TWI896508B - Golf club head with low hosel bore - Google Patents

Abstract

Described herein is an iron-type golf club head comprising a shortened hosel and lowered hosel bore. The iron-type golf club head allows for a range of loft and lie adjustability post-manufacture with maintained or reduced deformation and durability loss, and also creates discretionary mass that can be placed strategically for performance benefits.

Description

Golf club head with low hosel hole

The present invention relates to a golf club, and more particularly to a golf club head having a low-positioned hosel hole.

Many golfers customize their clubs or club sets to suit their swing style, height, or other physical requirements. This custom club setup typically involves adjusting the loft and lie angles to ensure the clubface is properly aligned at address. When customizing golf club heads, players typically specify their custom adjustment specifications in advance, allowing manufacturers to build the club to those specifications. However, this approach not only requires a long production lead time before delivery, but also prevents players from adjusting the clubheads after receiving them. Consequently, the industry has sought ways to allow users to bend the clubface angle during the assembly process after manufacturing or assembly. However, the more bends in the clubface, the more likely the club will experience material deformation at the bends. This can cause unsightly creases on clubheads made of materials such as chromium, or negatively impact durability.

During manufacturing, the hosel is typically adjusted to orient the golf club face, creating an initial loft and lie angle. These loft and lie angles are then set through post-manufacturing adjustments such as bending. As hosel bending increases, the club can gradually develop cosmetic defects such as stress marks and/or structural failure. For example, the post-manufacturing bending adjustment range for club heads is typically limited to approximately ±2 degrees; exceeding this limit can lead to stress marks or structural failure. Therefore, the industry needs a technology that allows golf club heads to withstand post-manufacturing bending without causing actual stress marks or failure.

The present invention provides an iron-type golf club head with a shorter hosel and a lower hosel hole. The iron-type golf club head offers post-manufacturing adjustability for loft and sole adjustment while maintaining or reducing the potential for deformation and loss of durability. It also enables the creation of strategically placed, configurable masses that contribute to improved performance.

Definition

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," "fifth," and so forth, used in the following description and claims are intended to distinguish similar elements and do not necessarily describe a specific sequential or sequential order. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments described herein are capable of operation in an order different from that illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive, so that a process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device that includes a set of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or included in the process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device.

As used herein, the terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "above," and "below," and similar terms, are used for descriptive purposes only and do not necessarily refer to permanent relative positions. It should be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable where appropriate such that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are capable of operation, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or described herein.

"Connected" and similar terms should be interpreted broadly to mean the connection of two or more components or signals, whether mechanical or otherwise. Such connection (whether mechanical or otherwise) may last for any length of time, such as permanently, semi-permanently, or temporarily.

As used herein, the "striking face" or "striking surface" refers to the front surface of the club head used to strike a golf ball. The term "striking face" and "clubface" are used interchangeably.

The term "hosel" as used in this article refers to the component on the heel side of the club head that connects the club head body to the club shaft.

As used herein, the "geometric center" or "geometric center" of a ball striking surface may refer to the geometric center point on the perimeter of the ball striking surface, located at the midpoint of the ball striking surface's height. In the same or other examples, the geometric center point may also be centered relative to a designed striking area, such as a grooved area on the ball striking surface. Alternatively, the geometric center point of the ball striking surface may be located according to definitions set forth by golf governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The term "ground plane" as used herein is defined as the reference plane relative to the surface on which the golf ball rests. The ground plane may be a horizontal plane tangent to the bottom of the golf ball at address.

As used herein, "lie angle" refers to the angle between the hosel axis extending through the hosel and the ground plane. Lie angle is measured from the front of the clubhead.

As used herein, "high impact bevel" or "high impact angle" refers to the angle measured between the high impact plane and the XY plane (defined below).

The "XYZ" coordinate system of a golf club head, as referred to herein, is based on the geometric center of the striking face. The dimensions of a golf club head described herein can be measured using the coordinate system defined below. The coordinate system based on the geometric center of the striking face has the geometric center of the striking face as its origin. This coordinate system has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The X-axis extends from the heel to the toe of the golf club head through the geometric center of the striking face. The Y-axis extends from the top to the sole of the golf club head through the geometric center of the striking face. The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis. The Z-axis extends from the toe to the heel of the golf club head through the geometric center of the striking face. The Z-axis is perpendicular to both the X-axis and the Y-axis.

The term "center of gravity" or "CG position" as used herein refers to the location of the clubhead's center of gravity (CG) in the aforementioned XYZ coordinate system. The CG position is characterized by its position along the X, Y, and Z axes. "CGx" refers to the position of the CG on the X axis, measured from the origin. "CGy" refers to the position of the CG on the Y axis, measured from the origin. "CGz" refers to the position of the CG on the Z axis, measured from the origin.

The term "moment of inertia" (hereinafter referred to as "MOI") in this document refers to a value derived from the center of gravity (CG) position. This MOI calculation assumes the clubhead consists of a body and hosel. "MOI _xx " or "I _xx " refers to the MOI measured about the X-axis. "MOI _yy " or "I _yy " refers to the MOI measured about the Y-axis. "MOI _zz " or "I _zz " refers to the MOI measured about the Z-axis. MOI _xx , MOI _yy , and MOI _zz determine the clubhead's tolerance for off-center hits.

The following detailed description and accompanying drawings illustrate other features and aspects of the present invention. Before discussing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is noted that the application of the present invention is not limited to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following description or accompanying drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and implementation in various ways. It is also noted that the description of specific embodiments herein is not intended to limit the present invention to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting in any way.

For ease of discussion and understanding, the golf club head 100 is described below using an iron-type club head as an example. It should be understood that while an iron club is used as an example, one or more attributes of the present invention are not limited to iron clubs and may be applied to any suitable golf club, including irons, chipping clubs, putters, or other golf clubs that are intended to provide improved performance and aesthetics to a player through ideal resting lobe angles, hosel tilts, center of gravity (CG), or other attributes. For example, the club head 100 may include, but is not limited to, 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, a pitching wedge, a chipping wedge, a utility chipping wedge, a bunker wedge, a high-flying chipping wedge, and/or a putting club. In addition, the loft angle of the golf club head 100 may range from about 3 degrees to about 65 degrees (including but not limited to 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 15.5, 16, 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18, 18.5, 19, 19.5, 20, 20.5, 21, 21.5, 22, 22.5, 23, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25, 25.5, 26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 31, 31.5, 32, 32.5 ,33,33.5,34,34.5,35,35.5,36,36.5,37,37.5,38,38.5,39,39.5,40,40.5,41,41.5,42,42.5,43,43.5,44,44.5,45,45.5,46,46.5,47,47.5,48,48.5,49, 49.5, 50, 50.5, 51, 51.5, 52, 52.5, 53, 53.5, 54, 54.5, 55, 55.5, 56, 56.5, 57, 57.5, 58, 58.5, 59, 59.5, 60, 60.5, 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5 and/or 65 degrees).

As used herein, an "iron" refers, in certain embodiments, to an iron-type golf club head having a loft angle of less than about 50 degrees, less than about 49 degrees, less than about 48 degrees, less than about 47 degrees, less than about 46 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 44 degrees, less than about 43 degrees, less than about 42 degrees, less than about 41 degrees, or less than about 40 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

In many embodiments, the golf club head may be an "iron-type" club head. As used herein, "iron-type" club heads include various subsets of iron-type club heads, such as, but not limited to, short chipping clubs with higher lofts for short clubs and irons with lower lofts for longer distances, also known as "crossover irons."

In many embodiments, the loft angle of an iron-type or chipping-type golf club head is less than about 50 degrees, less than about 49 degrees, less than about 48 degrees, less than about 47 degrees, less than about 46 degrees, less than about 45 degrees, less than about 44 degrees, less than about 43 degrees, less than about 42 degrees, less than about 41 degrees, or less than about 40 degrees. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the golf club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

In many embodiments, the total volume of the iron-type or chip-type golf club head is between 1.9 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches. In some embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head may be between 1.9 cubic inches and 2.4 cubic inches, between 2.0 cubic inches and 2.5 cubic inches, between 2.1 cubic inches and 2.6 cubic inches, between 2.2 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches, between 2.3 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches, or between 2.4 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches. In other embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head 100 may be 1.9 cubic inches, 2.0 cubic inches, 2.1 cubic inches, 2.2 cubic inches, 2.3 cubic inches, 2.4 cubic inches, 2.5 cubic inches, 2.6 cubic inches, or 2.7 cubic inches.

In many embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head is between 200 grams and 300 grams. In some embodiments, the total mass of the golf club head is between 200 grams and 210 grams, between 210 grams and 220 grams, between 220 grams and 230 grams, between 230 grams and 240 grams, between 240 grams and 250 grams, between 250 grams and 260 grams, between 255 grams and 260 grams, between 260 grams and 270 grams, between 265 grams and 275 grams, between 270 grams and 280 grams, between 275 grams and 280 grams, or between 250 grams and 270 grams. In other embodiments, the total mass may be 200 g, 205 g, 210 g, 220 g, 225 g, 230 g, 235 g, 240 g, 245 g, 250 g, 255 g, 260 g, 265 g, 270 g, 275 g, 280 g, 285 g, 290 g, 295 g, or 300 g.

100: Clubhead

104: Body

108: Toe (or "toe tip")

110: Socket

112: Heel (or "heel end")

114: Crown (or "top edge")

115: Bottom (or "bottom")

116: Front (or "front side")

118: rear (or "back end", "back side", "back side", or "dorsal side")

120: Panel (also called "striking panel", "club face", or "striking surface")

122: Hitting Surface

125: Groove

126: Upper part

128: Lower part

130: convex strip

132: Heel-toe transition

135: Insert shaft

142: First end of the hosel (also called the "proximal end of the hosel")

144: Second end of the hosel (also called the "distal end of the hosel")

145: Transition plane

150: Insert hole

152: First end of the hosel hole (also called the "hosel hole proximal end")

154: Second end of the hosel hole (also called the "distal end of the hosel hole")

155: Top of the insert hole

156: Top weight

157: Toe weight

158: Insert hole wall

160: Ground Plane

165: First shaft (also called "top connecting sheath shaft")

166: Sheath Height

170: Second axis (also called "hoses connecting to the main body axis")

172: Insert hole volume

175: Third axis (or "center axis")

176: Insert hole volume

180: Fourth axis (also called "bottom connecting hosel axis")

182: Insert hole height

186: District 1

188: District 2

190: District 3

192: Heel medial wall angle

194: Inner wall of heel

196: Medial toe angle

198: Inner wall of the toe

202:x-axis

204:y-axis

206:z-axis

210: Geometric Center

220:z-axis

222:x-axis

224: First Aperture

226: Second Aperture

228: Third Aperture

230: Second Dimension

240: Center of Gravity (or "CG")

242, 244: axis

250: Vertical plane

254: Frontier (or "the very front")

260: First Angle

262: Base Angle (also known as "Second Angle")

268: High impact bevel plane

270: Impact Line

Some pages of the drawings in this application are printed in color.

FIG1A is a front perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a golf club head according to the present invention.

Figure 1B is a front view of the golf club head in Figure 1A.

Figure 2 is a top view of the golf club head in Figure 1A.

Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head in Figure 1A.

Figure 4 is a toe view of the golf club head in Figure 1A.

Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in Figure 1A taken along line 5A-5A in Figure 2.

Figure 5B shows the stress concentration on the first cross section of the golf club head in Figure 1 under the first set of conditions.

Figure 5C shows the stress concentration of the second cross section of the golf club head in Figure 1 under the first set of conditions.

Figure 5D shows the stress concentration of the third cross section of the golf club head in Figure 1 under the first set of conditions.

FIG6A is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of the front case taken along the same cross-sectional line as FIG5A.

Figure 6B shows the stress concentration on the first cross section of the golf club head in Figure 6A under the first set of conditions.

Figure 6C shows the stress concentration on the second cross section of the golf club head in Figure 6A under the first set of conditions.

Figure 6D shows the stress concentration on the third cross section of the golf club head in Figure 6A under the first set of conditions.

Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view of a standard golf club head taken along line 5A-5A in Figure 2.

FIG8 is a front cross-sectional view of the golf club head in FIG1A taken along line 5A-5A in FIG2.

FIG9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a golf club head taken along line 5A-5A in FIG2 .

FIG10 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in FIG1A taken along line 10-10 in FIG1B.

FIG11 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in FIG1A taken along line 11-11 in FIG1B.

FIG12 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head in FIG1A taken along line 12-12 in FIG1B.

Figure 13 is a low-opacity perspective view of the golf club in the foregoing example, where the opacity is reduced to reveal the internal structure.

FIG14 is a low-opacity perspective view of an alternative example of a golf club head embodiment of the present invention.

FIG15 is a low-opacity perspective view of an alternative example of a golf club head embodiment of the present invention.

The golf club head of the present invention allows for post-manufacturing adjustment of the loft and lie angle of the golf club head without increasing or even decreasing deformation and loss of durability, and can create a mass of arbitrary configurations that can be strategically placed to provide performance advantages. In certain embodiments, an iron-type golf club head includes a top edge opposite the sole, a toe opposite the heel, a clubface opposite the heel, and a hosel. The hosel has a hosel bore. The hosel bore is formed in the hosel and extends through the entire length of the hosel and into the body of the club head. The hosel and extended hosel bore described below provide post-manufacturing adjustability of the loft and lie angle of the golf club head by up to ±4°. Furthermore, this design expands the stress distribution area while preventing stress from concentrating on the side with the most severe bending. The resulting improved bending capacity effectively reduces the risk of failure and helps minimize the occurrence of stress scars.

1 to 15 , a golf club head 100 includes a body 104 having a toe 108 (or toe end 108 ) opposite a heel 112 (or heel end 112 ). The body 104 also includes a crown 114 (or top edge 114 ) opposite a sole 115 (or sole end 115 ). A face plate 120 (or ball striking face plate 120 , or club face 120 , or ball striking face 120 ) having a ball striking surface 122 is provided on a front face 116 (or front side 116 ) of the body 104 . The face plate 120 is opposite a rear portion 118 (or rear end 118 , or back face 118 , or rear side 118 , or back side 118 ). The panel 120 may also have a plurality of grooves 125.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the club head body 104 also has an upper portion 126 and a lower portion 128 . A ridge 130 is located at the rear portion 118 and extends generally from the toe 108 to the heel 112 . The upper portion 126 is bounded by the top edge 114 and the ridge 130 . The lower portion 128 is bounded by the bottom portion 115 and the ridge 130 .

As shown in Figures 1B, 2, and 4, the ball striking surface 122 of the golf club head 100 has a geometric center 210. The geometric center 210 can be located at a geometric center point on the periphery of the ball striking surface and at a midpoint in the height of the ball striking surface 122. In some embodiments, the geometric center 210 can also be centered relative to a designed striking area, which can be the area on the ball striking surface 122 where the grooves 125 are located. Alternatively, the location of the geometric center 210 can be determined according to definitions set forth by golf governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

1.Hosel and hosel hole

1A , 1B , and 5A , and as described above, the golf club head 100 also includes a hosel 110 located at the heel 112 and configured to connect the golf club head 100 to a shaft (not shown). The hosel 110 includes a hosel axis 135 extending through the center of the hosel 110 ( FIG. 1B , 5A , and 9 ). The hosel 110 extends between a hosel first end 142 (or hosel proximal end 142 ) and a hosel second end 144 (or hosel distal end 144 ), relative to the club body 104 . The hosel proximal end 142 of the hosel 110 is located on a transition plane 145 located where the outer surface of the hosel 110 transitions to the club body 104 (e.g., the heel 112 ), as shown in FIG. 5A . The transition plane 145 is perpendicular to the hosel axis 135.

The hosel hole 150 of the hosel 110 extends along the hosel axis 135 and is used to accommodate a golf club shaft with a grip. As shown, the hosel hole 150 has a hosel hole first end 152 (or hosel hole proximal end 152) located within the club head body 104 (specifically, the heel portion 112), and a hosel hole second end 154 (or hosel hole distal end 154) located at the hosel distal end 144 of the hosel 110. The hosel hole distal end 154 is an open end, and the hosel hole proximal end 152 is a closed end. The hosel hole proximal end 152 forms the lower boundary of the hosel hole 150 within the club head body 104 at the hosel hole top end 155. The hosel bore proximal end 152 accommodates a top weight 156 positioned between the hosel 110 and the golf club shaft. As described above, the hosel bore 150 extends beyond the hosel proximal end 142 of the hosel 110 and into the club head body 104.

The hosel length L1 of the hosel 110 is measured along the hosel axis 135 from the hosel distal end 144 (or hosel second end 144) to the transition plane 145. In some embodiments, the hosel length L1 ranges, inclusive, between 0.75 inches and 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel length L1 ranges, inclusive, between 1.0 inches and 1.75 inches. For example, the hosel length L1 may range from 1.0 inches to 1.25 inches, from 1.25 inches to 1.50 inches, or from 1.50 inches to 1.75 inches.

The hosel bore length L2 of the hosel bore 150 is measured along the hosel axis 135 from the hosel bore first end 152 (or hosel bore proximal end 152) to the hosel bore second end 154 (or hosel bore distal end 154). In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 ranges from 1.0 inches to 2.5 inches, inclusive. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 ranges from 1.3 inches to 2.2 inches, inclusive. For example, the hosel bore length L2 may range from 1.3 inches to 1.4 inches, 1.4 inches to 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches to 1.6 inches, 1.6 inches to 1.7 inches, 1.7 inches to 1.8 inches, 1.8 inches to 1.9 inches, 1.9 inches to 2.0 inches, 2.0 inches to 2.1 inches, or 2.1 inches to 2.2 inches.

According to the present invention, hosel length L1 is less than hosel bore length L2 to ensure that hosel bore 150 extends beyond hosel 110 and into club head body 104. In many embodiments, hosel bore length L2 is at least 100% of hosel length L1. In other embodiments, hosel bore length L2 may be approximately 100% to 160% of hosel length L1. For example, hosel bore length L2 may be approximately 100% to 110%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 130%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 150%, or 150% to 160% of hosel length L1. Extending the hosel hole 150 into the club head body 104 reduces the material in the heel portion 112 and reduces weight, facilitating post-manufacturing bending of the club head 100 and increasing the amount of mass that can be freely configured.

The configuration of the club head 100 influences the shape of the hosel bore 150. Specifically, the heel-toe transition 132 of the club head 100 may be arched. As the hosel bore 150 continues into the club head 100, the hosel shaft 135 and the heel-toe transition 132 converge, reducing the amount of club head material between them and creating a stress concentration area. To maintain structural integrity, the hosel bore proximal end 152 can be appropriately shaped to maintain a sufficient amount of club head material between the hosel bore 150 and the heel-toe transition 132. In some embodiments, the hosel bore top 155 of the hosel bore 150 tapers toward the proximal hosel bore end 152. As shown in Figure 9, the top end 155 of the hosel hole is truncated conically, the distal end 154 of the hosel hole has a larger diameter, and the proximal end 152 of the hosel hole has a smaller diameter, thereby maintaining sufficient structural integrity at the heel-toe transition 132.

The hosel hole 150 may have multiple hosel hole walls 158 at different locations relative to the club head body 104. For example, the hosel hole walls 158 adjacent to the toe portion 108 or the heel portion 112 may be referred to as the toe inner wall 198 and the heel inner wall 194, respectively. In many embodiments, the toe inner wall 198 and the heel inner wall 194 may be formed in a continuous arc shape.

The toe inner wall 198 can define a toe inner wall angle 196 with the hosel shaft 135. The heel inner wall 194 can define a heel inner wall angle 192 with the hosel shaft 135. The inclined configuration of these inner walls produces a tapered effect at the hosel hole first end 152. The toe inner wall angle 196 ranges from 2.5° to 20°, including boundary values. In some embodiments, the toe inner wall angle 196 ranges from 2.5° to 5.0°, 5.0° to 7.5°, 7.5° to 10.0°, 10.0° to 12.5°, 12.5° to 15°, 15° to 17.5°, or 17.5° to 20°. The heel inner wall angle 192 may also range from 2.5° to 20°, inclusive. In some embodiments, the heel inner wall angle 192 ranges from 2.5° to 5.0°, 5.0° to 7.5°, 7.5° to 10.0°, 10.0° to 12.5°, 12.5° to 15°, 15° to 17.5°, or 17.5° to 20°.

In many embodiments, the toe inner wall angle 196 is the same as the heel inner wall angle 192. In other alternative embodiments, the toe inner wall angle 196 is different from the heel inner wall angle 192. Specifically, the heel inner wall angle 192 can be greater than the toe inner wall angle 196. Having inner walls with different angles can create an asymmetrical shape.

With reference to Figures 1B, 2, and 4, any additional weight added by extending the hosel hole 150 into the clubhead body 104 can be placed elsewhere in the clubhead 100, thereby moving the clubhead 100's center of gravity 240 (or CG 240) to a desired location. The location of the CG 240 can be defined relative to a coordinate system having an x-axis 202, a y-axis 204, and a z-axis 206. The geometric center 210 is the origin of this coordinate system having x-axis 202, y-axis 204, and z-axis 206. The x-axis 202 (see Figures 1B and 2) extends from the toe 108 through the clubhead geometric center 210 to the heel 112. The x-axis 202 is oriented positively toward the toe 108. The y-axis 204 (shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 4 ) extends from the crown 114 through the geometric center 210 of the club head to the sole 115 . The y-axis 204 has a positive direction toward the crown 114 . When viewed from the front (or from the faceplate 120 ), the y-axis 204 is perpendicular to the x-axis 202 . The y-axis 204 is tilted at an angle relative to the hosel axis 135 . The z-axis 206 (shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4 ) extends from the faceplate 120 of the golf club head 100 through the geometric center 210 to the rear end 118 . The z-axis 206 has a positive direction toward the faceplate 120 . The z-axis 206 is perpendicular to the x-axis 202 and the y-axis 204 .

Another factor that characterizes the hosel hole is its total volume. This volume can be described relative to axes extending through the clubhead 100 and parallel to the ground plane 160, dividing the hosel hole into upper and lower volumes, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. Extending the hosel hole 150 into the clubhead body 104 below a specific reference plane has the advantage of reducing overall club mass, creating a configurable mass for performance benefits, and ensuring that the hosel 110 can withstand a ±4° bend without substantial deformation.

The upper hosel bore volume and the lower hosel bore volume are quantified with reference to the axes described in detail below. A first axis 165 (hereinafter referred to as the "top connection hosel axis" 165) spans the top-most edge of the hosel 110 and is parallel to the ground plane 160 when the club head is in the address position. The hosel height 166 is the distance from the ground plane 160 to the top connection hosel axis 165. In some embodiments, the hosel height 166 ranges from 1.5 inches to 2.75 inches, including the boundaries. In many embodiments, the hosel height 166 ranges from 1.75 inches to 2.25 inches, including the boundaries. For example, the range of hosel height 166, including boundary values, is between 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, between 1.85 inches and 1.95 inches, between 1.95 inches and 2.05 inches, between 2.05 inches and 2.15 inches, or between 2.15 inches and 2.25 inches.

A second axis 170 (hereinafter referred to as the "hosel connection body axis" 170) is parallel to the ground plane 160 and spans the point where the hosel 110 meets the club head body 104. The hosel bore volume characteristics may also be described using a percentage of the total volume located above or below the hosel connection body axis 170. Specifically, a portion of the hosel bore volume (hereinafter referred to as the hosel bore volume portion 172) may be located below the hosel connection body axis 170. In some embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 172 located below the hosel connection body axis 170 includes a range of values between 5% and 40% of the hosel bore volume. In many embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 172 below the hosel connection body axis 170 includes a threshold value ranging from 5% to 30% of the hosel bore volume. In certain embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 172 below the hosel connection body axis 170 is 5%-10%, 10%-15%, 15%-20%, or 20%-25% of the hosel bore volume. (See Figures 7 and 8)

Another measurement standard is the hosel-to-body ratio, which is defined as the ratio between the volume of the hosel bore above the hosel-to-body axis 170 and the volume of the hosel bore 172 below the hosel-to-body axis 170. In some embodiments, the hosel-to-body ratio H1:H2 is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.25. (See Figures 7 and 8)

A third axis 175 (hereinafter referred to as the "centerline axis" 175) is parallel to the ground plane 160 and spans the geometric middle portion of the club head body 104. A hosel bore volume portion 176 may be located below the centerline axis 175. In some embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 176 located below the centerline axis 175 ranges from 1% to 20% of the hosel bore volume, inclusive. In many embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 176 located below the centerline axis 175 ranges from 1% to 15% of the hosel bore volume, inclusive. In some embodiments, the hosel bore volume portion 176 located below the centerline axis 175 ranges from 1% to 5%, from 5% to 10%, or from 10% to 15% of the hosel bore volume.

Extending the hosel hole 150 into the clubhead body 104 reduces CG 240, reducing clubhead mass and creating a configurable weight. This can also be combined with a shortened hosel design to further reduce mass. Furthermore, positioning the hosel hole 150 low within the clubhead body 104 ensures that the hosel 110 bend point occurs where the wall thickness can withstand higher stresses. Consequently, lowering the hosel hole 150 allows the clubhead 100 to bend to a greater angle during loft and heel adjustments without significant damage or deformation.

A fourth axis 180 (hereinafter referred to as "bottom connection hosel axis" 180) is parallel to ground plane 160 and extends across the bottom edge of hosel hole 150 when club head 100 is in the address position. Hosel hole height 182 can be defined as the distance from ground plane 160 to bottom connection hosel axis 180. In some embodiments, hosel hole height 182 ranges from 0.25 inches to 1.0 inches, inclusive. In many embodiments, hosel hole height 182 ranges from 0.25 inches to 0.75 inches, inclusive. In some embodiments, the hosel hole height 182 ranges from 0.25 inches to 0.35 inches, from 0.35 inches to 0.45 inches, from 0.45 inches to 0.55 inches, from 0.55 inches to 0.65 inches, or from 0.65 inches to 0.75 inches.

The hosel-to-hole ratio can be defined as the ratio between the hosel height 166 and the hosel bore height 182. In some embodiments, the hosel-to-hole ratio is 1.2:1.1 to 1.7:1.0. In many embodiments, the hosel-to-hole ratio is 1.25:1.15 to 1:6:1.1. The hosel bore 150 is longer than the hosel 110 and extends into the clubhead body 104. This hosel bore configuration reduces the mass of the upper portion 126 of the clubhead body 104 and lowers the overall CG 240, creating a mass configuration that can be applied to achieve weighting benefits. The extended hosel bore 150 causes the bend to occur deeper in the clubhead body, which helps increase the surface area for stress distribution. Because the hosel-body connection and the wall of the heel 112 taper downward as the hosel bore 150 extends deeper into the clubhead body 104, the hosel 110 does not experience significant stress marks when bent. The low hosel bore design maintains post-manufacturing adjustability for high loft and sole, while reducing significant stress marks and creating a mass that can be configured to enhance clubhead performance.

Furthermore, because hosel aperture 150 partially extends into body 104 (or heel 112), a portion of top weight 156 may be partially or fully located within club head body 104, while the remainder of top weight 156 may be located within hosel 110. The weight of top weight 156 may range from 0 grams to 18 grams. In certain embodiments, top weight 156 may weigh 0 grams (in embodiments without a top weight), 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, 9 grams, 10 grams, 11 grams, 12 grams, 13 grams, 14 grams, 15 grams, 16 grams, 17 grams, or 18 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of the top weight 156 ranges from 0 grams to 9 grams. The top weight 156 may comprise a different material than the club head body 104. The top weight 156 may be made of the same or different material as the toe weight 157 and thus comprise a high-density material such as tungsten or any other metal or metal alloy.

Hosel wall thickness affects the hosel's ability to withstand post-manufacturing bending and the attendant stresses. Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 9-12 , hosel bore 150 includes hosel bore wall 158. Different regions along length L2 of hosel bore wall 158 each have associated thicknesses T1, T2, and T3, as measured from the inner surface of hosel bore 150 to the outer surface of hosel 110 and/or to the heel 112. The thickness of hosel bore wall 158 generally decreases from a proximal end 152 of hosel bore 150 toward a distal end 154 of hosel bore 150. Specifically, the hosel hole wall 158 has a first thickness T1, which is greatest at the hosel hole proximal end 152, and a second thickness T2, which is smallest at the hosel hole distal end 154. Furthermore, the hosel hole wall 158 between the hosel hole proximal end 152 and the hosel hole distal end 154 has a third thickness T3, which is less than the first thickness T1 and greater than the second thickness T2. In other words, the hosel hole wall 158 can be divided into a first region 186, a second region 188, and a third region 190.

FIG5A shows a first region 186, a second region 188, and a third region 190 indicated by dashed lines. These regions are examples only and may be divided in other ways. The first region 186 is used to at least partially accommodate the top counterweight 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire top counterweight 156 is located within the first region 186. In some embodiments, the top counterweight 156 may be located in both the first region 186 and the third region 190. The first region 186 has a first wall thickness T1, the second region 188 has a second wall thickness T2, and the third region 190 has a third wall thickness T3.

The thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the first region 186 is not uniform for two reasons. First, at least a portion of the hosel bore wall 158 may taper relative to the hosel axis 135. Second, a portion of the hosel bore wall 158 is formed by the curved heel portion 112. These reasons are described in detail below. The first wall thickness T1 at the top of the hosel bore wall 158 is greater than that of the remainder of the hosel bore wall 158.

The first wall thickness T1 may range from approximately 0.05 inches to approximately 0.50 inches. The second wall thickness T2 may range from approximately 0.03 inches to approximately 0.3 inches. The third wall thickness T3 may range from approximately 0.02 inches to approximately 0.25 inches. The hosel bore wall thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 of the first, second, and third regions 186, 188, and 190 may correspond to the material type of the club head body 104.

The thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the first region 186, second region 188, and third region 190 are detailed in FIG5A and FIG9-12. First, as shown in FIG5A, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 on the heel portion 112 side of the first region 186 corresponds to the transition from the outer surface of the hosel 110 to the heel portion 112. Therefore, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the first region 186 decreases as the outer surface of the heel side transitions from the outer surface of the hosel 110 to the heel portion 112. In other words, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 reaches its lowest point on the heel portion 112 side between the first region 186 and the third region 190, and reaches its minimum thickness at the hosel bore first end 152 of the hosel bore 150. Furthermore, on the heel portion 112, the thickness T1 of the hosel hole wall 158 decreases from a location between the first region 186 and the third region 190 toward the hosel hole first end 152 of the hosel hole 150. As shown, the hosel hole wall 158 in the first region 186 tapers relative to the hosel axis 135. The heel-side inner wall angle 192 between the hosel hole wall 158 and the hosel axis 135 can be within a range of approximately 2.5° to 5.0°, 5.0° to 7.5°, 7.5° to 10.0°, 10.0° to 12.5°, 12.5° to 15°, 15° to 17.5°, or 17.5° to 20°.

10-12 , the first region 186, the second region 188, and the third region 190 within the hosel bore 150 each have a first dimension (e.g., a first aperture 224, a second aperture 226, and a third aperture 228), and the outer surfaces of the hosel 110 and the heel portion 112 have a second dimension 230. The first aperture 224, the second aperture 226, and the third aperture 228 of the hosel bore 150 generally decrease from the hosel bore proximal end 152 toward the hosel bore distal end 150. That is, the hosel hole 150 has a first aperture 224 with the largest diameter at the hosel hole proximal end 152, a second aperture 226 with the smallest diameter at the hosel hole distal end 154, and a third aperture 228 between the hosel hole distal end 154 and the hosel hole proximal end 152 that is smaller than the first aperture 224 and larger than the second aperture 226. Accordingly, the first aperture 224 of the first region 186 generally increases from the hosel hole proximal end 152 toward the hosel hole second end 154. Second dimension 230 remains substantially constant in second and third regions 188 and 190 (and around the clock face defined by axes 242 and 244). However, due to the rectangular shape of first region 186, second dimension 230 does not remain constant in first region 186 (because the clock face has a varying thickness relative to axes 242 and 244, as described above). In other words, first region 186 has a first aperture 224 and a variable second dimension 230, second region 188 has a second aperture 226 and a fixed second dimension 230, and third region 190 has a third aperture 228 and a fixed second dimension 230, identical to the fixed second dimension 230 of second region 188.

The first aperture 224 may range from about 0.05 inches to about 0.50 inches. The second aperture 226 may range from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches. The third aperture 228 may range from about 0.10 inches to about 0.60 inches. The second dimension 230 in the first zone 186 may range from about 0.50 inches to about 1.0 inches, and the second dimension 230 in both the second and third zones 188, 190 may range from about 0.25 inches to about 0.85 inches. Accordingly, the first aperture 224 may be about 5% to about 50% of the largest second dimension 230 in the first zone 186, and about 20% to about 90% of the smallest second dimension 230 in the first zone 186. The second aperture 226 may be about 25% to about 90% of the second dimension 230. The third aperture 228 may be approximately 25% to approximately 90% of the second dimension 230. The first aperture 224, the second aperture 226, the third aperture 228, and the second dimension 230 are determined at least in part by the type of material of the club body 104.

As shown in Figures 10-12 , in the above-described embodiment, both the hosel 110 and the hosel bore 150 have circular cross-sections. Specifically, the second region 188, the third region 190, and the hosel bore 150 have circular cross-sections. In other embodiments, the hosel 110 may have a different cross-section shape, and thus the cross-sections of the first region 186 and the second region 188 may have different shapes. For example, the hosel 110 (and its second region 188 and third region 190) may have an oval or elliptical cross-section. Such modifications would alter the relative hosel bore wall thicknesses T1, T2, and T3, as well as the second dimension 230 of the second region 188 and the third region 190.

In alternative embodiments, as shown in Figures 14 and 15 , the hosel hole can be formed as a continuous, enclosed cavity within the club body. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 14 , the cavity can partially extend into the club head and can be formed as part of a cavity-back or blade-back iron-type club head, or can be used for a chipping club, a performance chipping club, or a putter. As shown in the embodiment in Figure 15 , the cavity can extend through the entire club body, forming an iron-type club head with a hollow body. In these embodiments, the hosel hole can be open to the cavity, so that the hosel hole and cavity together form a single space. In other embodiments, the hosel hole and cavity can be cut off from a portion or the entire wall.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14 , a portion of the cavity in the club head extends to align with the edge of the striking face closest to the heel. In other embodiments, the cavity may extend to a point on the edge of the striking face toward the heel or toe. The shape and size of the cavity can be designed to produce optimal stress distribution during hosel flexion and impact.

The walls surrounding the hosel hole and enclosed cavity are shown as having a uniform thickness throughout. However, in other embodiments, these walls may have varying thicknesses while providing the desired structural strength and rigidity, such as being tapered or including thickened areas to improve manufacturability or to confine bending to desired areas.

2. Advantages

As described above, bending the hosel 110 relative to the club body 104 (via hammering or similar means) constitutes adjustment for high attack and lie angles. Proper positioning and configuration of the hosel 110 and hosel bore 150 can distribute the stresses generated during this process over a greater length of the hosel 110, while reducing stresses acting on other areas of the club body 104. As shown in Figures 1A and 5A, the hosel bore proximal end 152 forms the lowest point of the hosel bore 150 on the hosel 110. During the bending process, stress is concentrated at the corners of the hosel bore proximal end 152. By lowering the position where the hosel bore proximal end 152 emerges from the hosel 110, the stresses are distributed over a larger area of the wall, thereby reducing the maximum stress experienced at any given location. However, the 100 head still retains the ability to allow for loft and sole adjustments of up to ±4 degrees.

Specifically, by maintaining constant wall thicknesses T2 and T3 in the second and third regions 188 and 190 and positioning the hosel bore proximal end 152 within the club head body 104, stress can be more evenly distributed along the hosel length L1. This should theoretically reduce localized stress concentrations and facilitate better bending. Referring to FIG. 10 , to illustrate the thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 of the hosel 110, the hosel bore 150 and its wall 158 can be likened to an analog clock, with the x-axis 222 extending between 12 and 6 o'clock and the z-axis 220 extending between 3 and 9 o'clock. As shown, the x-axis 222 of the clock is parallel to and offset from the x-axis 202 extending through the geometric center 210 of the golf club head 100. In the illustrated embodiment, in the first region 186, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 is greatest between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock, as this is where the hosel bore wall 158 is formed by the club body 104. Furthermore, although not shown in Figures 10-12, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 may decrease from a position generally between the first region 186 and the third region 190 toward the hosel bore first end 152 of the hosel bore 150 and the region of the club body 104 between 4 o'clock and 7 o'clock, as this is generally where the outer surface of the hosel 110 transitions to the heel 112. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, thicknesses T2 and T3 are roughly consistent around the clock, with thickness T3 being smaller than thickness T2.

FIG4 shows a vertical plane 250. The vertical plane 250 is an imaginary plane that is approximately perpendicular to the ground surface when the club head body 104 is in the hitting position. The vertical plane 250 is tangent to the leading edge 254 (or the leading edge 254) of the golf club head 100 and is perpendicular to the ground plane 160. The hosel axis 135 is angled with respect to this vertical plane 250. In other words, the hosel axis 135 is tilted relative to the vertical plane 250. The hosel axis 135 is angled with respect to the vertical plane 250 at a first angle 260. The first angle 260 represents the hosel tilt. In the illustrated embodiment, the hosel tilt (or first angle 260) is approximately 0.25 degrees to approximately 20 degrees, and specifically is approximately at least 5.0 degrees. The hosel is tilted in such a way that the hosel axis 135 extends away from the vertical plane 250. In other words, the hosel axis 135 is configured to intersect the vertical plane 250 at a hypothetical position below the ground plane. Due to the hosel's tilt relative to the vertical plane 250, or the negative hosel tilt, the player is able to place their hands behind the ball (or toward the player's trailing or trailing foot) at address. It should be noted that in the address position, the club head body 104 is in contact with the ground. Specifically, the sole 115 (or a portion of the sole 115) is in contact with the ground.

Referring to FIG. 1B , when the club head 100 is in the address position, the hosel axis 135 is oriented at an angle to the ground plane 160 . In other words, the hosel axis 135 is tilted relative to the ground plane 160 . The hosel axis 135 forms a second angle 262 with the vertical plane 250 . Second angle 262 represents the lie angle. In the illustrated embodiment, the lie angle 262 (or second angle) is approximately 31 degrees to approximately 37 degrees, and more specifically, at least approximately 32 degrees. The direction of the lie angle causes the hosel axis 135 to extend away from the ground plane 160 .

To further illustrate the innovation of the present invention, the x-axis 202 and the z-axis 206 can be compared to the numbers on the analog clock in Figures 10-12. The z-axis 206 extends between 12 o'clock (through the "12" on the faceplate 120) and 6 o'clock (through the "6" on the rear end 118), and the x-axis 202 extends between 3 o'clock (through the "3" on the toe end 108) and 9 o'clock (through the "9" on one end of the heel 112), as described above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the center of gravity 240 can be measured relative to the geometric center 210. The center of gravity 240 can be measured relative to the geometric center 210 along the x-axis 202 and labeled CGx. The center of gravity 240 can also be measured relative to the geometric center 210 along the y-axis 204 and labeled CGy. The center of gravity 240 can also be measured relative to the geometric center 210 along the z-axis 206 and labeled CGz. Increasing or decreasing the distance along the x-axis 202 moves the center of gravity 240 toward the toe 108 or the heel 112. Decreasing the distance along the y-axis 204 lowers the center of gravity 240. Increasing the distance along the z-axis 206 moves the center of gravity 240 rearward. In other exemplary embodiments, the front edge 254 of the golf club head 100 (or the front-most position of the golf club head 100) can be used as the reference for measuring the position of the center of gravity 240.

The location and configuration of the hosel hole 150 allow the CG 240 of the golf club head 100 to be lowered to an ideal height compared to previous golf club heads, as described below.

In some embodiments, the center of gravity 240 may be approximately aligned with the geometric center 210 along the x-axis 202 (i.e., CGx is approximately zero). In other embodiments, CGx may be located between approximately -0.10 inches and approximately 0.10 inches from the geometric center 210, as measured along the x-axis 202. The iron-type golf club head 100 of the present invention also has a CGy between approximately 0.10 inches and approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center 210 along the y-axis 204. In the illustrated embodiment, CGy is located between the geometric center 210 and the sole 115. Due to the position and configuration of the hosel 110, the center of gravity 240 is approximately 0.040 inches lower than conventional iron-type golf club heads (see FIG. 9A ).

With specific reference to FIG. 4 , the golf club head 100 further includes a loft plane 268 . The loft plane 268 is tangent to the geometric center 210 of the ball striking surface 122 . The ball striking surface periphery may be located on the outer edge of the ball striking surface 122 . Furthermore, the height is measured parallel to the loft plane 268 between a top position of the ball striking surface periphery near the top edge 114 and a bottom position of the top of the ball striking surface periphery near the bottom 115 .

Referring again to FIG. 4 , the golf club head 100 has a line of force 270 . The line of force 270 is a line of force that extends through the center of a golf ball struck by the ball striking surface 122 of the face plate 120 . The line of force 270 runs perpendicular to the face plate 120 , and more specifically, perpendicular to the ball striking surface 122 . In some embodiments, the line of force 270 may extend through the geometric center 210 of the ball striking surface 122 .

In the illustrated embodiment, the golf club head 100 may have a moment of inertia Ixx (also referred to as the crown moment of inertia) about the x-axis 202 and a moment of inertia Iyy (also referred to as the heel-toe moment of inertia) about the y-axis ^204. In certain exemplary embodiments, the crown moment of inertia Ixx and the heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy are enhanced or maximized based on the amount of arbitrary configuration mass available to the club head designer. The crown moment of inertia Ixx of the golf club head 100 may be approximately 50 g.in² to approximately 120 ^g.in² , and more specifically, approximately ⁶⁰ g.in² to approximately 110 ^g.in² . The heel-toe moment of inertia Iyy of the golf club head 100 is approximately 300 g.in². in ² to about 450 g. ^{in 2} , and specifically about 325 g. ^{in 2} to about 425 g. ^{in 2} .

In addition to the relative position of the hosel hole 150, the moments of inertia Ixx, Iyy, and CG 240 also depend on other characteristics of the golf club head 100. The materials comprising the club body 104, face plate 120, toe weight 157, and top weight 156 affect the mass distribution of the golf club head 100. Thus, the moments of inertia Ixx, Iyy, and CG 240 of the golf club head 100 are also affected by the density of the materials. Furthermore, the materials provide the necessary strength and resilience for the golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more materials. In some embodiments, the materials may have a first density, a second density, a third density, a fourth density, a fifth density, or a sixth density.

In some embodiments, the faceplate 120 may comprise a first material having a first density. The club body 104 may comprise a second material having a second density. In the illustrated embodiment, the faceplate 120 and the club body 104 may be made of the same material (and therefore have the same density).

The club head body 104 may comprise, for example, steel, a steel alloy, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the material used for the body 104 may have a different density than the material used for the faceplate 120. The density of the body 104 material may range from 7.70 to 8.10 grams per cubic centimeter (hereinafter "g/cc"). In some embodiments, the density of the body material may be 7.70 g/cc, 7.75 g/cc, 7.80 g/cc, 7.85 g/cc, 7.90 g/cc, 7.95 g/cc, 8.05 g/cc, or 8.10 g/cc.

The material of the club head 100 may have a hardness measured on the Rockwell scale (HRC). In many embodiments, the material hardness is related to the wall thickness T1, T2, T3 and the first, second, and third apertures 224, 226, and 228 of the hosel 110. A club head made of a lower hardness material must have a larger thickness area to reduce the occurrence of stress bending. To maintain the force required to bend the hosel, a golf club head made of a higher hardness material requires a hosel wall thickness that is smaller than a golf club head made of a lower hardness material. The reason is that harder materials require more force to deform them. Therefore, it is advisable to modify the wall thickness according to the material properties so that the force required to bend the hosel is approximately consistent, thereby establishing a unified assembly process. Example V below will explain in detail the relationship between material hardness and hosel wall thickness.

In some embodiments, the material density of the toe weight 157 and the top weight 156 may range between 1.1 g/cc and 19.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the material density of the top counterweight 156 may be 1.1 g/cc, 1.5 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.5 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.5 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.5 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc, 5.5 g/cc, 6.0 g/cc, 6.5 g/cc, 7.0 g/cc, 7.5 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc, 8.5 g/cc, 9.0 g/cc, 9.5 g/cc, 10.0 g/cc, 10.5 g/cc, 11.0 g/cc, 11.5 g/cc, 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc, 13.0 g/cc, or 14.0 g/cc. cc, 13.5g/cc, 14.0g/cc, 14.5g/cc, 15.0g/cc, 15.5g/cc, 15.8g/cc, 16.0g/cc, 16.2g/cc, 16.4g/cc, 16.6g/cc, 16.8g/cc, 17.0g/cc, 17. 2g/cc, 17.4g/cc, 17.6g/cc, 17.8g/cc, 18.0g/cc, 18.2g/cc, 18.4g/cc, 18.6g/cc, 18.8g/cc, 19.0g/cc, 19.2g/cc, 19.4g/cc or 19.6g/cc.

Comparing the position and configuration of the hosel 110 and hosel hole 150 of the present invention with those of a conventional iron-type golf club head (one of which is shown in FIG6A ), it can be seen that the hosel length L1 is approximately 0.300 inches shorter than that of the conventional iron-type golf club head. Furthermore, due to the reduced hosel length L1 and the tapered shape of the first region 186 for accommodating the top weight 156, the overall mass of the golf club head 100 is reduced by approximately 6 grams. This difference causes the CG 240 to shift downward. Therefore, as described above, the position of the CG 240 on the y-axis 204 is approximately 0.040 inches lower than that of the conventional iron-type golf club head.

Example

Example I - Comparison of the Quality Characteristics of the Inventive Clubhead Example and the Comparative Clubhead

Example 1 compares conventional iron-type golf club head embodiments employing a conventional hosel configuration with and without external notches, respectively, with two club head embodiments employing the hosel configuration of the present invention without external notches. Specifically, Example 1 examines the differences in CG and MOI between the conventional club head and the aforementioned low-hosel configuration, as shown in Table 1.

The conventional iron-type golf club head XX used for comparison is shown in FIG6A , which adopts a conventional hosel configuration and includes a hosel notch (hereinafter referred to as "Comparative Club Head 1"). The exemplary embodiment of the present invention used for comparison is an iron-type golf club head that lacks a notch and employs the aforementioned low-position hosel hole configuration and narrowed hole wall structure.

Reference Clubhead 1 and Example Clubhead 1 have similar body structure, volume, and loft. Table 1 shows the differences in hosel size, CG, MOI, and clubhead mass in direct comparison.

As shown in Table 1, the clubhead body of Example Clubhead 1 is very similar to that of Reference Clubheads 1 and 2. The distance from the point where the outer hosel meets the top edge to the ground plane is the same for Example Clubhead 1 as for Reference Clubhead 1 and similar to that of Reference Clubhead 2. Furthermore, the distance from the ground plane to the centerline axis is the same for Example Clubhead 1 as for Reference Clubhead 1 and similar to that of Reference Clubhead 2. Furthermore, the hosel wall thickness in the upper and middle areas of the hosel is the same for Example Clubhead 1 as for Reference Clubhead 1 and similar to that of Reference Clubhead 2.

Table I shows that the hosel volume of Example Clubhead 1 is 10.5% larger than that of Control Clubhead 1 and 40.7% larger than that of Control Clubhead 2. The entire hosel volume of both Control Clubhead 1 and Control Clubhead 2 is located above the centerline axis, while only 90% of the hosel volume of Example Clubhead 1 is above the centerline axis, with the remainder located below the centerline axis and extending into the interior of the clubhead.

Although the hosel hole volume of Example Clubhead 1 is larger than that of both Reference Clubhead 1 and Reference Clubhead 2, the external hosel height of Example Clubhead 1 relative to the ground plane is significantly lower than those of Reference Clubhead 1 and Reference Clubhead 2. Specifically, the external hosel height of Example Clubhead 1 is 8.6% lower than that of Reference Clubhead 1 and 8.8% lower than that of Reference Clubhead 2.

On Example Clubhead 1, the distance between the ground plane and the bottom of the hosel hole is significantly shorter than on Reference Clubheads 1 and 2. Specifically, the lower edge of the hosel hole on Example Clubhead 1 is 57.1% lower than on Reference Clubhead 1 and 65.1% lower than on Reference Clubhead 2. This comparison clearly demonstrates the extent of the hosel hole extension on Example Clubhead 1. Specifically, the outer hosel of Example Clubhead 1 is only 8.6%-8.8% lower than on Reference Clubheads 1 and 2, but the inner hosel hole extends much further downward, resulting in its lower edge being 57.1%-65.1% lower than on Reference Clubheads 1 and 2.

Because the hosel hole extends downward, Example Clubhead 1 has less material on the heel side, resulting in more disposable mass that can be strategically placed elsewhere in the clubhead. As shown in Table 1, Example Clubhead 1 has the same mass as Reference Clubhead 1 and is 5g lighter than Reference Clubhead 2. This reduction in heel mass and its relocation results in a shift in the CG toward the toe and downward. Example Clubhead 1's CG is 0.038 inches lower than Reference Clubhead 1 and 0.052 inches lower than Reference Clubhead 2. Example Clubhead 1's CG is 0.107 inches further to the toe than Reference Clubhead 1 and 0.023 inches further to the toe than Reference Clubhead 2.

The applicant also found that the MOI range for Example Clubhead 1 was comparable to that of Reference Clubheads 1 and 2. Specifically, Example Clubhead 1 had lower MOI than Reference Clubhead 1 in all three directions (x, y, and z), while higher MOI than Reference Clubhead 2 in all three directions (x, y, and z). The lower MOI compared to Reference Clubhead 1 is due to reduced mass on the heel side of the clubhead. While a higher MOI is generally considered desirable, the applicant found that a lower CG can contribute more to a player's performance than an increased MOI. Specifically, testing showed that even with a reduced MOI, performance characteristics such as stats and accuracy can be maintained or improved by moving the CG. Therefore, maintaining the overall MOI while shifting the CG downward can yield performance benefits.

Example II - Quantitative Comparison of Material Deformation of the Inventive Clubhead and a Control Clubhead During Bending

When a clubhead is subjected to a forced bend, the bend typically produces noticeable marks due to material deformation caused by the applied force. Here, sample and standard clubs were analyzed and the amount of material deformation recorded using quantitative feedback. The hosels of various clubs were forced to bend 2° to 4° from their neutral starting position. If the clubhead could not bend to the desired angle without significant deformation, it was rated "-." If the clubhead could bend to the desired angle without significant deformation, it was rated "+." Both the sample and standard clubheads were measured in this manner for lift and depression lie angle adjustments, as well as open and closed loft adjustments. Table II below details the applied bend and the resulting deformation ratings.

A standard clubhead consists of a body with a hosel, toe, upper and lower sections, a hosel, a hosel for connecting the golf clubhead to the shaft, and a notch on the hosel located on the heel side of the body. The example clubhead has a hosel that extends deeper into the body and a hosel that is shorter than a standard clubhead. The example clubhead does not have any notches or cutouts in or around the heel. Otherwise, the components, dimensions, and construction of the two clubheads are identical.

Table II - Comparison of the degree of bend and resulting deformation of standard and sample club heads

Significant deformation marks or discoloration caused by forced bending are evaluated according to the above criteria. Slight variations in bend angle are due to human error during the bending process and can be ignored, given that the lie angle bend of the clubhead does not need to be precisely accurate after manufacturing. As shown in the figure, the sample clubhead and the standard clubhead can achieve the same bend angle, but three of the four standard clubhead samples tested showed significant deformation due to bending.

Example III - Finite Element Analysis Comparison of the Response of the Insert to Applied Forces

Bend stress values were compared between a standard golf club head and a model golf club head. The standard golf club head has a crown, sole, clubface, rear, hosel, and hosel hole. The model golf club head has the same structure but with a shorter hosel and a lower hosel hole. The two golf club heads are identical in all dimensions and features except for the hosel and hosel hole.

Finite element modeling can be used to analyze the stresses induced in various clubhead hosels during forced bending or post-manufacturing bending. The same theoretical force is applied to each clubhead. It is understood that the significant stresses induced along the hosel are responsible for the clubhead's natural bending under the applied force. However, this stress should be distributed throughout the hosel rather than concentrated at a specific location. Areas of the hosel where stress is higher than in surrounding areas are often prone to significant material deformation. If a clubhead experiences significant stress throughout the hosel but lacks any clearly identifiable stress concentration, it will generally not produce the aforementioned stress marks when bent. Otherwise, significant deformation would not only be aesthetically pleasing but could also compromise the hosel's structural integrity at that location.

As shown in Figures 5B-5D, the maximum stress across the entire hosel of a model golf club head with a low hosel hole is similar to that of a standard golf club head without a low hosel hole. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5A-5D, the stress on the model golf club head is distributed throughout the hosel, with no isolated high-stress area compared to a standard golf club head. A stress concentration area for a standard golf club head occurs along the entire lower end of the hosel, as shown in Figures 6B-6D. This stress concentration area indicates that a standard golf club head is likely to deform when subjected to modeling forces, such as during post-manufacturing bending.

As mentioned above, the example golf club head with the lower hosel hole does not exhibit any highly isolated areas of stress concentration. Although both club heads experience roughly the same maximum stress, the example golf club head exhibits a more diffuse stress distribution across the hosel than the standard golf club head. This stress distribution indicates that the hosel bears stress over a larger area, thereby distributing the stress and reducing the likelihood of material deformation.

Compared to a standard clubhead, the example clubhead has a lower hosel hole and a shorter hosel. All other components of the club remain identical. The example clubhead exhibits distributed stress in the hosel, while the standard clubhead exhibits a concentrated stress line in the lower portion of the hosel. This suggests that the short hosel and low hosel hole reduce stress concentration in the lower portion of the hosel, allowing stress to be more distributed throughout the hosel. This means that the example clubhead is less likely to experience significant material deformation during bending than a standard clubhead without the short hosel and low hosel hole.

Example IV - Comparison of Stress Distribution of Two Embodiments of the Inventive Clubhead and a Control Clubhead

Example IV examines the effects of a low or deep hosel hole on stress concentration through qualitative comparison. Specifically, Example IV compares stress distribution based on surface area. The comparison includes two embodiments of the present invention's club heads with low hosel holes and no external notches, and a conventional iron-type golf club head with a conventional hosel hole configuration and no external notches.

Example Clubhead 1 has a hosel hole that extends deeper into the clubhead than the reference clubhead. The hosel hole of Example Clubhead 1 terminates in a flat surface aligned with the edge of the heel closest to the striking surface. Example Clubhead 2 has a hosel hole that extends deeper into the clubhead than the reference clubhead and Example Clubhead 1. The hosel hole of Example Clubhead 2 continues deep into the clubhead, hollowing out the entire interior of the clubhead so that the body cavity and the hosel hole form a single, continuous space. The hosel hole walls of the reference clubhead, Example Clubhead 1, and Example Clubhead 2 have the same, constant thickness.

Referring to Figures 13 to 15 , the stress per unit surface area of the comparison clubhead is higher than that of Example Clubhead 1 and Example Clubhead 2. Increasing the hosel bore surface area increases the area over which bending can occur. Therefore, when the hosel is bent by an external force, it bends over the entire available surface area. Thus, increasing the hosel bore depth increases the area over which stress is dispersed, which in turn reduces stress concentration, thereby reducing the risk of structural failure or significant stress scarring.

Example V-hoses wall thickness relative to material hardness

Example V compares nine examples of club heads described herein that have different combinations of material hardness and hosel wall thickness. Specifically, Example V investigates how the relationship between material hardness and wall thickness affects the force required to bend the hosel.

The hosel wall thickness of the first example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 1-8620") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.075 to 0.276 inches thick in the lower region. Example Clubhead 1-8620 is made of 8620 steel alloy having a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness of 85 HRB. The hosel wall thickness of the second example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 2-8620") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.078 to 0.279 inches thick in the lower region. Example 2-8620 clubhead is made of 8620 steel alloy with a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness of 85 HRB. The hosel wall thickness of the third example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example 3-8620 clubhead") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.081 to 0.282 inches thick in the lower region. Example 3-8620 clubhead is made of 8620 steel alloy with a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness of 85 HRB.

The hosel wall thickness of the fourth example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 1-431") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.075 to 0.276 inches thick in the lower region. Example Clubhead 1-431 is made of 431 stainless steel with a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness of 24 HRC. The hosel wall thickness of the fifth example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 2-431") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.078 to 0.279 inches thick in the lower region. Example clubhead 2-431 is made of 431 stainless steel with a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness of 24 HRC. The hosel wall thickness of the sixth example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 3-431") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.081 to 0.282 inches thick in the lower region. Example clubhead 3-431 is made of 431 stainless steel with a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness of 24 HRC.

The hosel wall thickness of the seventh example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 1-17-4") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.075 to 0.276 inches thick in the lower region. Example Clubhead 1-17-4 is made of 17-4 stainless steel having a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness of 32 HRC. The hosel wall thickness of the eighth example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 2-17-4") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.078 to 0.279 inches thick in the lower region. Example clubhead 2-17-4 is made of 17-4 stainless steel with a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness of 32 HRC. The hosel wall thickness of the ninth example clubhead (hereinafter referred to as "Example Clubhead 3-17-4") is approximately 0.066 inches thick in the upper region, approximately 0.077 inches thick in the middle region, and approximately 0.081 to 0.282 inches thick in the lower region. Example clubhead 3-17-4 is made of 17-4 stainless steel with a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness of 32 HRC.

The nine example club heads described above all share the same body structure and dimensions, including volume, hosel hole depth, and configuration. The only differences lie in the material and the hosel wall thickness below. The density differences between the various materials result in corresponding differences in mass. The added mass from differences in hosel wall thickness is minimal.

The results show that increasing the stiffness of the hosel reduces the stress experienced during hosel bending. Increasing the hosel wall thickness also reduces the stress experienced during hosel bending. Generally speaking, when the force remains constant, increasing the stiffness of the material leads to more concentrated stress, but also reduces the maximum stress experienced and the amount of bending.

The data also shows that, if the input force remains constant, the hosel wall thickness must be varied to achieve the same amount of hosel deflection across different materials. In other words, to maintain the required force input to bend the hosel, as the material hardness and yield strength increase, the hosel wall thickness must decrease. This allows assemblers to achieve consistent force expectations and feel when adjusting the loft and sole of the clubhead after manufacturing, thereby improving the assembly process.

The replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction, not repair. Furthermore, the above descriptions of benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are provided with respect to specific embodiments. However, these benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may provide or highlight any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as key, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.

Because golf rules may change from time to time (for example, golf standards organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may adopt new rules or repeal or amend existing rules), golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture of the present invention may or may not comply with golf rules at any given time. Accordingly, golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture of the present invention may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as either compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

While the examples above relate to golf irons, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may also be applied to other types of golf clubs, such as golf clubs, fairway woods, hybrid golf clubs, golf irons, wedge golf clubs, or putters. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may also be applied to other types of sporting equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis rackets, fishing rods, ski poles, and the like.

Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of contribution to the extent that they: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or could be equivalent under the doctrine of equivalents to elements and/or limitations expressly listed in the claims.

The various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following aspects and claims.

Aspect 1: A golf club head comprising: a club head body having a top portion opposite a sole and a toe portion opposite a heel portion; a hosel having a first end adjacent the heel portion and a second end opposite the first end; a hosel bore defined at least in part by the hosel and at least in part by the club head body; wherein: the hosel bore has a hosel bore volume; a centerline axis extends through the geometric center of the club head body and is parallel to a ground plane; an upper portion of the hosel bore is located above the centerline axis and a lower portion of the hosel bore is located below the centerline axis; and at least 8% of the hosel bore volume is located below the centerline axis.

Example 2: A golf club head as in Example 1, wherein at least 10% of the volume of the hosel hole is located below the centerline axis.

Aspect 3: The golf club head of Aspect 1, further comprising a ball striking surface, a geometric center, and a center of gravity of the club face, wherein the geometric center is located midway between the geometric center of the club head body and the height of the ball striking surface, and the center of gravity is located on a y-axis extending between the top and the bottom.

Aspect 4: The golf club head of Aspect 3, wherein a center of gravity is located on the y-axis at a distance from the geometric center of the golf club head of about 0.10 inches to about 0.75 inches.

Aspect 5: The golf club head of Aspect 1, wherein a hosel length between the hosel first end and the hosel second end has a limit value ranging from 1.0 to 1.75 inches.

Aspect 6: The golf club head of Aspect 1, wherein a hosel hole length between a first end of a hosel hole in the club head body and a second end of a hosel hole on the second end of the hosel has a limit value ranging from 1.0 to 2.2 inches.

Aspect 7: The golf club head of Aspect 1, wherein the ratio of the volume of the hosel hole above the centerline axis to the volume of the hosel hole below the centerline axis is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.25.

Aspect 8: The golf club head of Aspect 1, wherein the wall thickness of the hosel hole decreases from the first end of the hosel hole to the second end of the hosel hole.

Aspect 9: The golf club head of Aspect 1, wherein the hosel hole includes a first region adjacent to the first end and having a first wall thickness and a second region adjacent to the second end and having a second wall thickness, the second wall thickness being less than the first wall thickness.

Aspect 10: The golf club head of Aspect 9, wherein the hosel hole has a third region between the first region and the second region, the third region having a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and larger than the second wall thickness.

Aspect 11: The golf club head of Aspect 9, wherein the first wall thickness gradually becomes thinner outward from the first end to the second end.

Aspect 12: A golf club head comprising: a club head body having a top opposite a sole, a toe opposite a heel, and a clubface opposite a heel; a hosel having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a hosel length between the first and second ends; and a hosel bore defined partially in the hosel and partially in the club head body, having a hosel bore length greater than the hosel length.

Aspect 13: The golf club head of Aspect 12, further comprising a ball striking surface, a geometric center, and a center of gravity of the club face, wherein the geometric center is located midway between the geometric center of the club head body and the height of the ball striking surface, and the center of gravity is located on a y-axis extending between the top and the bottom.

Aspect 14: The golf club head of Aspect 13, wherein a center of gravity is located on the y-axis at a distance of approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center.

Example 15: A golf club head as in Example 12, wherein the hosel length, including the margin value, is between 1.0 and 1.75 inches.

Aspect 16: The golf club head of Aspect 12, wherein a hosel hole length between a first end of a hosel hole in the club head body and a second end of a hosel hole on the second end of the hosel is within a range including boundary values of between 1.0 and 2.2 inches.

Aspect 17: The golf club head of Aspect 12, wherein a wall thickness of the hosel hole decreases from a first end located within the club head body to a second end adjacent to the first end of the hosel.

Aspect 18: The golf club head of Aspect 16, wherein the hosel hole has a first region adjacent to the first end and having a first wall thickness, and a second region adjacent to the second end and having a second wall thickness, the second wall thickness being less than the first wall thickness.

Aspect 19: The golf club head of Aspect 18, wherein the hosel hole has a third region between the first region and the second region, the third region having a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and larger than the second wall thickness.

Aspect 20: The golf club head of Aspect 18, wherein the first wall thickness gradually becomes thinner outward from the first end to the second end.

100: Clubhead

110: Socket

112: Heel (or heel end)

132: Heel-toe transition

135: Insert shaft

142: First end of the hosel (or proximal end of the hosel)

144: Second end of the hosel (also called the distal end of the hosel)

145: Transition plane

150: Insert hole

152: First end of the hosel hole (or the proximal end of the hosel hole)

154: Second end of the hosel hole (or the distal end of the hosel hole)

155: Top of the insert hole

186: District 1

188: District 2

190: District 3

Claims (9)

A golf club head comprising: A club head body having a top portion opposite a sole portion and a toe portion opposite a heel portion; One panel; A hosel having a first end adjacent to the heel and a second end opposite the first end; A hosel bore is at least partially defined by the hosel and at least partially defined by the club head body, the hosel bore comprising an open hosel distal end and a closed hosel proximal end located within the club head body, thereby defining a hosel bore volume; in; The proximal end of the insert sleeve hole is structured to receive a top counterweight; A hosel body axis is formed parallel to a ground plane and spans the junction of the hosel and the club head body; A hosel-to-body ratio, which is the ratio between the portion of the hosel bore volume located above the hosel body axis and the portion of the hosel bore volume located below the hosel body axis; The ratio of the hosel to the body is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.25. The golf club head as described in claim 1, wherein the hosel hole further defines a toe inner wall and a heel inner wall. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the hosel hole comprises a first aperture that increases in diameter from the closed hosel proximal end toward the open hosel distal end. The golf club head as described in claim 3, wherein the first hole diameter is 0.05 inches to 0.50 inches. The golf club head as described in claim 1, wherein the hosel and the hosel hole both comprise a circular cross-section. The golf club head as described in claim 1, wherein the weight of the top weight ranges from 0 grams to 18 grams. The golf club head as described in claim 6, wherein the top weight further comprises a high-density material. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the club head body comprises a material having a density different from that of the material of the face plate. The golf club head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club head includes an impact force line that runs perpendicular to a ball striking surface of the face plate.