Patent Grant
11806588
The present disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the present disclosure and its related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all applicable copyrights.
The present disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to golf club heads and methods to manufacturing golf club heads.
Various materials (e.g., steel-based materials, titanium-based materials, tungsten-based materials, etc.) may be used to manufacture golf club heads. By using multiple materials to manufacture golf club heads, the position of the center of gravity (CG) and/or the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club heads may be optimized to produce certain trajectory and spin rate of a golf ball.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures may not be depicted to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
The following U.S. patents and patent applications, which are collectively referred to herein as “the incorporated by reference applications,” are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,961,336; 9,199,143; 9,421,437; 9,427,634; 9,468,821; 9,533,201; 9,610,481; 9,649,542; 9,675,853; 9,814,952; 9,878,220; 10,029,158; 10,029,159; 10,159,876; 10,232,235; 10,265,590; 10,279,233; 10,286,267; 10,293,229; 10,449,428; 10,478,684; 10,512,829; 10,596,424; 10,596,425; 10,632,349; 10,716,978; 10,729,948; 10,729,949; 10,814,193; 10,821,339; 10,821,340; 10,828,538; 10,864,414; 10,874,919; 10,874,921; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/628,251, filed Jun. 20, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,610, filed Jun. 23, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/701,131, filed Sep. 11, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/785,001, filed Oct. 16, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/791,020, filed Oct. 23, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,591, filed Dec. 14, 2017; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/876,877, filed Jan. 22, 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/890,961, filed Feb. 7, 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/947,383, filed Apr. 6, 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/958,288, filed Apr. 20, 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/052,254, filed Aug. 1, 2018; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/376,863, filed Apr. 5, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/376,868, filed Apr. 5, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/388,619, filed Apr. 18, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/388,645, filed Apr. 18, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/566,597, filed Sep. 10, 2019; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/785,336, filed Feb. 7, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/785,340, filed Feb. 7, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/789,167, filed Feb. 12, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/929,552, filed Jul. 15, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/939,284, filed Jul. 27, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/997,091, filed Aug. 19, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/032,253, filed Sep. 25, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/038,155, filed Sep. 30, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/038,195, filed Sep. 30, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/066,271, filed Oct. 8, 2020; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/099,362, filed Nov. 16, 2020.
In general, golf club heads, golf clubs, and methods to manufacture golf club heads and golf clubs are described herein. In the example of
The bottom portion 140 may include a plurality of port regions, which are shown for example as a first port region 210 with a first set of ports 211 (generally shown as ports 212, 214, and 216) near the toe portion 150, a second port region 220 with a second set of ports 220 (generally shown as ports 222, 224, and 226) near the front portion 170, and a third port region 230 with a third set of ports 231 (generally shown as ports 232, 234, and 236) near the heel portion 160. Although
Certain regions of the interior of the body portion 110 may include a polymer material, which may also be referred to herein as the filler material, similar to any of the polymer materials described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The filler material may dampen vibration, dampen noise, lower the center of gravity and/or provide a better feel and sound for the golf club head 100 when striking a golf ball (not shown). The golf club head 100, may have one or more interior regions and/or cavities that may include a filler material similar to any of the golf club heads described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. In one example, as shown in
As illustrated in
The first interior cavity portion 410 may include an enlarged cavity portion 412 between the top portion 130 and the bottom portion 140. As shown in the illustrated example of
In one example, the first interior cavity portion 410 may be unfilled (i.e., empty space). Alternatively, the first interior cavity portion 410 may be partially (i.e., less than 100% filled) or entirely filled with a filler material (i.e., a cavity filling portion) to absorb shock, isolate vibration, dampen noised, and/or provide structural support for the face portion. For example, at least 50% of the first interior cavity portion 410 may be filled with a TPE material to absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 175. In one example, the first interior cavity portion 410 may be partially or entirely filled with a filler material through a port (e.g. port 224) located in the bottom portion 140. In one example, as shown in
When the face portion 175 of the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball, the face portion 175 and the filler material may deform and/or compress. The kinetic energy of the impact may be transferred to the face portion 175 and/or the filler material. For example, some of the kinetic energy may be transformed into heat by the filler material or work done in deforming and/or compressing the filler material. Further, some of the kinetic energy may be transferred back to the golf ball to launch the golf ball at a certain velocity. A filler material with a relatively higher COR may transfer relatively more kinetic energy to the golf ball and dissipate relatively less kinetic energy. Accordingly, a filler material with a relatively high COR may generate relatively higher golf ball speeds because a relatively greater part of the kinetic energy of the impact may be transferred back to the golf ball to launch the golf ball from the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
With the support of the cavity wall portion 320 to form the first interior cavity portion 410 and filling at least a portion of the first interior cavity portion 410 with a filler material, the face portion 175 may be relatively thin without degrading the structural integrity, sound, and/or feel of the golf club head 100. In one example, the face portion 175 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.075 inch (e.g., a distance between a front surface 174 and the back surface 176). In another example, the face portion 175 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.2 inch. In another example, the face portion 175 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.06 inch. In yet another example, the face portion 175 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.05 inch. Further, the face portion 175 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.03 inch. In yet another example, a thickness of the face portion 175 may be greater than or equal to 0.03 inch and less than or equal to 0.2 inch. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the illustrated example of
While each of the examples herein may describe a certain type of golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads. Referring to
The body portion 510 may include a toe portion 540, a heel portion 550, a front portion 560, a rear portion 570, a top portion 580 (e.g., a crown portion), and a bottom portion 590 (e.g., a sole portion). The front portion 560 may include a face portion 562 (e.g., a strike face). The face portion 562 may include a front surface 564 and a back surface 566. The front surface 564 may include a plurality of grooves, generally shown as 710 in
The first interior cavity portion 610 may be partially or entirely filled with a suitable filler material such as any of the filler materials described herein or described in any of the incorporated by reference applications to absorb shock, isolate vibration, dampen noise, and/or provide structural support. The elastic polymer material may be injected into the first interior cavity portion 610 via an injection molding process via a port on the face portion 562. With the support of the cavity wall portion 520 to form the first interior cavity portion 610 and filling at least a portion of the first interior cavity portion 610 with an elastic polymer material, the face portion 562 may be relatively thin without degrading the structural integrity, sound, and/or feel of the golf club head 500. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The cavity wall portion 520 may include multiple sections. Turning to
As illustrated in
Alternatively, the cavity wall portion 1120 may extend between the bottom portion 1190 and a top-and-front transition region (i.e., a transition region between the top portion 1180 and the front portion 1160) so that the cavity wall portion 1120 and the loft plane 1230 may not be parallel to each other. In another example, the cavity wall portion 1120 may extend between the top portion 1180 and a bottom-and-front transition region (i.e., a transition region between the bottom portion 1190 and the front portion 1160) so that the cavity wall portion 1120 and the loft plane 1230 may be not parallel to each other. Although
In the example of
The golf club head 1400 may include a face portion 1462 (i.e., the strike face), which may be integrally formed with the body portion 1410 (e.g., a single unitary piece). In one example, as shown in
The golf club head 1400 may be associated with a ground plane 2310, a horizontal midplane 2320, and a top plane 2330. In particular, the ground plane 2310 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and is tangent to the lowermost edge of the sole portion 1490 when the golf club head 1400 is at an address position (e.g., the golf club head 1400 aligned to strike a golf ball). A top plane 2330 may be a plane that is tangent to the uppermost edge of the top portion 1480 when the golf club head 1400 is at the address position. The ground and top planes 2310 and 2330, respectively, may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal midplane 2320 may be vertically halfway between the ground and top planes 2310 and 2330, respectively. Further, the golf club head 1400 may be associated with a loft plane 2340 defining a loft angle 2345 (α) of the golf club head 1400. The loft plane 2340 may be a tangential plane to the face portion 1462. The loft angle 2345 may be defined by the loft plane 2340 and a vertical plane 2350 normal to the ground plane 2310.
The body portion 1410 may be a hollow body including an interior cavity 1510 having inner walls 1512. The interior cavity 1510 may extend between the front portion 1460, the back portion 1470, the top portion 1480, and the sole portion 1490. In the example of
Further, the body portion 1410 may include one or more ports, which may be exterior ports and/or interior ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 1410). The inner walls 1512 of the interior cavity 1510 may include one or more ports. In one example, as shown in
Each port of the first set of ports 1520 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 1520. Each port of the second set of ports 1530 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 1530. Each port of the third set of ports third set of ports 1540 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 1540. The first set of ports 1520 and the second set of ports 1530 may be spaced apart by a distance substantially greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 1520 and the second set of ports 1530. In one example, the second set of ports 1530 and the third set of ports 1540 may be spaced apart by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 1530 and the third set of ports 1540. In another example, as shown in
Although the figures may depict the ports as separate and individual parts, each set of the first, second, and third sets of ports 1520, 1530, and 1540, respectively, may be a single port. In one example, all of the first set of ports 1520 (e.g., shown as 1521, 1522, and 1523) may be combined into a single port (e.g., a first port). In another example, all of the second set of ports 1530 (e.g., shown as 1531, 1532, and 1533) may be combined into a single port (e.g., a second port). In yet another example, all of the third set of ports 1540 (e.g., shown as 1541 and 1542) may be combined into a single port (e.g., a third port). While the figures may depict a particular number of ports, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or a smaller number of ports.
The body portion 1410 may include one or more mass portions (e.g., weight portion(s)), which may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to the body portion 1410. In the illustrated example as shown in
The body portion 1410 may be made of a first material whereas the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 1620, the second set of mass portions 1630, and/or the third set of mass portions 1640 may be made of a second material. The mass portions of the first set of mass portions 1620, the second set of mass portions 1630, and/or the mass portions of the third set mass portions 1640 may be similar or different materials. The materials of the body portion 1410 and any of the mass portions of the first set of mass portions 1620, the second set of mass portions 1630, and/or the third set mass portions 1640 may be similar to the materials of the body portion and any of the mass portions, respectively, described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The interior cavity 1510 may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in
The first filler material 1712 may be coupled to at least a portion of the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 that corresponds to the ball strike region 1468 of the face portion 1462. The first filler material 1712 may be coupled to regions of the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 that are beyond the ball strike region 1468. The first filler material 1712 may be coupled to one or more portions the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 that is greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 100% of the area back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 that is exposed to the interior cavity 1510. The amount of the first filler material 1712 that may be coupled to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may depend upon the loft angle of the golf club head, the overall thickness of the face portion 1462, the thickness profile of the face portion 1462, the shape of the interior cavity 1510, the locations and configurations of any ports of mass portions, the material properties of the first filler material 1712, and/or the material properties of the second filler material 1714. In one example, a relatively large portion of the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may be coupled to the first filler material 1712 for a relatively thin face portion 1462 so that the first filler material 1712 provides sufficient structural support for the face portion 1462. In another example, a golf club head with a relatively higher loft angle may limit the portions of the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 to which the first filler material 1712 may be coupled. In yet another example, the acoustic properties of the golf club head may be a factor in determining the amount of filler material 1712 that may be coupled to the back surface 1466 of the face portion to provide a pleasing sound and feel to an individual. The amount of the first filler material 1712 coupled to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 1400 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 1400), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 1462, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
A width 1722 (WF1) of the first filler material 1712 may vary from the toe portion 1440 to the heel portion 1450 and/or from the top portion 1480 to the sole portion 1490. The width 1722 of the first filler material 1712 may be constant or substantially constant from the toe portion 1440 to the heel portion 1450 and/or from the top portion 1480 to the sole portion 1490. The width 1722 of the first filler material 1712 may be constant or substantially constant at one or more locations in the interior cavity 1510 and vary at certain other locations in the interior cavity 1510. In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, the gap 1724 may be greater than or equal to 0.001 inch (0.003 cm) and less than or equal to 0.2 inch (0.508 cm). In another example, the gap 1724 may be greater than or equal to 0.007 inch (0.18 cm) and less than or equal to 0.1 inch (0.384 cm). In another example, the gap 1724 may be greater than or equal to 0.015 inch (0.038 cm) and less than or equal to 0.05 inch (0.127 cm). In yet another example, the gap 1724 may be greater than or equal to 0.003 inch (0.008 cm) and less than or equal to 0.38 inch (0.635 cm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
As described herein, the width 1722 of the first filler material 1712 may vary similar or substantially similar to the shape of the inner walls 1512 of the interior cavity 1510. Accordingly, in one example, the variation in the width of the gap 1724 (Wg) may be expressed by the following equation:
In one example, Rg may be 2 or less as the width 1722 of the first filler material 1712 varies similar or substantially similar to the shape of the inner walls 1512 of the interior cavity 1510. In another example, Rg may be 3 or less. Accordingly, the maximum width of the gap 1724 (Wgmax) may be no more than three times the minimum width of the gap 1724 (Wgmin). In yet another example, Rg may be 4 or less. Accordingly, the maximum width of the gap 1724 (Wgmax) may be no more than four times the minimum width of the gap 1724 (Wgmin). The variation in the gap 1724 may be small such that the shape of the first filler material 1712 may vary similar or substantially similar to the contour of the inner walls 1512 of the interior cavity 1510 (i.e., the shape of the inner walls of the interior cavity 1510). While the above examples may describe particular ratios of Wgmax to Wgmin, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include greater ratios of Wgmax to Wgmin. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may include a perimeter portion 1467, which may be attached to the perimeter edge portion 1461 of the body portion 1410 as described herein. Accordingly, the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may include an inner surface portion 1469 exposed to the interior cavity 1510. The inner surface portion 1469 may also define a boundary of the interior cavity 1510 (i.e., the front boundary of the interior cavity 1510). In one example (not shown), the first filler material 1712 may be coupled the entire inner surface portion 1469 of the face portion 1462. In another example, as shown in
FAm=BAf(A1α+A2) (2)
The loft angle α as used herein may be associated with the type of iron golf club head such as a 5-iron golf club, a 7-iron golf club, or a wedge-type golf club. For example, a 5-iron golf club head may have a loft angle α of 38°±2°. In another example, a 7-iron golf club head may have a loft angle α of 44°±2°. In yet another example, a wedge-type golf club head may have a loft angle α of 5°±2°. Accordingly, any loft angle expressed herein may vary by ±2° for the same type of iron golf club head. While the above examples may describe particular iron-type golf club heads, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include a driver-type golf club head, a fairway-wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, or other types of golf club heads. Further, although the above examples may describe particular loft angles, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include greater or less loft angles. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The upper and lower values of the coefficients A1 and A2 may define the upper and lower boundaries of the ratio of the frontal area 1713 of the first filler material 1712 to the area of the inner surface portion 1469 of the face portion 1462. In one example, according to Equation (2) and assuming a value of −0.0018 for the coefficient A1, upper, and lower boundaries of a ratio of the frontal area 1713 of the first filler material 1712 to the area of the inner surface portion 1469 of the face portion 1462 for a set of iron-type golf club heads may be determined as shown in Table 1.
The loft angle of a golf club head may determine the structural configuration of the golf club head. Accordingly, golf club heads with different loft angles may have different internal cavity shapes, port locations, mass portion locations, filler material volumes, different CG locations, different size face portions, or different golf club head cross sectional shapes. In one example, a golf club head with a relatively higher loft angle may have a generally smaller cavity width profile than a golf club head with a lower loft angle. Accordingly, the value of FAm|BAf for the golf club with the relatively higher loft angle may be generally smaller than the golf club head with the lower loft angle due to the difference in the amount of filler materials that may be provided in the interior cavities of each golf club head as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In another example, a relationship between the volume of the first filler material 1712 and the volume of the interior cavity 1510 (Vm) may be expressed by the following equation:
Vm=Vc(B1α+B2) (3)
The upper and lower boundary values of the coefficients B1 and B2 may define the upper and lower boundaries of a ratio of the volume of the first filler material 1712 to the volume of the interior cavity 1510. In one example, according to Equation (3) and assuming a value of −0.0015 for the coefficient B1, upper and lower boundaries of a ratio of the volume of the first filler material 1712 to the volume of the interior cavity 1510 for a set of iron-type golf club heads may be determined as shown in Table 2.
As discussed herein, golf club heads with different loft angles may have different internal cavity shapes, port locations, mass portion locations, filler material volumes, different CG locations, different size face portions, or different golf club head cross sectional shapes. In one example, a golf club head with a relatively higher loft angle may have a generally smaller cavity width profile than a golf club head with a lower loft angle. Accordingly, the value of Vm/Vc for the golf club with the relatively higher loft angle may be generally smaller than the golf club head with the lower loft angle due to the difference in the amount of filler materials that may be provided in the interior cavities of each golf club head as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The values of the coefficients A1, A2, B1, and B2 within the boundaries of these coefficients as defined herein may maintain a certain gap or a certain perimeter gap between the first filler material 1712 and the inner walls of the interior cavity 1510 as described herein, and/or optimize or maximize the width 1722 of the first filler material 1712 at or proximate to the ball strike region 1468. Additionally, the values of the coefficients A1, A2, B1, and B2 may vary within the boundaries of these coefficients as defined herein based on the specific internal configuration or structure of a golf club head. For example, as shown in
As described herein, in one example, the first filler material 1712 may not be attached to the entire inner surface portion 1469 of the face portion 1462. Accordingly, the first filler material 1712 and the perimeter edge portion 1461 (or the perimeter portion 1467 of the face portion) may be spaced apart by a perimeter gap 1725. The perimeter gap 1725 may be greater than the gap 1724 due to one or more golf club head design and manufacturing considerations. For example, the perimeter gap 1725 may have to be sufficiently large so that the heat from any welding or soldering process as described herein to attach the perimeter portion 1467 of the face portion 1462 to the perimeter edge portion 1461 of the body portion 1410 does not damage, shift, move, detach from the face portion 1462, and/or alter the material properties (e.g., melt) of the first filler material 1712 at or proximate to perimeter portion 1467 of the face portion 1462. Accordingly, for example, as shown in
In one example, the first filler material 1712 may include a polymer material having a relatively high coefficient of restitution (COR). The COR of the first filler material 1712 may be determined by shooting a golf ball sized sample of the first filler material 1712 from an air cannon toward a steel plate. Two light screens at known positions between the cannon and the plate may be used to measure the approach velocity and rebound velocities of the sample. The COR of the sample may then be calculated as the rebound velocity divided by the approach velocity. In one example, the first filler material 1712 may have a COR of greater than or equal to 0.7 at an approach velocity of 125 ft/s (51.1 m/s). In another example, the first filler material 1712 may have a COR of greater than or equal to 0.75 at an approach velocity of 125 ft/s (51.1 m/s). In yet another example, the first filler material 1712 may have a COR of greater than or equal to 0.7 and less than or equal to 0.9 at an approach velocity of 125 ft/s (51.1 m/s). The COR of any of the materials described herein, including any of the filler materials described herein, may be determined by the above-described method. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The compression of the golf ball sized sample may be related to the COR of the golf ball sized sample. Compression is a measurement of how much the golf ball sized sample deforms (compresses) under load. A relatively lower compression rating indicates a softer filler material, whereas a relatively higher compression rating indicates a firmer filler material. Compression may be measured by using an ATTI compression gauge, manufactured by ATTI Engineering, Union City, New Jersey In one example, the COR of the first filler material 1712 may be greater than or equal to 0.75 at a compression of greater than or equal to 35. In another example, the COR of the first filler material 1712 may be greater than or equal to 0.78 at a compression of greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 0.8 at a compression of less than or equal to 80. In yet another example, the COR of the first filler material 1712 may be greater than or equal to 0.78 at a compression of greater than or equal to 45 and less than or equal to 0.9 at a compression of less than or equal to 90. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the first filler material 1712 may be a polymer material having a density of greater than or equal to 1.1 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.3 g/cm3. In another example, the first filler material 1712 may be a polymer material having a density of greater than or equal to 1.15 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.38 g/cm3. In yet another example, the first filler material 1712 may be a polymer material having a density of greater than or equal to 1.1 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.2 g/cm3. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the first filler material 1712 may be a polymer material including rubber or a rubber compound similar to any of the rubber or rubber compounds described herein that may provide the COR and compression ranges described herein. In one example, the first filler material 1712 may include rubber and at least another compound that may provide increased softness or firmness to the first filler material 1712 to maximize the COR of the first filler material 1712 while maintaining compression values within a certain range as described herein. In one example, the first filler material 1712 may include rubber and Zinc Diacrylate (ZDA), which may increase the compression value of the first filler material 1712 and hence the COR of the first filler material 1712. The amount of Zinc Diacrylate (ZDA) in the first filler material 1712 may be varied to achieve certain COR and/or compression values as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The adhesive for bonding the first filler material 1712 to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may be any type of adhesive that can bond the first filler material 1712 to the material of the face portion 1462. In one example, the first filler material 1712 may be a rubber or a rubber compound and the face portion 1462 may be constructed from a steel-based material such as stainless steel. Accordingly, the adhesive for bonding the first filler material 1712 to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may be a type of adhesive used to bond steel-based materials to rubber or rubber compounds. In another example, the first filler material 1712 may be a rubber or a rubber compound and the face portion 1462 may be constructed from titanium or a titanium alloy. Accordingly, the adhesive for bonding the first filler material 1712 to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 may be a type of adhesive used to bond titanium-based materials to rubber or rubber compounds. In yet another example, the first filler material 1712 may be bonded to the back surface 1466 of the face portion 1462 with the second filler material 1714. The bonding of the first filler material 1712 to any portion of the body portion 1410, the face portion 1462, and/or the second filler material 1714, and the bonding of the second filler material 1714 to the body portion 1410, the face portion 1462, and/or the first filler material 1712 may be similar to any of the bonding properties and procedures described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example (not shown), the interior cavity 1510 may be entirely filled with the first filler material 1712. In another example, as shown in
In one example, the second filler material 1714 may have one or more different properties than the first filler material 1712 such as density, compression, hardness (i.e., durometer), tensile strength, shear strength, viscosity, elasticity, etc., to optimize energy transfer from the face portion 1462 to a golf ball. The second filler material may be a polymer material such as an epoxy. In one example, the second filler material 1714 may have a lower COR than the first filler material 1712. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
As described herein, the first filler material 1712 and/or the second filler material 1714 may provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 1400 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 1400, provide structural support for the face portion 1462, and/or improve ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The first filler material 1712, the second filler material 1714, or both may provide the properties and characteristics described herein whereas the mass of the first filler material 1712, the mass of the second filler material 1714, or the masses of both relative to the mass of the body portion 1410 may optimally affect the mass, mass distribution, CG, MOI characteristics, structural integrity and/or or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 1400. In one example, a relationship between the mass of the first filler material 1712 (mm1), the mass of the second filler material 1714 (mm2), and the mass of the body portion 1410 (mb) may be expressed by the following equation:
mm1=mb(C1α+C2)−mm2 (5)
The upper and lower values of the coefficients C1 and C2 as defined herein may provide the upper and lower boundaries of a ratio of the sum of the masses of the first filler material 1712 and the second filler material 1714 to the mass of the body portion 1410 (i.e., (mm1+mm2)/mb). In one example, according to Equation (5) and assuming a value of −0.0016 for the coefficient C1, upper and lower boundaries of a ratio of the sum of the masses of the first filler material 1712 and the second filler material 1714 to the mass of the body portion 1410 for a set of iron-type golf club heads may be determined as shown in Table 3.
The values of the coefficients C1 and C2 within the boundaries of these coefficients as defined herein may (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 1400 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 1400), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 1462, and/or (iii) improve ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The first filler material 1712 and the second filler material 1714 may provide the properties and characteristics described herein whereas the mass of the first filler material 1712 and the second filler material 1714 relative to the mass of the body portion 1410 optimally affect the mass, mass distribution, CG, MOI characteristics, structural integrity and/or or other static and/or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 1400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The golf club head 2600 may include one or more filler materials in the interior cavity 2677. In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In the example of
The golf club head 2900 may include a first filler material 3011 and a second filler material 3013 that may be similar to the first filler material 2711 and the second filler material 2713, respectively, of the golf club head 2600. In the example of
In the example of
The golf club head 3200 may include a first filler material 3311 and a second filler material 3313 that may be similar to the first filler material 2711 and the second filler material 2713, respectively, of the golf club head 2600. In the example of
In the example of
In the example of
In the example of
The golf club head 4100 may include a first filler material 4211 and a second filler material 4213 that may be similar to the first filler material 2711 and the second filler material 2713, respectively, of the golf club head 2600. In the example of
In one example, as described herein, one or more polymer materials may be injection molded in the body portion of any of the golf club heads described herein. The one or more polymer materials may be made or formed by any useful forming means for forming polymers. This include, molding including compression molding, injection molding, blow molding, and transfer molding; film blowing or casting; extrusion, and thermoforming; as well as by lamination, pultrusion, protrusion, draw reduction, rotational molding, spin bonding, melt spinning, melt blowing; or combinations thereof. In another example, any one or more of the polymer materials described herein may be in pellet or solid pieces that may be placed in the interior cavity and expanded and/or cured with heat. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The interior cavity of any of the golf club heads described herein may be partially (i.e., greater than 0% and less than 100%) or entirely filled with one or more thermoset materials (e.g., one or more epoxy materials), such as any one or more of the epoxy materials described herein or any other suitable epoxy material(s). In one example, the mass of the thermoset material (e.g., epoxy) partially, substantially (e.g., filling at least 50% of the interior cavity), or entirely filling the interior cavity of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 6.0 grams and less than or equal to 32.0 grams. A thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may affect vibration and noise dampening, structural support for a relatively thin face portion, ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
As illustrated in
As shown in
Wth=αTf (6)
In one example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than or equal to half the face portion thickness 4519. In another example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than or equal to the face portion thickness 4519 (e.g., Wth≥Tf). In yet another example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than or equal to twice the face portion thickness 4519 (e.g., Wth≥2Tf). In another example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than or equal to three times the face portion thickness 4519 (e.g., Wth≥3Tf). In yet another example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than five times the face portion thickness 4519 (e.g., Wth≥5Tf). In yet another example, the width 4516 of the thermoset material 4514 may be greater than or equal to the face portion thickness 4519 and less than or equal to three times the face portion thickness 4519 (e.g., Tf≤Wth≤3Tf). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, for any of the golf club heads described herein, the mass of a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may be related to the mass of the golf club head by the following expression:
According to the above equation, a ratio of the mass of the thermoset material and the mass of the golf club head may be greater than or equal to 0.03 and less than or equal to 0.2. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
A thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a certain Shore D hardness to provide vibration and noise dampening and/or structurally support a relatively thin face portion of a golf club head. In one example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a Shore D hardness of at least 45. In another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a Shore D hardness of greater than or equal to 45 and less than or equal to 80. In another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a Shore D hardness of greater than or equal to 50 and less than or equal to 70. In yet another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a Shore D hardness of greater than or equal to 55 and less than or equal to 65. In yet another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a Shore D hardness of greater than or equal to 55 and less than or equal to 75. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
A thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a certain density to provide vibration and noise dampening and/or structurally support a relatively thin face portion of a golf club head. In one example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a density of greater than or equal to 1.0 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm3) and less than or equal to 2.0 g/cm3. In another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a density of greater than or equal to 1.1 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.5 g/cm3. In yet another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a density of greater than or equal to 1.0 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.4 g/cm3. In yet another example, a thermoset material partially, substantially, or entirely filling the interior cavity may have a density of greater than or equal to 1.1 g/cm3 and less than or equal to 1.2 g/cm3. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The polymer material (e.g., the thermoset material 4514 as shown in
As shown in
The third width 4640 may be at a certain vertical location of the body portion 4610. The face portion 4618 of the golf club head 4600 may include a plurality of grooves. The face portion 4618 of the golf club head 4600 may include a similar number of grooves as the golf club head 100 of
In one example, the process of filling the interior cavity of the golf club head may not include applying a bonding portion to the back surface of the face portion. For example, as shown in
In the example of
The golf club head 4800 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., a 1-iron, a 2-iron, a 3-iron, a 4-iron, a 5-iron, a 6-iron, a 7-iron, an 8-iron, a 9-iron, etc.), or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, a sand wedge, an n-degree wedge such as 44 degrees)(°, 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, etc.). Although
The golf club head 4800 may include a face portion 4862 (i.e., the strike face), which may be integrally formed with the body portion 4810 (e.g., a single unitary piece). In one example, as shown in
The golf club head 4800 may be associated with a ground plane 5110, a horizontal midplane 5120, and a top plane 5130. In particular, the ground plane 5110 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and is tangent to the lowest portion of the sole portion edge 4892 when the golf club head 4800 is at an address position (e.g., the golf club head 4800 aligned to strike a golf ball). A top plane 5130 may be a plane that is tangent to the upper most portion of top portion edge 4882 when the golf club head 4800 is at the address position. The ground and top planes 5110 and 5130, respectively, may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal midplane 5120 may be vertically halfway between the ground and top planes 5110 and 5130, respectively. Further, the golf club head 4800 may be associated with a loft plane 5140 defining a loft angle 5145 (a) of the golf club head 4800. The loft plane 5140 may be a plane that is tangent to the face portion 4862. The loft angle 5145 may be defined by an angle between the loft plane 5140 and a vertical plane 5150 normal to the ground plane 5110.
The body portion 4810 may be a hollow body including an interior cavity 4910 having inner walls 4912. The interior cavity 4910 may extend between the front portion 4860, the back portion 4870, the top portion 4880, and the sole portion 4890. In the example of
The back wall portion 4872 of the back portion 4870 may include an upper back wall portion 5212 and a lower back wall portion 5214. The back wall portion 4872 may include a ledge portion 5216 that may extend between the toe portion edge 4842 and the heel portion edge 4852 in a continuous or discontinuous manner. The lower back wall portion 5214 may be located farther back on the body portion 4810 than the upper back wall portion 5212, with the ledge portion 5216 defining a transition portion between the upper back wall portion 5212 and the lower back wall portion 5214. Accordingly, the ledge portion 5216 may extend transverse to the upper back wall portion 5212 and the lower back wall portion 5214. In one example, as shown in
The body portion 4810 may include one or more ports, which may be exterior ports and/or interior ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 4810). The inner walls 4912 of the interior cavity 4910 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in
Each port of the first set of ports 4920 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 4920. Each port of the second set of ports 4930 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 4930. Each port of the third set of ports third set of ports 4940 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 4940. Each port of the fourth set of ports 4950 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 4950. In one example, the first set of ports 4920 and the second set of ports 4930 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 4920 and the second set of ports 4930. In another example, the second set of ports 4930 and the third set of ports 4940 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 4930 and the third set of ports 4940. In yet another example, the third set of ports 4940 and the fourth set of ports 4945 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 4940 and the fourth set of ports 4950. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Although the figures may depict the ports as separate and individual parts, each set, or a combination of adjacent sets of ports of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of ports 4920, 4930, 4940, and 4950, respectively, may be a single port. In one example, all ports of the first set of ports 4920 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a first port). In another example, all ports of the second set of ports 4930 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a second port). In another example, all ports of the third set of ports 4940 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a third port). In yet another example, all ports of the fourth set of ports 4950 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a fourth port). While the figures may depict a particular number of ports, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or a smaller number of ports.
The body portion 4810 may include one or more mass portions (e.g., weight portion(s)), which may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to the body portion 4810. In the illustrated example as shown in
The interior cavity 4910 may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in
The first filler material 5112 may be coupled to all or portions of the inner walls 4912 of the interior cavity 4910. In one example, the first filler material 5112 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties to attach to all or portions of the inner walls 4912. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 4912 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be mixed with the first filler material 5112. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 4912 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be separate from the first filler material 5112. In yet another example, the first filler material 5221 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 4912 with the second filler material 5114. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
The amount of the first filler material 5112 that may be coupled to the inner walls 4912 may depend on the loft angle of the golf club head, the overall thickness of the face portion 4862, the thickness profile of the face portion 4862, the shape of the interior cavity 4910, the locations and configurations of any ports or mass portions, the material properties of the first filler material 5112, and/or the material properties of the second filler material 5114. In one example, a golf club head with a relatively high loft angle may limit the portions of the inner walls 4912 to which the first filler material 5112 may be coupled. In another example, a golf club head with a relatively small loft angle may allow the first filler material 5112 to be coupled to all or substantial portions of the inner walls 4912. In yet another example, the acoustic properties of a golf club head may be a factor in determining the amount of filler material 5112 that may be coupled to the inner walls 4912 to provide a pleasing sound and feel to an individual. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of the first filler material 5112 coupled to the inner walls 4912 may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a certain loft angle) to (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 4800 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 4800), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 4862, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The contour of the interior cavity 4910 or the shape of the inner walls 4912 may be defined by a plurality of recessed portions that are recessed relative to the perimeter edge portion 4861. In the example of
The first recessed portion 4914 may generally include the largest width 4913 of the interior cavity 4910 and may be located at the central portion 4911 and/or may include portions that are adjacent to or surround the central portion 4911. The second recessed portion 4915 may be adjacent to all or portions of the first recessed portion 4914 and may include portions that may be in the central portion 4911. In the example of
The third recessed portion 4916 may be adjacent to and/or surround all or portions of the second recessed portion 4915 and/or the first recessed portion 4914 and may include portions that may be in the central portion 4911. In the example of
The fifth recessed portion 4918 may be adjacent to the perimeter edge portion 4861. Accordingly, at any location in the interior cavity 4910 that includes the fifth recessed portion 4918, the fifth recessed portion 4918 may be between the perimeter edge portion 4861 and any one or more of the first recessed portion 4914, the second recessed portion 4915, the third recessed portion 4916, and the fourth recessed portion 4917. A portion of the structure of the body portion 4810 that includes the first set of ports 4920 may be between the fifth recessed portion 4918 and the upper back wall portion 5212. Accordingly, the depth of the fifth recessed portion 4918 may be less than the depth of the adjacent portions of the third recessed portion 4916 so that the body portion 4810 can accommodate the first set of ports 4920 between the fifth recessed portion 4918 and the upper back wall portion 5212. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The interior cavity 4910 may include one or more internal channels that may extend between the toe portion 4840 and the heel portion 4850. In one example, as shown in
The interior cavity 4910 may include additional recessed portions that may define transition regions between the first to fifth recessed portions 4914-4918 and the internal channels 4925 and 4926. Each of the recessed portions may be adjacent to and transition into any one or several of the other recessed portions. For example, as shown in
The shape, size, width, height, and other characteristics of the recessed portions 4914-4918 and the internal channels 4925 and 4926 may be associated with the loft angle 5145 of the golf club head 4800. In one example, as shown in
A width 5122 (WF1) of the first filler material 5112 and the width 5124 (WF2) of the second filler material 5114 may vary from the toe portion 4840 to the heel portion 4850 and/or from the top portion 4880 to the sole portion 4890 and/or according to the shapes of the first recessed portion 4914, the second recessed portion 4915, the third recessed portion 4916, the fourth recessed portion 4917, and/or the fifth recessed portion 4918 depending on the location inside the interior cavity 4910. The width 5122 of the first filler material 5112 may vary according to the shapes of the first recessed portion 4914 and the second recessed portion 4915. The width 5122 of the first filler material 5112 and/or the width 5124 of the second filler material 5114 may be constant or substantially constant at one or more locations in the interior cavity 4910 and vary at certain other locations in the interior cavity 4910. In one example, the width 5122 of the first filler material 5112 and/or the width 5124 of the second filler material 5114 may vary at one or more locations in the interior cavity 4910 similar or substantially similar to the contour of all or portions of the inner walls 4912 of the interior cavity 4910 (i.e., the contours of the recessed portions) and/or the contours of the boundaries between the first filler material 5112 and the second filler material 5114. In one example, the second filler material 5114 may (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 4800 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 4800), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 4862, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The width 5122 of the first filler material 5112 and width 5124 of the second filler material 5114 may be determined at the ball strike region 4868 and/or other regions of the interior cavity 4910 so that a relatively high or optimum coefficient of restitution (COR) is provided for the golf club head 4800. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the first filler material 5112 may be similar to any of the first filler materials described herein such as the first filler material 4211. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may be a rubber-type of material such as a compound including a mixture of polybutadiene as a base polymer material, and a vulcanizing agent, which may be based on sulfur, peroxides, metallic oxides, acetoxysilane, or urethane crosslinkers. The added vulcanizing agent may facilitate cross linkage between polybutadiene chains to vulcanize or cure the polybutadiene polymer. The amount of vulcanizing agent may be directly related to the resilience of the resulting vulcanized polymer, which may be measured by Yerzley method, ASTM D945-59. In one example, the first filler material 5112 may be formed from a compound including between 3 parts by weight and 7.5 parts by weight of sulfur per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may be formed from a compound including between 4 parts by weight and 6.25 parts by weight of a vulcanizing agent such as sulfur per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In yet another example, the first filler material 5112 may be formed from a compound including between 4.75 parts by weight and 5.75 parts by weight of sulfur per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. The amounts of polybutadiene and sulfur as described herein may yield a compound having a Yerzley resilience of (1) between 75% and 85%, (2) between 80% and 90%, or (3) greater than 90%. The first filler material 5112 and the mixture composition thereof may be similar to any of the compounds described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,834, which is incorporated by reference herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Other additives may be combined with the mixture of polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent to initiate the curing cycle. In particular, an activating agent such as zinc oxide and/or stearic acid may be used to initiate the curing cycle of the mixture of polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent. In one example, the amount of zinc oxide used may be between 2 parts by weight and 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene, and/or the amount of stearic acid used may be between 0.5 parts by weight and 4 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In another example, the amount of zinc oxide used may be between 2.5 parts by weight and 4.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene, and/or the amount of stearic acid used may be between 1 part by weight and 2 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In yet another example, the amount of zinc oxide used may be between 3.5 parts by weight and 4.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene, and/or the amount of stearic acid used may be between 1.5 parts by weight and 2.5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Further, other additives may be combined with the mixture of polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent to accelerate the rate of vulcanization. Accelerating the rate of vulcanization may shorten the length of the molding cycle of the first filler material 5112 and may also equalize the heat throughout the mixture during the curing cycle. In one example, any one or a combination of N-oxydiethylene benzothiazole 2 sulfenamide (referred to under the trade name AMAX), di-ortho-tolylguanidine (referred to under the trade name DOTG) and bismuth dimethyldithio-carbonate (referred to under the trade name Bismate) may be used to accelerate the vulcanization process. The activation of these accelerators may occur as the mixture reaches a specific temperature. For Bismate and DOTG, the activation temperature is approximately 230° F., whereas the activation temperature of AMAX is approximately 260° F. By ensuring that the heat of reaction is equalized throughout the mixture a more uniform rate of vulcanization and improved consistency in the end product is obtained. In one example, the amount of each of AMAX, DOTG, and Bismate may be between 0.25 and 4 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In another example, the amount of each of AMAX, DOTG, and Bismate may be between 1 and 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In yet another example, the amount of each of AMAX, DOTG, and Bismate may be between 1.5 and 2.75 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Fillers may be added to the mixture of polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent. In one example, hydrated silica may be added to the mixture as a filler. The added filler material(s) may perform the function of providing tear and abrasion resistance. The filler material may be selected to include to improve the durability of polybutadiene without unduly increasing the specific gravity. In another example, carbon black may be used as a filler material. In yet another example, lithium oxide may be used as a filler material. In one example, the amount of filler material used may be between 4 and 16 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In another example, the amount of filler material used may be between 5 and 10 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. In yet another example, the amount of filler material used may be between 7 and 8 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene.
The amount of filler material may affect the specific gravity of the resulting polymer material, which in turn may affect the resilience of the resulting polymer material. In one example, the amount of filler material used in the polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent mixture may provide a specific gravity of between 1.0 and 1.5 to optimize resilience of the resulting polymer material (i.e. the first filler material 5112). In another example, the amount of filler material used in the polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent mixture may provide a specific gravity of between 1.1 and 1.4 to optimize resilience of the resulting polymer material. In yet another example, the amount of filler material used in the polybutadiene and the vulcanizing agent mixture, the amount of filler material may provide a specific gravity of between 1.0 and 1.05 to optimize resilience of the resulting polymer material. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
One or more anti-oxidation materials may be added to the polymer mixture to prevent oxidation and staining, and/or to inhibit aging of the resulting polymer compound. In one example, 4 methyl-6 tertiary-butyl phenol (referred to under the trade name Antioxidant 2246) may be added to the mixture at an amount of between 0.25 and 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene. Other examples anti-oxidant materials that may be used include phenyl 13 naphthylamine, alkyl diphenylamine, and/or hindered alkyl phenols. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The various elements of the polymer mixture described herein may be sufficiently mixed to provide uniform distribution of the elements throughout the mixture. In one example, the mixture may then be placed in a mold and subjected to a pressure of between 500 and 3000 pounds per square inch (psi) for a period of approximately 10 to 30 minutes, while concurrently, the temperature of the mixture may be raised to approximately 285-340° F. In another example, the mixture may then be placed in a mold and subjected to a pressure of between 750 and 2000 psi for a period of approximately 12 to 25 minutes, while concurrently, the temperature of the mixture may be raised to approximately 300-330° F. In yet another example, the mixture may then be placed in a mold and subjected to a pressure of between 900 and 1100 psi for a period of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, while concurrently, the temperature of the mixture may be raised to approximately 315-325° F. Various aspects of the treatment of the mixture (e.g., the length of each of the molding operation, the pressure, and/or the temperature) may be adjusted to compensate for any variation in other aspects of the treatment the mixture. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The adhesive for bonding the first filler material 5112 to the portions of the inner walls 4912 may be any type of adhesive that can bond the first filler material 5112 to the material of the face portion 4862. In one example, the first filler material 5112 may be a rubber or a rubber compound as described herein and the face portion 4862 may be constructed from a steel-based material such as stainless steel. Accordingly, the adhesive for bonding the first filler material 5112 to the portions of the inner walls 4912 may be a type of adhesive used to bond steel-based materials to rubber or rubber compounds. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may be a rubber or a rubber compound and the body portion 3510 may be constructed from titanium or a titanium alloy. Accordingly, the adhesive for bonding the first filler material 5112 to the portions of the inner walls 4912 may be a type of adhesive used to bond titanium-based materials to rubber or rubber compounds. In another example, the second filler material 5114 may be used to bond the first filler material 5112 to the portions of the inner walls 4912. The bonding of the first filler material 5112 to any portion of the body portion 4810, the face portion 4862, and/or the second filler material 5114, and the bonding of the second filler material 5114 to the body portion 4810, the face portion 4862, and/or the first filler material 5112 may be similar to any of the bonding properties and procedures described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example (not shown), the interior cavity 4910 may be entirely filled with the first filler material 5112. In another example, as shown in
The second filler material 5114 may have one or more different properties than the first filler material 5112 such as density, compression, hardness (i.e., durometer), tensile strength, shear strength, viscosity, elasticity, etc., to optimize energy transfer from the face portion 4862 to a golf ball. The second filler material may be a polymer material. The second filler material may be similar to any of the second filler materials described herein such as the second filler material 4213. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The second filler material 5114 may have a smaller COR than the first filler material 5112. In one example, the COR of the second filler material 5114 may be less than between 1% and 10% of the COR of the first filler material 5112. In another example, the COR of the second filler material 5114 may be less than between 2% and 5% of the COR of the first filler material 5112. In another example, the COR of the second filler material 5114 may be between 2% and 4% less than the COR of the first filler material 5112.
In one example, the first filler material 5112 may have a Shore A hardness of between 54 and 76. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may have a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 70. In another example, the first filler material 5112 may have a Shore A hardness of between 62 and 68. In yet another example, the first filler material 5112 may have a Shore A hardness of between 60 and 75. The second filler material 5114 may have a different hardness than the first filler material 5112. In one example, the second filler material 5114 may have a Shore D hardness of between 55 and 80. In another example, the second filler material 5114 may have a Shore D hardness of between 50 and 85. In another example, the second filler material 5114 may have a Shore D hardness of between 60 and 75. In yet another example, the second filler material 5114 may have a Shore D hardness of between 62 and 73. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the mass of the first filler material 5112 may be between 0.5% and 6.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the first filler material 5112 may be between 1.0% and 5.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the first filler material 5112 may be between 2.0% and 4.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the first filler material 5112 may be greater than 5% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In yet another example, the body portion 4810 may be entirely filled with the first filler material 5112 as described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the mass of the second filler material 5114 may be between 2.0% and 14.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the second filler material 5114 may be between 3.0% and 12.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the second filler material 5114 may be between 5.0% and 10.0% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. In another example, the mass of the second filler material 5114 may greater than 10% of the total mass of the golf club head 4800. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
As described herein, the face portion 4862 may be relatively thin to provide increased bending and deflection of the face portion 4862 during a golf ball strike. Further, the face portion 4862 may include one or more grooves (e.g., such as the groove 5469 shown in
As described herein, the first filler material 5112 may have a resilience (i.e., Yerzley resilience) of (1) between 75% and 85%, (2) between 80% and 90%, or (3) greater than 90%. The relatively high resilience of the first filler material 5112 may be directly related to the rebound velocity and/or acceleration of the face portion 4862 in response to the deflection of the face portion 4862 after the face portion 4862 strikes a golf ball. Accordingly, a golf club head having a first filler material 5112 with a relatively higher resilience may provide a relatively longer distance for a golf ball than a golf club head having a first filler material 5112 with a relatively lower resilience. The amount of compression of the first filler material 5112 may also be directly related to the rebound velocity and/or acceleration of the face portion 4862 after the face portion strikes a golf ball. A certain amount of compression of the first filler material 5112 may provide an optimum rebound effect for the face portion 4862. Increasing the compression of the first filler material 5112 beyond a certain amount may negatively affect the rebound of the face portion 4862 by dissipating an excessive amount of the compression energy through the first filler material 5112. Accordingly, the first filler material 5112 may have a relatively high resilience as described herein when the first filler material 5112 is not excessively compressed when the face portion 4862 strikes a golf ball. To control and/or prevent excessive compression of the first filler material 5112, the second filler material 5114 may be disposed between the face portion 4862 and the first filler material 5112 as described herein. The second filler material 5114 may effectively transfer and uniformly distribute the energy of a golf ball from the face portion 4862 to the first filler material 5112 and prevent excessive compression, and in particular, local compression of the first filler material 5112 to provide an optimum or substantially optimum and generally uniform transfer of the rebound energy from the first filler material 5112 to the face portion 4862. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The second filler material 5114 may also dampen the vibration of the face portion 4862 to provide a certain sound and feel for the golf club head 4800. Accordingly, the combination of the first filler material 5112 and the second filler material 5114 may dampen the vibration of the face portion 4862 within a broad range of frequencies to provide a certain sound and feel for the golf club head 4800. The second filler material 5114 may also contribute to providing a certain rebound and/or acceleration for the face portion 4862 to optimize the transfer of energy from the golf club head 4800 to a golf ball. In other words, the second filler material 5114 may cooperatively with the first filler material 5112 optimize the rebounding of the face portion 4862 to maximize the velocity and distance of the golf ball. Further yet, as described herein, the second filler material 5114 may function as an adhesive between the first filler material 5112 and the face portion 4862 to provide continuous and/or uniform energy transfer between the face portion 4862 and the first filler material 5112. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The golf club head 5400 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., a 1-iron, a 2-iron, a 3-iron, a 4-iron, a 5-iron, a 6-iron, a 7-iron, an 8-iron, a 9-iron, etc.), or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, a sand wedge, an n-degree wedge such as 44 degrees)(°), 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, etc.). Although
The golf club head 5400 may include a face portion 5462 (i.e., the strike face), which may be integrally formed with the body portion 5410 (e.g., a single unitary piece). In one example, as shown in
The golf club head 5400 may be associated with a ground plane 5710, a horizontal midplane 5720, and a top plane 5730. In particular, the ground plane 5710 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and is tangent to the lowest portion of the sole portion edge 5492 when the golf club head 5400 is at an address position (e.g., the golf club head 5400 aligned to strike a golf ball). A top plane 5730 may be a plane that is tangent to the upper most portion of top portion edge 5482 when the golf club head 5400 is at the address position. The ground and top planes 5710 and 5730, respectively, may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal midplane 5720 may be vertically halfway between the ground and top planes 5710 and 5730, respectively. Further, the golf club head 5400 may be associated with a loft plane 5740 defining a loft angle 5745 (α) of the golf club head 5400. The loft plane 5740 may be a plane that is tangent to the face portion 5462. The loft angle 5745 may be defined by an angle between the loft plane 5740 and a vertical plane 5750 normal to the ground plane 5710.
The body portion 5410 may be a hollow body including an interior cavity 5510 having inner walls 5512. The interior cavity 5510 may extend between the front portion 5460, the back portion 5470, the top portion 5480, and the sole portion 5490. In the example of
The back wall portion 5472 of the back portion 5470 may include an upper back wall portion 5812 and a lower back wall portion 5814. The back wall portion 5472 may include a ledge portion 5816 that may extend between the toe portion edge 5442 and the heel portion edge 5452 in a continuous or discontinuous manner. The lower back wall portion 5814 may be located farther back on the body portion 5410 than the upper back wall portion 5812, with the ledge portion 5816 defining a transition portion between the upper back wall portion 5812 and the lower back wall portion 5814. Accordingly, the ledge portion 5816 may extend transverse to the upper back wall portion 5812 and the lower back wall portion 5814. In one example, as shown in
The body portion 5410 may include one or more ports, which may be exterior ports and/or interior ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 5410). The inner walls 5512 of the interior cavity 5510 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in
Each port of the first set of ports 5520 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 5520. Each port of the second set of ports 5530 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 5530. Each port of the third set of ports third set of ports 5540 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 5540. Each port of the fourth set of ports 5550 may be separated by a distance less than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 5550. In one example, the first set of ports 5520 and the second set of ports 5530 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the first set of ports 5520 and the second set of ports 5530. In another example, the second set of ports 5530 and the third set of ports 5540 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the second set of ports 5530 and the third set of ports 5540. In yet another example, the third set of ports 5540 and the fourth set of ports 5545 may be spaced apart by a distance greater than the port diameter of any of the ports of the third set of ports 5540 and the fourth set of ports 5550. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Although the figures may depict the ports as separate and individual parts, each set, or a combination of adjacent sets of ports of the first, second, third, and fourth sets of ports 5520, 5530, 5540, and 5550, respectively, may be a single port. In one example, all ports of the first set of ports 5520 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a first port). In another example, all ports of the second set of ports 5530 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a second port). In another example, all ports of the third set of ports 5540 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a third port). In yet another example, all ports of the fourth set of ports 5550 may be combined into a single port (e.g., a fourth port). While the figures may depict a particular number of ports, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include more or a smaller number of ports.
The body portion 5410 may include one or more mass portions (e.g., weight portion(s)), which may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to the body portion 5410. In the illustrated example as shown in
The interior cavity 5510 may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material), which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in
The first filler material 5712 may be coupled to all or portions of the inner walls 5512 of the interior cavity 5510. In one example, the first filler material 5712 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties to attach to all or portions of the inner walls 5512. In another example, the first filler material 5712 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 5512 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be mixed with the first filler material 5712. In another example, the first filler material 5712 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 5512 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be separate from the first filler material 5712. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in Table 4, a range of volumes of the first filler material 5712 (Vr) may be expressed relative to the volume of the body portion 5410 (Vb) and relative to the volume of the interior cavity 5510 (Vc). Further, as shown in Table 4, the mass of the first filler material 5712 (mr) and the mass of the second filler material 5714 (mf) may be expressed relative to the mass of the body portion 5410 (mb).
As shown in the example of Table 4, the amount of the first filler material 5712 that may be in the interior cavity 5510 and/or coupled to the inner walls 5512 may depend on the loft angle of the golf club head (e.g., 4-iron, 7-iron, PW, etc.). In another example, the ratio of the volume of the first filler material 5712 to the volume of the body portion 5410 may be greater than or equal to 2.5% and less than or equal to 30%. In another example, the ratio of the volume of the first filler material 5712 to the volume of the interior cavity 5510 may be greater than or equal to 15% and less than or equal to 50%. In another example, the ratio of the mass of the first filler material 5712 to the mass of the body portion 5410 may be greater than or equal to 0.75% and less than or equal to 7.5%. In another example, the ratio of the volume of the first filler material 5712 to the volume of the interior cavity 5510 may be greater than 50%. In another example, the ratio of the volume of the first filler material 5712 to the volume of interior cavity 5510 may be 100% or near 100% (i.e., the interior cavity 5510 is entirely filled with the first filler material 5712). In yet another example, a ratio of the mass of second filler material 5712 to the mass of the body portion 5410 may be greater than or equal to 2.0% and less than or equal to 10%. Although Table 4 lists golf club heads that are labeled as having a certain loft angles or loft angle ranges, each of the golf club heads of Table 4 may include a certain loft angle range that may be partially similar or overlap with the loft angle range of an adjacent golf club head of Table 4. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The amount of first filler material 5712 that may be in the interior cavity may also depend on the overall thickness of the face portion 5462, the thickness profile of the face portion 5462, the shape of the interior cavity 5510, the locations and configurations of any ports or mass portions, the material properties of the first filler material 5712, and/or the material properties of the second filler material 5714. In one example, a golf club head with a relatively high loft angle may limit the portions of the inner walls 5512 to which the first filler material 5712 may be coupled. In another example, a golf club head with a relatively small loft angle may allow the first filler material 5712 to be coupled to all or substantial portions of the inner walls 5512. In yet another example, the acoustic properties of a golf club head may be a factor in determining the amount of filler material 5712 that may be coupled to the inner walls 5512 to provide a pleasing sound and feel to an individual. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of the first filler material 5712 coupled to the inner walls 5512 may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a certain loft angle) to (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 5400 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 5400), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 5462, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The contour of the interior cavity 5510 or the shape of the inner walls 5512 may be defined by a plurality of recessed portions that may be recessed relative to the perimeter edge portion 5461. In the example of
The first recessed portion 5514 may generally include a largest width 5513 of the interior cavity 5510 and may be located at the central portion 5511 and/or may include portions that are adjacent to and/or surround the central portion 5511. The second recessed portion 5515 may be adjacent to and/or surround all or portions of the first recessed portion 5514, and may include portions that may be in the central portion 5511. In the example of
The third recessed portion 5516 may be adjacent to and/or surround all or portions of the second recessed portion 5515 and/or the first recessed portion 5514, and may include portions that may be in the central portion 5511. In the example of
The fifth recessed portion 5518 may be adjacent to the perimeter edge portion 5461. Accordingly, at any location in the interior cavity 5510 that includes the fifth recessed portion 5518, the fifth recessed portion 5518 may be between the perimeter edge portion 5461 and any one or more of the first recessed portion 5514, the second recessed portion 5515, the third recessed portion 5516, and the fourth recessed portion 5517. A portion of the structure of the body portion 5410 that includes the first set of ports 5520 may be between the fifth recessed portion 5518 and the upper back wall portion 5812. Accordingly, the depth of the fifth recessed portion 5518 may be less than the depth of the adjacent portions of the third recessed portion 5516 so that the body portion 5410 can accommodate the first set of ports 5520 between the fifth recessed portion 5518 and the upper back wall portion 5812. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The interior cavity 5510 may include one or more internal channels that may extend between the toe portion 5440 and the heel portion 5450. In one example, as shown in
The interior cavity 5510 may include additional recessed portions that may define transition regions between the first to fifth recessed portions 5514-5518 and the internal channels 5525 and 5526. Each of the recessed portions may be adjacent to and transition into any one or several of the other recessed portions. For example, as shown in
The shape, size, width, height, and other characteristics of the recessed portions 5514-5518 and the internal channels 5525 and 5526 may be associated with the loft angle 5745 of the golf club head 5400. In one example, as shown in
A width 5722 (WF1) of the first filler material 5712 and the width 5724 (WF2) of the second filler material 5714 may vary from the toe portion 5440 to the heel portion 5450 and/or from the top portion 5480 to the sole portion 5490 and/or according to the shapes of the first recessed portion 5514, the second recessed portion 5515, the third recessed portion 5516, the fourth recessed portion 5517, and/or the fifth recessed portion 5518 depending on the location inside the interior cavity 5510. The width 5722 of the first filler material 5712 may vary according to the shapes of the first recessed portion 5514, the second recessed portion 5515, and the third recessed portion 5516. The width 5722 of the first filler material 5712 and/or the width 5724 of the second filler material 5714 may be constant or substantially constant at one or more locations in the interior cavity 5510 and vary at certain other locations in the interior cavity 5510. In one example, the width 5722 of the first filler material 5712 and/or the width 5724 of the second filler material 5714 may vary at one or more locations in the interior cavity 5510 similar or substantially similar to the contour of all or portions of the inner walls 5512 of the interior cavity 5510 (i.e., the contours of the recessed portions) and/or the contours of the boundaries between the first filler material 5712 and the second filler material 5714. In one example, the second filler material 5714 may (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 5400 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 5400), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 5462, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The width 5722 of the first filler material 5712 and width 5724 of the second filler material 5714 may be determined at the ball strike region 5468 and/or other regions of the interior cavity 5510 so that a relatively high or optimum coefficient of restitution (COR) is provided for the golf club head 5400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example (not shown), the interior cavity 5510 may be entirely filled with the first filler material 5712. In another example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
As described herein, the face portion 5462 may be relatively thin to provide increased bending and deflection of the face portion 5462 during a golf ball strike. Further, the face portion 4862 may include one or more grooves such as the groove 5469 on the back surface 5466 of the face portion 5462 as described herein to further increase the flexibility of the face portion 5462. The second filler material 5714 may be a polymer material with a relatively high strength and stiffness to provide structural support and stability for the face portion 5462 to prevent failure of the face portion 5462 during a golf ball strike or repeated golf ball strikes (i.e., face portion fatigue). As described herein, the second filler material 5714 may be an epoxy-type of material. The second filler material 5714 may also have a relatively high COR as described herein to provide a rebound effect for the face portion 5462 after a golf ball strike. As further described herein, the first filler material 5712 may be a rubber-type of compound with a lower strength and stiffness (i.e., softer, or less rigid) than the second filler material 5714 and a higher COR than the second filler material 5714. Accordingly, the first filler material 5712 may provide additional structural support for the face portion 5462. Further, the relatively higher COR of the first filler material 5712 may allow the first filler material 5712 to store the energy from a golf ball strike and to release a substantial amount of the energy back to the golf ball (i.e., without losing much impact energy) by providing a relatively large rebound effect for the face portion 5462. Additionally, the different material properties of the first filler material 5712 and the second filler material 5714 as described herein may provide sound and vibration dampening at different frequency ranges to provide a pleasant sound and feel for an individual. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The golf club head 6700 may be an iron-type golf club head (e.g., a 1-iron, a 2-iron, a 3-iron, a 4-iron, a 5-iron, a 6-iron, a 7-iron, an 8-iron, a 9-iron, etc.), or a wedge-type golf club head (e.g., a pitching wedge, a lob wedge, a sand wedge, an n-degree wedge such as 44 degrees)(°), 48°, 52°, 56°, 60°, etc.). Although
The golf club head 6700 may include a face portion 6762 (i.e., the strike face), which may be integrally formed with the body portion 6710 (e.g., a single unitary piece). In one example, as shown in
The golf club head 6700 may be associated with a ground plane 7010, a horizontal midplane 7020, and a top plane 7030. In particular, the ground plane 7010 may be a plane that is parallel or substantially parallel to the ground and is tangent to the lowest portion of the sole portion edge 6792 when the golf club head 6700 is at an address position (e.g., the golf club head 6700 aligned to strike a golf ball). A top plane 7030 may be a plane that is tangent to the upper most portion of top portion edge 6782 when the golf club head 6700 is at the address position. The ground and top planes 7010 and 7030, respectively, may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The horizontal midplane 7020 may be vertically halfway between the ground and top planes 7010 and 7030, respectively. Further, the golf club head 6700 may be associated with a loft plane 7040 defining a loft angle 7045 (α) of the golf club head 6700. The loft plane 7040 may be a plane that is tangent to the face portion 6762. The loft angle 7045 may be defined by an angle between the loft plane 7040 and a vertical plane 7050 normal to the ground plane 7010.
The body portion 6710 may be a hollow body including an interior cavity 6810 having inner walls 6812. The interior cavity 6810 may extend between the front portion 6760, the back portion 6770, the top portion 6780, and the sole portion 6790. In the example of
The back wall portion 6772 of the back portion 6770 may include an upper back wall portion 7112 and a lower back wall portion 7114. The back wall portion 6772 may include a ledge portion 7116 that may extend between the toe portion edge 6742 and the heel portion edge 6752 in a continuous or discontinuous manner. The lower back wall portion 7114 may be located farther back on the body portion 6710 than the upper back wall portion 7112, with the ledge portion 7116 defining a transition portion between the upper back wall portion 7112 and the lower back wall portion 7114. Accordingly, the ledge portion 7116 may extend transverse to the upper back wall portion 7112 and the lower back wall portion 7114. In one example, as shown in
The body portion 6710 may include one or more ports, which may be exterior ports and/or interior ports (e.g., located inside the body portion 6710). The inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 may include one or more ports (not shown). In one example, as shown in
The body portion 6710 may include one or more mass portions (e.g., weight portion(s)), which may be integral mass portion(s) or separate mass portion(s) that may be coupled to the body portion 6710. In the illustrated example as shown in
The interior cavity 6810 may be partially or entirely filled with one or more filler materials (i.e., a cavity filling material) as described herein, which may include one or more similar or different types of materials. In one example, as shown in
The filler material 7012 may be coupled to all or portions of the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810. In one example, the filler material 7012 may have inherent adhesive or bonding properties to attach to all or portions of the inner walls 6812. In another example, the filler material 7012 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 6812 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be mixed with the filler material 7012. In another example, the filler material 7012 may be attached to all or portions of the inner walls 6812 with one or more bonding agents or adhesives that may be separate from the filler material 7012. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to at least a portion of the inner walls 6812 that may generally correspond to the ball strike region 6768 of the face portion 6762 (i.e., the filler material 7012 may be generally located behind the ball strike region 6768) or regions proximate to and/or surrounding the ball strike region 6768 of the face portion 6762. In another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to at least 10% of the inner walls 6812. In another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to at least 25% of the inner walls 6812. In yet another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to between 25% and 50% of the inner walls 6812. In another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to between 54% and 75% of the inner walls 6812. In yet another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to between 50% and 90% of the inner walls 6812. In yet another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to more than 75% of the inner walls 6812. In yet another example, the filler material 7012 may be coupled to all of inner walls 6812. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The amount of the filler material 7012 that may be coupled to the inner walls 6812 may depend on the loft angle of the golf club head, the overall thickness of the face portion 6762, the thickness profile of the face portion 6762, the shape of the interior cavity 6810, the locations and configurations of any ports or mass portions, and/or the material properties of the filler material 7012. In one example, a golf club head with a relatively high loft angle may limit the portions of the inner walls 6812 to which the filler material 7012 may be coupled. In another example, a golf club head with a relatively small loft angle may allow the filler material 7012 to be coupled to all or substantial portions of the inner walls 6812. In yet another example, the acoustic properties of a golf club head may be a factor in determining the amount of filler material 7012 that may be coupled to the inner walls 6812 to provide a pleasing sound and feel to an individual. The amount (i.e., volume and/or mass) of the filler material 7012 coupled to the inner walls 6812 may be determined for each golf club head (i.e., having a certain loft angle) to (i) provide vibration dampening or sound dampening (e.g., consistent and/or pleasing sound and feel when the golf club head 6700 strikes a golf ball as perceived by an individual using the golf club head 6700), (ii) provide structural support for the face portion 6762, and/or (iii) optimize ball travel distance, ball speed, ball launch angle, ball spin rate, ball peak height, ball landing angle and/or ball dispersion. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The contour of the interior cavity 6810 or the shape of the inner walls 6812 may be defined by a plurality of recessed portions that are recessed relative to the perimeter edge portion 6761. In the example of
The first recessed portion 6814 may generally include a largest width 6813 of the interior cavity 6810 and may be located at the central portion 6811 and/or may include portions that are adjacent to and/or surround the central portion 6811. The second recessed portion 6815 may be adjacent to and/or surround all or portions of the first recessed portion 6814, and may include portions that may be in the central portion 6811. In the example of
The third recessed portion 6816 may be adjacent to and/or surround all or portions of the second recessed portion 6815 and/or the first recessed portion 6814, and may include portions that may be in the central portion 6811. In the example of
The interior cavity 6810 may include one or more internal channels that may extend between the toe portion 6740 and the heel portion 6750. In one example, as shown in
The interior cavity 6810 may include additional recessed portions that may define transition regions between the first to fifth recessed portions 6814-6818 and the internal channels 6825 and 6826. Each of the recessed portions may be adjacent to and transition into any one or several of the other recessed portions. For example, the first recessed portion 6814 may include an inclined surface 6827 (shown in
The shape, size, width, height, and other characteristics of the recessed portions 6814-6818 and the internal channels 6825 and 6826 may be associated with the loft angle 7045 of the golf club head 6700. In one example, as shown in
A width of the filler material 7012 may vary from the toe portion 6740 to the heel portion 6750 and/or from the top portion 6780 to the sole portion 6790 and/or according to the shapes of the first recessed portion 6814, the second recessed portion 6815, the third recessed portion 6816, the fourth recessed portion 6817, the fifth recessed portion 6818 depending on the location inside the interior cavity 6810, and/or similar to widths of any of the filler materials described herein. In one example, as shown in
The adhesive for bonding the filler insert 7320 to the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 and to the back surface 6766 of the face portion 6762 may be similar to any of the adhesive or bonding agents described herein. In one example, the adhesives for bonding the filler insert 7320 to the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 and to the back surface 6766 of the face portion 6762 may be similar. In another example, the adhesive for bonding the filler insert 7320 to the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 and to the back surface 6766 of the face portion 6762 may be different to account for the different materials of the body portion 6710 and the face portion 6762. In yet another example, the adhesive for bonding the filler insert 7320 to the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 and the back surface 6766 of the face portion 6762 may be similar to the second filler material 4213. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
In one example (not shown), the interior cavity 6810 may be entirely filled with the filler material 7012. In another example, as shown in
In one example, the cross-sectional shape of any of the filler inserts shown in
Any of the filler inserts described herein may be attached or bonded to the inner walls 6812 of the interior cavity 6810 by any of adhesive or bonding agents described herein. In another example, one or more portions of the interior cavity 6810 that may not be occupied by the filler material 8020 may be filled with any of the filler materials described herein. In another example, the interior cavity 6810 may only include a filler insert as described herein. In yet another example, interior cavity 6810 may be partially or fully filled with any of the filler materials described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
To lower and/or move the CG of a golf club head further back, such as the CG of any of the golf club heads described herein, mass from the front portion of a golf club head may be removed by using a relatively thinner face portion 8862. For example, the first thickness 8810 or the second thickness 8820 may be less than or equal to 0.1 inch (2.54 millimeters). In another example, the first thickness 8810 or the second thickness 8820 may be about 0.075 inch (1.875 millimeters) (e.g., T1=0.075 inch). With the support of the back wall portion of a golf club head to form an interior cavity and filling at least a portion of the interior cavity with one or more filler materials as described herein, the face portion 8862 may be relatively thinner (e.g., T1<0.075 inch) without degrading the structural integrity, sound, and/or feel of a golf club head. In one example, the first thickness 8810 may be less than or equal to 0.060 inch (1.524 millimeters) (e.g., T1≤0.060 inch). In another example, the first thickness 8810 may be less than or equal to 0.040 inch (1.016 millimeters) (e.g., T1≤0.040 inch). Based on the type of material(s) used to form the face portion 8862 and/or the body portion 110, the face portion 8862 may be even thinner with the first thickness 8810 being less than or equal to 0.030 inch (0.762 millimeters) (e.g., T1≤0.030 inch). The groove depth 8825 may be greater than or equal to the second thickness 8820 (e.g., Dgroove≥T2). In one example, the groove depth 8825 may be about 0.020 inch (0.508 millimeters) (e.g., Dgroove=0.020 inch). Accordingly, the second thickness 8820 may be about 0.010 inch (0.254 millimeters) (e.g., T2=0.010 inch). In another example, the groove depth 8825 may be about 0.015 inch (0.381 millimeters), and the second thickness 8820 may be about 0.015 inch (e.g., Dgroove=T2=0.015 inch). Alternatively, the groove depth 8825 may be less than the second thickness 8820 (e.g., Dgroove<T2). Without the support of the back wall portion of a golf club head and one or more filler materials used to fill in the interior cavity, the golf club head may not be able to withstand multiple impacts by a golf ball on a face portion. In contrast, a golf club head with a relatively thin face portion but without the support of the back wall portion and the one or more filler materials as described herein (e.g., a cavity-back golf club head) may produce unpleasant sound (e.g., a tinny sound) and/or feel during impact with a golf ball. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Based on manufacturing processes and methods used to form a golf club head such as any of the golf club heads described herein, the face portion 8862 may include additional material at or proximate to a periphery of the face portion 8862. Accordingly, the face portion 8862 may also include a third thickness 8830, and a chamfer portion 8840. The third thickness 8830 may be greater than either the first thickness 8810 or the second thickness 8820 (e.g., T3>T1>T2). In particular, the face portion 8862 may be coupled to the body portion of a golf club head by a welding process. For example, the first thickness 8810 may be about 0.030 inch (0.762 millimeters), the second thickness 8820 may be about 0.015 inch (0.381 millimeters), and the third thickness 8830 may be about 0.050 inch (1.27 millimeters). Accordingly, the chamfer portion 8840 may accommodate some of the additional material when the face portion 8862 is welded to the body portion of the golf club head.
As illustrated in
Alternatively, the face portion 8862 may vary in thickness at and/or between the top portion and the sole portion of a golf club head. In one example, the face portion 8862 may be relatively thicker at or proximate to the top portion than at or proximate to the sole portion (e.g., thickness of the face portion 8862 may taper from the top portion towards the sole portion). In another example, the face portion 8862 may be relatively thicker at or proximate to the sole portion than at or proximate to the top portion (e.g., thickness of the face portion 8862 may taper from the sole portion towards the top portion). In yet another example, the face portion 8862 may be relatively thicker between the top portion and the sole portion than at or proximate to the top portion and the sole portion (e.g., thickness of the face portion 8862 may have a bell-shaped contour). The face portion 8862 may be similar to any of the face portions described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
One or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may have similar or different physical properties (e.g., color, marking, shape, size, density, mass, volume, external surface texture, materials of construction, etc.). Accordingly, any of the sets of mass portions described herein may contribute to the ornamental design of a golf club head. In the illustrated example as shown in
Referring to
As mentioned above, one or more mass portions of any of the sets of mass portions described herein may be similar in some physical properties but different in other physical properties. For example, a mass portion may be made from an aluminum-based material or an aluminum alloy whereas another mass portion may be made from a tungsten-based material or a tungsten alloy. In another example, a mass portion may be made from a polymer material whereas another mass portion may be made from a steel-based material. In yet another example, as illustrated in
The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more club identifiers (e.g., a serial number, a matrix barcode, a trademark, a club number, a loft angle, a character, etc.). For example, any of the golf club heads described herein may include a visual indicator such as a club number to identify the type of golf club. In particular, the club number may correspond to the loft angle of the golf club head (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9). In one example, a 7-iron type golf club head may be marked with “7”. In another example, a golf club head may be marked with the loft angle. For example, a 54-degree wedge type golf club head may be marked “54”. In yet another example, a 10.5-degree driver type golf club head may be marked “10.5.” Any marking(s) associated with a club identifier may be visually differentiated (e.g., different color, texture, pattern, etc.) from the rest of a golf club head. To distinguish from other golf club heads, a golf club head as described herein may include a trademark (e.g., a word, a name, a symbol, a design, or any combination thereof) to identify a brand name or a model of the golf club head (e.g., distinguish from other manufacturer or seller). The club identifier may be another type of visual indicator such as a product number or a serial number to identify the golf club head as authentic equipment, to track inventory, or to distinguish the golf club head from fake or counterfeit products. Alternatively, the club identifier may be a digital signature or a machine-readable optical representation of information or data about the golf club head (e.g., numeric character(s), alphanumeric character(s), byte(s), a one-dimensional barcode such as a Universal Product Code (UPC), a two-dimensional barcode such as a Quick Response (QR) code, etc.). The club identifier may be placed at various location on the golf club head (e.g., the heel portion, the hosel portion, the face portion, the top portion, the sole portion, etc.) using various methods (e.g., painted, laser etched, stamped, casted, or molded onto the golf club head). For example, the club identifier may be a serial number laser etched onto the hosel portion of the golf club head. Instead of being an integral part of the golf club head, the club identifier may be a separate component coupled to the golf club head (e.g., a label adhered via an adhesive or an epoxy). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
To determine the effect of using different filler materials on the coefficient of restitution (COR) and the performance of the golf club head 5400, several golf clubs having golf club heads that were similar to the golf club head 5400 but with different loft configurations (i.e., 4-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge) and different filler materials were tested to obtain COR, ball speed, launch angle, back spin, peak height, and carry distance for each golf club. To measure the COR of each golf club, an air cannon device was used to launch a golf ball weighing approximately 45 grams at an initial velocity (i.e., inbound velocity) of about 125 mph toward a center location (as defined below) of the golf club head for multiple iterations. A speed monitoring device was used to measure the outbound velocity (mph) and the rebound time in milliseconds (ms) of the golf ball for each test iteration. An average COR of the golf club head was then determined from the measured data. To measure ball speed, launch angle, back spin, peak height, and carry distance for each golf club, each of the example golf clubs was tested with a swing robot manufactured by Golf Laboratories of San Diego, California to strike a golf ball at an average golf club head speed of 84 mph to 86 mph for multiple iterations at each of five locations on the face portion of the golf club head to determine average ball speed (mph), average ball launch angle (radians), average ball back spin (rpm), average ball peak height (yards), and average total carry distance (yards). The five locations of the face portion were a center location, a toe location, a heel location, a low location, and a high location. The center location was determined as the location on the face portion by which a golf ball is typically struck by an individual. In other words, the center location statistically (e.g., greater than 75%) receives the highest number of ball strikes. The center location was determined to be at 0.75 inches or approximately 0.75 inches up from the bottom portion and at the center of a corresponding groove on the face portion subject to variations and/or approximations according to measurement tolerances and/or the actual ball strike region on the face portion by the swing robot. The toe location and the heel location were determined as 0.5 inches or approximately 0.5 inches from the center location in the toe direction and in the heel direction, respectively, subject to variations and/or approximations according to measurement tolerances and the actual ball strike point on the face portion by the swing robot. The high location and the low location were determined as 0.25 inches or approximately 0.25 inches from the center location in the top direction and the bottom direction, respectively, subject to variations and/or approximations according to measurement tolerances and the actual ball strike point on the face portion by the swing robot. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Tables 5-10 show experimental performance results for three examples of a 4-iron golf club having a golf club head constructed according to apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein for the golf club head 5400 with each example having different filler materials. The golf club head 5491 (not shown) of example 1 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 4-iron configuration except that the golf club head 5491 was filled with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) filler material with the same or similar properties as any of the TPE materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5492 (not shown) of example 2 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 4-iron configuration except that the golf club head 5492 was filled with an epoxy material with the same or similar properties as any of the epoxy materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5493 of example 3 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 4-iron configuration and was filled with the first filler material 5712 and the second filler material 5714 as described in detail herein. Accordingly, all three example golf club heads 5491, 5492, and 5493 were structurally similar except for the differences in their filler materials.
Referring to Table 5, the golf club head 5493 has a higher COR for face center strikes than the golf club heads 5491 and 5492. Accordingly, as shown in Table 6, the higher COR provides a higher ball speed than golf club heads 5491 and 5492 at the center location. In particular, at the center location, the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5493 relative to the golf club head 5492 is close to 0.5 mph, and the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5493 relative to the golf club head 5491 is more than one (1) mph and close to 1.5 mph. With reference to Table 10, the increase in ball speed at the center location for the golf club head 5493 relative to the golf club heads 5491 and 5492 provides a greater total ball carry distance for the golf club head 5493. In particular, at the center location, the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5493 relative to the golf club head 5492 is over one (1) yard, and the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5493 relative to the golf club head 5491 is 1.5 yards. As described herein, the center location of the face portion may represent the highest statistical strike region on the face portion. In other words, many individuals may strike a golf ball at or proximate to the center location. Accordingly, the golf club head 5493 as described in detail herein (e.g., filled with the first and second filler materials 5712 and 5714, respectively) provides improved performance for all face center strikes in comparison to a golf club head that is similar to the golf club head 5400 but filled with another filler material such as a TPE material (e.g., the golf club head 5491) or an epoxy material (e.g., the golf club head 5492). Further, the ball speed and carry distance for the golf club head 5493 at the heel, the toe, and the high face locations are greater than the ball speed and carry distance for the same locations, respectively, for the golf club heads 5491 and 5492. Accordingly, the golf club head 5493 as described in detail herein (e.g., filled with the first and second filler materials 5712 and 5714, respectively) provides an overall improved performance in comparison to a golf club head that is similar to the golf club head 5400 but filled with another filler material such as a TPE material (e.g., the golf club head 5491) or an epoxy material (e.g., the golf club head 5492).
Tables 11-16 show experimental performance results for three examples of a 7-iron golf club having a golf club head constructed according to apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein for the golf club head 5400 with each example having different filler materials. The golf club head 5591 (not shown) of example 4 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 7-iron configuration except that the golf club head 5591 was filled with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) filler material with the same or similar properties as any of the TPE materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5592 (not shown) of example 5 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 7-iron configuration except that the golf club head 5592 was filled with an epoxy material with the same or similar properties as any of the epoxy materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5593 of example 6 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a 7-iron configuration and was filled with the first filler material 5712 and the second filler material 5714 as described in detail herein. Accordingly, all three example golf club heads 5591, 5592, and 5593 were structurally similar except for the differences in their filler materials.
Referring to Table 11, the golf club head 5593 has a higher COR for face center strikes than the golf club heads 5591 and 5592. Accordingly, as shown in Table 12, the golf club head 5593 provides a higher ball speed than golf club heads 5591 and 5592 at the center location. In particular, at the center location, the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5593 relative to the golf club head 5591 is close to one (1) mph, and the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5593 relative to the golf club head 5592 is more than one (1) mph. With reference to Table 16, the increase in ball speed at the center location of the golf club head 5593 provides a greater total ball carry distance for the golf club head 5593 in comparison to the golf club head 5591 and the golf club head 5592. In particular, at the center location, the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5593 relative to the golf club head 5591 is one (1) yard, and the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5593 relative to the golf club head 5592 is over three (3) yards. As described herein, the center location of the face portion may represent the highest statistical strike region on the face portion. In other words, many individuals may strike a golf ball at or proximate to the center location. Accordingly, the golf club head 5593 as described in detail herein (e.g., filled with the first and second filler materials 5712 and 5714, respectively) provides improved performance for all face center strikes in comparison to a golf club head that is similar to the golf club head 5400 but filled with another filler material such as a TPE material (e.g., the golf club head 5591) or an epoxy material (e.g., the golf club head 5592).
Tables 17-22 show experimental performance results for three examples of a pitching wedge (PW) golf club having a golf club head constructed according to apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein for the golf club head 5400 with each example having different filler materials. The golf club head 5691 (not shown) of example 7 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a PW configuration except that the golf club head 5691 was filled with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) filler material with the same or similar properties as any of the TPE materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5692 (not shown) of example 8 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a PW configuration except that the golf club head 5692 was filled with an epoxy material with the same or similar properties as any of the epoxy materials described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The golf club head 5693 of example 9 was similar to the golf club head 5400 in a PW configuration and was filled with the first filler material 5712 and the second filler material 5714 as described in detail herein. Accordingly, all three example golf club heads 5691, 5692, and 5693 were structurally similar except for the differences in their filler materials.
Referring to Table 17, the golf club head 5693 has a higher COR for face center strikes than the golf club heads 5691 and 5692. Accordingly, as shown in Table 18, the golf club head 5693 provides a higher ball speed than golf club heads 5691 and 5692 at the center location. In particular, at the center location, the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5693 relative to the golf club head 5691 is over one (1) mph, and the increase in ball speed for the golf club head 5693 relative to the golf club head 5692 is nearly 0.5 mph. With reference to Table 22, the increase in ball speed at the center location of the golf club head 5693 provides a greater total ball carry distance for the golf club head 5693 in comparison to the golf club head 5691 and the golf club head 5692. In particular, at the center location, the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5693 relative to the golf club head 5691 is nearly (2) yards, and the increase in carry distance for the golf club head 5693 relative to the golf club head 5692 is nearly 0.5 yards. As described herein, the center location of the face portion may represent the highest statistical strike region on the face portion. In other words, many individuals may strike a golf ball at or proximate to the center location. Accordingly, the golf club head 5693 as described in detail herein (e.g., filled with the first and second filler materials 5712 and 5714, respectively) provides improved performance for all face center strikes in comparison to a golf club head that is similar to the golf club head 5400 but filled with another filler material such as a TPE material (e.g., the golf club head 5691) or an epoxy material (e.g., the golf club head 5692). Further, the ball speed and carry distance for the golf club head 5693 at the heel, the toe, the high, and the low face locations are greater than the ball speed and carry distance for the same locations, respectively, for the golf club heads 5691 and 5692. Accordingly, the golf club head 5693 as described in detail herein (e.g., filled with the first and second filler materials 5712 and 5714, respectively) provides an overall improved performance for all face locations of the golf club head 5693 in comparison to a golf club head that is similar to the golf club head 5400 but filled with another filler material such as a TPE material (e.g., the golf club head 5691) or an epoxy material (e.g., the golf club head 5692).
In one example, the deflections of the center locations of the face portions 5462 of the golf club head 5592 and 5593 in response to golf ball strikes where numerically determined using finite element analysis (FEA). The numerically modeled collision was between a two-part golf ball (USGA Bridgestone Calibration Ball) traveling at 38 m/s (85 mph) and each of the golf club heads 5592 and 5593 in a fixed position with each of the golf club heads 5592 and 5592 having a face portion thickness of approximately 0.059 inches (1.5 mm). The results of the FEA are shown in Table 23 considering nearly identical force at maximum face portion deflection (i.e., nearly identical deformed shapes for the golf ball).
As shown in Table 23, the time to reach maximum face center deflection measured from the time the golf ball collides with the face portion 5462 and the rebound time for the face portion 5462 (i.e., time to reach near zero deflection from maximum deflection) are nearly the same for both golf club heads 5592 and 5593. However, as shown in Table 23, the maximum deflection of the face portion 5462 for the golf club head 5593 is nearly twice as large as the maximum deflection of the face portion 5462 for the golf club head 5593 for the nearly the same maximum deflection and rebound time interval. Accordingly, the relatively large deflection and subsequent rebound of the face portion 5462 of the golf club head 5593 in the same time interval as the golf club head 5592 (i.e., higher face rebound velocity) may provide a larger transfer of rebound energy to the golf ball to result in the increased golf ball velocities and carry distances described herein to the golf club head 5593. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The golf club head 9300 may be similar in many respects to the golf club head 5400. Accordingly, for example, the golf club head 9300 may be associated with a ground plane 9810, may be associated with a horizontal midplane 9820, may be associated with a top plane 9830, include a first set of ports 9420 (e.g., shown as ports 9421 and 9422), a second set of ports 9430 (e.g., shown as ports 9431 and 9432), a third set of ports 9440 (e.g., shown as ports 9441, 9442, and 9443), a fourth set of ports 9450 (e.g., shown as ports 9451 and 9452), a ledge portion 9716, a first set of mass portions 9620 (e.g., shown as mass portions 9621 and 9622), a second set of mass portions 9630 (e.g., shown as mass portions 9631 and 9632), a third set of mass portions 9640 (e.g., shown as mass portions 9641, 9642, and 9643), and a fourth set of mass portions 9650 (e.g., shown as mass portions 9651 and 9652), all of which may be similar in many respects to the corresponding parts of the golf club head 5400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the examples described herein, the face portion 9362 may be a separate portion that is coupled to the front portion 9360 and joined to the golf club head 9300 to enclose the interior cavity 9410. In the example of
The face plate portion 9375 may include a face plate perimeter portion 9475 that may be attached to a face pocket opening perimeter 9477 of the face portion 9362 by any method, such as welding, bonding, or other suitable methods and processes. The face pocket opening perimeter 9477 may be configured to receive the face plate portion 9375 such that the face plate portion 9375 is flush or substantially flush with the front surface 9364 of the face portion 9362. In one example, a gap 9615 may be present between the face plate perimeter portion 9475 and the face pocket opening perimeter 9477. During manufacturing, the gap 9615 may be entirely or partially filled with weld material during a welding process in which the face plate portion 9375 is joined to the face portion 9362. A sanding or polishing process may follow in which excess weld material is removed to produce a smooth surface across the face portion 9362 of the golf club head 9300. Accordingly, any surface irregularities on the front surface 9364 of the face portion 9362 may be removed to provide a seamless and uniform front surface 9364 of the face portion 9362 such that the face portion 9362 may appear as a seamless one-piece continuous face portion 9362. Alternatively, the gap 9615 may be filled with a bonding agent to bond the face plate portion 9375 to the face portion 9362. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The face pocket portion 9376 may be defined by side walls 9578, a bottom wall 9580. The side walls 9578 may include chamfered portions 9584 that connect to the bottom wall 9580. The face pocket portion 9376 may have an exterior perimeter edge 9582, which may serve as an assembly aid that allows the face plate portion 9375 to be easily and accurately positioned relative to the face portion 9362 during a joining process, such as a welding process where the face plate portion 9375 is welded to the face portion 9362. For example, as shown in
The bottom wall 9580 may have a thickness extending in a front-to-rear direction. In one example, the bottom wall 9580 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.030 inch (0.762 mm). In another example, the bottom wall 9580 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.030 inch (0.762 mm). In another example, the bottom wall 9580 may have a thickness of less than or equal to 0.035 inch (0.889 mm). In yet another example, any two or all of the bottom wall 9580, the face plate portion 9375, and the face portion 9362 may have similar thicknesses. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 of the face pocket portion 9376 may be made from any material such as the material of the face portion 9362. In one example, the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may have a density of at least 4 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may have a density of at least 4.4 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may have a density of at least 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may the same material as a body portion 9310 of the golf club head. The material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 may be a different material than the body portion 9310 of the golf club head 9300. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the face pocket portion 9376 and the face portion 9362 may be a one-piece continuous part that are con-manufactured by any process such as stamping. Accordingly, a flat plate serving as a starting blank for the face portion 9362 may be stamped to form the face portion 9362 and the face pocket portion 9376 as described herein. In another example, the face pocket portion 9376 may be a separately formed piece that may be attached to the back surface 9366 of the face portion 9362. In yet another example, the face pocket portion 9376 may be a separately formed piece that may be attached to the back surface 9366 of the face portion 9362, whereas the face portion 9362 and the face plate portion 9375 may be a one-piece continuous and co-manufactured part. In other words, the face portion 9362 and the face plate portion 9375 may be defined by a seamless part. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The face portion 9362 may have a thickness similar to any of the face portions of the golf club heads described herein. In one example, the face plate portion 9375 may have the same thickness as the face portion 9362. In another example, the face plate portion 9375 may have a thickness of greater than or equal to 0.075 (1.905 mm) and less than or equal to 0.125 inch (3.175 mm). In another example, the face plate portion 9375 may have a thickness between and including 0.090 (2.286 mm) and 0.110 inch (2.794 mm). In another example, the face plate portion 9375 may have a thickness of less than 0.115 inch (2.921 mm). In yet another example, the face plate portion 9375 may have a thickness of less than 0.125 inch (3.175 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The face portion 9362 may be made of a material similar to any of the face portions of the golf club heads described herein. The face plate portion 9375 may be made of the same material as the remaining portions of the face portion 9362. Alternatively, the face plate portion 9375 may be made from a different material than the material of the face portion 9362. In one example, the face plate portion 9375 may be made partially or entirely of an aluminum-based material, a magnesium-type material, a steel-based material, a titanium-based material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. In another example, the face plate portion 9375 may be made partially or entirely of a non-metal material such as a ceramic material, a composite material, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material. The material of the face plate portion 9375 may have a density of at least 4 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the face plate portion 9375 may have a density of at least 4.4 grams per cubic centimeter. The material the face plate portion 9375 may have a density of at least 4.5 grams per cubic centimeter. The material of the face plate portion 9375 may have a higher density than the material of the interior wall 4278 of the front pocket 4276. The material of the face plate portion 9375 may have a higher yield strength than the material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 of the face pocket portion 9376. For example, the material of face plate portion 9375 may have a yield strength that is at least 40% higher than the material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 of the face pocket portion 9376. In another example, the material of the face plate portion 9375 may have a yield strength that is at least 45% higher than the material of the side walls 9578 and the bottom wall 9580 of the face pocket portion 9376. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
The filler material 9712 may be added to the face pocket portion 9376 prior to joining the face plate portion 9375 to the face portion 9362. Alternatively, the filler material 9712 may be added to the face cavity 9710 after joining the face plate portion 9375 to the face portion 9362 through one or more access ports on the face pocket portion 9376. In one example, as shown in
The filler material 9712 may be a liquid, solid, gas, or combination thereof. In one example, the filler material 9712 may be a solid filler material with gas bubbles trapped within the solid filler material. In another example, the filler material 9712 may be a solution of liquid filler material having suspended solid particles. Where the filler material 9712 includes a liquid or gaseous filler material, the face cavity may be a sealed cavity to avoid loss of the filler material 9712. Where the filler material 9712 includes a liquid or gaseous filler material, the contents of the face cavity may be pressurized to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. In one example, the filler material 9712 may be pressurized to a pressure of between and including 1.1 atm and 25 atm. In another example, the filler material 9712 may be pressurized to a pressure of between and including 1.1 atm and 10 atm. In another example, the filler material 9712 may be pressurized to a pressure of between and including 1.1 atm and 5 atm. In another example, the filler material 9712 may be pressurized to a pressure of greater than 1 atm. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, as shown in
In one example, as shown in
The body portion and/or the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be partially or entirely made of a steel-based material (e.g., 17-4 PH stainless steel, Nitronic® 50 stainless steel, alloy steel 8620, maraging steel or other types of stainless steel), a titanium-based material, an aluminum-based material (e.g., a high-strength aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with a high-strength alloy), any combination thereof, non-metallic materials, composite materials, and/or other suitable types of materials. The body portion and/or the face portion may be constructed with materials that are similar to any of the body portions and/or face portions described herein or in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 330 mm2 and less than or equal to 5000 mm2. In another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 1000 mm2 and less than or equal to 5300 mm2. In yet another example, the area of the front surface of the face portion of any of the golf club heads described herein may be greater than or equal to 1500 mm2 and less than or equal to 4800 mm2. While the above examples may describe particular areas, the area of the front surface may greater than or less than those numbers. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In one example, a filler material may include an elastic polymer or an elastomer material (e.g., a viscoelastic urethane polymer material such as Sorbothane® material manufactured by Sorbothane, Inc., Kent, Ohio), a thermoplastic elastomer material (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane material (TPU), other polymer material(s), bonding material(s) (e.g., adhesive), and/or other suitable types of materials that may absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise. In another example, a filler material may be one or more thermoset polymers having bonding properties (e.g., one or more adhesive or epoxy materials). A material may also absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when a golf club head as described herein strikes a golf ball. Further, a filler material may be an epoxy material that may be flexible or slightly flexible when cured. In another example, a filler material may include any of the 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ DP100 family of epoxy adhesives (e.g., 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ Epoxy Adhesives DP100, DP100 Plus, DP100NS and DP100FR), which are manufactured by 3M corporation of St. Paul, Minnesota In another example, a filler material may include 3M™ Scotch-Weld™ DP100 Plus Clear adhesive. In another example, a filler material may include low-viscosity, organic, solvent-based solutions and/or dispersions of polymers and other reactive chemicals such as MEGUM™, ROBOND™, and/or THIXON™ materials manufactured by the Dow Chemical Company, Auburn Hills, Michigan In yet another example, a filler material may be LOCTITE® materials manufactured by Henkel Corporation, Rocky Hill, Connecticut In another example, a filler material may be a polymer material such as an ethylene copolymer material that may absorb shock, isolate vibration, and/or dampen noise when a golf club head strikes a golf ball via the face portion. In another example, a filler material may be a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer, a fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer, a highly amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer comprising a magnesium ionomer, an injection moldable ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injection molding equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer that can be used in conventional extrusion equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer having high compression and low resilience similar to thermoset polybutadiene rubbers, and/or a blend of highly neutralized polymer compositions, highly neutralized acid polymers or highly neutralized acid polymer compositions, and fillers. For example, the ethylene copolymer may include any of the ethylene copolymers associated with DuPont™ High-Performance Resin (HPF) family of materials (e.g., DuPont′ HPF AD1172, DuPont™ HPF AD1035, DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPont™ HPF 2000), which are manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware The DuPont™ HPF family of ethylene copolymers are injection moldable and may be used with conventional injection molding equipment and molds, provide low compression, and provide high resilience, i.e., relatively high coefficient of restitution (COR). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. A filler material not specifically described in detail herein may include one or more similar or different types of materials described herein and in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Any of the filler materials described herein may be subjected to different processes during manufacturing of any of the golf club heads described herein. Such processes may include one or more filler materials being heated and/or cooled by conduction, convection, and/or radiation during one or more injection molding processes or post injection molding curing processes. For example, all of the heating and cooling processes may be performed by using heating or cooling systems that employ conveyor belts that move a golf club head described herein through a heating or cooling environment for a period of time as described herein. The processes of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more filler materials may be similar to any of the processes described in any of the incorporated by reference applications. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Any of the golf club heads described herein may be manufactured by casting from metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing a golf club head as described herein may be used such as 3D printing, or molding a golf club head from metal or non-metal materials such as ceramics.
All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a particular order of actions may be described herein with respect to one or more processes, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more actions in any of the processes described herein may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.
Procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of any of the golf club heads described herein. For example, a club head volume may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). Although the figures may depict particular types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head or iron-type golf club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head as described herein may have a volume that is within a volume range corresponding to certain type of golf club head as defined by golf governing bodies. A driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm3 or cc). In another example, a driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of 460 cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of between 100 cc and 300 cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180 cc. An iron-type golf club head may have a club head volume of between 25 cc and 100 cc. In one example, an iron-type golf club head may have a volume of 50 cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical characteristics of a certain type of golf club (i.e., driver, fairway wood, iron, etc.), but have a volume that may fall outside of the above described ranges. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
As the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
While the above examples may describe an iron-type or a wedge-type golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads (e.g., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, etc.). Further, although the above examples may describe steel-based material, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of metal materials, non-metal materials, or both.
Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. A numerical range defined using the word “between” includes numerical values at both end points of the numerical range. A spatial range defined using the word “between” includes any point within the spatial range and the boundaries of the spatial range. A location expressed relative to two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word “between” includes (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, and/or (iii) the boundaries of each element.
The terms “a,” “an,” and/or “the” used in the context of describing various embodiments the present disclosure are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The term “coupled” and any variation thereof refer to directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably connected” is defined such that two elements that are “removably connected” may be separated from each other without breaking or destroying the utility of either element.
The term “substantially” when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “close,” “immediate,” “nearby”, “neighboring”, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure.
The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely for clarification and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of any embodiments discussed herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alternative embodiments.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements disclosed herein. One or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
While different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described with respect to one or more features, a singular feature may comprise multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into one element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although methods may be disclosed as comprising one or more operations, a single operation may comprise multiple steps, and multiple operations may be combined into one step without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/868,043, filed Jul. 19, 2022, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,426,640, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 17/185,544, filed Feb. 25, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,192,003, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/985,382, filed Mar. 5, 2020. U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021, is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/155,486, filed Jan. 22, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/774,449, filed Jan. 28, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,926,142, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/179,406, filed Nov. 2, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,583,336, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/581,456, filed Nov. 3, 2017. U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/566,597, filed Sep. 10, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,207,575, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/272,269, filed Feb. 11, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,449,428, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/629,459, filed Feb. 12, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/714,948, filed Aug. 6, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/722,491, filed Aug. 24, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/732,062, filed Sep. 17, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/755,160, filed Nov. 2, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/756,446, filed Nov. 6, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/787,554, filed Jan. 2, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/792,191, filed Jan. 14, 2019. U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021 is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/099,362, filed Nov. 16, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,291,890, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/820,136, filed Mar. 16, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,874,919, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/590,105, filed Oct. 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,632,349, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/908,467, filed Sep. 30, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/903,467, filed Sep. 20, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/877,934, filed Jul. 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/877,915, filed Jul. 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/865,532, filed Jun. 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/826,310, filed Mar. 29, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/814,959, filed Mar. 7, 2019. U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021, is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 17/178,989, filed Feb. 18, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/789,167, filed Feb. 12, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,933,286. U.S. application Ser. No. 17/505,838, filed Oct. 20, 2021, is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/154,579, filed Jan. 21, 2021, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/702,063, filed Dec. 3, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,905,920, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/775,022, filed Dec. 4, 2018. The disclosures of the above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
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