GOLF CLUB WITH TRUSS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to golf clubs, and more specifically to a golf club having a truss structure.

BACKGROUND

Iron-type golf club heads often have either a muscle-back or a cavity-back configuration. Muscle-back irons have a thicker bottom, a thin top part, and no substantial rear cavity. Cavity-back irons have a ring-like mass of material surrounding a rear opening. Additionally, some irons have hybrid structures such as clubs that include an upper cavity and a lower muscle portion.

The purpose of these constructions is to tune performance. Club designers use different materials in different configurations to affect the club head's center of gravity or moment of inertia. Club designers further include multiple materials as well as combinations of light-weight and heavy-weight inserts hoping to create a club with a low center of gravity and a good feel.

Unfortunately, many of these clubs have unappealing vibration and deflection characteristics that adversely affect the feel of shots and the energy transfer to the golf ball during impact. Some designers try to dampen these unappealing vibrations by adding an elastic material in the club head. Since this involves adding bulk to the club head, this can defeat the performance tuning effects of carefully designed mass distribution.

SUMMARY

The invention provides a golf club head with a truss member that attenuates unwanted vibration while allowing for precise control of mass distribution. A truss member disposed from portion of a club head to another can adsorb and redistribute vibrational energy, allowing a club to exhibit appealing hitting characteristics. Further, a truss member can have sufficiently low mass that mass distribution of a club head can be optimized. Thus a club head with a truss member can exhibit desirable mass distribution and vibration characteristics.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head with a perimeter body including a top line and a sole portion coupled to a face and a hosel. The club head further includes at least one truss member extending between and coupling two portions of the perimeter body, for example, from the top line to the sole. The truss member may be angled or oriented substantially vertically, or optionally horizontally. A plurality of truss members may be included defining one or more spaces between them. A truss member can extend backwards (e.g., like a wall) from a back surface of the face or can be spaced away from the back surface.

In some embodiments, a truss member includes a weight member within or mounted thereon. The weight member can be repositionable to adjust a club head's mass properties (e.g., moment of inertia or center of gravity). In some embodiments, the weight member is slidable or threaded onto a truss member and can include an optional fastening mechanism, such as a set screw, to hold it in place.

In some embodiments, truss members are included that have a spoke-like morphology. For example, truss members can define a hub-and-spoke pattern as may generally call to mind the structure of a bicycle wheel. In such an arrangement, a hub element may be disposed in the cavity, e.g., spaced away from the back surface of the face. The truss members may generally define a radiating pattern between the hub member and the perimeter body. The hub member can have an indicia such as a graphic or a corporate logo displayed thereon.

In certain embodiments, a truss member has a threaded surface. For example, a spoke-like truss member may be functionally threaded into a spoke nipple in a perimeter of the club head. Or, a truss member may have a weight member threaded thereon.

A truss member can have a cross sectional shape that defines an idealized geometric closed curve, such as oval, round, square, or rectangle. In some embodiments, a cross sectional shape of a truss member is suited to certain manufacturing methods and does not define a closed curve and can be, for example, in a shape of an X, L, Z, W, T, Y, E, H, U, or N.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head having a perimeter body with a face mounted on it. The head includes at least two truss members. The truss members can be generally vertical, extending from a top line to a sole portion. They may be spaced away from a back surface of the face, spaced away from one another, or both. They may be substantially vertical, or at least closer to the vertical than to the horizontal when the club is at address.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a club head having a perimeter body with a face mounted on it. The head includes a truss member extending between and connecting at least two portions of the perimeter body, with a weight member repositionably coupled to the truss member. For example, the weight can be slidable along the truss member. A weight can be manually repositionable or it can require a tool. A weight can further include a fastening mechanism such as a set screw or adhesive to hold it in place.

In an embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter body includes a top line and a sole portion. The face is disposed on a front portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the perimeter body define a rear cavity. The face and the sole portion are coupled at a periphery of the face to define a channel between the sole portion and the face. The hosel is disposed at a heel end of the face and the perimeter body. The at least one truss member extends across at least a portion of the rear cavity and mechanically couples the sole portion and an area of the top line exhibiting maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency less than 5500 Hz.

In another embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter body includes a top line and a sole portion that forms a lower muscle portion. The lower muscle portion is at least partially hollow to define a lower cavity. The face is disposed on a front portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the perimeter body define an upper rear cavity in an upper portion of the golf club head. The hosel is disposed at a heel end of the face and the perimeter body. The at least one truss member extends across at least a portion of the upper rear cavity and mechanically couples the sole portion and an area of the top line exhibiting maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency less than 5500 Hz.

In another embodiment, a golf club head includes a perimeter body, a face, a hosel and at least one truss member. The perimeter body includes a top line and a sole portion. The face is disposed on a front portion of the perimeter body, and the face and the perimeter body define a rear cavity. The hosel is disposed at a heel end of the face and the perimeter body. The at least one truss member extends across at least a portion of the rear cavity and mechanically couples an area of the sole portion and an area of the top line. The area of the top line exhibits maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency less than 5500 Hz. The area of the sole portion exhibits maximum displacement of a vibration mode in a frequency less than 10,000 Hz.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a rear view of a golf club in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an alternative cross-sectional view corresponding to a view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a rear view schematically illustrating a vibration mode shape of a club head.

FIG. 8 is a rear view schematically illustrating a vibration mode shape of a club head.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of a golf club in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of another golf club in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the golf club of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view along line 15-15 of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the golf club of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a club head with one truss in a toe region.

FIG. 18 is a rear view of a club head with a truss structure including a hub member.

FIG. 19 is a rear view of a club head with a tab style truss structure.

FIG. 20A is a rear view of a club head with a seven truss system according to certain embodiments; and

FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line in FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21A is a rear view of a club head with a truss system with adjustable mass; and

FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line in FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 is a rear view of a club head with a spoke-and-hub truss system.

FIG. 23 is a rear view of a spoke-style truss system.

FIG. 24 is a rear view of a club head with eight-spoke plus hub truss system.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a club head with truss system with adjustable mass.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a truss system according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a truss system according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a truss system according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a truss system according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to golf clubs having a truss structure in a rear portion of the golf club head. In particular, the truss structure is configured to alter the vibration characteristics of portions of the golf club head. The end result of the present invention is a club that provides improved sound, feel and distance control. Several embodiments of the present invention are described below.

Other than in the operating examples, or unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical ranges, amounts, values and percentages such as those for amounts of materials, moments of inertias, center of gravity locations, loft and draft angles, and others in the following portion of the specification may be read as if prefaced by the word “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values inclusive of the recited values may be used.

Referring first to FIGS. 1-5, an embodiment of an iron-type golf head 1 including a truss structure will be described. Club head 1 is generally constructed as a perimeter weighted cavity back golf club head and comprises a perimeter body, a hosel 10, at least one truss member 12 and a face 14.

The perimeter body includes a top line 2, a toe portion 4, a heel portion 6, and a sole portion 8 and provides mass distribution of golf club head 1 that increases the moment of inertia by concentrating the mass of the club head at the perimeter of face 14. Sole portion 8 may further include mass concentrations to further tune the mass properties of club head 1. For example, in the present embodiment, sole portion 8 includes a heel mass 16 and a toe mass 18 and a central portion 20. Central portion 20 has a reduced height that combines with heel mass 16 and toe mass 18 to increase the moment of inertia about a Y-axis extending through the center of gravity of golf club head 1.

Face 14 is disposed on the perimeter body and provides a front ball striking surface. Face 14 may have a constant thickness, as shown, generally between about 1.5 mm and about 4.0 mm or it may have a variable thickness. For example, the face may have regions of greater thickness than other regions and in embodiments in which the truss members divide the face into portions, the portions may have different thicknesses. In other embodiments, the face may include a thicker lower portion adjacent the sole portion. Additionally, face 14 may be formed integral with perimeter body or as a separate component that is coupled to the perimeter body. Face 14 may be constructed from the same or a different material than the perimeter body and hosel 10, and it combines with the perimeter body to define a rear cavity.

The perimeter body may also be altered to provide discretionary mass. For example, top line 2 may include inserts 3 that are constructed of materials that are different than the remainder of top line 2. Preferably, inserts 3 are constructed from a material having a lower density than the material of the remainder of top line 2 so that the overall mass of top line 2 is reduced. It should be appreciated that inserts may be incorporated into any portion of the perimeter body including top line 2, toe portion 4, heel portion 6, and sole portion 8. Additionally, the material of the inserts is generally selected based on the location of the particular insert. In an embodiment, inserts included above a preselected height are constructed from a material, or materials, having a lower density than the remainder of the perimeter body, and inserts below that preselected height are constructed from a material, or materials, having higher density than the remainder of perimeter body. The discretionary mass may be dedicated to alter the mass characteristics of the golf club head, such as by using it to lower the location of the center of gravity or to increase the moment of inertia. Additionally, some of that discretionary mass may be utilized in the construction of truss members 12. Club heads are discussed further in U.S. Pub. 2004/0009829, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Hosel 10 is disposed on a heel end of face 14 and the perimeter body, and provides an attachment to a shaft so that club head 1 may be assembled into a complete golf club. Hosel 10 may be constructed integral with face 14 and/or the perimeter body. Hosel 10 may also be constructed from the same, or a different, material than face 14 and/or the perimeter body.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, golf club 1 is constructed to have a channel back configuration. In particular, sole portion 8 of the perimeter body is coupled to a back surface 22 of face 14 only at the perimeter thereof and the remainder of sole portion 8 is spaced from back surface 22 to define a channel 24. Channel 24 may be used to alter the location of the center of gravity of the club head and/or to alter the flexibility of face 14.

Golf club head 1 also includes at least one truss member 12. In the present embodiment, a pair of truss members 12 extend from sole portion 8 to top line 2 across the rear cavity. Preferably, truss members 12 extend to at least one portion of club head 1 that exhibits maximum displacement in at least one vibration mode in a frequency of less than about 10,000 Hz. More preferably, truss members 12 extend to a portion of the club head that exhibits maximum displacement in a vibration mode in a frequency of less than about 5500 Hz.

Truss members 12 are generally constructed as beams that extend between portions of golf club head 1. In the present embodiment, truss members 12 extend, unsupported, between sole portion 8 and top line 2. Truss members 12 extend between portions of top line 2 and sole portion 8 that exhibit maximum deflection in different vibration modes of club head 1. As a result, the displacement of each of those portions in the respective vibration mode is reduced and the vibration frequency is tuned to a more desirable frequency. By reducing the vibration displacement and tuning the frequency, the energy that would otherwise be wasted on vibration of the golf club head may be directed into the struck golf ball to provide a more efficient energy transfer. Structural member are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,665; U.S. Pat. No. 6,379,262; U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,689; U.S. Pub. 2009/0131199; and U.S. Pub. 2004/0018890, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The vibration characteristics of the golf club head are used to locate truss members 12. A golf club having the structure of club head 1 without truss members 12 was compared analytically to the structure of club head 1 using finite element analysis (FEA). The analysis provided a comparison of the vibration behavior of the golf club heads, which was used to tune the structure of the golf club head so that energy is more efficiently transferred during impact.

In particular, the golf club head without the truss members was analyzed and was determined to exhibit a top line vibration mode, i.e., a vibration mode in which the top line exhibits the maximum displacement of the mode, at a frequency of less than 4500 Hz, as shown schematically in FIG. 6. After the addition of truss members 12, the vibration behavior of club head 1 still included a top line vibration mode, but the frequency was increased above 4500 Hz and the magnitude of the displacement was reduced. For example, frequency of the top line vibration mode was increased from about 4190 Hz. to about 4960 Hz. by the addition of truss members 12. Preferably, truss members 12 are constructed to extend across a portion of the rear cavity to a portion of the golf club head that exhibits maximum displacement in a vibration mode having a frequency of less than 4500 Hz. Analysis is discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 5,877,970 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0160072, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The analysis determined that the vibration behavior of the club heads included additional vibration modes in other portions of the golf club head at different frequencies. For example, in another vibration mode, the golf club including a channel back structure and lacking the truss members exhibited another vibration mode including maximum displacement in areas of the sole portion, i.e., a sole vibration mode, corresponding to the heel mass and the toe mass. The club head without the truss members 12, exhibited a sole vibration mode at a frequency of about 5630 Hz, as shown schematically in FIG. 7. In club head 1, truss members 12 increased the frequency of the sole vibration mode to about 6600 Hz. and reduced the displacement magnitude of heel mass 16 and toe mass 18.

The alteration of that vibration behavior was achieved by utilizing truss members 12 to couple portions of the golf club head that are out of phase at each of the frequencies of the target modes. For example, in the top line vibration mode, the sole portion exhibits a small displacement magnitude relative to the top line. Similarly, in the sole vibration mode, the top line exhibits a small displacement magnitude relative to the sole portion. In embodiments in which the truss members couple two areas of maximum displacement, it is preferred that the frequencies of the vibration modes are below 10,000 Hz and more preferably, at least one of the frequencies is also less than 5500 Hz.

Truss members 12 are constructed to extend between top line 2 and heel mass 16 and toe mass 18 of sole portion 8 to reduce the displacement of those portions in the different vibration modes and to alter the vibration frequencies of the vibration modes. Truss members 12 support top line 2 and allow mass to be removed from face 14 by providing the ability to include a thinner face 14 because of the supported top line. In particular, truss members 12 provide support to top line 2 and increase its stiffness so that the overall structural integrity of the golf club head is maintained even with a thinner face. As a result, the inclusion of truss members 12 provides additional discretionary mass that can be more advantageously located to provide additional forgiveness by increasing the moment of inertia of the club head or by altering the location of the center of gravity.

The truss members may extend across the rear cavity at any selected angle. For example, they may be parallel, convergent or divergent toward the top line. Preferably, however, truss members 12 are angled relative to each other so that they are convergent toward top line 2. In particular, truss members 12 are angled relative to an XZ plane, that is generally horizontal relative to the golf club when it is in an address position, by an angle θ, that is between about 20° and about 90°. More preferably, angle 6 is between about 40° and about 70°. Additionally, the truss members may be spaced from each other or they may converge so that they are immediately adjacent each other at an end.

Truss members 12 may have any construction to provide any desired rigidity, but it is preferred that truss members 12 are constructed to rigidly couple the portions of the golf club head and so that their weight is minimized. Preferably, the weight of the truss members is less than about 12 grams and more preferably less than about 8 grams.

The truss members may be constructed as solid or hollow members. They may also have any cross-sectional shape such as I-beams, C-beams, curved, polygonal and the cross-sectional shape may change over the length of the truss member. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each truss member 12 decreases toward top line 2. Preferably, truss members 12 are rigid so that portions of the perimeter body are rigidly coupled.

Face 14 is preferably made from a lower density material than the perimeter body and hosel 10 to locate the center of gravity lower and further back and to increase moment of inertia and sweet spot size to improve the golfer's chances for effective ball-striking. Truss members 12 may be constructed from a material that is the same or different from any other portion of the club head. Preferably, truss members 12 are constructed from the same material as the portions to which they are attached. In particular, truss members 12 are attached to portions of top line 2 and sole portion 8 all of which are constructed from the same material. Face 14, the perimeter body, hosel 10 and truss members 12 may all be constructed from the same material. Preferably, face 14 has a density in the range of about 4 g/cm3 to about 8 g/cm3 and the perimeter body, hosel 10 and truss members 12 have a density in the range of about 9 g/cm3 to about 19 g/cm3. Suitable materials for the portions of the club head, including the truss members, include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, and alloys thereof. These material alternatives are applicable to all of the embodiments described herein.

Truss members 12 may be formed integral with face 14 and/or any portion of the perimeter body such as by being cast as a unit, or they may be separate components that are coupled to face 14 and/or the perimeter body in a secondary coupling procedure. Alternatively, the truss members may be coupled using any coupling technique, such as welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, etc. Additionally, truss members 12 may be removably coupled, or semi-permanently coupled, to face 14 and/or the perimeter body such as by using removable fasteners, or adhesive.

Further vibration tuning is accomplished using one or more damping inserts 26. Damping inserts 26 are inserted at least partially into channel 24 and abut rear surface 22 of face 14 and a forward surface 28 of sole portion 8. Damping inserts 26 may be compressed between face 14 and sole portion 8 or sized to slidably fit into a portion of channel 24. Damping inserts 26 may be constructed from any metallic or non-metallic vibration damping material, such as polyurethane, aluminum, nylon 6-6, silicone, viscoelastic adhesive, etc. Additionally, the damping inserts may be constructed of both damping and non-damping materials, such as rigid plastic with viscoelastic adhesive. In embodiments utilizing multiple damping inserts 26, the inserts may be constructed to provide different amounts of dampening at different locations, such as by utilizing different materials and dimensions.

Additional inserts may be incorporated into the rear cavity and coupled to rear surface 22 of face 14. As shown, the rear cavity of the golf club head is generally split into a heel portion, a central portion and a toe portion by truss members 12 when viewed from the rear of the golf club head. Golf club head 1 includes a plurality of cavity inserts, including a heel cavity insert 30, a central cavity insert 32 and a toe cavity insert 34. Each cavity insert may cover all or any portion of the rear surface of face 14 within the respective cavity portion.

The cavity inserts are generally coupled to back surface 22 of face 14. Each of heel cavity insert 30, central cavity insert 32 and toe cavity insert 34 has a cup-shaped structure including a base 36 and a side wall 37. Base 36 is generally planar and includes an attachment surface that is coupled to back surface 22 and an exposed surface 38 that may include indicia, logos or other markings. Side wall 37 extends aft ward from base 36 and abuts a portion of the perimeter body and the adjacent truss member 12.C09-38

Alternate constructions of truss members 12 are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, which generally correspond to a cross-sectional view of the truss member through line 5-5, shown in FIG. 1. The truss members may extend aft ward from face 14 or they may be spaced from the rear surface of face 14. As shown in FIG. 5, truss member 12 is spaced from face 14 so that a gap is formed therebetween. One or more of the cavity inserts may be configured to fit within, or partially within, the gap so that it abuts both face 14 and truss member 12. In particular, the toe ward edge of insert 30 extends in the gap between face 14 and truss member 12 and is sized to generally match the shape of the gap which has a greater fore-aft dimension in a lower portion than at an upper portion. Additionally, the height of insert 30 may be selected so that a lower portion abuts an upper surface of damping insert 26. Preferably, insert 30 is sized to abut truss member 12, face 14, damping insert 26 and the other adjacent side walls of the perimeter body to seal channel 24. Preferably, in embodiments including spaced truss members, the truss members are spaced from the face over the entirety of the length of the truss member so that the stiffness of the face is not increased directly from the truss member.

In another example, shown in FIG. 6, truss member 12 extends aft ward from face 14 such that there is no gap therebetween over the length of truss member 12. In that construction the rear cavity of golf club head 1 is divided so that there are three discrete and separate portions. Each of the discrete and separate portions of the rear cavity may include an insert such as the cavity inserts described above. Additionally, channel 24 may be separated into a plurality of discrete portions by truss members 12. Preferably, if inserts are included, the perimeter of each insert abuts the adjacent side walls of the respective cavity portion. Additionally, each of the plurality of discrete portions of channel 24 may further include one or more damping inserts 26.

Another embodiment of the golf club head of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7-10. Golf club head 40 is constructed as a perimeter weighted golf club head and comprises a perimeter body, a hosel 41, a plurality of truss members 42 and a face 43.

The perimeter body includes a top line 44, a toe portion, a heel portion, and a sole portion 45. Sole portion 45 of the perimeter body is coupled to a back surface of face 43 at the perimeter and over a lower portion thereof to form a lower muscle portion. Face 43 is disposed on the perimeter body and provides a front ball striking surface. In all of the described embodiments, the face may be an integral part of the perimeter body or it may be constructed separately as a face insert, as shown in FIGS. 9-12, and coupled to the perimeter body. A construction including a face insert may be selected to simplify the manufacture of the golf club head. For example, in channel back constructions or hollow muscle back constructions and constructions including truss members that are spaced from the face, those features can be difficult, or impossible, to create using casting or forging with an integral face, but by including a face insert the construction becomes easier to manufacture.

The combined perimeter body and face 43 define a rear cavity in an upper portion of golf club head 40. Hosel 41 is disposed on a heel end of face 43 and the perimeter body, and provides an attachment to a shaft so that club head 40 may be assembled into a complete golf club.

Sole portion 45 may be constructed as a solid or hollow muscle back portion. In the illustrated embodiment, sole portion 45 is constructed so that at least a portion of it is formed by a muscle back shell 46 that combines with face 43 to define an enclosed cavity 47. Muscle back shell 46 may be manufactured as a separate component that is coupled to the remainder of the perimeter body or as an integral part of the perimeter body. It should be appreciated that sole portion 45 may be entirely hollow, solid, or it may incorporate both hollow and solid portions. Furthermore, one or more weight members 48 may be included in hollow portions of sole portion if desired.

Truss members 42 extend from sole portion 45 across the rear cavity and are coupled, at an upper end, to top line 44. As a result, truss members 42 couple top line 42 to sole portion 45 to alter the vibration characteristics of golf club head 40. As described above, the truss members may be spaced from a rear surface of the face or they may extend aft ward from the face so that there is no space between the truss member and the face over the length of the truss member. Discussion of structures in club head can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,704,163; U.S. Pat. No. 7,201,669; U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,732; U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,118; and U.S. Pub. 2010/0029406

Referring now to FIGS. 13-16, in another embodiment, golf club head 51 is configured as a putter-type golf club head. Golf club head 51 includes a perimeter body, a hosel 60, at least one truss member 62 and a face 64.

The perimeter body includes a top line 52, a toe portion 54, a heel portion 56, and a sole portion 58 and provides mass distribution that of golf club head 51 that increases the moment of inertia by concentrating the mass of the club head at the perimeter of face 64. Sole portion 58 may further include mass concentrations to further tune the mass properties of club head 51. For example, in the present embodiment, sole portion 58 includes a heel mass 66 and a toe mass 68 and a central portion 70 having a reduced height that combine to increase the moment of inertia about a Y-axis extending through the center of gravity of golf club head 51. Face 64 combines with the perimeter body to define a rear cavity.

Hosel 60 is disposed on a heel end of face 64 and the perimeter body, and provides an attachment to a shaft so that club head 51 may be assembled into a complete golf club. Hosel 60 may be constructed integral with face 64 and/or the perimeter body. Hosel 60 may also be constructed from the same or different material than face 64 and/or the perimeter body.

Golf club head 51 includes at least one truss member 62. In the present embodiment, a plurality of truss members 62 extends from sole portion 58 to a back surface 72 of face 64 across a portion of the rear cavity. Preferably, truss members 62 extend to at least one portion of club head 1 that exhibits maximum displacement in at least one vibration mode in a frequency of less than about 8500 Hz.

Truss members 62 extend from central sole portion 70 to back surface 72 of face 64 and are generally formed of a first portion 74 extending from sole portion 58 and a second portion 75 extending between first portion 74 and back surface 72. First portion 74 extends generally upward from central sole portion 70 at an angle a with respect to a vertical reference plane. Angle a may be positive, negative or zero, and is generally in a range of about −45° to about 60°, but is preferably in a range of about 0° to about 45°. Second portion 75 extends generally laterally from first portion 74 to back surface 72 of face 64 adjacent top line 52. Second portion 75 is angled relative to first portion 74 by an angle p. Angle p is in a range of about 0° to about 135°, but is preferably in a range of about 45° to about 90°.

As shown, the plurality of truss members 62 includes three truss members 62, but it should be appreciated that any number of truss members 62 may be included. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the truss members may have any cross-sectional shape. For example, the cross-sectional shape may be circular, polygonal, I-beam shaped, channel shaped, etc.

Truss members 62 may be formed integral with face 64 and/or any portion of the perimeter body or they may be separate components that are coupled to face 64 and/or the perimeter body in a secondary coupling procedure.

Additionally, truss members 62 may be removably coupled, or semi-permanently coupled, to face 64 and/or the perimeter body. For example, truss members 62 may be attached using removable fasteners, or adhesive. Structural members in putters are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,854,665 and U.S. Pub. 2011/0275453, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

Regardless of club head type (e.g., putter, iron, wedge, hybrid, driver), one or more of a truss member 12 can be included to structurally span an area of a club head and improve vibration dampening or playability or to aid in optimizing moment of inertia or center of gravity. For example, one or more of truss member 62 as shown on a putter in FIGS. 14-16 could be adapted for inclusion on a cavity/muscle hybrid backed iron to dampen vibration (e.g., along a topline). Thus, while different dispositions of a truss member 12 on different types of club heads may serve to optimize mass properties and resonance properties in different or similar ways, disclosed embodiments may generally be implemented in a variety of club head types. For example, FIGS. 17-25 show embodiments of the invention as related to irons, but may be adapted to conform to other club head types.

In general, a truss can be included in any kind of golf club head. For example, in a driver, a truss could be in a skirt portion, extending between a crown and a sole, on either a side or a rear of the driver. In some embodiments, a truss is included in a driver on a skirt near the face (e.g., off to the side from the face) on the heel side, toe side, or both. In certain embodiments, a truss extends along a crow portion of a club head. As shown in the figures herein, in a putter, a truss can be on the back of a face of a putter. In some embodiments, a truss is in the back of a face of a putter.

As described herein throughout, a truss may be hollow, partially solid, completely solid, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, a truss is solid at either end, with a hollow portion in between the ends. In certain embodiments, a truss is solid at one end and hollow at the other (e.g., where the truss is substantially vertical when a club is at address, it may be solid near the sole and hollow near the crown).

In certain embodiments, a single truss member 12 can dampen vibration, contribute to MOI, strengthen a club head structure, tune face rebound (COR), or any combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, addition of at least one of truss member 12 improves the face rebound due to flexure of the truss. Without being bound to any theory, it is possible that elastic properties in materials in a truss contribute restitution forces to a face. Further, since a truss can contribute to coefficient of restitution with greater efficiency than a full panel of material (i.e., greater contribution per unit area or significance of contribution to COR outweighs significant addition of weight), one or more truss may particularly tune COR, improve mass distribution properties (CG and/or MOI), or both.

Combinations of properties and materials add additional benefits. For example, in some embodiments a truss includes a material that can be manipulated or injected from the outside. For example, a golf club can have hollow trusses with valves, and a golfer (or a consultant at a pro shop) can inject a fluid into a truss (e.g., with a syringe) to tune mass distribution properties of a club head. In certain embodiments, a truss includes a ferro-fluidic or thermally activated material as a means to adjust mass properties or stiffness (e.g., flexure or tension). To illustrate, a truss can be provided that has, by default, a lumen within that is filled about 50% with a solid thermally activated material. A golfer can make shots with the club and, if desired, activate the material and hold the club head in a desired position while the material flows and re-solidifies. In trusses that are generally vertically oriented at address, this provides a mechanism by which a golfer may tune the vertical bias of a club head center of gravity. In a spoke-and-hub array, fine tuning the club's MOI is possible (e.g., by spinning while liquefied).

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a club head having truss member 12 extending from about a highest point in the topline (when the club is at address) to a portion of the sole and disposed generally in a toe region. Truss member 12 may instead be disposed in a heel region or extend up a central portion of the back. Behind truss member 12 is back surface 22 of the strike face.

In some embodiments, truss member 12 has a substantially regular cross-sectional profile (e.g., triangular, L-shaped, square) along its length. Further, truss member 12 can have a cross sectional dimension that is substantially constant along a length or that tapers (e.g., very gradually, as shown in FIG. 17). Without being bound by any mechanism, it can be theorized that a uniform dimension and a cross section that is L-shaped, X-shaped, T-shaped, Y-shaped, I-shaped, H-shaped, O-shaped, W-shaped, D-shaped, V-shaped, Z-shaped, or polygonal provides excellent strength and rigidity while allowing for a particularly light weight (e.g., a truss member with a cross-sectional shape defining an open square can be substantially lighter than a member with a cross-sectional shape defining a closed square). In fact, in certain embodiments, the invention provides an iron-type club head having a perimeter that includes a top line area, a toe area, a sole area, and a heel area. The club head includes one truss oriented in a vertical direction when the club is at address, the truss having a cross-sectional profile that is substantially uniform or gradually tapered along its length. The cross-section may have one of the shapes recited above. The truss extends from the top line area to the sole area, and can be disposed in a toe region, a heel region, or in the middle (depending on a desired effect on MOI, for example). In some embodiments, more than one such truss is included (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.). Structures for club heads are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,812; U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,707; and U.S. Pub. 2010/0234131, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

A truss member 12 may generally include the same material as found in a surrounding component of a club head or it may be separately formed and include a separate material. In certain embodiments, a truss is co-molded in a backplate portion of a club head. Co-molding head components is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,938,740 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0137074, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, one or more of truss member 12 aid in supporting an additional structural or ornamental element such as, for example, hub member 81 as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a rear view of a club head in which a truss structure having eight of truss member 12 supports hub member 81. Hub member 81 can offer exceptional tuning and playability benefits, being positioned as shown or differently to lower a center of gravity or to pleasantly distribute vibrational energy to prevent uncomfortable vibrations. By using a hub member 81 to tune mass distribution of energy management, a club head is provided with positive and enjoyable playing characteristics.

In certain embodiments, a truss structure as shown in FIG. 18 including several of truss member 12 is disposed to define a substantially smooth continuation of a back-most surface of the perimeter of the club head. That is, in certain embodiments, each of truss member 12 has a surface that smoothly continues to an outside surface of the club head for optimized strength and aesthetic appeal. Without being bound by any mechanism, it can be theorized that structural elements that terminate in a stepped-in portion can introduce stress risers or fatigue points.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18, the invention provides a club head having a truss system that includes several of truss member 12 cooperating to suspend a hub member 81, optionally spaced away from a back surface 22 of a club striking face. Hub member 81 presents a natural and attractive place to put a medallion (e.g., stamped with a corporate logo, functional information, or other indicia). Each of truss member 12 may independently be spaced away from back surface 22 or extend back from surface 22. Structural members in club heads are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 7,789,771 and U.S. Pub. 2010/0267463, the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

In certain embodiments, a few or several of truss member 12 can define a tab portion extending from a perimeter of a club head. FIG. 19 is a rear view of a club head with a tab style truss structure extending inward (e.g., towards the distal perimeter) from the perimeter. As shown in FIG. 19, about five of truss member 12 extend from a perimeter of the club head to a linking cross bar, defining a tab member having four openings in its back-most surface. Where the tab member is spaced away from back surface 22, each opening defines an aperture through the tab member. As shown in FIG. 19, the tab member depends from a top line of the club head. However, a tab member may protrude from any portion of the perimeter of the club head (e.g., upward from the sole, inward and upward from the sole/toe or sole/heel, inward from the heel or the toe, inward and downward from the top/toe or top/heel). It may be found that a tab member provides excellent rigidity and vibration dampening without limiting a coefficient of restitution of a club head. A club head including a truss system defining a tab member may offer the benefit of a very lively sweet spot (e.g., give shots with great distance) while having structurally sound perimeter members that do not fatigue and also having good vibration dampening. Club head structures are discussed in U.S. Pub. 2011/0275454; U.S. Pub. 2011/0009205; and U.S. Pub. 2004/0018890, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

In certain embodiments, a plurality of truss member 12 is provided. Each of truss member 12 may span a portion of a back of the club head extending, for example, from a top line to a sole region. For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, a club head can include more than four (here, seven) truss members, each of which extend substantially from a topline or near topline to a sole region or nearby. As shown in FIG. 20A, the termini of the plurality of truss member 12 are arrayed along the top line, spaced apart in a substantially uniform fashion. Along the sole, the termini define substantially only three contact points. One contact point that is heel-ward of center includes termini of three of truss member 12, as does the toe-ward contact point. The club head depicted in FIG. 20A includes one substantially vertical truss member disposed generally near a center of the back in a heel-toe direction. Behind the truss system, back surface 22 of the club's strike face can be seen. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line in FIG. 20A showing that each of truss member 12 is spaced away from back surface 22, giving the club head a generally open, cage-like area within.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show a club head with a system of substantially vertical trusses. As shown in FIG. 21A, a club head can include a number (e.g., 4, 5, 6, . . . ) of vertical truss member 12, each extending substantially from a top line to a sole portion of a club head. As shown in FIG. 21A, each of truss member 12 has a square cross sectional shape. However, in some embodiments, a truss member has a substantially round cross sectional shape. The trusses are spaced apart so that a back surface 22 of a club strike face can be seen through them. Turning to FIG. 21B, it can be seen that each of truss member 12 is spaced away from the club striking face. However, in some embodiments, each truss extends backwards from the front of the club so that each pair of trusses can be viewed as wall-like, defining a compartment therebetween. To the extent that trusses define a space between a back and a front of a club head as shown in FIG. 21B, that area can be an open void or it can be filled partially or completely with metal; an insert (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)); a medallion; weight members; or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, a bottom area of a space inside of the club head (e.g., between the trusses and a back surface of the strike face) includes a TPU insert extending substantially from a heel end to a toe end of the club head (e.g., occupying only approximately the bottom 15% to 55% of the club head volume). A TPU insert can include (e.g., embedded therein) dense or heavyweight members such as lead or tungsten member (cubes, spheres, lozenges, amorphous, custom, etc.).

In certain embodiments, for example, as depicted in FIGS. 21A, 21B, and 25, a truss member 12 comprises a repositionable weight member 85. As shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B, weight member 85 is slidable along a portion of a length of truss member 12. Any or all of truss member 12 may include one or more of weight member 85. A golfer or pro-shop consultant can customize a mass distribution of a club head by positioning weight member 85 in a specific location. Weight member 85 can include a mechanism to hold its position during play.

In some embodiments, weight member 85 holds its position during play because it includes a material that exerts substantial pressure or friction on truss member 12. For example, weight member 85 can include rubber or material that exerts a compressive force (e.g., a plastic or elastic or malleable material (e.g., a metal) that is dimensioned with a tight fit with respect to truss member 12) on truss member 12.

In certain embodiments, weight member 85 includes a retention screw that can be tightened to exert a clamping force on truss member. In some embodiments, a weight member includes a clamp-on form factor as in a split-shot sinker or a tension hinge for example, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,996,931. A weight member 85 can further be provided that does not clamp into a position on truss member 12, but is adhered into a position on truss member 12, for example, through the use of an adhesive or solder. In some embodiments, weight member 85 is provided as part of kit for customizing a club head, and the kit includes one or more of weight member 85, an adhesive (e.g., glue or solder) for positioning the weight and fixing it into place, and optionally a pamphlet or card including instructions or explanation of club head weighting (see, e.g., discussion in U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,641, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, truss member 12 includes at least a portion with a substantially round cross-sectional profile and a threaded exterior surface (in an alternative embodiment, truss member 12 includes a threaded exterior surface without having a substantially round cross-sectional profile). Weight member 85 includes a threaded interior surface and can be repositioned along a length of truss member 12 by spinning or twisting it, causing it to translate along a length of truss member 12 due to the interaction of the threaded surfaces. Structural elements in club heads are discussed further in U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,032; U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,297; U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,563; U.S. Pat. No. 4,052,075; U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,630; U.S. Pat. No. 2,460,445; and U.S. Pub. 2010/0099511, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

In some embodiments, a truss member includes a material in a conformation generally describable as spoke like. A spoke-like truss member 12 generally has a thin or a wire-like or a cable-like appearance and can contribute good strength and energy dampening properties to a club head while also contributing very pleasing and appealing visual characteristics. One insight of the invention is that bicycle wheels and suspension bridges use spoke-like or cable-like members under tension to good effect to provide very strong and lightweight structures. By including a structure that can be strong or lightweight in desired aspects, discretionary mass can be placed in a club head in desired distributions.

In some embodiments, a club head includes an array including a number of spoke member 89 for example, connecting a hub element 81 to an outer perimeter as shown in FIG. 22. A club head such as is shown in FIG. 22 can be provided by assembling a plurality of wire members 89 into a spoke array and attaching them to a back of hub element 81 (e.g., by welding) to create a spoke-and-hub badge that can then be positioned and fixed within a perimeter of a club head (e.g., by welding). A club head as shown in FIG. 22 can be provided by a stitching method in which holes are include through a wall of the perimeter body of the club head, and wire is threaded through the holes to the back of hub element 81. Each hole can have one wire threaded therethrough or a single or a few pieces of wire can be threaded through all of the holes. In certain embodiments, one wire is provided per pair of holes, the wire generally having a U-shape. The stems of the U are threaded through the holes and the tips of the stems are fixed to the back of hub member 81 so that the base of the U is inside of the perimeter of the club head. In some embodiments, each spoke member 89 spans a perimeter of the club head, and hub member 81 is mounted at or near a crossing point (e.g., for decorative purposes or for weight modulation). Any number of spoke member 89 can be included (where U-shaped wires are used, it will generally appear that an even number of spoke member 89 is included) such as, for example, 2, 4, 12, 16, 28, 32, 36, 40, 48, 64, 144, etc. A spoke member 29 can be provided including metal (e.g., wire), plastic, fabric, a synthetic polymer, or other materials. Club head structures are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,482,107 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,280, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

As mentioned above, an array of spoke member 89 and hub member 81 can be formed as a badge or medallion element separately from the club head. FIGS. 18, 21A, and 22 viewed in relation to one another illustrate a snap-fit construction provided in certain embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, a truss or a medallion element can be snapped into place in the back of a club head. For example, in some embodiments, each of truss member 12 can be snapped of the club head for on-the-fly customization. A medallion element such as the entire spoke array illustrated in FIG. 22 can be snapped into the club head and subsequently removed. A spoke-and-hub style medallion need not strictly have wire-style spokes. FIG. 18 depicts a club head having an 8-spoke spoke-and-hub style medallion that, in some embodiments, can be snapped out of the club head. In some embodiments, any truss, combination of trusses, or medallion-style element including spoke members or truss members use a snap-fit assembly to be interchangeable, allowing a golfer to customize their club to their preferences.

In certain aspects, the invention provides a kit for customizing a golf club that includes one or more truss elements that can be added to a club head. A kit may include plurality of trusses of varying weights, stiffnesses, or appearances which a golfer may select from based on personal preference or playing style. For example, in some embodiments, each of truss member 12 as shown in FIG. 21A is separable from the club head (either via a snap-fit construction or through the use of a tool). A kit of trusses is provided that may be sold, for example, with an instruction card or pamphlet that illustrates concepts of moment of inertia or other interesting material to a golfer. A golfer can use the kit to customize a club head to his or her playing style, for example, correcting a hook or a slice through the appropriate heel or toe weighting as implemented by, for example, a heavyweight truss near one of the heel and the toe and a lightweight truss near the other. In some embodiments, a lightweight truss is a hollow metal or plastic member (e.g., aluminum) and a heavyweight truss includes tungsten or another high density metal.

In some embodiments, a club head includes one or more of spoke member 89 that span a portion of a club head (e.g., not necessarily terminate in a hub member). FIG. 23 is a rear view of a spoke-style truss system in which a number (here, 4) of spoke member 89 extend from a top line to a sole portion of a perimeter of a club head. As shown in FIG. 23, a spoke member 89 can terminate in a spoke nipple 87. A spoke nipple 87 may be rotatably mounted in part of a club head. Where a spoke nipple 87 includes a threaded interior surface and a spoke member 89 includes a threaded end portion, a club can be adjusted for tension, strength, etc., by rotating a spoke nipple 87. Spoke nipple 87 can be rotated (e.g., twisted, tightened, loosened) with a specialized tool such as, for example, a spoke wrench (see, e.g., spoke wrench item #SW-2 offered by Park Tool Co. (St. Paul, Minn.). Spoke member 89 may be metal, plastic, a polymer and may have any structure including, for example, single or double-butted. While shown in FIG. 23 as having a generally bicycle spoke-like construction and functionality, other embodiments are included in the invention including, for example, members monolithically formed with a club head body. In some embodiments, a spoke member 89 having a general orientation and disposition as shown in FIG. 23, 24, or 25 are cast, forged, molded, sintered, or otherwise formed as part of at least a portion of a club head body (e.g., same material).

FIG. 24 is a rear view of a club head with eight-spoke plus hub truss system. As shown in FIG. 24, hub member 81 can be suspended near a center of a perimeter of a club head body through the interaction of a number of spoke member 89. In this configuration, hub member 81 can be spaced away from a back surface 22 of a striking face. Hub member 81 can have visible spoke heads protruding on a surface, or such structures may be concealed. Hub member 81 can presented a badge, medallion, or other cosmetic element. Spoke member 89 and spoke nipple 87 can be functional, as in a bicycle wheel, or non-functional (e.g., all of a solid molded piece). Spoke nipple 87 as shown in FIG. 24 is an optional feature of certain embodiments and in some embodiments, one or more of spoke member 89 are simply mounted at an end portion, for example, welded or protruding through a hole or formed with an adjacent material.

In certain embodiments, a truss provides an informational benefit to a golfer. For example, an array of trusses can be provided in which, for any given golf shot, the spot on the face that makes contact with the golf ball is indicated by the truss that is subject to a maximum amount of stress. A truss can include an indicator that reveals a relative amount of stress. For example, in some embodiments, a truss includes a metal that exhibits a color change as it fatigues. After, for example, ten or one hundred hits, the truss members that exhibit the greatest color change indicate a region of the face where the golfer is making contact with the ball. In certain embodiments, each truss member includes a piezoelectric mechanism that can, for example, illuminate in response to a hit. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate arrangements suitable for active information truss according to certain embodiments. Each truss could be a stress-indicating truss, or each nipple element could include a piezoelectric sensor. In some embodiments, a truss is further linked to a device such as a light-emitting diode to indicate a hit. Other possible elements for active information truss sets include one or more of a battery, wiring, counter, etc.

FIG. 25 is a rear view of a club head with truss system with adjustable mass. The elements as shown in FIG. 25 are for use with any suitable embodiment of the invention including, e.g., embodiments disclosed throughout, and allow a center of gravity or a moment of inertia of a club head to be customized. A club head can include one or more of a truss member 12 or a spoke member 89 (shown in FIG. 25 generally having a spoke member construction) having positioned thereon a movable weight mass element. A member can include barrel weight 95, ring weight 93, or torus weight 91 partially or fully surrounding the truss or spoke member. A barrel weight 95 can optionally have a gap along a side allowing it to be clipped to a spoke or truss member (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,612,612). A ring weight 93 can have a closeable fastening assembly such as is described, for example, in U.S. Pub. 2008/0101889. Any of barrel weight 95, ring weight 93, or torus weight 91 can optionally be provided as closed ring or tubular shaped elements that surround a spoke or truss member completely. They can be dimensioned to exert enough compressional force on a spoke or truss member to allow them to be manually moved, but to retain their positioning while a club is in play. In some embodiments, a club head such as is shown in any of FIGS. 14, 15, 23, 21A, 20A, 18, 17, or any other suitable embodiment of the invention includes several repositionable weight members that can be positioned to optimize mass properties of a club head. For example, with continued reference to FIG. 25, in an alternative embodiment, each of spoke member 89 includes two of barrel weight 95. A golfer who wants a very low center of gravity and a toe bias can cut off or melt off those of barrel weight 95 that are above the hub member or near the heel and can slide the other of barrel weight 95 in a downward (when the club is at address) and toe-ward direction.

FIGS. 26-29 show diagrams of possible arrangements for trusses according to various embodiments. FIG. 26 shows a six-spoke model in which six of truss member 12 define a radiating pattern between hub member 81 and a perimeter body of a club head. FIG. 27 shows an embodiment in which a club head includes six trusses that are substantially vertical. FIG. 28 shows a five-spoke model in which trusses include repositionable weight members. The dotted lines indicate a path along a truss along which a weight member can slide. FIG. 29 shows an embodiment include two vertical trusses and six trusses radiating from a hub.

As used throughout, any reference to direction that does not otherwise specify is made with reference to a club head at address.

While it is apparent that the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed herein fulfill the objectives stated above, it is appreciated that numerous modifications and other embodiments may be devised by those skilled in the art. Therefore, it will be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which would come within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

References and citations to other documents, such as patents, patent applications, patent publications, journals, books, papers, web contents, have been made throughout this disclosure. All such documents are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	13488847	Jun 2012	US
Child	14310392		US

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	12709679	Feb 2010	US
Child	13488847		US

GOLF CLUB WITH TRUSS

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

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CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

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