GOLF CLUB HEAD WITH LOW HOSEL BORE

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

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a golf club, and more specifically to a golf club head with a lowered hosel bore.

BACKGROUND

Golfers will often customize a club or set of clubs to best suit their personal swing style, height, or combination of physical factors. The customization of clubs regularly includes an adjustment to loft and lie angle to ensure the player's club face is lined up correctly at address. Typically, a golf club head is ordered with the specifications of a player's custom adjustments ahead of time, and that club is then manufactured according to those specifications. This can cause long delays in delivering a player their club and limits the ability of that player to adjust the club head specifications after receival. More and more, the industry looks for ways to allow for bendability of the face angle during assembly processes post-manufacture, or post-fabrication. However, the further a face is bent, the more likely the club will experience material surface deformation at the bend site that creates unsightly marks or negatively impacts durability due to finishes such as chrome.

During manufacture, the face of a golf club is typically oriented relative to the hosel to obtain initial loft and lie angles. The golf club may be further manipulated, for example, by bending, post-fabrication, to obtain final loft and lie angles. As the hosel is bent further, the club will develop cosmetic flaws such as stress marks and/or structurally fail. For example, conventional club heads are typically limited to approximately ±2 degrees of post-fabrication bending before developing stress marks or structurally failing. Thus, there is a need in the art for golf club head able to withstand post-fabrication bending without substantial stress marks or failure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a toe view of the golf club of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A, along the line 5A-5A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B illustrates stress concentration of a first section of the golf club of FIG. 1 during a first set of conditions.

FIG. 5C illustrates stress concentration of a second section of the golf club of FIG. 1 during the first set of conditions.

FIG. 5D illustrates stress concentration of a third section of the golf club of FIG. 1 during the first set of conditions.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a golf club head of the prior art, along the same line as that shown in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B illustrates stress concentration of a first section of the golf club of FIG. 6A during the first set of conditions.

FIG. 6C illustrates stress concentration of a second section of the golf club of FIG. 6A during the first set of conditions.

FIG. 6D illustrates stress concentration of a third section of the golf club of FIG. 6A during the first set of conditions.

FIG. 7 is a front, cross-sectional view of a standard golf club head, along the line 5A-5A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a front, cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A, along the line 5A-5A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an example of an embodiment of a golf club head, along the line 5A-5A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A, along the line 10-10 of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A, along the line 11-11 of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1A, along the line 12-12 of FIG. 1B.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view with low opacity of a golf club of the prior art, where the opacity has been lowered to display internal features.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view with low opacity of an alternative example of an embodiment of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is perspective view with low opacity of an alternative example of an embodiment of a golf club head according to the present disclosure.

 DEFINITIONS

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” “fifth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” as used herein, are for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” as used herein refers to connecting two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

The term “strike face,” or “strike surface,” as used herein, refers to a club head front surface that is configured to strike a golf ball. The term strike face can be used interchangeably with the term “face.”

The term “hosel,” as used herein, refers to a heel-side member of the club head configured to connect the club body with the club shaft.

The term “geometric centerpoint,” or “geometric center” of the strike face, as used herein, can refer to a geometric centerpoint of the strike face perimeter, and at a midpoint of the face height of the strike face. In the same or other examples, the geometric centerpoint also can be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone, which can be defined by a region of grooves on the strike face. As another approach, the geometric centerpoint of the strike face can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The term “ground plane,” as used herein, can refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball is placed. The ground plane can be a horizontal plane tangent to the sole at an address position.

The term “lie angle,” as used herein, can refer to an angle between a hosel axis, extending through the hosel, and the ground plane. The lie angle is measured from a front view.

The term “loft,” or “loft angle,” as used herein, can refer to an angle measured between the loft plane and the XY plane (defined below).

An “XYZ” coordinate system of the golf club head, as used herein, is based upon the geometric center of the strike face. The golf club head dimensions as described herein can be measured based on a coordinate system as defined below. The geometric center of the strike face defines a coordinate system having an origin located at the geometric center of the strike face. The coordinate system defines an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the heel to the toe of the fairway-type club head. The Y axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the top rail to the sole of golf club head. The Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis. The Z axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the front end to the rear end of the golf club head. The Z axis is perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis.

The term or phrase “center of gravity position” or “CG location” as used herein refers to the location of the club head center of gravity (CG) with respect to the XYZ coordinate system, wherein the CG position is characterized by locations along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The term “CGx” can refer to the CG location along the X-axis, measured from the origin point. The term “CGy” can refer to the CG location along the Y-axis, measured from the origin point. The term “CGz” can refer to the CG location along the Z-axis, measured from the origin point.

The term or phrase “moment of inertia” (hereafter “MOI”) as used herein is a value derived using the center of gravity (CG) location. The MOI can be calculated assuming the club head includes the body and the hosel structure. The term “MOIxx” or “Ixx” can refer to the MOI measured about the X′-axis. The term “MOIyy” or “Iyy” can refer to the MOI measured about the Y′-axis. The term “MOIzz” or “Izz” can refer to the MOI measured about the Z′-axis. The MOI values MOIxx, MOIyy, and MOIzz determine how forgiving the club head is for off-center impacts with a golf ball.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or construction and the arrangement of components as set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. It should be understood that the description of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure from covering all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

For ease of discussion and understanding, and for purposes of description only, the following detailed description illustrates a golf club head 100 as an (or an iron-type club head). It should be appreciated that the iron is provided for purposes of illustration, and one or more of the attributes disclosed herein are not limited to an iron. The attributes can be used on any desired golf club, including an iron, wedge, putter, or other golf club where a resting face angle, hosel tilt, center of gravity (CG), or other attribute is desired to provide an improved performance and aesthetic for a player. For example, the club head 100 can include, but is not limited to, a one-iron, a two-iron, a three-iron, a four-iron, a five-iron, a six-iron, a seven-iron, an eight-iron, a nine-iron, a pitching wedge, a gap wedge, a utility wedge, a sand wedge, a lob wedge, and/or a putter. In addition, the golf club head 100 can have a loft that can range from approximately 3 degrees to approximately 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. 61.5, 62, 62.5, 63, 63.5, 64, 64.5, and/or 65 degrees).

The term “iron,” as used herein, can, in some embodiments, refer to an iron-type golf club head having a loft angle that is less than approximately 50 degrees, less than approximately 49 degrees, less than approximately 48 degrees, less than approximately 47 degrees, less than approximately 46 degrees, less than approximately 45 degrees, less than approximately 44 degrees, less than approximately 43 degrees, less than approximately 42 degrees, less than approximately 41 degrees, or less than approximately 40 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately 23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, or greater than approximately 25 degrees.

In many embodiments, the golf club head can be an “iron-type” club head. Iron-type club heads as used herein includes a plurality of iron-type club head subsets, such as, but not limited to, high lofted wedges constructed for short-game shots and low lofted irons constructed for driving long-range shots, otherwise known as “crossovers.”

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

In many embodiments, the iron or wedge-type golf club head can comprise a total volume of between 1.9 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches. In some embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head can be between 1.9 cubic inches and 2.4 cubic inches, 2.0 cubic inches and 2.5 cubic inches, 2.1 cubic inches and 2.6 cubic inches, 2.2 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches, 2.3 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches, or 2.4 cubic inches and 2.7 cubic inches. In other embodiments, the total volume of the golf club head 100 can 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 golf club head can comprise a total mass of between 200 grams and 300 grams. In some embodiments, the golf club head can comprise a total mass of between 200 grams and 210 grams, 210 grams and 220 grams, 220 grams and 230 grams, 230 grams and 240 grams, 240 grams and 250 grams, 250 grams and 260 grams, 255 grams and 260 grams, 260 grams to 270 grams, 265 grams to 275 grams, 270 grams and 280 grams, 275 grams and 280 grams, or 250 grams and 270 grams. In other embodiments, the total mass can be 200 grams, 205 grams, 210 grams, 220 grams, 225 grams, 230 grams, 235 grams, 240 grams, 245 grams, 250 grams, 255 grams, 260 grams, 265 grams, 270 grams, 275 grams, 280 grams, 285 grams, 290 grams, 295 grams, or 300 grams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The golf club head described herein allows for a range of loft and lie adjustability post-manufacture with maintained or reduced surface deformation and durability loss, and also creates discretionary mass that can be placed strategically for performance benefits. In some embodiments, an iron-type golf club head comprises a top rail opposite a sole, a toe end opposite a heel end, a face opposite a rear end, and a hosel. The hosel comprises a hosel bore. The hosel bore is defined within the hosel, and extends the entire length of the hosel and into the club body. The hosel and lengthened hosel bore described below allow the golf club head loft and lie angles to be highly adjustable post-manufacture ±4°. Further, this design disperses stress over a greater surface area, and reduces stress concentration at the site of highest bend. The improved bending capacity reduces risk of failure and mitigates the occurrence of undesirable stress marks.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-15, the golf club head 100 includes a club body 104 having a toe 108 (or a toe end 108) opposite a heel 112 (or a heel end 112). The club body 104 also includes a crown 114 (or a top rail 114) opposite a sole 115 (or a bottom 115). A front 116 (or front side 116) of the club body 104 carries a face plate 120 (or a strike plate 120 or a club face 120 or a strike face 120) that defines a strike surface 122. The face plate 120 is opposite a rear 118 (or a back 118 or a rear side 118 or a back side 118). The face plate 120 can also include a plurality of grooves 125.

With specific reference to FIG. 3, the club body 104 also defines an upper portion 126 and a lower portion 128. A ledge 130 is positioned on the rear 118 and extends generally from the toe 108 to the heel 112. The upper portion 126 is bounded by the top 114 and the ledge 130. The lower portion 128 is bounded by the sole 115 and the ledge 130.

With reference specifically to FIGS. 1B, 2 and 4, the strike surface 122 of the golf club head 100 includes the geometric center 210. The geometric center 210 can be located at a geometric center point of a striking surface perimeter, and at a midpoint of a height of the strike surface 122. In some examples, the geometric center 210 can be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone. The engineered impact zone can be defined by a region of grooves 125 on the strike surface 122. Alternatively, the geometric center 210 can be located in accordance with a definition established by a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

I. Hosel and Hosel Bore

With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 5A, and as stated above, the golf club head 100 also includes a hosel 110 positioned at the heel 112 for connecting the golf club head 100 to a shaft (not shown). The hosel 110 defines a hosel axis 135 (FIGS. 1B, 5A, 9) that extends through a center of the hosel 110. The hosel 110 extends between a first end 142 (or a proximal end 142) and second end 144 (or a distal end 144 to the golf club head) from the club head body 104. The proximal end 142 of the hosel 110 is defined by a transition plane 145 at a location where an 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 110 includes a hosel bore 150. The hosel bore 150 extends along the hosel axis 135 and is configured to receive the golf club shaft that carries a grip. As illustrated, the hosel bore 150 defines a hosel bore first end 152 (or hosel bore proximal end 152) that is that is positioned within the club body 104 (and specifically, the heel 112), and a hosel bore second end 154 (or a hosel bore distal end 154) that is positioned at the distal end 144 of the hosel 110. The hosel bore distal end 154 is an open end and the hosel bore proximal end 152 is a closed end. The hosel bore proximal end 152 defines the lower boundary of the hosel 150 within the club head body 104 at a hosel bore tip 155. The hosel bore proximal end 152 can be configured to receive a tip weight 156, which may be positioned between hosel 110 and the golf club shaft. As noted above, and in contrast to typical golf club heads, the hosel bore 150 of the club head described herein extends beyond the proximal end 142 of the hosel 110 and into the club body 104. To be specific, the hosel bore 150 extends beyond the hosel 110 (whose end can be identified by the transition plane 145 shown in FIG. 5A), and into the heel side of the club head body.

1. Hosel Bore Extension into Club Body

In order to allow for bending of the hosel 110 to occur along a greater surface area, extending further into the club head body 104, the hosel bore 150 extends the entire length of the hosel 110 and into the club head body 104. Therefore, the hosel bore 150 comprises a length that is greater than a length of the hosel 110. Referring to FIG. 5A, the hosel 110 defines a hosel length L1 measured from the distal end 144 (or hosel second end 144) to the transition plane 145 along the hosel axis 135. In some embodiments, the hosel length L1 ranges inclusively between 0.75 inches and 2.25 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel length L1 ranges inclusively between 1.0 inches and 1.75 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel length L1 can range between 0.75 inch and 1.0 inch, 1.0 inch and 1.25 inches, 1.25 inches and 1.50 inches, 1.50 inches and 1.75 inches, 1.75 inches and 2.0 inches, or 2.0 inches and 2.25 inches.

The hosel bore 150 defines a hosel bore length L2 measured from the hosel bore proximate end 152 (or hosel bore first end 152) to the hosel bore distal end 154 (or hosel bore second end 154), which aligns with the hosel distal end 144, along the hosel axis 135. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 ranges inclusively between 1.0 inches and 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 ranges inclusively between 1.3 inches and 2.2 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 can range between 1.0 inch and 1.1 inches, 1.1 inches, and 1.2 inches, 1.2 inches and 1.3 inches, 1.3 inches and 1.4 inches, 1.4 inches and 1.5 inches, 1.5 inches and 1.6 inches, 1.6 inches and 1.7 inches, 1.7 inches and 1.8 inches, 1.8 inches and 1.9 inches, 1.9 inches and 2.0 inches, 2.0 inches and 2.1 inches, 2.1 inches and 2.2 inches, 2.2 inches and 2.3 inches, 2.3 inches and 2.4 inches, or 2.4 inches and 2.5 inches.

According to the present disclosure, the hosel length L1 is less than the hosel bore length L2, resulting in the hosel bore 150 extending past the hosel 110 and into the club body 104. Extending the hosel bore 150 into the club body 104 by a distance defined by the difference between L2 and L1 removes material and mass from the heel 112, thereby increasing discretionary mass and facilitating post-production bending of the club head 100 by allowing for bending over a greater surface area. In many embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 is at least 100% the hosel length L1. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 may be approximately 100% to 160% the hosel length L1. For example, the hosel bore length L2 can be approximately 100% to 110%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 130%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 150%, or 150% to 160% of the hosel length L1. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length L2 is at least 100%, at least 110%, at least 120%, at least 130%, at least 140%, or at least 150% of the hosel length L1.

The position and configuration of the hosel 110 and the hosel bore 150 contrast with conventional iron-type golf club heads of the prior art, one of which is shown in FIG. 6A. First, the hosel length L1 is about 0.300 inches less than the hosel length L1 of conventional iron-type golf club heads. Moreover, the smaller hosel length L1, together with the tapered first zone 186, which receives the tip weight 156, reduces the overall mass of the golf club head 100 by about 6 grams. These differences lead to a lower CG 240. That is, as noted above, the CG 240 along the y-axis 204 is approximately 0.040 inches lower than conventional iron-type golf club heads.

2. Hosel Bore Internal Geometries

The geometry of the club head 100 may influence a shape of the hosel bore 150. More specifically, a heel-to-toe transition 132 of the club head 100 may have an arcuate shape. As the hosel bore 150 extends further into the club head 100, the hosel axis 135 and the heel-to-toe transition 132 converge, reducing the amount of club head material therebetween and creating an area of stress concentration. To maintain structural integrity, the hosel bore proximate end 152 can be shaped to maintain a sufficient amount of club head material between the hosel bore 150 and the heel-to-toe transition 132. In some embodiments, the hosel bore 150 includes a hosel bore tip 155 that generally tapers toward the bore proximal end 152. For example, as best shown in FIG. 9, the hosel bore tip 155 has a frustoconical shape with a larger diameter at the bore distal end 154 and a smaller diameter at the bore proximal end 152 configured to maintain structural integrity at the heel-to-toe transition 132. Specifically, because of the external geometry of the club head, wherein the heel end below the hosel curves in toward the body, space for the hosel bore 150 in that region is limited, constraining the bore to be more narrow. The tapered hosel bore tip 155 allows for a longer hosel bore 150, whose thinner walls allow for bending to occur further into the club head body and, therefore, over a greater surface area. The tapered hosel bore tip 155 also removes additional mass from the heel of the club head 100, thereby further increasing discretionary mass.

The hosel bore 150 can define multiple internal walls 158 characterized by locations relative the club body 104. For example, the internal walls 158 can be characterized by proximity to the toe 108 or heel 112 sides, respectively, as a toe side internal wall 198 and a heel side internal wall 196. In many embodiments, the toe side internal wall 198 and the heel side internal wall 196 can be formed and rounded continuously.

The toe side internal wall 198 can define an angle 196 relative to the hosel axis 135. The heel side internal wall 194 can define an angle 192 relative to the hosel axis 135. The angled configuration of the internal walls 158 creates the tapered effect of the hosel bore first end 152. The toe side internal wall angle 196 can range inclusively between 2.5° and 20°. In some embodiments, the toe side internal wall angle 196 can range inclusively between 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 side internal wall angle 192 can also range inclusively between 2.5° and 20°. In some embodiments, the heel side internal wall angle 192 can range inclusively between 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 side internal wall angle 196 and the heel side internal wall angle 192 are the same. In alternative embodiments, the toe side internal wall angle 196 and the heel side internal wall angle 192 differ. In particular, the heel side internal wall angle 192 can be larger than the toe side internal wall angle 196. Internal walls with differing angles will create an asymmetrical shape. In all embodiments, the toe side internal wall angle 196 and the heel side internal wall angle 192 are likely to change, and become asymmetrical, as a result of hosel bending. Therefore, toe side and heel side internal wall angles 196, 192 refer only to these angles post-manufacturing and before bending.

3. Other Considerations of Hosel Bore Extension

Extending the hosel bore 150 into the club head body 104 increases discretionary mass that can be used elsewhere on the club head 100 to move a center of gravity 240 (or CG 240) of the club head 100 to a desired location. With reference to FIGS. 1B, 2, and 4, the location of the center of gravity 240 can be defined relative to a coordinate system establishing the x-axis 202, a y-axis 204, and a z-axis 206. The geometric center 210 defines an origin of the coordinate system including the axes 202, 204, 206. The x-axis 202 (shown in FIGS. 1B and 2) extends through the club head geometric center 210 from toe 108 to the heel 112. The x-axis 202 is positive towards the toe 108. The y-axis 204 (shown in FIGS. 1B and 4) extends through the club head geometric center 210 from the crown 114 to the sole 115. The y-axis 204 is positive towards the crown 114. The y-axis 204 is perpendicular to the x-axis 202 when viewed from the front view (or from the face plate 120). The y-axis 204 is oriented at an oblique angle to the hosel axis 135. The z-axis 206 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) extends through the geometric center 210 from the face plate 120 to the rear end 118 of the golf club head 100. The z-axis 206 is positive towards the face plate 120. The z-axis 206 is perpendicular to the x-axis 202 and the y-axis 204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the location of the center of gravity 240 can be measured from the geometric center 210. The center of gravity 240 can be measured along the x-axis 202 relative to the geometric center 210 and is represented by CGx. The center of gravity 240 can also be measured along the y-axis 204 relative to the geometric center 210 and is represented by CGy. The center of gravity 240 can be measured along the z-axis 206 geometric center 210 and is represented by CGz. Moving the center of gravity 240 towards the toe 108 or the heel 112 can be achieved by increasing or decreasing the distance along the x-axis 202. Lowering the center of gravity 240 can be achieved by decreasing the distance along the y-axis 204. Moving the center of gravity 240 rearward can be achieved by increasing the distance along the z-axis 206. In other examples of embodiments, the center of gravity 240 location can be measured from the leading edge 254 of the golf club head 100 (or from a furthest forward position of the golf club head 100).

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 approximately −0.10 inches to approximately 0.10 inches from the geometric center 210, as measured along the x-axis 202. The iron golf club head 100 also has a CGy of approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center 210, as measured along the y-axis 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the CGy is between the geometric center 210 and the sole 115. As a result of the hosel 110 position and configuration, the center of gravity 240 is between 0.020 inch and 0.060 inch lower than conventional iron-type golf club heads (shown in FIG. 9A). In one example, the CG can be approximately 0.040 inches lower than in conventional iron-type golf club heads.

The hosel bore further can be characterized by a total bore volume. The total bore volume can be categorized into an upper bore volume and a lower bore volume with respect to other elements of the club head. For example, the bore volume can be categorized by an upper bore volume above the hosel outer transition plane 145 and a lower volume below the hosel outer transition plane 145. In some embodiments, the upper bore volume above the hosel outer transition plane 145 is 60-95% of the total bore volume and the lower bore volume below the hosel outer transition plane 145 is 5-40% of the total bore volume. For example, the upper bore volume above the hosel outer transition plane 145 can be 60-65%. 65-70%, 70-75%, 75-80%, 80-85%, 85-90%, or 90-95% of the total bore volume. The lower bore volume below the hosel outer transition plane 145 can be 5-10%, 10-15%, 15-20%, 20-25%, 25-30%, 30-35%, or 35-40% of the total bore volume. In one example, the upper bore volume above the hosel outer transition plane 145 is 90% of the total bore volume and the lower bore volume below the hosel outer transition plane 145 is 10% of the total bore volume.

The hosel bore 150 can be measured with reference to a plurality of axes formed across the club head 100 and parallel to the ground plane 160, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 & 8. It is beneficial for the hosel bore 150 to extend into the club body 104 below particular reference planes in order to reduce overall club mass, create discretionary mass for performance benefits, and ensure the hosel 110 is able to withstand bending up to ±6° without substantial surface deformation or wrinkling. In some examples, the hosel 110 is able to withstand bending up to ±2°, ±3°, ±4°, ±5°, or ±6°.

The upper bore volume and lower bore volume can be quantified by referencing the plurality of axes. A first axis 165 (hereafter referred to as “top-hosel axis” 165) is formed parallel to the ground plane 160 across the top-most edge of the hosel 110 when the club is in an address position. A hosel height 166 can be defined as the distance from the ground plane 160 to the top-hosel axis 165. In some embodiments, the hosel height 166 ranges inclusively between 1.5 inches and 2.75 inches. In many embodiments, the hosel height 166 can range inclusively between 1.75 inches and 2.25 inches. For example, the hosel height 166 can range inclusively between 1.75 inches and 1.85 inches, 1.85 inches and 1.95 inches, 1.95 inches and 2.05 inches, 2.05 inches and 2.15 inches, or between 2.15 inches and 2.25 inches. The hosel height 166 can be approximately 5% to approximately 25% lower than a hosel height of clubs within the prior art. In some embodiments, the hosel height 166 is 5-10%, 10-15%, 15-20%, or 20-25% lower than a hosel height of clubs within the prior art. In one embodiment of an exemplary club head, the hosel height 166 can be 8.6% lower than the hosel height of a club head within the prior art. In another embodiment of an exemplary club head, the hosel height 166 can be 8.8% lower than the hosel height of a club head within the prior art.

A second axis 170 (hereafter referred to as “hosel-body axis” 170) is formed parallel to the ground plane 160 across the location at which the hosel 110 and club body 104 meet. The hosel bore volume can be characterized further by the percent of total volume that resides above or below the hosel-body axis 170. In particular, a lower portion 172 of the hosel bore volume can be located below the hosel-body axis 170. In some embodiments, the lower portion 172 of the hosel bore volume below the hosel-body axis 170 can range inclusively between 5% and 40% the hosel bore volume. In many embodiments, the lower portion 172 of the hosel bore volume below the hosel-body axis 170 can range inclusively between 5% and 30% the hosel bore volume. In some embodiments, the lower portion 172 of the hosel bore volume below the hosel-bore axis 170 is 5%-10%, 10%-15%, 15%-20%, or 20%-25% the hosel bore volume.

A hosel-body ratio can be defined as the ratio between the upper portion of the hosel bore volume above the hosel-body axis 170 and the lower portion 172 of the hosel bore volume below the hosel-body axis 170. In some embodiments, the hosel-body ratio, H1:H2, is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.250. In some embodiments, the hosel-body ratio H1:H2 can be between 1.5:0.025 and 1.5:0.050, 1.5:0.050 and 1.5:0.075, 1.5:0.075 and 1.5:0.100, 1.5:0.100 and 1.5:0.125, 1.5:0.125 and 1.5:0.150, 1.5:0.150 and 1.5:0.175, 1.5:0.175 and 1.5:0.200, 1.5:0.200 and 1.5:0.225, or 1.5:0.225 and 1.5:0.250.

A third axis 175 (hereafter referred to as “midline axis” 175) is formed parallel to the ground plane 160 across the geometric middle of the club body 104. A lower portion 176 of the hosel bore volume can be located below the midline axis 175. In some embodiments, the lower portion 176 of the hosel bore volume below the midline axis 175 can range inclusively between 1% and 20% of the hosel bore volume. In many embodiments, the lower portion 176 of the hosel bore volume below the midline axis 175 can range inclusively between 1% and 15% of the hosel bore volume. In some embodiments, the lower portion 176 of the hosel bore volume below the midline axis 175 is 1%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% of the hosel bore volume.

The extension of the hosel bore 150 into the club body 104 lowers the CG 240, reduces mass of the club head to create discretionary weight, and allows for the design to comprise a shortened hosel 110, which further reduces mass. Further, positioning the hosel bore 150 low within the club body 104 ensures the bend point of the hosel 110 occurs where the wall thickness can withstand an increased amount of stress and allows bending to occur over a greater surface area, reducing the occurrence of highly concentrated stress. Therefore, the low position of the hosel bore 150 allows the club head 100 to be bent to a relatively high degree during loft and lie adjustments without the formation of visible stress marks or surface deformation.

A fourth axis 180 (hereafter referred to as “bottom-hosel axis” 180) is formed parallel to the ground plane 160 across the bottom-most edge of the hosel bore 150 when the club head 100 is in an address position. A hosel bore height 182 can be defined as the distance from the ground plane 160 to the bottom-hosel axis 180. In some embodiments, the hosel bore height 182 ranges inclusively between 0.25 inches and 1.0 inches. In many embodiments, the hosel bore height 182 ranges inclusively between 0.25 inches and 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel bore height 182 ranges between 0.25 inches and 0.35 inches, 0.35 inches and 0.45 inches, 0.45 inches and 0.55 inches, 0.55 inches and 0.65 inches, or between 0.65 inches and 0.75 inches. The hosel bore height 182 can be approximately 40% to approximately 80% lower than a hosel bore of clubs within the prior art. In some embodiments, the hosel bore height 182 is 40-50%, 50-60%, 60-70%, or 70-80% lower than a hosel bore height of clubs within the prior art. In one example, the hosel bore height 182 can be 57.1% lower than a hosel bore height of a club head within the prior art. In another example of a club head, the hosel bore height 182 can be 65.1% lower than a hosel bore height of a club head within the prior art.

A hosel-bore ratio can be defined as the ratio of hosel height 166 to hosel bore height 182. In some embodiments, the hosel-bore ratio is 1.2:1.1 to 1.9:1.0. In many embodiments, the hosel-bore ratio is 1.25:1.15 to 1:75:1.1. The hosel bore 150 is longer than the hosel 110 and extends into the club body 104. This hosel bore configuration removes mass in the upper portion 126 of the club body 104 and lowers the overall CG 240, creating discretionary mass to further be applied for weight benefits. The extended hosel bore 150 allows for bending to occur further into the club head body, allowing for increased distribution of stress over a greater surface area. By extending the hosel bore 150 lower into the club body 104, the walls at the hosel-body connection point and heel 112 are thinned, thus allowing for hosel 110 bending without displaying high stress marks. The lowered bore design maintains the ability to post-manufacture adjustments to loft and lie, while mitigating or completely avoiding the generation of visible stress marks and creates discretionary mass for club head performance benefits.

4. Hosel Configurations

The thickness of the hosel walls affects the ability of the hosel to undergo post-manufacture bending and withstand accompanying stresses. With reference to FIGS. 5A and 9-12, the hosel bore 150 defines a hosel bore wall 158. Different regions of the hosel bore wall 158 located sequentially along its length L2 have associated thicknesses T1, T2, T3 that are measured from an inner surface of the hosel bore 150 to an outer surface of the hosel 110 and/or to the heel 112. The thicknesses of the hosel bore wall 158 generally decrease from the proximal end 152 of the hosel bore 150 to the distal end 154 of the hosel bore 150. That is, the hosel bore wall 158 at the proximal end 152 has the first wall thickness T1 that is the greatest thickness, the hosel bore wall 158 at the distal end 154 has second thickness T2 that is the smallest thickness, and the hosel bore wall 158 between the proximal end 158 and the distal end 154 has a third thickness T3 that is smaller than the first thickness T1 and greater than the second thickness T2. In other words, the hosel bore wall 158 has a first zone 186, a second zone 188, and a third zone 190.

In FIG. 5A, the different zones 186, 188, 190 are indicated using dash-dot lines. These zones are merely exemplary and may be delineated in other ways. The first zone 186 is configured to at least partially receive the tip weight 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire tip weight 156 is positioned within the first zone 186. In some embodiments, the tip weight 156 may be positioned in both the first zone 186 and the third zone 190. The first zone 186 has the first wall thickness T1, the second zone 188 has the second wall thickness T2, and the third zone 190 has the third wall thickness T3.

The thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 is not uniform in the first zone 186 for two reasons. First, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the hosel bore wall 158 can be tapered relative to the hosel axis 135, and second, a portion of the hosel bore wall 158 is made up of the heel 112, which has a curved exterior profile, and another portion of the hosel bore wall 158 nears the top rail 114, requiring additional material for structural stability. The first wall thickness T1 is larger on a top side of the hosel bore wall 158 than in the remainder of the hosel bore wall 158.

With reference to FIG. 10, to relate the thicknesses T1, T2, T3 of the hosel 110, the hosel bore 150 and hosel bore walls 158 can be compared to an analog clock in which the an x-axis 222 extends between 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock, and a z-axis 220 extends between 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. As shown, the x-axis 222 of the clock is parallel to and offset relative to an x-axis 202 extending through a geometric center 210 of the golf club 100. In the illustrated embodiment, in the first zone 186, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 is greatest between 12 o'clock and 3 o'clock because this is where the club body 104 defines the hosel bore wall 158. Moreover, although not illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 may generally decrease from the location between the first zone 186 and the third zone 190 in a direction toward the first end 152 of the hosel bore 150 and the club body 104 in a region between 4 o'clock and 7 o'clock because this is where the exterior surface that transitions from the hosel 110 to the heel 112 is generally located. As shown, in FIGS. 11 and 12, the thicknesses T2 and T3 are generally uniform around the clock, with the thickness T3 being smaller than the thickness T2.

By maintaining a consistent wall thickness T2, T3 in the second and third zones 188, 190 and placing the proximal end 152 of the hosel bore 150 in the club body 104, stress is distributed more evenly along the hosel length L1, which leads to less localized stress and better bending results.

For additional guidance in describing the innovation herein, the x-axis 202 and the z-axis 206 are arranged to coincide with numbers on an analog clock in FIGS. 10-12. The z-axis 206 extends between 12 o'clock (“12” through the face plate 120) and 6 o'clock (“6” through the rear end 118), and the x-axis 202 extends between 3 o'clock (“3” through the toe end 108) and 9 o'clock (“9” through the heel end 112), as also described above.

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 bore wall thicknesses T1, T2, T3 of each zone 186, 188, 190 may correspond to the type of the material of the club body 104.

The respective thicknesses T1, T2, T3 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the different zones 186, 188, 190 are shown in greater detail in FIGS. 5A and 9-12. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the first zone 186 on the heel side 112 corresponds to an exterior surface that transitions from the hosel 110 to the heel 112. Accordingly, as the exterior surface on the heel side transitions from the hosel 110 to the heel 112, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 in the first zone 186 narrows. In other words, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 is lowest on the heel side 112 at a location between the first zone 186 and the third zone 190 and smallest at the first end 152 of the hosel bore 150. Additionally, on the heel side 112, the thickness T1 of the hosel bore wall 158 narrows in a direction from the location between the first zone 186 and the third zone 190 in a direction toward the first end 152 of the hosel bore 150. Moreover, as shown, the hosel bore wall 158 of the first zone 186 is tapered relative to the hosel axis 135 in some embodiments. The angle 192 of taper between the bore wall 158 and the hosel axis 135 may range from 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°.

Further, with respect to FIGS. 10-12, different internal zones 186, 188, 190 of the hosel bore 150 define respective first dimensions 224, 226, 228 (e.g., diameters 224, 226, 228) and the outer surface of the hosel 110 and the heel 112 defines a second dimension 230. The first diameters 224, 226, 228 of the hosel bore 150 generally decrease from the proximal end 152 of the hosel bore 150 to the distal end of the hosel bore 150. That is, the hosel bore 150 at the proximal end 152 has a first bore diameter 224 that is the largest diameter, the hosel bore 150 at the distal end 154 has a second bore diameter 226 that is the smallest diameter, and the hosel bore 150 between the distal end 154 and proximal end 152 has a third bore diameter 228 that is smaller than the first bore diameter 224 and greater than the second bore diameter 226. Also, correspondingly, the first bore diameter 224 of the first zone 186 generally increases from the hosel bore proximal end 152 in a direction toward the hosel bore second end 154. The second dimension 230 is generally constant in the second and third zones 188, 190 (and around the clock defined by axes 242, 244), but the second dimension 230 is not constant in the first zone 186 because the first zone 186 has an oblong shape (as a result of the various thicknesses discussed above relative to the clock defined by axes 242, 244). In other words, the first zone 186 has the first bore diameter 224 and the variable second dimension 230, the second zone 188 has the second bore diameter 226 and a constant second dimension 230, and the third zone 190 has the third bore diameter 228 and a constant second dimension 230, which is the same as the constant dimension 230 of the second zone 188.

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

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, in illustrated embodiments, both the hosel 110 and the hosel bore 150 have circular cross-sections. That is, the second and third zones 188, 190 and the hosel bore 150 have circular cross-sections. In other embodiments, the hosel 110 may have a cross-section with a different shape and therefore the first and second zones 186, 188 may have cross-sections with a different shape. For example, the hosel 150 (and the second and third zones 188, 190 thereof) may have an ovular or elliptical cross-section. This modification would change the relative bore wall thicknesses T1, T2, T3 and the second dimension 230 of the second and third zones 188, 190.

In alternative embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the hosel bore can be formed continuously with an enclosed cavity within the body of the club head. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the cavity can extend partially into the club head, and can be formed as part of a cavity back or muscle back iron-type club head, or could be used within a wedge, crossover, or putter. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, the cavity can extend throughout the entirety of the club head body, forming a hollow-body iron-type club head. In these embodiments, the hosel bore can be open to the cavity, such that the hosel bore and cavity together form a single void. In other embodiments, the hosel bore and the cavity can be sectioned off with a partial or complete wall.

The partial cavity of the club head shown in FIG. 14 extends to align with a heel-most edge of the strikeface in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the partial cavity can extend to a point heelward or toeward of the strikeface edge. The shape and size of the cavity can be formed to best distribute stresses during hosel bending and during impact with a golf ball.

A thickness of the walls surrounding both the hosel bore and the enclosed cavity are illustrated to be consistent throughout. In other embodiments, however, the walls may comprise varying thickness which may taper or include thickened regions to provide necessary structural strength and rigidity, to improve manufacturability, or to encourage bending only in desired regions.

In some embodiments, the face plate 120 can comprise a first material of a first density. The club body 104 can comprise a second material of a second density. In the illustrated embodiment, the face plate 120 can be the same material as the club body 104 (and thereby the same densities).

The club body 104 may comprise a material, such as steel, a steel alloy, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the body 104 can comprise a material of a density that is different over the face plate 120. The density of the body 104 material can range between 7.70 and 8.10 grams per cubic centimeter (hereafter “g/cc”). In some embodiments, the density of the body material can 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 body 100 can comprise a hardness measured on the Rockwell Scale (HRC). In many embodiments, the material hardness is related to the wall thicknesses T1, T2, T3 and diameters 224, 226, 228 of the hosel 110. A club head comprising a material with a lower hardness will require a thicker area to reduce the appearances of stress bending. In order to maintain a similar degree of force required to bend the hosel, a golf club head made of a material with a greater hardness will require thinner hosel walls than a golf club head made of a material with a lower hardness. This is because a harder material will require greater force to incur deformation. It is preferable to establish a uniform assembly process by requiring a nearly constant amount of force to bend the hosel by modifying the wall thickness as needed based on material properties. Example V below details further the relationship between material hardness and hosel wall thickness.

In addition to the relational position of the hose bore 150, other features of the golf club head 100 dictate performance characteristics such as the moments of inertia Ixx, Iyy and CG 240. The materials that form the club body 104, the face plate 120, the toe weight 157, and the tip weight 156 can affect the mass distribution of the golf club head 100. Consequently, the moments of inertia Ixx, Iyy and center of gravity CG 240 of the golf club head 100 are also affected by the densities of the materials. Furthermore, the materials provide the strength and flexibility necessary for the golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 comprises one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more materials. In some embodiments, the materials may be a first density, second density, third density, fourth density, fifth density or sixth density.

Moreover, because a portion of the hosel bore 150 extends into the body 104 (or heel 112), a portion of the tip weight 156 can reside partially or entirely within the club body 104, when only a portion of the tip weight 156 resides in the club body 104, a remainder of the tip weight 156 can reside in the hosel 110. The weight of the tip weight 156 can range between 0 grams and 18 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of the tip weight 156 can be 0 grams (in the embodiment where there is no tip weight), 1 grams, 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 tip weight 156 ranges between 0 grams and 9 grams. The tip weight 156 can comprise a material that is different over the material of the club body 104. The tip weight 156 may be formed from the same or different material as the toe weight 157 and therefore comprises a high-density material, such as tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy material.

In some embodiments, the density of the material(s) of the toe weight 157 and the tip weight 156, if present, can range between 1.1 g/cc and 19.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the tip weight 156 material can 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, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc, 14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 15.8 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.2 g/cc, 16.4 g/cc, 16.6 g/cc, 16.8 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.2 g/cc, 17.4 g/cc, 17.6 g/cc, 17.8 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.2 g/cc, 18.4 g/cc, 18.6 g/cc, 18.8 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.2 g/cc, 19.4 g/cc, or 19.6 g/cc.

With specific reference to FIG. 4, a vertical plane 250 is illustrated to show hosel tilt relative to the club head body. The vertical plane 250 is an imaginary plane that is generally perpendicular to a ground surface in response to the club body 104 being at an address position. The vertical plane 250 is tangent to a leading edge 254 (or forwardmost edge 254) of the golf club head 100 and perpendicular to a ground plane 160. The hosel axis 135 is oriented at an angle to the vertical plane 250. Stated another way, the hosel axis 135 is oriented oblique to the vertical plane 250. The hosel axis 135 and the vertical plane 250 define a first angle 260. The first angle 260 is representative of the hosel tilt. In the illustrated embodiment, the hosel tilt (or first angle 260) is approximately 0.25 degrees to approximately 20 degrees, and more specifically approximately at least 5.0 degrees. The hosel tilt is oriented such that the hosel axis 135 extends away from the vertical plane 250. The hosel axis 135 is configured to intersect the vertical plane 250 at an imaginary position below the ground surface. This hosel tilt, or negative hosel tilt relative to the vertical plane 250 allows the player to position their hands behind the ball (or towards a trailing or rear foot of the player) at the address position. It should be appreciated that at the address position, the club body 104 is in contact with the ground. More specifically, the sole 115 (or a portion of the sole 115) is in contact with the ground.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the golf club head 100 includes an impact force line 282. The impact force line 270 can be a force line that extends through a center of a golf ball struck by the strike surface 122 of the face plate 120. The impact force line 270 can be oriented perpendicular to the face plate 120, and more specifically perpendicular to the strike surface 122. In some embodiments, the impact force line 270 can extend through the geometric center 210 of the strike surface 122.

As noted above, bending the hosel 110 relative to the club body 104 (via hammering and the like) adjusts the loft angel and the lie angle. The position and configuration of the hosel 110 and the hosel bore 150 spread the stress of the bending process over a longer length of the hosel 110, while also reducing the stress on other areas of the club body 104. The hosel bore proximal end 152, as shown in FIGS. 1A & 5A, defines the lowest location of the hosel bore 150 on the hosel 110. During bending, stress concentrates at the corners of the hosel bore proximal end 152. By lowering the location at which the hosel bore proximal end 152 occurs within the hosel 110, the stress is spread over a broader wall and thereby reduces the maximum stress at any given location. However, the club head 100 maintains the ability to be adjusted for loft and lie up to ±4 degrees.

III. Examples Example I—Comparison of Mass Properties Between One Embodiment of Club Head Described Herein And Control Club Head

Example I provides a comparison between two embodiments of a traditional iron-type golf club head with typical hosel bore geometry, one having an external notch and the other with no notch, and one embodiment of a club head with the hosel bore geometry described herein, and no external notch. More specifically, Example 1 discusses differences in CG and MOI between two traditional club heads and one embodiment of the club head with the low hosel geometry described above, as shown in Table 1.

Described herein are two traditional iron-type golf club head, as shown in FIG. 6A, comprising a typical hosel geometry and a hosel notch (hereafter referred to as “Control Club Head 1” and “Control Club Head 2”). Also described herein is an exemplary embodiment consisting of an iron-type golf club head without a notch, comprising the low hosel bore geometry and wall tapering, described above. Control Club Head 1 comprises the same external structure as Exemplary Club Head 1.

Control Club Head 1 and Exemplary Club Head 1 comprise similar body structure, volume, and loft angle. A direct comparison highlighting differences in hosel dimensions, CG, MOI, and club head mass can be seen below in Table 1.

TABLE I Club Head Dimensions in Control Heads 1 & 2 vs. Exemplary Club Head Control Club Control Club Exemplary Head 1 Head 2 Club Head 1 Club head mass (g) 255 260 255 Total hosel volume (in3) 0.172 0.135 0.190 Hosel volume above 0.172 0.135 0.171 midplane (in3) Hosel volume above 0.172 0.135 0.150 hosel-body meeting point (in3) Ground plane to hosel- 0.896 0.917 0.896 body meeting point (in) Ground plane to midline 0.706 0.695 0.706 axis (in) Ground plane to bottom 0.927 1.137 0.397 of hosel bore (in) Ground plane to top of 2.335 2.340 2.135 hosel (in) CGx (in) 0.082 −0.002 −0.025 Cgy (in) 0.524 0.538 0.486 MOIxx (g/in2) 98.5 83.5 89.4 MOIyy (g/in2) 374.7 321.4 356.1 MOIzz (g/in2) 429.1 367.3 403.1 Inner bore diameter at 0.355 0.353 0.153 bottom hosel (in) Inner bore diameter at 0.408 0.408 0.408 top hosel (in) Outer hosel diameter at 0.540 0.520 0.540 top hosel (in) Wall thickness (range if 0.077 0.0568 0.077 applicable) at mid hosel average cross section (in) Wall thickness (range if 0.066 0.052 0.066 applicable) at upper constant average constant hosel cross section (in)

As shown in Table 1, the club head body of Exemplary Club Head 1 is very similar to the bodies of Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2. A distance between the ground plane and a point where the external hosel meets the top rail is the same between Exemplary Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 1, and similar in Control Club Head 2. Additionally, a distance between the ground plane and the mid-line axis is the same between Exemplary Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 1, and similar in Control Club Head 2. Furthermore, hosel wall thicknesses in both an upper region and a middle region of the hosel are the same between Exemplary Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 1, and are similar in Control Club Head 2.

Table I shows that Exemplary Club Head 1 comprises a hosel bore volume that is 10.5% greater than that of Control Club Head 1, and 40.7% greater than that of Control Club Head 2. The entirety of the hosel bore volume for both Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2 are located above the midline axis, while only 90% of the hosel bore volume of Exemplary Club Head 1 is positioned above the midline axis, with the surplus volume extending below the midline axis and further into the club head.

While the hosel bore volume of Exemplary Club Head 1 is greater than both Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2, the external hosel height of Exemplary Club Head 1, from the ground plane, is substantially lower than that of Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2. Specifically, the external hosel height of Exemplary Club Head 1 is 8.6% lower than the hosel of Control Club Head 1, and 8.8% lower than the hosel of Control Club Head 2.

A distance between the ground plane and the bottom of the hosel bore is much lower in Exemplary Club Head 1, when compared with Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2. Specifically, the height of the Exemplary Club Head 1 hosel bore lower edge from the ground plane is 57.1% lower than Control Club Head 1 and 65.1% lower than Control Club Head 2. This comparison highlights the extent of lengthening which the hosel bore of Exemplary Club Head 1 exhibits. Specifically, the external hosel of Exemplary Club Head 1 is only 8.6%-8.8% lower than Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2, while the internal hosel bore extends much lower, such that its lower edge is 57.1%-65.1% lower than Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2.

The extended hosel bore of Exemplary Club Head 1 resulted in less material positioned in the heel side of the club head, which increased discretionary mass for strategic placement elsewhere within the club head. As shown in Table 1, the club head mass of Exemplary Club Head 1 was the same as that of Control Club Head 1, and 5 g less than Control Club Head 2. This reduction in mass positioned in the heel side of the club head, and repositioned elsewhere, caused the CG to shift both toward the toe and downward. Exemplary Club Head 1 shows a downward shift in CG of 0.038 inch, when compared with Control Club Head 1, or 0.052 inch, when compared with Control Club Head 2. Exemplary Club Head 1 shows a toeward shift in CG of 0.107 inch, when compared with Control Club Head 1, or 0.023 inch, when compared with Control Club Head 2.

Applicant further noted that MOI of Exemplary Club Head 1 remained in a range comparable to both Control Club Head 1 and Control Club Head 2. Specifically, Exemplary Club Head 1 showed a decrease in MOI in all three of the x, y, and z directions, relative to Control Club Head 1, and an increase in MOI in all three of the x, y, and z directions, relative to Control Club Head 2. The decrease in MOI relative to Control Club Head 1 results from removing mass in the far heel side of the club head. While a higher MOI is generally desirable, it has been found that player performance can be benefited more by a downward shift in CG than an increase in MOI. Specifically, testing shows that performance characteristics including stat area and accuracy can be maintained or improved by a shift in CG, even in cases where MOI is reduced. Therefore, maintaining MOI, while moving CG lower, results in overall performance benefits.

Example II—Comparison of Material Deformation From Bending Between One Embodiment of Club Head Described Herein and Control Club Head

Example II provides a comparison illustrating the effect of a lowered, or lengthened, hosel bore on ability to bend and development of highly visible surface deformation resulting from stress. Specifically, Example II compares one embodiment of the club head described herein, comprising an extended hosel bore and lacking an external notch, and one embodiment of a traditional iron-type golf club head, comprising typical hosel bore geometry and having an external notch.

The standard club (hereafter referred to as the “Control Club Head”) comprised a body having a heel, toe, upper portion, and a lower portion, a hosel, a hosel bore configured to connect the golf club head with a shaft, and a notch located below the hosel on the heel side of the body. The exemplary club (hereafter referred to as the “Exemplary Club Head”) comprised a bore extending lower into the body and shortened hosel relative to the standard club. The Exemplary Club Head also omitted any notch or cutout feature on the heel or surrounding area. All elements, dimensions, and features were the same throughout both club heads.

When a club head hosel is forcibly bent following manufacturing, the applied force may produce visible marks at the bend site due to material deformation. The amount of material surface deformation was analyzed and recorded on a qualitative feedback scale between an exemplary club and a standard club. A plurality of clubs were forcibly bent at the hosel to a degree ranging between 2° and 4° from neutral, starting position. If a club head was not able to be bent to the desired degree without visible surface deformation (i.e. stress marks), the head received a “−” score. If the club head was able to be bent to the desired degree without significant surface deformation, the club head received a “+” score. The exemplary club head and the standard club head were both measured in this way for upright and flattened lie adjustments as well as open and closed loft adjustments. Table II below details the degree of bending attempted and resultant surface deformation rating.

TABLE II Degree of bending and resultant demarcation rating in a standard club head vs. an exemplary club head Exemplary club head Standard Club Head Surface Surface Deformation Deformation Club no. Degree bent Rating Degree bent Rating 1 3.04 + 3.87 − 2 5.43 + 5.01 − 3 −4.65 + −4.23 − 4 −5.44 + −5.35 +

Visible deformative marks or discoloration as a result of the forced bending were measured according to the above-described scale. Minor variance in degree bent is due to human error within the bending process and is overall negligible, as the bending of the lie angle on a post-manufactured club head can be imprecise. As shown in Table II, the Exemplary Club Head was able to be bent to a similar degree as the Control Club Head. However, the Control Club Head visibly deformed as a result of bending in three out of four samples tested. The Exemplary Club Head remained visibly unaffected by the applied force, while maintaining the ability to be successfully bent to desirable degrees.

Example III—Comparison of FEA Response to Applied Forces at Hosel

This example provides a qualitative comparison illustrating the effect of a lowered, or lengthened, hosel bore on concentration of stress. Specifically, Example III provides a comparison of stress dispersion based on surface area of one embodiment of the club head described herein, comprising a lowered hosel bore and omitting an external notch, and one embodiment of a traditional iron-type golf club head comprising typical hosel bore geometry and having an external notch.

Stress values at a site of bending for a standard golf club head were compared to those of an exemplary golf club head. The standard golf club head (hereafter referred to as the “Control Club Head”) comprised a crown, sole, face, rear, hosel, and hosel bore. The exemplary golf club head (hereafter referred to as the “Exemplary Club Head”) comprised similar features with a shortened hosel and lowered hosel bore compared to the standard club. With the exception of the hosel, hosel bore, and notch, all dimensions and features between the golf club heads were the same throughout the golf club body.

Analysis of each club head's response to constant applied bending forces is shown in FIGS. 5B-5D (Exemplary Club Head) and 6B-6D (Control Club Head). Illustrated stresses along the hosel indicate the occurrence of bending in response to the forces applied. In the referenced figures, high amounts of stress are denoted by red coloration, while low amounts of stress are denoted by dark blue coloration. Colors ranging from red to dark blue, such as orange, yellow, green, and light blue denote decreasing amounts of stress in this respective order. The scale of stress in FIGS. 5B-5D and in 6B-6D is equal across both models. That is to say, the value of stress in a red area illustrated in FIG. 5B is of equal value to a red area illustrated in FIG. 6B. The colors within these figures illustrate the distribution of stresses across the hosel in both club heads analysed at comparable values.

It is beneficial for the stressed to be dispersed across the hosel, rather than concentrated at any given site. Areas with higher stress than the surrounding region will often produce visible material surface deformation on the hosel. A club head with high stress across the hosel, but not at any discernably concentrated site, will typically bend without generating such stress marks. This is preferred, as visible surface deformation is not only unsightly, but can also compromise the structural integrity of the hosel at that site.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5D, the Exemplary Club Head comprising a low hosel bore exhibited a similar maximum stress (indicated by a red color) throughout the hosel as the Control Club Head lacking a low hosel bore. Additionally, as shown in FIGS. 5B-5D, the Exemplary Club Head exhibited stresses throughout hosel that lacked any relatively isolated area of high stress when compared to the Control Club Head. The Control Club Head exhibited a concentrated area of stress across the lower end of the hosel, as depicted in FIGS. 6B-6D. This region of concentrated stress indicates the Control Club Head would likely deform along that site if the modeled forces were physically applied to the Control Club Head, such as in post-manufacture bending.

As stated, the Exemplary Club Head comprising a low hosel bore did not display any highly isolated areas of high stress. Although the maximum stress experienced by both clubs was approximately the same, the Exemplary Club Head exhibited increased stress distribution across the hosel than the Control Club Head. The Exemplary Club Head distributes stress throughout a larger area, thereby reducing the likelihood of failure or visible stress marks.

The Exemplary Club Head comprised a lowered hosel bore and shortened hosel compared to the standard club head. All other components of the clubs were the same throughout. The Exemplary Club Head displayed a dispersed stress at the hosel, while the standard club head displayed a line of concentrated stress at a lower portion of the hosel. In conclusion, the shortened hosel and lowered hosel bore reduce the concentration of stress in the lower portion of the hosel and better disperses the stress throughout the entire hosel. This indicates the Exemplary Club Head is able to be bent without a high level of material surface deformation when compared to the Control Club Head lacking a shorted hosel and lowered hosel bore.

Example IV—Comparison of Stress Dispersion Between Two Embodiments of the Club Head Described Herein and A Control Club Head

Example IV provides a qualitative comparison illustrating the effect of a lowered, or deeper, hosel bore on concentration of stress. Specifically, Example IV provides a comparison of stress dispersion based on surface area of two embodiments of the club head described herein, each comprising a lowered hosel bore and lacking an external notch, and one embodiment of a traditional iron-type golf club head comprising typical hosel bore geometry and also lacking an external notch.

Exemplary Club Head 1 comprises a deeper hosel bore that extends further into the club head than that of the Control Club Head. The hosel bore of Exemplary Club Head 1 terminates along a plane aligned with a heel-most edge of the strike face. Exemplary Club Head 2 comprises a deeper hosel bore that extends further into the club head than that of the Control Club Head and Exemplary Club Head 1. The hosel bore of Exemplary Club Head 2 continues into the club head such that the entire club head is hollowed out and defines a continuous, single void that includes both a body cavity and the hosel bore. The hosel bore walls of the Control Club Head, Exemplary Club Head 1, and Exemplary Club Head 2 comprise a constant thickness that is the same among all three club heads.

Analysis of each club head's response to constant applied bending forces is shown in FIG. 13 (Control Club Head), FIG. 14 (Exemplary Club Head 1), and FIG. 15 (Exemplary Club Head 2). Illustrated stresses along the hosel indicate the occurrence of bending in response to the forces applied. Referring to FIGS. 13-15, the Control Club Head experienced greater stress per surface area than each of Exemplary Club Head 1 and Exemplary Club Head 2. In other words, Exemplary Club Head 1 and Exemplary Club Head 2 experience less concentrated and more dispersed stresses than Control Club Head 1 when the same amount of force is applied. Increasing the surface area of the bore increases the region upon which bending can occur. Therefore, when force is applied to bend the hosel, the hosel bends across the surface area which it is allowed. As a result, the stress dispersion region is increased when the hosel bore depth is increased. Increasing the stress dispersion region reduces stress concentration, thereby reducing risk of failure or the occurrence of visible stress marks.

Example V—Hosel Wall Thickness Relative to Material Hardness

Example V provides a comparison between examples of the club head described herein comprising different combinations of material hardness and hosel wall thickness, described in detail below. More specifically, Example V discusses the effect of the interaction between material hardness and wall thickness on the force required to bend the hosel.

A first exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 1-8620”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.075-0.276 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 1-8620 is made of a 8620 steel alloy having a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness value of 85 HRB. A second exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 2-8620”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.078-0.279 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 2-8620 is made of a 8620 steel alloy having a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness value of 85 HRB. A third exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 3-8620”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.081-0.282 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 3-8620 is made of a 8620 steel alloy having a yield strength of 52 ksi and a hardness value of 85 HRB.

A fourth exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 1-431”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.075-0.276 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 1-431 is made of a 431 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness value of 24 HRC. A fifth exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 2-431”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.078-0.279 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 2-431 is made of a 431 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness value of 24 HRC. A sixth exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 3-431”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.081-0.282 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 3-431 is made of a 431 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 80 ksi and a hardness value of 24 HRC.

A seventh exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 1-17-4”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.075-0.276 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 1-17-4 is made of a 17-4 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness value of 32 HRC. An eighth exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 2-17-4”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.078-0.279 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 2-17-4 is made of a 17-4 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness value of 32 HRC. A ninth exemplary club head (hereafter referred to as “Exemplary Club Head 3-17-4”) comprises a hosel wall thickness that is approximately 0.066 inch thick in an upper region, approximately 0.077 inch thick in a middle region, and ranging from 0.081-0.282 inch thick in a lower region. Exemplary Club Head 3-17-4 is made of a 17-4 stainless steel material having a yield strength of 115 ksi and a hardness value of 32 HRC.

The exemplary club heads described above comprise the same body structure and dimensions, including volume and hosel bore depth and geometry. The exemplary club heads described above club heads vary only in material and lower region hosel wall thickness. The differences in density of the various materials lead to corresponding differences in mass. Differences in hosel wall thickness provide minor additional variations in mass.

Results illustrated a decrease in magnitude of stress experienced during bending of the hosel resulting from an increase in hardness, and further illustrated a decrease in magnitude of stress experienced during bending of the hosel resulting from an increase in hosel wall thickness. Typically, an increase in material hardness leads to greater stress concentration, but a lower degree of maximum stress experienced and a lower amount of bending when force is kept constant.

Findings further showed that a similar amount of force input can be required to provide the same amount of hosel bending across materials by altering hosel wall thickness. In other words, in order to maintain the level of required force input needed to bend the hosel as material hardness and yield strength increase, hosel wall thickness must be decreased. This improves assembly processes by providing the assembler with a consistent expectation of force, and therefore a consistent feel, when adjusting the loft and lie of a club head post-manufacturing.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While the above examples may be described in connection with a iron-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as a driver wood-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following clauses and claims.

Clause 1: A golf club head comprising: a club body having a top opposite a sole, a toe opposite a heel; a hosel coupled to the club body and having a first end proximate the heel and a second end opposite the first end; a hosel bore defined at least partially by the hosel and at least partially by the club body; wherein; the hosel bore defines a hosel bore volume; a midline axis is defined as parallel to a ground plane across a geometric center of the body; an upper portion of the hosel bore is located above the midline axis and a lower portion of the hosel bore is located below the midline axis, and; at least 8% of the hosel bore volume is located below the midline axis.

Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein at least 10% of the hosel bore volume is located below the midline axis.

Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the club body further comprises a strike surface of the club face, a geometric center, and a center of gravity, the geometric center being located at a geometric center point of the club body and at a midpoint of a height of the strike surface, and the center of gravity is positioned along a y-axis extending between the top and the sole.

Clause 4: The golf club head of clause 3, wherein the center of gravity along the y-axis is located approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center.

Clause 5: The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a hosel length defined between the first end of the hosel and the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 1.75 inches.

Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein a hosel bore length defined between a hosel bore first end within the club body and a hosel bore second end at the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 2.2 inches.

Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein a ratio of a hosel bore volume above the midline axis to a hosel bore volume below the midline axis is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.25.

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

Clause 9: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the hosel has a first zone positioned adjacent to the first end with a first wall thickness, and a second zone positioned adjacent to the second end with a second wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness.

Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the hosel has a third zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone, the third zone including a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and greater than the second wall thickness.

Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the first wall thickness is tapered outwardly in a direction from the first end to second end.

Clause 12: A golf club head comprising: a club body having a top opposite a sole, a toe end opposite a heel end, and a club face opposite a back end, a hosel having a first end coupled to the club body, a second end opposite the first end, and a hosel length defined between the first end and the second end; and a hosel bore defined partially in the hosel and partially in the club body, and having a hosel bore length that is greater than the hosel length.

Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 12, further comprising a strike surface of the club face, a geometric center, and a center of gravity, the geometric center being located at a geometric center point of the club body and at a midpoint of a height of the strike surface, and the center of gravity is positioned along a y-axis extending between the top and the sole.

Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 13, wherein the center of gravity along the y-axis is located approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center.

Clause 15: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein a hosel length ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 1.75 inches.

Clause 16: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein a hosel bore length defined between a hosel bore first end within the club body and a hosel bore second end at the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 2.2 inches.

Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 12, wherein a wall thickness of the hosel decreases from the first end to the second end.

Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the hosel has first zone positioned adjacent to the first end with a first wall thickness, and a second zone positioned adjacent to the second end with a second wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness.

Clause 19: The golf club head of clause 18, wherein the hosel has a third zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone, the third zone including a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and greater than the second wall thickness.

Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 18, wherein the first wall thickness is tapered outwardly in a direction from the first end to second end.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a club body having a top opposite a sole, a toe opposite a heel;
a hosel coupled to the club body and having a first end proximate the heel and a second end opposite the first end;
a hosel bore defined at least partially by the hosel and at least partially by the club body;
wherein; the hosel bore defines a hosel bore volume; a midline axis is defined as parallel to a ground plane across a geometric center of the body; an upper portion of the hosel bore is located above the midline axis and a lower portion of the hosel bore is located below the midline axis, and; at least 8% of the hosel bore volume is located below the midline axis.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least 10% of the hosel bore volume is located below the midline axis.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the club head body further comprises a strike surface of the club face, a geometric center, and a center of gravity, the geometric center being located at a geometric center point of the club body and at a midpoint of a height of the strike surface, and the center of gravity is positioned along a y-axis extending between the top and the sole.

4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein the center of gravity along the y-axis is located approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches from the geometric center.

5. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a hosel length defined between the first end of the hosel and the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 1.75 inches.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a hosel bore length defined between a hosel bore first end within the club body and a hosel bore second end at the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 2.2 inches.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a hosel bore volume above the midline axis to a hosel bore volume below the midline axis is approximately 1.5:0.025 to 1.5:0.25.

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

9. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the hosel has a first zone positioned adjacent to the first end with a first wall thickness, and a second zone positioned adjacent to the second end with a second wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness.

10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the hosel has a third zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone, the third zone including a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and greater than the second wall thickness.

11. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the first wall thickness is tapered outwardly in a direction from the first end to second end.

12. A golf club head comprising:

a club body having a top opposite a sole, a toe end opposite a heel end, and a club face opposite a back end;
a hosel having a first end coupled to the club body, a second end opposite the first end, and a hosel length defined between the first end and the second end; and
a hosel bore defined partially in the hosel and partially in the club body, and having a hosel bore length that is greater than the hosel length.

13. The golf club head of claim 12, further comprising a strike surface of the club face, a geometric center, and a center of gravity, the geometric center being located at a geometric center point of the club body and at a midpoint of a height of the strike surface, and the center of gravity is positioned along a y-axis extending between the top and the sole.

14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein the center of gravity along the y-axis is located approximately 0.10 inches to approximately 0.75 inches, as measured from the geometric center.

15. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein a hosel length ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 1.75 inches.

16. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein a hosel bore length defined between a hosel bore first end within the club body and a hosel bore second end at the second end of the hosel ranges inclusively between 1.0 and 2.2 inches.

17. The golf club head of claim 12, wherein a wall thickness of the hosel decreases from a first end to a second end.

18. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the hosel has first zone positioned adjacent to the first end with a first wall thickness, and a second zone positioned adjacent to the second end with a second wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness.

19. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the hosel has a third zone positioned between the first zone and the second zone, the third zone including a third wall thickness that is smaller than the first wall thickness and greater than the second wall thickness.

20. The golf club head of claim 18, wherein the first wall thickness is tapered outwardly in a direction from the first end to second end.

Patent History
Publication number: 20240100404
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 27, 2023
Publication Date: Mar 28, 2024
Inventors: Mark C. Bloxham (Phoenix, AZ), Travis D. Milleman (Cave Creek, AZ)
Application Number: 18/476,266
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 53/04 (20060101);