KR20240172710A - Fairway wood golf club - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club head formed of an alloy of steel which improves the center of gravity (CG) location while maintaining the traditional external dimensions of the golf club head. More specifically, a golf club head according to the present invention achieves a relatively low CG while maintaining the traditional external dimensions by reducing the amount of mass contributed by the crown, striking face and hosel, and strategically reallocating this mass within and/or proximate the sole of the golf club head.

Description

FAIRWAY WOOD GOLF CLUB

Cross-reference to related applications

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/589,471, filed January 31, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to golf club heads, and more particularly to steel-body fairway woods having a low center of gravity (CG).

The rules of golf allow golfers to carry 14 golf clubs. In an ideal world, each golf club serves a specific purpose. For example, the driver is mostly used to hit the golf ball from the tee, preferably a long distance. Fairway woods and hybrid clubs are used to hit the ball farther, but not as far as the driver. Fairway woods and hybrids are often used from the tee when the golfer wants to hit the ball straighter and/or shorter than the driver. Fairway woods and hybrids are also often used off the tee, directly from the ground. Iron-type golf clubs are used to hit the ball straighter and shorter, while still placing an emphasis on accuracy.

Each of these different types of golf clubs is specifically designed for maximum effectiveness for its specific purpose. When fairway woods and hybrids are called upon for distance and accuracy from the tee as well as from the ground without the tee, they require a unique balance of performance and aesthetics.

Given the wide range of applications for fairway woods and hybrids, particularly for shots struck directly from the ground without a tee, it is desirable for the CG to be positioned low relative to the ground to facilitate launching the golf shot into the air. Typically, fairway woods and hybrids are constructed primarily of steel alloy. Typically, the CG of a fairway wood or hybrid can be lowered by utilizing one of several less desirable design features.

For example, the peak crown height of a golf club may be reduced to lower the CG. Although reducing the peak crown height of a golf club can lower the CG, the resulting design tradeoffs are undesirable. Reducing the peak crown height results in a golf club head that is not aesthetically pleasing. Specifically, the golf club head appears to be smaller in volume than a conventional golf club head, or at least appears smaller, which reduces the golfer's confidence when preparing to strike a golf shot.

Similarly, the striking face height (e.g., the top face radius to the ground) of the golf club may be reduced. As mentioned above, this not only detracts from the aesthetics of the golf club, but also makes the golf club more difficult to strike by physically reducing the size of the striking face.

Additionally, the golf club head may incorporate a variety of materials to manipulate the location of the CG. For example, the crown of the golf club may be formed from any number of materials, such as titanium or a composite having a density lower than that of steel. While the integration of a variety of materials is useful in manipulating the CG of a golf club head, it is costly and introduces a number of potential manufacturing difficulties associated with joining dissimilar materials.

Therefore, there is a need for a fairway wood type golf club head having a steel configuration and having a low CG that is achieved without modification to the traditional external dimensions of a fairway wood type golf club head.

One aspect of the present invention is a golf club head including a striking face forming a face center, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to a shaft, wherein each of the striking face, the crown, the sole, the heel, the toe, and the hosel comprises an alloy of steel, wherein an X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis that has a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and is tangent to the face center of the striking face, a Y-axis is a vertical axis that has a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and is orthogonal to the X-axis, a Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on a center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head, and wherein the golf club head has a volume of about 100 cc to about 200 cc, and the crown has a volume of about A golf club head having a minimum crown thickness of from about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, wherein the sole has a maximum sole thickness, wherein the golf club head has a peak crown height greater than about 35.0 mm, wherein the golf club head has a ground to top face radius measurement of from about 31.0 mm or greater, wherein the golf club head has a CG-Yg, a distance from a ground plane along the y-axis to the CG, of less than about 16.0 mm, wherein the golf club head has a ΔYccg of from about 22.0 mm to about 28.0 mm, wherein the ΔYccg is defined by the following equation:

, the golf club head has a maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio of about 4.0 or greater, wherein the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is defined by the following equation:

,

The mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 25% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 45% of the total mass of the golf club head, the mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 20% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 38% of the total mass of the golf club head, the mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 15% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 27% of the total mass of the golf club head, and the mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 10% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 12% of the total mass of the golf club head.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a golf club head includes a striking face forming a face center, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent to the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to a shaft, wherein each of the striking face, the crown, the sole, the heel, the toe, and the hosel comprises an alloy of steel, wherein an X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis that has a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and is tangent to the face center of the striking face, a Y-axis is a vertical axis that has a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and is orthogonal to the X-axis, a Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on a center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head, wherein the golf club head has a volume of about 100 cc to about 200 cc, and the crown has a volume of about A golf club head having a minimum crown thickness of from about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, wherein the sole has a maximum sole thickness, and the golf club head has a maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio of greater than or equal to about 4.0, wherein the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is defined by the following equation:

.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a golf club head includes a striking face forming a face center, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent to the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to a shaft, wherein each of the striking face, the crown, the sole, the heel, the toe, and the hosel comprises an alloy of steel, wherein an X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis that has a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and is tangent to the face center of the striking face, a Y-axis is a vertical axis that has a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and is orthogonal to the X-axis, a Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on a center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head, wherein the golf club head has a volume of about 100 cc to about 200 cc, and the crown has a volume of about The golf club head has a minimum crown thickness of from about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, the sole has a maximum sole thickness, the mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 25% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 45% of the total mass of the golf club head, and the mass of the golf club head below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 15% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 27% of the total mass of the golf club head. In another aspect of the present invention, the golf club head has a maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio of from about 1.70 to about 2.18, the maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio being

is defined as.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the striking face has a sole return portion.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, further serve to explain the principles of the present invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention.
Of the attached drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Among the attached drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a crown-side drawing of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Among the attached drawings, Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Among the attached drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates a toe-side cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane passing through the face center of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention and extending along the Z-axis.
Among the attached drawings, FIG. 5a illustrates a perspective view of a sole of a golf club head according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5b of the attached drawings illustrates a perspective view of a sole of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 of the attached drawings illustrates a heel-side exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 of the attached drawings illustrates a toe-side exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 of the attached drawings illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 of the attached drawings illustrates a heel-side exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Of the attached drawings, FIG. 10 illustrates a toe-side exploded perspective view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 of the attached drawings illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

The following detailed description sets forth the presently best contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is merely intended to illustrate the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Various inventive features are described below, and each may be used independently or in combination with other features. However, any one inventive feature may not solve any or all of the problems described above, or may solve only one of the problems described above. Furthermore, one or more of the problems described above may not be completely solved by any of the features described below.

Before beginning a discussion of the golf club head (100) of the present invention and its performance criteria, it is worth noting here that the discussion below will be based on a coordinate system (101) and axes of measurement that are important to the proper evaluation of the performance parameters detailed below. Accordingly, while the specific designations provided for the measurements below are important to the understanding of the present invention, it is important to recognize that the designation nomenclature should not be considered in isolation. Rather, the significance of the numbers presented below should be taken with respect to how the coordinate system relates to the golf club head itself. In order to provide sufficient information to avoid any ambiguity, each of the drawings provided below that reference the golf club head (100) will all involve a reference coordinate system.

In accordance with the above, and in order to establish a reference coordinate system for subsequent discussions, FIG. 1 of the attached drawings illustrates a coordinate system (101) that will be used to define various measurements and performance metrics for the present invention. The X-axis as used by the present discussion refers to an axis that is horizontal to the striking face from the heel-toe direction. The Y-axis as used by the present discussion refers to a vertical axis through the club in the crown-sole direction. The Z-axis as used by the present discussion refers to a horizontal axis that is horizontal in the fore-aft direction. In other words, the X-axis may be defined as a horizontal axis tangent to the geometric center of the striking face having a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head, the Y-axis is a vertical axis orthogonal to the X-axis having a positive direction toward the top of the golf club head, and the Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis. The above-described X-Y-Z coordinate system (101) will be the same for all subsequent discussions.

Of the attached drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf club head (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this perspective view as shown in FIG. 1, the golf club head (100) may not appear all that different from other golf club heads, but the subsequent drawings and their discussion will demonstrate that the specific dimensions and material properties of this golf club head (100) enable it to achieve unique performance characteristics consistent with the present invention. What is intended to be illustrated in FIG. 1 is a golf club head (100) having a striking face (120), a crown (106), a sole (108) opposite the crown (106), a heel (104), a toe (102) opposite the heel (104), a hosel (124) proximate the heel for coupling the golf club head (100) to a shaft (not shown), and a skirt (112) connecting the crown (106) and the sole (108) and extending from the heel (104) proximate the striking face (120) to the toe (102) proximate the striking face (120). The striking face (120) has a face center (122). The face center (122) relates to the geometric center of the striking face (120) of the golf club head (100) as measured by a USGA provided face center template as is commonly known to those skilled in the art of golf clubs, as illustrated herein and referred to by the present invention.

In this embodiment of the present invention, the golf club head (100), specifically the striking face (120), the crown (106), the sole (108), the skirt (112), the toe (102), the heel (104), and the hosel (124), may be formed of a steel alloy having a density of generally from about 7.75 g/cc to about 8.05 g/cc. Preferably, the golf club head (100) is formed via a casting process as is known in the art. It is also within the scope and spirit of the present invention for at least a portion of the golf club head (100) to be formed via other known processes including stamping, forging, and rolling.

It is within the scope of the present invention that the striking face (120), crown (106), sole (108), skirt (112), toe (102), heel (104) and hosel (124) are formed from a steel alloy having an overall density of about 7.75 g/cc to about 8.05 g/cc.

It is within the scope and spirit of the present invention that the striking face (120) is formed as a single piece with other portions of the golf club head (100), or alternatively, is formed as a separate component that is later joined to other portions of the golf club head (100). When the striking face (120) is formed as a separate component, the striking face may be formed of high-strength steel and may be joined to the golf club head (100) by any suitable means, including welding, brazing, adhesives, and mechanical fasteners. Exemplary high-strength steel materials for forming the striking face (120) include, but are not limited to, Custom 465 stainless steel, Custom 475 stainless steel, 300 stainless steel, and 301 stainless steel.

The golf club head (100) may typically have a volume of about 100 cc to about 200 cc, more preferably about 120 cc to about 190 cc, and most preferably about 140 cc to about 185 cc.

The golf club head (100) may typically have a total mass of about 175 g to about 275 g, more preferably about 190 g to about 250 g, and most preferably about 200 g to about 225 g.

FIG. 2 is a crown diagram of a golf club head (100). In order to illustrate more specific features of the golf club head (100), FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings is provided to provide additional insight into some of the specific features of the golf club head (100) that may be important in quantifying its improved performance. FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates the location of the CG (110) along the X-Z plane in the coordinate system (101). While the specifics of the CG (110) location will be discussed in more detail with respect to the inertial characteristics of the golf club head (100), generally speaking, the golf club head (100) of the present invention has a CG (110) location that is strategically positioned within the golf club head (100) to produce the most advantageous results.

More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the CG (110) is positioned at a distance (CG-C) (114) generally about 9 mm to about 16 mm, more preferably about 10 mm to about 15 mm, and most preferably about 11 mm to about 14 mm posteriorly from the shaft axis (115) extending along the X-Y plane, all of which are measured posteriorly from the shaft axis (115) along the Z-axis depicted by the coordinate system (101).

It should be noted that the strategic location of the CG (110) rearward along the Z-axis is critical to the proper functionality of the golf club head (100) of the present invention. If the CG (110) location is too far forward, the golf club head (100) may experience reduced inertia values and may also produce a suboptimal amount of backspin upon contact with the golf ball, resulting in a less desirable outcome. However, alternatively, if the CG (110) location is too far rearward, the golf club head (100) may produce too much spin to produce a desirable outcome. Thus, it can be seen that the criticality of the CG (110) location rearward of the shaft axis (115) along the Z-axis requires a delicate balance within a very specific range of values, and any deviation from that range may seriously impair the performance of the golf club head (100).

Of the attached drawings, FIG. 3 is a front view of a golf club head (100). FIG. 3 illustrates several additional dimensional measurements that are important to the proper functionality of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 3, in addition to illustrating the basic components of the golf club head (100) as previously described, now introduces another measurement of the CG (110) location from a ground plane (G) along an X-Y plane depicted by a coordinate system (101). More specifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a CG (110) measurement, which is the distance measured perpendicularly along the Y-axis from the ground plane (G) to the CG (110), referred to for purposes of this discussion as CG-Yg (116). The CG-Yg (116) of the golf club head (100) can generally be less than about 16.0 mm, more preferably from about 11.0 mm to about 15.0 mm, and most preferably from about 12.0 mm to about 14.5 mm.

In addition to illustrating the very important CG-Yg (116) measurement of the golf club head (100), FIG. 3 of the attached drawings also illustrates a peak crown height (117) measurement, which is the vertical distance along the Y-axis from the ground plane (G) to the peak of the crown (106) when the golf club head (100) is held in a normal address position. The peak crown height (117) measurement can generally be greater than about 35.0 mm, preferably about 36.0 mm to about 43.0 mm, and most preferably about 37.0 mm to about 41.0 mm.

FIG. 3 of the attached drawings also illustrates a ground-to-top-face-radius measurement (118), which is the vertical distance along the Y-axis from the ground plane (G) to the point where the striking face (120) transitions to the crown (106). More specifically, the ground-to-top-face-radius measurement (118) is the vertical distance along the Y-axis from the ground plane (G) to the point where the golf club head (100) deviates from the roll radius of the striking face (120). It is within the scope and teachings of the present invention for the ground-to-top-face-radius measurement (118) to be taken at or at the highest such point on the striking face (120) along the Y-axis. Preferably, the ground-to-top-face-radius measurement (118) is taken at or directly above the face center (122). The ground to top face radius measurement (118) can typically be about 31.0 mm or greater, more preferably about 31.0 mm to about 37.0 mm, and most preferably about 33.0 mm to about 35.0 mm.

FIG. 3 of the attached drawings also illustrates a ΔYccg(119) measurement, which is the vertical distance along the Y-axis from the CG(110) to the peak of the crown (106). That is, the ΔYccg measurement (119) is the difference between the peak crown height (117) measurement and the CG-Yg(116) measurement. The ΔYccg(119) measurement is discussed in more detail below.

Now that the CG (110) location of the golf club head (100) has been defined, another important characteristic associated with the present invention relating to the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head (100) can be further described. The MOI of a golf club head generally represents the ability of the golf club head to resist twisting when the golf club head impacts an object at a location that is not aligned with the aforementioned CG location. More specifically, the MOI of a golf club head relates to the ability of the golf club head to resist twisting about the CG location.

As is well known in the art, the MOI of a golf club head (100) can generally be decomposed into several unique components relating to the ability of the golf club head (100) to resist rotation about the CG (110) location along different axes, three of which have their origins coincident with the CG (110) location of the golf club head (100). The three axes of rotation along which the MOI is generally referenced are coincident with a coordinate system (101) depicted throughout the drawings, wherein MOI-X is measured about the X-axis passing through the CG (110) location, MOI-Y is measured about the Y-axis passing through the CG (110) location, and MOI-Z is measured about the Z-axis passing through the CG (110) location.

The golf club head (100) of the present invention can have a MOI-X of generally greater than about 80 kg-mm ² , more preferably from about 90 kg-mm ² to about 140 kg-mm ² , and most preferably from about 100 kg-mm ² to about 130 kg-mm ² , all of which are without departing from the scope and content of the present invention.

The golf club head (100) of the present invention can generally have a MOI-Y greater than about 220 kg-mm ² , more preferably greater than about 230 kg-mm ² , and most preferably greater than about 240 kg-mm ² , all of which are without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In other words, the golf club head (100) of the present invention can generally have a high value for MOI-Y while maintaining a relatively low CG (110) location.

The golf club head (100) of the present invention can have a MOI-Z of generally greater than about 160 kg-mm ² , more preferably from about 160 kg-mm ² to about 220 kg-mm ² , and most preferably from about 170 kg-mm ² to about 210 kg-mm ² , all of which are without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

While the MOI values described above are not necessarily new in the world of golf club head (100) design, the ability to maintain these values while positioning the CG (110) location as described above, particularly the relative values of CG-Yg (116) and CG-C (114), is what constitutes the present invention. The present invention drives the CG lower in a steel golf club head than ever before while maintaining traditional fairway wood dimensions such as volume, peak crown height, and ground-to-top face radius height.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane passing through the face center (122) and extending along the Z-axis. As described below, FIG. 4 illustrates several additional important features of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 4, several dimensions of a golf club head (100) illustrating additional inventive features of the present invention are more clearly illustrated. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the minimum crown thickness (Tc) of the crown (106) is thinner than that of a traditional cast steel crown, which is typically greater than 0.6 mm. In accordance with the current exemplary embodiment, the minimum crown thickness (Tc) of the crown (106) is preferably from about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm, more preferably from about 0.35 mm to about 0.5 mm, and most preferably about 0.4 mm.

Additionally, a portion of the crown can have a substantially constant thickness within +/- 10% of the minimum crown thickness (Tc) of the crown (106). For purposes of this discussion, the surface area of the crown (106) is defined by that portion of the golf club head (100) excluding the hosel (124) that is visible from directly above the golf club head (100) when the golf club head (100) is in the normal address position. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, at least about 40% of the total surface area of the crown (106) can have a substantially constant thickness within +/- 10% of the minimum crown thickness (Tc), preferably at least about 60% of the total surface area of the crown (106) can have a substantially constant thickness within +/- 10% of the minimum crown thickness (Tc), and most preferably at least about 75% of the total surface area of the crown (106) can have a substantially constant thickness within +/- 10% of the minimum crown thickness (Tc).

By reducing the thickness of the crown (106) as described above, the overall mass of the crown (106) can be reduced. The mass savings associated with reducing the thickness of the crown (106) can be reallocated as discretionary mass throughout the golf club head (100), for example, as discretionary mass within and/or proximate the sole (108). The golf club head (100) of the present invention having the crown (106) as described above can exhibit a CG-Yg (116) measurement that is at least 0.3 mm lower than a conventional golf club head having a minimum crown thickness greater than 0.6 mm. While a 0.3 mm reduction in CG-Yg (116) measurement may initially seem minimal, the present invention relies on a number of inventive features to move the CG-Yg (116) measurement lower than any other known golf club head formed of steel and having conventional dimensions as described above.

FIG. 4 illustrates another feature that further facilitates lowering the CG-Yg (116) measurement of the golf club head (100). It is well known that a striking face has different thicknesses at different points across the striking face, known as variable face thickness (VFT). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum face thickness (Tf) occurs near the face center (122) and is preferably less than about 2.0 mm, more preferably less than about 1.95 mm, and most preferably about 1.9 mm. Typically, the maximum face thickness (Tf) of a steel striking face is greater than about 2.0 mm. The golf club head (100) of the present invention having the striking face (120) as described above can exhibit a CG-Yg (116) measurement that is at least 0.1 mm lower than a conventional golf club head having a maximum face thickness (Tf) of at least 2.0 mm. The maximum face thickness (Tf) is the distance between the outer surface and the inner surface of the striking face measured perpendicular to the loft plane (L), which is a plane tangent to the face center (122) of the striking face (120). While a reduction in CG-Yg (116) of 0.1 mm may initially appear to be minimal, the present invention relies on a number of inventive features to move the CG-Yg (116) lower than any other known golf club head formed of steel and having conventional dimensions as described above.

Figure 4 also illustrates the loft angle (θ), which is the angle between the loft plane (L) and the X-Y plane. Preferably, the loft angle (θ) is between about 12 degrees and about 25 degrees.

Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates a unique hosel (124) configuration for use with an adjustable shaft sleeve (not shown), as is well known in the art. The hosel (124) is configured to adjustably couple a golf club head (100) to a shaft (not shown). The hosel (124) includes an upper hosel portion (124A) proximate the crown (106) and a lower hosel portion (124B) proximate the sole (108). The upper hosel portion (124A) is configured to receive an adjustable shaft sleeve (not shown) to provide adjustability for the orientation (lie, loft and face angle) of the golf club head (100). The lower hosel portion (124B) is configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for coupling the shaft sleeve (not shown) to the golf club head (100), as is well known in the art. In contrast to conventional configurations, the portion of the hosel (124) between the upper hosel portion (124A) and the lower hosel portion (124B) is open to the interior of the golf club head (100).

As compared to a conventional hosel as described above, the total mass of the hosel (124), including the separate upper hosel portion (124A) and the separate lower hosel portion (124B), can be reduced, particularly the mass of the hosel (124) above the CG (110) location. The mass savings associated with the hosel (124) as compared to a conventional hosel design can be reallocated as discretionary mass throughout the golf club head (100), for example as discretionary mass within and/or proximate the sole (108). A golf club head (100) of the present invention having a hosel (124) as described above can exhibit a CG-Yg (116) measurement that is at least 0.35 mm lower than a conventional golf club head having a conventional hosel configured to accommodate a conventional adjustable shaft sleeve. As mentioned above, a decrease in the CG-Yg(116) measurement of 0.35 mm may initially seem minimal; however, the present invention relies on a number of inventive features to move the CG-Yg(116) measurement lower than any other known golf club head formed of steel and having conventional dimensions as described above.

Additionally, FIG. 4 illustrates an optional weight pocket (130) positioned proximate the sole (108) of the golf club head (100). The weight pocket (130) is configured to receive a weight member (not shown) therein. The structure of the weight member is not critical to the present invention, and it should be understood that the weight member may take the form of known structures and variations of known structures. The weight member may be formed of any number of materials having a density less than, equal to, or greater than the remainder of the golf club head (100). Preferably, the weight member may be formed of an alloy of steel having substantially the same density as the remainder of the golf club head (100). Alternatively, the weight member may include a material having a density greater than the density of the steel portion of the golf club head (100), such as at least one of tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum, hafnium, and niobium. It is also within the scope of the present invention for the weight member to comprise a material having a density lower than that of the steel portion of the golf club head (100), such as at least one of titanium, aluminum, a plastic, and a composite. The mass saved by reducing the minimum thickness of the crown (106), reducing the maximum thickness of the striking face (120), and changing the configuration of the hosel (124) to be open to the interior of the golf club head (100) can be allocated as discretionary mass within and/or proximate the sole (108). For example, the discretionary mass can be allocated to the sole (108), within the weight member, or within any portion of the golf club head (100) below the CG (110) to minimize the CG-Yg (116) measurement while maintaining the traditional dimensions and other emphasized inertia values of the golf club head (100).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, a significant portion of the sole (108) has a substantially constant thickness. Additionally, a portion of the sole (108) behind the weight pocket (130) having a substantially constant thickness is substantially equal to the maximum sole thickness (Ts). Note that for the purpose of identifying the maximum sole thickness (Ts), the portion of the sole (108) forming and proximate the weight pocket (130) and the portion of the sole within about 10 mm of the skirt (112) are not considered. The maximum sole thickness (Ts) is preferably about 1.6 mm or greater, more preferably about 1.8 mm or greater, and most preferably about 1.9 mm or greater.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at least 30% of the sole (108) has a thickness within +/- 10% of the maximum sole thickness (Ts), more preferably at least 40% of the sole (108) has a thickness within +/- 10% of the maximum sole thickness (Ts), and most preferably at least 50% of the sole (108) has a thickness within +/- 10% of the maximum sole thickness (Ts).

It is worth noting that the maximum sole thickness (Ts) at this time does not capture the full effect of the mass concentrated within and/or proximate to the sole (108), since by definition it does not take into account the weight pocket (130), the weight member, or any additional elements required to secure the weight member within the weight pocket (130).

To better illustrate these features, FIGS. 5A and 5B are provided. FIG. 5A illustrates the sole (108) separated from the remainder of the golf club head (100), and FIG. 5B illustrates the sole (208) according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

First, referring to FIG. 5A , the sole (108) is shown separated from the remainder of the golf club head (100). From this perspective, it is much easier to see how the weight pocket (130), weight member (not shown), and surrounding structure have the potential to concentrate mass within and/or proximate the sole (108) for the purpose of setting the CG (110) closer to the ground. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that describing a portion of the sole (108) as having a substantially constant thickness does not give the overall picture of how the sole (108) contributes to setting the CG (110) closer to the ground. Specifically, describing the sole (108) in this manner does not capture the influence of the portion of the sole (108) or the weight member (not shown) that forms and/or supports the weight pocket (130).

It is worth noting here that establishing the portion of the golf club head (100) that forms the sole (108) is not as simple as identifying the bottom of the golf club head (100). For example, the sole (108) may be defined as the entirety of the golf club head (100) that is visible from directly underneath the golf club head (100) when the golf club head (100) is in the normal address position. Alternatively, the sole (108) may be defined as the portion of the golf club head (100) that is bounded by the lower portion of the striking face (120) and the lower portion of the skirt (112).

To quantify the influence of the sole (108) in a meaningful and simple manner according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sole (108) can be defined as a portion of the golf club head (100) that is generally centrally located on the bottom of the golf club head (100) and has an exterior surface area of from about 25 cm ² to about 35 cm ² . The sole (108), including the weight pocket (130) and the weight elements (not shown) therein, can have a total mass of from about 50 g to about 80 g.

FIG. 5b illustrates a sole (208) having the same main shape, surface area and total mass as the sole (108) including a weight pocket (130) that accommodates a weight member (not shown) having the same density as the golf club head (100).

The sole (208) is configured to be interchangeable with the sole (108) in that the sole (208) has the same main body shape, the same external surface area of about 25 cm ² to about 35 cm ² , and the same mass of about 50 g to about 80 g. However, in contrast to the sole (108), the sole (208) does not include a weight pocket, and thus the sole (208) has an increased thickness relative to the sole (108). The increased thickness of the sole (208) helps to quantify the overall influence of the sole (208) on the CG (110) location.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the sole (208) can have an average effective sole thickness (Tsa) of from about 2.4 mm to about 3.2 mm, preferably from about 2.5 mm to about 3.1 mm, and most preferably from about 2.6 mm to about 3.0 mm. The average effective sole thickness (Tsa) is determined by dividing the total mass of the sole (208) by the external surface area of the sole (208). Thus, while the average effective sole thickness (Tsa) is a constant thickness in the sole (208), the average effective sole thickness (Tsa) takes into account the mass contributed by the weight pocket (130) and any weight members (not shown) accommodated therein. Thus, since both the sole (108) and the sole (208) have the same total mass and external surface area, it can be said that the sole (108) has the same average effective sole thickness (Tsa) as the sole (208). Additionally, the sole (208) is configured to have the same effect as the sole (108) on the MOI and CG (110) location of the golf club head (100).

The combined effect on the CG-Yg (116) measurements associated with the reduction in minimum thickness of the crown (106), the reduction in maximum thickness of the striking face (120), the change in configuration of the hosel (124) that opens into the interior of the golf club head (100), and the allocation of the mass saved within and/or proximate the sole (108, 208) as described above results in a CG-Yg (116) measurement that is about 1.5 mm to about 2.0 mm lower than any known steel golf club head having conventional dimensions as described above.

It should be noted that the low CG-Yg(116) measurements described herein may not accurately describe and describe the present invention on its own, as golf club heads having reduced volume or excessively shallow (shorter peak crown height and/or shorter face height) dimensions may inherently have low CG-Yg measurements. Accordingly, it is important to recognize that the present invention is based on the interrelationship between the different values achieved by the CG-C, MOI, volume, and height measurements as they relate to the CG-Yg(116) measurements described above.

Another way to capture the impact of the mass savings described above is to look at the percentage of mass of the golf club head (100) that is concentrated within the lower portion of the golf club head (100). Referring again to FIG. 3, it is useful to consider the allocation of mass within the golf club head (100) as a percentage of the peak crown height (117) measurement.

The mass of the golf club head (100) below the X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane (G) equal to 25% of the peak crown height (117) measurement is preferably greater than about 45% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), more preferably greater than about 48% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), and most preferably greater than about 50% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

The mass of the golf club head (100) below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane (G) equal to 20% of the peak crown height (117) measurement is preferably greater than about 38% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), more preferably greater than about 41% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), and most preferably greater than about 43% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

The mass of the golf club head (100) below the X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane (G) equal to 15% of the peak crown height (117) measurement is preferably greater than about 27% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), more preferably greater than about 30% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), and most preferably greater than about 32% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

The mass of the golf club head (100) below an X-Z plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane (G) equal to 10% of the peak crown height (117) measurement is preferably greater than about 12% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), more preferably greater than about 15% of the total mass of the golf club head (100), and most preferably greater than about 17% of the total mass of the golf club head (100).

By concentrating most of the mass of the golf club head (100) toward the sole (108) of the golf club head (100), the CG-Yg (116) can be reduced as described above.

At this time, it is worth describing the relationship unique to the present invention between the mass of the sole (108, 208) and the outer surface area of the sole (108, 208) to better capture how the golf club head (100) achieves the aforementioned inertial and dimensional characteristics. The sole mass to sole surface area ratio helps to quantify the present golf club head (100) as illustrated by the equation below. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the sole mass to sole surface area ratio of the sole (108) and sole (208) is greater than or equal to about 2.0 g/cm ² , more preferably greater than or equal to about 2.1 g/cm ² , and most preferably greater than or equal to about 2.2 g/cm ² .

Another relationship unique to the present invention is the relationship between the peak crown height (117) measurement and the CG-Yg (116) measurement. This ratio, referred to as the Weighted Peak Crown Height to CG-Yg Ratio, helps to quantify the current golf club head (100) as illustrated by the equation below. The Weighted Peak Crown Height to CG-Yg Ratio is the product of the cosine of the loft angle (θ) and the ratio between the peak crown height (117) measurement and the CG-Yg (116) measurement. In one exemplary embodiment, the weighted peak crown height to CG-Yg ratio of the golf club head (100) is greater than or equal to about 2.4, preferably greater than or equal to about 2.5, and most preferably greater than or equal to about 2.6.

As previously discussed, the weighted peak crown height to CG-Yg ratio is critical to the present invention because it combines the performance benefits of a low CG (110) with a traditional shape of a golf club head (100). While it is possible to move the CG (110) lower using known techniques, these known techniques require the use of exotic materials and/or modifying the traditional shape of the golf club head, for example, by reducing the peak crown height or the top face radius of the golf club head.

Another relationship unique to the present invention also involves the difference between the peak crown height (117) measurement and the CG-Yg (116). The vertical distance between the peak crown height (117) measurement and the CG-Yg (116), referred to as ΔYccg (119), helps to quantify the current golf club head (100) as illustrated by the equation below. In one exemplary embodiment, the ΔYccg (119) of the golf club head (100) is between about 22.0 mm and about 28.0 mm, preferably between about 23.0 mm and about 26.0 mm, and most preferably between about 24.0 mm and about 25.0 mm.

As previously discussed, ΔYccg is critical to the present invention because it combines the performance benefits of a low CG (110) with the traditional geometry of a golf club head (100). While it is possible to lower the CG (110) using known techniques, these known techniques require the use of exotic materials and/or altering the traditional geometry of the golf club head, for example, by reducing the peak crown height or the top face radius of the golf club head.

Another relationship unique to the present invention is the relationship between the minimum crown thickness (Tc) and the maximum sole thickness (Ts). The minimum crown thickness (Tc) as defined in the present invention refers to the portion of the crown (106) having the minimum wall thickness, which may include any cut-outs that may be present in the crown (106) portion of the golf club head. On the other hand, the maximum sole thickness (Ts) as defined in the present invention refers to the portion of the sole (108) having the maximum wall thickness, which may include any sole graphics, but exclude any ribs and/or any portion of the sole associated with external weighting features that may create the visual illusion of a thickened sole (108). The maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio helps to quantify the present golf club head (100), as illustrated by the equation below. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is greater than or equal to about 4.0, preferably greater than or equal to about 4.5, and most preferably greater than or equal to about 4.75.

As previously discussed, the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is critical to the present invention because it combines the performance benefits of a low CG (110) with an all-steel construction of the golf club head (100). While it is possible to similarly lower the CG (110) using known techniques, these known techniques require the use of exotic materials, such as by forming the crown of a different material, such as titanium or a composite.

Another relationship unique to the present invention is the relationship between the average effective sole thickness (Tsa) and the minimum crown thickness (Tc). The average effective sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio helps to quantify the current golf club head (100) as illustrated by the equation below. In one exemplary embodiment, the average effective sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is from about 3.5 to about 9.0, preferably from about 4.5 to about 8.5, and most preferably from about 5.0 to about 8.0.

As previously discussed, the average effective sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is critical to the present invention because it combines the performance benefits of a low CG (110) with an all-steel construction of the golf club head (100). While it is possible to similarly move the CG (110) closer to the ground using known techniques, these known techniques require the use of exotic materials, such as by forming the crown of a different material, such as titanium or a composite.

Except in the examples or unless otherwise explicitly stated, all numerical ranges, quantities, values, and percentages in the foregoing portions of this specification, such as those for amounts of material, moments of inertia, centers of gravity locations, lofts, draft angles, various performance ratios, and the like, are to be read as if they were preceded by the word "about" even though the term "about" may not explicitly appear in the value, quantity, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the above specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the crown (106) may be formed of a lightweight material having a density less than that of steel. For example, the crown (106) may be formed of a composite material or an alloy of titanium. A golf club head (100) of the present invention having a crown (106) formed of a composite material as described above may exhibit a CG-Yg (116) measurement that is at least 0.20 mm lower than a conventional golf club head having an all-steel construction. As such, while a 0.20 mm reduction in CG-Yg (116) measurement may initially seem minimal; the present invention relies on a number of inventive features to move the CG-Yg (116) measurement lower than any other known golf club head having the conventional dimensions described above.

Of the attached drawings, FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a golf club head (600) according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the striking face (620) is an L-cup shape having a sole return portion (623) instead of a face insert as illustrated in the previous embodiments. Having an L-cup shaped striking face can further improve the performance of the golf club head (600) not only by improving the center of gravity location of the golf club head (600) within the aforementioned ranges, but also by providing greater structural integrity to the leading edge of the golf club head (600) itself. Increasing the structural integrity of the golf club head (600) at the leading edge can further improve the performance of the golf club head (600) by lowering spin on shots striking the striking face (620), which is a common phenomenon of fairway woods such as the present invention.

The striking face (620) may be attached to the body (640) of the golf club head (600) via the front opening (621) (illustrated in FIG. 7) via traditional attachment techniques such as welding, although in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other attachment techniques such as brazing, bonding, or any other type of attachment technique may also be used without departing from the scope and teachings of the present invention.

Additionally, the golf club head (600) illustrated in FIG. 6 differs from previous embodiments of the present invention in that it has a crown opening (644) having a recessed ledge (642) positioned around the perimeter of the crown opening (642) configured to receive a crown (606). In this current embodiment of the present invention, the crown (606) may be formed of a lightweight composite material which reduces weight from that portion of the golf club head (600). The use of a lightweight composite material to form the crown (606) creates more discretionary mass, which may be more strategically positioned to achieve the aforementioned CG, MOI, and mass distribution values.

Of the attached drawings, FIG. 7 illustrates another exploded perspective view of the golf club head (600) from a different angle, allowing the front opening (621) to be more clearly illustrated. As can be seen from this drawing, the front opening (621) includes a leading edge of the golf club head (600) and at least partially forms a front portion of the sole of the golf club head (600). As a result, due to the shape of the front opening (621), the striking face (620) having an L-cup geometry will form a leading edge portion of the golf club head (600) together with the front portion of the sole of the golf club head (600). However, it should be noted that other types of complementary shapes between the striking face (620) and the front opening (621) that are different from the L-cup geometry illustrated herein may also be used without departing from the scope and content of the present invention, as long as the shape of the striking face (620) complements the geometry of the front opening (621).

Of the attached drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf club head (600) taken along a vertical plane passing through the face center (622) and extending along the Z-axis. This cross-sectional view of the golf club head (600) allows for the various thicknesses and dimensions of the golf club head (600) to be illustrated in greater detail. First of all, it can be seen that the striking face (620) can have a variable thickness, with the thickest portion of the striking face having a first thickness (Tf1) located near the geometric face center (622), while the periphery of the striking face can have a reduced thickness (Tf2). Unlike previous embodiments where the striking face had a single thickness, the present invention, by utilizing a variable face thickness profile, allows for the thickness of the first thickness (Tf1) to be reduced to about 1.8 mm to about 2.1 mm, more preferably to about 1.9 mm to about 2.1 mm, and most preferably to about 2.0 mm to about 2.1 mm. The second thickness (Tf2), which is always smaller than the first thickness (Tf1), can typically have a thickness of about 1.70 mm to about 1.75 mm, more preferably about 1.70 mm to about 1.73 mm, and most preferably about 1.70 mm to about 1.72 mm.

In addition to illustrating the striking face (620), the cross-sectional view of the golf club head (600) illustrated in FIG. 8 also illustrates novel important features of the L-cup striking face (620) along with various dimensions thereof. First of all, FIG. 8 shows that the striking face (620) has a sole return distance (D _R ) that forms a leading edge and a front portion of the sole of the golf club head (600). The sole return distance (D _R ) is measured from a forward-most portion of the leading edge toward the rear portion of the L-cup striking face (620); in this embodiment of the present invention, it can generally be from about 9.0 mm to about 11.0 mm, more preferably from 9.5 mm to about 10.5 mm, and most preferably about 10.0 mm. In addition to the length of the distance (D _R ) of the sole return portion (623), FIG. 8 of the attached drawings also illustrates the thickness (T _R ) of the sole return portion (623). As illustrated in this embodiment of the present invention, T _R may generally be from about 0.8 mm to about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about 0.85 mm to about 0.95 mm, and most preferably about 0.9 mm.

Now that the dimensions of the striking face (640) have been established, it is worth noting that the dimensions of this L-cup shaped striking face (620) are important to the proper performance of the golf club head (600) of the present invention, particularly the relationship between the substantially vertical planar portion of the L-cup striking face (620) and the lower return portion of the L-cup striking face (620). Thus, according to the present invention, the golf club head (600) can have a maximum face thickness to sole thickness ratio of from about 1.70 to about 2.18, more preferably from about 1.78 to about 2.03, and most preferably from about 1.88 to about 1.91, wherein the maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio is defined as follows:

Another important ratio that can be estimated from the dimensions of the golf club head (600) shown in FIG. 8 is the maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio, which is defined as follows:

The maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio according to the present invention can generally be from about 0.15 to about 0.19, more preferably from about 0.16 to about 0.18, and most preferably about 0.17.

Finally, it should be noted that the sole return portion (623) of the striking face (622) includes a unique relationship between the sole return portion (623) distance and the sole return portion (623) thickness, producing a sole return portion distance to thickness ratio defined as:

The sole return distance to thickness ratio according to the present invention can generally be from about 9 to about 13.75, more preferably from about 10 to about 12.35, and most preferably about 11.

In addition to illustrating the dimensions and features of the striking face (620), FIG. 8 of the attached drawings also illustrates some auxiliary features of the golf club head (600). Near the top of the golf club head (600), it can be seen that the crown (606) made of the high strength composite material herein can have a thickness (T _C ) of less than about 0.60 mm, more preferably less than about 0.55 mm, and most preferably less than about 0.54 mm. The golf club head (600) can have a ground to top face radius measurement (618) of from about 33.0 mm to about 36 mm, more preferably from about 34.0 mm to about 35 mm, and most preferably about 34.5 mm. Finally, the golf club head (600) can have a peak crown height (617) of from about 36 mm to about 40 mm, more preferably from about 37 mm to about 39 mm, and most preferably about 38 mm.

Of the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 illustrate two exploded perspective views and one cross-sectional view of a golf club head (900) according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein the striking face (920) has a crown return portion (925) in addition to a sole return portion (923) having a C-cup shape. Generally speaking with respect to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 , it can be seen that the golf club head (900) has a body portion (940) having a front opening (921) of a shape without a leading edge as well as a crown transition portion to accommodate a similarly shaped striking face (920) having a crown return portion (925) and a sole return portion (923). The body portion (940) may also have a crown opening (944) having a recessed ledge (942) configured to accommodate a lightweight crown (906) generally made of a lightweight composite material, similar to the previous embodiments illustrated. The means for attaching the striking face (920) and crown (906) to the front opening (921) and crown opening (944) respectively are similar to the methods for attaching the striking face (620) and crown (606) described above.

The cross-sectional view of the golf club head (900) illustrated in FIG. 11 allows for a clearer view of the interior of the golf club head (900) similar to the cross-sectional view of the golf club head (600) illustrated in FIG. 8. This cross-sectional view of the golf club head (900) illustrated herein depicts a striking face (920) in the shape of a C-cup having a crown return portion and a sole return portion as described above, illustrating how this alternative embodiment can achieve the CG and MOI characteristics described above as well as the interfaces between the various components.

Although the numerical ranges and parameters describing the broad scope of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors that inevitably result from the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements. Furthermore, when various ranges of numerical values are described herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values, including the stated values, may be used.

Of course, it should be understood that the foregoing is directed to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims (20)

It is a golf club head,
A golf club head comprising a striking face forming the center of the face, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent to the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to the shaft.
The X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis having a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and tangent to the face center of the striking face, the Y-axis is a vertical axis having a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and being orthogonal to the X-axis, the Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head,
The above crown has a minimum crown thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm,
The above striking face has a maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio of about 1.70 to about 2.18, wherein the maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio is:

A golf club head defined as: In the first paragraph,
A golf club head having a maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio of about 1.78 to about 2.03. In the second paragraph,
A golf club head having a maximum face thickness to sole return thickness ratio of about 1.88 to about 1.91. In the first paragraph,
A golf club head wherein the striking face further includes a sole return portion, the sole return portion having a sole return distance of about 9.0 mm to about 11.0 mm. In paragraph 4,
A golf club head having a sole return distance of about 9.5 mm to about 10.5 mm. In paragraph 5,
A golf club head having a sole return distance of approximately 10.0 mm. In Article 6,
A golf club head wherein the striking face further includes a sole return thickness of about 0.8 mm to about 1.0 mm. In Article 7,
A golf club head having a sole return portion thickness of about 0.85 to about 0.95 mm. In Article 8,
A golf club head having a sole return portion thickness of approximately 0.9 mm. In the first paragraph,
A golf club head having a mass greater than about 45% of the total mass of said golf club head below the XZ plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 25% of the peak crown height measurement. In Article 10,
The above golf club head is a golf club head having a peak crown height exceeding about 35 mm. In Article 11,
The above golf club head is a golf club head having a ground to top face radius measurement of about 31.0 mm or greater. It is a golf club head,
A golf club comprising: a striking face having a face center, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to a shaft;
The above striking face has a sole return portion,
The X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis having a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and tangent to the face center of the striking face, the Y-axis is a vertical axis having a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and being orthogonal to the X-axis, the Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head,
The above crown has a minimum crown thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm,
The above sole return portion has a sole return distance of about 9.0 mm to about 11.0 mm,
A golf club head wherein the mass of said golf club head below an XZ plane set at a vertical height from a ground plane equal to 25% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 45% of the total mass of said golf club head. In Article 13,
A golf club head having a sole return distance of about 9.5 mm to about 10.5 mm. In Article 14,
A golf club head having a sole return distance of approximately 10.0 mm. In Article 13,
The striking face of the golf club head has a maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio of about 0.15 to about 0.19, and the maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio is

A golf club head defined as: In Article 16,
A golf club head having a maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio of about 0.16 to about 0.18. In Article 17,
A golf club head having a maximum face thickness to sole return distance ratio of approximately 0.17. In Article 18,
The above golf club head has a maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio of about 4.0 or greater, and the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is

A golf club head defined as: It is a golf club head,
A golf club head comprising a striking face forming the center of the face, a crown, a sole opposite the crown, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, and a hosel adjacent to the heel and configured to connect the golf club head to the shaft.
The above striking face has a sole return portion,
The X-axis is defined as a horizontal axis having a positive direction toward the heel of the golf club head and tangent to the face center of the striking face, the Y-axis is a vertical axis having a positive direction toward the crown of the golf club head and being orthogonal to the X-axis, the Z-axis has a positive direction toward the front of the golf club head and is orthogonal to both the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the origins of the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are centered on the center of gravity (CG) of the golf club head,
The above crown has a minimum crown thickness of about 0.3 mm to about 0.6 mm,
The above sole return portion has a sole return distance of about 9.0 mm to about 11.0 mm,
The mass of said golf club head below the XZ plane set at a vertical height from the ground plane equal to 25% of the peak crown height measurement is greater than about 45% of the total mass of said golf club head,
The above golf club head has a maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio of about 4.0 or greater, and the maximum sole thickness to minimum crown thickness ratio is

A golf club head defined as: