US010864414B2

( 12 ) United States Patent ( 10 ) Patent No .: US 10,864,414 B2 Parsons et al . (45 ) Date of Patent : * Dec . 15 , 2020

( 54 ) GOLF CLUB HEADS AND METHODS TO ( 56 ) References Cited MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUB HEADS U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ( 71 ) Applicant: Parsons Xtreme Golf, LLC , 1,133,129 A 3/1915 Govan Scottsdale, AZ ( US ) 1,534,600 A 4/1925 Mattern ( 72 ) Inventors: Robert R. Parsons , Scottdale, AZ ( Continued ) ( US ) ; Michael R. Nicolette , Scottsdale, AZ (US ); Bradley D. Schweigert , Cave FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS Creek , AZ (US ) DE 29715997 2/1998 ( 73 ) Assignee : PARSONS XTREME GOLF, LLC , GB 2249031 4/1992 Scottsdale, AZ ( US ) ( Continued ) ( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this OTHER PUBLICATIONS patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days. Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc. , https://taylormadegolf.com/on/ demandware.static / - / sites -tmag - library /default /v1459859 109590 / This patent is subject to a terminal dis docs/ productspecs / tm_s2013_catalog18.pdf. , Published Jan. 2013 . claimer. ( Continued ) ( 21 ) Appl. No .: 16 / 674,296 Primary Examiner Sebastiano Passaniti ( 22 ) Filed : Nov. 5 , 2019 ( 57 ) ABSTRACT ( 65 ) Prior Publication Data Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufac ture golf club heads are generally described herein . In one US 2020/0070018 A1 Mar. 5 , 2020 example , a golf club head may include a body portion Related U.S. Application Data having an interior cavity, a port connected to the interior cavity , a toe portion , a heel portion , a top portion , sole ( 63 ) Continuation - in - part of application No. 16 / 365,343 , portion , a back portion , a port, and a front portion having a filed on Mar. 26 , 2019 , which is a continuation of perimeter ledge portion defining at least a portion of an outer ( Continued ) boundary of the front portion . The example golf club head may also include a face portion having a front surface with ( 51 ) Int. Ci . at least one groove and a back surface opposite the front A63B 53/04 ( 2015.01 ) surface and associated with a total back surface area . The A63B 60/02 ( 2015.01 ) back surface may include a first back surface region asso (Continued ) ciated with a first back surface area and a second back surface region associated with a second back surface area . ( 52 ) U.S. Ci . The total back surface area may equal to the sum of the first CPC A63B 53/0475 ( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 537047 back surface area and the second back surface area . The first ( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 53/0466 ( 2013.01 ) ; back surface region may be located at or proximate to a (Continued ) perimeter portion of the back surface and coupled to the ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search perimeter ledge portion . Other examples and embodiments CPC A63B 53/0475 ; A63B 53/0466 ; A63B may be described and claimed . 53/047 ; A63B 53/0487 ; A63B 60/02 ; ( Continued ) 19 Claims , 23 Drawing Sheets

2430 2630 2440 2413 -2710 2440 2417 RSS 2412 3066 2441 2415 3068 3067 2450 2620 2716 3910 3930 3320 2451 3069 2410 3820 3940 2455 3700 3920 3063 24802480 3950 3012 3732 3062 US 10,864,414 B2 Page 2

Related U.S. Application Data continuation of application No. PCT /US2016 / 042075 , filed on Jul . 13 , 2016 , which is a continuation application No. 15 / 841,022 , filed on Dec. 13 , 2017 , of application No. 15 / 188,718 , filed on Jun . 21 , 2016 , now Pat . No. 10,265,590 , which is a continuation of now Pat . No. 9,610,481 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , application No. 15 / 701,131 , filed on Sep. 11 , 2017 , which is a continuation - in - part of application No. now abandoned , which is a continuation - in - part of 15 / 462,281 , filed on Mar. 17 , 2017 , application No. application No. 15 / 685,986 , filed on Aug. 24 , 2017 , 16 / 674,296 , which is a continuation - in -part of appli now Pat. No. 10,279,233 , which is a continuation of cation No. 15 / 802,819 , filed on Nov. 3 , 2017 , now application No. 15 / 628,251 , filed on Jun . 20 , 2017 , abandoned , which is a continuation of application No. now abandoned , which is a continuation of applica 15 / 793,648 , filed on Oct. 25 , 2017 , which is a con tion No. 15 / 209,364 , filed on Jul. 13 , 2016 , now Pat. tinuation - in -part of application No. 15 / 791,020 , filed No. 10,293,229 , which is a continuation of applica on Oct. 23 , 2017 , now aban ned , which is a con tion No. PCT /US2015 /016666 , filed on Feb. 19 , tinuation of application No. 15 / 785,001 , filed on Oct. 2015 , said application No. 15 / 209,364 is a continu 16 , 2017 , now abandoned , application No. 16/674 , ation of application No. 14 / 618,501 , filed on Feb. 10 , 296 , which is a continuation - in - part of application 2015 , now Pat . No. 9,427,634 , which is a continu No. 16 / 039,496 , filed on Jul. 19 , 2018 , now Pat . No. ation of application No. 14 / 589,277 , filed on Jan. 5 , 10,478,684 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is a 2015 , now Pat . No. 9,421,437 , which is a continu continuation - in -part of application No. 16 / 388,645 , ation of application No. 14 / 513,073 , filed on Oct. 13 , filed on Apr. 18 , 2019 , which is a continuation -in - part 2014 , now Pat . No. 8,961,336 , which is a continu of application No. 15 / 890,961 , filed on Feb. 7 , 2018 , ation of application No. 14 / 498,603 , filed on Sep. 26 , now abandoned , which is a continuation - in -part of 2014 , now Pat. No. 9,199,143 , application No. application No. 15 / 876,877 , filed on Jan. 22 , 2018 , 16 / 674,296 , filed on Nov. 5 , 2019 , which is a contin now abandoned , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is uation - in -part of application No. 16 / 376,868 , filed on a continuation of application No. 15 / 934,579 , filed on Apr. 5 , 2019 , which is a continuation of application Mar. 23 , 2018 , now Pat . No. 10,512,829 . No. 15 / 478,542 , filed on Apr. 4 , 2017 , now Pat. No. 10,286,267 , which is a continuation of application ( 60 ) Provisional application No. 61 / 942,515 , filed on Feb. No. 14 / 709,195 , filed on May 11 , 2015 , now Pat . No. 20 , 2014 , provisional application No. 61 / 945,560 , 9,649,542 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is a filed on Feb. 27 , 2014 , provisional application No. continuation - in -part of application No. 15 /683,564 , 61 / 948,839 , filed on Mar. 6 , 2014 , provisional filed on Aug. 22 , 2017 , which is a continuation of application No. 61 / 952,470 , filed on Mar. 13 , 2014 , application No. 15 / 598,949 , filed on May 20 provisional application No. 61 / 992,555 , filed on May now Pat. No. 10,159,876 , which is a continuation of 13 , 2014 , provisional application No. 62 / 010,836 , application No. 14 / 711,596 , filed on May 13 , 2015 , filed on Jun . 11 , 2014 , provisional application No. now Pat . No. 9,675,853 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , 62 / 011,859 , filed on Jun . 13 , 2014 , provisional which is a continuation - in - part of application No. application No. 62 / 032,770 , filed on Aug. 4 , 2014 , 16 / 376,863 , filed on Apr. 5 , 2019 , which is a con provisional application No. 62 / 041,538 , filed on Aug. tinuation of application No. 15 / 958,288 , filed on Apr. 25 , 2014 , provisional application No. 62 / 021,415 , 20 , 2018 , now abandoned , which is a continuation of filed on Jul . 7 , 2014 , provisional application No. application No. 15 / 947,383, filed on Apr. 6 , 2018 , 62 / 058,858 , filed on Oct. 2 , 2014 , provisional now abandoned , which is a continuation of applica application No. 62 / 137,494 , filed on Mar. 24 , 2015 , tion No. 15 / 842,632 , filed on Dec. 14 , 2017 , now Pat . provisional application No. 62 / 118,403 , filed on Feb. No. 10,029,159 , which is a continuation of applica 19 , 2015 , provisional application No. 62 / 159,856 , tion No. 15 / 263,018 , filed on Sep. 12 , 2016 , now Pat . filed on May 11 , 2015 , provisional application No. No. 9,878,220 , which is a continuation of application 62 / 209,780 , filed on Aug. 25 , 2015 , provisional No. 15 / 043,090 , filed on Feb. 12 , 2016 , now Pat . No. application No. 62 / 277,636 , filed on Jan. 12 , 2016 , 9,468,821 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is a provisional application No. 62 / 275,443 , filed on Jan. continuation -in -part of application No. 16 / 351,143, 6 , 2016 , provisional application No. 62 / 276,358 , filed filed on Mar. 12 , 2019 , which is a continuation of on Jan. 8 , 2016 , provisional application No. application No. 15 / 842,583 , filed on Dec. 14 , 2017 , 62 / 321,652 , filed on Apr. 12 , 2016 , provisional now Pat. No. 10,232,235 , which is a continuation of application No. 62 / 343,739 , filed on May 31 , 2016 , application No. 15 / 631,610 , filed on Jun . 23 , 2017 , provisional application No. 62 / 433,661 , filed on Dec. now abandoned , which is a continuation of applica 13 , 2016 , provisional application No. 62 / 508,794 , tion No. 15 / 360,707 , filed on Nov. 23 , 2016 , now Pat. filed on May 5 , 2017 , provisional application No. No. 10,029,158 , which is a continuation of applica 62 / 508,794 , filed on May 19 , 2017 , provisional tion No. 15 / 043,106 , filed on Feb. 12 , 2016 , now Pat . application No. 62 / 512,033 , filed on May 28 , 2017 , No. 9,533,201 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is provisional application No. 62 / 570,493 , filed on Oct. a continuation -in - part of application No. 15 / 703,639 , 10 , 2017 , provisional application No. 62 / 536,345 , filed on Sep. 13 , 2017 , now Pat . No. 10,596,424 , filed on Jul . 24 , 2017 , provisional application No. which is a continuation - in - part of application No. 62 / 642,531 , filed on Mar. 13 , 2018 , provisional 15 / 484,794 , filed on Apr. 11 , 2017 , now Pat . No. application No. 62 / 543,786 , filed on Aug. 10 , 2017 , 9,814,952 , application No. 16 / 674,296 , which is a provisional application No. 62 / 548,263 , filed on Aug. continuation - in - part of application No. 16 / 388,619 , 21 , 2017 , provisional application No. 62 / 549,142 , filed on Apr. 18 , 2019 , said application No. 16/388 , filed on Aug. 23 , 2017 , provisional application No. 619 is a continuation of application No. 15 / 842,591 , 62 / 596,312 , filed on Dec. 8 , 2017 , provisional filed on Dec. 14 , 2017 , now abandoned , which is a application No. 62 / 611,768 , filed on Dec. 29 , 2017 , US 10,864,414 B2 Page 3

provisional application No. 62 / 615,603 , filed on Jan. 5,421,577 A 6/1995 Kobayashi 10 , 2018 , provisional application No. 62 / 616,896 , 5,425,535 A 6/1995 Gee DZI, 35 8/1995 Simmons filed on Jan. 12 , 2018 , provisional application No. 5,439,223 A * 8/1995 Kobayashi A63B 53/04 62 / 617,986 , filed on Jan. 16 , 2018 , provisional 473/334 application No. 62 / 478,474 , filed on Mar. 29 , 2017 , 5,447,311 A 9/1995 Viollaz provisional application No. 62 / 637,840 , filed on Mar. 5,451,056 A 9/1995 Manning D362,88 10/1995 Sheeley 2 , 2018 , provisional application No. 62 / 638,686 , filed 5,485,998 A 1/1996 Kobayashi on Mar. 5 , 2018, provisional application No. 5,518,243 A 5/1996 Redman 62 / 639,842 , filed on Mar. 7 , 2018 , provisional 5,540,437 A 7/1996 Bamber application No. 62 / 640,381 , filed on Mar. 8 , 2018 . D378,111 S 2/1997 Parente 5,6Q7,363A 3/1997 Chou 5,637 , Q45A 6/1997 Igarashi ( 51 ) Int . Ci . 5,647,808 A 7/1997 Hosokawa A63B 60/54 ( 2015.01 ) 5,649,873 A 7/1997 Fuller A63B 60/00 ( 2015.01 ) 5,669,830 A 9/1997 Bamber ( 52 ) U.S. CI . 5,766,091 A 6/1998 Humphrey CPC A63B 5370487 ( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 60/02 5,766,092A 6/1998 Mimeur 5,769,73A 6/1998 Hosokawa ( 2015.10 ) ; A63B 53/0408 ( 2020.08 ) ; A63B 5,772,527 A 6/1998 Liu 53/0445 ( 2020.08 ) ; A63B 60/002 ( 2020.08 ) ; 5,788,584 A 8/1998 Parente A63B 60/54 ( 2015.10 ) ; A63B 2053/0479 5,797,807 A 8/1998 Moore ( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 2053/0491 ( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 5,827,132 A 10/1998 Bamber 5,833,551 A * 11/1998 Vincent A63B 53/04 2209/00 ( 2013.01 ) 473/350 ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search D408,485 S 4/1999 Sasaki CPC A63B 2053/0408 ; A63B 60/54 ; A63B 5,899,821 A 5/1999 Hsu 2060/002 , A63B 2209/00 ; A63B 5,911,638 A * 6/1999 Parente A63B 53/04 2053/0445 ; A63B 2053/0491 ; A63B 473/338 2053/0479 5,935,016 A 8/1999 Antonious 6,012,990 A 1/2000 Nishizawa USPC 473 / 324–350 , 287–292 D421,080 S 2/2000 Chen See application file for complete search history . 6,064,568 A 5/2000 Schmitt D426,276 S 6/2000 Besnard et al . ( 56 ) References Cited 6,077,171 A 6/2000 Yoneyama 6,162,133 A 12/2000 Peterson U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,165,081 A 12/2000 Chou D442,659 S 5/2001 Solheim 1,538,312 A 5/1925 Beat 6,231,458 B1 5/2001 Cameron D138,438 S 8/1944 Link 6,238,302 B1 5/2001 Helmstetter 3,020,048 A 2/1962 Carroll D445,8m2 7/2001 Ford 3,266,805 A 8/1966 Bulla 6,290,609 B1 9/2001 Takeda 3,333,854 A * 8/1967 White A63B 53/0487 6,386,990 B1 5/2002 Reyes 473/288 D469,833 S 2/2003 Roberts D215,101 s 9/1969 Sabat D475,107 S 5/2003 Madore D229,431 S 11/1973 Baker 6,569,029 B1 * 5/2003 Hamburger A63B 53/047 D234,609 S 3/1975 Raymont 473/238 D239,550 S 4/1976 Timbrook D478,140 S 8/2003 Burrows D240,748 S 7/1976 Bock 6,604,568 B2 8/2003 Bliss 4,085,934 A 4/1978 Churchward 6,638,182 B2 10/2003 Kosmatka D253,778 S 12/1979 Madison 6,69,714 BI 2/2004 Bliss 4,502,687 A 3/1985 Kochevar 6,702,693 B2 3/2004 Bamber 4,523,759 A 6/1985 Igarashi 6,780,123 B2 8/2004 Hasebe 4,545,580 A 10/1985 Tomita 6,811,496 B2 11/2004 Wahl 4,607,846 A 8/1986 Perkins 6,830,519 B2 12/2004 Reed D294,617 S 3/1988 Perkins 6,855,067 B2 2/2005 Solheim 4,754,977 A 7/1988 Sahm D502,975 S 3/2005 Schweigert et al . 4,803,023 A 2/1989 Enomoto D53,249 3/2005 Nicolette et al . 4,824,116 A 4/1989 Nagamoto D508,545 S 8/2005 Roberts et al . 4,928,972 A 5/1990 Nakanishi D508,969 S 8/2005 Hasebe 4,988,104 A 1/1991 Shiotani 6,923,733 B2 8/2005 Chen 5,028,049 A 7/1991 McKeighen D514,183 S 1/2006 Schweigert 5,090,702 A 2/1992 Viste 6,984,180 B2 1/2006 Hasebe 5,158,296 A 10/1992 Lee DG 3,0ls 6/2006 Schweigert 5,176,384 A 1/1993 Sata 7,121,956 B2 10/2006 Lo 5,184,823 A 2/1993 Desboilles 7,126,339 B2 * 10/2006 Nagai A63B 53/04 5,213,328 A 5/1993 Long 324/345 D336,672 S 6/1993 Gorman 7,128,663 B2 10/2006 Bamber 5,244,211 A 9/1993 Lukasiewicz 7,153,222 B2 12/2006 Gilbert 5,255,918 A 10/1993 Anderson D534,595 S 1/2007 Hasebe 5,282,624 A * 2/1994 Viste A63B 53/04 7,156,751 B2 1/2007 Wahl 473/342 7,169,057 B2 1/2007 Wood 5,282,625 A 2/1994 Schmidt 7,182,69 B 2/2007 Tseng 5,348,302 A 9/1994 Sasamoto 7,207,900 B2 4/2007 Nicolette D351,883 S 10/1994 Serrano D543,601 S 5/2007 Kawami 5,351,958 A 10/1994 Helmstetter 7,281,991 B2 10/2007 Gilbert 5,419,559 A 5/1995 Melanson D555,219 S 11/2007 Lin 5,419,560 A 5/1995 Bamber 7,303,486 B2 12/2007 Imamoto US 10,864,414 B2 Page 4

( 56 ) References Cited D748,215 S 1/2016 Parsons et al . D748,749 S 2/2016 Nicolette et al . U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 9,265,995 B2 * 2/2016 Wahl A63B 60/00 D753,251 S 4/2016 Schweigert 7,351,164 B2 4/2008 Schweigert D753,252 S 4/2016 Schweigert 7,396,299 B2 7/2008 Nicolette D755,319 S 5/2016 Schweigert 7,553,241 B2 6/2009 Park D756,471 S 5/2016 Schweigert 7,582,024 B2 9/2009 Shear 9,345,938 B2 5/2016 Parsons 7,588,502 B2 9/2009 Nishino 9,346,203 B2 5/2016 Parsons 7,594,862 B2 9/2009 Gilbert 9,352,197 B2 5/2016 Parsons 7,611,424 B2 11/2009 Nagai D759,178 S 6/2016 Nicolette 7,658,686 B2 2/2010 Soracco D760,334 S 6/2016 Schweigert D618,293 S 6/2010 Foster et al . 9,364,727 B2 6/2016 Parsons 7,744,484 B1 6/2010 Chao 9,399,158 B2 7/2016 Parsons 7,744,486 B2 6/2010 Hou 9,421,437 B2 8/2016 Parsons 7,744,487 B2 6/2010 Tavares 9,427,634 B2 8/2016 Parsons 7,749,100 B2 7/2010 Tavares 9,440,124 B2 9/2016 Parsons 7,762,905 B2 * 7/2010 Park A63B 53/047 9,468,821 B2 10/2016 Parsons 473/290 9,517,393 B2 12/2016 Cardani 7,794,333 B2 9/2010 Wallans 9,533,201 B2 1/2017 Parsons 7,798,917 B2 9/2010 Nguyen 9,550,096 B2 1/2017 Parsons 7,803,068 B2 9/2010 Clausen 9,610,481 B2 4/2017 Parsons 7,815,521 B2 10/2010 Ban 9,630,070 B2 4/2017 Parsons 7,846,040 B2 12/2010 Ban 9,636,554 B2 5/2017 Parsons 7,938,738 B2 5/2011 Roach 9,649,540 B2 5/2017 Parsons 8,012,040 B2 9/2011 Takechi 9,662,547 B2 5/2017 Parsons 8,062,150 B2 11/2011 Gilbert 9,750,993 B2 9/2017 Ritchie 8,088,025 B2 1/2012 Wahl 9,764,194 B2 9/2017 Parsons 8,092,319 B1 1/2012 Cackett 9,782,643 B2 10/2017 Parsons 8,105,180 B1 1/2012 Cackett 9,795,842 B1 10/2017 Parsons 8,221,262 B1 7/2012 Cackett 9,795,843 B2 10/2017 Parsons 8,246,487 B1 8/2012 Cackett 9,956,460 B2 * 5/2018 Burnett A63B 60/50 8,257,196 B1 9/2012 Abbott 10,086,238 B1 * 10/2018 Roach A63B 53/047 8,262,506 B2 9/2012 Watson 10,512,829 B2 * 12/2019 Parsons A63B 53/047 8,277,337 B2 10/2012 Shimazaki 2001/0055996 A1 12/2001 Iwata 8,328,662 B2 12/2012 Nakamura 2002/0004427 A1 1/2002 Cheng 8,376,878 B2 2/2013 Bennett 2002/0037775 Al 3/2002 Keelan 8,393,976 B2 3/2013 Soracco 2002/0082108 A1 * 6/2002 Peters A63B 60/00 D681,142 S 4/2013 Fossum et al . 473/291 8,414,422 B2 4/2013 Peralta 2002/0094884 Al 7/2002 Hocknell 8,449,406 B1 5/2013 Frame 2002/0107087 A1 8/2002 Fagot 8,475,293 B2 7/2013 Morin 2003/0139226 A1 7/2003 Cheng 8,506,420 B2 8/2013 Hocknell 2003/0176231 A1 9/2003 Hasebe 8,535,176 B2 9/2013 Bazzel 2003/0194548 Al 10/2003 McLeod 8,545,343 B2 10/2013 Boyd 2004/0082401 A1 4/2004 Takeda 8,574,094 B2 11/2013 Nicolette 2004/0092331 A1 5/2004 Best 8,579,724 B2 * 11/2013 Evans A63B 60/00 2004/0204263 Al 10/2004 Fagot 473/334 2004/0266550 A1 12/2004 Gilbert 8,657,700 B2 2/2014 Nicolette 2005/0009632 Al 1/2005 Schweigert 8,663,026 B2 3/2014 Blowers 2005/0014573 A1 1/2005 Lee 8,690,710 B2 4/2014 Nicolette 2005/0043117 A1 2/2005 Gilbert 8,753,230 B2 6/2014 Stokke 2005/0119066 A1 6/2005 Stites 8,790,196 B2 7/2014 Solheim 2005/0239569 A1 10/2005 Best 8,827,832 B2 9/2014 Breier 2005/0255936 A1 11/2005 Huang 8,827,833 B2 9/2014 Amano 2005/0277485 Al 12/2005 Hou 8,845,455 B2 9/2014 Ban 2006/0111200 A1 5/2006 Poynor 8,858,362 B1 10/2014 Leposky 2006/0172822 A1 * 8/2006 Liang A63B 53/047 D722,351 S 2/2015 Parsons et al. 473/350 D722,352 S 2/2015 Nicolette et al . 2006/0229141 Al 10/2006 Galloway D723,120 S 2/2015 Nicolette 2006/0240909 A1 10/2006 Breier 8,961,336 B1 2/2015 Parsons 2007/0032308 Al 2/2007 Fagot D724,164 S 3/2015 Schweigert et al . 2007/0225084 A1 9/2007 Schweigert D725,208 S 3/2015 Schweigert 2008/0058113 Al 3/2008 Nicolette D726,265 S 4/2015 Nicolette 2008/0188322 Al 8/2008 Anderson D726,846 S 4/2015 Schweigert 2008/0300065 A1 12/2008 Schweigert 9,005,056 B2 4/2015 Pegnatori 2008/0318705 A1 12/2008 Clausen D729,892 S 5/2015 Schweigert 2008/0318706 A1 12/2008 Larson D733,234 S 6/2015 Nicolette 2009/0011858 Al 1/2009 Binette 9,044,653 B2 6/2015 Wahl 2009/0029790 A1 1/2009 Nicolette 9,061,186 B2 * 6/2015 Larson A63B 53/047 2010/0093460 A1 * 4/2010 Gilbert A63B 53/0475 9,072,949 B2 * 7/2015 Stites A63B 53/0466 473/291 D738,449 S 9/2015 Schweigert 2010/0130306 A1 5/2010 Schweigert D739,487 S 9/2015 Schweigert 2010/0178999 A1 7/2010 Nicolette 9,155,945 B2 10/2015 Demkowski 2011/0003649 A1 * 1/2011 Liu A63B 53/047 9,192,830 B2 11/2015 Parsons 473/342 9,192,832 B2 11/2015 Parsons 2011/0111883 A1 5/2011 Cackett 9,199,143 B1 12/2015 Parsons 2011/0165963 A1 7/2011 Cackett D746,927 S 1/2016 Parsons 2011/0269567 Al 11/2011 Ban D748,214 S 1/2016 Nicolette et al . 2011/0294596 Al 12/2011 Ban US 10,864,414 B2 Page 5

( 56 ) References Cited JP 2005218510 8/2005 JP 2013043091 3/2013 U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS BB%WO 9215374 9/1992 2012/0071259 A1 * 3/2012 Clausen A63B 60/54 OTHER PUBLICATIONS 473/290 2012/0071270 A1 * 3/2012 Nakano A63B 60/54 Rocketbladez Press Release, “ Golfballed ” , http://golfballed.com/ 473/350 index.php ? option = com_content & view = article & id = 2013/0137532 Al 5/2013 Deshmukh 724 :taylormade -... Oct. 13 , 2017 , Published Jan. 3 , 2013 . 2013/0225319 Al 8/2013 Kato U.S. Appl. No. 29 / 512,313 , Nicolette, “ Golf Club Head ,” filed Dec. 2013/0281226 A1 10/2013 Ban 18 , 2018 2013/0288823 Al 10/2013 Hebreo Kozuchowski, Zak , “ Callaway Mack Daddy 2 PM Grind Wedges ” 2013/0303303 A1 11/2013 Ban ( http://golfwrz.com/276203/callaway-mack-daddy-2-pm-grind 2013/0310192 Al 11/2013 Wahl wedges / ) , www.golfwix.com , Golfwrx Holdings, LLC , Published 2013/0316842 Al 11/2013 Demkowski Jan. 21 , 2015 . 2014/0045605 Al 2/2014 Fujiwara Wall, Jonathan , “ Details : Phil's Prototype Mack Daddy PM Grind 2014/0080621 A1 3/2014 Nicolette Wedge, ” ( http://www.pgatour.com/equipmentreport/2015/01/21/ 2014/0128175 Al 5/2014 Jertson callaway -wedge.html ) , www.pgatour.com , PGA Tour, Inc. , Pub 2014/0274441 A1 9/2014 Greer lished Jan. 21 , 2015 . 2014/0274442 A1 9/2014 Honea International Search Report and Written Opinion Received in Con 2014/0274451 A1 9/2014 Knight nection With Corresponding PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US16 / 2015/0231454 Al 8/2015 Parsons 42075 dated Sep. 22 , 2016 ( 13 Pages ). 2015/0231806 A1 8/2015 Parsons International Search Report and Written Opinion Received in Con 2016/0243413 A1 * 8/2016 Ritchie A63B 53/047 nection With Corresponding PCT Application Serial No. PCT / US18 / 2016/02 304 A1 10/2016 Parsons 23617 dated May 31 , 2018 ( 20 Pages ) . 2017/0095707 A1 * 4/2017 Ripp A63B 53/06 Translation Dated Oct. 5 , 2018 , of JP2002143356A , Titled “ Iron 2019/0217163 A1 * 7/2019 Larson A63B 53/047 Golf Club Head and Iron Golf Club Set ” , Published May 21 , 2002 , With Inventor Chaen et al . ( Year :2002 ). FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS International Search Report and Written Opinion Received in Con JP 02084972 3/1990 nection With Corresponding PCT Application Serial No. PCT / JP 08257181 10/1996 US2018 / 023617 dated Oct. 1 , 2019 ( 9 Pages ) . JP H10127832 5/1998 International Search Report and Written Opinion Received in Con JP H10277187 10/1998 nection with the Corresponding Application No. PCT /US2015 / JP 2001346924 12/2001 016666 , dated May 14 , 2015 ( 8 Pages ) . JP 2002143356 5/2002 JP 2004313777 11/2004 * cited by examiner U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 1 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

100

110 155 168 180

WWWWWWWWWWWW

www.www.www. NATO DA RA RA A 3 ZA

. ALLW *** W * * K K w we

140 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww PORN 150 164 162 E FIG . 1 190190

-100

120 121 122 123 155 110 124 180 140 ww

137 150 136 135 1410 2006134 131 132 133 190 130 FIG . 2 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 2 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

100

180 8 140

do 155 &

162 8 FIG . 3

18 7 9 120 100 140

155

18 7 9 FIG . 4 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 3 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2 100

180 155 162

1410

160 170

130 190 FIG . 5

100

180 wa 155 162

1410 ww 170 160

.

-171

190 FIG . 6 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 4 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

100 180

750 162 700 1410 160 710 170 168 164 130 166 -730

190 735 1431 FIG . 7

100 155 180 162 1410 164 850 170 160 700 168 730

1431 735 FIG . 8 190 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 5 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

772 25 12 * 20 60 742 42 14 170

168

736 FIG . 9

-100 1030 145 “ ?? ; 122“ ? WHY 110 121 *120 180 . 123 124 140 1020

) MAM ? ? mm 137 136 1010 -135 m @@wan 131132 133 1 134 147 190 . 130 FIG . 10 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 6 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

120 & 130

FIG . 11

120

1210 pogos

1220 FIG . 12

130

1310 pogo

WWW www . WOW ww Wwwwwww 1320 WEI WWWUM woooo FIG . 13 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 7 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

110

1422 1423 1420 155 1421 1424 180 140

WWW w

TUTTI 1437 150 -1436 ooooo 1435 1410 1431 0001434 1432 1433 j 190 1430 FIG . 14

162

164 168 1540 168 1525 1510 1510 1520 1530 166 FIG . 15 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 8 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

162 168 168 1625 1610 1610 1630 1620 -166

1605 1605 FIG . 16

1700 START Provide two or more mass portions Provide body portion 1720 Couple at least one mass 173017 portion in a port 1740 Fill interior cavity

END FIG . 17 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 9 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

100 180

162 1410 160 1510 170 1835 130

166 -1830

190 1874 FIG . 18 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 10 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

162 4 166 1920 FIG . 19

2000 2010 Heating a golf club head

2020 Heating a polymer material

Injecting the polymer material in an 2030 interior cavity of the golf club head FIG . 20

2100 Injecting a bonding agent on a back 2110 surface of a face portion of a golf club head

Uniformly or substantially uniformly 2120 coating the back surface of the face portion with the bonding agent FIG . 21 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 11 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

2200 2322 2323 2320 2255 2321 2210 2324 2280 POW2240

2250 IN 2270 2310 2330 2290 FIG . 22

2200 2365 2222 2223 2220

Www M WWW 2210 2221 2224 2280 2240 2255 www 2360

w 2 PULAR 2250 TILT

2270 2310 2247 2355 J 2230 2290 FIG . 23 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 12 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

2445 2462 2400 2480

WWWOOK 2440 ??????RAME >

OB000000002

2455

www *** 2460 2450 2410 2490 FIG . 24

1 2400241 2830

CX TRO 2469 2420 2470 2400 2480 2421 2422 2467 2621 2410 2620 2622 2820 2440 2710 2716 / ++++++ ** w 2637 2630 2430 2450 2437 2451 2415 2413 2412 2431 2432 2433 2434 2435 2436 2810 2631 2632 2633 2634 2635 2636 FIG . 25 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 13 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

2430 2630 2440 2413 2710 2440 2417 2412 2441 2415 2716 2450 2620 000000 3320 all 2451 2410 2455

2480

FIG . 26

2413 2412 2451 2440 2450

2441 2415 2417 2410 2490 FIG . 27 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 14 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

2480

2400

2718 2719 2720 2710 2721 2460

2441 2413 2410 2412 2417 FIG . 28 2490

0 2480 2400

2718 2719 2710 -2720 2721

2415 2451

2412 FIG . 29 2410 2417 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 15 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

3080 36

3010 ????????????????????? 3050 3040

3060 3055 3062 FIG . 30 36

3221 3021 3020 3080 3220 3022 3070 -3222 3040 3055 3230 0 3030 3012 3050 3311 DOOOO 3036 3035 3034 3236 3231 3031 3032 3033 3235 3232 3233 3234 3090 FIG . 31 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 16 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

3210 3012 E

3311 3090 FIG . 32

3000 3000 3080 o 3080 3010 3010

3210 -3055 3310 3055 3310 3062

3012 3060 3311 3012 3090 FIG . 33 FIG . 34 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 17 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

39 3732 3712 3066 3702 3068 3067 3910 than 3930 3060 3722 3069 LUXULCARE UXURLAUK 3061 7 3940 3704 3820 3700370 3700 3920 -3063 3032 3950 OLGA 3714 3232 3012 3012 3722 3732 3062 FIG . 35 FIG . 36

35 3771 38 3732 3712 3000 3722 3773 3734 3702 3700 no 3010 3775 3310

NORD 3050

3040 3311 I 3774 RUDO wwww

oud XXXX 7777 bogus 3772 38 35 bo 3802 FIG . 37 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 18 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2 3080 3000 3010

3722 -3702

3210

3060 3310

3712 3722

3732

3734 3702 3090 FIG . 38

3732 3734 3738

3712 3736 3722

3060 3010 3702

FIG . 39 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 19 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

4000

Bonding a bonding agent to a back surface of a face portion of a golf club head

Injecting a polymer material in an interior cavity of 4020 the golf club head

Bonding the polymer material to the bonding agent 4030

FIG . 40 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 20 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

4100

Applying a bonding agent to a back surface of a face portion of a golf club head 4110

Heating the golf club head to bond the bonding agent to the back surface of the face portion 4120

Injecting a polymer material in an interior cavity of the 4130 golf club head

Heating the golf club head to bond the polymer material to the bonding agent

FIG . 41 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 21 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

Tempi Tempf

Temperature Uncured Initial Cure Final Cure

Cure Time

FIG . 42 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 22 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

4355 4521 4430 4300 4510 4321 4320 4310 4380 4322 4370 4522 4341 4456 4520 4340

Mwan

44205 4450 4530 4538 -4338 4350 4351 -4537 UNIWW ???? ??????? UM ????? ?? 4337NUK 4536 T 4531 4331 4332 4533 ) 4534 4535 4410 4532 4333 4334 4335 4336 4330 4390 FIG . 43

4380 4355 4380 4360 4362 4510 4458 4459 4458 4450 4450 4459 4452 4460 -4460

4461 re 4461 4370 4510 4360

4370 4390 4454 FIG . 44 FIG . 45 U.S. Patent Dec. 15 , 2020 Sheet 23 of 23 US 10,864,414 B2

4610 COULD 4620 3062 3066

3069

ODIO

1

nekaners SANUM REFREN were WERKKAM mannen wwwwww w Kanton FIG . 46

3732 3734

CORO 3712 3723 3010 3702 3060

FIG . 47 US 10,864,414 B2 1 2 GOLF CLUB HEADS AND METHODS TO now U.S. Pat . No. 9,468,821 , which claims the benefit of MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUB HEADS U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 209,780 , filed Aug. 25 , 2015 , and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 277,636 , CROSS REFERENCE filed Jan. 12 , 2016 . 5 This application is a continuation - in - part of application This application is a continuation - in - part of application Ser. No. 16 / 351,143 , filed Mar. 12 , 2019 , which is a con Ser. No. 16 / 365,343 , filed Mar. 26 , 2019 , which is a con- tinuation of Ser . No. 15 / 842,583 , filed Dec. 14 , 2017 , now tinuation of application Ser . No. 15 / 841,022 , filed Dec. 13 , U.S. Pat. No. 10,232,235 , which is a continuation of appli 2017 , now U.S. Pat . No. 10,265,590 , which is a continuation cation Ser. No. 15 / 631,610 , filed Jun . 23 , 2017 , now aban of application Ser. No. 15 / 701,131 , filed Sep. 11 , 2017 , now 10 doned , which is a continuation of application Ser. No. abandoned , which is a continuation - in -part of application 15 / 360,707 , filed Nov. 23 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat . No. 10,029 , Ser. No. 157685,986 , filed Aug. 24 , 2017 , now U.S. Pat . No. 158 , which is a continuation of application Ser . No. 15/043 , 10,279,233 , which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 106 , filed Feb. 12 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat . No. 9,533,201 , which 15 / 628,251 , filed Jun . 20 , 2017 , now abandoned , which is a claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. continuation of application Ser. No. 15 / 209,364 , filed on Jul . 15 62 / 275,443 , filed Jan. 6 , 2016 , and U.S. Provisional Appli 13 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat . No. 10,293,229 , which is a con- cation No. 62 / 276,358 , filed Jan. 8 , 2016 . tinuation of International Application No. PCT / US15 / This application is a continuation - in - part of application 16666 , filed Feb. 19 , 2015 , which claims the benefit of U.S. Ser . No. 15 / 703,639 , filed Sep. 13 , 2017 , which is a con Provisional Application No. 61 / 942,515 , filed Feb. 20 , 2014 , tinuation - in - part of application Ser. No. 15 /484,794 , filed U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 945,560 , filed Feb. 27 , 20 Apr. 11 , 2017 , now U.S. Pat . No. 9,814,952 , which claims 2014 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 948,839 , filed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 321,652 , Mar. 6 , 2014 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 952,470 , filed Apr. 12 , 2016 . filed Mar. 13 , 2014 , U.S. Provisional Application No. This application is a continuation - in - part of application 61 / 992,555 , filed May 13 , 2014 , U.S. Provisional Applica- Ser . No. 16 / 388,619 , filed Apr. 18 , 2019 , which is a con tion No. 62 / 010,836 , filed Jun . 11 , 2014 , U.S. Provisional 25 tinuation of application Ser. No. 15 / 842,591 , filed Dec. 14 , Application No. 62 / 011,859 , filed Jun . 13 , 2014 , and U.S. 2017 , now abandoned , which is a continuation of Interna Provisional Application No. 62 / 032,770 , filed Aug. 4 , 2014 . tional Application No. PCT / US16 / 42075 , filed Jul . 13 , 2016 , U.S. application Ser . No. 15 / 209,364 , filed on Jul. 13 , which is a continuation of application Ser . No. 15 / 188,718 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat. No. 10,293,229 , is also a continuation filed Jun . 21 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat . No. 9,610,481 , and U.S. of application Ser. No. 14 / 618,501 , filed Feb. 10 , 2015 , now 30 Provisional Application No. 62 / 343,739 , filed May 31 , 2016 . U.S. Pat . No. 9,427,634 , which is a continuation of appli- This application is a continuation - in - part of application cation Ser. No. 14 / 589,277 , filed Jan. 5 , 2015 , now U.S. Pat. Ser . No. 15 / 462,281 , filed Mar. 17 , 2017 , which claims the No. 9,421,437 , which is a continuation of application Ser. benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 433,661 , filed No. 14 / 513,073 , filed Oct. 13 , 2014 , now U.S. Pat . No. Dec. 13 , 2016 . 8,961,336 , which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 35 This application is a continuation -in - part of application 14 / 498,603 , filed Sep. 26 , 2014 , now U.S. Pat. No. 9,199 , Ser . No. 15 / 793,648 , filed Oct. 25 , 2017 , which is a con 143 , which claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Applica- tinuation - in - part of application Ser. No. 15 / 791,020 , filed tion No. 62 / 041,538 , filed Aug. 25 , 2014 . Oct. 23 , 2017 , now abandoned , which is a continuation of This application is a continuation - in -part of application application Ser. No. 15 / 785,001 , filed Oct. 16 , 2017 , now Ser. No. 16,376,868 , filed Apr. 5 , 2019 , which is a continu- 40 abandoned , which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ation of application Ser . No. 15 / 478,542 , filed Apr. 4 , 2017 , Application No. 62 / 502,442 , filed May 5 , 2017 , U.S. Pro now U.S. Pat . No. 10,286,267 , which is a continuation of visional Application No. 62 / 508,794 , filed May 19 , 2017 , application Ser. No. 14 / 709,195 , filed May 11 , 2015 , now U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 512,033 , filed May 28 , U.S. Pat . No. 9,649,542 , which claims the benefit of U.S. 2017 , and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 570,493 , Provisional Application No. 62 / 021,415 , filed Jul . 7 , 2014 , 45 filed Oct. 10 , 2017 . U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 058,858 , filed Oct. 2 , This application is a continuation - in -part of application 2014 , and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 137,494 , Ser. No. 16 / 039,496 , filed Jul. 19 , 2018 , which claims the filed Mar. 24 , 2015 . benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 536,345 , filed This application is a continuation - in - part of application Jul . 24 , 2017 , and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/642 , Ser . No. 15 / 683,564 , filed Aug. 22 , 2017 , which is a con- 50 531 , filed Mar. 13 , 2018 . tinuation of application Ser. No. 15 / 598,949 , filed May 18 , This application is a continuation - in -part of application 2017 , now U.S. Pat . No. 10,159,876 , which is a continuation Ser. No. 16 / 388,645 , filed Apr. 18 , 2019 , which is a con of application Ser. No. 14 / 711,596 , filed May 13 , 2015 , now tinuation - in -part of application Ser. No. 15 / 890,961 , filed U.S. Pat . No. 9,675,853 , which claims the benefit of U.S. Feb. 7 , 2018 , now abandoned , which is a continuation - in Provisional Application No. 62 / 118,403 , filed Feb. 19 , 2015 , 55 part of application Ser. No. 15 / 876,877 , filed Jan. 22 , 2018 , and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 159,856 , filed May now abandoned , which claims the benefit of U.S. Provi 11, 2015 . sional Application No. 62 / 543,786 , filed Aug. 10 , 2017 , U.S. This application is a continuation - in - part of application Provisional Application No. 62 / 548,263 , filed Aug. 21 , Ser. No. 16 / 376,863 , filed Apr. 5 , 2019 , which is a continu- 2017 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 549,142 , filed ation of application Ser. No. 15 / 958,288 , filed Apr. 20 , 2018 , 60 Aug. 23 , 2017 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/596 , now abandoned , which is a continuation of application Ser. 312 , filed Dec. 8 , 2017 , U.S. Provisional Application No. No. 15 / 947,383 , filed Apr. 6 , 2018 , now abandoned , which 62 / 611,768 , filed Dec. 29 , 2017 , U.S. Provisional Applica is a continuation of application Ser . No. 15 / 842,632 , filed tion No. 62 / 615,603 , filed Jan. 10 , 2018 , U.S. Provisional Dec. 14 , 2017 , now U.S. Pat . No. 10,029,159 , which is a Application No. 62 / 616,896 , filed Jan. 12 , 2018 , U.S. Pro continuation of application Ser. No. 15 / 263,018 , filed Sep. 65 visional Application No. 62 / 617,986 , filed Jan. 16 , 2018 . 12 , 2016 , now U.S. Pat. No. 9,878,220 , which is a continu- This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. ation of application Ser . No. 15 / 043,090 , filed Feb. 12 , 2016 , 15 / 934,579 , filed Mar. 23 , 2018 , which claims the benefit of US 10,864,414 B2 3 4 U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 478,474 , filed Mar. 29 , FIG . 16 depicts a cross - sectional view of another face 2017 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 637,840 , filed portion of the example golf club head of FIG . 1 . Mar. 2 , 2018 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 638,686 , FIG . 17 depicts one manner in which the example golf filed Mar. 5 , 2018 , U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/639 , club head described herein may be manufactured . 842 , filed Mar. 7 , 2018 , and U.S. Provisional Application 5 FIG . 18 depicts another cross - sectional view of the No. 62 / 640,381 , filed Mar. 8 , 2018 . example golf club head of FIG . 4 along line 18-18 . The disclosures of all of the above referenced applications FIG . 19 depicts a cross -sectional view of the example golf are incorporated herein by reference . club head of FIG . 1 . FIG . 20 depicts another manner in which an example golf COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION 10 club head described herein may be manufactured . FIG . 21 depicts yet another manner in which an example The present disclosure may be subject to copyright pro- golf club head described herein may be manufactured . tection . The copyright owner has no objection to the fac FIG . 22 depicts a rear view of a golf club head according simile reproduction by anyone of the present disclosure and to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of its related documents , as they appear in the Patent and 15 manufacture described herein . Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise FIG . 23 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head reserves all applicable copyrights. of FIG . 22 . FIELD FIG . 24 depicts a front perspective view of a golf club 20 head according to an embodiment of the apparatus , methods, The present disclosure generally relates to golf equip and articles of manufacture described herein . ment, and more particularly, to golf club heads and methods FIG . 25 depicts a rear perspective view of the example to manufacturing golf club heads . golf club head of FIG . 24 . FIG . 26 depicts another rear perspective view of the BACKGROUND 25 example golf club head of FIG . 24 . FIG . 27 depicts a perspective bottom view of the example Various materials ( e.g. , steel - based materials , titanium- golf club head of FIG . 24 . based materials, tungsten -based materials, etc. ) may be used FIG . 28 depicts a perspective toe - side view of the to manufacture golf club heads . By using multiple materials example golf club head of FIG . 24 . to manufacture golf club heads, the position of the center of 30 FIG . 29 depicts a perspective heel - side view of the gravity ( CG ) and / or the moment of inertia ( MOT ) of the golf example golf club head of FIG . 24 . club heads may be optimized to produce certain trajectory FIG . 30 depicts a front view of a golf club head according and spin rate of a golf ball . to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 35 FIG . 31 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head FIG . 1 depicts a front view of a golf club head according of FIG . 30 . to an embodiment of the apparatus , methods, and articles of FIG . 32 depicts a bottom view of the example golf club manufacture described herein . head of FIG . 30 . FIG . 2 depicts a rear view of the example golf club head 40 FIG . 33 depicts a perspective toe - side view of the of FIG . 1 . example golf club head of FIG . 30 . FIG . 3 depicts a top view of the example golf club head FIG . 34 depicts a perspective heel - side view of the of FIG . 1 . example golf club head of FIG . 30 . FIG . 4 depicts a bottom view of the example golf club FIGS . 35 and 36 depict a perspective cross - sectional view head of FIG . 1 . 45 of the example golf club head of FIG . 30 taken at section FIG . 5 depicts a left view of the example golf club head lines 35-35 of FIG . 37 . of FIG . 1 . FIG . 37 depicts a front perspective view of the example FIG . 6 depicts a right view of the example golf club head golf club head of FIG . 30 shown with the face portion of FIG . 1 . removed . FIG . 7 depicts a cross - sectional view of the example golf 50 FIG . 38 depicts a perspective cross - sectional view of the club head of FIG . 1 along line 7-7 . example golf club head of FIG . 30 taken at section lines FIG . 8 depicts a cross - sectional view of the example golf 38-38 of FIG . 37 . club head of FIG . 1 along line 8-8 . FIG . 39 depicts an enlarged view of area 39 of FIG . 35 . FIG . 9 depicts a cross - sectional view of the example golf FIG . 40 depicts yet another manner in which an example club head of FIG . 1 along line 9-9 . 55 golf club head described herein may be manufactured . FIG . 10 depicts another rear view of the example golf club FIG . 41 depicts yet another manner in which an example head of FIG . 1 . golf club head described herein may be manufactured . FIG . 11 depicts a top view of a mass portion associated FIG . 42 depicts an example of curing a bonding agent . with the example golf club head of FIG . 1 . FIG . 43 depicts a rear view of a golf club head according FIG . 12 depicts a side view of a mass portion associated 60 to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of with the example golf club head of FIG . 1 . manufacture described herein . FIG . 13 depicts a side view of another mass portion FIG . 44 depicts a toe portion view of the example golf associated with the example golf club head of FIG . 1 . club head of FIG . 43 . FIG . 14 depicts a rear view of a body portion of the FIG . 45 depicts a heel portion view of the example golf example golf club head of FIG . 1 . 65 club head of FIG . 43 . FIG . 15 depicts a cross - sectional view of a face portion of FIG . 46 depicts a back view of a face portion of the the example golf club head of FIG . 1 . example golf club head of FIG . 30 . US 10,864,414 B2 5 6 FIG . 47 depicts an enlarged cross - sectional view of a and / or processes ( e.g. , a bonding process such as adhesive , portion of a golf club head according to an embodiment of a welding process such as laser welding , a brazing process , the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture a soldering process , a fusing process , a mechanical locking described herein . or connecting method , any combination thereof, or other For simplicity and clarity of illustration , the drawing 5 suitable types of manufacturing methods and / or processes ). figures illustrate the general manner of construction , and The face portion 162 may be associated with a loft plane that descriptions and details of well -known features and tech- defines the loft angle of the golf club head 100. The loft niques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the angle may vary based on the type of golf club ( e.g. , a long present disclosure . Additionally, elements in the drawing iron , a middle iron , a short iron , a wedge , etc. ). In one figures may not be depicted to scale . For example , the 10 example , the loft angle may be between five degrees and dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be seventy - five degrees . In another example, the loft angle may exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve be between twenty degrees and sixty degrees. The apparatus , understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure . methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . DESCRIPTION 15 The back portion 170 may include a portion of the body portion 110 opposite of the front portion 160. In one In general, golf club heads and methods to manufacture example, the back portion 170 may be a portion of the body golf club heads are described herein . The apparatus, meth- portion 110 behind the back surface 166 of the face portion ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not 162. As shown in FIG . 6 , for example, the back portion 170 limited in this regard. 20 may be a portion of the body portion 110 behind a plane 171 In the example of FIGS . 1-14 , a golf club head 100 may defined by the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. In include a body portion 110 ( FIG . 14 ) having a toe portion another example, the plane 171 may be parallel to the loft 140 , a heel portion 150 , a front portion 160 with a face plane of the face portion 162. As mentioned above , for portion 162 ( e.g. , a strike face ) having a front surface 164 example, the face portion 162 may be a separate piece or an and a back surface 166 , a back portion 170 , a top portion 25 insert coupled to the body portion 110. Accordingly, the 180 , and a sole portion 190. The toe portion 140 , the heel back portion 170 may include remaining portion ( s ) of the portion 150 , the front portion 160 , the back portion 170 , the body portion 110 other than the face portion 162. The top portion 180 , and / or the sole portion 190 may partially apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described overlap each other. For example, a portion of the toe portion herein are not limited in this regard . 140 may overlap portion (s ) of the front portion 160 , the back 30 Further, the body portion 110 may include one or more portion 170 , the top portion 180 , and / or the sole portion 190 . ports, which may be exterior ports and / or interior ports ( e.g. , In a similar manner , a portion of the heel portion 150 may located inside the body portion 110 ) . The interior walls of overlap portion ( s ) of the front portion 160 , the back portion the body portion 110 may include one or more ports. In one 170 , the top portion 180 , and / or the sole portion 190. In example , the back portion 170 may include one or more another example , a portion of the back portion 170 may 35 ports ( e.g. , inside an interior cavity , generally shown as 700 overlap portion ( s) of the toe portion 140 , the heel portion in FIG . 7 ) . In another example, the body portion 110 may 150 , the top portion 180 , and / or the sole portion 190. The include one or more ports along a periphery of the body apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described portion 110. As illustrated in FIG . 14 , for example , the body herein are not limited in this regard . portion 110 may include one or more ports on the back The golf club head 100 may be an iron - type golf club head 40 portion 170 , generally shown as a first set of ports 1420 ( e.g. , ( e.g. , a 1 -iron , a 2 -iron , a 3 - iron , a 4 - iron , a 5 - iron , a 6 - iron , shown as ports 1421 , 1422 , 1423 , and 1424 ) and a second set a 7 - iron, an 8 - iron, a 9 - iron, etc. ) or a wedge - type golf club of ports 1430 ( e.g. , shown as ports 1431 , 1432 , 1433 , 1434 , head ( e.g. , a pitching wedge , a lob wedge, a sand wedge , an 1435 , 1436 , and 1437 ) . In another example , one or more n - degree wedge such as 44 degrees ), 48 ° , 52 ° , 56 ° , 60 ° , ports may be on a back wall portion 1410 of the back portion etc. ) . Although FIGS . 1-10 may depict a particular type of 45 170. One or more ports may be associated with a port club head , the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac- diameter, which may be defined as the largest distance to ture described herein may be applicable to other types of and /or between opposing ends or boundaries of a port. For club heads ( e.g. , a driver - type club head , a fairway wood- example , a port diameter for a rectangular port ( e.g. , a slot , type club head , a hybrid -type club head , a putter -type club slit , or elongated rectangular opening ) may refer to a diago head , etc. ). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manu- 50 nal length of a rectangle. In another example, a port diameter facture described herein are not limited in this regard . of an elliptical port may refer to the major axis of an ellipse . The toe portion 140 may include a portion of the body As shown in FIG . 14 , for example , each port may have a portion 110 opposite of the heel portion 150. The heel circular shape with a port diameter equivalent to a diameter portion 150 may include a hosel portion 155 configured to of a circle . In one example, the port diameter of the first set receive a shaft ( not shown ) with a grip ( not shown ) on one 55 of ports 1420 and / or the second set of ports 1430 may be end and the golf club head 100 on the opposite end of the about 0.25 inch ( 6.35 millimeters ) . Any two adjacent ports shaft to form a golf club . The front surface 164 of the face of the first set of ports 1420 may be separated by less than portion 162 may include one or more score lines , slots , or or equal to the port diameter. In a similar manner, any two grooves 168 extending to and / or between the toe portion 140 adjacent ports of the second set of ports 1430 may be and the heel portion 150. While the figures may depict a 60 separated by less than or equal to the port diameter. Some particular number of grooves, the apparatus, methods, and adjacent ports may be separated by greater than the port articles of manufacture described herein may include more diameter. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac or less grooves . The face portion 162 may be used to impact ture described herein are not limited in this regard . a golf ball ( not shown ) . The face portion 162 may be an The body portion 110 may include one or more mass integral portion of the body portion 110. Alternatively, the 65 portions, which may be integral mass portion ( s) or separate face portion 162 may be a separate piece or an insert coupled mass portion ( s ) that may be coupled to the body portion 110 . to the body portion 110 via various manufacturing methods In the illustrated example as shown in FIG . 2 , the body US 10,864,414 B2 7 8 portion 110 may include a first set of mass portions 120 ( e.g. , processes ( e.g. , a bonding process , a welding process, a shown as mass portions 121 , 122 , 123 , and 124 ) and a brazing process , a mechanical locking method, any combi second set of mass portions 130 ( e.g. , shown as mass nation thereof, or other suitable manufacturing methods portions 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and 137 ) . While the and / or processes) . above example, may describe a particular number or por- 5 Alternatively, the golf club head 100 may not include ( i ) tions of mass portions, a set of mass portions may include a the first set of mass portions 120 , ( ii ) the second set of mass single mass portion or a plurality of mass portions. For portions 130 , or ( iii ) both the first and second sets of mass example, the first set of mass portions 120 may be a single portions 120 and 130 , respectively . In particular, the body mass portion . In a similar manner , the second set of mass portion 110 may not include ports at or proximate to the top portions 130 may be a single mass portion . Further, the first 10 portion 180 and / or the sole portion 190. For example, the set of mass portions or the second set of mass portions 130 mass of the first set of mass portions 120 ( e.g. , 3 grams) may be a portion of the physical structure of the body and / or the mass of the second set of mass portions 130 ( e.g. , portion 110. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manu- 16.8 grams) may be integral part( s ) of the body portion 110 facture described herein are not limited in this regard . instead of separate mass portion ( s ). In one example, the The body portion 110 may be made of a first material 15 body portion 110 may include interior and / or exterior inte whereas the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second gral mass portions at or proximate to the toe portion 140 set of mass portions 130 may be made of a second material . and / or at or proximate to the heel portion 150. In another The first and second materials may be similar or different example, a portion of the body portion 110 may include materials. For example, the body portion 110 may be par- interior and / or exterior integral mass portions extending to tially or entirely made of a steel - based material ( e.g. , 17-4 20 and / or between the toe portion 140 and the heel portion 150 . PH stainless steel , Nitronic® 50 stainless steel , maraging The first and / or second set of mass portions 120 and 130 , steel or other types of stainless steel ) , a titanium -based respectively, may affect the mass , the center of gravity ( CG ) , material, an aluminum - based material ( e.g. , a high - strength the moment of inertia ( MOI ) , or other physical properties of aluminum alloy or a composite aluminum alloy coated with the golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles a high - strength alloy ) , any combination thereof, non -metal- 25 of manufacture described herein are not limited in this lic materials , composite materials, and / or other suitable regard . types of materials . In one example, one or more mass One or more mass portions of the first set of mass portions portions of the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may have second set of mass portions 130 may be partially or entirely similar or different physical properties ( e.g. , color, marking, made of a high - density material such as a tungsten -based 30 shape, size , density, mass , volume , external surface texture, material or other suitable types of materials . In another materials of construction , etc. ) . Accordingly, the first set of example , one more mass portions of the first set of mass mass portions 120 and /or the second set of mass portions portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may 130 may contribute to the ornamental design of the golf club be partially or entirely made of other suitable metal material head 100. In the illustrated example as shown in FIG . 11 , one such as a stainless steel - based material, a titanium - based 35 or more mass portions of the first set of mass portions 120 material, an aluminum -based material, any combination and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may have a thereof, and / or other suitable types ofmaterials . Further, one cylindrical shape ( e.g. , a circular cross section ) . Alterna or more mass portions of the first set of mass portions 120 tively , one or more mass portions of the first set 120 may and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may be made of have a first shape ( e.g. , a cylindrical shape ) whereas one or different types of materials ( e.g. , metal core and polymer 40 more mass portions of the second set 130 may have a second sleeve surrounding the metal core ) . The body portion 110 , shape ( e.g. , a cubical shape ) . In another example, the first set the first set of mass portions 120 , and / or the second set of of mass portions 120 may include two or more mass portions mass portions 130 may be partially or entirely made of with different shapes ( e.g. , the mass portion 121 may be a similar or different non - metal materials ( e.g. , composite, first shape whereas the mass portion 122 may be a second plastic , polymer, etc. ) . The apparatus, methods, and articles 45 shape different from the first shape ). Likewise, the second of manufacture are not limited in this regard . set of mass portions 130 may also include two or more mass One or more ports may be configured to receive a mass portions with different shapes ( e.g. , the mass portion 131 portion having a similar shape as the port. For example, a may be a first shape whereas the mass portion 132 may be rectangular port may receive a rectangular mass portion. In a second shape different from the first shape ) . In another another example , an elliptical port may receive an elliptical 50 example , one or more mass portions of the first set of mass mass portion. As shown in FIGS . 10 and 14 , for example, the portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may first and second sets of ports 1420 and 1430 , respectively, have a different color ( s ) , marking ( s ), shape ( s ) , density or may be cylindrical ports configured to receive one or more densities, mass ( es ) , volume ( s ) , material ( s) of construction , cylindrical mass portions. In particular, one or more mass external surface texture ( s ), and / or any other physical prop portions of the first set 120 ( e.g. , generally shown as mass 55 erty as compared to one or more mass portions of the first set portions 121 , 122 , 123 , and 124 ) may be disposed in a port of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions located at or proximate to the toe portion 140 and / or the top 130. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture portion 180. For example, the mass portion 121 may be described herein are not limited in this regard . partially or entirely disposed in the port 1421. One or more Although the above examples may describe mass portions mass portions of the second set 130 ( e.g. , generally shown 60 having a particular shape, the apparatus, methods, and as mass portions 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and 137 ) may articles of manufacture described herein may include mass be disposed in a port located at or proximate to the toe portions of other suitable shapes ( e.g. , a portion of or a portion 140 and / or the sole portion 190. For example , the whole sphere , cube , cone , cylinder, pyramid , cuboidal , mass portion 135 may be partially or entirely disposed in the prism , frustum , rectangular, elliptical , or other suitable geo port 1435. The first set of mass portions 120 and / or the 65 metric shape ). While the above examples and figures may second set of mass portions 130 may be coupled to the body depict multiple mass portions as a set of mass portions , two portion 110 with various manufacturing methods and / or or more mass portions of the first set of mass portions 120 US 10,864,414 B2 9 10 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may be a single portions 130 may be different in height. In particular, one or piece of mass portion. In one example, the first set of mass more mass portions of the first set of mass portions 120 may portions 120 may be a single piece of mass portion instead be associated with a first height 1220 ( FIG . 12 ) , and one or of a series of four separate mass portions. In another more mass portions of the second set of mass portions 130 example , the second set of mass portions 130 may be a 5 may be associated with a second height 1320 ( FIG . 13 ) . The single piece of mass portion instead of a series of seven first height 1220 may be relatively shorter than the second separate mass portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles height 1320. In one example, the first height 1220 may be of manufacture described herein are not limited in this about 0.125 inch ( 3.175 millimeters) whereas the second regard. height 1320 may be about 0.3 inch ( 7.62 millimeters ). In Referring to FIGS . 12 and 13 , for example, the first set of 10 another example, the first height 1220 may be about 0.16 mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions inch ( 4.064 millimeters ) whereas the second height 1320 130 may include threads, generally shown as 1210 and 1310 , may be about 0.4 inch ( 10.16 millimeters ) . Alternatively, the respectively, to engage with correspondingly configured first height 1220 may be equal to or greater than the second threads in the ports to secure in the ports of the back portion height 1320. Although the above examples may describe 170 ( e.g. , generally shown as 1420 and 1430 in FIG . 14 ) . 15 particular dimensions, one or more mass portions described Accordingly , one or more mass portions as described herein herein may have different dimensions . The apparatus, meth may be shaped similar to and function as a screw or threaded ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not fastener for engaging threads in a port. For example, one or limited in this regard . more mass portions of the first set of mass portions 120 Referring to FIG . 10 , for example, the golf club head 100 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may be a screw . 20 may be associated with a ground plane 1010 , a horizontal One or more mass portions of the first set of mass portions midplane 1020 , and a top plane 1030. In particular, the 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may not be ground plane 1010 may be a tangential plane to the sole readily removable from the body portion 110 with or without portion 190 of the golf club head 100 when the golf club a tool . Alternatively, one or more mass portions of the first head 100 is at an address position ( e.g. , the golf club head set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass 25 100 is aligned to strike a golf ball ) . A top plane 1030 may portions 130 may be readily removable ( e.g. , with a tool ) so be a tangential plane to the top portion of the 180 of the golf that a relatively heavier or lighter mass portion may replace club head 100 when the golf club head 100 is at the address one or more mass portions of the first and second sets of position . The ground and top planes 1010 and 1030 , respec mass portions 120 and 130 , respectively. In another tively , may be substantially parallel to each other . The example , one or more mass portions of the first set of mass 30 horizontal midplane 1020 may be vertically halfway portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may between the ground and top planes 1010 and 1030 , respec be secured in the ports of the back portion 170 with epoxy tively . or adhesive so that the one or more mass portions of the first The body portion 110 may include any number of ports set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass ( e.g. , no ports , one port , two ports , etc. ) above the horizontal portions 130 may not be readily removable . In yet another 35 midplane 1020 and / or below the horizontal midplane 1020 . example, one or more mass portions of the first set of mass In one example , the body portion 110 may include a greater portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 may number of ports below the horizontal midplane 1020 than be secured in the ports of the back portion 170 with both above the horizontal midplane 1020. In the illustrated epoxy and threads so that the one more mass portions of the example as shown in FIG . 14 , the body portion 110 may first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass 40 include four ports ( e.g. , generally shown as ports 1421 , portions 130 may not be readily removable . In yet another 1422 , 1423 , and 1424 ) above the horizontal midplane 1020 example, one or more mass portions described herein may and seven ports ( e.g. , generally shown as ports 1431 , 1432 , be press fit in a port. In yet another example , one or more 1433 , 1434 , 1435 , 1436 , and 1437 ) below the horizontal mass portions described herein may be formed inside a port midplane 1020. In another example (not shown ), the body by injection molding . For example , a liquid metallic material 45 portion 110 may include two ports above the horizontal ( i.e. , molten metal ) or a plastic material ( e.g. rubber, foam , midplane 1020 and five ports below the horizontal midplane or any polymer material ) may be injected into a port. After 1020. In yet another example ( not shown ), the body portion the liquid material is cooled and / or cured inside the port, the 110 may not have any ports above the horizontal midplane resulting solid material ( e.g. , a metal material, a plastic 1020 but have one or more ports below the horizontal material, or a combination thereof) , may be a mass portion . 50 midplane 1020. Accordingly, the body portion 110 may have The apparatus, methods , and articles of manufacture more ports below the horizontal midplane 1020 than above described herein are not limited in this regard . the horizontal midplane 1020. Further , the body portion 110 As mentioned above , one or more mass portions of the may include a port at or proximate to the horizontal mid first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass plane 1020 with a portion of the port above the horizontal portions 130 may be similar in some physical properties but 55 midplane 1020 and a portion of the port below the horizontal different in other physical properties. For example , a mass midplane 1020. Accordingly , the port may be ( i ) above the portion may be made from an aluminum -based material or horizontal midplane 1020 , ( ii ) below the horizontal mid an aluminum alloy whereas another mass portion may be plane 1020 , or ( iii ) both above and below the horizontal made from a tungsten -based material or a tungsten alloy . In midplane 1020. The apparatus, methods, and articles of another example, a mass portion may be made from a 60 manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . polymer material whereas another mass portion may be To provide optimal perimeter weighting for the golfclub made from a steel - based material. In yet another example , as head 100 , the first set of mass portions 120 ( e.g. , generally illustrated in FIGS . 11-13 , one or more mass portions of the shown as mass portions 121 , 122 , 123 , and 124 ) may be first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass configured to counter - balance the mass of the hosel 155. For portions 130 may have a diameter 1110 of about 0.25 inch 65 example, as shown in FIG . 10 , the first set of mass portions ( 6.35 millimeters ) but one or more mass portions of the first 120 ( e.g. , generally shown as mass portions 121 , 122 , 123 set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass and 124 ) may be located at or near the periphery of the body US 10,864,414 B2 11 12 portion 110 and extend to and / or between the top portion 180 locations of the second set of ports 1430 ) and the physical and the toe portion 140. In other words , the first set of mass properties and materials of construction of the second set of portions 120 may be located on the golf club head 100 at a mass portions 130 may be determined to optimally affect the generally opposite location relative to the hosel 155. In mass , mass distribution , CG , MOI , structural integrity and / another example, at least a portion of the first set of mass 5 or or other static and /or dynamic characteristics of the golf portions 120 may extend at or near the periphery of the body club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of portion 110 and extend along a portion of the top portion manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . 180. In yet another example , at least a portion of the first set Turning to FIGS . 7-9 , for example , one or more mass of mass portions 120 may extend at or near the periphery of portions of the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the the body portion 110 and extend along a portion of the toe 10 second set of mass portions 130 may be located away from portion 140. Further, the first set of mass portions 120 may the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 ( e.g. , not be above the horizontal midplane 1020 of the golf club head directly coupled to each other ). That is , one or more mass 100. For example, the first set of mass portions 120 may be portions of the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the at or near the horizontal midplane 1020. In another example , second set of mass portions 130 and the back surface 166 a portion of the first set of mass portions 120 may be at or 15 may be partially or entirely separated by an interior cavity above the horizontal midplane 1020 and another portion of 700 of the body portion 110. As shown in FIG . 14 , for the first set of mass portions 120 may be at or below the example , one or more ports of the first and second sets of horizontal midplane 1020. Accordingly, a set of mass por- ports 1420 and 1430 may include an opening ( e.g. , generally tions , which may be a single mass portion , may have shown as 720 and 730 ) and a port wall ( e.g. , generally shown portions above the horizontal midplane 1020 and below the 20 as 725 and 735 ) . The port walls 725 and 735 may be integral horizontal midplane 1020. The apparatus, methods, and portions of the back wall portion 1410 ( e.g. , a section of the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in back wall portion 1410 ) or the body portion 110 depending this regard. on the location of each port. The opening 720 may be At least a portion of the first set of mass portions 120 may configured to receive a mass portion such as mass portion be at or near the toe portion 140 to increase the MOI of the 25 121. The opening 730 may be configured to receive a mass golf club head 100 about a vertical axis of the golf club head portion such as mass portion 135. The opening 720 may be 100 that extends through the CG of the golf club head 100 . located at one end of the port 1421 , and the port wall 725 Accordingly, the first set of mass portions 120 may be at or may be located or proximate to at an opposite end of the port near the periphery of the body portion 110 and extend 1421. In a similar manner, the opening 730 may be located through the top portion 180 and / or the toe portion 140 to 30 at one end of the port 1435 , and the port wall 735 may be counter -balance the mass of the hosel 155 and / or increase located at or proximate to an opposite end of the port 1435 . the MOI of the golf club head 100. The locations of the first The port walls 725 and 735 may be separated from the face set of mass portions 120 ( i.e. , the locations of the first set of portion 162 ( e.g. , separated by the interior cavity 700 ) . The ports 1420 ) and the physical properties and materials of port wall 725 may have a distance 726 from the back surface construction of the first set of mass portions 120 may be 35 166 of the face portion 162 as shown in FIG . 9. The port wall determined to optimally affect the mass , mass distribution , 735 may have a distance 736 from the back surface 166 of CG , MOI , structural integrity and / or or other static and / or the face portion 162. The distances 726 and 736 may be dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 100. The determined to optimize the location of the CG of the golf apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described club head 100 when the first and second sets of ports 1420 herein are not limited in this regard . 40 and 1430 , respectively, receive mass portions as described The second set of mass portions 130 ( e.g. , generally herein . According to one example, the distance 736 may be shown as mass portions 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and greater than the distance 726 so that the CG of the golf club 137 ) may be configured to place the CG of the golf club head head 100 may be moved toward the back portion 170. As a 100 at an optimal location and optimize the MOI of the golf result, a width 740 of a portion of the interior cavity 700 club head 100. Referring to FIG . 10 , all or a substantial 45 below the horizontal midplane 1020 may be greater than a portion of the second set of mass portions 130 may be width 742 of the interior cavity 700 above the horizontal generally at or near the sole portion 190. For example , the midplane 1020. The apparatus, methods, and articles of second set of mass portions 130 ( e.g. , generally shown as manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . mass portions 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and 137 ) may As described herein , the CG of the golf club head 100 may be at or near the periphery of the body portion 110 and 50 be relatively farther back away from the face portion 162 extend from the sole portion 190 to the toe portion 140. As and relatively lower towards a ground plane ( e.g. , one shown shown in the example of FIG . 10 , the mass portions 131 , as 1010 in FIG . 10 ) with all or a substantial portion of the 132 , 133 , and 134 may be located at or near the periphery of second set of mass portions 130 being at or closer to the sole the body portion 110 and extend along the sole portion 190 portion 190 than to the horizontal midplane 1020 and the to lower the CG of the golf club head 100. The mass portions 55 first and second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , respec 135 , 136 and 137 may be located at or near the periphery of tively being away from the back surface 166 than if the the body portion 110 and extend to and /or between the sole second set of mass portions 130 were directly coupled to the portion 190 and the toe portion 140 to lower the CG and back surface 166. The body portion 110 may include any increase the MOI of the golf club head 100. For example , the number of mass portions ( e.g. , no mass portions, one mass MOI of the golf club head 100 about a vertical axis extend- 60 portion , two mass portions, etc. ) and / or any configuration of ing through the CG may increase. To lower the CG of the mass portions ( e.g. , mass portion ( s) integral with the body golf club head 100 , all or a portion of the second set of mass portion 110 ) above the horizontal midplane 1020 and / or portions 130 may be located closer to the sole portion 190 below the horizontal midplane 1020. The locations of the than to the horizontal midplane 1020. For example , the mass first and second sets of ports 1420 and 1430 and / or the portions 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , and 136 may be closer to 65 locations ( e.g. , internal mass portion ( s ), external mass por the sole portion 190 than to the horizontal midplane 1020 . tion ( s ) , mass portion ( s ) integral with the body portion 110 , The locations of the second set ofmass portions 130 ( i.e. , the etc. ) , physical properties and materials of construction of the US 10,864,414 B2 13 14 first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass having a mass of about 20 grams ( e.g. , a total mass from portions 130 may be determined to optimally affect the mass portions ). One or more mass portions of the first set of mass , mass distribution , CG , MOI characteristics, structural mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions integrity and / or or other static and /or dynamic characteris- 130 may have a mass greater than or equal to about 0.1 gram tics of the golf club head 100. Different from other golf club 5 and less than or equal to about 20 grams. In one example, head designs , the interior cavity 700 of the body portion 110 one or more mass portions of the first set 120 may have a and the location of the first set of mass portions 120 and / or mass of about 0.75 gram whereas one or more mass portions the second set ofmass portion 130 along the periphery of the of the second set 130 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. golf club head 100 may result in a golf ball traveling away The sum of the mass of the first set of mass portions 120 or from the face portion 162 at a relatively higher ball launch 10 the sum of the mass of the second set of mass portions 130 angle and a relatively lower spin rate . As a result, the golf may be greater than or equal to about 0.1 grams and less than ball may travel farther ( i.e. , greater total distance, which or equal to about 20 grams. In one example , the sum of the includes carry and roll distances ) . The apparatus, methods, mass of the first set of mass portions 120 may be about 3 and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited grams whereas the sum of the mass of the first set of mass in this regard. 15 portions 130 may be about 16.8 grams. The total mass of the While the figures may depict ports with a particular second set of mass portions 13 mayweighmore than five cross - section shape , the apparatus, methods, and articles of times as much as the total mass of the first set of mass manufacture described herein may include ports with other portions 120 ( e.g. , a total mass of the second set of mass suitable cross - section shapes . In one example, the ports of portions 130 of about 16.8 grams versus a total mass of the the first and / or second sets of ports 1420 and 1430 may have 20 first set of mass portions 120 of about 3 grams ). The golf U - like cross - section shape . In another example , the ports of club head 100 may have a total mass of 19.8 grams from the the first and / or second set of ports 1420 and 1430 may have first and second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , respec V - like cross - section shape . One or more of the ports asso- tively ( e.g. , sum of 3 grams from the first set of mass ciated with the first set of mass portions 120 may have a portions 120 and 16.8 grams from the second set of mass different cross - section shape than one or more ports asso- 25 portions 130 ) . Accordingly, in one example, the first set of ciated with the second set of mass portions 130. For mass portions 120 may account for about 15 % of the total example , the port 1421 may have a U - like cross - section mass from mass portions of the golf club head 100 whereas shape whereas the port 1435 may have a V - like cross - section the second set of mass portions 130 may be account for shape . Further , two or more ports associated with the first set about 85 % of the total mass from mass portions of the golf of mass portions 120 may have different cross - section 30 club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of shapes. In a similar manner , two or more ports associated manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . with the second set of mass portions 130 may have different By coupling the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the cross - section shapes. The apparatus , ds, and articles of second set of mass portions 130 , respectively , to the body manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . portion 110 ( e.g. , securing the first set of mass portions 120 The first and second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , 35 and / or the second set ofmass portions 130 in the ports on the respectively, may be similar in mass ( e.g. , all of the mass back portion I7O , the location of the CG and the MOI ) of portions of the first and second sets 120 and 130 , respec- the golf club head 100 may be optimized . In particular, as tively, weigh about the same ) . Alternatively, the first and described herein , the first set of mass portions 120 may second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , respectively, may lower the location of the CG towards the sole portion 190 be different in mass individually or as an entire set . In 40 and further back away from the face portion 162. Further, the particular, one or more mass portions of the first set of mass first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 120 ( e.g. , generally shown as 121 , 122 , 123 , and portions 130 may increase the MOI as measured about a 124 ) may have relatively less mass than one or more vertical axis extending through the CG ( e.g. , perpendicular portions of the second set of mass portions 130 ( e.g. , to the ground plane 1010 ) . The MOI may also be higher as generally shown as 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and 137 ) . 45 measured about a horizontal axis extending through the CG For example , the second set of mass portions 130 may ( e.g. , extending towards the toe and heel portions 140 and account for more than 50 % of the total mass from mass 150 , respectively, of the golf club head 100 ) . As a result, the portions of the golf club head 100. As a result, the golf club club head 100 may provide a relatively higher launch angle head 100 may be configured to have at least 50 % of the total anda relatively lower spinratethanagolfclubheadwithout mass from mass portions disposed below the horizontal 50 the first and / or second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , midplane 1020. Two or more mass portions in the same set respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manu may be different in mass . In one example, the mass portion facture described herein are not limited in this regard. 121 of the first set 120 may have a relatively lower mass than Although the figures may depict the mass portions as the mass portion 122 of the first set 120. In another example, separate and individual parts that may be visible from an the mass portion 131 of the second set 130 may have a 55 exterior of the golf club head 100 , the two or more mass relatively lower mass than the mass portion 135 of the portions of the first set of mass portions 120 and / or the second set 130. Accordingly, more mass may be distributed second set of mass portions 13 @ may be a single piece of away from the CG of the golf club head 100 to increase the mass portion that may be an exterior mass portion or an MOI about the vertical axis through the CG . The apparatus , interior mass portion ( i.e. , not visible from an exterior of the methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are 60 golf club head 100 ) . In one example, all of the mass portions not limited in this regard . of the first set 120 ( e.g. , generally shown as 121 , 122 , 123 , In one example , the golf club head 100 may have a mass and 124 ) may be combined into a single piece of mass in the range of about 220 grams to about 330 grams based portion ( e.g. , a first mass portion ). In a similar manner , all of on the type of golf club ( e.g. , a 4 - iron versus a lob wedge ) . the mass portions of the second set 130 ( e.g. , generally The body portion 110 may have a mass in the range of about 65 shown as 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , and 137 ) may be 200 grams to about 310 grams with the first set of mass combined into a single piece of mass portion as well ( e.g. , portions 120 and / or the second set of mass portions 130 a second mass portion ). In this example, the golf club head US 10,864,414 B2 15 16 100 may have only two mass portions. In another example that may absorb shock , isolate vibration , and / or dampen ( not shown ) , the body portion 110 may not include the first noise . For example, at least 50 % of the interior cavity 700 set of mass portions 120 , but include the second set of mass may be filled with a TPE material to absorb shock , isolate portions 130 in the form of a single piece of internal mass vibration , and / or dampen noise when the golf club head 100 portion that may be farther from the heel portion 150 than 5 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 162. The apparatus , the toe portion 140. In yet another example ( not shown ) , the body portion 110 may not include the first set of mass methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are portions 120 , but include the second set of mass portions 130 not limited in this regard . with a first internal mass portion farther from the heel In another example, the filler material may be a polymer portion 150 than the toe portion 140 and a second internal 10 absorbmaterial shock such , asisolate an ethylene vibration copolymer, and / or dampen material noise that when may mass portion farther from the toe portion 140 than the heel the golf club head 100 strikes a golf ball via the face portion portion 150. The first internal mass portion and the second 162. In particular, at least 50 % of the interior cavity 700 may internal mass portion may be ( i ) integral parts of the body be filled with a high density ethylene copolymer ionomer , a portioncoupled 110to theor (body ii ) separate portion from 110. theThe body apparatus portion, methods 110 and, 15 fatty acid modified ethylene copolymer ionomer , a highly and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited amorphous ethylene copolymer ionomer, an ionomer of in this regard . ethylene acid acrylate terpolymer, an ethylene copolymer While the figures may depict a particular number of mass comprising a magnesium ionomer , an injection moldable portions, the apparatus, methods , and articles of manufac- ethylene copolymer that may be used in conventional injec ture described herein may include more or less number of 20 tion molding equipment to create various shapes, an ethyl mass portions . In one example, the first set of mass portions ene copolymer that can be used in conventional extrusion 120 may include two separate mass portions instead of three equipment to create various shapes, an ethylene copolymer separate mass portions as shown in the figures. In another having high compression and low resilience similar to example, the second set of mass portions 130 may include thermoset polybutadiene rubbers, and / or a blend of highly five separate mass portions instead of seven separate mass 25 neutralized polymer compositions, highly neutralized acid portions as shown in the figures . Alternatively , as mentioned polymers or highly neutralized acid polymer compositions , above , the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture and fillers . For example, the ethylene copolymer may described herein may not include any separate mass portions include any of the ethylene copolymers associated with ( e.g. , the body portion 110 may be manufactured to include DuPontTM High -Performance Resin ( HPF ) family of mate the mass of the separate mass portions as integral part ( s ) of 30 rials ( e.g. , DuPontTM HPF AD1172 , DuPontTM HPF the body portion 110 ) . The apparatus , methods, and articles AD1035 , DuPont® HPF 1000 and DuPontTM HPF 2000 ) , of manufacture described herein are not limited in this which are manufactured by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and regard . Company of Wilmington, Del . The DuPont' HPF family of Referring to FIGS . 7-9 , for example, the body portion 110 ethylene copolymers are injection moldable and may be may be a hollow body including the interior cavity 700 35 used with conventional injection molding equipment and extending between the front portion 160 and the back molds , provide low compression , and provide high resil portion 170. Further, the interior cavity 700 may extend ience , i.e. , relatively high coefficient of restitution ( COR ) . between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190. The The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture interior cavity 700 may be associated with a cavity height described herein are not limited in this regard . 750 ( HC ) , and the body portion 110 may be associated with 40 For example , the filler material may have a density of less a body height 850 ( H ). While the cavity height 750 and the than or equal to 1.5 g / cm ° . The filler material may have a body height 850 may vary between the toe and heel portions compression deformation value ranging from about 0.0787 140 and 150 , the cavity height 750 may be at least 50 % of inch ( 2 mm ) to about 0.1968 inch ( 5 mm ). The filler material a body height 850 ( H0.5 * Hg ) . For example , the cavity may have a surface Shore D hardness ranging from 40 to 60 . height 750 may vary between 70 % -85 % of the body height 45 As mentioned above , the filler material may be associated 850. With the cavity height 750 of the interior cavity 700 with a relatively high coefficient of restitution ( COR ) . The being greater than 50 % of the body height 850 , the golf club filler material may be associated with a first COR ( COR , ) head 100 may produce relatively more consistent feel, and the face portion 2462 may be associated with a second sound , and / or result when the golf club head 100 strikes a COR ( COR ), which may be similar or different from the golf ball via the face portion 162 than a golf club head with 50 first COR . The first and second CORs may be associated a cavity height of less than 50 % of the body height. The with a COR ratio ( e.g. , COR12 ratio =COR /COR2 or COR21 apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described ratio = COR / COR , ) . In one example, the COR ratio may be herein are not limited in this regard . less than two ( 2 ) . In another example , the COR ratio may be In one example, the interior cavity 700 may be unfilled in a range from about 0.5 to about 1.5 . In yet another ( i.e. , empty space ) . The body portion 110 with the interior 55 example, the COR ratio may be in a range from about 0.8 to cavity 700 may weigh about 100 grams less than the body about 1.2 . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac portion 110 without the interior cavity 700. Alternatively, the ture described herein are not limited in this regard . interior cavity 700 may be partially or entirely filled with a The golf club head 100 may be associated with a third filler material ( i.e. , a cavity filling portion ), which may COR ( COR3 ) , which may be similar or different from the include one or more similar or different types of materials . 60 first COR and / or the second COR . As mentioned above , the In one example , the filler material may include an elastic filler material may be associated with the first COR . The first polymer or an elastomer material ( e.g. , a viscoelastic ure- and third CORs may be associated with a COR ratio ( e.g. , thane polymer material such as Sorbothane® material manu- COR13 ratio = COR /COR , or COR31 ratio = CORZ /COR ). In factured by Sorbothane, Inc. , Kent, Ohio ) , a thermoplastic one example , the COR ratio may be less than two ( 2 ) . In elastomer material ( TPE ) , a thermoplastic polyurethane 65 another example , the COR ratio may be in a range from material ( TPU ) , other polymer material (s ), bonding material about 0.5 to about 1.5 . In yet another example , the COR ratio ( s ) ( e.g. , adhesive ), and / or other suitable types of materials may be in a range from about 0.8 to about 1.2 . The US 10,864,414 B2 17 18 apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture described example, the bonding agent may assist in bonding or adher herein are not limited in this regard . ing the filler material to at least the back surface 166 of the The CORs of the filler material, the face portion 162 , face portion 162. The bonding agent may also absorb shock , and / or the golf club head 100 ( e.g. , the first COR ( COR , ) , isolate vibration , and / or dampen noise when the golf club the second COR (COR ), and / or the third COR ( COR3 ) , 5 head 100 strikes a golf ball via the face portion 162. Further, respectively ) may be measured by methods similar to meth- the bonding agent may be an epoxy material that may be ods that measure the COR of a golf ball and / or a golf club flexible or slightly flexible when cured . In one example, the head as defined by one or more golf standard organizations filler material may include any of the 3MTM Scotch - WeldTM and / or governing bodies ( e.g. , United States Golf Associa- DP100 family of epoxy adhesives ( e.g. , 3MTM Scotch tion (USGA ) ). In one example, an air cannon device may 10 WeldTM Epoxy Adhesives DP100 , DP100 Plus , DP100NS launch or eject an approximately 1.55 inch ( 38.1 mm ) and DP100FR ) , which are manufactured by 3M corporation spherical sample of the filler material at an initial velocity of St. Paul , Minn . In another example, the filler material may toward a steel plate positioned at about 4 feet ( 1.2 meters ) include 3MTM Scotch - WeldTM DP100 Plus Clear adhesive . away from the air cannon device . The sample may vary in In yet another example, the filler material may include size, shape or any other configuration. A speed monitoring 15 low -viscosity , organic, solvent -based solutions and / or dis device may be located at a distance in a range from 2 feet persions of polymers and other reactive chemicals such as ( 0.6 meters ) to 3 feet ( 0.9 meters ) from the air cannon MEGUMTM , ROBONDTM , and / or THIXONTM materials device . The speed monitoring device may measure a manufactured by the Dow Chemical Company, Auburn rebound velocity of the sample of the filler material after the Hills , Mich . In yet another example, the filler material may sample of the filler material strikes the steel plate . The COR 20 be LOCTITE® materials manufactured by Henkel Corpo may be the rebound velocity divided by the initial velocity . ration , Rocky Hill , Conn . The apparatus, methods, and In one example, the filler material may have a COR value in articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in a range from approximately 0.50 to approximately 0.95 this regard . when measured with an initial velocity in a range from 100 Further, the filler material may include a combination of ft / s ( 30.48 m / s ) to 250 ft / s ( 76.2 m / s ). In another example, 25 one or more bonding agents such as any of the bonding the filler material may have a COR value in a range from agents described herein and one or more polymer materials approximately 0.65 to approximately 0.85 when measured such as any of the polymer materials described herein . In with an initial velocity in a range from 100 ft/ s ( 30.48 m / s) one example, the filler material may include one or more to 150 ft / s ( 45.72 m / s ). In another example, the filler bonding agents that may be used to bond the polymer material may have a COR value in a range from approxi- 30 material to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. The mately 0.75 to approximately 0.8 when measured with an one or more bonding agents may be applied to the back initial velocity in a range 100 ft / s ( 30.48 m / s ) to 150 ft / s surface 166 of the face portion 162. The filler material may ( 45.72 m / s ). In another example , the filler material may have further include one or more polymer materials may partially a COR value in a range from approximately 0.55 to approxi- or entirely fill the remaining portions of the interior cavity mately 0.90 when measured with an initial velocity in a 35 700. Accordingly, two or more separate materials may range from 100 ft / s ( 30.48 m / s ) and 250 ft / s ( 76.2 m / s ). In partially or entirely fill the interior cavity 700. The appara another example , the filler material may have a COR value tus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein in a range from approximately 0.75 to approximately 0.85 are not limited in this regard . when measured with an initial velocity in a range 110 ft / s The filler material may only include one or more polymer ( 33.53 m / s ) to 200 ft / s ( 60.96 m / s ) . In yet another example, 40 materials that adhere to inner surface (s ) of the interior cavity the filler material may have a COR value in a range from 700 without a separate bonding agent ( e.g. , an adhesive or approximately 0.8 to approximately 0.9 when measured with epoxy material) . For example, the filler material may include an initial velocity of about 125 ft / s ( 38.1 m / s ). While a a mixture of one or more polymer materials and one or more particular example may be described above , other methods bonding agents ( e.g. , adhesive or epoxy material (s ) ). may be used to measure the CORs of the filler material, the 45 Accordingly, the mixture including the one or more polymer face portion 162 , and / or the golf club head 100. The appa- materials and the one or more bonding agents may partially ratus , methods, and articles of manufacture described herein or entirely fill the interior cavity 700 and adhere to inner are not limited in this regard . surface ( s ) of the interior cavity 700. In another example , the When the face portion 162 of the golf club head 100 interior cavity 700 may be partially or entirely filled with strikes a golf ball , the face portion 162 and the filler material 50 one or more polymer materials without any bonding agents. may deform and / or compress . The kinetic energy of the In yet another example, the interior cavity 700 may be impact may be transferred to the face portion 162 and / or the partially or entirely filled with one or more bonding agents filler material. For example , some of the kinetic energy may and / or adhesive materials such as an adhesive or epoxy be transformed into heat by the filler material or work done material . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac in deforming and / or compressing the filler material. Further, 55 ture described herein are not limited in this regard . some of the kinetic energy may be transferred back to the Turning to FIG . 15 , for example, a thickness of the face golf ball to launch the golf ball at a certain velocity. A filler portion 162 may be a first thickness 1510 ( T ) or a second material with a relatively higher COR may transfer rela- thickness 1520 ( T2 ) . The first thickness 1510 may be a tively more kinetic energy to the golf ball and dissipate thickness of a section of the face portion 162 adjacent to a relatively less kinetic energy. Accordingly , a filler material 60 groove 168 whereas the second thickness 1520 may be a with a relatively high COR may generate relatively higher thickness of a section of the face portion 162 below the golf ball speeds because a relatively greater part of the groove 168. For example , the first thickness 1510 may be a kinetic energy of the impact may be transferred back to the maximum distance between the front surface 164 and the golf ball to launch the golf ball from the golf club head 100 . back surface 166. The second thickness 1520 may be based The filler material may include a bonding portion . In one 65 on the groove 168. In particular, the groove 168 may have example, the bonding portion may be one or more bonding a groove depth 1525 (Dgroove ). The second thickness 1520 agents ( e.g. , one or more adhesive or epoxy materials ). For may be a maximum distance between the bottom of the US 10,864,414 B2 19 20 groove 168 and the back surface 166. The sum of the second the face portion 162 may include a reinforcement section thickness 1520 and the groove depth 1525 may be substan- 1605 below each groove . Alternatively, face portion 162 tially equal to the first thickness 1510 ( e.g. , T2 + Dgroove T?) . may include the reinforcement section 1605 below some Accordingly , the second thickness 1520 may be less than the grooves ( e.g. , every other groove) or below only one groove . first thickness 1510 ( e.g. , Tz < T1) . 5 The face portion 162 may include a first thickness 1610 , a To lower and / or move the CG of the golf club head 100 second thickness 1620 , a third thickness 1630 , and a cham further back , mass from the front portion 160 of the golf club fer portion 1640. The groove 168 may have a groove depth head 100 may be removed by using a relatively thinner face portion 162. For example , the first thickness 1510 or the 1625. The reinforcement section 1605 may define the second second thickness 1520 may be less than or equal to 0.1 inch 10 thickness 1620. The first and second thicknesses 1610 and ( 2.54 millimeters ) . In another example, the first thickness 1620 , respectively , may be substantially equal to each other 1510 may be about 0.075 inch ( 1.905 millimeters ) ( e.g. , ( e.g. , T = T2 ) . In one example, the first and second thick T = 0.075 inch ). With the support of the back wall portion nesses 1610 and 1620 , respectively, may be about 0.030 inch 1410 to form the interior cavity 700 and filling at least a ( 0.762 millimeters ) ( e.g. , T1 = T2 = 0.030 inch ) . The groove portion of the interior cavity 700 with an elastic polymer 15 depth 1625 may be about 0.015 inch ( 0.381 millimeters ), material, the face portion 162 may be relatively thinner ( e.g. , and the third thickness 1630 may be about 0.050 inch ( 1.27 T , < 0.075 inch ) without degrading the structural integrity , millimeters ). The groove 168 may also have a groove width . sound , and / or feel of the golf club head 100. In one example , The width of the reinforcement section 1605 may be greater the first thickness 1510 may be less than or equal to 0.060 than or equal to the groove width . The apparatus , methods, inch ( 1.524 millimeters) ( e.g. , T150.060 inch ). In another 20 and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited example, the first thickness 1510 may be less than or equal in this regard . to 0.040 inch ( 1.016 millimeters ) ( e.g. , T750.040 inch ). Alternatively, the face portion 162 may vary in thickness Based on the type of material ( s) used to form the face at and / or between the top portion 180 and the sole portion portion 162 and / or the body portion 110 , the face portion 190. In one example , the face portion 162 may be relatively 162 may be even thinner with the first thickness 1510 being 25 thicker at or proximate to the top portion 180 than at or less than or equal to 0.030 inch ( 0.762 millimeters) ( e.g. , proximate to the sole portion 190 ( e.g. , thickness of the face T 50.030 inch ). The groove depth 1525 may be greater than portion 162 may taper from the top portion 180 towards the or equal to the second thickness 1520 ( e.g. , Dgroove - T2 ). In sole portion 190 ) . In another example , the face portion 162 one example, the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.020 may be relatively thicker at or proximate to the sole portion inch ( 0.508 millimeters ) ( e.g. , Dgroove = 0.020 inch ). Accord- 30 190 than at or proximate to the top portion 180 (e.g. , ingly , the second thickness 1520 may be about 0.010 inch ( 0.254 millimeters ) ( e.g. , Tz = 0.010 inch ) . In another thickness of the face portion 162 may taper from the sole example , the groove depth 1525 may be about 0.015 inch portion 190 towards the top portion 180 ) . In yet another ( 0.381 millimeters ) , and the second thickness 1520 may be example , the face portion 162 may be relatively thicker about 0.015 inch ( e.g. , D groove = T2 = 0.015 inch ). Alterna- 35 between the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 than at tively , the groove depth 1525 may be less than the second or proximate to the top portion 180 and the sole portion 190 thickness 1520 ( e.g. , Dgroove < T2) . Without the support of the ( e.g. , thickness of the face portion 162 may have a bell back wall portion 1410 and the elastic polymer material to shaped contour ). The apparatus , methods, and articles of fill in the interior cavity 700 , a golf club head may not be manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. able to withstand multiple impacts by a golf ball on a face 40 Asor fullydescribed filled hereinwith a , fillerthe interior material cavity, which 700 may may be be a partiallypolymer portion . In contrast to the golf club head 100 as described material, a bonding agent ( such as an adhesive or epoxy herein , a golf club head with a relatively thin face portion but material) , or a combination of polymer material ( s ) and without the support of the back wall portion 1410 and the bonding agent ( s) to at least partially provide structural aelastic cavity polymer - back golf material club head to fill ) may in the produce interior unpleasant cavity 700 sound ( e.g. , 45 support for the face portion 162. In particular, the filler ( e.g. , a tinny sound ) and / or feel during impact with a golf material may also provide vibration and / or noise dampening ball . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for the body portion 110 when the face portion 162 strikes described herein are not limited in this regard. a golf ball . Alternatively, the filler material may only provide Based on manufacturing processes and methods used to vibration and /or noise dampening for the body portion 110 form the golf club head 100 , the face portion 162 may 50 when the face portion 162 strikes a golf ball. In one example, include additional material at or proximate to a periphery of the body portion 110 of the golf club head 100 ( e.g. , an the face portion 162. Accordingly , the face portion 162 may iron - type golf club head ) may have a body portion volume also include a third thickness 1530 , and a chamfer portion (Vb ) between about 2.0 cubic inches ( 32.77 cubic centime 1540. The third thickness 1530 may be greater than either ters ) and about 4.2 cubic inches ( 68.83 cubic centimeters ). the first thickness 1510 or the second thickness 1520 ( e.g. , 55 The volume of the filler material filling the interior cavity Tz > T > T , ) . In particular, the face portion 162 may be ( Ve ), such as the interior cavity 700 , may be between 0.5 and coupled to the body portion 110 by a welding process . For 1.7 cubic inches ( 8.19 and 27.86 cubic centimeters , respec example , the first thickness 1510 may be about 0.030 inch tively ) . A ratio of the filler material volume (Ve ) to the body ( 0.762 millimeters ) , the second thickness 1520 may be about portion volume ( Vb ) may be expressed as : 0.015 inch ( 0.381 millimeters ), and the third thickness 1530 60 may be about 0.050 inch ( 1.27 millimeters ) . Accordingly, Ve the chamfer portion 1540 may accommodate some of the 0.2 < < 0.5 additional material when the face portion 162 is welded to Vb the body portion 110 . As illustrated in FIG . 16 , for example, the face portion 65 Where : 162 may include a reinforcement section , generally shown V e is the filler material volume in units of in ?, and as 1605 , below one or more grooves 168. In one example , Vo is the body portion volume in units of in ?. US 10,864,414 B2 21 22 In another example , the ratio of the filler material volume equations provided herein may be replaced with the volume ( V ) to the body portion volume ( Vb ) may be between about of the interior cavity ( V. ) . Accordingly, the above equations 0.2 and about 0.4 . In yet another example , the ratio of the expressed in terms of the volume of the interior cavity ( V. ) filler material volume ( Ve ) to the body portion volume ( V ) may be expressed as : may be between about 0.25 and about 0.35 . The apparatus, 5 methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. Vc Based on the amount of filler material filling the interior 0.25 Vb < 0.5 cavity, for example, the thickness of the face portion may be 0.01 < Tf < 0.2 between about 0.025 inches ( 0.635 millimeters ) and about 10 Vc 0.1 inch ( 2.54 millimeters ) . In another example , the thick ness of the face portion ( Ts) may be between about 0.02 Vc = a.Vb + b + C.Tf inches ( 0.508 millimeters ) and about 0.09 inches ( 2.286 a = 0.48 millimeters ) . The thickness of the face portion ( Tp) may b = -0.38 depend on the volume of the filler material in the interior 15 cavity ( Ve ) , such as the interior cavity 700. The ratio of the 0 < c < 10 thickness of the face portion ( T ) to the volume of the filler material ( V ) may be expressed as : Where : Ve is the volume of the interior cavity in units of in ?, 20 Vo is the body portion volume in units of in , and 0.015 Tf < 0.2 Tris the thickness of the face portion in units of inches . As described herein , the filler material may include a bonding agent that may be bonded to the back surface 166 Where : of the face portion 162 to attach the remaining portions of T is the thickness of the face portion in units of inches , 25 the filler material to the back surface 166 of the face portion and 162 , dampen noise and vibration , provide a certain feel and V is the filler material volume in units of in . sound for the golf club head , and / or at least partially In one example, the ratio of the thickness of the face structurally support the face portion 162. The thickness of portion ( T ) to the volume of the filler material ( Ve ) may be the bonding agent and / or a portion of the filler material may between 0.02 and 0.09 . In another example , the ratio of the 30 depend on a thickness of the face portion 162. In one thickness of the face portion ( Tj) to the volume of the filler example , a relationship between a thickness of the face material ( Ve ) may be between 0.04 and 0.14 . The thickness portion 162 and a thickness of a bonding agent and / or a of the face portion ( Ts) may be the same as T , and / or T2 portion of the filler material may be expressed as : mentioned above . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . 35 The thickness of the face portion ( T ) may depend on the 0.15 Tf < 4.0 volume of the filler material in the interior cavity (Ve ), such Ta as the interior cavity 700 , and the body portion volume ( V. ) . The volume of the filler material ( V. ) may be expressed as : 40 Where : Ve = a * V ,b?C * T ; T , is the thickness of the face portion in units of inches, and a = 0.48 Ta is the thickness of the bonding agent and / or the thickness of the filler material in units of inches. bg - 0.38 45 In one example , the bonding agent and / or the filler material may have a thickness ranging from 0.02 inch ( 0.51 Oscs10 millimeters ) to 0.2 inch ( 5.08 millimeters ) . In another Where : example, the bonding agent and / or the filler material may be V is the filler material volume in units of in " , have a thickness ranging from 0.04 inch ( 0.1.02 millimeters ) the body portion volume in units of in ' , and 50 to 0.08 inch ( 2.03 millimeters ). In another example, the ToTris the thickness of the face portion in units of inches . bonding agent and / or the filler material may be have a As described herein , for example, the body portion vol- thickness ranging from 0.03 inch ( 0.76 millimeters ) to 0.06 ume (Vb ) may be between about 2.0 cubic inches ( 32.77 inch ( 1.52 millimeters ). In yet another example , the bonding cubic centimeters ) and about 4.2 cubic inches ( 68.83 cubic agent and / or the filler material may have a thickness ranging centimeters ). In one example , the thickness of the face 55 from 0.01 inch ( 0.25 millimeters ) to 0.3 inch ( 7.62 milli portion ( T?) may be about 0.03 inches ( 0.762 millimeters ). In meters ) . The apparatus , methods, and articles of manufac another example, the thickness of the face portion ( Ts) may ture described herein are not limited in this regard . be about 0.06 inches ( 1.524 millimeters ) . In yet another FIG . 17 depicts one manner in which the example golf example , the thickness of the face portion ( T1) may be about club head described herein may be manufactured . In the 0.075 inches ( 1.905 millimeters ) . The apparatus, methods, 60 example of FIG . 17 , the process 1700 may begin with and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited providing one or more mass portions , generally shown as the in this regard . first and second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 , respec Further, the volume of the filler material ( Ve ) when the tively ( block 1710 ) . The first set of mass portions 120 and / or interior cavity is fully filled with the filler material may be the second set of mass portions 130 may be made of a first similar to the volume of the interior cavity (V. ) . Accord- 65 material such as a tungsten - based material, a titanium - based ingly , when the interior cavity is fully filled with a filler material, a steel - based material, an aluminum -based mate material, the volume of the filler material ( Ve ) in any of the rial, a non - metal material , any combination thereof, or other US 10,864,414 B2 23 24 suitable type of materials. In one example, the mass portions interior cavity 700 from the first opening 1830 via the of the first and second sets 120 and 130 , respectively, may second opening 1835. The first and second openings 1830 be tungsten - alloy screws. and 1835 , respectively, may be same or different in size The process 1700 may provide a body portion 110 having and /or shape. While the above example may describe and the face portion 162 , the interior cavity 700 , and the back 5 depict a particular port with a second opening, any other portion 170 with two or more ports, generally shown as 1420 ports of the golf club head 100 may include a second and 1430 ( block 1720 ) . The body portion 110 may be made opening ( e.g. , the port 1421 ) . The apparatus , methods, and of a second material , which may be different than the first articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in material or similar to the first material. The body portion 110 this regard. may be manufactured using an investment casting process , 10 Referring back to FIG . 17 , the example process 1700 is a billet forging process , a stamping process , a computer merely provided and described in conjunction with other numerically controlled ( CNC ) machining process , a die figures as an example of one way to manufacture the golf casting process , any combination thereof, or other suitable club head 100. While a particular order of actions is illus manufacturing processes . In one example, the body portion trated in FIG . 17 , these actions may be performed in other 110 may be made of 17-4 PH stainless steel using a casting 15 temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions process. In another example , the body portion 110 may be depicted in FIG . 17 may be performed sequentially , concur made of other suitable type of stainless steel ( e.g. , Nitronic® rently, or simultaneously. In one example , blocks 1710 , 50 stainless steel manufactured by AK Steel Corporation , 1720 , 1730 , and / or 1740 may be performed simultaneously West Chester, Ohio ) using a forging process . By using or concurrently . Although FIG . 17 depicts a particular num Nitronic® 50 stainless steel to manufacture the body portion 20 ber of blocks , the process may not perform one or more 110 , the golf club head 100 may be relatively stronger and / or blocks . In one example, the interior cavity 700 may not be more resistant to corrosion than golf club heads made from filled ( i.e. , block 1740 may not be performed ). The appara other types of steel . One or more ports of the body portion tus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein 110 may include an opening and a port wall . For example , are not limited in this regard. Referring back to FIGS . 1-14 , the port 1421 may include the opening 720 and the port wall 25 the face portion 162 may include a non - smooth back surface 725 with the opening 720 and the port wall 725 being on to improve adhesion and / or mitigate delamination between opposite ends of each other . The interior cavity 700 may the face portion 162 and the elastic polymer material used to separate the port wall 725 of the port 1421 and the back fill the interior cavity 700 ( e.g. , FIG . 7 ) . Various methods surface 166 of the face portion 162. In a similar manner, the and / or processes such as an abrasive blasting process ( e.g. , port 1435 may include the opening 730 and the port wall 735 30 a bead blasting process , a sand blasting process , other with the opening 730 and the port wall 735 being on suitable blasting process , or any combination thereof) and / or opposite ends of each other. The interior cavity 700 may a milling ( machining ) process may be used to form the back separate the port wall 735 of the port 1435 and the back surface 166 into a non - smooth surface . For example , the surface 166 of the face portion 162 . back surface 166 may have with a surface roughness ( Ra ) The process 1700 may couple one or more mass portions 35 ranging from 0.5 to 250 uin ( 0.012 to 6.3 um ). The appa of the first and second sets of mass portions 120 and 130 into ratus , methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in one of the one or more ports ( blocks 1730 ) . In one example , this regard . the process 1700 may insert and secure the mass portion 121 Referring to FIG . 19 , for example, the golf club head 100 in the port 1421 , and the mass portion 135 in the port 1435 . may include the face portion 162 , a bonding portion 1910 , The process 1700 may use various manufacturing methods 40 and a polymer material 1920. The bonding portion 1910 may and / or processes to secure the first set of mass portions 120 provide connection , attachment and / or bonding of the poly and / or the second set of mass portions 130 in the ports such mer material 1920 to the face portion 162. In one example , as the ports 1421 and 1435 ( e.g. , epoxy, welding, brazing , the bonding portion 1910 and /or the polymer material 1920 mechanical lock ( s ) , any combination thereof, etc. ) . may define a filler material as described herein . The bonding The process 1700 may partially or entirely fill the interior 45 portion 1910 may be a bonding agent such as any of cavity 700 with a filler material, which may be one or a adhesive or epoxy materials described herein , a tacky mate combination of a polymer material ( e.g. , an ethylene copo- rial, a combination of bonding agents, a bonding structure or lymer material such as DuPontTM HPF family of materials ) attachment device ( i.e. , a physical and / or mechanical struc ( block 1740 ) and / or a bonding agent ( e.g. , an adhesive or ture or device ), a combination of bonding structures and / or epoxy material such as 3MTM Scotch - WeldTM Epoxy Adhe- 50 attachment devices, and / or a combination of one or more sives DP100 , DP100 Plus , DP100NS and DP100FR ) . In one bonding agents , one or more bonding structures and / or one example , the filler material may fill at least 50 % of the or more attachment devices . The bonding portion 1910 may interior cavity 700. As mentioned above , the filler material be integral with the polymer material 1920 to partially or may absorb shock , isolate vibration , and / or dampen noise in entirely fill the interior cavity 700. In other words, the response to the golf club head 100 striking a golf ball . In one 55 polymer material 1920 may include inherent bonding prop example , the interior cavity 700 may be filled with filler erties. For example, the bonding portion 1910 may be a material, which may be a polymer material, a thermoplastic bonding agent mixed with the polymer material 1920 to elastomer material, a thermoplastic polyurethane material, a provide bonding of the mixture to the back surface 166 of bonding agent, and / or a combination thereof. In another the face portion 162 and / or other inner surface ( s ) of the body example, the interior cavity 700 may be entirely filled with 60 portion 110. In one example, the bonding portion may a bonding agent. As illustrated in FIG . 18 , for example, the include one or more surface textures or surface structures on golf club head 100 may include one or more ports ( e.g. , one the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 to assist in shown as 1431 in FIG . 14 ) with a first opening 1830 and a adhesion of the polymer material to the back surface 166 of second opening 1835. The second opening 1835 may be the face portion . The apparatus , methods, and articles of used to access the interior cavity 700. In one example, the 65 manufacture are not limited in this regard. process 1700 ( FIG . 17 ) may fill the interior cavity 700 with For example , the golf club head 100 may include a a filler material by injecting the filler material into the bonding agent such as any adhesive or epoxy materials US 10,864,414 B2 25 26 described herein to improve adhesion and / or mitigate and / or noise dampening. However, such a foaming polymer delamination between the face portion 162 and the polymer material may not have sufficient rigidity to provide structural material 1920 used to fill the interior cavity 700 of the golf support to a relatively thin face portion because of possible club head 100 ( e.g. , FIG . 7 ) . The bonding portion 1910 may excessive deflection and / or compression of the polymer be applied to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 to 5 material when absorbing the impact of a golf ball . In one bond the polymer material 1920 to the face portion 162 ( e.g. , example , the one or more components of the filler material extending between the back surface 166 and the polymer that is injection molded in the interior cavity 700 may have material 1920 ) . For example, the bonding portion 1910 may a relatively high modulus of elasticity to provide structural be applied before or during when the interior cavity 700 is support to the face portion 162 and yet elastically deflect to filled with the polymer material 1920 via an injection 10 absorb the impact forces experienced by the face portion 162 molding process or other suitable process . The apparatus, when striking a golf ball . Thus, a non - foaming and injection methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this moldable polymer material with a relatively high modulus of regard . elasticity may be used for partially or entirely filling the FIG . 20 depicts one manner to partially or entirely fill the interior cavity 700 to provide structural support and rein interior cavity 700 of the golf club head 100 or any of the 15 forcement for the face portion 162 in addition to providing golf club heads described herein with a filler material. The vibration and noise dampening. That is , the non - foaming process 2000 may begin with heating the golf club head 100 and injection moldable polymer material may be a structural to a certain temperature ( block 2010 ) . In one example, the support portion for the face portion 162. The apparatus , golf club head 100 may be heated to a temperature ranging methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this between 150 ° C. and 250 ° C. , which may depend on factors 20 regard . such as the vaporization temperature of the one or more As described herein , the filler material may include a components of the filler material to be injected in the interior bonding portion . The bonding portion may include an adhe cavity 700. The filler material may then be heated to a sive or epoxy material with a thickness to provide structural certain temperature ( block 2020 ) . In one example, the filler support for the face portion 162. Accordingly, the filler material may be a non - foaming and injection -moldable 25 material may include a foaming polymer material to provide thermoplastic elastomer ( TPE ) material. Accordingly, the vibration and noise dampening whereas the bonding portion filler material may be heated to reach a liquid or a flowing may provide structural support for the face portion 162. The state prior to being injected into the interior cavity 700. The thickness of the bonding portion may depend on a thickness temperature at which the filler material may be heated may and physical properties of the face portion 162 as described depend on the type of polymer material used to form the 30 herein . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture filler material. The heated filler material may be injected into are not limited in this regard . the interior cavity 700 to partially or fully fill the interior As described herein , the filler material may include a cavity 700 ( block 2030 ) . The filler material may be injected bonding agent ( e.g. , an adhesive or epoxy material) and a into the interior cavity 700 from one or more of the ports polymer material. FIG . 21 depicts one manner in which a described herein ( e.g. , one or more ports of the first and 35 bonding agent as described herein may be applied to a golf second sets of ports 1420 and 1430 , respectively, shown in club head prior to partially or entirely filling the interior FIG . 14 ) . One or more other ports may allow the air inside cavity 700. In the example of FIG . 21 , the process 2100 may the interior cavity 700 displaced by the filler material to vent begin with injecting a bonding agent on the back surface 166 from the interior cavity 700. In one example, the golf club of the face portion 162 ( block 2110 ) . The bonding agent may head 100 may be oriented horizontally as shown in FIG . 14 40 be injected on the back surface 166 prior to or after heating during the injection molding process . The filler material may the golf club head as described above depending on the be injected into the interior cavity 700 from ports 1431 and properties of the bonding agent. The bonding agent may be 1432. The ports 1421 , 1422 and / or 1423 may serve as air injected through one or more of the first set of ports 1420 ports for venting the displaced air from the interior cavity and / or the second set of ports 1430. The bonding agent may 700. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the golf club head 45 be injected on the back surface 166 through several or all of 100 during the injection molding process, the filler material the first set of ports 1420 and the second set of ports 1430 . may be injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more For example, an injection instrument such as a nozzle or a lower positioned ports while one or more upper positioned needle may be inserted into each port until the tip or outlet ports may serve as air vents . The mold ( e.g. , the golf club of the instrument is near the back surface 166. The bonding head 100 ) may then be cooled passively ( e.g. , at room 50 agent may then be injected on the back surface 166 from the temperature ) or actively so that the filler material reaches a outlet of the instrument. Additionally , the instrument may be solid state and adheres to the back surface 166 of the face moved , rotated and / or swiveled while inside the interior portion 162. The filler material may directly adhere to the cavity 700 so that the bonding agent is injected onto an area back surface 166 of the face portion 162. Alternatively, the of the back surface 166 surrounding the instrument. For filler material may adhere to the back surface 166 of the face 55 example, the outlet of the injection instrument may be portion 162 with the aid of the one or more structures on the moved in a circular pattern while inside a port to inject the back surface 166 and / or the bonding portion 1910 shown in bonding agent in a corresponding circular pattern on the FIG . 19 ( e.g. , a bonding agent as described herein ). The back surface 166. Each of the first set of ports 1420 and the apparatus , methods , and articles of manufacture described second set of ports 1430 may be utilized to inject a bonding herein are not limited in this regard. 60 agent on the back surface 166. However, utilizing all of first As described above , the filler material may be heated to ports 1420 and / or the second set of ports 1430 may not be a liquid state ( i.e. , non - foaming ) and solidifies after being necessary . For example , using every other adjacent port may injection molded in the interior cavity 700. A filler material be sufficient to inject a bonding agent on the entire back with a low modulus of elasticity may provide vibration surface 166. In another example, ports 1421 , 1422 1431 , and / or noise dampening for the face portion 162 when the 65 1433 and 1436 may be used to inject the bonding agent on face portion 162 impacts a golf ball . For example , a polymer the back surface 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of material that foams when heated may provide vibration manufacture are not limited in this regard . US 10,864,414 B2 27 28 The process 2100 may also include spreading the bonding 2200 on the opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club . The agent on the back surface 166 ( block 2120 ) after injection of front portion may be similar to the front portion 160 of the the bonding agent onto the back surface 166 so that a golf club head 100. Further, the golf club head 2200 may be generally uniform coating of the bonding agent is provided the same type of golf club head as any of the golf club heads on the back surface 166. According to one example, the 5 described herein . The apparatus, methods, and articles of bonding agent may be spread on the back surface 166 by manufacture are not limited in this regard . injecting air into the interior cavity 700 through one or more The body portion 2210 may include one or more ports of the first set of ports 1420 and the second set of ports 1430 . along a periphery of the body portion 2210 , generally shown The air may be injected into the interior cavity 700 and on as a first set of ports 2320 ( e.g. , shown as ports 2321 , 2322 , the back surface 166 by inserting an air nozzle into one or 10 2323 , and 2324 ) and a second port 2330. Each port of the more of the first set of ports 1420 and the second set of ports first set of ports 2320 may be associated with a port diameter 1430. According to one example, the air nozzle may be and at least one port of the first set of ports 2320 may be moved , rotated and / or swiveled at a certain distance from the separated from an adjacent port similar to any of the ports back surface 166 so as to uniformly blow air onto the described herein . The apparatus , methods, and articles of bonding agent to spread the bonding agent on the back 15 manufacture are not limited in this regard . surface 166 for a uniform coating or a substantially uniform One or more mass portion of the first set of mass portions coating of the bonding agent on the back surface 166. The 2220 ( e.g. , shown as mass portions 2221 , 2222 , 2223 , and apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not 2224 ) may be disposed in a port of the first set of ports 2320 limited in this regard . ( e.g. , shown as ports 2321 , 2322 , 2323 , and 2324 ) located at The example process 2100 is merely provided and 20 or proximate to the toe portion 2240 and / or the top portion described in conjunction with other figures as an example of 2280 on the back portion 2270. The physical properties one way to manufacture the golf club head 100. While a and / or configurations of the first set of ports 2320 and the particular order of actions is illustrated in FIG . 21 , these first set of mass portions 2220 may be similar to the golf club actions may be performed in other temporal sequences . head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac Further, two or more actions depicted in FIG . 21 may be 25 ture are not limited in this regard . performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. The second port 2330 may have any configuration and / or The process 2100 may include a single action of injecting extend to and / or between the toe portion 2240 and the heel and uniformly or substantially uniformly coating the back portion 2250. As illustrated in FIG . 22 , for example, the surface 166 with the bonding agent. In one example, the second port 2330 may be a recess extending from the toe bonding agent may be injected on the back surface 166 by 30 portion 2240 or a location proximate to the toe portion 2240 being converted into fine particles or droplets ( i.e. , atom- to the sole portion 2290 or a location proximate to the sole ized ) and sprayed on the back surface 166. Accordingly, the portion 2290. Accordingly, the second port 2330 may back surface 166 may be uniformly or substantially uni- resemble an L - shaped recess . The second mass portion 2230 formly coated with the bonding agent in one action ( i.e. , a may resemble the shape of the second port 2330 and may be substantially uniform coating of bonding agent particles, 35 disposed in the second port 2330. The second mass portion droplets or beads ). A substantially uniform coating of the 2230 may be partially or fully disposed in the second port back surface 166 with the bonding agent may be defined as 2330. The second mass portion 2230 may have any shape a coating having slight non - uniformities due to the injection such as oval , rectangular, triangular, or any geometric or process or the manufacturing process. However, such slight non - geometric shape . The second port 2330 may be shaped non -uniformities may not affect the bonding of the polymer 40 similar to the second mass portion 2230. However, material to the back surface 166 with the bonding agent as portion ( s ) of the second mass portion 2230 that are inserted described herein . For example , spraying the bonding agent in the second port 2330 may have similar shapes as the on the back surface 166 may result in overlapping regions of second port 2330. In one example ( not shown ) , the second the bonding agent having a slightly greater coating thickness port 2330 may have a generally rectangular shape and than other regions of the bonding agent on the back surface 45 located at or near the sole portion 2290 extending to and / or 166. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are between the toe portion 2240 and the heel portion 2250 . not limited in this regard . Accordingly, at least a portion of the second mass portion As described herein , any two or more of the mass portions 2230 may have a similar shape as the second port 2330. As may be configured as a single mass portion . In the example described herein , any of the mass portions described herein , of FIGS . 22 and 23 , a golf club head 2200 may include a 50 including the first mass portions 2220 and the second mass body portion 2210 and one or more mass portions, generally portion 2230 may be coupled to the back portion 2270 of the shown as a first set of mass portions 2220 ( e.g. , shown as body portion 2210 with various manufacturing methods mass portions 2221 , 2222 , 2223 , and 2224 ) and a second and / orprocesses ( e.g. , a bonding process , a welding process , mass portion 2230. The body portion 2210 may be made of a brazing process , a mechanical locking method , any com a first material whereas the first set of mass portions 2220 55 bination thereof, or other suitable manufacturing methods and / or the second mass portion 2230 may be made of a and / or processes ). The second mass portion 2230 may be a second material. The first and second materials may be polymer material that may be injection molded into the similar or different materials. The first and second materials second port 2330 as described herein . Also as described of the body portion 2210 and / or the first and second mass herein , any of the mass portions described herein including portions 2220 and 2230 , respectively, may be similar to the 60 the mass portion 2230 may be integral with the body portion first and second materials of the golf club head 100. The 2210. The apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture body portion 2210 may include a toe portion 2240 , a heel are not limited in this regard. portion 2250 , a front portion ( not shown ), a back portion The second mass portion 2230 may affect the location of 2270 with a back wall portion 2310 , a top portion 2280 , and the CG of the golf club head 100 and the MOI of the golf a sole portion 2290. The heel portion 2250 may include a 65 club head about a vertical axis that extends through the CG hosel portion 2255 configured to receive a shaft ( not shown ) of the golf club head 2200. All or a substantial portion of the with a grip ( not shown) on one end , and the golf club head second mass portion 2230 may be generally near the sole US 10,864,414 B2 29 30 portion 2290. For example , the second mass portion 2230 the second set of mass portions 2430 , and / or the third mass may be near the periphery of the body portion 2210 and portion 2412 may be similar to any of the golf club heads extend to and / or between the sole portion 2290 and the toe and the mass portions described herein such as the golf club portion 2240. As shown in the example of FIG . 23 , the head 100. The apparatus , methods, and articles of manufac second mass portion 2230 may be located at or proximate to 5 ture are not limited in this regard . the periphery of the body portion 2210 and partially or Turning to FIG . 25 , for example , the golf club head 2400 substantially extend at or proximate to the sole portion 2290 . may be associated with a ground plane 2810 , a horizontal A portion of the second mass portion 2230 may be located midplane 2820 , and a top plane 2830. In particular, the near the periphery of the body portion 2210 and extend to ground plane 2810 may be a plane substantially parallel with and / or between the sole portion 2290 and the toe portion 10 the ground and tangential to the sole portion 2490 of the golf 2240 to lower the CG and increase the MOI of the golf club club head 2400 when the golf club head 2400 is at an address head 2200 about a vertical axis that extends through the CG . position ( e.g. , the golf club head 2400 is aligned to strike a To lower the CG of the golf club head 2200 , all or a portion golf ball ) . The top plane 2830 may be a tangential to the top of the second mass portion 2230 may be located closer to the portion 2480 of the golf club head 2400 when the golf club sole portion 2290 than to a horizontal midplane 2360 of the 15 head 2400 is at the address position . The ground and top golf club head 2200. The horizontal midplane 2360 may be planes 2810 and 2830 , respectively, may be substantially vertically halfway between the ground and top planes 2355 parallel to each other . The horizontal midplane 2820 may be and 2365 , respectively. The location of the second mass located at half the vertical distance between the ground and portion 2230 ( i.e. , the location of the second port 2330 ) and top planes 2810 and 2830 , respectively . the physical properties and materials of construction of the 20 The third mass portion 2412 may be a portion of the golf mass portions of the second port 2230 may be determined to club head 2400 made from a different material than the body optimally affect the mass , mass distribution, CG , MOI portion 2410. The third mass portion 2412 may be located on characteristics, structural integrity and / or or other static the back portion 2470 below the horizontal midplane 2820 and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 2200 . of the golf club head 2400. In one example ( not shown ) , a The apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture 25 portion of the third mass portion 2412 may be at or above the described herein are not limited in this regard . horizontal midplane 2820. The third mass portion 2412 may As illustrated in FIGS . 24-29 , a golf club head 2400 may be made of a material with a relatively greater density than include a body portion 2410 , and one or more mass portions, the material of the body portion 2410 to lower the CG of the generally shown as a first set of mass portions 2420 ( e.g. , golf club head 2400 and / or to move the CG of the golf club shown as mass portions 2421 and 2422 ) , a second set of 30 head 2400 toward the back of the golf club head 2400. In one mass portions 2430 ( e.g. , shown as mass portions 2431 , example , the body portion 2410 may be made of a low 2432 , 2433 , 2434 , 2435 , 2436 , and 2437 ) , and a third mass density and high strength metal such as titanium or titanium portion 2412. The third mass portion 2412 may be a con- alloy material( s ), and the third mass portion 2412 may be tinuous one - piece portion coupled to the body portion 2410 . made of a high density material such as tungsten or tungsten In other words , the third mass portion 2412 may be inte- 35 alloy material( s ). In addition , or alternatively, at least a grally manufactured with the body portion 2410 and / or be portion of the body portion 2410 may be made of a high constructed from the same material as the body portion strength and low density material such as composite mate 2410. Alternatively, the third mass portion 2412 may be a rials whereas the third mass portion 2412 may be made of a separate piece from the body portion 2410 and attached to high density material such as tungsten material ( s ). Accord the body portion 2410 as described herein . The second set of 40 ingly, the CG of the golf club head 2400 may be located mass portions 2430 ( e.g. , shown as mass portions 2431 , lower than the CG of a comparable golf club head entirely 2432 , 2433 , 2434 , 2435 , 2436 , and 2437 ) may be coupled to made of a low density material such as titanium and / or the third mass portion 2412 as described herein . The body composite material( s ). The apparatus, methods, and articles portion 2410 may include a toe portion 2440 , a heel portion of manufacture described herein are not limited in this 2450 , a front portion 2460 , a back portion 2470 , a top 45 regard . portion 2480 , and a sole portion 2490. The heel portion 2450 The body portion 2410 may include one or more ports may include a hosel portion 2455 configured to receive a along a periphery of the body portion 2410 or the back shaft ( not shown) with a grip ( not shown ) on one end and the portion 2470 , generally shown as a first set of ports 2620 golf club head 2400 on the opposite end of the shaft to form ( e.g. , shown as ports 2621 and 2622 ) and a second set of a golf club . The front portion 2460 may include a face 50 ports 2630 ( e.g. , shown as ports 2631 , 2632 , 2633 , 2634 , portion 2462 ( e.g. , a strike face ). The body portion 2410 may 2635 , 2636 and 2637 ) . One or more ports may be an opening be similar to the body portion of any of the golf club heads of the body portion 2410. The first set of ports 2620 and the described herein . Further, the golf club head 2400 may be second set of ports 2630 , respectively , may be ports config any type of golf club head such as any of the golf club heads ured to receive one or more mass portions of the first set of described herein and be manufactured by any of the methods 55 mass portions 2420 and / or the second set of mass portions described herein ( e.g. , the process 1700 shown in FIG . 17 ) . 2430 similar to the example ( s) of the golf club head 100 as The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not described herein . The first set of ports 2620 ( e.g. , generally limited in this regard . shown as ports 2621 and 2622 ) may be recesses or bores of The body portion 2410 , the first set ofmass portions 2420 , the body portion 2410 configured to receive one or more the second set of mass portions 2430 , and / or the third mass 60 mass portions of the first set of mass portions 2420 and / or portion 2412 may be made of similar or different materials . mass portions of the second set of mass portions 2430. The For example, the body portion 2410 , the first set of mass second set of ports 2630 ( e.g. , generally shown as ports portions 2420 , the second set of mass portions 2430 , and / or 2631 , 2632 , 2633 , 2634 , 2635 , 2636 and 2637 ) may be the third mass portion 2412 may be made of steel , alumi- recesses or bores of the third mass portion 2412 configured num , titanium , tungsten , metal alloys , polymers , composite 65 to receive one or more mass portions of the first set of mass materials, or any combinations thereof. The material ( s ) of portions 2420 and / or mass portions of the second set of mass the golf club head 2400 , the first set of mass portions 2420 , portions 2430. The third set of ports 2630 may be recesses US 10,864,414 B2 31 32 or bores in the body portion 2410 when the third mass portion 2415 of the third mass portion 2412 may be defined portion 2412 is integral with the body portion 2410 similar by a reduction in the height, a reduction in the width and / or to the golf club head 100. One or more mass portions of the a reduction in size and / or shape of the cross sectional area first and second sets of mass portions 2420 and 2430 , of the third mass portion 2412. The apparatus, methods, and respectively, may be coupled to one or more ports of the first 5 articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in and second sets of ports 2620 and 2630 , respectively, with this regard . various manufacturing methods and / or processes ( e.g. , a In one example , the third mass - heel portion 2415 of the bonding process , a welding process , a brazing process , a third mass portion 2412 at or proximate to the heel portion mechanical locking method , any combination thereof, or 2450 of the golf club head 2400 may include a material with other suitable manufacturing methods and / or processes ) 10 a relatively lower density than the remaining material of the such as the methods and processes described herein . The third mass portion 2412 to lower the mass of the golf club locations of the ports, the distances between the ports, the head 2400 at or proximate to the heel portion 2450 and / or to configurations and / or properties of the ports and the mass provide more mass at or proximate to the toe portion 2440 portions ( e.g. , dimensions and / or masses ) may be similar to of the golf club head 2400. In one example, the body portion any of the golf club heads, ports and / or mass portions 15 2410 may be made of a material with a relatively greater described herein . The apparatus, methods, and articles of density than titanium or titanium alloy material (s ) such as manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. steel material. Accordingly, the third mass portion 2412 may The third mass portion 2412 may be made of a material include a reduced mass portion at or proximate to the heel with a relatively greater density than the material of the body portion 2450 of the golf club head 2400 to lower the mass portion 2410. In one example, the third mass portion 2412 20 of the golf club head 2400 at or proximate the heel portion may be made of tungsten or tungsten alloy material (s ) 2450 to balance the golf club head 2400 and move the CG whereas the body portion 2410 may be made of titanium or toward a center portion of the golf club head 2400. For titanium alloy material ( s ). Referring back to FIG . 25 , for example, a portion of the third mass portion 2412 at or example, the third mass portion 2412 may be located below proximate to the third mass - heel portion 2415 of the third the horizontal midplane 2820 of the golf club head 2400 and 25 mass portion 2412 may include a portion ( not shown ) that on the back portion 2470 of the golf club head 2400 to place may include a material with a relatively lower density than the CG of the golf club head 2400 lower and farther back as the remaining material of the third mass portion 2412. In one compared to a comparable golf club head substantially made example, a portion of the third mass portion 2412 at or of the same material as the material of the body portion proximate to the third mass - heel portion 2415 of the third 2410. The apparatus, methods , and articles of manufacture 30 mass portion 2412 may include aluminum or aluminum described herein are not limited in this regard . alloy material ( s ). The apparatus , methods, and articles of The third mass portion 2412 may include a third mass - toe manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. portion 24 a third mass heel -portion 2415 and a third The third mass portion 2412 may be a separate piece from mass -bottom portion 2417. The third mass portion 2412 may the body portion 2410 and may be removed from the body extend to and / or between the toe portion 2440 , the heel 35 portion 2410. Accordingly , the third mass portion 2412 may portion 2450 , and / or the sole portion 2490. For example , the be removed and exchanged with another third mass portion third mass portion 2412 may extend to the toe portion edge 2412 having a different mass to allow for adjustability of the 2441 of the toe portion 2440 of the golf club head 2400 so mass distribution and / or the total mass of the golf club head that the third mass portion 2412 may be a portion of the toe 2400. The third mass portion 2412 may be attached to the portion 2440 of the golf club head 2400 as shown in FIG . 28. 40 body portion 2410 by one or more mass portions of the The third mass portion 2412 may extend to the heel portion second set of mass portions 2430. For example, one or more edge 2451 of the heel portion 2450 of the golf club head of the ports of the second set of ports 2630 may be through 2400 so that the heel portion 2415 of the third mass portion bores of the third mass portion 2412 that align with corre 2412 may be a portion of the heel portion 2450 of the golf sponding recesses or bores (not shown ) on the body portion club head 2400 as shown in FIG . 29. The third mass portion 45 2410. One or more mass portions of the second set of mass 2412 may extend to the bottom edge of the sole portion 2490 portions 2430 may be inserted into the one or more ports of of the golf club head 2400 so that the third mass portion the second set of ports 2630 and extend through the recesses 2412 may be a portion of the sole portion 2490 of the golf or bores on the body portion 2410 to fasten the third mass club head 2400 as shown in FIG . 27. Accordingly, the third portion 2412 to the body portion 2410. The second set of mass portion 2412 may be a portion of the golf club head 50 mass portions 2430 ( e.g. , mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2400 extending to and / or between a location below the 2434 , 2435 , 2436 and 2437 ) may be configured to place the horizontal midplane 2820 of the golf club head and the sole CG of the golf club head 2400 at an optimal location and / or portion 2490 of the golf club head 2400 , and extending to optimize the MOI of the golf club head about a vertical axis and / or between the toe portion 2440 and the heel portion ( not shown ) that extends through the CG of the golf club 2450 of the golf club head 2400. The apparatus, methods , 55 head 2400 similar to the second mass portions 130 of the and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of in this regard . manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . The third mass - toe portion 2413 of the third mass portion In one example , the body portion 2410 or any of the body 2412 may have a larger mass than the third mass - heel portions of the golf club heads described herein may be portion 2415 of the third mass portion 2412 to shift more 60 made of one or more metal or metal alloy material ( s ), mass toward the toe portion 2440 of the golf club head 2400 non -metallic materials such as composite materials, plastic to increase the MOI of the golf club head 2400. Accordingly, materials, or wood , and / or any combinations thereof. The the third mass portion 2412 may have a relatively larger third mass portion 2412 may be made of a material that has third mass - toe portion 2413 that may taper to a relatively a greater density than the material of the body portion 2410 . smaller third mass - heel portion 2415. The tapering of the 65 For example, the body portion 2410 may be made of third mass portion 2412 from the third mass - toe portion titanium or titanium alloy material ( s ) whereas the third mass 2413 of the third mass portion 2412 to the third mass - heel portion 2412 may be made of tungsten or tungsten alloy US 10,864,414 B2 33 34 material( s ). Accordingly, the hosel portion 2455 may be suitable cross - section shapes . The ports of the first and / or made of the same material as the material of the body second sets of ports 2620 and 2630 , respectively, may have portion 2410 or a different material . To balance the mass of cross - sectional shapes that are similar to the cross - sectional the golf club head 2400 due to the hosel portion 2455 being shapes of any of the ports described herein . The apparatus, made of a low - density metal material such as titanium or 5 methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are titanium alloy material (s ), the golf club head 2400 may not limited in this regard . include hosel mass portions 2467 and 2469. The hosel mass The first and second sets of mass portions 2420 and 2430 , portion 2467 may be permanently attached to the hosel respectively, may be similar in mass ( e.g. , all of the mass portion 2465 whereas the hosel mass portion 2469 may be portions of the first and second sets 2420 and 2430 , respec removable and exchangeable with other hosel mass portions 10 tively , may weigh about the same ). Alternatively, one or to balance the mass of the golf club head 2400 at the hosel more mass portions of the first and second sets of mass portion 2465. The hosel mass portions 2467 and 2469 may portions 2420 and 2430 , respectively , may be different in be a fourth set of mass portions for the golf club head 2400 . mass individually or as an entire set. In particular, one or Accordingly, the golf club head 2400 may include a first set more mass portions of the first set 2420 ( e.g. , shown as 2421 of mass portions 2420 and / or a fourth set of mass portions 15 and 2422 ) may have relatively less mass than any of the defined by the hosel mass portions 2467 and 2469 above or mass portions of the second set 2430 ( e.g. , shown as 2431 , proximate to the horizontal midplane 2820 , and a second set 2432 , 2433 , 2434 , 2435 , 2436 and 2437 ) . For example , the of mass portions 2430 and / or a fourth mass portion below or second set of mass portions 2430 may account for more than proximate to the horizontal midplane 2820. In one example, 41 % of the total mass of the mass portion ( s ) of the golf club the hosel mass portions 2467 and 2469 and the first set of 20 head 2400. In another example , the second set of mass mass portions 2420 may be collectively the first set of mass portions 2430 may account for between 55 % and 75 % of the portions , and the second set of mass portions 2430 and the total mass of the mass portion ( s ) of the golf club head 2400 . third mass portion 2412 may be collectively the second set In yet another example , the second set of mass portions 2430 of mass portions. The apparatus, methods, and articles of may account for between 60 % and 90 % of the total mass of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . 25 the mass portion ( s) of the golf club head 2400. As a result , The mass portions of the second set of mass portions 2430 the golf club head 2400 may be configured to have at least may have similar or different masses . In one example , the 41 % of the total mass of the mass portion ( s) disposed below mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435 may be the horizontal midplane 2820. Further, the total mass of the made of a material with a relatively lower density than the mass portion ( s ) may be greater below the horizontal mid mass portions 2436 and 2437. For example, the mass 30 plane 2820 that the total mass of the mass portion ( s ) above portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435 may be made of the horizontal midplane 2820. The mass of the body portion titanium or titanium alloy material( s ), while the mass por- 2410 , one or more mass portions of the first set of mass tions 2436 and 2437 may be made of tungsten or tungsten portions 2420 , the total mass of the first of mass portions alloy material ( s ). The mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 2420 , one or more mass portions of the second set of mass and 2435 may be changed with mass portions having 35 portions 2430 , and / or the total mass of the second set of relatively greater or less mass to affect the swing weight of mass portions 2430 may be similar to the golf club head 100 the golf club head 2400. Accordingly, the total mass of the as described herein . The apparatus, methods, and articles of mass portions 2436 and 2437 may be greater than the total manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . mass of the mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435 With the first and second sets of mass portions 2420 and to increase the MOI of the golf club head 2400. In one 402430 , ( e.g. , securing the first and second sets of mass example, the mass of one or more of the mass portions may portions 2420 and 2430 in the ports on the body portion progressively increase from the heel portion 2450 to the toe 2410 and / or having first and second sets of mass portion portion 2440. In another example, the mass of one or more being integral with the body portion 2410 ) , and having the of the mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435 may third mass portion 2412 being made of a material with a progressively increase from the heel portion 2450 to the toe 45 relatively greater density than the material of the body portion 2440 whereas the mass of one or more the mass portion 2410 , the location of the CG and the MOI of the golf portions 2436 and 2437 may be constant and greater than the club head 2400 may be optimized . In particular, the third mass of any of the mass portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and mass portion 2412 and the first and second sets of mass 2435. In yet another example, each of the mass portions portions 2420 and 2430 , respectively, may lower the loca 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435 may have similar masses , 50 tion of the CG towards the sole portion 2490 and further and each of the mass portions 2436 and 2437 may also have back away from the face portion 2462. Further, the MOI may similar masses but greater than the mass of any of the mass be higher as measured about a vertical axis extending portions 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 and 2435. The apparatus, through the CG ( e.g. , perpendicular to the ground plane methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are 2810 ) . The MOI may also be higher as measured about a not limited in this regard . 55 horizontal axis extending through the CG ( e.g. , extending Alternatively, two or more mass portions in the same set towards the toe and heel portions 2440 and 2450 , respec may be different in mass . In one example , the mass portion tively , of the golf club head 2400 ) . As a result, the club head 2421 of the first set 2420 may have a relatively less mass 2400 may provide a relatively higher launch angle and a than the mass portion 2422 of the first set 2420. In another relatively lower spin rate than a golf club head without the example, the mass portion 2431 of the second set 2430 may 60 third mass portion 2412 and the first and second sets of mass have a relatively less mass than the mass portion 2435 of the portions 2420 and 2430 , respectively. The apparatus, meth second set 2430. Accordingly, more mass may be distributed ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not away from the heel portion 2450 to increase the MOI about limited in this regard . the vertical axis through the CG . Although the figures may depict the mass portions as While the figures may depict ports with a particular 65 separate and individual parts visible from an exterior of the cross - section shape , the apparatus, methods, and articles of golf club head 2400 , one or more mass portions of the first manufacture described herein may include ports with other set of mass portions 2420 and /or the second set of mass US 10,864,414 B2 35 36 portions 2430 , respectively, may be a single piece of an between 0.28 inch ( 0.94 cm ) and 0.5 inch ( 1.27 cm ) at the exterior mass portion and / or an interior mass portion ( e.g. , toe portion edge 2441 , and between 0.26 inch ( 0.66 cm ) and not visible from an exterior of the golf club head 100 ) . In one 0.26 inch ( 0.89 cm ) at the heel portion edge 2451. The example , all of the mass portions of the first set 2420 ( e.g. , apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described shown as 2421 and 2422 ) may be combined into a single 5 herein are not limited in this regard . piece of mass portion ( e.g. , a first mass portion ). In a similar In one example, as shown in FIG . 25 , the top channel manner , all of the mass portions of the second set 2430 ( e.g. , width 2716 may decrease in a direction from the toe portion 2431 , 2432 , 2433 , 2434 , 2435 , 2436 and 2437 ) may be edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451. In another example combined into a single piece of mass portion as well ( e.g. , (not shown ), the top channel width 2716 may increase in a a second mass portion ). In this example, the golf club head 10 direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel portion 2400 may have only two mass portions. In another example edge 2451. In yet another example ( not shown ) , the top ( not shown ), the body portion 2410 may not include the first channel width 2716 may remain constant in a direction from set of mass portions 2420 , but include the second set of mass the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451. The portions 2430 as a single piece of interior mass portion top channel width 2716 may vary in any manner in a located farther from the heel portion 2450 than the toe 15 direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel portion portion 2440. In yet another example ( not shown ), the body edge 2451. For example, the top channel width 2716 may portion 2410 may not include the first set of mass portions vary in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel 2420 , but include the second set of mass portions 2430 with portion edge 2451 by between 25 % and 75 % of the top a first interior mass portion located farther from the heel channel width 2716 at or proximate to the toe portion edge portion 2450 than the toe portion 2440 and a second interior 20 2441. In another example , the top channel width 2716 may mass portion located farther from the toe portion 2440 than vary in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel the heel portion 2450. The first interior mass portion and the portion edge 2451 by between 26 % and 65 % . In another second interior mass portion may be ( i ) integral parts of the example, the top channel width 2716 may vary in a direction body portion 2410 or ( ii ) separate from the body portion from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451 2410 and coupled to the body portion 2410. The apparatus, 25 by between 31 % and 60 % . In yet another example , the top methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are channel width 2716 may decrease continuously and uni not limited in this regard . formly in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the The body portion 2410 of the golf club head 2400 may be heel portion edge 2451 ( shown in FIGS . 24-29 ) . In yet a hollow body including the interior cavity ( not shown ) another example , the top channel width 2716 may increase similar to the golf club head 100. Further, the interior cavity 30 continuously and uniformly in a direction from the toe may be unfilled , partially filled with one or more filler portion edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451 ( not materials, or entirely filled with one or more filler materials shown ). In yet another example, the top channel width 2716 similar to the golf club head 100 as described herein . The may change in a discontinuous or step - wise manner (not apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described shown ) in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the herein are not limited in this regard . 35 heel portion edge 2451 ( not shown ). The apparatus, meth Referring back to FIGS . 24-29 , for example , the back ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not portion 2470 may include a channel 2710 with a length limited in this regard . extending to and / or between the toe portion 2440 and the As illustrated in the example of FIGS . 24-29 , the channel heel portion 2450. The channel 2710 may extend parallel 2710 may include a first groove portion 2718 , a first step ( not shown ) to the horizontal midplane 2820 or extend at an 40 portion 2719 , a second groove portion 2720 , and a second angle relative to the horizontal midplane 2820 as shown in step portion 2721. Each of the first and second groove the example of FIG . 25. The channel 2710 may extend from portions 2718 and 2720 , respectively, may include side walls a location at or proximate to the toe portion edge 2441 of the that form a generally right angle , an acute angle, or an obtuse toe portion 2440 at or near the horizontal midplane 2820 to angle relative to the channel width 2716 or a bottom portion a location at or proximate to the heel portion edge 2451 of 45 of each groove portion , respectively . Accordingly, the the heel portion 2450 below the horizontal midplane 2820 . groove portions 2718 and 2720 may define valley - shaped In one example ( not shown ), the channel 2710 may extend groove portions . The areas of joinder between the sidewalls from the toe portion edge 2441 to a location between the toe of the groove portions 2718 and 2720 and the bottom portion portion 2440 and the heel portion 2450. In another example of each groove portion may include a chamfer or a transition ( not shown ), the channel 2710 may extend from the heel 50 region . The channel 2710 may have any shape or configu portion edge 2451 of the heel portion 2450 to a location ration . In one example , the channel 2710 may have between the toe portion 2440 and the heel portion 2450. In U - shaped cross section along a portion or the entire length yet another example , the channel 2710 may partially extend of the channel 2710. In another example , the channel 2710 to and / or between the toe portion 2440 and the heel portion may have a square or rectangular cross section along a 2450. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture 55 portion or the entire length of the channel 2710. In yet described herein are not limited in this regard . another example, the channel 2710 may be a longitudinal In one example, as shown in FIGS . 24-29 , the top channel recess in the body portion 2410 without having any multiple width (WCT ) 2716 may decrease in a direction from the toe groove and or step portions. The apparatus , methods, and portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450. The top channel width articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in 2716 may be between 0.22 inch ( 0.55 cm ) and 0.65 inch 60 this regard . ( 1.66 cm ) at the toe portion edge 2441 , and between 0.15 The depth of each groove portion 2718 and 2720 may be inch ( 0.29 cm ) and 0.37 inch ( 1.16 cm ) at the heel portion generally constant or may vary in a direction from the toe edge 2451. In another example , the top channel width 2716 portion edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451. In one may be between 0.30 inch ( 0.77 cm ) and 0.57 inch ( 1.35 cm ) example, the depth of each groove portion 2718 and / or 2720 at the toe portion edge 2441 , and between 0.21 inch ( 0.54 65 may decrease in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 cm ) and 0.31 inch ( 1.01 cm ) at the heel portion edge 2451 . to the heel portion edge 2451. In another example, as shown In another example, the top channel width 2716 may be in FIGS . 24-29 , the depth of each groove portion 2718 US 10,864,414 B2 37 38 and / or 2720 may increase in a direction from the toe portion extends to and / or between the toe portion 2440 and the heel edge 2441 to the heel portion edge 2451. In one example, the portion 2450. Accordingly, the mass that is removed from depth of each groove portion 2718 and / or 2720 may be the body portion 2410 due to the presence of the channel between 0.04 inch ( 0.09 cm ) and 0.11 inch ( 0.28 cm ) at the 2710 may similarly vary. According to another example , the toe portion edge 2441 and between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 cm ) and 5 masses of one or more of the mass portions of the second set 0.19 inch ( 0.48 cm ) at the heel portion edge 2451. In another of mass portions 2430 may correspondingly vary in a example , the depth each groove portion 2718 and / or 2720 direction from the toe portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450 may be between 0.05 inch ( 0.13 cm ) and 0.09 inch ( 0.24 cm ) at a similar rate, a substantially similar rate, or a discrete and at the toe portion edge 2441 and between 0.09 inch ( 0.22 step -wise ( e.g. , mass portions varying in groups of multiple cm ) and 0.16 inch ( 0.32 cm ) at the heel portion edge 2451. 10 mass portions ) yet generally similar rate as the variation in In yet another example , the depth each groove portion 2718 the channel configuration in a direction from the toe portion and / or 2720 may be between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 cm ) and 0.08 2440 to the heel portion 2450. In yet another example, all of inch ( 0.21 cm ) at the toe portion edge 2441 and between 0.11 the mass portions of the second set of mass portions 2430 edgeinch (2451. 0.27 cmThe ) and apparatus 0.14 inch, methods ( 0.28 ,cm and ) at articles the heel of portionmanu- 15 may have similar masses . The apparatus, methods, and facture described herein are not limited in this regard . articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in The first step portion 2719 may define a transition portion this regard . between the first groove portion 2718 and the second groove The masses of one or more of the mass portion ( s ) of the portion 2720. The second step portion 2721 may define a first set of mass portions 2420 and /or the second set of mass transition portion between the second groove portion 2720 20 portions 2430 may vary . The mass of one or more mass and the portion back wall portion 2610 below the channel portion ( s) may be increased and / or decreased by changing 2710. The width of the first step portion 2719 and / or the the length , diameter, and / or the material ( s ) of construction of second step portion 2721 may be generally constant or may the mass portions. For example , the mass of a mass portion vary in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the heel may be increased by increasing the length of the mass portion edge 2451. In one example, the width of the first step 25 portion without increasing the diameter of the mass portion portion 2719 and / or the second step portion 2721 may so that the mass portion can be used in any of the ports of decrease in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 to the the body portion 2410. In another example , the mass of a heel portion edge 2451. In another example, the width of the mass portion may be increased by using a material with a first step portion 2719 and / or the second step portion 2721 relatively greater density for the mass portion . The appara may increase in a direction from the toe portion edge 2441 30 tus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein to the heel portion edge 2451. The apparatus, methods, and are not limited in this regard . articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in In one example , the masses of one or more mass this regard. portion ( s) the second se of mass portions 2430 may The channel 2710 may define a portion of the body decrease in a direction from the toe portion 2440 to the heel portion 2410 from which mass has been removed to form the 35 portion 2450 to increase the MOI of the golf club head 2400 . channel 2710. The removed mass defined by the channel In one example, one or more mass portion ( s ) of the mass 2710 may be redistributed to other portions of the body portions of the second set of mass portions 2430 may have portion 2410 to provide certain characteristics to the golf a lower mass relative to an adjacent mass portion of the club head 2400. At least a portion of the removed mass second set of mass portions 2430 in a direction from the toe defined by the channel 2710 may be redistributed below the 40 portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450. In another example, horizontal midplane 2820 of the body portion 2410 to lower groups of mass portions of the second set of mass portions the CG of the golf club head 2400 while maintaining or 2430 may have similar masses and yet have a smaller overall substantially maintaining the overall mass of the body mass than an adjacent group of mass portions in a direction portion 2410. Further, at least a portion of the removed mass from the toe portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450. Accord defined by the channel 2710 may be redistributed below the 45 ingly , the masses of the mass portions of the second set of horizontal midplane 2820 of the body portion 2410 and mass portions 2430 may decrease in a direction from the toe closer to the toe portion 2440 than the heel portion 2450 to portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450 individually, in groups increase the MOI of the golf club head 2400. In one or in any manner. The apparatus , methods, and articles of example , the removed mass defined by the channel 2710 manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . may be redistributed and incorporated into the body portion 50 Turning to FIGS . 30-39 , a golf club head 3000 may 2410 below the horizontal midplane 2820 by increasing the include a body portion 3010. The body portion 3010 may volume of the body portion 2410 below the horizontal include a toe portion 3040 , a heel portion 3050 , a front midplane 2820. Accordingly , the volume and the mass of the portion 3060 , a back portion 3070 , a top portion 3080 , and body portion 2410 below the horizontal midplane 2820 may a sole portion 3090. The heel portion 3050 may include a be increased . In another example, the removed mass defined 55 hosel portion 3055 configured to receive a shaft ( not shown) by the channel 2710 may be redistributed and incorporated with a grip ( not shown ) on one end and the golf club head into the third mass portion 2412. In yet another example, the 3000 on the opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club . The removed mass defined by the channel 2710 may be redis- golf club head 3000 may also include a face portion 3062 tributed and incorporated into the body portion 2410 as ( e.g. , a strike face ) that may be attached to the front portion additional mass portion (s ). The increased mass below the 60 306. In another example, the face portion 3062 may be an horizontal midplane 2820 and / or toward the toe portion integral part of the body portion 3010. The golf club head 2440 may lower the CG and / or increase the MOI of the golf 3000 may be any type of golf club head such as any of the club head 2400. The apparatus, methods, and articles of golf club heads described herein and be manufactured by manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . any of the methods described herein and illustrated in FIG . The configuration of the channel 2710 , such as width , 65 17. The golf club head 3000 may be similar to the golf club depth , volume, cross - sectional shape, and / or any other char- head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac acteristics described herein may vary as the channel 2710 ture are not limited in this regard . US 10,864,414 B2 39 40 The body portion 3010 may include one or more mass a front edge height (HPE ) 3061 , which may define the height portions, generally shown as a first set ofmass portions 3020 of the most forward part of the front portion 3060. Accord ( e.g. , shown as mass portions 3021 and 3022 ) , a second set ingly, the front portion 3060 may include a perimeter ledge of mass portions 3030 ( e.g. , shown as mass portions 3031 , portion 3732 with a perimeter ledge portion width ( W PLP ) 3032 , 3033 , 3034 , 3035 , and 3036 ) , and a third mass portion 5 3734. The perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may be the 3012. The body portion 3010 may include one or more ports difference between the front edge height 3061 and the along a periphery of the body portion 3010 , generally shown second inner perimeter portion height 3714 ( e.g. , as a first set of ports 3220 ( e.g. , shown as ports 3221 and WPLp =HFE - HpP2 ). The perimeter ledge portion width 3734 3222 ) and a second set of ports 3230 ( e.g. , shown as ports may extend around all or portion ( s) of the front portion 3060 3231 , 3232 , 3233 , 3234 , 3235 , and 3236 ) . The body portion 10 in a continuous or discontinuous manner ( e.g. , including 3010 , the first set of ports 3220 , the second set of ports 3230 , segments and / or gaps ) . The perimeter ledge portion 3732 the first set of mass portions 3020 , and the second set of may define an outer boundary of the front portion 3060. The mass portions 3030 may be similar to the corresponding perimeter ledge portion 3732 may be an exterior surface parts of the golf club heads 100 and / or 2400. The apparatus, portion of the body portion 3010 at the front portion 3060 methods , and articles of manufacture are not limited in this 15 outside the interior cavity 3700 and forward of the undercut regard . portion 3722. Any one or more of the transition regions As shown in FIGS . 30-34 , for example, the third mass between the first inner perimeter portion 3702 , the second portion 3012 may be an integral part of the body portion inner perimeter portion 3712 , the undercut portion 3722 , and 3010 and made of one or more material ( s ) that are similar to the perimeter ledge portion 3732 may be configured to or different from the material ( s) of the body portion 3010. 20 reduce stress concentration areas at or proximate to the Accordingly , in one example , the body portion 3010 may be transition regions and / or the attachment area of the face similar to the body portion 110 of the golf club head 100. In portion 3062 to the perimeter ledge portion 3732. For another example , the third mass portion 3012 may be similar example , the transition region between the undercut portion to the third mass portion 2412 of the golf club head 2400 . 3722 and the perimeter ledge portion 3732 may be cham Accordingly, in one example ( not shown ) , the third mass 25 fered to reduce the stress on the face portion 3062 when the portion 3012 may be a separate piece from the body portion face portion 3062 strikes a golf ball . The apparatus, meth 3010 and may be removable from the body portion 3010. In ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not another example, all or portion (s ) of the third mass portion limited in this regard. 3012 may be made of similar material ( s ) as the third mass As illustrated in FIGS . 38 and 39 , for example , the portion 2412. The apparatus , methods, and articles of manu- 30 configuration ( e.g. , dimensions , cross - sectional shape , etc.) facture are not limited in this regard. of the undercut portion 3722 at or proximate to any location The back portion 3070 may include a channel 3310 with around the perimeter of the front portion 3060 may deter a length extending in a direction from the toe portion 3040 mine the configuration of the perimeter ledge portion 3732 to the heel portion 3050. The channel 3310 may be similar including the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 at or to the channel 2710 of the golf club head 2400. The channel 35 proximate to that particular location . The undercut portion 2710 of the golf club head 2400 may extend from the toe 3722 may have an undercut portion height (Huc ) 3736 and portion 2440 to the heel portion 2450 at an angle relative to an undercut portion width (Wuc ) 3738 at or proximate to the horizontal midplane 2820 as shown in the example of any location around the perimeter of the front portion 3060 . FIG . 25. The channel 3310 may similarly extend from the In one example, the undercut portion height 3736 and / or the toe portion 3040 of the body portion 3010 toward the heel 40 undercut portion width 3738 may be constant around the portion 3050. The channel 3310 , however, may include a perimeter of the front portion 3060. In another example , the portion 3311 proximate to the heel portion 3050 that extends undercut portion height 3736 may vary at different locations toward the heel portion 3050 and the sole portion 3090. The around the perimeter of the front portion 3060. In one apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture described example, the undercut portion height 3736 may be between herein are not limited in this regard . 45 about 0.05 inch ( 1.27 millimeters ) and about 0.15 inch ( 3.81 The body portion 3010 of the golf club head 3000 may be millimeters ), and the undercut portion width 3738 may be a hollow body portion including an interior cavity 3700 between about 0.05 inch ( 1.27 millimeters ) and about 0.2 similar to the body portion 110 of the golf club head 100 . inch ( 5.08 millimeters ) at or proximate to one or more Further, the interior cavity 3700 may be unfilled , partially locations around the perimeter of the front portion 3060. In filled with one or more filler materials, or entirely filled with 50 another example, the undercut portion height 3736 may be one or more filler materials similar to the interior cavity 700 between about 0.075 inch ( 1.905 millimeters ) and about of the golf club head 100 as described herein . The apparatus, 0.125 inch ( 3.18 millimeters ), and the undercut portion methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are width 3738 may be between about 0.08 inch ( 2.03 millime not limited in this regard . ters ) and about 0.15 inch ( 3.81 millimeters ) at or proximate For example, as shown in FIGS . 35-39 , the interior cavity 55 to one or more locations around the perimeter of the front 3700 may include a first inner perimeter portion 3702 portion 3060. In yet another example , the undercut portion proximate to the front portion 3060 with a first inner height 3736 may be between about 0.09 inch ( 2.29 milli perimeter portion height (HPP1 ) 3704 and a second inner meters ) and about 0.11 inch ( 2.79 millimeters ) , and the perimeter portion 3712 located more forward than the first undercut portion width 3738 may be between about 0.09 inner perimeter portion 3702 with a second inner perimeter 60 inch ( 2.29 millimeters ) and about 0.11 inch ( 2.79 millime portion height ( Hpp2) 3714. The second inner perimeter ters ) at or proximate to one or more locations around the portion height 3714 may define the largest dimension of the perimeter of the front portion 3060. The undercut portion interior cavity 3700 in a direction from the top portion 3080 height 3736 and / or the undercut portion width 3738 may be to the sole portion 3090. The second inner perimeter portion less than or greater than the ranges described herein . The height 3714 may be greater than the first inner perimeter 65 configuration ( e.g. , dimensions, cross - sectional shape, etc.) portion height 3704 to define an undercut portion 3722 at or of the undercut portion 3722 may be constant or vary around near the front portion 3060. The front portion 3060 may have the perimeter of the front portion 3060. For example, the US 10,864,414 B2 41 42 undercut portion 3722 may have an undercut portion height considering the physical characteristics and materials of the 3736 of 0.1 inch ( 2.54 millimeters ) at or around at one golf club head 3000 and / or the face portion 3062 ( e.g. , face location on the front portion 3060 but an undercut portion portion thickness ) to provide a perimeter ledge portion 3732 height 3736 of 0.075 inch ( 1.91 millimeters ) at or around with as small as possible perimeter ledge portion width 3734 another location on the front portion 3060. The configuration 5 to increase the size of the strike portion 3067 of the face ( e.g. , dimensions , cross - sectional shape, etc.) of the undercut portion 3062 as much as possible . The increased size of the portion 3722 may be constant or vary for different types of strike portion 3067 may increase ball speed and / or distance golf club heads . For example, different iron - type golf club for an individual using the golf club head 3000. The appa heads may have similar or different configuration ( e.g. , ratus , methods, and articles of manufacture described herein dimensions , cross - sectional shape , etc. ) of the undercut 10 are not limited in this regard . portion 3722. While the figures may depict a substantially The perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may be constant right - angle undercut portion, the apparatus, methods, and or vary along the perimeter of the front portion 3060. In one articles of manufacture described herein may include a example, the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may be radiused undercut portion . The apparatus, methods, and constant in a range between about 0.04 inch ( 1.02 millime articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in 15 ters ) and about 0.14 inch ( 3.56 millimeters ). In another this regard . example , the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may be The face portion 3062 may have a face portion height constant in a range between about 0.06 inch ( 1.52 millime (HFP ) 3063 , which may be similar to the front edge height ters ) and about 0.12 inch ( 3.05 millimeters ). In yet another ( HPE ) 3061. Accordingly , the perimeter ledge portion 3732 example , the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may be may define a surface for the face portion 3062 to attach to 20 constant in a range between and about 0.08 inch ( 2.03 the body portion 3010. The face portion 3062 may be millimeters) and about 0.1 inch ( 2.54 millimeters ). In addi attached to the perimeter ledge portion 3732 by welding , tion or alternatively, the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 soldering, using one or more adhesives, and / or other suitable may vary along the perimeter of the front portion 3060 in methods. In another example, the face portion 3062 may be any of the width ranges described herein . The apparatus, an integral part of the body portion 3010. The apparatus, 25 methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are methods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. not limited in this regard . In one example, as shown in FIG . 36 , the interior cavity In one example, as shown in FIG . 39 , the undercut portion 3700 may include a width between an inner surface of the 3722 may define a transition region between the first inner back wall portion of the back portion 3070 and an inner perimeter portion 3702 and the second inner perimeter 30 surface of the face portion 3062. The interior cavity 3700 portion 3712. In another example , as shown in FIG . 47 , the may include a first width 3910 ( W ) defined by the undercut back wall portion of the back portion 3070 may include a portion width 3738 above a horizontal midplane 3820 of the curved inner wall portion 3723 that extends from the first body portion 3010. The interior cavity 3700 may also inner perimeter portion 3702 to the second inner perimeter include a second width 3920 ( W2 ) defined by the undercut portion 3712. In other words, the curved inner wall portion 35 portion width 3738 below the horizontal midplane 3820. As 3723 may define a curved transition region on an inner described herein , the undercut portion height 3736 and / or surface portion of the back wall portion of the back portion the undercut portion width 3738 may be constant or vary at 3070 between the first inner perimeter portion 3702 and the different locations around the perimeter of the front portion second inner perimeter portion 3712. The apparatus, meth- 3060. Accordingly, in one example, the first width 3910 may ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not 40 be similar to the second width 3920. In another example, the limited in this regard. first width 3910 may be greater than the second width 3920 . As mentioned above , the difference between the front In yet another example, the second width 3920 may be edge height 3061 and the second inner perimeter portion greater than the first width 3910. The apparatus, methods , height 3714 may define the perimeter ledge portion width and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited 3734. Accordingly, the configuration of the undercut portion 45 in this regard . 3722 and / or the magnitude of the second inner perimeter The interior cavity 3700 may include a third width 3930 portion height 3714 may determine the perimeter ledge ( W3 ) between the first width 3910 and the horizontal mid portion width 3734 and other configuration (s ) of the perim- plane 3820. The third width 3930 may be greater than the eter ledge portion 3732. As mentioned above , the face first width 3910 (W2 > W ) and greater than the second width portion 3062 may attach to the front portion 3060 of the 50 3920 ( W3 > W2 ) . The interior cavity 3700 may also include body portion 3010. In one example, as shown in FIG . 46 , the a fourth width 3940 ( W2 ) between the second width 3920 face portion 3062 may include a face perimeter portion 3066 and the horizontal midplane 3820. The fourth width 3940 to attach to the perimeter ledge portion 3732 of the front may be greater than the first width 3910 (W4 > W ) and portion 3060. The face portion 3062 may include a strike greater than the second width 3920 ( W2 > W2 ) . In one portion 3067 , which may extend from opposing sides of the 55 example, the fourth width 3940 may be generally greater perimeter ledge portion 3732. The strike portion 3067 of the than the third width 3930 (W2 > W3) . In another example , the face portion 3062 may be a portion of the face portion 3062 fourth width 3940 may be similar to the third width 3930 that bends as the face portion 3062 strikes a golf ball (not ( W4 = W3 ) at one or more locations in the interior cavity shown ). In another example, the strike portion 3067 may 3700. In yet another example, the fourth width 3940 may be include one or more grooves . The height of the strike portion 60 less than the third width ( W4 < W3) at one or more locations 3067 may be similar to the second inner perimeter portion in the interior cavity 3700. The apparatus, methods, and height 3714. The location of the perimeter ledge portion articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in 3732 and the perimeter ledge portion width 3734 may this regard . provide a relatively large face portion strike portion 3067 The interior cavity 3700 may include a fifth width 3950 ( e.g. , large second inner perimeter portion height 3714 ) to 65 ( W3 ) between the third width 3930 and the fourth width provide relatively greater flexibility to strike a golf ball . The 3940. In one example , the fifth width 3950 may be greater undercut portion 3722 may be made as large as possible than the third width 3930 ( W = > W3 ) and greater than the US 10,864,414 B2 43 44 fourth width 3940 ( W = > W4 ) . The fifth width 3950 may be To form the golf club head 3000 , the face portion 3062 located between the fourth width 3940 and the horizontal may be coupled to the body portion 3010. Referring to FIGS . midplane 3820. In another example, the fifth width 3950 35-37 and 46 , for example, the face portion 3062 may may extend from a location below the horizontal midplane include a front surface 3068 and a back surface 3069 3820 to a location at or proximate to the horizontal midplane 5 opposite of the front surface 3068. The front surface 3068 3820. In yet another example, the fifth width 3950 may may include at least one groove configured to impact a golf extend from a location below the horizontal midplane 3820 ball . The back surface 3069 may include a first back surface to a location above the horizontal midplane 3820. In yet contact region associated with a first total surface area another example, the fifth width 3950 may define the maxi- ( TSA ) ( e.g. , generally shown as 4610 in FIG . 46 ) , and a mum width of the interior cavity 3700 at one or more 10 second back surface contact region with a second total locations in the interior cavity 3700. The apparatus , meth- surface area ( TSA ) ( e.g. , generally shown as 4620 in FIG . ods , and articles of manufacture described herein are not 46 ) . For example, the back surface 3069 may be associated limited in this regard . with a third total surface area ( TSA3 ) including the first total As shown in FIG . 37 , for example, the first width 3910 , surface area and the second total surface area ( e.g. , the second width 3920 , the third width 3930 , the fourth 15 TSA3 = TSA , + TSA2 ) . The first back surface contact region width 3940 , and the fifth width 3950 may define one or more 4610 may be located at or proximate to a perimeter of the regions of the body portion 3010 that extend to and / or face portion 3062 ( e.g. , generally shown as the face perim between the toe portion 3040 and the heel portion 3050 and eter portion 3066 in FIG . 46 ) . The first back surface contact that are vertically positioned relative to each other. The first region 4610 may be an area of the back surface 3069 width 3910 may define a first region 3971 including the 20 coupled to the perimeter ledge portion 3732 of the body undercut portion 3722 above the horizontal midplane 3820 . portion 3010 ( e.g. , the first total surface area ). In one The second width 3920 may define a second region 3772 example, the first back surface contact region 4610 may including the undercut portion 3722 below the horizontal have a constant width or a variable width in a range between midplane 3820. As described herein , the undercut portions about 0.04 inch ( 1.02 millimeters ) and about 0.2 inch ( 5.08 3722 may provide a relatively large strike portion 3067 to 25 millimeters ). The first total surface area may be less than the provide relatively greater flexibility to the face portion 3062 second total surface area ( e.g. , TSA , < TSA2 ) . In one for striking a golf ball . The third width 3930 may define a example , the first total surface area may be less than 30 % of third region 3773 , which may be a region of the interior the third total surface area ( e.g. , TSA , < 0.3 * TSA3) . In cavity 3700 above the horizontal midplane 3820 and below another example , the first total surface area may be less than the undercut portion 3722. The fourth width 3940 may 30 20 % of the third total surface area ( e.g. , TSA , < 0.2 * TSA3 ) . define a fourth region 3774 , which may be a region of the In yet another example , the first total surface area may be interior cavity 3700 below the horizontal midplane 3820 and less than 10 % of the third total surface area ( e.g. , above the undercut portion 3722. The fifth width 3950 may TSA , < 0.1 * TSA ). In still yet another example , the first total define a fifth region 3775 between the third region 3773 and surface area may be greater than or equal to 5 % and less than the fourth region 3774. The apparatus, methods, and articles 35 or equal to 21 % of the third total surface area ( e.g. , of manufacture described herein are not limited in this 0.05 * TSA3 < TSA , < 0.20 * TSA3 ) . In further yet another regard . example, the first total surface area may be greater than or Although the figures may depict and the above examples equal to 9 % and less than or equal to 17 % of the third total may describe particular dimensions , the first inner perimeter surface area ( e.g. , 0.09 * TSA3 < TSA , < 0.17 * TSA3 ) . portion 3702 , the second inner perimeter portion 3712 , the 40 The second back surface contact region 4620 may be an undercut portion 3722 , the perimeter ledge portion 3732 , area of the back surface 3069 coupled to the filler material and / or the face portion 3062 may vary in lengths, widths, ( e.g. , the second total surface area ). In one example, the locations on the body portion 3010 , etc. The configurations second total surface area may be at least 50 % of the third of the first inner perimeter portion 3702 , the second inner total surface area ( e.g. , TSA220.5 * TSA3 ) . In another perimeter portion 3712 , the undercut portion 3722 , the 45 example, the second total surface area may be at least 60 % perimeter ledge portion 3732 , and / or the face portion 3062 of the third total surface area ( e.g. , TSA220.6 * TSA3 ) . In yet described herein may be applicable along a width 3802 of another example , the second total surface area may be at the front portion 3060 ( e.g. , as shown in FIG . 37 ) . Further, least 70 % of the third total surface area ( e.g. , the configurations of the first inner perimeter portion 3702 , TSA 20.7 * TSA ). In still yet another example , the second the second inner perimeter portion 3712 , the undercut por- 50 total surface area may be at least 80 % of the third total tion 3722 , the perimeter ledge portion 3732 and / or the face surface area ( e.g. , TSA220.8 * TSA3 ) . In further yet another portion 3062 described herein may be applicable along all or example , the second total surface area may be at least 90 % parts of the perimeter of the front portion 3060. In one of the third total surface area ( e.g. , TSA220.9 * TSA3 ) . In example , the first inner perimeter portion 3702 , the second further yet another example , the second total surface area inner perimeter portion 3712 , and / or the undercut portion 55 may be greater than or equal to 79 % and less than or equal 3722 may extend partially or at one or more continuous or to 95 % of the third total surface area ( e.g. , discontinuous locations at or near the front portion 3060. In 0.79 * TSA ; < TSA , < 0.95 * TSA3 ) . In further yet another another example, the first inner perimeter portion 3702 , the example, the second total surface area may be greater than second inner perimeter portion 3712 , and / or the undercut or equal to 83 % and less than or equal to 91 % of the third portion 3722 may extend continuously at or near the entire 60 total surface area ( e.g. , 0.83 * TSA > < TSA , < 0.91 * TSA3) . The front portion 3060. In yet another example , the perimeter apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture described ledge portion 3732 may extend around the entire front herein are not limited in this regard . portion 3060. In yet another example, the perimeter ledge The face portion 3062 may be coupled to the body portion portion 3732 may extend along one or more continuous or 3010 to form the interior cavity 3700. As mentioned above , discontinuous portions of the front portion 3060. The appa- 65 the body portion 3010 may include a body contact region ratus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein along a perimeter of the body portion 3010 at or proximate are not limited in this regard. to the toe portion 3040 , the heel portion 3050 , the top portion US 10,864,414 B2 45 46 3080 , and / or the sole portion 3090 ( e.g. , the perimeter ledge club head 100 ( block 4020 ) . The example process 4000 then portion 3732 ) . The first back surface contact region 4610 includes bonding the polymer material to the bonding agent may be coupled to the body contact region whereas the ( block 4030 ) . Bonding the polymer material to the bonding second back surface contact region 4620 may be coupled to agent may include activating the bonding agent to the final the filler material in the interior cavity 3700. In one example, 5 bonding state to permanently bond the polymer material to the filler material may be coupled to at least 50 % of the the bonding agent and to permanently bond the bonding second total surface area of the second back surface contact agent to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162. The region 4620. In another example, the filler material may be example process 4000 is merely provided and described in coupled to at least 60 % of the second total surface area of the conjunction with other figures as an example of one way to second back surface contact region 4620. In yet another 10 manufacture the golf club head 100. While a particular order example , the filler material may be coupled to at least 70 % of actions is illustrated in FIG . 40 , these actions may be of the second total surface area of the second back surface performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more contact region 4620. In still yet another example, the filler actions depicted in FIG . 40 may be performed sequentially, material may be coupled to at least 80 % of the second total concurrently , or simultaneously. surface area of the second back surface contact region 4620. 15 FIG . 41 depicts one manner that the interior cavity 700 of In further yet another example, the filler material may be the golf club head 100 or any of the golf club heads coupled to at least 90 % of the second total surface area of the described herein may be partially or entirely filled with one second back surface contact region 4620. In further yet or more filler materials such any of the filler materials another example, the filler material may be coupled to the described herein . The process 4100 may begin with applying entire second total surface area of the second back surface 20 a bonding agent ( e.g. , a bonding portion 1910 of FIG . 19 ) to contact region 4620 . the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 of the golf club In one example, the first back surface contact region 4610 head 100 ( block 4110 ) . The bonding agent may be any type of the face portion 3062 and the body contact region of the of adhesive and / or other suitable materials . In one example, body portion 3010 may be coupled to each other along the the bonding agent may be an epoxy . Prior to applying the perimeter of the body portion 3010 ( e.g. , the perimeter ledge 25 bonding agent, the golf club head 100 may be cleaned to portion 3732 ) at the toe portion 3040 , the top portion 3080 , remove any oils , other chemicals , debris or other unintended and / or the sole portion 3090 ( i.e. , a side wall of the face materials from the golf club head 100 (not shown ). The portion 3062 instead of the back surface 3069 may be bonding agent may be applied on the back surface 166 as coupled to the body portion 3010 at or proximate to the heel described herein depending on the properties of the bonding portion 3050 and / or the hosel portion 3055 ) . Accordingly, 30 agent. The bonding agent may be applied to the back surface the back surface 3069 may be coupled to both the body 166 of the face portion 162 through one or more of the first portion 3010 and the filler material. The apparatus, methods, set of ports 1420 and /or the second set of ports 1430. For and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited example , the bonding agent may be in liquid form and in this regard . injected on the back surface 166 through several or all of the For brevity , the description of processes described herein 35 first set of ports 1420 and the second set of ports 1430. An with reference to FIGS . 40-42 may be provided in reference injection instrument ( not shown ) such as a nozzle or a needle to the golf club head 100. However, any apparatus, methods, may be inserted into each port until the tip or outlet of the and articles of manufacture described herein is applicable to injection instrument is near the back surface 166. The any of the golf club heads described herein . FIG . 40 depicts bonding agent may then be injected on the back surface 166 one manner that the interior cavity of any of the golf club 40 from the outlet of the injection instrument. Additionally, the heads described herein may be partially or entirely filled injection instrument may be moved , rotated , and /or swiveled with one or more filler materials such as any of the filler while inside the interior cavity 700 so that the bonding agent materials described herein . The example process 4000 may may be injected onto an area of the back surface 166 begin with bonding a bonding agent to the back surface 166 surrounding the injection instrument. For example, the outlet of the face portion 162 of the golf club head 100 ( block 45 of the injection instrument may be moved in a circular 4010 ) . The bonding agent may have an initial bonding state , pattern while inside a port to inject the bonding agent in a which may be a temporary bonding state , and a final bonding corresponding circular pattern on the back surface 166. Each state , which may be a permanent bonding state . The initial of the first set of ports 1420 and the second set of ports 1430 bonding state and the final bonding states may be activated may be utilized to inject a bonding agent on the back surface when the bonding agent is exposed to heat, radiation , and / or 50 166. However, utilizing all of first ports 1420 and / or the other chemical compounds. For example, as described second set of ports 1430 may not be necessary . For example, herein , the bonding agent may be an epoxy having an initial using every other adjacent port may be sufficient to inject a cure state and a final cure state that are activated by the bonding agent on the entire back surface 166. In another epoxy being heated to different temperatures for a period of example , ports 1421 , 1422 1431 , 1433 and 1436 may be time , respectively, by conduction , convention , and / or radia- 55 used to inject the bonding agent on the back surface 166. The tion . In another example , the bonding agent may be a apparatus , methods , and articles of manufacture are not bonding material that is activated to an initial bonding state limited in this regard . and a final bonding state by being exposed to different doses The example process 4100 may also include spreading or and / or duration of ultraviolet radiation , respectively . In overlaying the bonding agent on the back surface 166 ( not another example , the bonding agent may be a bonding 60 shown ) after injecting the bonding agent onto the back material that is activated to an initial bonding state and a surface 166 so that a generally uniform coating of the final bonding state by being exposed to different compounds bonding agent is provided on the back surface 166. Accord or different amounts of the same compound, respectively . ing to one example, the bonding agent may be spread on the According to the process 4000 , the bonding agent may be back surface 166 by injecting air into the interior cavity 700 bonded to the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 by 65 through one or more ports of the first set of ports 1420 and / or being activated to the initial bonding state . A polymer the second set of ports 1430. The air may be injected into the material is then injected in the interior cavity 700 of the golf interior cavity 700 and on the back surface 166 by inserting US 10,864,414 B2 47 48 an air nozzle into one or more ports of the first set of ports final cure state temperature Temps The initial cure state 1420 and / or the second set of ports 1430. According to one temperature Tempi and the final cure state temperature example, the air nozzle may be moved , rotated and / or Temp , may vary based on the amount of time that the swiveled at a certain distance from the back surface 166 to bonding agent may be heated . In particular, a transition from uniformly blow air onto the bonding agent and spread the 5 the uncured state to the initial cure state and a transition from bonding agent on the back surface 166 for a uniform coating the initial cure state to the final cure state may be dictated by or a substantially uniform coating of the bonding agent on certain temperature and time profiles based on the properties the back surface 166. Further, the golf club head 100 may be of the bonding agent. At a temperature below the initial cure pivoted back and forth in one or several directions so that the temperature Temp ;, the bonding agent may be in the uncured bonding agent may spread along a portion or substantially 10 state ( e.g. , a liquid state ) . In the initial cure state , the bonding the entire area of the back surface 166 of the face portion agent may form an initial bond with an object and become 162. In one example, the golf club head 100 may be vibrated pliable to be manipulated ( e.g. , moved , spread , overlay, etc.) with the back surface 166 of the face portion 162 in a without obtaining full cross linking or forming a permanent generally horizontal orientation so that the bonding agent bond . In other words, the bonding agent may form an initial may spread or overlay on the back surface 166 in a uniform 15 bond with an object and be manipulated without forming a coating manner or a substantially uniform coating manner. permanent bond . In the final cure state , the bond of the The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not bonding agent ( e.g. , cross linking for a bonding agent that limited in this regard . includes epoxy ) may be complete or become permanently The example process 4100 is merely provided and set . described in conjunction with other figures as an example of 20 The bonding agent may be applied to the back surface 166 one way to manufacture the golf club head 100 or any of the of the face portion 162 when the bonding agent is in the golf club heads described herein . While a particular order of uncured state , which may be a liquid state . Subsequently, the actions is illustrated in FIG . 41 , these actions may be golf club head 100 and / or the bonding agent may be heated performed in other temporal sequences . Further, two or more to a first temperature Temp , that is greater than or equal to actions depicted in FIG . 41 may be performed sequentially, 25 the initial cure state temperature Temp; and less than the final concurrently, or simultaneously . The example process 4100 cure state temperature Temp , to change the bonding agent may include a single action ( not shown ) of injecting and from an uncured state to an initial cure state ( i.e. , an initial uniformly or substantially uniformly coating the back sur- cure state temperature range) ( block 4120 ) . Accordingly, the face 166 with the bonding agent. In one example, the bonding agent may form an initial bond with the back bonding agent may be injected on the back surface 166 by 30 surface 166 of the face portion 162. After bonding the being converted into fine particles or droplets ( i.e. , atom- bonding agent to the back surface 166 , the golf club head ized ) and sprayed on the back surface 166. Accordingly, the 100 may be cooled for a period of time at ambient or room back surface 166 may be uniformly or substantially uni- temperature ( not shown ). Accordingly, the bonding agent formly coated with the bonding agent in one action . A may be in an initial cured state and bonded to the back substantially uniform coating of the bonding agent on the 35 surface 166 of the face portion 162 so that the bonding agent back surface 166 may be defined as a coating having slight may be bonded to the back surface 166 during the injection non - uniformities due to the injection process or the manu- molding of a polymer material in the interior cavity 700 . facturing process . However , such slight non - uniformities Ambient or room temperature may be defined as a room may not affect the bonding of the elastic polymer material or temperature ranging between 5 ° C. ( 32 ° F. ) and 31 ° C. ( 104 ° elastomer material to the back surface 166 with the bonding 40 F. ) . The first temperature Temp, and duration by which the agent as described herein . For example, spraying the bond- golf club head 100 and / or the bonding agent heated to the ing agent on the back surface 166 may result in overlapping first temperature Temp , may depend on the curing or bond regions of the bonding agent having a slightly greater ing properties of the bonding agent. The apparatus, methods , coating thickness than other regions of the bonding agent on and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard . the back surface 166. The apparatus , methods , and articles of 45 After the bonding agent is bonded to the back surface 166 manufacture are not limited in this regard . of the face portion 162 , the golf club head 100 may be heated In one example as shown in FIG . 42 , the bonding agent ( i.e. , pre -heating the golf club head 100 ) prior to receiving may be an epoxy having different curing states based on the a polymer material ( not shown ). The golf club head 100 may temperature and the amount of time to which the epoxy may be heated so that when the polymer material is injected in the be exposed . The bonding agent may have an uncured state , 50 golf club head 100 , the polymer material is not cooled by an initial cure state , and a final cure state . In one example , contact with the golf club head and remains in a flowing the uncured state may be a liquid state , the initial cure state liquid form to fill the internal cavity 700. The temperature at may be gel or a semi- solid / semi- liquid state, and the final which the golf club head is heated , which may be referred cure state may be a solid state . The bonding agent may to herein as a third temperature, may be similar to the transition from the uncured state to the initial cure state 55 temperature of the polymer material when being injected when the bonding agent is heated to a temperature between into the internal cavity 700. However, the temperature at an initial cure state temperature ( Temp ,) and a final cure state which the golf club head is heated may be less than the final temperature ( Temp .) for a period of time . Accordingly , an cure temperature Temp , of the bonding agent. Accordingly, initial cure state temperature range may be defined by the bonding agent may not transition from the initial cure temperatures that are greater than or equal to the initial cure 60 state to the final cured state during the injection molding state temperature Temp; and less than the final cure state process. Further, the pre - heating temperature of the golf club temperature Temp . The bonding agent may transition from head 100 may be determined so that excessive cooling of the the initial cure state to the final cure state when the bonding golf club head 100 may not be necessary after injection agent may be heated to a temperature greater than or equal molding the polymer material in the internal cavity 700 . to the final cure state temperature Temp for a period of time . 65 Prior to being injected into the internal cavity 700 , the Accordingly , a final cure state temperature range may be polymer material may also be heated to a liquid state ( not defined by temperatures that are greater than or equal to the shown ). The temperature at which the polymer material may US 10,864,414 B2 49 50 be heated may depend on the type of polymer material used For example, all of the heating and cooling processes may to partially or fully fill the interior cavity 700. Further, the be performed by using heating or cooling systems that temperature at which the polymer material is heated may be employ conveyor belts that move the golf club head 100 determined so that shrinkage of the polymer material is through a heating or cooling environment for a period of reduced during the injection molding process. However, as 5 time as described herein . The apparatus, methods, and described herein , the polymer material may be heated to a articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in temperature that is less than the final cure temperature Temps this regard. of the bonding agent. The apparatus, methods, and articles of In the example of FIGS . 43-45 , a golf club head 4300 may manufacture are not limited in this regard . include a body portion 4310 , and two or more weight As described herein , the cavity 700 may be partially or 10 portions, generally shown as a first set of weight portions fully filled with a polymer material by injecting the polymer 4320 ( e.g. , shown as weight portions 4321 and 4322 ) and a material in the cavity 700 ( block 4130 ) . The injection speed second set of weight portions 4330 ( e.g. , shown as weight of the polymer material may be determined so that the portions 4331 , 4332 , 4333 , 4334 , 4335 , 4336 , 4337 , and interior cavity 700 may be slowly filled to provide a better 4338 ) . The body portion 4310 may include a toe portion fill while allowing air to escape the interior cavity 700 and 15 4340 , a heel portion 4350 , a front portion 4360 , a back allowing the injected polymer material to rapidly cool . For portion 4370 , a top portion 4380 , and a sole portion 4390 . example, the polymer material may be a non - foaming and The body portion 4310 may include a hosel portion 4355 injection -moldable thermoplastic elastomer ( TPE ) material. configured to receive a shaft ( not shown ) with a grip ( not The polymer material may be injected into the interior cavity shown ) on one end and the golf club head 4300 on the 700 from one or more of the ports described herein ( e.g. , one 20 opposite end of the shaft to form a golf club . The golf club or more ports of the first and second sets of ports 1420 and head 4300 may include a face portion 4362 ( e.g. , a strike 1430 , respectively, shown in FIG . 14 ) . One or more other face ), which may be similar to any of the face portions of the por may allow the air inside the interior cavity 700 golf club head described herein and coupled to the front displaced by the polymer material to vent from the interior portion 4360. The golf club head 4300 may be manufactured cavity 700. In one example , the golf club head 100 may be 25 by any of the methods described and illustrated herein . The oriented horizontally as shown in FIG . 14 during the injec- apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not tion molding process . The polymer material may be injected limited in this regard. into the interior cavity 700 from ports 1431 and 1432. The The body portion 4310 may be made of a first material ports 1421 , 1422 and / or 1423 may serve as air ports for whereas the first and second sets of weight portions 4320 venting the displaced air from the interior cavity 700. Thus, 30 and 4330 , respectively, may be made of a second material . regardless of the orientation of the golf club head 100 during The first and second materials may be similar or different the injection molding process , the polymer material may be materials. The materials from which the golf club head 4300 , injected into the interior cavity 700 from one or more lower weight portions 4320 and / or weight portions 4330 are con positioned ports while one or more upper positioned ports structed may be similar in many respects to any of the golf may serve as air vents . 35 club heads and the weight portions described herein such as According to one example, any one of the ports or any air the golf club head 100. The apparatus , methods, and articles vent of the golf club head 100 used as air port ( s ) for venting of manufacture are not limited in this regard. the displaced air may be connected to a vacuum source ( not As illustrated in FIG . 43 , the back portion 4370 may shown ) during the injection molding process . Accordingly , include a back wall portion 4510 with one or more exterior air inside the interior cavity 700 and displaced by the 40 weight ports along a periphery of the back portion 4370 , polymer material may be removed from the interior cavity generally shown as a first set of exterior weight ports 4520 700 by the vacuum source . Accordingly, trapped air ( e.g. , shown as weight ports 4521 and 4522 ) and a second set pocket ( s ) in the interior cavity 700 and / or a non -uniform of exterior weight ports 4530 ( e.g. , shown as weight ports filling of the interior cavity 700 with the polymer material 4531 , 4532 , 4533 , 4534 , 4545 , 4536 , 4537 , and 4538 ) . Each may be reduced . The apparatus, methods, and articles of 45 exterior weight port may be defined by an opening in the manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. back wall portion 4510. The first set of exterior weight ports After injecting the polymer material into the interior 4520 and the second set of exterior weight ports 4530 , cavity 700 , the golf club head 100 may be heated to a second respectively, may be exterior weight ports configured to temperature Temp2 that is greater than or equal to the final receive one or more weight portions of the first set of weight cure temperature Temp , of the bonding agent to reactivate 50 portions 4320 and /or the second set of weight portions 4330 the bonding agent to bond the polymer material to the similar to the example of the golf club head 100 as discussed bonding agent ( i.e. , a final cure state temperature range ) herein . The dimensions of each exterior weight port , the ( block 5040 ) . The second temperature Temp2 and the dura- location of each exterior weight port relative to an adjacent tion by which the golf club head 100 is heated to the second weight port, methods of manufacturing the exterior weigh temperature Temp2 may depend on the properties of the 55 ports, the method by which each weight portion is received bonding agent as shown in FIG . 42 to form a permanent and secured in each exterior weight port, and / or any other bond between the golf club head 100 and the bonding agent characteristic of each weight port of the weight ports 4520 and between the polymer material and the bonding agent. and 4530 may be similar to any of the weight ports described The golf club head 100 may be then cooled at ambient or herein . The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture room temperature ( not shown ). According to one example , 60 are not limited in this regard . the characteristic time ( CT ) of the golf club head 100 may Alternatively, the golf club head 4300 may not include ( i ) be measured ( not shown ) after manufacturing the golf club the first set of weight portions 4320 , ( ii ) the second set of head 100 as described herein . CT measurements may deter- weight portions 4330 , or ( iii ) both the first and second sets mine if the golf club head 100 conforms to CT rules of weight portions 4320 and 4330. In particular, the back established by one or more golf governing bodies . 65 portion 4370 of the body portion 4310 may not include The heating and cooling processes described herein may weight ports at or proximate to the top portion 4380 and / or be performed by conduction, convention , and / or radiation . the sole portion 4390. For example, the mass of the first set US 10,864,414 B2 51 52 of weight portions 4320 ( e.g. , 3 grams) and / or the mass of portions 4331 , 4332 , 4333 , 4334 , 4335 , 4336 , 4337 , and the second set of weight portions 4330 ( e.g. , 16.8 grams) 4338 may be closer to the toe portion 4340 than the heel may be integral part( s ) the body portion 4310 instead of portion 4350 to increase the moment of inertia of the golf separate weight portion ( s ). The physical properties of the club head 4300 about a vertical axis that extends through the first and second sets of weight portions 4320 and 4330 may 5 center of gravity. Some of the weight portions of the second be similar in many respect to any of the weight portions set of weight portions 4330 may be located at the toe portion . described herein , such as the weight portions shown in the To lower the center of gravity of the golf club head 4300 , all example of FIG . 11. Furthermore , the devices and / or meth- or a portion of the second set of weight portions 4330 may ods by which the first and second set of weight portions 4320 be located closer to the sole portion 4390 than to the and 4330 are coupled to the golf club head 4300 may be 10 horizontal midplane 4420. The golf club head 4300 may similar in many respect to any of the weight portions have a greater number of weight portions below the hori described herein , such as the weight portions shown in the zontal midplane 4420 than above the horizontal midplane example of FIGS . 12 and 13. The apparatus, methods, and 4420. The golf club head 4300 may have a greater number articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in of weight portions near the toe portion 4340 than the heel this regard . 15 portion 4350. The locations of the second set of weight As illustrated in FIG . 43 , golf club head 4300 may be portions 4330 and the physical properties and materials of associated with a ground plane 4410 , a horizontal midplane construction of the weight portions of the second set of 4420 , and a top plane 4430. In particular, the ground plane weight portions 4330 may be determined to optimally affect 4410 may be a plane that may be substantially parallel with the weight, weight distribution , center of gravity, moment of the ground and be tangential to the sole portion 4390 of the 20 inertia characteristics , structural integrity and / or or other golf club head 4300 when the golf club head 4300 is at an static and / or dynamic characteristics of the golf club head address position ( e.g. , the golf club head 4300 is aligned to 4300. The apparatus , methods, and articles of manufacture strike a golf ball ) . A top plane 4430 may be a tangential to described herein are not limited in this regard . the top portion of the 4380 of the golf club head 4300 when The first and second sets of weight portions 4320 and the golf club head 4300 is at the address position . The 25 4330 , respectively, may be similar in mass ( e.g. , all of the ground and top planes 4410 and 4430 , respectively, may be weight portions of the first and second sets 4320 and 4330 , substantially parallel o each other . The horizontal midplane respectively, weigh about the same ) . Alternatively , the first 4420 may be located at half the vertical distance between the and second sets of weight portions 4320 and 4330 , respec ground and top planes 4410 and 4430 , respectively . tively , may be different in mass individually or as an entire To provide optimal perimeter weighting for the golf club 30 set. In particular, each of the weight portions of the first set head 4300 , the first set of weight portions 4320 ( e.g. , weight 4320 ( e.g. , shown as 4321 and 4322 ) may have relatively portions 4321 and 4322 ) may be configured to counter- less mass than any of the weight portions of the second set balance the weight of the hosel 4355 and / or increase the 4330 ( e.g. , shown as 31 , 32, 4333 , 34 , 4335 , 36 , moment of inertia of the golf club head 4300 about a vertical 4337 , and 4338 ) . For example, the second set of weight axis ( not shown ) of the golf club head 4300 that extends 35 portions 4330 may account for more than 50 % of the total through the center of gravity ( not shown ) of the golf club mass from exterior weight portions of the golf club head head 4300. For example , as shown in FIG . 43 , the first set 4300. In another example, the second set of weight portions of weight portions 4320 ( e.g. , weight portions 4321 and 4330 may account for between 55 % to 75 % of the total mass 4322 ) may be located near the periphery of the body portion from the exterior weight portions of the golf club head 4300 . 4310 and extend in a transition region 4345 between the top 40 In yet another example , the second set of weight portions portion 4380 and the toe portion 4340. In another example , 4330 may account for between 60 % to 90 % of the total mass the first set of weight portions 4320 ( e.g. , weight portions from the exterior weight portions of the golf club head 4300 . 4321 and 4322 ) may be located near the periphery of the As a result , the golf club head 4300 may be configured to body portion 4310 and extend proximate to the toe portion have at least 50 % of the total mass from exterior weight 4340. The locations of the first set of weight portions 4320 45 portions disposed below the horizontal midplane 4420. In and the physical properties and materials of construction of one example , the total mass from exterior weight portions the weight portions of the first set of weight portions 4320 may be greater below the horizontal midplane 4420 that the may be determined to optimally affect the weight, weight total mass from exterior weight portions above the horizon distribution , center of gravity, moment of inertia character- tal midplane 4420. The apparatus, methods, and articles of istics , structural integrity and / or or other static and / or 50 manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard . dynamic characteristics of the golf club head 4300. The In one example, the golf club head 4300 may have a mass apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described in the range of about 220 grams to about 330 grams based herein are not limited in this regard . on the type of golf club ( e.g. , a 4 - iron versus a lob wedge ) . The second set of weight portions 4330 ( e.g. , weight The body portion 4310 may have a mass in the range of portions 4331 , 4332 , 4333 , 4334 , 4335 , 4336 , 4337 , and 55 about 200 grams to about 310 grams with the first and 4338 ) may be configured to place the center of gravity of the second sets of weight portions 4320 and 4330 , respectively , golf club head 4300 at an optimal location and / or optimize having a mass of about 16-24 grams ( e.g. , a total mass from the moment of inertia of the golf club head about a vertical exterior weight portions ). Each of the weight portions of the axis ( not shown ) that extends through the center of gravity first set 4320 may have a mass of about one gram ( 1.0 g ) of the golf club head 4300. Referring to FIG . 43 , all or a 60 whereas each of the weight portions of the second set 4330 substantial portion of the second set of weight portions 4330 may have a mass of about 2.4 grams. The total mass of the may be near the sole portion 4390. For example , the second second set of weight portions 4330 may weigh more than set of weight portions 4330 ( e.g. , weight portions 4331 , five times as much as the total mass of the first set of weight 4332 , 4333 , 4334 , 4335 , 4336 , 4337 , and 4338 ) may extend portions 4320. Accordingly , the first set of weight portions at or near the sole portion 4390 between the toe portion 4340 65 4320 may account for about 15 % of the total mass from and the heel portion 4350 to lower the center of gravity of exterior weight portions of the golf club head 4300 whereas the golf club head 100. A greater number of the weight the second set of weight portions 4330 may be account for US 10,864,414 B2 53 54 about 85 % of the total mass from exterior weight portions of portion edge 4341 and a heel- end portion 4454 at the heel the golf club head 4300. The apparatus, methods, and portion edge 4351. The channel 4450 may partially extend articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in between the toe portion 4340 and the heel portion 4350. The this regard . apparatus, methods , and articles of manufacture described By coupling the first and second sets of weight portions 5 herein are not limited in this regard . 4320 and 4330 , respectively, to the body portion 4310 ( e.g. , In one example, as shown in FIGS . 43-45 , the top channel securing the first and second sets of weight portions 4320 width ( WCT) 4456 may decrease from the toe - end portion and 4330 in the weight ports on the back portion 4370 ) , the 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454. The top channel width location of the center of gravity ( CG ) and the moment of 4456 may be between 0.22 inch ( 0.55 cm ) and 0.65 inch inertia ( MOI ) of the golf club head 4300 may be optimized . 10 ( 1.66 cm ) at toe - end portion 4452 , and between 0.15 inch In particular, the first and second sets of weight portions ( 0.38 cm ) and 0.46 inch ( 1.16 cm ) at the heel- end portion 4320 and 4330 , respectively, may lower the location of the 4454. In another example, the top channel width 4456 may CG towards the sole portion 4390 and further back away be between 0.30 inch ( 0.77 cm ) and 0.57 inch ( 1.44 cm ) at from the face portion 4362. Further, the MOI may be higher toe - end portion 4452 , and between 0.21 inch ( 0.54 cm ) and as measured about a vertical axis extending through the CG 15 0.40 inch ( 1.01 cm ) at the heel - end portion 4454. In another ( e.g. , perpendicular to the ground plane 4410 ) . The MOI example , the top channel width 4456 may be between 0.37 may also be higher as measured about a horizontal axis inch ( 0.94 cm ) and 0.5 inch ( 1.27 cm ) at toe - end portion extending through the CG ( e.g. , extending towards the toe 4452 , and between 0.26 inch ( 0.66 cm ) and 0.35 inch ( 0.89 and heel portions 4340 and 4350 , respectively, of the golf cm ) at the heel - end portion 4454. The apparatus, methods, club head 4300 ) . As a result, the club head 4300 may provide 20 and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited a relatively higher launch angle and a relatively lower spin in this regard. rate than a golf club head without the first and second sets In one example, as shown in FIGS . 43-45 , the top channel of weight portions 4320 and 4330 , respectively. The appa- width 4456 may decrease from the toe - end portion 4452 to ratus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein the heel - end portion 4454. In one example , the top channel are not limited in this regard . 25 width 4456 may increase from the toe - end portion 4452 to Alternatively, two or more weight portions in the same set the heel - end portion 4454. In another example , the top may be different in mass . In one example, the weight portion channel width 4456 may remain constant from the toe - end 4321 of the first set 4320 may have a relatively lower mass portion 4452 to the heel -end portion 4454. In another than the weight portion 4322 of the first set 4320. In another example, the top channel width 4456 may vary indepen example, the weight portion 4331 of the second set 4330 30 dently from the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion may have a relatively lower mass than the weight portion 4454. In another example, the top channel width 4456 may 4335 of the second set 4330. With relatively greater mass at vary from the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion the top - and -toe transition region and / or the sole - and - toe 4454 by between 25 % and 75 % . In another example, the top transition region , more weight may be distributed away from channel width 4456 may vary from the toe - end portion 4452 the center of gravity ( CG ) of the golf club head 4300 to 35 to the heel - end portion 4454 by between 35 % and 65 % . In increase the moment of inertia ( MOI ) about the vertical axis another example, the top channel width 4456 may vary from through the CG . Although the figures may depict the weight the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454 by portions as separate and individual parts, each set of the first between 40 % and 60 % . In another example, the top channel and second sets of weight portions 4320 and 4330 , respec- width 4456 may decrease continuously and uniformly from tively, may be a single piece of weight portion as shown in 40 the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454 FIG . 32. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufac- ( shown in FIGS . 43-45 ) . In another example, the top channel ture described herein are not limited in this regard . width 4456 may increase continuously and uniformly from The body portion 4310 of the golf club head 4300 may be the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454 ( not a hollow body including the interior cavity ( not shown ) shown ). In another example, the top channel width 4456 similar to the golf club head 100. Further, the interior cavity 45 may change in a discontinuous or step - wise manner ( not may be unfilled , partially filled with a polymer material or shown ) from the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end entirely filled with a polymer material similar to the golf portion 4454 ( not shown ). The apparatus, methods, and club head 100 as discussed in detail herein . Further, the articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in configuration of the interior cavity of the body portion 4310 this regard. and the coupling of the face portion 4362 to the body portion 50 In the example of FIGS . 43-45 , the channel 4450 includes 4310 may be similar to the golf club head 3000 and as shown a first groove portion 4458 and a first step portion 4459 , and in FIGS . 35-39 , 46 and 47. The apparatus, methods, and a second groove portion 4460 and a second step portion articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in 4461. Each groove portion 4458 and 4460 may include side this regard . walls that form a generally right angle , an acute angle or an For example, as shown in FIGS . 43-45 , the back wall 55 obtuse angle relative to the channel width 4456 or a bottom portion 4510 may include a channel 4450 that may extend in portion of each groove portion , respectively. Accordingly, a direction from the toe portion 4340 to the heel portion the groove portions 4458 and 4460 may define valley 4350 and have any length . The channel 4450 may extend shaped groove portions. The areas of joinder between the parallel ( not shown) to the horizontal midplane 4420 or sidewalls of the groove portions 4458 and 4460 and the extend at an angle relative to the horizontal midplane 4420 60 bottom portion of each groove portion may include a cham as shown in the example of FIG . 43. In one example shown fer or a transition region. The apparatus , methods, and in FIGS . 43-45 , the channel 4450 extends from the toe articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in portion edge 4341 of the toe portion 4340 at a location at or this regard . above the horizontal midplane 4420 to the heel portion edge The depth of each groove portion 4458 and 4460 may be 4351 of the heel portion 4350 at a location blow the 65 generally constant or may vary from the toe - end portion horizontal midplane 4420. In the examples of FIGS . 43-45 , 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454. In one example, the depth the channel 4450 includes a toe - end portion 4452 at the toe of each groove portion 4458 and / or 4460 may decrease from US 10,864,414 B2 55 56 the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454. In body portion 4310 below the horizontal midplane 4420. In another example, as shown in FIGS . 43-45 , the depth of each other words , the volume and hence the mass of the body groove portion 4458 and / or 4460 may increase from the portion 4310 below the horizontal midplane 4420 may be toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion 4454. In one increased . In another example , the removed mass defined by example, the depth of each groove portion 4458 and / or 4460 5 the channel 4450 may be incorporated into the body portion may be between 0.04 inch ( 0.09 cm ) and 0.11 inch ( 0.28 cm ) 4310 as additional weight portions as compared to a golf at the toe - end portion 4452 and between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 cm ) club head that does not have the channel 4450. For example, and 0.19 inch ( 0.48 cm ) at the heel- end portion 4454. In the golf club head 4300 includes a greater number of weight another example, the depth of each groove portion 4458 portions of the second set of weight portions 4330 below the and / or 4460 may be between 0.05 inch ( 0.13 cm ) and 0.09 10 horizontal midplane 4420 as compared to the golf club head inch ( 0.24 cm ) at the toe - end portion 4452 and between 0.09 100. The increased mass below the horizontal midplane inch ( 0.22 cm ) and 0.16 inch ( 0.41 cm ) at the heel - end 4420 and / or toward the toe portion 4340 lowers the center of portion 4454. In another example, the depth of each groove gravity and / or increases the MOI of the golf club head 4300 , portion 4458 and / or 4460 may be between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 respectively. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manu cm ) and 0.08 inch ( 0.21 cm ) at the toe - end portion 4452 and 15 facture described herein are not limited in this regard. between 0.11 inch ( 0.27 cm ) and 0.14 inch ( 0.37 cm ) at the The masses of the weight portions of the first set of weight heel - end portion 4454. The apparatus, methods, and articles portions 4320 and / or the second set of weight portions 4330 of manufacture described herein are not limited in this may vary . The mass of each weight portion may be increased regard . and / or decreased by changing the length , diameter and / or The first step portion 4459 defines a transition portion 20 the material of construction of the weight portions. For between the first groove portion 4458 and the second groove example, the mass of a weight portion may be increased by portion 4460. The second step portion 4461 defines a increasing the length of the weight portion without increas transition portion between the second groove portion 4460 ing the diameter of the weight portion so that the weight and the portion back wall portion 4510 below the channel portion can be used in any of the weight ports of the body 4450. The width of the first step portion 4459 and /or the 25 portion 4310. In another example, the mass of a weight second step portion 4461 may be generally constant or may portion may be increased by using a denser material for the vary from the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end portion weight portion . The apparatus, methods , and articles of 4454. In one example, as shown in FIGS . 43-45 , the width manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. of the first step portion 4459 and / or the second step portion In one example , the masses of the second set of weight 4461 may decrease from the toe - end portion 4452 to the 30 portions 4330 may decrease from the toe portion 4340 to the heel- end portion 4454. In another example ( not shown ) , the heel portion 4350 to increase the MOI of the golf club head width of the first step portion 4459 and / or the second step 4300. In one example , each of the weight portions of the portion 4461 may increase from the toe - end portion 4452 to second set of weight portions 4330 may have a reduced mass the heel - end portion 4454. In one example, the width of the relative to an adjacent weight portion of the second set of first step portion 4459 and / or the second step portion 4461 35 weight portions 4330 in a direction from the toe portion may be between 0.04 inch ( 0.09 cm ) and 0.11 inch ( 0.28 cm ) 4340 to the heel portion 4350. For example , the weight at the toe - end portion 4452 and between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 cm ) portion 4337 may have a smaller mass than the weight and 0.19 inch ( 0.48 cm ) at the heel - end portion 4454. In portion 4338 , the weight portion 4336 may have a smaller another example , the width of the first step portion 4459 mass than the weight portion 4337 , the weight portion 4335 and / or the second step portion 4461 may be between 0.05 40 may have a smaller mass than the weight portion 4336 , the inch ( 0.13 cm ) and 0.09 inch ( 0.24 cm ) at the toe - end portion weight portion 4334 may have a smaller mass than the 4452 and between 0.09 inch ( 0.22 cm ) and 0.16 inch ( 0.41 weight portion 4335 , the weight portion 4333 may have a cm ) at the heel - end portion 4454. In another example, the smaller mass than the weight portion 4334 , the weight width of the first step portion 4459 and / or the second step portion 4332 may have a smaller mass than the weight portion 4461 may be between 0.06 inch ( 0.16 cm ) and 0.08 45 portion 4333 , and the weight portion 4331 may have a inch ( 0.21 cm ) at the toe - end portion 4452 and between 0.11 smaller mass than the weight portion 4332. In another inch ( 0.27 cm ) and 0.14 inch ( 0.37 cm ) at the heel - end example , groups of weight portions of the second set of portion 4454. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manu- weight portions 4330 may have similar masses and yet have facture described herein are not limited in this regard . a smaller overall mass than an adjacent group of weight The channel 4450 may define a portion of the body 50 portions in a direction from the toe portion 4340 to the heel portion 4310 from which mass has been removed to form the portion 4350. For example, each of the weight portions channel 4450. The removed mass defined by the channel 4331 , 4332 and 4333 may have similar masses and yet have 4450 may be transferred to other portions of the body an overall mass that is less than the overall mass of the portion 4310 to impart certain characteristics to the golf club weight portions 4334 , 4335 and 4336. Each of the weight head 4300. At least a portion of the removed mass defined 55 portions 4334 , 4335 and 4336 may have similar masses and by the channel 4450 may be transferred below the horizontal yet have an overall mass that is less than the overall mass of midplane 4420 of the body portion 4310 to lower the center the weight portions 4337 , and 4338. Accordingly, the masses of gravity of the golf club head 4300 while maintaining or of the weight portions of the second set of weight portions substantially maintaining the overall mass of the body 4330 may decrease in a direction from the toe portion 4340 portion 4310. Further, at least a portion of the removed mass 60 to the heel portion 4350 in any manner. The apparatus, defined by the channel 4450 may be transferred below the methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are horizontal midplane 4420 of the body portion 4310 and not limited in this regard . closer to the toe portion 4340 than the heel portion 4350 to The configuration of the channel 4450 , such as width , increase the MOI of the golf club head 4300. In one depth , volume, cross - sectional shape and any of the other example , the removed mass defined by the channel 4450 65 characteristics described herein may vary as the channel may be incorporated into the body portion 4310 below the 4450 extends from the toe - end portion 4452 to the heel - end horizontal midplane 4420 by increasing the volume of the portion 4454. Accordingly, the mass that is removed from US 10,864,414 B2 57 58 the body portion 4310 due to the presence of the channel apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described 4450 may similarly vary . According to another example , the herein may be advertised, offered for sale , and /or sold as masses of the weight portions of the second set of weight conforming or non - conforming golf equipment. The appa portions 4330 may correspondingly vary in a direction from ratus , methods , and articles of manufacture described herein the toe portion 4340 to the heel portion 4350 at a similar rate 5 are not limited in this regard . or a substantially similar rate as the variation in the channel Although certain example apparatus, methods, and configuration from the toe portion 4340 to the heel portion articles of manufacture have been described herein , the 4350. In another example, all of the weight portions of the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto . second set ofweight portions 4330 may have similar masses . On the contrary , this disclosure covers all apparatus, meth The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture 10 ods , and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling described herein are not limited in this regard . within the scope of the appended claims either literally or Although a particular order of actions may be described under the doctrine of equivalents. herein with respect to one or more processes , these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two What is claimed is : or more actions in any of the processes described herein may 15 1. A golf club head comprising : be performed sequentially , concurrently, or simultaneously . a body portion having an interior cavity, a toe portion with While the above examples may describe an iron - type or a a toe portion edge, a hosel portion, a front portion , a wedge - type golf club head , the apparatus, methods, and back portion with a back wall portion , a top portion, articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable and a sole portion with a sole portion edge, the body to other types of golf club heads. 20 portion made from a first material; A numerical range defined using the word “ between ” a face portion configured to attach to the front portion to includes numerical values at both end points of the numeri- enclose the interior cavity ; cal range. A spatial range defined using the word “ between ” a first set of mass portions and a second set of mass includes any point within the spatial range and the bound portions made from a second material different from aries of the spatial range . A location expressed relative to 25 the first material; two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word a third mass portion being a continuous one - piece portion “ between ” includes ( i ) any space between the elements , ( ii ) removably coupled to the body portion and extending a portion of each element, and /or ( iii ) the boundaries of each from a location proximate to the hosel portion to the toe element . portion edge and from a location below a horizontal The terms “ and ” and “ or ” may have both conjunctive and 30 midplane of the body portion to the sole portion edge disjunctive meanings. The terms “ a ” and “ an ” are defined as such that the third mass portion defines a portion of the one or more unless this disclosure indicates otherwise . The sole portion edge extending toward the face portion and term “ coupled ” and any variation thereof refer to directly or a portion of the portion edge extending toward the indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, face portion; mechanically, and / or otherwise. The phrase " removably 35 a first set of ports spaced apart from the third mass connected ” is defined such that two elements that are portion, each port of the first set of ports configured to " removably connected ” may be separated from each other receive a mass portion of the first set of mass portions without breaking or destroying the utility of either element. or a mass portion of the second set of mass portions; The term “ substantially ” when used to describe a char and acteristic , parameter, property , or value of an element may 40 a second set of ports defined by recesses in the third mass represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the portion , each port of the second set of ports configured characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element to receive a mass portion of the first set of mass may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a portions or a mass portion of the second set of mass characteristic, parameter, property , or value of an element portions, may be based on , for example, tolerances, measurement 45 wherein a maximum distance between the top portion and errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors . the sole portion is greater than a maximum distance The term “ proximate ” is synonymous with terms such as between the face portion and the back wall portion , “ adjacent, " " close, ” “ immediate ,” “ nearby ” , “ neighboring ” , wherein the third mass portion includes a first portion at etc. , and such terms may be used interchangeably as appear- or proximate to the toe portion edge and a second ing in this disclosure . 50 portion proximate to the hosel portion , and The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture wherein the first portion of the third mass portion is made described herein may be implemented in a variety of from a material having a higher density than the second embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of portion of the third mass portion. these embodiments does not necessarily represent a com- 2. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the first plete description of all possible embodiments . Instead , the 55 portion of the third mass portion is made from a material description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves , having a greater density than the first material. disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alter- 3. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein the native embodiments . second portion of the third mass portion is made from a As the rules of golf may change from time to time ( e.g. , material having a lower density than the first material. new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be 60 4. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein at least eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and / or one port of the first set of ports or the second set of ports is governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association connected to the interior cavity, and wherein the interior ( USGA ) , the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews cavity is at least partially filled with a polymer material from ( R & A ) , etc. ), golf equipment related to the apparatus, meth- the at least one port . ods , and articles of manufacture described herein may be 65 5. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 further com conforming or non - conforming to the rules of golf at any prising a channel extending from the toe portion edge to a particular time . Accordingly , golf equipment related to the sole portion edge location proximate to the hosel portion, US 10,864,414 B2 59 60 wherein the channel is adjacent to and extends along an ated with a second back surface area , the total back surface upper boundary of the third mass portion . area being equal to the sum of the first back surface area and 6. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , further com- the second back surface area , wherein the first back surface prising a channel extending from the toe portion edge to a region is located at or proximate to a perimeter portion of the sole portion edge location proximate to the hosel portion , 5 back surface and is coupled to the perimeter ledge portion , wherein a maximum width of the interior cavity is below the and wherein the first back surface area is less than 20 % of channel and above the third mass portion . the total back surface area . 7. A golf club head as defined in claim 1 , wherein a 12. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the maximum width of the interior cavity is below a horizontal face portion comprises a front surface having at least one midplane of the body portion and above the third mass 10 groove and a back surface opposite the front surface and portion . associated with a total back surface area , the back surface 8. A golf club head comprising : including a first back surface region associated with a first a body portion having an interior cavity, a toe portion with back surface area and a second back surface region associ a toe portion edge , a hosel portion , a front portion ated with a second back surface area , the total back surface having a perimeter ledge portion , a back portion with a 15 area being equal to the sum of the first back surface area and back wall portion , a top portion, and a sole portion with the second back surface area , wherein the first back surface a sole portion edge ; region is located at or proximate to a perimeter portion of the a face portion configured to attach to the perimeter ledge back surface and is coupled to the perimeter ledge portion, portion of the front portion to enclose the interior wherein the interior cavity is at least partially filled with a cavity ; 20 polymer material, and wherein the polymer material is a body mass portion being a continuous one - piece mass coupled to at least 90 % of the second back surface region . portion removably coupled to the body portion , at least 13. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 further a portion of the body mass portion made from a comprising a channel extending from the toe portion edge to material having a greater density than a material of the a sole portion edge location proximate to the hosel portion , body portion , the body mass portion extending from a 25 wherein the channel is adjacent to and extends along an location proximate to the hosel portion to the toe upper boundary of the body mass portion. portion edge and from a location below a horizontal 14. A golf club head comprising : midplane of the body portion to the sole portion edge a body portion having an interior cavity, a toe portion with such that the body mass portion defines a portion of the a toe portion edge , a hosel portion , a front portion with sole portion edge and a portion of the toe portion edge ; 30 a perimeter ledge portion , a back portion with a back a plurality of mass portions, each mass portion having a wall portion , a top portion , and a sole portion with a threaded outer surface , at least one mass portion of the sole portion edge , the body portion made from a first plurality of mass portions having a greater length than material; the remaining mass portions of the plurality of mass a face portion configured to attach to the perimeter ledge portions; and 35 portion of the front portion to enclose the interior a plurality of ports defined by threaded bores in the body cavity ; mass portion , at least one of the threaded bores of the a set of mass portions made from a second material body mass portion being a through bore , different from the first material; wherein a maximum distance between the top portion and a body mass portion being a continuous one -piece portion the sole portion is greater than a maximum distance 40 removably coupled to the body portion , at least a between the face portion and the back wall portion , portion of the body mass portion made from a third wherein each port of the plurality of ports is configured to material having a greater density than the first material, receive a mass portion of the plurality of mass portions the body mass portion extending from a location proxi by the mass portion being screwed into the port, mate to the hosel portion to the toe portion edge and wherein the body portion includes at least one body 45 from a location below a horizontal midplane of the threaded bore , the at least one body threaded bore body portion to the sole portion edge such that the body configured to align with the at least one through bore of mass portion defines a portion of the sole portion edge the body mass portion, and extending toward the face portion and a portion of the wherein the at least one mass portion having the greater toe portion edge extending toward the face portion ; length is screwed into the at least one through bore of 50 a channel extending from the toe portion edge to a sole the body mass portion and into the at least one body portion edge location proximate to the hosel portion, threaded bore of the body portion to securely couple the wherein the channel is adjacent to and extends along an body mass portion to the body portion . upper boundary of the body mass portion ; and 9. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein at least a set of ports defined by recesses in the body mass portion, a portion of the body mass portion at or proximate to the toe 55 each port of the set of ports configured to receive a portion edge is made from a higher density material than a mass portion of the set of mass portions, material of the body portion. wherein a maximum distance between the top portion and 10. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein at least the sole portion is greater than a maximum distance one port of the plurality of ports is connected to the interior between the face portion and the back wall portion ; cavity, and wherein the interior cavity is at least partially 60 wherein the interior cavity comprises: filled with a polymer material from the at least one port. a first width above a horizontal midplane of the body 11. A golf club head as defined in claim 8 , wherein the portion and proximate to the perimeter ledge portion, face portion comprises a front surface having at least one a second width below the horizontal midplane and groove and a back surface opposite the front surface and proximate to the perimeter ledge portion , associated with a total back surface area , the back surface 65 a third width above the horizontal midplane and below including a first back surface region associated with a first the first width , the third width being greater than the back surface area and a second back surface region associ first width , US 10,864,414 B2 61 62 a fourth width below the horizontal midplane and above the second width , the fourth width being greater than the second width , and a fifth width between the third width and the fourth width , the fifth width being greater than the third 5 width and greater than the fourth width . 15. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the fourth width is greater than the third width . 16. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the fifth width is above the body mass portion and below the 10 horizontal midplane. 17. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the face portion comprises a front surface having at least one groove and a back surface opposite the front surface and associated with a total back surface area, the back surface 15 including a first back surface region associated with a first back surface area and a second back surface region associ ated with a second back surface area , the total back surface area being equal to the sum of the first back surface area and the second back surface area , wherein the first back surface 20 region is located at or proximate to a perimeter portion of the back surface and is coupled to the perimeter ledge portion , wherein the interior cavity is at least partially filled with a polymer material, and wherein the polymer material is coupled to at least 90 % of the second back surface region . 25 18. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein at least a portion of the body mass portion at or proximate to the toe portion edge is made from a higher density material than the first material. 19. A golf club head as defined in claim 14 , wherein the 30 interior cavity at least partially filled with a polymer mate rial .