905, 910 may be less than the port diameter 1105 or the port diameter 1110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The plurality of weight portions 120 may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., density, shape, mass, volume, size, color, etc.). In one example, the first set of weight parts 210 may be black, while the second set of weight parts 220 may be gray color or steel color. Some or all of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be made, either partially or exclusively, of steel-based materials, tungsten-based materials, metal materials such as aluminum-based materials, any combination thereof, or any suitable type of material. Optionally, some or all of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be made partially or exclusively of non-metallic materials (e.g., synthetic, plastic, etc.).

In the illustrated example shown in Figures 12 and 13, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may have a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cross-section). While the above examples can describe a weight portion having a particular shape, the apparatus, method, and article of manufacture described herein may be used to form a weight portion (e.g., a sphere, a cube, a cone, a cylinder, a pyramid, A prism, a frustum, or some or all of a suitable geometric shape). Each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be associated with a diameter 1200 and a height 1300. In one example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may have a diameter of approximately 0.3 inches (7.62 millimeters) and a height of approximately 0.2 inches (5.08 millimeters). Alternatively, the weight portions 210, 220 of the first and second sets may be different in width and / or height, respectively.

Instead of the rear-to-front direction as in other golf club heads, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may engage in one of the plurality of weight ports 400 in a down-to-up direction. The plurality of weight portions 120 may include a screw to secure the weight port. For example, each weight portion of the plurality of weight portions 120 may be a screw. The plurality of weight portions 120 can not be easily removed from the body portion 110 with or without a tool. Alternatively, the plurality of weight portions 120 can be easily removed (e.g., by a tool) so that a relatively heavier or lighter weight portion can replace one or more of the plurality of weight portions 120, respectively . In another example, the plurality of weight portions 120 may be secured to the weight ports of the body portion 110 by an epoxy or adhesive, such that each of the plurality of weight portions 120 can not be easily removed. In another example, the plurality of weight portions 120 may be secured to the weight ports of the body portion 110 by both epoxy and screws so that the plurality of weight portions 120 are not easily removable, respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In contrast to other golf club heads, the golf club head 100 may accommodate at least four different types of golf swing. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, each weight configuration may be associated with one of a plurality of launch trajectory profiles 1400, shown generally at 1410, 1420 and 1430. Referring to FIG. 15, for example, a first weight configuration 1500 may be associated with a configuration of a first set of weight ports 1510. 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, and 940 shown in FIG. 9) and the first set of weight ports 1510 may be located at or adjacent to the forward portion 170 935). In the first weight configuration 1500, the first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the front portion 170 according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510, The weight portion of the first set may form a cluster according to the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510 at or near the front portion 170 Weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 may define a first set of weight portions and weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935. The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, and 480 may define a second set of weight portions, and the weight ports 940, 945 , 950, 955, The first weight configuration 1500 may be associated with a first launch trace profile 1410 (Figure 14). In particular, the first weight configuration 1500 may be associated with a first launch profile 1410, (I.e., the weight portion of the first set) may be moved to the golf club head 100 in accordance with the configuration of the first set of weight ports 1510. In one embodiment, The gravity center CG of the golf club head 100 can move relatively forward and lower to produce a relatively low launch and spin trajectory as a result of the first launch The trajectory profile 1410 may be related to a relatively larger roll distance (i.e., ground and post-impact distance). While the above example can describe a weight portion disposed at a given weight port, Any portion of the weight of the portion 210 is connected to the first set of weight ports 1 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 510 < / RTI >

Returning to Figure 16, for example, the second weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610. [ The second set of weight ports 1610 may be located at or adjacent to the rear portion 180 (e.g., the weight ports 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975). 16, for example, the first set of weight portions may be disposed toward the rear portion 180, while the second set of weight portions may be disposed toward the forward portion 170 . In particular, the first set of weight portions may form clusters 1610 at or adjacent the rear portion 180, depending on the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610. The weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 may define a weight portion of the first set and may include weight portions 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, and 975 Respectively. The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, and 480 may define a second set of weight portions and the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, and 980, respectively. The second weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the second launch trajectory profile 1420 (Figure 14). In particular, the second weight configuration 1600 may increase the angle of launch of the golf ball and maximize forgiveness. By positioning the relatively heavy weight portion (i.e., the first set of weight portions) towards the rear portion 180 of the golf club head 100 according to the configuration of the second set of weight ports 1610, the golf club head 100 May move relatively backwards and upwards to produce relatively high launch and spin trajectories. In addition, the moment of inertia of the golf club head 100 may increase in both the horizontal (front-to-back) and vertical (top-to-bottom) off-center hits. As a result, the second launch trajectory profile 1420 can be associated with a relatively larger carry distance (i.e., in air).

Returning to FIG. 17, for example, the third weight configuration 1700 may be associated with the configuration of the third set of weight ports 1710. In the third weight configuration 1700, for example, the weight portion of the first set may be disposed toward the heel portion 160, but the weight portion of the second set may be disposed toward the toothed portion 150. In particular, the first set of weight portions may form clusters of weight portions at or adjacent to the heel portion 160, depending on the configuration of the third set of weight ports 1710. The weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 may define a weight portion of the first set and may include a plurality of weight portions 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, Respectively. The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, and 480 may define a second set of weight portions and the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, and 980, respectively. The third weight configuration 1600 may be associated with the third launch trajectory profile 1430 (Fig. 14). In particular, the third weight configuration 1700 may allow an individual to turn over the golf club head 100 relatively easily (i. E., To square up the face portion 175 to impact the golf ball) square up). By placing the relatively heavy weight portion (i.e., the weight portion of the first set) toward the heel portion 160 of the golf club head 100, the center of gravity CG of the golf club head 100 is relative to the axis of the shaft As shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 18, for example, the fourth weight configuration 1800 may be associated with the configuration of the fourth set of weight ports 1810. In the fourth weight configuration 1800, for example, the weight portion of the first set may be disposed toward the toe portion 150, while the weight portion of the second set may be disposed toward the heel portion 160. In particular, the first set of weight portions may form clusters of weight portions at or adjacent to the toothed portions 150, depending on the configuration of the fourth set of weight ports 1810. The weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430, and 435 may define a weight portion of the first set and may include a plurality of weight portions 405, 410, 415, Respectively. The weight portions 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475 and 480 may define a second set of weight portions and the weight ports 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, 955, and 960, respectively. The fourth weight configuration 1800 may be associated with the third launch trajectory profile 1430 (Figure 14). In particular, the fourth weight configuration 1800 may prevent an individual from reversing the golf club head 100 (i.e., the face portion 175 may be more open to impact the golf ball). By placing the relatively heavy weight portion (i.e., the weight portion of the first set) toward the toe portion 150 of the golf club head 100, the gravity center CG of the golf club head 100 is relative to the axis of the shaft As shown in FIG. A fade golf shot may be made by the fourth weight configuration 1800 (as shown in FIG. 19, for example, for a right-hand individual the golf ball moves to the left of the target 1910 A curving back trajectory or ball flight to the right of the target). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

20 shows a method by which the golf club head 100 can be manufactured. In the example of FIG. 20, the process 2000 may begin with providing a plurality of weight parts (block 2010). The plurality of weight portions may comprise a weight portion of the first set and a weight portion of the second set. Each weight portion of the weight portion of the first set may be associated with the first mass but each weight portion of the weight portion of the second set may be associated with the second mass. The first mass may be greater than the second mass. In one example, each weight portion of the weight portion of the first set may be made of a tungsten-based material having a mass of 2.6 g, while each weight portion of the weight portion of the second set may be made of an aluminum- have. The weight portion of the first set may have gray color or steel color, but the weight portion of the second set may have black color.

Process 2000 may provide a body portion of a golf club head (block 2020). The body portion may include a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, a top portion, a bottom portion having an outer surface associated with the outer surface curve, and a skirt portion between the top and bottom portions.

The process 2000 may form a weight port area located at or adjacent to the bottom and skirt portions (block 2030). The transition region may surround the weight port area.

The process 2000 may form a plurality of weight ports along the periphery of the weight port area (block 2040). Each weight port of a plurality of weight ports may be associated with a port diameter and may be configured to receive at least one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. Two adjacent weight ports may be separated by a port diameter or less. Further, each weight port of a plurality of weight ports may be associated with a port axis. The port axis may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the tangential plane of the outer surface curve of the lower portion of the golf club head.

The exemplary process 2000 of FIG. 20 is only provided and described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 19 as an example of a method of manufacturing a golf club head 100. Although a specific sequence of operations is illustrated in FIG. 20, these operations may be performed in different time sequences. For example, the two or more operations shown in Fig. 20 can be executed continuously, concurrently, or concurrently. Although Figure 20 shows a specified number of blocks, a process may not execute more than one block. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

As shown in the above example, the plurality of weight portions 120 and the plurality of weight ports 900 generally include a path defining generally D-shaped loops formed into two arcs, shown generally at 490 and 495 in FIG. And may be positioned on the periphery of the weight port area 240. For example, the weight portions 405, 410, 415, 420, 425, 430 and 435 (FIG. 4) and the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930 and 935 The first arc 490 can be formed. In particular, the first arc 490 may extend across the bottom portion 140 between the toe and heel portions 150, 160, respectively. 4) and the weight ports 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, and 980 (FIG. 4) and the weight ports 440, 445, 450, 455, 460, 465, 470, 475, 9) may form the second arc 495. [ The second arc 495 can generally follow the contour of the rear portion 180 of the body portion 110. Optionally, the first and second arcs 490 and 495 may define a loop having a different shape extending across the lower portion 140 (e.g., generally an O-shaped loop). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While the above examples may show a plurality of weight portions 120 and a plurality of weight ports 900 that form a particular geometric shape, the devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be used to form other geometric shapes, And a weight port and weight portion positioned along the periphery of the region. Returning to Figure 21, for example, the golf club head 2100 may include a lower portion 2110 and a plurality of weight portions 2120 disposed in the plurality of weight ports 2130. A plurality of weight ports 2130 may be positioned along the periphery of the weight port area 2140 of the lower portion 2110 (i.e., the plurality of weight ports 2130 may be located between the toe and heel portions 2112, 2114) Each extending across the lower portion 2110). In contrast to a plurality of weight portions 120 and a plurality of weight ports 900 (e.g., FIGS. 4 and 9), a plurality of weight ports 2130 may be formed generally 0.0 > 2150 < / RTI > and 2155, respectively.

The first arc 2150 may extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The first arc 2150 may be curved toward the front portion 2170 of the golf club head 2100 (i.e., concave relative to the front portion 2170). 21, the first arc 2150 extends from a region close to the toe portion 2112 to a region close to the front portion 2170 and from a region close to the front portion 2170 to a region close to the heel portion 2113 (I.e., concave relative to the forward portion).

The first arc 2150 thus appears as a C-arc that faces the rear portion 2180 of the golf club head 2110, which extends between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The second arc 2155 may also extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. The second arc 2155 may be curved toward the rear portion 2180 of the golf club head 2110 (i.e., concave relative to the rear portion 2180). Thus, the second arc may be a C-shaped arc facing the forward portion 2170 of the golf club head 2110 extending between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. [ Also, the first arc 2150 may be closer to the front portion 2170 than the second arc 2155. The first arc 2150 and the second arc 2155 can be separated so that the first arc 2150 and the second arc 2155 can be separated along the periphery of the lower portion 2110, respectively. The lower portion 2110 thus has gaps 2190 and 2192 along the periphery of the lower portion 2110 between the mass port 2130 of the first arc 2150 and the mass port 2130 of the second arc 2155. Thus, ). The gap 2190 and / or 2192 may be greater than or equal to the diameter of any port of the weight port 2130, such as the weight port 2130 adjacent the gap 2190 and / or 2192. 21, gaps 2190 and 2192 may be of a size greater than the diameter of the weight port 2130 adjacent the gaps 2190 and 2192. In the example shown in Fig. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

21, for example, the first arc 2150 may include a second arc 2155 that may be suitable for a particular golf club head (e.g., a fairway wood type golf club head and / or a hybrid golf club head) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > port. ≪ / RTI > Optionally, the second arc 2155 may include the same or greater number of weight ports 2130 as the first arc 2150. The number of each weight port 2130 in the first and second arcs 2150 and 2155 and the weight portion 2120 adjacent to each weight port 2130 and facing the adjacent weight ports 2130, Type, the preferred weight distribution of the golf club head 2110, and / or the gravity position center of the golf club head 2110.

The weight ports 2130 of the first arc 2150 and / or the second arc 2155 may be spaced apart from one another at the same or substantially the same distance along the first arc 2150 and / or the second arc 2155, respectively have. Variations in the spacing between the weight ports 2130 of the first arc 2150 or the second arc 2155 or any of the weight ports described herein may be used for other manufacturing considerations such as manufacturing tolerances and / It may be due to For example, the variation of the spacing between the first port 2150 and / or the second port 2130 of the second arc 2155 may be between 1.16 inches and 0.001 inches. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports 2130 (i.e., the port distance) may be less than or equal to the diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weights port 2130 is a maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance of at least 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance 2195 of the golf club head 2100 to the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114). The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel side boundary of the most distant weight port in the toe portion 2112 and the toe side boundary of the heaviest port in the heel portion 2114.

In particular, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume of less than 430cc. For example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 100cc-400cc. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 150cc-350cc. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a volume in the range of 200cc-300cc. The golf club head 2100 may have a mass ranging from 100g to 350g. In another example, the colp club head 2100 may have a mass in the range of 150 g to 300 g. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a mass in the range of 200g-250g. The golf club head 2100 may have a loft angle ranging from 10 ° to 30 °. In another example, the golf club head 2100 may have a loft angle in the range of 13 [deg.] - 27 [deg.]. For example, the golf club head 2100 may be a fairway wood type golf club head. Alternatively, the golf club head 2100 may be a smaller driver type golf club head (i.e., larger than a fairway wood type golf club head, but smaller than a driver type golf club). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

22, for example, the golf club head 2200 may include a lower portion 2210 and a plurality of weight portions 2220 disposed in the plurality of weight ports 2230. As shown in FIG. A plurality of weight ports 2230 located along the periphery of the mass port region 2240 may be arranged along a path defining an arc generally designated 2250 extending across the lower portion 2210 A plurality of weight ports 2230 may extend across the bottom portion 2210 between the toe and heel portions 2212, 2214). 22, the arc 2250 extends from an area close to the toe portion 2212 to a region close to the rear portion 2280 and from an area close to the rear portion 2280 to an area close to the heel portion 2214 That is, concave relative to the rear portion).

The arc 2250 thus appears as a C-shaped arc facing the front portion 2270 of the golf club head 2210 extending from near the heel portion 2214 to near the toe portion 2212. The second arc 2155 may also extend between the toe portion 2112 and the heel portion 2114. Also, the curvature of the arc 2250 is substantially similar to, or generally follows, the contour of the rear portion of the golf club head. The number of weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 and the weight portions 2220 associated with each weight port 2230 and facing the adjacent weight ports 2230 are determined by the type of golf club, And / or the gravitational center of gravity of the golf club head 2210. The golf club head < RTI ID = 0.0 > 2210 < / RTI &

The weight ports 2230 of the arcs 2250 may be spaced apart from one another at the same or substantially the same distance along the arc 2250 (e.g., the weight ports 2230 may be spaced substantially similar to one another). Changes in the spacing between the weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 or any of the weight ports described herein may be due to other manufacturing considerations, such as manufacturing tolerances and / or cost efficiencies associated with manufacturing precision. For example, the variation of the spacing between the weight ports 2230 of the arc 2250 may be between 1.16 inches and 0.001 inches. As described herein, the distance between adjacent weight ports 2230 (i.e., the port distance) may be less than or equal to the diameter of any of the two adjacent weight ports. The plurality of weigh ports 2230 may include a toe portion 2212 and a heel portion 2212 with a maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance that is greater than 50% of the maximum toe-to-heel club head distance 2290 of the golf club head 2200 2214, respectively. The maximum toe-to-heel weight port distance may be the maximum distance between the heel side boundary of the most distant weight port in the toe portion 2212 and the toe side boundary of the most weight port in the heel portion 2214.

In particular, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume of less than 200 cc. For example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 50cc-150cc. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 60cc-120cc. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a volume in the range of 70cc-100cc. The golf club head 2200 may have a mass in the range of 180g to 275g. In another example, the colp club head 2200 may have a mass in the range of 200 g to 250 g. The golf club head 2200 may have a loft angle in the range of 15 ° - 35 °. In another example, the golf club head 2200 may have a loft angle in the range of 17-33 degrees. For example, the golf club head 2200 may be a hybrid golf club head.

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

Since the rules of golf can change over time (for example, new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be removed or modified by golf standards bodies and / or control groups such as USGA, R & A, etc.) The golf equipment associated with the apparatus, methods and articles of the article of manufacture may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be provided, sold and / or sold as a match or incongruent golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Also, while the above examples may be described for golf clubs, the apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other suitable types of sports equipment such as fishing rods, hockey sticks, ski poles, tennis racquets,

Although certain exemplary fabrication apparatus, methods, and articles have been described herein, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers all fabrication apparatus, methods and articles which are reasonably included literally or evenly within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

In a golf club head,
A lower portion 140 having a convex outer surface 990 associated with a front portion, a rear portion, a toe portion, a heel portion, an upper portion, an outer surface curve 1090 and a weight port region 240 located in the lower portion, Wherein the weight comprises a body portion (110), the weight port region (240) having a plurality of weight ports adjacent a transition region (230) at a port region edge;
The plurality of weight ports 900 are formed on an outer surface curve 1090 formed on the periphery of the convex outer surface 990 in the lower portion 140;
The outer surface curve 1090 is formed as a first arc 490 and a second arc 495 adjacent the transition region 230 at the top and bottom of the port region edge, respectively;
Each of the weight ports having an opening on a convex outer surface (990) of the lower portion (140), the opening of each of the weight ports being configured to receive one or more weight portions of the plurality of weight portions; And
Each of the plurality of weight ports 900 has port shafts 1005, 1010 and 1015 and the centers of the weight ports define the port shafts 1005, 1010 and 1015 of the weight ports, Is perpendicular to the tangential plane (1012) of the outer surface curve (1090) at the intersection of the outer surface curve (1090) and the outer surface curve (1090). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of weight portions have a weight portion of the first set and a weight portion of the second set, wherein each weight portion of the weight portion of the first set is associated with a first mass, Wherein each weight portion of the portion is associated with a second mass that is less than the first mass. delete delete The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head includes a volume of 430 cm 3 or less. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head comprises a mass in the range of 100 g-350 g. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first set of weight ports (1510) are located at or adjacent to the forward portion (170) and the first set of weight portions are located at the weight ports (905, 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935 and the second set of weight portions are located in or adjacent to the rear portion 180 and disposed within the weight ports 940, 945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, and 980 So that the first launch trajectory profile 1410 of the golf ball has a roll distance that is greater after impact than the ground. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second set of weight ports (1610) are located at or adjacent to the rear portion (180) and the first set of weight portions comprise weight ports (945, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, 925, 925, 930, and 935, and the second set of weight portions are located at or adjacent to the front portion 170 and disposed within the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 2 launch trajectory profile 1420 has a large carry distance in air. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third weight configuration (1700) is associated with a third set of weight port (1710) configurations located at or adjacent to the heel portion (160) 910, 915, 920, and 955, and the second set of weight portions are located in or adjacent to the toe portion 150, and the weight ports 905, 910, 915, 920, 936 and 980 so that the third weight configuration 1700 is associated with the third shot trajectory profile 1430 of the golf ball so that the individual easily flips the golf club head 100 and to allow the golf club head to turn over. 3. The method of claim 2 wherein a fourth weight configuration (1800) is associated with a fourth set of weight ports (1810) configuration located at or adjacent to the toe portion (150) 935, 975, and 980, and the second set of weight portions are disposed within the weight ports 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 945, 950, 955, and 960 Such that the fourth weight configuration 1800 prevents the individual from reversing the golf club head 100 and allows the face portion 175 to be further opened to impact the golf ball. . delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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