US20210331046A1 - Iron-type golf club head with body wall apertures - Google Patents

Abstract

An iron-type golf club head includes a body having a wall extending about an opening, a faceplate coupled to the body across the opening, and a fill material. The wall defines a first set of apertures and a second aperture, and includes an outer peripheral surface, a sole and a rear wall portion extending from the heel to the toe. The wall and the faceplate define a rearward-facing back cavity. The sole, the rear wall portion and the faceplate define a lower cavity that is continuous with the back cavity. The first set of apertures and the second aperture extend through the wall from the peripheral outer surface to, and are continuous with, the lower cavity. The first set of apertures and the second aperture extend about first and second planes, respectively. The fill material substantially fills the lower cavity and the first set of apertures and the second aperture.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA
• The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/572,378 filed on Sep. 16, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/668,558 filed on Aug. 3, 2017 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,420,993), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/606,981 filed on May 26, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/816,796 filed on Aug. 3, 2015 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,662,549).
BACKGROUND
• The game of golf typically utilizes woods, irons and a putter. Irons typically have shorter shafts and smaller club heads as compared to woods. The head of an iron is often made of solid iron or steel. The golf club head of an iron includes a large flat angled face, typically scored with grooves. Golf club irons vary in head size, shaft length and lie or loft angle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an example iron-type golf club head having an example aperture and plug.
• FIG. 2A is a rear perspective view of another example iron-type golf club head having another example arrangement of apertures and plugs.
• FIG. 2B is a bottom front perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2C is a toe end view of the golf club head ofFIG. 2A.
• FIG. 2D is a sectional view of the golf club head ofFIG. 2C take alongline2D-2D.
• FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of another example iron-type golf club head having another example arrangement of apertures and plugs.
• FIGS. 4A-4D are upper perspective views of other examples of iron-type golf club heads having other example arrangements of apertures and plugs.
• FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method for forming an iron-type golf club head.
• FIGS. 6A-6D are sectional views of an example iron-type golf club head, illustrating one example method for plugging or filling apertures in the golf club head.
• FIGS. 7A-7B are sectional views of an example iron-type golf club head, illustrating another example method for plugging the golf club head.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded rear perspective view of another example iron-type golf club head.
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example insert for use with a body of the iron-type golf club head ofFIG. 7.
• FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of another example iron-type golf club head having another arrangement of apertures and plugs.
• FIG. 11 is a bottom, rear perspective view of the golf club head in accordance with another example implementation of the present invention in which the club head includes a body defining first and second sets of apertures and a plurality of plugs are positioned within the first and second sets of apertures.
• FIG. 12 is a bottom front perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 11 without the plugs within the first and second sets of apertures.
• FIG. 13 is a toe end, bottom perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 12.
• FIG. 14 is a toe end view of the golf club head ofFIG. 12.
• FIG. 15 is a heel end view of the golf club head ofFIG. 12.
• FIG. 16 is a top, rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 12.
• FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with another implementation of the present invention.
• FIG. 18 is a bottom, toe end perspective view of the golf club ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 20 is a heel end perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 21 is a front perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 22 is a bottom, front perspective view of a golf club head in accordance with another implementation of the present invention.
• FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 22.
• FIG. 24 is a rear, bottom perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 22.
• FIG. 25 is a top, rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 22.
• FIG. 26 is a rear perspective view of the golf club head ofFIG. 22, with a portion of the body of the club head removed.
• FIG. 27 is a toe end perspective view of the club head taken along line27-27 ofFIG. 24.
• FIG. 28 is a representation of the dynamic modeling and impact analysis of a golf ball impacting a club head.
• FIG. 29 is a bottom view of an example set of iterations of golf club head configurations analyzed as part of the dynamic analysis.
• FIG. 30 is a bottom view of a golf club head in accordance with another implementation of the present invention.
• FIG. 31 is a bottom view of a golf club head in accordance with another implementation of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES
• FIG. 1 illustrates an example iron-typegolf club head20.Head20 is for use with a golf club shaft.Head20 comprisesfaceplate22,body24,aperture26 andplug30.Faceplate22 comprises a plate that is coupled tobody24 across afront opening32 defined bybody24. In one implementation,faceplate22 is formed from a metal, such as steel. In one implementation,faceplate22 includes a front surface having a series of grooves, scorelines or ridges31 (shown inFIG. 6A). Thefaceplate22 is configured for impacting a golf ball. In one implementation,faceplate22 is welded or otherwise fixedly secured tobody24. In yet another implementation,faceplate22 is cast as part ofbody24. In still other implementations,faceplate22 is removably mounted tobody24.
• Body24supports faceplate22 and interconnects faceplate22 to a shaft of a golf club.Body24 compriseshosel34 andfaceplate supporting wall36.Hosel34 comprises that portion ofbody24 that connects to a shaft. In one implementation,hosel34 comprises a hollow cylinder which receives an end portion of a golf club shaft. In another implementation, thehosel34 may be inserted within the tip end of the golf shaft.
• Faceplate supporting wall36 extends fromhosel34. In one implementation,faceplate supporting wall36 is integral withhosel34, comprising a single unitary integral or homogenous structure. In one implementation,faceplate supporting wall36 extends in a loop starting and ending athosel34. The loop forms an opening across which faceplate22 spans. In one implementation,faceplate supporting wall36 is formed from a single homogenous metal material, such as steel, whereinwall36 has a relatively high degree of hardness. In other implementations, thefaceplate22 can be formed of titanium, a high strength steel, a fiber composite material, graphene or combinations thereof. In one implementation, thefaceplate22 and thewall36 are formed of materials having a hardness of at least 15 on a Shore C hardness scale. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “metal” encompasses a single metal, multiple metals or alloys thereof. In other implementations, thebody24 can be formed of a fiber composite material, a polygonal material, iron, one or more metals, and combinations thereof.
• As shown byFIG. 1,faceplate supporting wall36 includes an outerperipheral surface37, and comprises a sole38, atoe40 and atopline42.Sole38 comprises the underside ofwall36 which faces the ground when a ball is being addressed byhead20.Toe40 comprises the end portion ofhead20, generally opposite tohosel34.Topline42 comprises a top portion ofwall36 opposite to sole38. As shown byFIG. 1,wall36 extends rearward offaceplate22 and cooperative withfaceplate22 to form an interiorrearwardly facing cavity46 that is founded in the front byfaceplate22 and along its sides by the interior sides ofwall36. Althoughwall36 is illustrated as having a particular irregular oval shape, in other implementations,wall36 may have other shapes or may form other looped shapes.
• Aperture26 comprises a passage or opening extending throughwall36, at at least one location rearward offaceplate22. In one implementation,aperture26 comprises an opening that extends completely throughwall36. In another implementation,aperture26 comprises a crater, dimple or depression partially extending intowall36, but does not extend completely throughwall36. In one implementation,aperture26 comprises a through-wall aperture26 extending into and throughwall36 to an inner surface ofwall36,adjacent cavity46. In another implementation,aperture26 comprises at least one depression, oraperture26 extending partially intowall36 from an outer perimeter surface ofwall36.
• In the example illustrated,aperture26 comprises an elongate slot, extending completely throughwall36, parallel to the edge of the corresponding adjacent portion ofwall36. In one implementation,aperture26 comprises an elongate slot extending parallel tofaceplate22 or to an upper edge offaceplate22. Althoughaperture26 is illustrated as a single elongate slot extending across the majority of a length (the distance fromhosel34 to toe40) oftopline42; in other implementations,aperture26 may alternatively extend along other portions of sole38 ortoe40.
• Plug30 comprises a structure or member that plugs, fills or includesaperture26.Plug30 has a hardness less than the hardness ofwall36. In one implementation, plug30 has a hardness within the range of 15 on a Shore A hardness scale to a 95 on a Shore C hardness scale. In another implementation, theplug30 has a hardness within the range of 70 to 95 on a Shore A hardness scale.Plug30 has a degree of resiliency or flexibility greater than that of thematerial forming wall36. As a result, during impact of a golf ball byfaceplate22, portions ofwall36 deflect against the material ofplug30, whereinplug30 absorbs impact and resiliently deflects to provide a golfer with a unique feel. Additionally, the golf iron club head of the present invention, including club heads20,120,220,320 and420, provide a unique, aesthetically-pleasing sound upon impact with a golf ball.
• In one implementation, plug30 completely occludes or blocks the passage from the exterior ofwall36 to the interior ofwall36adjacent cavity46. In such an implementation, plug30 may be recessed from an outer mouth ofaperture26 or from an inner mouth ofaperture26adjacent cavity46. In one implementation, plug30 occupies at least 80% of the cavity or volume ofaperture26. In other implementations, plug30 completely fillsaperture26, extends at or beyond theouter mouth44 ofaperture26 and/or extends at or beyond the inner mouth ofaperture26adjacent cavity46. In one implementation, plug30 has an outer surface flush with theouter mouth44 ofaperture26. In one implementation, plug30 has an inner surface flush with the inner mouth ofaperture26adjacent cavity46.
• In one implementation, plug30 is formed from a polymer having a hardness less than that of the hardness of thematerial forming wall36. In one implementation, plug30 is formed from a polymer such as a urethane. In one implementation, plug30 is formed from a rubber or rubber-like material. In yet another implementation, plug30 is formed from a foam or foam material, such as a closed cell or open cell material, such as a closed cell or open cell polymeric material. In one implementation, plug30 is deposited intoaperture26 while in a liquid state then allowed to cure and/or solidify withinaperture26. In another implementation, plug30 is inserted intoaperture26 while in a solid-state or semi-solid state. In one implementation, plug30 comprises a body that is inserted intoaperture26, wherein the body ofplug30 includes a gel or liquid. In other implementations, plug30 is snapped intoaperture26, press fit intoaperture26, fused withinaperture26 or adhesively bonded to wall36 withinaperture26 or combinations thereof.
• FIGS. 2A -2D illustrate iron-typegolf club head120, another example implementation ofhead20.Head120 is similar to head20 except thathead120 is specifically illustrated as comprisingbody124 associated withapertures126A-126I (collectively referred to as apertures126) andcorresponding plugs130A-130I (collectively referred to as plugs130).Apertures126 are spaced aboutfaceplate22, through each of the sole38,toe40 and topline42 ofwall36. In one implementation,apertures126 each completely extend throughwall36. In one implementation,apertures126 are each of similar length and width. In yet another implementation,apertures126 and different lengths and/or widths and/or shapes. In the example illustrated inFIG. 2A, each ofapertures126 comprises a slot having a length L of at least about 0.125 inches and a width W of between 0.025 inches and 0.25 inches. In one implementation, eachaperture126 has a depth D equal to the thickness of the wall136 through which theaperture126 extends. In other implementations, eachaperture126 has a depth or thickness within the range of 0.045 to 0.150 inch. In one implementation, the length of the slots can vary about thewall36 of thebody124. In one particular implementation, theslots126A-C along thetopline42 of thewall36 can have a length of within the range of 0.6 to 0.8 inch, theslots126D-F about thetoe40 can have a length within the range of 0.6 to 0.8 inch, and theslots126 G-I along the sole38 can have a length within the range of 0.5 to 0.8 inch. In other implementations, other lengths and variations of lengths can be used. In another implementation, the width W of theslots126 can be approximately 0.075 inch, and the through-wall depth of theslots126 can be within the range of 0.125 to 0.130 inch. In other implementations, other widths and/or depths can be used.
• Referring toFIG. 2C, thefaceplate22 defines a generallyplanar impact surface29. Theslots126 define forward andrearward edges131 and133 where theforward edge131 is closer to theplanar impact surface129 of thefaceplate22 than therearward edge133. The forward edge of theslot126 is preferably spaced apart from the planar impact surface of thefaceplate22 by a distance d within the range of 0.030 to 0.15 inch. In other implementations, the distance d can be other dimensions or vary from one slot to another slot. In one implementation, the distance d is substantially the same as the thickness of thefaceplate22.
• Plugs130 are each similar to plug30 described above. Plugs130 occupy theirrespective apertures126 aboutcavity46 and aboutfaceplate22. In the example illustrated, each of plugs130 comprises a same material having the same hardness less than that ofwall36 and compressibility or flexibility that is greater than that ofwall36. In one implementation, each ofplugs30 equally fill theirrespective apertures126. In another implementation, some ofplugs30 may have different sizes or different volumes. In some implementations, some ofplugs30 may occupy different percentages of the interior volume of theirrespective apertures126. For example, in one implementation,apertures126 along a first portion ofwall36 are filled to a first extent (the plug completely occluding the aperture having a first thickness, wherein such thicknesses is measured in a direction from the outer surface ofwall36 to the inner surface ofwall36 adjacent cavity46) while apertures along a second portion ofwall36 are filled to a second different extent (the plug completely occluding such apertures but having a second different thickness). For example, in one implementation,aperture126B may be completely filled by its respective plug whileaperture130E is only partially filled (a lesser thickness) by its respective plug. By varying the degree to which therespective apertures126 are filled with or occupied by their associated plugs130, the characteristics ofhead120 may be varied or customized as desired according to the particular golfer's preferences.
• FIG. 3 illustrates iron-typegolf club head220, another implementation ofhead20.Head220 is similar tohead120 described above except thathead220 is specifically illustrated as havingplugs230A-230I (collectively referred to as plugs to30) in lieu ofplugs130A-1301, respectively. Plugs230 are similar to plugs130 except that plugs230, amongst themselves, are formed from different materials or materials having different properties or characteristics. In the example illustrated, plugs230A,230B and230C are formed from different materials (as indicated by the different representative stippling) having different hardness properties and/or different resiliency/compressibility properties. For example, in one implementation, plug230A may comprise a first type of urethane and plugs230B and230C are formed from different types of urethanes. In one implementation, plug230A is formed from a solid polymer whileplug230B and/or230C is formed from an open or closed cell polymer. The different material properties of plugs230 allow the absorption or impact characteristics ofhead222 be selectively varied with respect to different adjacent portions offaceplate22. In one implementation, the plugs230 along the topline can be formed of a first material having a first hardness, the plugs along the toe can be formed of a second material having a second hardness, and the plugs along the sole can be formed of a third material having a third hardness. The first, second and third hardness can be the same, or differ from each other such that one region of thebody124 provides a slightly different response or feel as other regions. In some implementations, different clubs may be provided with different combinations of plugs or patterns to customize the performance ofhead222 an individual golfer's skill level or personal preferences.
• In other implementations,aperture126 may have other shapes, other sizes and other numbers.FIGS. 4A through 4D illustrate example implementations of different shapes, numbers and sizes ofapertures126 that can be formed in thebody124.FIG. 4A illustrates a plurality of triangular shapedapertures126 formed into thewall36 of thebody124.FIGS. 4B and 4C illustrates a plurality of circular shaped and semi-circular shapedapertures126, respectively.FIG. 4D illustrates a plurality of wavy orcurved apertures126. In other implementations,apertures126 can be formed in other polygonal shapes, other curved shapes, other irregular shapes, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the number and size of the apertures can vary from2 to20. In one implementation, the number of apertures can be within the range of 3 to 15. In some implementations,aperture26 may have different shapes in different lengths depending upon the location of theaperture26. For example, a first size orshape aperture26 may be provided ontopline42 or other shapes or numbers ofapertures26 are provided on sole38 ortoe40. In some implementations,aperture26 may be in the form of a cutout through (partially or entirely) a portion ofwall36, wherein the cutout has an outline of a word or words, letter, logo or image. For example, in one implementation,aperture26 may spell out a symbol, a trademark, a name of the manufacturer, a brand of thegolf club head20 or the like. All such variations are contemplated under the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method of forming an iron-type golf club head, such ashead20 orhead120. As indicated by block to270, an iron-type golf club body is provided, wherein the body has a wall, such aswall36, about an opening, such asopening32. The wall has at least one aperture, such asaperture26 oraperture126, therethrough. As indicated byblock272, a faceplate, such asfaceplate22, is secured to the wall across the opening. In one implementation, the faceplate is welded to the wall.
• As indicated byblock274, the at least one aperture is occluded or plugged with at least one plug, such asplug26, plug126 or any of the plugs described hereafter. While the wall is formed from a first material having a first hardness and/or compressibility, the at least one plug is formed from a second material having a second different hardness and/or compressibility. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “material” encompasses a single material, multiple layers of a material or a mixture of multiple materials. As will be described hereafter, in some implementations, the at least one plug may be formed by injecting a plug material, while in a liquid or viscous state into such apertures. In other implementations, the at least one plug may be formed by inserting into the golf club body a preformed panel or insert providing one or more plugs.
• FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate one example method for forming any of golf club heads20,120 or220.FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example method in which an example iron-typegolf club head320 is plugged. As shownFIG. 6A, theunplugged head320 is similar tohead120 described above. Those components ofhead320 which correspond to components ofhead120 are numbered similarly.
• As shown byFIG. 6B, astopper321 is inserted into thecavity46 behindfaceplate22 such an edges ofstopper321 extend across apertures326. As further indicated byFIG. 6B, plugmaterial322, in liquid form, is injected or otherwise deposited into apertures326. In one implementation,plug material322 comprises a polymer that, upon curing or solidifying, has a hardness less than that of the material ofwall36 and a compressibility or flexibility greater than that ofwall36. In one implementation,plug material322 comprises a urethane. In one implementation,plug material322 comprises an open cell or closed celled foam material. In yet other implementations, plugmaterial322 comprises other materials which may place in a liquid or viscous state and subsequently dried or cured to a solid or semi-solid state.
• As shown byFIG. 6B, theedges324 ofstop321 limit the extent to whichplug material322 may flow into or through apertures326. As further shown byFIG. 6B, some implementations, stop321 is sized so as to not necessarily terminate at the edge of one of aperture326, but is sized to be inserted into or project into selected apertures326. In such an implementation, the configuration ofstop321 may be varied to control the extent to which individual apertures326 are filled withplug material322. In the example illustrated, stop321 partially projects intoaperture326A, limiting the extent to whichaperture326A is filled withplug material322. At the same time, stop321 terminates prior to extending intoaperture326C, facilitating a complete fill ofaperture326C.
• As shown byFIG. 6C, upon sufficient curing or solidification of the plug material within apertures326, stop321 is removed fromcavity46. In one implementation, stop321 is resiliently flexible facilitating deformation to allow stop321 to be removed fromcavity46. In another implementation, stop321 is formed from a destructible material, wherein stop321 is sacrificed after the plugging ofclub320. In yet another implementation, stop321 may be omitted such as where the injection ofplug material322 is precisely controlled or wherewalls36 include integral structures that at least partially extend behind and acrosssuch apertures322 so as to serve as stops to limit the flow of plugging material into or through apertures326. In some implementations, other inserts are structures may be inserted into cavity426 behind our partially into aperture3262 control the extent to whichplug material322 fills or occupies such apertures, wherein such inserts are left in place following the injection ofplug material322. In one implementation, such inserts may comprise an open web, open frame or other structure having boards or cavities into and through which plugmaterial322 is filled or injected to occupy the voids of the insert, wherein the insert act as rebar modifying the characteristics of theplug material322 within the respective aperture326. Theplug material322 solidifies, cures or hardens to form plugs130 described above.
• As shown byFIG. 6D, in the example illustrated, abadge350 is inserted intocavity46. In one implementation,badge350 comprises a placard, panel or other structure containing logos, labels or the like. In one implementation,badge350 is covered or coated with a metallic film. Thebadge350 can be formed as a single piece or part or of multiple pieces or parts. Thebadge350 may have a uniform thickness or variable thickness. Thebadge350 may be thinner than illustrated inFIG. 6D. Thebadge350 can be sized to fill or partially fill thecavity46. Thebadge350 may be sized to completely cover the back surface offace plate22. In other implementations, thebadge350 may be sized to cover a portion, such as at least 25 percent, of the surface area formed by the exposed back surface of theface plate22 attached to thewall36. In the example illustrated,badge350 has outer perimeter edges352 that abut theinner surfaces131 of plugs130 to stabilize the positioning of such plugs130 and to inhibit inadvertent dislodge with an inward movement of plugs130. In yet other implementations,badge350 may be omitted.
• FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate yet another method for plugginggolf club head320. As shown byFIG. 7A, and insert450 is positioned withincavity46. In one implementation,walls36 include internal shoulders or catches which control positioning of such thatinsert450 is spaced from the innerrear surface23 offaceplate22 so as to form aninternal void452. Thereafter, plugmaterial322 is injected into apertures326 and intovoid452, betweeninsert450 andfaceplate22, whereinmaterial322 within such apertures326 form plugs330A and330C and additional plugs for additional apertures326 not illustrated. As shown byFIG. 7B, in one implementation,void452 is completely filled withplug material322 such thatplug material322 continuously extends from one aperture326 throughvoid452 to another of apertures326. In one implementation,insert450 is left in place withincavity46. In one implementation,insert450 comprises a badge having a rear surface having markings, and indicia, logos, labels or the like. In yet another implementation, upon sufficient solidification or curing ofplug material322 to form the various plugs130 as well as the expanse of material connecting such plugs130, insert450 may be removed. In one implementation,sensor450 is removed and replaced with a decorative badge, such asbadge350. In some implementations, the method or process shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B may be carried out withoutinsert450. For example, in some implementations,head320 may be supported in a fixture during plugging such that rear surface or face23 offaceplate22 extends substantially horizontal, wherein the viscous orliquid plug material322 flows across thehorizontal surface23 under the guidance of gravity and is permitted to cure or otherwise modify.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded view illustrating iron-typegolf club head420, another implementation ofgolf club head120.Golf club head420 comprisesbody424, insert421 andbadge350.Body424 is similar tobody124 described above except thatbody424 comprises eight apertures426 rather than nineapertures126. Remaining aspects ofbody424 are described above with respect tobody1 to4 ofclub head120.Badge350 is described above with respect toclub head320.Head420 is similar tohead120 described above except thathead420 utilizesinsert421 to provide plugs forapertures126.
• As shown byFIG. 8, insert426 comprises a panel or other structure sized, shaped in form from is sufficiently flexible or bendable material so as to enableinsert421 to be inserted intocavity46 ofbody24, within the loop formed bywall36 and behindfaceplate22.Insert421 comprises acentral body427 and one or more projections, fingers, extensions ortabs428A,428B,428C,428D,428E,428F,428G and428H (collectively referred to as tabs428) extending frombody427. Each oftabs428A,428B,428C,428D,428E,428F,428G and428H is located and sized to be concurrently inserted intoapertures426A,426B,426C,426D,426E,426F,426G and426H, respectively, where tabs428 serve as plugs for each of such corresponding apertures426. In one implementation,insert421 is resilient and bendable, allowinginsert421 to be bent such that428 may be snapped into correspondingapertures126, wherein428 are held withinapertures126. Each of tabs428 has a hardness less than a hardness of the surrounding material ofwall36. Each of tabs428 has a compressibility or flexibility greater than that of thematerial forming wall36.
• In one implementation,insert421 is furthered adhesively bonded or fused tobody24 once positioned withincavity46. In another implementation,insert421 is removable from cavity426 and from apertures426, allowing theinsert421 of head422 be replaced or exchanged. In some implementations,head420 may be accompanied by a set of multipledifferent inserts421, eachinsert421 having tabs428 with different degrees of hardness and/or different degrees of flexibility or compressibility. As a result, in such a system, a golfer may customize his or herclub420 through the selection and use ofdifferent inserts421. Onceinsert421 has been position withincavity46 with tabs428 positioned within their corresponding apertures426,badge350 is positioned behindinsert421. In other implementations,badge350 may be omitted. In some implementations, the markings, logos or decorative effects otherwise provided bybadge350 or alternatively provided on therear face450 ofinsert421.
• Althoughinsert421 is illustrated as having eight tabs428 corresponding to the eight apertures426 ofbody424, in other implementations, insert421 may comprise fewer than or greater than eight such tabs, wherein some or all of the apertures426 are filled by a tab428. For example, in some implementations, some of the apertures426 not filled by tabs428 ofinsert421 are injected with a plug material, such asplug material322 described above. In one implementation, the perimeter edges ofinsert421 that do not project into an opposite aperture426 inwall36 may serve as a stop controlling and extent to which theplug material322, injected in liquid form prior to solidification, fills the particular apertures426 not plugged byinsert421. In other implementations wherewall36 of the particular golf club comprises a greater or fewer ofsuch apertures126 or where apertures426 additionally sized or differently located, insert421 may also include a different arrangement of tabs428 based upon the different number, size, location and/or shape of the different apertures426.
• FIG. 9 illustratesinsert521, another example ofinsert421 for use withhead420.Insert521 is similar to insert421 except thatinsert521 comprisestabs528A,528B,528C,528D,528E,528F and528G (collectively referred to as tabs528) in lieu of tabs428. Tabs528 include individual tabs formed from different materials or compositions so as to have different hardness properties and/or different compressibility, flexibility properties. In the example illustrated,tabs528C the528F are formed from a different material or a different combination of materials such that they have different hardness properties and/or different compressibility or flexibility properties as compared to the remaining tabs528. As a result, in one implementation,tabs528C and528E may comprise a first type of urethane material while remaining tabs are formed from a different type of urethane material are completely different material. In one implementation,tabs528C and528E are formed from a solid polymer while the remaining tabs are formed from an open or closed cell polymer. In one implementation, some of528 may be solid other of tabs528 may be hollow. With respect to those hollow tabs, different tabs528 may have different wall thicknesses and differently sized or shaped hollow interiors. The different material properties of tabs528 allow the absorption or impact characteristics ofhead222 be selectively varied with respect to different adjacent portions offaceplate22. In some implementations,different inserts521 may be provided with different combinations of tabs or patterns to customize the performance of the golf club head in whichsuch inserts521 are used to an individual golfer's skill level or personal preferences.
• FIG. 10 illustrates iron-typegolf club head620.Head620 is similar toheads20,120 and420 except thathead620 comprises a different arrangement of apertures and corresponding plugs. In the example shown inFIG. 8,head620 includes differently sized apertures626 and corresponding differently sized plugs630. As may be appreciated fromFIG. 8, different iron-type golf club heads may be relied with apertures of different sizes, shapes and locations and different plugs of corresponding different sizes, shapes and locations. For example, a first 7-iron may be provided with a first layout of apertures and plugs while a second 7-iron may be provided with a second layout of apertures and plugs depending upon the material forming the rest of the body of the club, the thickness and dimensions ofwall36 of the club as well as the skill level or preference of the golfer who is to use the club. Likewise, different types of irons may divide with different layouts of apertures and plugs. For example, a 4-iron may be provided with a first layout of apertures and plugs that is different from the layout of apertures and plugs of a 7-iron. A 7-iron itself may be provided with a layout of apertures and plugs that differs from the layout of apertures and plugs of the 9-iron or a wedge.
• FIGS. 11 through 16 illustrate another example implementation of the present invention. Agolf club head720 is similar toheads20,120,220,320,420 and620 except thehead720 includes abody724 that defines a first set ofapertures726 and at least onesecond aperture728. The prior disclosure is applicable to thegolf club head720 and other implementations as referenced below. Thebody724 supports, and is coupled to, thefaceplate22. Thebody724 includes ahosel734 comprising a hollow cylinder for receiving a tip end of a golf shaft. Thebody724 further includes awall736 extending in a loop starting and ending at thehosel734. Thebody724 and thewall736 are substantially similar to thebody24 and thewall36. Thewall736 has a first hardness value that is substantially the same as thewall36. Thewall736 includes an outerperipheral surface737, a sole738, atoe740 and atopline742. The sole738 comprises the underside of thewall736 that faces the ground when a golf ball is addressed by thehead720 during use. Thetoe740 comprises the end portion of thehead720, and thetopline742 comprises the top portion of thewall736 opposite the sole738.
• Thewall736 defines the first set ofapertures726 and at least onesecond aperture728. As best shown inFIG. 13, the first set ofapertures726 extend about afirst plane770 and the at least onesecond aperture728 extends about asecond plane772. In other words, thefirst plane770 extends through each of the first set ofapertures770, and thesecond plane772 extends through the at least onesecond aperture728. The first andsecond planes770 and772 can be parallel to each other. The first andsecond planes770 and772 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance, D. In one implementation, the distance D can be within the range of 0.010 to 0.50 inch. In other implementations, the distance D can be outside of the range 0.010 to 0.50 inch. In other implementations, the first and second planes may be angled with respect to each other. In other implementations, one or both of the first andsecond planes770 and772 can be parallel to the generallyplanar impact surface29. In other implementations, the first and/orsecond planes770 and772 may be angled with respect to the generallyplanar impact surface29 within the range of 1 to 10 degrees.
• The first set ofapertures726 are substantially similar toapertures126. InFIGS. 11 through 16, the first set ofapertures726 include a total of nine (9) slots arranged end to end about thefirst plane770. Three apertures of the first ofapertures726 are defined into thetopline742, three apertures of the first ofapertures726 are formed into thetoe end740, and three of the first ofapertures726 are formed into the sole738 of thewall726. In other implementations, the first set ofapertures726can number2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11 or more apertures, and can be spaced apart along the topline, the toe and/or the sole in any manner including one or more of topline, the toe and the sole can be formed without any of the first set ofapertures726. The first set ofapertures726 can be formed in the shape of slots, and can be formed of different or varying slot lengths. Theslots726 can have a length of at least 0.125 inch and a width W within the range of 0.025 and 0.25 inch. In other implementations, the first set ofapertures726 can be formed as slots of the same length. In other implementations, the first set ofapertures726 can be formed with any combination of shapes, lengths, widths and numbers. Thefaceplate22 defines theplanar impact surface29 and the first set ofapertures726 can include forward andrearward edges774 and776. Theforward edge774 of the first set ofapertures726 can be spaced apart from theplanar impact surface29 by a distance of at least 0.030 inch. In one implementation, theforward edge774 is spaced apart from theplanar impact surface29 by a distance d within the range of 0.030 to 0.15 inch. In other implementations, theforward edge774 can be spaced part from theimpact surface29 by other dimensions outside of 0.030 to 0.15 inch.
• The at least onesecond aperture728 is rearwardly spaced apart from the first set ofapertures726 on thebody724. In another implementation, the at least onesecond aperture728 is at least twosecond apertures728 forming a second set ofapertures728. As shown inFIGS. 11-13, the at least twosecond apertures728 can be positioned on the sole738 of thebody724. In other implementations, the at least two apertures forming the second set ofapertures728 can number3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 or more second apertures. In other implementations, the at least onesecond aperture728 can be positioned on one or more of the sole738, thetoe end740 and/or thetopline742. The second set ofapertures728 can be sized, shaped and/or numbered in a manner similar to the first set ofapertures726. The first and second sets ofapertures726 and728 can have the same length, or they can variable lengths. Theapertures726 and728 can be spaced aboutfaceplate22, through each of the sole738, thetoe740 and thetopline742 of thewall736. Any combination of numbers, shapes, sizes for the first and/or second sets ofapertures726 and728 can be used and are contemplated by the present invention. In one implementation, the second set ofapertures728 can have lengths of at least 0.125, and widths within the range of 0.025 to 0.25 inch. The second set ofapertures728 can be shaped as slots or other shapes. The second set ofapertures728 can have a secondforward edge778 and a secondrearward edge780. In one implementation, the firstrearward edge776 of the first set ofapertures726 can be spaced apart from the secondforward edge778 by a distance within the range of 0.030 to 0.50 inch. In one implementation, the first and second sets ofapertures726 and728 can be extend entirely through the thickness of thewall736.
• Referring toFIG. 11, the first and second sets ofapertures726 and728 can be filled, or generally filled, by theplug30. Theplug30 as described above with respect toapertures26 and126, can also be used in association with the first and second sets ofapertures726 and728. Theplugs30 can be viewable from the outerperipheral surface737 of thewall736. Theplug30 or plugs30 have or have a hardness value that is less than the hardness value of thewall736. The golf club head ofFIG. 11 can provide a unique, aesthetically-pleasing appearance and sound upon impacting a golf ball.
• FIGS. 17 through 21 illustrate another example implementation of the present invention. Agolf club head820 is similar toheads20,120,220,320,420,620 and720 except thehead820 includes abody824 that defines first and second sets ofapertures826 and828, and at least onethird aperture830. The prior disclosure is applicable to thegolf club head820 and to other implementations as referenced below. Thebody824 supports, and is coupled to, thefaceplate22. Thebody824 includes ahosel834 comprising a hollow cylinder for receiving a tip end of a golf shaft. Thebody824 further includes awall836 extending in a loop starting and ending at thehosel834.
• Thewall836 has a first hardness value that is substantially the same as thewall36. Thewall836 includes an outerperipheral surface837, a sole838, atoe840 and atopline842. The sole838 comprises the underside of thewall836 that faces the ground when a golf ball is addressed by thehead820 during use. Thetoe840 comprises the end portion of thehead820, and thetopline842 comprises the top portion of thewall836 opposite the sole838. Thefaceplate22 and thewall836 define aback cavity846. Abadge850 can be placed within theback cavity846 rearward of thefaceplate22.
• Thewall836 defines the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828, and the at least onethird aperture830. As best shown inFIG. 17, the first set ofapertures826 extend about afirst plane870, the second set ofapertures828 extend about asecond plane872, and the at least onethird aperture830 extends about athird plane874. The first andsecond planes870 and872 extend through each of the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828, respectively, and thethird plane874 extends through the at least onethird aperture830. Any two, or all three, of the first, second andthird planes870,872 and874 can be parallel to each other. In one implementation, as shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, the first, second andthird planes870,872 and874 are all parallel to each other. The second set ofapertures828 is rearwardly spaced apart from the first set ofapertures826 on thebody824, and the at least onethird aperture830 is rearwardly spaced apart from the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828. The first andsecond planes870 and872 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance, D₁, and the second andthird planes872 and874 can be spaced apart from each other by a distance, D₂. The first andthird planes870 and874 are spaced apart by a distance D₃, which can be within the range of 0.100 to 0.600 inch. In one implementation, the distance D₁and the distance D₂can each be within the range of 0.010 to 0.50 inch. In other implementations, the distances D1 and D2 can be within the range of 0.060 to 0.400 inch. In one implementation, the distances D1 and D2 can be substantially the same. In other implementations, the distances D1 and D2 can be different. In other implementations, two, or all three, of the first, second and third planes may be angled with respect to each other. In other implementations, one, two or all three of the first, second andthird planes870,872 and874 can be parallel to the generallyplanar impact surface29. In other implementations, one, two or all three of the first, second andthird planes870,872 and874 may be angled with respect to the generallyplanar impact surface29 within the range of 1 to 10 degrees.
• As shown inFIGS. 17 and 18, in one implementation, the first set ofapertures826 can be a set of three apertures extending along thefirst plane870, the second set ofapertures828 can be a pair of apertures extending along thesecond plane872, and the at least onethird aperture830 can be a single aperture extending along thethird plane874. The first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 are all defined by, or positioned within, the sole838. In one implementation, thetopline842 and thetoe840 are all formed without the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828, and without thethird aperture830. In this implementation, the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 are only positioned on the sole of thebody824. In other implementations, one or more of the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 can be formed on the toe and/or on the topline of thebody824. The slots formed by the first and/or second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 can have a length within the range of 0.125 inch to 3.0 inches, and a width W within the range of 0.030 and 0.100 inch. In other implementations, the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 can be formed as slots of the same length. In other implementations, the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 and thethird aperture830 can be formed with any combination of shapes, lengths, widths and numbers. Thefaceplate22 defines theplanar impact surface29 and the first set ofapertures826 can include forward andrearward edges876 and878. Theforward edge876 of the first set ofapertures826 can be spaced apart from theplanar impact surface29 by a distance of at least 0.030 inch.
• In other implementations, the number of apertures within the first andsecond sets826 and828, and within the at least onethird aperture830 can all have other numbers of apertures. The first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 can be formed in the shape of slots, and can be formed of different or varying slot lengths. Any combination of numbers, shapes, sizes for the first and/or second sets ofapertures826 and828, and the at least one third aperture can be used and are contemplated by the present invention. The second set ofapertures828 can have a secondforward edge880 and a secondrearward edge882. In one implementation, the firstrearward edge878 of the first set ofapertures826 can be spaced apart from the secondforward edge880 by a distance within the range of 0.030 to 0.50 inch. In one implementation, the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 can be extend entirely through the thickness of thewall736.
• The first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 can be filled, or generally filled, by theplug30. In one implementation, the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 can be at least 80 percent filled by theplug30. Theplug30 as described above with respect toapertures26,126 and726, can also be used in association with the first and second sets ofapertures826 and828, and the at least onethird aperture830. Theplugs30 can be viewable from the outerperipheral surface837 of thewall836. Theplug30 or plugs30 have or have a hardness value that is less than the hardness value of thewall836. InFIG. 17, one of the apertures (one of the apertures of the second set of apertures828) is shown with theplug30 filling theaperture828. The remainingapertures826,828 and830 are shown without a plug, however, in the completedclub head820 all of theapertures826,828 and830 are filled withplugs30. Theplugs30 can be separate pieces of material. In other implementations two or more plugs can be formed as a single piece of fill material. The golf club head ofFIG. 17 can provide a unique, aesthetically-pleasing appearance and sound upon impacting a golf ball. In one implementation, the plug can be formed of a urethane. In another implementation, theplug30 can be formed of a metal-infused or metal impregnated urethane. When theplugs30 are formed of a metal-infused urethane, the mass and/or density of the elastomer forming theplugs30 contributes to lowering the center of gravity of theclub head824. In other implementations, theplug30 or plugs30 can be formed of other resilient materials, such as other polymeric materials, other thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials and combinations thereof.
• The first and second sets ofapertures826 and828 can be elongate slots arranged in an end-to-end manner about the first andsecond planes870 and872, respectively. The first set ofapertures826 can be a set of three apertures with first andsecond portions836aand836bof thewall836 separating or spacing apart the threeapertures826. The second set ofapertures828 can be a pair of elongated slots separated by athird portion836cof thewall836. The pair of apertures of the second set ofapertures828 can overlie the first andsecond portions836aand836bspacing apart the three apertures of the first set ofapertures826 when viewing the sole838 of theclub head820 from a rearmost surface of thebody824 toward theface plate22 of theclub head820. Similarly, thethird aperture830 can be positioned so as to overlie thethird portion836cspacing apart the pair of apertures of the second set ofapertures828 when viewing the sole838 of theclub head820 from a rearmost surface of thebody824 toward theface plate22 of theclub head820.
• FIGS. 22 through 27 illustrate another example implementation of the present invention. Agolf club head920 is similar toheads20,120,220,320,420,620,720 and820 except thehead920 includes abody924 that defines first and second sets ofapertures926 and928. The prior disclosure is applicable to thegolf club head920 and to other implementations as referenced below. Thebody924 supports, and is coupled to, thefaceplate22. Thebody924 includes ahosel934 comprising a hollow cylinder for receiving a tip end of a golf shaft. Thebody924 further includes awall936 extending in a loop starting and ending at thehosel934. Thewall936 has a first hardness value that is substantially the same as thewall936. Thewall936 includes an outerperipheral surface937, a sole938, atoe940, atopline942, aheel944 and arear wall portion946. Therear wall portion946 upwardly extends from the rear portion of sole938. Therear wall portion946 extends from theheel944 to thetoe940 and curves forward. In one implementation, therear wall portion946 can have a V-shape or V-shaped indentation that increases the stiffness of the club head910. The sole938, therear wall portion946 and thefaceplate22 definelower cavity948 that is continuous with aback cavity950 defined by thewall936 and thefaceplate22. Abadge952 can be placed within theback cavity950 rearward of thefaceplate22 and above thelower cavity948. In alternative implementation, thebadge952 can extend over a majority of the back surface of thefaceplate22 and into thelower cavity948.
• Thewall936 defines the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928. As best shown inFIG. 23, the first set ofapertures926 extend about a first plane970, and the second set ofapertures928 extend about a second plane972. The first and second planes970 and972 extend through each of the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928, respectively. In one implementation, the first and second planes970 and972 are parallel. The second set ofapertures928 is rearwardly spaced apart from the first set ofapertures926 on thebody924. In other implementations, the first and second planes may be angled with respect to each other. In other implementations, the apertures can be randomly positioned along the sole of the wall.
• The first set ofapertures926 can be a set of three apertures extending along the first plane970, and the second set ofapertures928 can be a pair of apertures extending along the second plane972. The first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 are all defined by, or positioned within, the sole938. In one implementation, thetopline942 and thetoe940 are all formed without the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928. In this implementation, the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 are only positioned on the sole of thebody924. In other implementations, one or more of the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 can be formed on the toe and/or on the topline of thebody924. The slots formed by the first and/or second sets ofapertures926 and928 can have lengths L₁and L₂, and widths W₁and W₂, respectively. The lengths L₁and L₂can be within the range of 0.125 inch to 3.0 inches, and the widths W₁and W₂can be within the range of 0.030 and 0.100 inch. The lengths of the first set ofapertures926 can be the same or they can vary from one to another. For example, the center aperture of the first set ofapertures926 can be longer than the two apertures of the first set ofapertures926 positioned on each end of the center aperture, and the pair of apertures of the second set ofapertures928 can have substantially the same length. In other implementations, the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 can be formed with any combination of shapes, lengths, widths and numbers.
• Referring toFIGS. 26 and 27, in one implementation, thelower cavity948 is continuous with the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928, and the lower cavity and the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 are filled with afill material960. In one implementation, the fill material is a urethane. In other implementations, thefill material960 can be a metal-infused or metal impregnated urethane, other polymeric materials, other thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials and combinations thereof. Thefill material960 has a second hardness value measured on a Shore C hardness scale within the range of 14 to 90. The second hardness value is lower (or softer) than the first hardness value.
• Thefill material960 substantially fills the first andsecond apertures926 and928, and thelower cavity948 such that thefill material960 is viewable through the first andsecond apertures926 and928 from the outerperipheral surface937 of thewall936. In one implementation, the top surface of thefill material960 may also be visible from theback cavity950. In other implementations, thebadge952 can be positioned within theback cavity950 so as to obscure or cover some or all of the top surface of thefill material960 from view when viewing theclub head920 from the rear.
• The first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 can be elongate slots arranged in an end-to-end manner about the first and second planes970 and972, respectively. The first set ofapertures926 can be a set of three apertures with first andsecond portions936aand936bof thewall936 separating or spacing apart the threeapertures926. The second set ofapertures928 can be a pair of elongated slots separated by athird portion936cof thewall936. The pair of apertures of the second set ofapertures928 can overlie the first andsecond portions936aand936bspacing apart the three apertures of the first set ofapertures926 when viewing the sole938 of theclub head920 from a rearmost surface of thebody924 toward theface plate22 of theclub head920.
• Referring toFIGS. 28 and 29, the size, shape, number and position of the first and second sets ofapertures926 and928 can be optimized through use of dynamic modeling and impact analysis. A dynamic model simulating the impact of agolf ball90 with the faceplate of a golf club head having a plurality of apertures in the sole of the club head was performed. The model simulated thegolf ball90 impacting the clubhead at an incoming velocity of 95 mph at first and second impact positions. The first impact position being located at the center of thefaceplate22 of the club head and the second impact position being located 0.5 inch away from the first impact location toward the toe of the club head. The dynamic analysis analyzed the simulated ball exit velocity for impacts at first and second impact locations. The analysis included hundreds of iterations in which several aperture and club head body specifications were varied. For example, the length L1, the width W1 and a spacing L3 between two adjacent apertures of the set of threefirst apertures926, and the length L2, the width W2, and the spacing L4 of the pair of second apertures of the second set ofapertures928 were varied. The analysis also varied the rearward spacing S1 from theplanar impact surface29 of thefaceplate22 to the first set ofapertures926, and the rearward spacing S2 of the second set ofapertures928 from the first set ofapertures926.
• The dynamic analysis generates exit velocities of thegolf ball90 at the first and second impact location for the large number of club head iterations in which the dimensions L1 through L4, W1, W2, S1 and S2 were varied. The resulting data is then utilized to optimize the selection of each of these dimensions and the overall size, shape and position of the first and second sets of apertures within the body of the club head.FIG. 29 is a representation of an example set of iterations of the design of theclub head920 from the dynamic modeling and impact analysis. The dynamic analysis is also used to assess the sound emanating from the club head upon impact. In one implementation, the values of L1 through L4, W1, W2, S1 and S2 were as indicated below.

• Dimension	Value (inch)	Range (inch)
  L1	0.900	0.400-1.100
  L2	0.830	0.400-1.100
  L3	0.160	0.070-0.250
  L4	0.200	0.070-0.250
  W1	0.090	0.060-0.120
  W2	0.090	0.060-0.120
  S1	0.080	0.060-0.120
  S2	0.090	0.060-0.120

• In other implementations, other values of L1 through L4, W1, W2, S1 and S2 can be used. For example, L1 through L4, W1, W2, S1 and S2 can be within the ranges specified above.
• FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate two embodiments of golf club heads with first and second sets of apertures resulting from dynamic modeling and impact analysis simulating the impact of agolf ball90 with the faceplate of a golf club head having a plurality of apertures in the sole of the club head.FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate embodiments of agolf club head1020 in which a first set ofapertures1026 is a pair of apertures, and a second set of apertures is asingle aperture1028. The club head embodiments ofFIGS. 30 and 31 are substantially similar to the golf club head embodiment ofFIGS. 22 through 27, except the number of apertures in the first and second sets of apertures is different.
• Similar to the club head ofFIGS. 22 through 27, a lower cavity of theclub head1020, like theclub head920, can be continuous with the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028. The lower cavity and the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 are filled with afill material1060, which is substantially same as thefill material960. In one implementation, thefill material1060 is a urethane. In other implementations, thefill material1060 can be a metal-infused or metal impregnated urethane, other polymeric materials, other thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials and combinations thereof. Thefill material1060 substantially fills the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028, and the lower cavity, such that thefill material1060 is viewable through the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 from the outerperipheral surface937 of awall1024 of theclub head1020. Thewall1024 has a first hardness value and thefill material1060 has a second hardness value. The second hardness value is less than the first hardness value.
• The first set ofapertures1026 are a pair of apertures extend through the sole of theclub head1020 and are positioned end to end and define the first plane770 (seeFIG. 13) that is substantially parallel to the bottom edge of theface plate22 of the club head. Thesecond aperture1028 is a single elongate aperture that extends through theclub head1020 from the bottom surface of theclub head1020 to the lower cavity of theclub head1020. Thesecond aperture1028 defines the second plane772 (seeFIG. 13) that is substantially parallel to thefirst plane770 defined by the first set ofapertures1026. Thesecond aperture1028 is positioned rearward of the first set ofaperture1026. Thesecond aperture1028 is positioned so as to overlie at least a portion of each of the two apertures of the first set ofapertures1026, when viewing the sole of theclub head1020 from a rearmost surface of the body toward the face plate of theclub head1020.
• Theclub head1020 includes thebody1024 that defines the first set ofapertures1026 and the at least onesecond aperture1028. Thebody1024 further includes thewall936 extending in a loop starting and ending at thehosel934. Thebody1024 is coupled to theface plate22. Thewall936 has a first hardness value that is substantially the same as thewall936. Thewall936 includes the outerperipheral surface937, the sole938, thetoe940, thetopline942, theheel944 and therear wall portion946. Therear wall portion946 upwardly extends from the rear portion of the sole938. Therear wall portion946 extends from theheel944 to thetoe940 and curves forward. The sole938, therear wall portion946 and thefaceplate22 define thelower cavity948 that is continuous with theback cavity950 defined by thewall936 and thefaceplate22. Thebadge952 can be placed within theback cavity950 rearward of thefaceplate22 and above thelower cavity948. In alternative implementation, thebadge952 can extend over a majority of the back surface of thefaceplate22 and into thelower cavity948. The first set ofapertures1026 extend through thewall936 from the peripheralouter surface937 to thelower cavity948 and are continuous with thelower cavity948. The first set of apertures extend about the first plane770 (FIG. 13). The at least onesecond aperture1028 extends through thewall936 from the peripheralouter surface937 to thelower cavity948 and is continuous with thelower cavity948. Thesecond aperture1028 extends about thesecond plane772. The first andsecond planes770 and772 (seeFIG. 13) are substantially parallel to each other. The first andsecond planes770 and772 are substantially parallel to a lower edge of thefaceplate22.
• The first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 are elongate slots. The first set ofapertures1026 is arranged in an end-to-end manner about thefirst plane770. The first set ofapertures1026 are two apertures with afirst portion1040 of thewall936 separating the two apertures of the first set ofapertures1026. Thesecond aperture1028 overlies thefirst portion1040 when viewing the sole938 of theclub head1020 from a rearmost surface of thebody1024 toward theface plate22 of theclub head1020. Thesecond aperture1028 overlies thefirst portion1040, and at least a portion of each of the two apertures of the first set ofapertures1026, when viewing the sole938 of theclub head1020 from a rearmost surface of thebody1024 toward theface plate22 of theclub head1020.
• The width of the first set of apertures and the width of the second aperture are within the range of 0.060 to 0.120 inch. In one implementation, the width of the first set of apertures and the width of the second aperture are within the range of 0.080 to 0.100 inch. The length of each of the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 is within the range of 0.3 inch to 1.5 inches. In one implementation, the length of one of the two apertures of the first set ofapertures1028 is within the range of 0.7 inch to 1.4 inches, and wherein the length of the other of the two apertures of the first set ofapertures1028 is within the range of 0.3 to 1.0 inch. In one implementation, the length of thesecond aperture1028 can be within the range 0.9 inch to 1.5 inches. The first set ofapertures1026 are arranged end to end and extend along thefirst plane770. In one implementation, the first set ofapertures1026 is two apertures, and the distance separating the two apertures of the first set ofaperture1026 is within the range of 0.100 and 0.400 inch. The distance separating the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 measured in a direction from theface plate22 to the rearmost surface of thebody1024 is within the range of 0.080 to 0.150 inch. In one implementation, the distance separating the first set ofapertures1026 and thesecond aperture1028 measured in a direction from theface plate22 to the rearmost surface of thebody1024 is within the range of 0.100 to 0.130 inch.
• Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example implementations, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example implementations may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example implementations or in other alternative implementations. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example implementations and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims (15)

What is claimed is:

1. An iron-type golf club head comprising:

a body having a wall extending about an opening, the wall having an outer peripheral surface, a sole, a toe, a heel, a topline and a rear wall portion extending from the heel to the toe;

a faceplate coupled to the body across the opening, the wall and the faceplate defining a rearward-facing back cavity, the sole, the rear wall portion and the faceplate defining a lower cavity that is continuous with the back cavity;

a first set of apertures extending through the wall from the peripheral outer surface to the lower cavity and being continuous with the lower cavity, the first set of apertures extending about a first plane;

a second aperture extending through the wall from the peripheral outer surface to the lower cavity and being continuous with the lower cavity, the second aperture extending about a second plane, each of the first set of apertures and the second aperture being continuous with the lower cavity, the fill material substantially filling the first set of apertures and the second aperture, the first and second planes being substantially parallel to each other; and

a fill material substantially filling the lower cavity and the first set of apertures and the second aperture.

2. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first set of apertures and the second aperture are continuous with the lower cavity, and wherein the fill material substantially fills the first set of apertures and the second aperture.

3. The golf club head ofclaim 1, further including a badge positioned within the back cavity rearward of the faceplate.

4. The golf club head ofclaim 3, wherein the badge is positioned above the fill material.

5. The golf club ofclaim 1, wherein the fill material is a metal-infused urethane.

6. The golf club ofclaim 1, wherein the fill material is selected from the group consisting of a urethane, a metal-infused urethane, other polymeric materials, other thermoplastic materials and combinations thereof.

7. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the wall has a first hardness value, wherein the fill material has a second hardness value, and wherein the second hardness value is less than the first hardness value.

8. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second planes are substantially parallel to a lower edge of the faceplate.

9. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the first set of apertures and the second aperture are elongate slots, wherein the first set of apertures are arranged in an end-to-end manner about the first plane, and wherein the first set of apertures are two apertures with a first portion of the wall separating the two apertures of the first set of apertures. wherein the second aperture overlies the first portion when viewing the sole of the club head from a rearmost surface of the body toward the face plate of the club head.

10. The golf club head ofclaim 9, wherein the second aperture overlies the first portion, and at least a portion of each of the two apertures of the second set of apertures, when viewing the sole of the club head from a rearmost surface of the body toward the face plate of the club head.

11. The golf club head ofclaim 1 wherein the width of the first set of apertures is within the range of 0.060 to 0.120 inch, and wherein the width of the second aperture is within the range of 0.060 to 0.120 inch.

12. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the length of each of the first set of apertures and the second aperture is within the range of 0.3 inch to 1.5 inches.

13. The golf club head ofclaim 1 wherein the length of one of the two apertures of the first set of apertures is within the range of 0.7 inch to 1.4 inches, and wherein the length of the other of the two apertures of the first set of apertures is within the range of 0.3 to 1.0 inch.

14. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the length of the second aperture is within the range 0.9 inch to 1.5 inches.

15. The golf club head ofclaim 1, wherein the first set of apertures is two apertures arranged end to end along the first plane, and wherein the distance separating the two apertures of the first set of aperture is within the range of 0.100 and 0.400 inch.

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