GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH VARIABLE FACE THICKNESS

Abstract

A face or face insert (40) for a golf club head (20) is disclosed herein. The face (40) has an interior surface (40b) with a first thickness section (200) and a second thickness region (205). The first thickness section (200) preferably has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region (205). In a most preferred embodiment, the first thickness section (200) has an X shape that is rotated around the Y axis (500) by at least 10 degrees. In another preferred embodiment, the face has a first thickness section (200), a second thickness region (205), and a central region (400) having a third thickness. The face or face insert (40) with variable thickness allows for a face or face insert (40) with less mass in a golf club head (20) that conforms to the United States Golf Association regulations.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf club head with variable face thickness.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional golf club head designs are limited with regard to the maximum face area, both physical and practical limitations. The physical limitation is due to the golf club head having insufficient mass to both increase the length and width of the golf club head and also to increase the face size without exceeding the upper range of the preferred total golf club head mass. Such mass distributions are dependent on minimum wall thickness values required to achieve acceptable in-service durability.

Further, the thinning of the face thickness of a large face area golf club head will result in a golf club head that does not conform with the United States Golf Association's “Pendulum Test” which measures the characteristic time of the golf club head. The characteristic time is the contact time between metal mass attached to a pendulum that strikes the face center of the golf club head at a low speed. The limit is 239 microseconds with a test tolerance of 18 microseconds. The United States Golf Association (“USGA”) states that this characteristic time corresponds to a coefficient of restitution of 0.822 with a test tolerance of 0.008.

Uniformly increasing the thickness of the face portion typically requires the addition of large amounts of material to adequately reduce the stress sufficient to prevent impact and/or fatigue cracking. However, the addition of such a large amount of material to a face generally adversely affects the performance of the golf club.

One of the first patents to disclose variable face thickness was U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,300 to Schmidt et al., for a Metal Wood Golf Club With Variable Faceplate Thickness which was filed on Nov. 2, 1992. Schmidt et al discloses thickening the faceplate to prevent cracking.

A further disclosure of variable face thickness is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,084 to Kosmatka for a Contoured Golf Club Face which was filed on Oct. 23, 1996. Kosmatka addresses contouring the face to thicken certain regions while thinning other regions depending on the stress load experienced by such regions. Kosmatka also discloses a method for designing a face plate according to measured stress levels experienced during impact with a golf ball. Kosmatka, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,868 for a Contoured Back Surface Of Golf Club Face, filed on Nov. 18, 1997, discloses similar contouring for an iron.

A more recent disclosure is Noble et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,954,596, for a Golf Club Head With Reinforced Front Wall, which was filed on Dec. 4, 1997. Noble et al. discloses a face plate with the thickness portion at the geometric center, and gradually decreasing toward the top and bottom, and the sole and heel. The top and bottom ends along a line through geometric center have the same thickness, and the heel and sole ends along a line through geometric center have the same thickness.

Other references make partial disclosure of varying face thickness. One example is FIG. 8 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,453 which illustrates an interior surface of a face with a bulging center and decreasing thickness towards the heel and sole ends, similar to Noble et al. Another example is FIGS. 4C and 4D of U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,216 which discloses a bulging center that decreases in thickness toward the heel and sole ends, and the top and bottom end of the face, similar to Noble et al. However, the prior art has failed to design a face or face plate that varies the thickness according to predicted golf ball impact points on the face.

What is needed is a light weight face that conforms to the USGA characteristic time test.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a face with variable thickness that allows for a light-weight face or face insert that conforms to the USGA characteristic time test. The present invention is able to accomplish this by providing an interior surface that comprises at least a first thickness section and a second thickness region.

One aspect of the present invention is a golf club head including a body and a face. The body has a crown, a sole, and a hollow interior. The face is disposed on the body. In one embodiment of the invention, the face is an insert attached to the body, and in another embodiment of the invention, the face is formed integral with the body. The face comprises a heel vertical section, a toe vertical section, and a central horizontal section connected to each of the heel vertical section and toe vertical section, and also comprises an upper central region, a lower central region, a heel region, and a toe region, wherein each of the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section has a first thickness and each of the upper central region, the lower central region, the heel region, and the toe region has a second thickness. In a preferred embodiment, the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section form a substantially X shape, which is rotated around a Y axis by at least 10 degrees, such that the heel vertical section and the toe vertical section are disposed diagonally across the face.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the substantially X shape is rotated around the Y axis by between 12 and 18 degrees, and preferably by 15 degrees. In a further embodiment of the invention, the central horizontal section comprises a central region having a third thickness, which may be approximately equivalent to the second thickness. In another embodiment, the third thickness is less than the second thickness. In yet another embodiment, the third thickness is greater than the first thickness.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the face further comprises a transition section which transitions from the first thickness to the second thickness, and may also comprise a transition section which transitions from the first thickness to the third thickness.

In yet another embodiment, each of the heel vertical section and the toe vertical section extends from a region of the face proximate to the sole to a region of the face proximate to the crown. In a further embodiment, the face further comprises a perimeter section having the second thickness. In another embodiment, each of the heel vertical section and the toe vertical section extends from the perimeter section proximate to the sole of the face to the perimeter section proximate to the crown of the face.

Another embodiment of the invention is a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, and a hollow interior, and a face disposed on the body. In one embodiment of the invention, the face is an insert attached to the body, and in another embodiment the face is formed integral with the body. In a preferred embodiment, the face comprises a heel vertical section, a toe vertical section, and a central horizontal section connected to each of the heel vertical section and toe vertical section. The face also comprises an upper central region, a lower central region, a heel region, and a toe region, wherein each of the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section has a first thickness and each of the upper central region, the lower central region, the heel region, and the toe region has a second thickness, and wherein the central horizontal section further comprises a central region having a third thickness. In a further embodiment, the third thickness is approximately equivalent to the second thickness. In another embodiment, the third thickness is less than the second thickness. In yet another embodiment, the third thickness is greater than the first thickness. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the central region comprises an isogrid.

In another embodiment, the face further comprises a transition section which transitions from the first thickness to the second thickness. The face may further comprise a transition section which transitions from the first thickness to the third thickness. In one embodiment, this transition section comprises multiple steps of increasing or decreasing thickness.

Another embodiment of the invention is a golf club head comprising a body having a crown, a sole, and a hollow interior, and a face disposed on the body. The face comprises a heel vertical section, a toe vertical section, and a central horizontal section connected to each of the heel vertical section and toe vertical section. The face also comprises an upper central region, a lower central region, a heel region, and a toe region, wherein each of the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section has a first thickness and each of the upper central region, the lower central region, the heel region, and the toe region has a thickness that is less than the first thickness. The face further comprises a central elliptical region encircling a portion of the central horizontal section and having a second thickness wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, a first concentric region having a third thickness wherein the second thickness is greater than the third thickness, a second concentric region having a fourth thickness wherein the third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness, and a third concentric region having a fifth thickness wherein the fourth thickness is greater than the fifth thickness. In a further embodiment, the face also comprises a periphery region encircling the third concentric region and having a sixth thickness, wherein the fifth thickness is greater than or equal to the sixth thickness

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan isolated view of a preferred embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a plan isolated view of a preferred embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan isolated view of an alternative embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a plan isolated view of an alternative embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of a golf club head.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a golf club head of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of a golf club head of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the body of a golf club head of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6A-6A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a golf club head illustrating the Y axis and X axis.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a golf club head.

FIG. 9 is a front plan view of a golf club head of the present invention illustrating the Z axis and Y axis.

FIG. 10 is a heel side plan view of a golf club of the present invention illustrating the Z axis and X axis.

FIG. 11 is a toe side view of the golf club head of FIG. 3.

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 3.

FIG. 13 is an exploded top perspective of a golf club head of according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a toe side view of the golf club head of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a heel side view of the golf club head of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective of the golf club head according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the golf club head of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a plan isolated view of an alternative embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a plan isolated view of an alternative embodiment of an interior surface of a face of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed at a face for a wood-type golf club head. The face or face insert is generally designated 40. As shown in FIG. 1, an embodiment of the face 40 has a first thickness section 200 in the shape of a cross and a second thickness region 205 defining an interior surface 40b of the face 40. A transition portion 210 is disposed between the first thickness section 200 and the second thickness region 205.

Preferably, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness ranging from 0.100 inch to 0.200 inch, and more preferably from 0.125 inch to 0.165 inch, and most preferably approximately 0.155 inch. The second thickness region 205 preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.090 inch, more preferably from 0.050 inch to 0.070 inch, and most preferably 0.060 inch. The transition portion 210 preferably has a thickness that tapers from the thickness of the first thickness section 200 to the thickness of the second thickness region 205 to allow for a smooth contouring interior surface 40b as opposed to a surface with ribs.

Also in a preferred embodiment, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness that is at least 0.025 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region 205. More preferably, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness that is at least 0.050 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region 205. Even more preferably, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness that is at least 0.075 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region 205. Yet even more preferably, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness that is at least 0.090 inch greater than the thickness of the second thickness region 205.

The thickness within the first thickness section 200 is preferably uniform. However, in an alternative embodiment, the thickness within the first thickness section 200 preferably varies up to 0.020 inch, more preferably up to 0.010 inch, and most preferably up to 0.005 inch. The thickness within the second thickness region 205 is preferably uniform. However, in an alternative embodiment, the thickness within the second thickness region 205 preferably varies up to 0.020 inch, more preferably up to 0.010 inch, and most preferably up to 0.005 inch.

The face or face insert 40 has a perimeter 240 with a top perimeter line 240a and a bottom perimeter line 240b. As shown in FIG. 1, the face 40 preferably has a width, “Wf”, that preferably ranges from 3.50 inches to 5.00 inches, and a height, “Hf”, that preferably ranges from 1.80 inches to 2.50 inches. The center of the face 40 is generally designated point 300. The face preferably has a mass ranging from 25 grams to 40 grams and most preferably 29 grams.

An alternative, preferred embodiment wherein the first thickness section 200 has a “X” shape is shown in FIG. 2. In this embodiment of the face 40, the first thickness section 200, the second thickness region 205 and the transition portion 210 have the same dimensions as discussed above in reference to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the first thickness section 200 preferably includes upper extension section 350a, lower extension section 350b, heel extension section 350c, toe extension section 350d and central section 350e. The second thickness region 205 preferably includes an upper toe region 330, an upper heel region 332, a lower heel region 334 and a lower toe region 236. The first thickness section also preferably includes upper heel perimeter section 352a, lower heel perimeter section 352b, upper toe perimeter section 352c and lower toe section 352d. Each of the perimeter sections 352a-d defines the perimeter of the face 40 and also partially defines each of the second thickness regions 330, 332, 334 and 336.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the transition portion 210 preferably includes a transition upper toe portion 360, a transition upper heel portion 361, a transition lower heel portion 362 and a transition lower toe portion 363. Each of the transition portions 210 has a width from 0.05 inch to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.07 inch to 0.11 inch, and most preferably 0.09 inch.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the first thickness section 200 preferably includes a toe vertical section 220, a heel vertical section 222 and a central horizontal section 224. The heel vertical section 222 and the toe vertical section 220 preferably extend from the top perimeter 240a of the face 40 to the bottom perimeter 240b of the face 40. The central horizontal section 224 extends between the toe vertical section 220 and the heel vertical section 222, preferably about the face center 300. In a preferred embodiment, each of the toe vertical section 220 and the heel vertical section 222 has a top end 250a and 250b and bottom end 252a and 252b. The width of each of the toe vertical section 220 and the heel vertical section 222 “Wv”, as shown in FIG. 2A, preferably ranges from 0.15 inch to 0.50 inch, more preferably from 0.20 inch to 0.35 inch, and most preferably 0.275 inch. The first thickness section 200 also preferably includes heel perimeter section 270a, upper perimeter section 270b, toe perimeter section 270c and lower perimeter section 270d. Each of the perimeter sections 270a-d defines the perimeter of the face 40 and also partially defines each of the second thickness regions 230, 232, 234 and 236.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the second thickness region 205 preferably includes an upper central region 230, a lower central region 232, a toe region 234 and a heel region 236. Each of the upper central region 230 and the lower central region are smaller in area than each of the toe region 234 and the heel region 236.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the transition portion 210 preferably includes a transition toe portion 260, a transition heel portion 261, a transition lower portion 262 and a transition upper portion 263. Each of the transition portions 210 has a width from 0.05 inch to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.07 inch to 0.11 inch, and most preferably 0.09 inch.

An alternative embodiment wherein the first thickness section 200 has a substantially “X” shape is shown in FIG. 19. In one embodiment of the face 40, the first thickness section 200, the second thickness region 205 (which preferably includes an upper central region 230, a lower central region 232, a toe region 234 and a heel region 236) and the transition portion 210 may have the same dimensions as discussed above in reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 2A. The “X” shape of the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is rotated around a Y axis 500, extending from the toe end 38 of the golf club head 20 to the heel end 36 of the golf club head 20, by at least 10 degrees, such that the heel vertical section 222, the toe vertical section 220, and the central horizontal section 224 are disposed diagonally across the face 40. In another embodiment, the X shape is rotated around the Y axis 500 by between 12 and 18 degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the X shape is rotated around the Y axis 500 by approximately 15 degrees to track an elliptical hit pattern. The angle of rotation 405, which preferably is greater than 10 degrees, is shown in FIG. 19 as 0.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 19 may also comprise a central region 400 having a third thickness within the first thickness section 200. This central region 400 may have the shape of an X, or it may have any other shape, such as an oval, a circle, a square, or another polygonal shape. In one embodiment, the thickness of the central region 400 is greater than the first thickness section 200. In another embodiment, the first thickness section 200 is greater than the thickness of the central region 400, such that the central region 400 constitutes a recess within the first thickness section 200. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the central region 400 is less than that of the second thickness region 205. In yet another embodiment, the thickness of the central region 400 is approximately equivalent to the second thickness region 205. In another embodiment, the central region 400 comprises an isogrid. In an embodiment wherein the central region 400 constitutes a recess within the first thickness section 200, the recess may be filled with a soft material such as urethane.

In a further embodiment, the face 40 comprises a transition section 410 which transitions from the first thickness section 200 to the third thickness of the central region 400. This transition section 410 may comprise multiple steps of increasing or decreasing thickness, depending on the thickness of the central region 400.

In another embodiment, the transition portion 210 has at least two transition thickness regions, a first transition thickness region 210a and a second transition thickness region 210b, located proximate to at least the heel region 236 and toe region 234, wherein the first transition thickness region 210a is thinner than the second transition thickness region 210b. In another embodiment, the transition portion 210 further comprises a third transition thickness region 210c (shown in FIGS. 19 and 20) that is thicker than both of the first two transition thickness regions 210a, 210b, and thinner than the first thickness section 200. In yet another embodiment, the transition portion 210 proximate the heel region 236 and the transition portion 210 proximate the toe region 234 together form a substantially annular shape.

In one embodiment, the first thickness section 200 has a thickness ranging from 0.100 inch to 0.200 inch, more preferably from 0.125 inch to 0.175 inch, and most preferably approximately 0.150 inch. The central region 400 has a thickness ranging from 0.020 inch to 0.250 inch, more preferably from 0.075 inch to 0.125 inch, and most preferably approximately 0.090 inch. The second thickness region 205 preferably has a thickness ranging from 0.030 inch to 0.150 inch, more preferably from 0.050 inch to 0.125 inch, and most preferably from 0.080 inch to 0.110 inch. In an embodiment wherein the second thickness region 205 comprises an upper central region 230, a lower central region 232, a toe region 234, and a heel region 236, the upper central region 230 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.105 inch, the lower central region 232 preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.092 inch, the toe region preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.095 inch, and the heel region preferably has a thickness of approximately 0.095 inch. The transition portion 210 has a thickness ranging from 0.75 inch to 0.175 inch, more preferably from 0.90 inch to 0.110 inch, and most preferably approximately 0.100 inch. In an embodiment wherein the transition region comprises more than one transition thickness region 210a, 210b, 210c, the second transition thickness region 210b is approximately 0.100 inch, the first transition thickness region 210a is less than 0.100 inch, and the third transition thickness region 210c is greater than 0.100 inch.

FIG. 20 best illustrates the thickness variation of an embodiment of the face 40 shown in FIG. 19 along line A-A. The second thickness region 205, transition portion 210 and its transition thickness regions 210a, 210b, 210c, the first thickness section 200, and the central region 400 are shown. FIG. 21 best illustrates the thickness variation of an embodiment of the face 40 shown in FIG. 19 along line B-B. The second thickness region 205, the transition portion 210, first thickness section 200, and the central region 400 are shown. FIG. 22 best illustrates the thickness variation of an embodiment of the face 40 shown in FIG. 19 along line C-C. FIG. 22 illustrates the thickness of the legs of the “X” shape, and shows the first thickness section 200 and the central region 400. In some embodiments, the first thickness section 200 may decrease along the legs of the “X” shape away from the central region 400 and towards the perimeter of the face 40 as shown in FIG. 22.

An alternative embodiment wherein the first thickness section 200 and the transition portion 210 have a substantially “X” shape is shown in FIG. 23. This embodiment of the face 40 combines the hyperbolic face technology described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,137,907, 7,101,289, 7,258,626, and 7,422,528, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein, and the variable face thickness technology disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,354,692, 6,368,234, 6,398,666, 6,623,377, and 6,435,977, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. In this embodiment, a central region 400 may also have a substantially X shape.

The embodiment of the face 40 shown in FIG. 23 comprises a substantially X shaped first thickness section 200 and transition portion 210 that may have the same dimensions as discussed above in reference to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, and/or 19. The height 290 of the face 40 in this embodiment ranges from 1.8 inches to 2.5 inches, and is preferably approximately 1.983 inches. The width 292 of the face 40 in this embodiment ranges from 3.5 inches to 5.0 inches, and is preferably approximately 3.896 inches.

The embodiment of the face 40 shown in FIG. 23 also has a plurality of concentric elliptical regions 280, 282, 284, 286 of varying thicknesses. Each of these elliptical regions may have substantially consistent thicknesses throughout the respective region, or may vary in thickness throughout the respective region. A central elliptical region 280 proximate to the center of the face preferably has the greatest thickness of the elliptical regions, and preferably has a thickness that ranges from 0.105 inch to 0.091 inch. A first concentric region 282 preferably has the next greatest thickness of the elliptical regions, and preferably has a thickness that ranges from 0.098 inch to 0.084 inch. A second concentric region 284 preferably has the next greatest thickness of the elliptical regions, and preferably has a thickness that ranges from 0.090 inch to 0.076 inch. A third concentric region 286 preferably has the next greatest thickness of the elliptical regions, and preferably has a thickness that is approximately 0.081 inches. The face may also comprise a periphery region having a thickness that is less than or equal to that of the third concentric region.

Each of the elliptical regions may be separated from one another by transition regions that gradually decrease in thickness from the center to the periphery of the face. The interior surface of the face 40 may also comprise a step-like surface, wherein the transition regions abruptly drop in thickness between the elliptical regions from the center to the periphery of the face.

The X shaped first thickness region 200, the transition portion 210, the central region 400, and the concentric elliptical regions 280, 282, 284, 286 disclosed herein may be disposed along the interior surface of the face 40 at certain coordinates along a Y axis 500, extending from the toe end 38 of the face 40 to the heel end 36 of the face 40, and a Z axis 505, extending from the crown 24 to the sole 26 of the face 40. The first thickness region 200 may extend from a range of −0.5 inches to 0.5 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −0.3525 inches to 0.3525 inches along the Y axis 500, and from a range of 0.325 inches to −0.325 inches along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.175 inches to −0.175 inches along the Z axis 505. The transition portion 210 may extend from a range of −0.85 inches to 0.85 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −0.5025 inches to 0.5025 inches along the Y axis 500, and from a range of 0.8 inches to −0.8 inches along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.325 inches to −0.325 inches along the Z axis 505. The central elliptical region 280 may extend from a range of −1.0 inches to 1.0 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −0.8325 inches to 0.8325 inches along the Y axis, and from a range of 0.7 inches to −0.7 inches along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.545 inches to −0.545 inches along the Z axis 505. The first concentric region 282 may extend from a range of −1.5 inches to 1.5 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −1.1125 inches to 1.1125 inches along the Y axis 500, and from a range of 0.8 inches to −0.8 inches along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.695 inches to −0.695 inches along the Z axis 505. The second concentric region 284 may extend from a range of −1.6 inches to 1.6 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −1.3925 to 1.3925 inches along the Y axis 500, and from a range of 0.9 inches to −0.9 inches along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.845 inches to −0.845 inches along the Z axis 505. The third concentric region 286 may extend from a range of −1.8 inches to 1.8 inches along the Y axis 500, and preferably from −1.6725 inches to 1.6725 inches along the Y axis 500, and from a range of 1 inch to −1 inch along the Z axis 505, and preferably from 0.9915 inches to −0.9915 inches along the Z axis 505.

Though the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 23 comprises four elliptical thickness regions, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention encompasses embodiments comprising a plurality of thickness regions that may be more or less than four.

The face or face insert 40 is used with various golf club heads. A preferred embodiment of a golf club head is illustrated in FIGS. 3-10. Alternative embodiments of golf club heads are illustrated in FIGS. 11-18. Although three embodiments are illustrated, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize from this disclosure that other embodiments of the golf club head using a face or face insert of the present invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

A golf club head is generally designated 20. The golf club head 20 has a body 22, which includes a crown 24, a sole 26, a ribbon 28, a front wall 30 and a hollow interior 34. The golf club head 20 has a heel end 36, a toe end 38, and an aft end 37.

The golf club head 20, when designed as a driver, preferably has a volume from 200 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, more preferably from 300 cubic centimeters to 500 cubic centimeters, and most preferably from 385 cubic centimeters to 475 cubic centimeters. The golf club head 20 preferably has a mass no more than 250 grams, and most preferably a mass of 170 to 250 grams.

As shown in FIGS. 3-10, in one embodiment of the golf club head 20, the front wall 30 has an opening 32 and preferably a recessed portion 33. The face insert 40 is disposed within the opening 32. The ribbon 28 of the body 22 has an aft-recess 52 located opposite of the face insert 40, and a rear weighting member 50 is disposed within the aft-recess 52. The body 22 is preferably composed of a non-metal material, preferably a composite material such as a continuous fiber pre-preg material (including thermosetting materials or thermoplastic materials for the resin). Other materials for the body 22 include thermosetting materials or thermoplastic materials such as injectable plastics. The body 22 is preferably manufactured through bladder-molding, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, injection molding, compression molding, or a similar process. Alternatively, the body 22 may be composed of a lightweight metallic material, such as magnesium alloys, aluminum alloys, magnesium, aluminum, titanium, titanium alloys, or other low density metals. The body 22 may also be composed of a type of steel, such as stainless steel or other steel alloys.

The face insert 40 is attached to the body 22 over the opening 32 of the front wall 30. Preferably the face insert 40 is positioned over and attached to the recessed portion 33 of the front wall 30.

The face insert 40 is preferably composed of a formed metal material. However, the face insert 40 may also be composed of a machined metal material, a forged metal material, a cast metal material or the like. The face insert 40 preferably is composed of a titanium or steel material. Titanium materials suitable for the face insert 40 include pure titanium and titanium alloys. Other metals for the face insert 40 include high strength steel alloy metals and amorphous metals. The exterior surface 40a of the face insert 40 typically has a plurality of scorelines thereon, not shown.

The face insert 40 is preferably co-molded with the body 22 or press-fitted into the opening 32 subsequent to fabrication of the body 22. In another attachment process, the body 22 is first bladder molded and then the face insert 40 is bonded to the recessed portion 33 of the front wall 30 using an adhesive. The adhesive is placed on the exterior surface of the recessed portion 33. Such adhesives include thermosetting adhesives in a liquid or a film medium. In yet another attachment process, the body 22 is first bladder molded and then the face insert 40 is mechanically secured to the body 22. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other methods for attachment of the face insert 40 to the body 22 may be composed without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

As mentioned above, the non-metallic body 22 is preferably composed of a plurality of plies of pre-preg, typically six or seven plies (preferably ranging from three plies to twenty plies) such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,025, entitled Composite Golf Head And Method Of Manufacturing, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In such an embodiment, the crown 24, the sole 26 and the ribbon 28 preferably range in thickness from 0.010 inch to 0.100 inch, more preferably from 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably from 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably have a thickness of 0.033 inch. The front wall 30 preferably has a thickness greater than the thickness of the crown 24, sole 26 or ribbon 28. The thickness of the front wall preferably ranges from 0.030 to 0.150 inch, more preferably from 0.050 inch to 0.100 inch, even more preferably from 0.070 inch to 0.090 inch, and most preferably the front wall 30 has a thickness of 0.080 inch.

FIGS. 6 and 6A best illustrate the hollow interior 34 of the golf club head 20. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the recessed portion 33 of the front wall 30 encompasses the opening 32 forming a support for placement and attachment of the face insert 40 thereon. The front wall 30 has a shoulder 75 that preferably engages a perimeter 77 of the face insert 40. A portion of the interior surface of the face insert 40 will engage the exterior surface of the recessed portion 33 of the front wall 30. The thickness of the recessed portion 33 of the front wall 30 is preferably thicker than the crown 24, the sole 26 or the ribbon 28.

Also shown in FIG. 6A is the hosel 57, which is disposed within the hollow interior 34, and is located near the heel end 36. The hosel 57 is preferably composed of an aluminum material, and preferably has a mass ranging from 3 to 10 grams, more preferably from 4 to 8 grams, and most preferably has a mass of 6 grams. Alternatively, the hosel 57 may be composed of a strong polymer material such as a urethane or ABS material. A shaft, not shown, is disposed within the hosel 57 through a bore 55 in the crown 24. A hosel insert, not shown, is preferably used to interface between the shaft and the hosel 57. Such a hosel insert is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,482, entitled Golf Club With Hosel Liner, which pertinent parts are hereby incorporated by reference. The hosel 57 is preferably positioned in a hosel base 59 and extends from the sole 26 to the crown 24. However, those skilled within the pertinent art will recognize that the hosel need not extend all the way to the sole 26 and may also extend outside of the body 22 without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

Also shown in FIGS. 6 and 6a are the walls of the aft recess 52. The aft recess 52 preferably extends into the hollow interior 34 forming an aft recess projection 52a. The aft recess 52 is preferably defined by upper recess wall 54, main recess wall 56 and lower recess wall 58. The rear weighting member 50 is positioned within the aft recess 52, as best shown in FIG. 3.

The rear weighting member 50 is preferably composed of a metal material such as steel, steel alloys, brass, tungsten, tungsten alloys, or other high density materials. The rear weighting member 50 is preferably co-molded with a body 22 or press-fitted within the aft recess 52 subsequent to fabrication of the body 22. In another attachment process, the body 22 is first bladder molded and then the rear weighting member 50 is bonded within the aft recess 52 using an adhesive.

A second embodiment of the golf club head 20 is shown in FIGS. 13-15, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,565,452, for a Multiple Material Golf Club Head with Face Insert, filed on Feb. 28, 2002, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In this embodiment, the golf club head 20, a face component 60 and an aft-body 61. The face component 60 has a face cup and has a separate face insert 40, which is placed within an opening 45 of a face cup 74. The aft-body 61 has a crown portion 62 and a sole portion 64.

The face cup 74 has a return portion 63 that extends laterally rearward from the perimeter 73 of the front wall. The face insert 40 is joined to the face cup 74 of the face component 60 in a manufacturing process discussed in co-pending U.S. application No. Ser. No. 10/710,143, entitled Method for Processing a Golf Club Head with Cup Shaped Face Component, filed on Jun. 22, 2004, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The return portion 63 of the face cup preferably includes an upper lateral section 76, a lower lateral section 78, a heel lateral section 80 and a toe lateral section 82. Thus, the return portion 63 preferably encircles the face insert 40 a full 360 degrees. However, those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the return portion 63 may only encompass a partial section of the face insert 40, such as 270 degrees or 180 degrees, and may also be discontinuous.

The upper lateral section 76 extends rearward, towards the aft-body 61, a predetermined distance, d, to engage the crown portion 62. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined distance ranges from 0.2 inch to 1.0 inch, more preferably 0.40 inch to 0.75 inch, and most preferably 0.68 inch, as measured from the perimeter 73 of the face insert 40 to the rearward edge of the upper lateral section 76. In a preferred embodiment, the upper lateral section 76 has a general curvature from the heel end 36 to the toe end 38. The upper lateral section 76 has a length from the perimeter 73 of the face insert 40 that is preferably a minimal length near the center of the face insert 40, and increases toward the toe end 38 and the heel end 36. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the minimal length may be at the heel end 36 or the toe end 38.

The face component 60 engages the crown portion 62 of the aft-body 61 along a substantially horizontal plane. The crown portion 62 has a crown undercut portion 62a, which is placed under the return portion 63. Such an engagement enhances the flexibility of the face insert 40 allowing for a greater coefficient of restitution. The crown portion 62 of the aft-body 61 and the upper lateral section 76 of the face component 60 are attached to each other as further explained below.

The heel lateral section 80 is substantially perpendicular to the face insert 40, and the heel lateral section 80 covers the hosel 57 before engaging an optional ribbon section 90 and a bottom section 91 of the sole portion 64 of the aft-body 61. The heel lateral section 80 is attached to the sole portion 64, both the ribbon 28 and the bottom section 91, as explained in greater detail below. The heel lateral section 80 extends inward a distance, d′″, from the perimeter 73 a distance of 0.250 inch to 1.50 inches, more preferably 0.50 inch to 1.0 inch, and most preferably 0.950 inch. The heel lateral section 80 preferably has a general curvature at its edge.

At the other end of the face component 60 is the toe lateral section 82. The toe lateral section 82 is attached to the sole portion 64, both the ribbon 28 and the bottom section 91, as explained in greater detail below. The toe lateral section 82 extends inward a distance, d″, from the perimeter 73 a distance of 0.250 inch to 1.50 inches, more preferably 0.75 inch to 1.30 inch, and most preferably 1.20 inch. The toe lateral section 82 preferably has a general curvature at its edge.

The lower lateral section 78 of the face component 60 extends inward, toward the aft-body 61, a predetermined distance to engage the sole portion 64. In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined distance ranges from 0.2 inch to 1.25 inches, more preferably 0.50 inch to 1.10 inch, and most preferably 0.9 inch, as measured from the perimeter 73 of the face insert 40 to the edge of the lower lateral section 78. In a preferred embodiment, the lower lateral section 78 has a general curvature from the heel end 36 to the toe end 38. The lower lateral section 78 has a length from the perimeter 73 of the face section 72 that is preferably a minimal length near the center of the face section 40, and increases toward the toe end 38 and the heel end 36.

The sole portion 64 has a sole undercut 64a for placement under the return portion 63. The sole portion 64 and the lower lateral section 78, the heel lateral section 80 and the toe lateral section 82 are attached to each other as explained in greater detail below.

The aft-body 61 is preferably composed of a non-metal material, preferably a composite material such as continuous fiber pre-preg material (including thermosetting materials or thermoplastic materials for the resin). Other materials for the aft-body 61 include other thermosetting materials or other thermoplastic materials such as injectable plastics. The aft-body 61 is preferably manufactured through bladder-molding, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, injection molding, compression molding, or a similar process. Alternatively, the aft-body may be composed of a metallic material such as magnesium, titanium, stainless steel, or any other steel or titanium alloy.

The crown portion 62 of the aft-body 61 is generally convex toward the sole portion 64, and engages the ribbon section 90 of sole portion 64 outside of the engagement with the face member 60. Those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that the sole portion 64 may not have a ribbon section 90. The crown portion 62 preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch. The sole portion 64, including the bottom section 91 and the optional ribbon section 90 which is substantially perpendicular to the bottom section 91, preferably has a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.100 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.070 inch, even more preferably in the range of 0.028 inch to 0.040 inch, and most preferably has a thickness of 0.033 inch.

The assembled face component 60 may then be attached to the aft body 61. The face component 60, with an adhesive on the interior surface of the return portion 63, is placed within a mold with a preform of the aft-body 61 for bladder molding. The return portion 63 is placed and fitted into the undercut portions 62a and 64a. Also, the adhesive may be placed on the undercut portions 62a and 64a. Such adhesives include thermosetting adhesives in a liquid or a film medium. During this attachment process, a bladder is placed within the hollow interior of the preform and face component 60, and is pressurized within the mold, which is also subject to heating. The co-molding process secures the aft-body 61 to the face component 60. In another attachment process, the aft-body 61 is first bladder molded and then is bonded to the face component 60 using an adhesive, or mechanically secured to the return portion 63.

A third embodiment of the golf club head 20 is shown in FIGS. 16-18. In this embodiment, the golf club head 20 includes a body 22, a face 40 a weighting frame 42, and an optional support gasket 44. A more thorough description of such a golf club head 20 is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,672,975, for a Golf Club Head, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, and which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The body 22 is preferably composed of a light weight or low-density material, preferably a non-metal material or a low-density (less than 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter) metal material, such as a polycarbonate material. Other materials for the body 22 include a composite material such as a continuous fiber pre-preg material (including thermosetting materials or a thermoplastic material for the resin), other thermosetting materials such as thermosetting polyurethane, or other thermoplastic materials such as polyamides, polyimides, polycarbonates, PBT (Polybutlene Terephthalate), blends of polycarbonate and polyurethane, and the like. The body 22 is preferably manufactured through injection molding, bladder-molding, resin transfer molding, resin infusion, compression molding, or a similar process. A preferred metal material for the body 22 is aluminum, tin or magnesium. The face 40 is attached to the frame 42 and over the opening 32. Preferably the face 40 is positioned over and attached to the support gasket 44.

The face 40 is preferably composed of a formed metal material, however, the face 40 may also be composed of a machined metal material, a forged metal material, a cast metal material or the like. The face 40 preferably is composed of a formed titanium or steel material. Titanium materials useful for the face 40 include pure titanium and titanium alloys. Other metals for the face 40 include other high strength steel alloy metals and amorphous metals. The exterior surface 40a of the face 40 typically has a plurality of scorelines thereon, not shown.

The face 40 preferably has an elliptical shape or a trapezoidal shape. The face 40 preferably has a plurality of holes 46a-d for insertion of the bolts 88a-d there through.

The weighting frame 42 is preferably composed of a metal material such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum, magnesium and other like metal materials. In an alternative embodiment, the weighting frame 42 is composed of a thermoplastic material. The frame 42 is preferably composed of four arms 86a-d and a central body 84. In the preferred embodiment, each of the arms 86a-d is positioned within a corresponding groove 41a-d of the body 22. Each of the grooves 41a-d is generally shaped to receive an arm 86a-d. Each arm 86a-d has a length sufficient to extend from the aft end 37 of the body 22 to the opening 32. In a preferred embodiment, each arm 86a-d is tubular with a threaded aperture at the forward end (opposite the central body 84) to receive a bolt for attachment of the face 40 thereto. The frame 42 preferably engages the face 40 at each of the corners (upper heel, lower heel, upper toe and lower toe) of the face 40. The frame 42 also increases the moment of inertia of the golf club head 20 since mass is positioned at the outer extremes of the golf club head 20.

Further, the attachment of the face 40 to the frame 42 provides the ability to use an amorphous metal for the face 40 and a different material for the frame 42 and the body 22 thereby eliminating problems associated with bonding amorphous metals to other metals. Although attachment through the use of bolts is preferred, other joining means may be utilized such as riveting, self taping screws, localized friction or welding, spot welding, local bonding, melt or solvent bonding, and the like.

Preferably, the frame 42 has a mass ranging from 30 grams to 90 grams, more preferably from 40 grams to 70 grams. The hosel 57 preferably has a mass ranging from 3 to 10 grams, more preferably from 4 to 8 grams, and most preferably has a mass of 6 grams. Additionally, epoxy, or other like flowable materials, in an amount ranging from 0.5 grams to 5 grams, may be injected into the hollow interior 50 of the golf club head 20 for selective weighting thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the depth, D, of the golf club head 20 from the face 40 to the aft end 37 of the crown 24 preferably-ranges from 3.0 inches to 4.5 inches, and is most preferably 3.74 inches. The height of the golf club head 20, as measured while in address position from the sole 26 to the crown 24, preferably ranges from 2.0 inches to 3.5 inches, and is most preferably 2.62 inches. The width, W, of the golf club head 20 from the toe end 38 to the heel end 36 preferably ranges from 4.0 inches to 5.5 inches, and more preferably 4.57 inches. The height of the face 40, preferably ranges from 1.8 inches to 2.5 inches, and is most preferably 2.08 inches. The width, w, of the face insert from the toe end to the heel end preferably ranges from 3.0 inches to 5.0 inches, and more preferably 3.52 inches.

The golf club head 20 preferably has a high coefficient of restitution for greater distance of a golf ball hit with the golf club head of the present invention. The coefficient of restitution (also referred to herein as “COR”) is determined by the following equation:

$e=\frac{v_2-v_1}{U_1-U_2}$

wherein U₁ is the club head velocity prior to impact; U₂ is the golf ball velocity prior to impact which is zero; v₁ is the club head velocity just after separation of the golf ball from the face of the club head; v₂ is the golf ball velocity just after separation of the golf ball from the face of the club head; and e is the coefficient of restitution between the golf ball and the club face.

The values of e are limited between zero and 1.0 for systems with no energy addition. The coefficient of restitution, e, for a material such as a soft clay or putty would be near zero, while for a perfectly elastic material, where no energy is lost as a result of deformation, the value of e would be 1.0. The golf club head 20 preferably has a coefficient of restitution ranging from 0.80 to 0.94, as measured under conventional test conditions.

The coefficient of restitution of the golf club head 20 of the present invention under standard USGA test conditions with a given ball preferably ranges from approximately 0.80 to 0.94, more preferably ranges from 0.82 to 0.89 and is most preferably 0.86. However, the face center 300 preferably has a COR no greater than 0.83, and the golf club head 20 preferably conforms to the USGA characteristic time test.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the axes of inertia through the center of gravity of the golf club head. The axes of inertia are designated X, Y and Z. The X axis extends from the face insert 40 through the center of gravity, CG, and to the rear of the golf club head 20. The Y axis extends from the toe end 38 of the golf club head 20 through the center of gravity, CG, and to the heel end 36 of the golf club head 20. The Z axis extends from the crown 24 through the center of gravity, CG, and to the sole 26.

As defined in Golf Club Design, Fitting, Alteration & Repair, 4^th Edition, by Ralph Maltby, the center of gravity, or center of mass, of the golf club head is a point inside of the club head determined by the vertical intersection of two or more points where the club head balances when suspended. A more thorough explanation of this definition of the center of gravity is provided in Golf Club Design, Fitting, Alteration & Repair.

The center of gravity and the moment of inertia of a golf club head 20 are preferably measured using a test frame (X^T, Y^T, Z^T), and then transformed to a head frame (X^H, Y^H, Z^H). The center of gravity of a golf club head may be obtained using a center of gravity table having two weight scales thereon, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,452, entitled High Moment Of Inertia Composite Golf Club, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. If a shaft is present, it is removed and replaced with a hosel cube that has a multitude of faces normal to the axes of the golf club head. Given the weight of the golf club head, the scales allow one to determine the weight distribution of the golf club head when the golf club head is placed on both scales simultaneously and weighed along a particular direction, the X, Y or Z direction.

In general, the moment of inertia, Izz, about the Z axis for the golf club head 20 is preferably greater than 3000 g-cm², and more preferably greater than 3500 g-cm². The moment of inertia, Iyy, about the Y axis for the golf club head 20 is preferably in the range from 2000 g-cm² to 4000 g-cm², more preferably from 2300 g-cm² to 3800 g-cm². The moment of inertia, Ixx, about the X axis for the golf club head 20 is preferably in the range from 1500 g-cm² to 3800 g-cm², more preferably from 1600 g-cm² to 3100 g-cm².

Table One illustrates a comparison of a golf club head with a face insert (40) of the present invention as compared to a golf club head with a face insert having a uniform thickness. Both golf club head conform to the USGA regulations for characteristic time. The golf club head 20 with the face insert (40) having a H-shaped first thickness section 200 has a mass that is more than 25% lighter than the uniform thickness face of the comparison golf club head while having similar CORs and characteristic times.

		Characteristic		Thickness
Face Design	Mass (grams)	Time (μs)	COR	(inches)
Uniform	42.7	240	0.828	0.120
H-shaped	29.0	240	0.829	variable

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.

Claims

1. A driver-type golf club head comprising: a body having a crown, a sole, and a hollow interior; anda face disposed on the body, the face comprising a heel vertical section, a toe vertical section, and a central horizontal section connected to each of the heel vertical section and toe vertical section, the face also comprising an upper central region, a lower central region, a heel region, and a toe region, wherein each of the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section has a first thickness and each of the upper central region, the lower central region, the heel region, and the toe region has a second thickness;wherein the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section form a substantially X shape,wherein the substantially X shape is rotated around a Y axis by at least 10 degrees, such that the heel vertical section and the toe vertical section are disposed diagonally across the face,wherein the crown is composed of a composite material, andwherein the face and the sole are composed of a titanium alloy.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the substantially X shape is rotated around the Y axis by between 12 and 18 degrees.

3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the substantially X shape is rotated around the Y axis by 15 degrees.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the central horizontal section comprises a central region having a third thickness.

5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the third thickness is greater than the first thickness.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face further comprises a transition section which transitions from the first thickness to the second thickness.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the face is formed integral with the sole and wherein the crown is affixed to the face and sole with an adhesive.

8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the golf club head has a volume of 385 to 475 cubic centimeters and a mass of 170 to 250 grams.

9. A wood-type golf club head comprising: a body having a crown, a sole, and a hollow interior; andface disposed on the body, the face comprising a heel vertical section, a toe vertical section, and a central horizontal section connected to each of the heel vertical section and toe vertical section, the face also comprising an upper central region, a lower central region, a heel region, and a toe region, wherein each of the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section has a first thickness and each of the upper central region, the lower central region, the heel region, and the toe region has a thickness that is less than the first thickness,wherein the face comprises a central elliptical region encircling a portion of the central horizontal section and having a second thickness wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness, a first concentric region having a third thickness wherein the second thickness is greater than the third thickness, a second concentric region having a fourth thickness wherein the third thickness is greater than the fourth thickness, and a third concentric region having a fifth thickness wherein the fourth thickness is greater than the fifth thickness, andwherein the golf club head has a volume of 385 to 475 cubic centimeters and a mass of 170 to 250 grams.

10. The golf club head of claim 9, further comprising a periphery region encircling the third concentric region, wherein the periphery region has a sixth thickness, and wherein the fifth thickness is greater than or equal to the sixth thickness.

11. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the heel vertical section, the toe vertical section, and the central horizontal section form a substantially X shape.

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein the substantially X shape is rotated around a Y axis by at least 10 degrees, such that the heel vertical section and the toe vertical section are disposed diagonally across the face.

13. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the crown is composed of a composite material, and wherein the face and the sole are composed of a titanium alloy.

14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the face is formed integral with the sole and wherein the crown is affixed to the face and sole with an adhesive.

15. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the crown and the sole form an aft body, and wherein the aft body is composed of a composite material.