US011266886B2

( 12 ) Stokke
Unitedet alStates
.
Patent ( 10 ) Patent No.: US 11,266,886 B2
(45 ) Date of Patent : Mar. 8. 2022
( 54 ) GOLF CLUB HEADS WITH TRENCH ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
FEATURES AND RELATED METHODS CPC A63B 53/0466 ; A63B 53/04 ; A63B 53/045 ;
A63B 5370462 , A63B 53/0437 ; A63B
( 71 ) Applicant: KARSTEN MANUFACTURING 53/0433
CORPORATION , Phoenix , AZ (US ) See application file for complete search history.
( 72 ) Inventors: Ryan M. Stokke , Anthem , AZ (US ); ( 56 ) References Cited
Martin R. Jertson , Cave Creek , AZ U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(US ) ; Brandon L. Fossum , Phoenix ,
AZ (US ) 1,133,129 A 3/1915 Govan
3,606,327 A 9/1971 Gorman
( 73 ) Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation , 5,492,327 A 2/1996 Biafore, Jr.
Phoenix , AZ (US ) 6,193,614
6,210,290
B1
B1
2/2001
4/2001
Sasamoto et al .
Erickson et al .
6,348,013 B1 2/2002 Kosmatka
( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6,368,232 B1 4/2002 Hamada et al .
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 7,211,006 B2 5/2007 Chang
U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 28 days. 7,226,366 B2 6/2007 Galloway
7,294,064 B2 11/2007 Tsurumaki et al .
( 21 ) Appl. No .: 16 /984,795 7,297,072 B2 11/2007 Meyer et al .
7,318,782 B2 1/2008 Imamoto et al .
(22 ) Filed : Aug. 4 , 2020 7,344,452 B2 3/2008 Imamoto et al .
7,347,795 B2 * 3/2008 Yamagishi A63B 53/0466
Prior Publication Data 473/345
(65 ) 7,438,649 B2 * 10/2008 Ezaki A63B 53/0466
US 2020/0360773 A1 Nov. 19 , 2020 473/345
7,470,201 B2 12/2008 Nakahara et al.
7,500,924 B2 3/2009 Yokota
Related U.S. Application Data 7,549,933 B2 6/2009 Kumamoto
( 63 ) Continuation of application No. 15 / 209,061 , filed on (Continued )
Jul. 13 , 2016 , now Pat . No. 10,729,945 , which is a FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
continuation of application No. 14 /043,735 , filed on
Oct. 1 , 2013 , now Pat. No. 9,403,070 . JP 2002052099 2/2002
JP 2003093554 4/2003
( 51 ) Int . Ci . Primary Examiner William M Pierce
A63B 53/04 ( 2015.01 )
(52) U.S. CI. (57 ) ABSTRACT
CPC A63B 5370466 (2013.01 ) ; A63B 53/04 Golf club heads with trench features are described herein .
( 2013.01 ) ; A63B 53/045 (2020.08 ) ; A63B Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed
53/0433 ( 2020.08 ) ; A63B 5370437 ( 2020.08 ) ; herein .
A63B 53/0462 (2020.08 ) ; Y10T 29/49826
(2015.01 ) 20 Claims , 9 Drawing Sheets

3311 33292350 1000

3321
4620 1110
4610 4630
1 33124
3311 2320 2310
4640
1
3900 3313
2300
3312 +3150
3313

1120
1150 1100

12200
3212 2250
4530 1131
2200 2253 2252 -2251 2254
4510 1160
3211 12000
1130 -3213 2210
3212 3211 2220 1121
4126
1.4225 -2250 1130 12210
4520 -4223
1100
4540 4222 4123
4126
32211 3229 - 4122 -1120
4125
 US 11,266,886 B2
Page 2

( 56 ) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
7,582,024 B2 9/2009 Shear
7,632,196 B2 12/2009 Reed et al.
7,857,711 B2 12/2010 Shear
8,235,844 B2 8/2012 Albertsen et al .
8,241,143 B2 8/2012 Albertsen et al .
8,241,144 B2 8/2012 Abertsen et al .
8,328,659 B2 12/2012 Shear
8,403,771 B1 3/2013 Rice et al .
8,517,860 B2 8/2013 Albertsen et al.
8,657,703 B2 2/2014 Wada et al .
8,845,454 B2 9/2014 Boyd et al .
8,900,069 B2 12/2014 Beach et al .
8,986,133 B2 3/2015 Bennett et al .
9,011,267 B2 4/2015 Burnett et al .
9,403,070 B2 * 8/2016 Stokke A63B 53/0466
9,421,434 B2 * 8/2016 Takagi A63B 60/50
10,322,322 B2 * 6/2019 Frame A63B 60/54
10,806,978 B2 * 10/2020 Golden A63B 53/06
10,843,046 B2 * 11/2020 Bennett A63B 53/04
2002/0137576 A1 9/2002 Dammen
2003/0114244 A1 6/2003 Matsunaga
2004/0192463 Al 9/2004 Tsurumaki et al .
2006/0052177 A1 * 3/2006 Nakahara A63B 53/0466
473/329
2007/0026961 A1 2/2007 Hou
2007/0117648 A1 5/2007 Yokota
2011/0021284 Al 1/2011 Stites et al .
2012/0142447 Al 6/2012 Boyd et al .
2012/0142452 A1 6/2012 Burnett et al .
2012/0270676 Al 10/2012 Burnett et al .
2012/0277029 A1 11/2012 Albertsen et al .
2012/0277030 A1 11/2012 Albertsen et al .
2013/0102408 A1 4/2013 Shear
2013/0184100 A1 7/2013 Burnett et al .
2014/0228148 A1 8/2014 Soracco
* cited by examiner
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 1 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

1172
1132
1100 [ + 1110
IV 1111
1130 1170
1133
1150
"

I
= --- many C U

11 !!
= ll U U
> 11 Il U

U ---- -- U Il
III U = 1
U
C = U
III
U --- == ?

1131 ( 1180 1160

1500
1000 IV -1120
1121
Fig. 11
1110
1100
2140

2300 1111
2310
23202350
1150

1170
Star

1131 1160

-1180 1000
2200
2210
2250 1120 1121
2220
1130
Fig .22
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 2 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

2140
1100

3150

1000
1150 - 1120 1121
2250
2200 3229 2252 3221
1172
2253
2254 C
-3172
1160

1130 2210 2220

2251 32121
3135 3213 3211
1131

3900

Fig .33
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 3 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

4
. 10 0
Fig 3150
1 10 1111 1 21 10 1 20
23503 21 2310
-2 50 - 41 23 412
3 29 2320 230 20
2 10 32 9
3 12 3 13 3212
3211
2220 4125
3311
'
-3213 32 1
390 4126
1131 1 30

142 5 42 3
31 4640 321 42 2
I
4620 4530
1 3 13 4540
3212 4510
4630 3 12 4520
4126
4610
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 4 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

1100
1131
-5910

-3900

1000 1120 2250 -2200

Fig.5

1100
1131
-6920

-3900

1000 1120 À
2250
6930
2200

Fig. 6
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 5 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

2300
1110
1100
1131
-7910
2350

-3900

1000

Fig. 77
2300
1110
1100
1131
-8920
2350

3900
8930
1000

Fig .88
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 6 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

1100
9810

2200
2250
1132
1000

9910 1131 1133 Fig . 9

3900

9810 -1100

2200
1132 -2250

10930 1133 1000

-1131

10920 Fig. 10
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 7 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

1120
1150
1100

11200
2250
2253 2252 2251 2254
1160

P 11000
1130 11210
Fig. 11

1120
1150 -
1100

12200
2250
2253 2252 2251 2254
1160
12000

1130 12210
Fig. 12
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 8 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

1120
1150
1100
13200
13212 13213 2252 13214
2253
" les 2254
1160

1130 ? 2251 2250 13211

13210
Fig. 13
13000

1120
1150
1100

14200
2250
2253 2252 2251 2254
14212
?? 1160
14000

1130 14210
14211
Fig. 14
U.S. Patent Mar. 8 , 2022 Sheet 9 of 9 US 11,266,886 B2

PROVIDING A BODY OF A GOLF CLUB HEAD -15100

PROVIDING A TRENCH FEATURE AT A BODY SECTION OF THE BODY , -15200

THE BODY SECTION COMPRISING ONE OF A SOLE OR A CROWN OF THE BODY

15210 PROVIDING AN INNER TRENCH SECTION COMPRISING A TRENCH

15220 PROVIDING A REINFORCEMENT STRUCTURE PROTRUDED FROM THE

BODY SECTION AND BOUNDING THE INNER TRENCH SECTION

15000
Fig. 15
 US 11,266,886 B2
1 2
GOLF CLUB HEADS WITH TRENCH FIG . 10 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG .
FEATURES AND RELATED METHODS 1 upon decompression of the trench , following the compres
sion thereof shown in FIG . 9 .
CROSS REFERENCE FIG . 11 illustrates a top a cross -sectional bottomward
5 view of another golf club with a corresponding trench
This is aa continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. feature.
15 /209,061 , filed on Jul. 13 , 2016 , and issued as U.S. Pat. view FIG . 12 illustrates a top a cross - sectional bottomward
No. 10,729,945 on Aug. 4 , 2020 , which is aa continuation of featureof. another golf club with a corresponding trench
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 /043,735 , filed on Oct. 1 , 10 FIG . 13 illustrates a top a cross - sectional bottomward
2013 , and issued as U.S. Pat . No. 9,403,070 on Aug.2 , 2016 ,
the entire contents of which are fully incorporated herein by view of another golf club with a corresponding trench
feature .
reference. FIG . 14 illustrates a top a cross - sectional bottomward
TECHNICAL FIELD view of another golf club with a corresponding trench
15 feature .
The present disclosure generally relates to golf equipment FIG . 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method for providing
and, more particularly, to golf club heads with trench fea a golf club head with a trench feature in accordance with
tures and related methods.
examples and embodiments of the present disclosure .
For simplicity and clarity of illustration , the drawing
BACKGROUND 20 figures illustrate the general manner of construction , and
descriptions and details of well - known features and tech
niques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the
Modern wood - type golf club heads have been developed other relevant features or techniques. Additionally, elements
to accentuate or improve the performance thereof, such as by in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale . For
removing or rearranging mass to desired locations to adjust 25 example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the
the location of the club head's center of gravity, and / or by figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help
introducing one or more elements, such as a slot , to adjust improve understanding of embodiments of the present dis
strikeface response for better golf launch characteristics . closure . The same reference numerals in different figures
Such improvements, however, have to be balanced with the denote the same elements .
ability of the golf club head to withstand appropriate impact 30 The terms “ first , ” “ second , ” “ third ,” “ fourth , " and the like
stresses without structural degradation or failures . in the description and in the claims , if any, are used for
Considering the above , further developments with respect distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily
to reinforcing appropriate golf club features may enhance for describing a particular sequential or chronological order.
the performance of golf clubs while maintaining sufficient 35 Itableis tounderbe understood that the terms so used are interchange
appropriate circumstances such that the embodi
structural integrity thereof. ments described herein are, for example, capable of opera
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS tion in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise
described herein . Furthermore, the terms " include," and
The present disclosure will be better understood from a 40 non “ have , ” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a
reading of the following detailed description of examples of tem ,-exclusivearticle,
inclusion , such that a process, method, sys
device , or apparatus that comprises a list of
embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but
figures in the drawings. may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent
FIG . 1 illustrates aa front view of golf a club head . to such process , method , system , article, device , or appara
FIG . 2 illustrates a front side perspective X -ray view of 45 tus .
the golf club head of FIG . 1 , showing exemplary trench The terms “ left, " " right," " front, ” “ back ," " top , ” “ bot
> >

features thereof. tom , ” “ over, ” “ under ,” and the like in the description and in
FIG . 3 illustrates a cross - sectional bottomward view of the claims , if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not
the golf club head of FIG . 1 along line III - III thereof. necessarily for describing permanent relative positions . It is
FIG . 4 illustrates a cross - sectional heelward view of the 50 to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable
golf club head of FIG . 1 along line IV - IV thereof. under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments
FIG . 5 illustrates a side view of the golf club head of FIG . of the invention described herein are , for example , capable
1 during initial impact of a golf ball , showing in how a of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or
trench at the sole thereof is compressed by such impact. otherwise described herein .
FIG . 6 illustrates a side view the golf club head of FIG . 55 The terms “ couple,” “ coupled," " couples,” “ coupling , "
1 upon decompression of the trench at the sole , following the and the like should be broadly understood and refer to
compression thereof shown in FIG . 5 . connecting two or more elements, mechanically or other
FIG . 7 illustrates a side view of the golf club head of FIG . wise . Coupling may be for any length of time , e.g. , perma
1 during initial impact of the golf ball , showing in how a nent or semi-permanent or only for an instant . The absence
trench at the crown thereof is compressed by such impact. 60 of the word " removably,” “ removable , ” and the like near the
FIG . 8 illustrates a side view the golf club head of FIG . word " coupled , " and the like does not mean that the cou
1 upon decompression of the trench at the crown , following pling , etc. in question is or is not removable .
the compression thereof shown in FIG . 7 . As defined herein , two or more elements are “ integral ” if
FIG . 9 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG . they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined
1 during initial impact of the golf ball at a toe strikeface 65 herein , two or more elements are “ non - integral” if each is
portion, showing in how a trench thereof is compressed by comprised of a different piece of material . In addition ,
such impact at its toe portion . orthogonality of a line , with respect to a curved line or
 US 11,266,886 B2
3 4
surface, is measured relative to a straight line or flat surface an inner trench section comprising a trench , and aa reinforce
tangent to such curved line or surface . ment structure protruded from the body section and bound
ing the inner trench section . The reinforcement structure can
DESCRIPTION comprise a reinforcement inner perimeter adjacent to the
5 inner trench section , a reinforcement outer perimeter oppo
In one example, a golf club head can comprise a body and site the reinforcement inner perimeter and a reinforcement
a trench feature at a body section of the body. The body can peak protruded between the reinforcement inner perimeter
comprise a sole , a crown , a body heel end, a body toe end, and the reinforcement outer perimeter. The body section can
a body front end, and a body rear end . The body section can comprise a body section exterior surface defining an exterior
comprise at least one of the sole or the crown . The trench 10 body contour of the body section, and a minimum outer
feature can comprise an inner trench section comprising a thickness, located outside the reinforcement outer perimeter,
trench , and a reinforcement structure protruded from the and measured orthogonal to the exterior body contour. The
body section and bounding the inner trench section . The trench feature can comprise aa reinforcement thickness mea
reinforcement structure can comprise a reinforcement inner sured, orthogonal to the exterior body contour, from the
perimeter adjacent to the inner trench section , a reinforce- 15 reinforcement peak to the exterior body contour, and a
ment outer perimeter opposite the reinforcement inner reinforcement girth measured , orthogonal to the reinforce
perimeter and a reinforcement peak protruded between the ment thickness, between the reinforcement inner perimeter
reinforcement inner perimeter and the reinforcement outer and the reinforcement outer perimeter. The reinforcement
perimeter. The body section can comprise a body section structure can protrude past the minimum outer thickness .
exterior surface defining an exterior body contour of the 20 The reinforcement structure can protrude past the inner
body section , and a minimum outer thickness, located out- trench section . The reinforcement girth can be at least
side the reinforcement outer perimeter, and measured approximately 1.5 times greater than the minimum outer
orthogonal to the exterior body contour. The trench feature thickness.
can comprise a reinforcement thickness measured , orthogo- Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed
nal to the exterior body contour, from the reinforcement 25 herein . Such examples and embodiments may be found in
peak to the exterior body contour, and a reinforcement girth the figures, in the claims , and / or in the present description .
measured , orthogonal to the reinforcement thickness, FIG . 1 illustrates aa front view of golf club head 1000. FIG .
between the reinforcement inner perimeter and the rein- 2 illustrates a front side perspective X - ray view of golf club
forcement outer perimeter. The reinforcement structure can head 1000 , showing exemplary trench features 2200 and
protrude past the minimum outer thickness. The reinforce- 30 2300 located at head body 1100 thereof. FIG . 3 illustrates a
ment structure can protrude past the inner trench section . cross - sectional bottomward view of golf club head 1000
The reinforcement girth can be at least approximately 1.5 along line of FIG . 1. FIG . 4 illustrates a cross - sectional
times greater than the minimum outer thickness . heelward view of golf club head 1000 along line IV - IV of
In one implementation, a golf club head can comprise a FIG . 1 .
body and aa trench feature at a body section of the body. The 35 Head body 1100 comprises crown 1110 , sole 1120 , body
body can comprise a sole , a crown, a body heel end, a body heel end 1160 , body toe end 1150 , body front end 1130 , body
toe end, a body front end, and a body rear end . The body rear end 2140 , hosel 1170 , and skirt 1180 in the present
section can comprise at least one of the sole or the crown . embodiment, where body front end 1130 comprises strike
The trench feature can comprise an inner trench section face 1131 with strikeface toe portion 1132 and strikeface
comprising a trench , and a reinforcement structure protruded 40 heel portion 1133. Trench features 2200 and 2300 protrude
from the body section and bounding the inner trench section . from corresponding body sections of head body 1100 into
The reinforcement structure can comprise a reinforcement the hollow cavity of head body 1100. For example, trench
inner perimeter adjacent to the inner trench section, a features 2200 and 2300 can include trenches 2250 and 2350 ,
reinforcement outer perimeter opposite the reinforcement respectively. Furthermore, trench feature 2300 can be
inner perimeter and a reinforcement peak protruded between 45 located at body section 1111 , which comprises crown 1110 ,
the reinforcement inner perimeter and the reinforcement while trench feature 2200 can be located at body section
outer perimeter. The body section can comprise a body 1121 , which comprises sole 1120. There can be other
section exterior surface defining an exterior body contour of embodiments where trench features 2200 and /or 2300 can
the body section , and a minimum outer thickness, located extend to skirt 1180 , such that body sections 1121 and / or
outside the reinforcement outer perimeter, and measured 50 1111 can comprise skirt 1180 , as well . Although the present
orthogonal to the exterior body contour. The trench feature embodiment of club head 1000 comprises both trench fea
can comprise a reinforcement thickness measured , orthogo- ture 2300 at crown 1110 and trench feature 2200 at sole
nal to the exterior body contour, from the reinforcement 1120 , there can be other embodiments where trench feature
peak to the exterior body contour, and aa reinforcement girth 2300 at crown 1110 can be absent, or where trench feature
measured, orthogonal to the reinforcement thickness, 55 2200 at sole 1200 can be absent. There also can be other
between the reinforcement inner perimeter and the rein- embodiments with one or more trench features, that can be
forcement outer perimeter. The reinforcement structure can similar to one or more of the trench features described
protrude past the minimum outer thickness . The reinforce- herein , but protruding to an exterior of head body 1100
ment structure can protrude past the inner trench section . instead of, or in addition to , protruding into the hollow
The reinforcement thickness can be at least approximately 3 60 cavity of head body 1100 .
times greater than the minimum outer thickness. Trench features 2200 and /or 2300 can be configured to
In one implementation, a method can comprise providing alter or adjust golf ball launch characteristics upon impact of
a body of a golf club head , and providing a trench feature at strikeface 1131 with a golf ball 3900. Skipping ahead in the
a body section of the body. The body can comprise a sole , figures, FIG . 5 illustrates aa side view of golf club head 1000
a crown , a body heel end, a body toe end , a body front end , 65 during initial impact of golf ball 3900 at a lower portion of
and a body rear end . The body section can comprise at least strikeface 1131 , showing in X - ray how trench 2250 of trench
one of the sole or the crown . The trench feature can comprise feature 2200 is compressed by such impact, thereby decreas
 US 11,266,886 B2
5 6
ing the effective loft angle of golf club head 1000 and thus straighter ball flightpath. Also , due to the decompression of
decreasing the launch angle for golf ball 3900. Backspin trench 2250 , launch speed for golf ball 3900 can be
5910 is normally induced onto golf ball 3900 as a result of increased as well .
gearing effect with strikeface 1131 during impact therewith . Returning to FIGS . 1-4 , trench feature 2200 comprises
9

However, the provision of trench feature 2200 can decrease 5 inner trench section 2220 with trench 2250 , and reinforce
such backspin as seen in FIG . 6 , which illustrates aa side view ment structure 2210 bounding inner trench section 2220 and
of golf club head 1000 upon decompression of trench 2250 protruded from body section 1121 at sole 1120 in the present
following the compression thereof shown in FIG . 5. In embodiment forcement
. Reinforcement structure 2210 comprises rein
inner perimeter 3211 ( FIG . 3 ) located between
particular, as trench 2250 decompresses forward towards 10 reinforcement structure 2210 and inner trench section 2220 ,
strikeface 1131 in FIG . 6 , counterspin 6920 is induced onto and also comprises reinforcement outer perimeter 3212
golf ball 3900 , where such counterspin 6920 counteracts at located opposite reinforcement inner perimeter 3211. Rein
least a portion of backspin 5910 in FIG . 5 to thus yield forcement structure 2210 thus protrudes from body section
resulting spin 6930 with less backspin than backspin 5910 in 1121 to reinforcement peak 3213 located between reinforce
FIG . 5. Accordingly, the provision of trench feature 2200 15 ment inner perimeter 3211 and reinforcement outer perim
with trench 2250 at sole 1120 can permit lower launch eter 3212 .
angles and reduced backspin for golf ball 3900 as described In the present embodiment, strikeface 1131 is non -planar,
above with respect to FIGS . 5-6 , and due to the decompres and comprises horizontal bulge 3135 (FIG . 3 ) . Reinforce
sion of trench 2250 , launch speed for golf ball 3900 can be ment outer perimeter 3212 , trench 2250 , and /or aa front end
increased as well . 20 of reinforcement structure 2210 can be substantially parallel
FIG . 7 illustrates a side view of golf club head 1000 to strikeface 1131. Strikeface 1131 comprises non -planar
during initial impact of golf ball 3900 at an upper portion of horizontal bulge 3135 in the present embodiment, but there
strikeface 1131 , showing in X -ray how trench 2350 of trench can be other embodiments where reinforcement outer perim
feature 2300 is compressed by such impact , thereby increas- eter 3212 , trench 2250 , and / or the front end of reinforcement
ing the effective loft angle of golf club head 1000 and thus 25 structure 2210 can be substantially straight and / or aligned
increasing the launch angle for golf ball 3900. Backspin otherwise with respect to strikeface 1131 .
7910 can be similar to backspin 5910 (FIG . 5 ) , and is Turning to FIG . 4 , body section 1121 comprises body
normally induced onto golf ball 3900 as a result of gearing section exterior surface 4122 defining exterior body contour
effect with strikeface 1131 during impact therewith . How 4125 , where exterior body contour 4125 follows the contour
ever, the provision of trench feature 2300 at crown 1110 can 30 of body section 1121 along body section exterior surface
increase such backspin as seen in FIG . 8 , which illustrates a 4122 but also extrapolates segments where body section
side view of golf club head 1000 upon decompression of exterior surface 4122 is discontinuous, such as at trench
trench 2350 following the compression thereof shown in 2250. In addition , body section 1121 comprises body section
FIG . 7. In particular, as trench 2350 decompresses forward interior surface 4123 defining interior body contour 4126 ,
towards strikeface 1131 in FIG . 8 , spin 8920 is induced onto 35 where interior body contour 4126 follows the contour of
golf ball 3900 , where such spin 8920 adds to backspin 7910 body section 1121 along body section interior surface 4123 .
Body section 1121 also comprises minimum outer thick
in FIG . 7 to yield resulting spin 8930 comprising greater ness 4510 , which is located outside reinforcement outer
backspin than backspin 7910 in FIG . 7. Accordingly, the perimeter 3212 and is measured orthogonal to exterior body
provision of trench feature 2300 with trench 2350 at crown 40 contour 4125. For instance , in the present example, mini
1110 can permit greater launch angles and increased back- mum outer thickness 4510 is the minimum thickness ofbody
spin for golf ball 3900 as described above with respect to section 1121 located between body front end 1130 and a
FIGS . 7-8 , and due to the decompression of trench 2350 ,
2 front end of reinforcement outer perimeter 3212. There can
launch speed for golf ball 3900 can be increased as well . be other examples, however, where minimum outer thick
FIG . 9 illustrates a top view of golf club head 1000 during 45 ness 4510 can be the minimum thickness measured else
initial impact of golf ball 3900 at toe portion 1132 of where at body section 1121 , but still outside reinforcement
strikeface 1131 , showing in X - ray how trench 2250 of trench outer perimeter 3212 and still orthogonal to exterior body
feature 2200 is compressed by such impact at toe portion contour 4125 .
1132. The impact with golf ball 3900 induces head twist Trench feature 2200 comprises reinforcement thickness
9810 onto golf club head 1000 , which in turn induces 50 4520 and reinforcement girth 4530. Reinforcement thick
sidespin 9910 onto golf ball 3900 as a result of gearing effect ness 4520 is measured , orthogonal to exterior body contour
with strikeface 1131 during impact therewith . The compres- 4125 , throughout a thickness distance from reinforcement
sion of trench 2250 permits toe portion 1132 of strikeface peak 3213 to exterior body contour 4125. Reinforcement
1131 to further flex backwards, thus increasing accordingly girth 4530 is measured , orthogonal to reinforcement thick
the effective bulge that ball 3900 encounters from strikeface 55 ness 4520 , between reinforcement inner perimeter 3211 and
1131. The provision of trench feature 2200 can counteract at reinforcement outer perimeter 3212. In some examples,
least a portion of sidespin 9910 as seen in FIG . 10 , which reinforcement girth 4530 can be measured from reinforce
illustrates a top view of golf club head 1000 upon decom- ment inner perimeter 3211 to reinforcement outer perimeter
pression of trench 2250 following the compression thereof 3212. There also can be implementations where reinforce
shown in FIG . 9. In particular, as trench 2250 decompresses 60 ment girth 4530 can be measured by orthogonally traversing
forward towards strikeface 1131 in FIG . 10 , counterspin reinforcement thickness 4520 at a location situated at
10920 is induced onto golf ball 3900 , where such counter- approximately 1/3 of the thickness distance from reinforce
2

spin 10920 is greater due to the increased effective bulge of ment peak 3213 to exterior body contour 4125 .
strikeface 1131 afforded by trench feature 2200 , and where As can be seen in FIG . 4 , reinforcement structure 2210
2

such counterspin 10920 counteracts at least a portion of 65 protrudes past minimum outer thickness 4510 of body
sidespin 9910 in FIG . 9 to thus yield resulting spin 10930 section 1121 , and protrudes past inner trench section 2220 as
comprising less sidespin than sidespin 9910 in FIG . 9 for a well . The dimensions of reinforcement structure 2210 can
 US 11,266,886 B2
7 8
thus increase or be greater than other dimensions of body of compression of trench 2250 during impact with golf ball
section 1121 , such as to provide additional reinforcement for 3900 , and /or to position reinforcement structure 2210 for
body section 1121 in situations of mechanical stress like better absorbing or dissipating impact stresses related to
during impact of strikeface 1131 with golf ball 3900. For such impact with golf ball 3900 .
example, reinforcement structure 2210 can be configured to 5 As seen in FIGS . 3-4 , trench feature 2200 also comprises
absorb impact stresses and / or to divert impact stresses that trench cap 3229 , which is located at least partially within
could otherwise affect the structural integrity of body section trench 2250. Trench cap 3229 can seal trench 2250 , for
1121 at or proximate to trench 2250 . example, to prevent dirt from entering interior cavity 3150
Accordingly, in the present embodiment, reinforcement of golf club head 1000 and / or to comply with regulations
girth 4530 can be at least approximately 1.5 times greater 10 from one or more golf governing bodies . In some examples,
than minimum outer thickness 4510 , and /or reinforcement trench cap 3229 can comprise a material having a specific
thickness 4520 can be at least approximately 3 times greater gravity less than approximately 2 and / or a hardness of
than minimum outer thickness 4510 . approximately 90 shore A or softer. In the same or other
In the same or other embodiments, reinforcement girth examples, the material of trench cap 3229 can comprise one
4530 can be up to approximately 3 times greater than 15 or more of aa rubber material, a urethane material, and / or a
minimum outer thickness 4510 , and /or reinforcement thick- silicon material, among others.
ness 4520 can be up to approximately 6 times greater than As previously discussed above , and as shown in FIGS . 2
minimum outer thickness 4510. Such limitations in the and 4 , golf club head 1000 also comprises trench feature
maximum size of reinforcement girth 4530 and / or reinforce- 2300 at body section 1111 , where body section 1111 com
ment thickness 4520 can be relevant with respect to limiting 20 prises crown 1110 in the present embodiment. Trench fea
the movement of the center of gravity of golf club head 1000 ture 2300 is similar to trench feature 2200 , but is located at
towards front end 1130 , and / or with respect to maintaining crown 1110 rather than at sole 1120. The different elements
2

a desired total weight for golf club head 1000 . of trench features 2200 and 2300 can be correspondingly
In some examples, the dimensions of reinforcement struc- similar to each other. For example, reinforcement structure
ture 2210 can also be configured with respect to its protru- 25 2310 , reinforcement outer perimeter 3312 , reinforcement
sion relative to body section interior surface 4123 of body inner perimeter 3311 , reinforcement peak 3313 , inner trench
section 1121. For instance, trench feature 2200 comprises section 2320 , inner section wall 3321 , trench 2350 , mini
structure thickness 4540 , which is measured orthogonal to mum outer thickness 4610 , reinforcement thickness 4620 ,
exterior body contour 4125 , and extends from reinforcement reinforcement girth 4630 , structure thickness 4640 , and
peak 3212 to interior body contour 4123. In some embodi- 30 trench cap 3329 for trench feature 2300 at crown 1110 can
ments, structure thickness 4540 can be approximately 100 % be correspondingly similar to reinforcement structure 2210 ,
to approximately 500% of minimum outer thickness 4510 . reinforcement outer perimeter 3212 , reinforcement inner
In the present embodiment, inner trench section 2220 perimeter 3211 , reinforcement peak 13 , inner trench sec
comprises inner section wall 3221 that bounds trench 2250 . tion 2220 , inner section wall 3221 , trench 2250 , minimum
Interior section wall 3221 comprises wall interior surface 35 outer thickness 4510 , reinforcement thickness 4520 , rein
4223 and wall exterior surface 4222 , where wall exterior forcement girth 4530 , structure thickness 4540 , and trench
surface 4222 extends along exterior body contour 4125 and cap 3229 for trench feature 2200 at sole 1120 as described
comprises a portion of body section exterior surface 4222 . above .
Trench 2250 can extend from wall exterior surface 4222 to In the example of FIGS . 1-4 , reinforcement structure 2210
wall interior surface 4223 , such as to fully pierce through 40 continuously surrounds trench 2250 throughout trench front
inner section wall 3221. There can be other embodiments, end 2251 , trench rear end 2252 , trench toe end 2253 , and
however, where trench 2250 can stop short of fully piercing trench heel end 2254 thereof. There can be other embodi
through inner section wall 3221 . ments similar thereto , however, but with trench structure ( s )
Inner trench section 2220 comprises inner section thick- that need not fully surround trench 2250 .
ness 4225 which, in the present example, is measured 45 For instance, FIG . 11 illustrates a top a cross - sectional
orthogonal to exterior body contour 4125 across inner bottomward view of golf club head 11000 , similar to the
section wall 3221. Reinforcement girth 4530 and / or rein- perspective described above for FIG . 3. Golf club head
forcement thickness 4520 can be greater than inner section 11000 can be similar to golf club head 1000 ( FIGS . 1-10 ) ,
thickness 4225 , such as to provide additional structural but comprises trench feature 11200 with reinforcement
support therefor. For instance, reinforcement girth 4530 can 50 structure 11210 and trench 2250. Reinforcement structure
be at least approximately 4 times greater than inner section 11210 can be similar to reinforcement structure 2210 ( FIGS .
thickness 4225 , and / or reinforcement thickness 4520 can be 1-4 ) , but does not completely surround trench 2250. Instead ,
at least approximately 5 times greater than inner section reinforcement structure 11210 is located between body front
thickness 4225 in some implementations. end 1130 and trench front end 2251 , and continuously
Golf club head 1000 also comprises shaft axis 1172 ( FIG . 55 extends forward of an entirety of trench front end 2251 .
1 ) as defined by hosel 1170 (FIG . 1 ) . Shaft axis 1172 defines As another example , FIG . 12 illustrates a top a cross
shaft axis plane 3172 ( FIG . 3 ) , which comprises shaft axis sectional bottomward view of golf club head 12000 , similar
1172 and is orthogonal to ground plane 1500 ( FIG . 1 ) when to the perspective described above for FIG . 3. Golf club head
golf club head 1000 is at address over ground plane 1500 as 12000 can be similar to golf club head 1000 (FIGS . 1-10 ) ,
shown in FIG . 1. As seen in FIG . 3 , one or more, if not all , 60 but comprises trench feature 12200 with reinforcement
portions of trench feature 2200 , such as a front end of structure 12210 and trench 2250. Reinforcement structure
reinforcement structure 2210 , a front end of trench 2250 , a 12210 can be similar to reinforcement structure 2210 ( FIGS .
rear end of trench 2250 , and /or a rear end of reinforcement 1-4 ) and reinforcement structure 11210 (FIG . 11 ) , but can
structure 2210 , can be located towards body front end 1130 differ in terms of how it bounds trench 2250. For example ,
of golf club head 1000 , such as between shaft axis plane 65 reinforcement structure 12210 does not completely surround
3172 and body front end 1130. Such location proximate to trench 2250 , but does extends toward body toe end 1150 and
strikeface 1131 can be beneficial for increasing the amount body heel end 1160 and eventually towards the rear of golf
 US 11,266,886 B2
9 10
club head 12000 so that portions of reinforcement structure Block 15200 can comprise one or more sub -blocks . For
12210 are located between trench heel end 2254 and body example, sub -block 15210 involves providing a inner trench
heel end 1160 , and between trench toe end 2253 and body section of the trench feature, the trench section comprising
toe end 1150 . the trench . In some examples, the inner trench section can be
FIG . 13 presents another example illustrating a top cross- 5 similar to inner trench section 2220 ( FIGS . 2-4 ) , inner trench
sectional bottomward view of golf club head 13000 , similar section 2320 (FIGS . 2 , 4 ) , and / or to any of the inner trench
to the perspective described above for FIG . 3. Golf club head sections of the embodiments of FIGS . 11-14 . In the same or
13000 can be similar to golf club head 1000 (FIGS . 1-10 ) , other examples, the trench can be similar to trench 2250
but comprises trench feature 13200 with reinforcement 10 (FIGS . 2-6 , 9-14 ) or trench 2350 (FIGS . 2 , 4 , 7 , 8 ) . The
2

structure 13210 and trench 2250. Reinforcement structure trench can comprise an entirety of the inner trench section ,
13210 comprises several separate sections including front or can be bounded at least partially by an inner section wall
reinforcement section 13211 , and rear reinforcement sec- similar to inner section wall 3221 ( FIGS . 3-4 ) or inner
tions 13212 , 13213 , and 13214. Front reinforcement section section wall 3321 (FIG . 4 ) .
13211 and rear reinforcement sections 13212 , 13213 , and 15 Sub -block 15220 can comprise providing a reinforcement
13214 can be similar to the reinforcement sections described structure protruded from the body section and bounding the
herein with respect to FIGS . 1-12 , but can be located inner trench section . In some examples, the reinforcement
elsewhere with respect to trench 2250. For example, front structure can be similar to reinforcement structure 2210
reinforcement section 13211 is located between body front (FIGS . 2-4 ) , reinforcement structure 2310 (FIGS . 2 , 4 ) ,
end 1130 and trench front end 2251 , while rear reinforce- 20 reinforcement structure 11210 ( FIG . 11 ) , reinforcement
ment sections 13212 , 13213 , and 13214 are located between structure 12210 ( FIG . 12 ) , reinforcement structure 13210
trench rear end 2252 and the rear or golf club head 1300 . (FIG . 13 ) , reinforcement structure 14210 (FIG . 14 ) , and / or
There can be examples that can comprise more or less rear variations thereof.
reinforcement sections , however. There can be examples where different blocks of method
FIG . 14 presents another example illustrating a top a 25 15000 can be combined into a single block or performed
cross - sectional bottomward view of golf club head 14000 , simultaneously, and / or where the sequence of such blocks
similar to the perspective described above for FIG . 3. Golf can be changed. For instance, blocks 15100 and 15200 can
club head 14000 can be similar to golf club head 1000 be carried out simultaneously, such as where the trench
( FIGS . 1-10 ) , but comprises trench feature 14200 with feature is formed integral with the body of the golf club
reinforcement structure 14210 and trench 2250. Reinforce- 30 head . There can also be examples where method 15000 can
ment structure 14210 comprises front -heel reinforcement comprise further or different blocks . As an example, method
segment 14211 located between trench heel end 2254 and at 15000 can comprise another block for coupling a golf club
least one of body front end 1130 or body heel end 1160 , and shaft to a hosel of the golf club head . Other variations can
also comprises front -toe reinforcement segment 14212 be implemented for method 15000 without departing from
located between trench toe end 2253 and at least one of body 35 the scope of the present disclosure .
front end 1130 or body toe end 1150. In the present example, Although the golf club heads with trench features and
however, front -heel reinforcement segment 14211 and front- related methods herein have been described with reference
toe reinforcement segment 14212 are separated from each to specific embodiments, various changes may be made
other. For instance , reinforcement structure 14210 can be without departing from the spirit or scope of the present
absent from in front of a majority of trench front end 2251. 40 disclosure . As an example, trench features and / or reinforce
As another example, reinforcement structure 14210 can ment structures similar to the ones described herein can
comprise a reinforcement thickness similar to reinforcement protrude externally rather than , or in addition to , internally
thickness 4520 ( FIG . 4 ) , where such reinforcement thickness to the golf club head . As another example, although inner
can vary such as to be greater at front - toe reinforcement trench section 2220 is illustrated in FIGS . 3-4 herein with
segment 14212 and front -heel reinforcement segment 14211 45 inner section wall bounding trench 2250 (FIGS . 3-4 ) , there
than elsewhere. can be examples where trench 2250 can comprise an entirety
FIG . 15 illustrates a flowchart of a method 15000 for of inner trench section 2220 and / or can extend to reinforce
providing a golf club head . In some examples, the golf club ment inner perimeter 3211 , such that inner section wall 3221
head can be similar to one or more of the golf club heads and / or inner section thickness 4225 can be absent in such
previously described , such as golf club head 1000 ( FIGS . 50 implementations. In addition, although the reinforcement
1-10 ) , golf club head 11000 (FIG . 11 ) , golf club head 12000 features of FIGS . 11-14 are illustrated with respect to sole
( FIG . 12 ) , golf club head 13000 ( FIG . 13 ) , golf club head 1120 , similar reinforcement feature embodiments can be
14000 ( FIG . 14 ) , and / or variations thereof. implemented at crown 1110 instead or as well .
Block 15100 of method 15000 involves providing a body Additional examples have been given in the foregoing
of the golf club head . In some examples, the body can be 55 description . Other permutations of the different embodi
similar to body 1100 as described above with respect to the ments having one or more of the features of the various
embodiments of FIGS . 1-14 and can comprise a crown figures are likewise contemplated . Accordingly, the disclo
similar to crown 1110 ( FIGS . 1 , 2 , 4 ) and a sole similar to sure herein is intended to be illustrative and is not intended
9

sole 1120 ( FIGS . 1-4 , 11-14 ) . to be limiting . It is intended that the scope of this application
Block 15200 of method 15000 comprises providing a 60 shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended
trench feature at a body section of the body, the body section claims .
comprising one of a sole or a crown of the body. In some The golf club heads with trench features and related
examples, the trench feature can be similar to trench feature methods discussed herein may be implemented in aa variety
2200 ( FIGS . 2-6 , 9-10 ) , trench feature 2300 (FIGS . 2 , 4 , 7 , of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of
2

8 ) , trench feature 11200 (FIG . 11 ) , trench feature 12200 65 these embodiments does not necessarily represent a com
( FIG . 12 ) , trench feature 13200 (FIG . 13 ) , trench feature plete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the
14200 ( FIG . 14 ) , and / or variations thereof . detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings
 US 11,266,886 B2
11
themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and
may disclose alternative embodiments.
As the rules to golf may change from time to time ( e.g. ,
new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be
eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and / or 5
governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association
(USGA ) , the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
( R&A) , etc. ), golf equipment related to the apparatus, meth-
ods , and articles of manufacture described herein may be
conforming or non -conforming to the rules of golf at any 10
particular time . Accordingly, golf equipment related to the
apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be advertised, offered for sale , and / or sold as
conforming or non - conforming golf equipment. The appa
ratus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein 15 3. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein :
are not limited in this regard.
While the above examples may be described in connec-
tion with a driver - type golf club , the apparatus, methods, and 4. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein :
articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable
to other types of golf club such as a fairway wood -type golf 20
club , a hybrid -type golf club , an iron -type golf club , a
wedge -type golf club , or a putter - type golf club . Alterna-
2 feature; and
tively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein may be applicable other type of sports
equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing 25
pole , a ski pole , etc.
All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim . Conse-
quently, replacement of one or more claimed elements
constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, ben- 30
efits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been
described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits ,
advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or
elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution
to occur or become more pronounced , however, are not to be 35
construed as critical, required, or essential features or ele-
ments of any or all of the claims , unless such benefits ,
advantages, solutions , or elements are expressly stated in
such claims .
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein 40
are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedi-
cation if the embodiments and / or limitations : ( 1 ) are not
expressly claimed in the claims ; and (2 ) are or are potentially
equivalents of express elements and /or limitations in the
claims under the doctrine of equivalents.
The invention claimed is :
1. A golf club head comprising:
a body comprising a sole , a crown , a body heel end , a
body toe end, a body front end, and a body rear end ; and 50
a trench feature at a body section of the body, the body
section comprising:
at least one of the sole or the crown ; and
a body section exterior surface defining an exterior body
contour of the body section, wherein the body section 55
exterior surface comprises at least one discontinuous
segment at the trench feature and extrapolates the at
least one discontinuous segment at the trench feature ;
wherein :
the trench feature comprises : 60
a trench cap in the at least one discontinuous segment;
an inner trench section comprising a trench and an inner
section wall at least partially bounding the trench ;
a reinforcement structure coupled to the body section and
wherein the reinforcement structure does not extend 65
entirely around the trench feature and is discontinuous
at one or more body section regions;
12
wherein the reinforcement structure is separated from the
trench and the trench cap by the inner section wall ;
the reinforcement structure comprises:
a reinforcement inner perimeter;
a reinforcement outer perimeter opposite the reinforce
ment inner perimeter; and
a reinforcement peak protruded between the reinforce
ment inner perimeter and the reinforcement outer
perimeter; and
a reinforcement thickness that is greater than an inner
section wall thickness.
2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein :
the body further comprises a skirt and the trench feature
extends to the skirt.
the reinforcement structure is absent from in front of a
majority of aa trench front end .
the reinforcement structure comprises a front reinforce
ment segment located between a body front end of the
body section and a trench front end of the trench
the front reinforcement segment continuously extends
forward of an entirety of the trench front end of the
trench feature .
5. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein :
the front reinforcement segment further extends :
around a trench toe side of the trench feature and toward
a body rear end ; and
around aa trench heel side of the trench feature and toward
the body rear end .
6. The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein :
the reinforcement str cture further comprises one or more
rear reinforcement segments, each of the one or more
rear reinforcement segments located between a trench
rear end of the trench feature and a body rear end .
7. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure comprises:
a first front reinforcement segment located between a toe
side of the trench feature and at least one of a body front
end or a body toe end ; and
a second front reinforcement segment, separate from the
first front reinforcement segment, located between a
heel side of the trench feature and at least one of the
45 body front end or the body heel end.
8. The golf club head of claim 7 , wherein :
a first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
segment is greater than a reinforcement thickness mea
sured at a different location on the reinforcement struc
ture ; and
the first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
segment is approximately equal to a second thickness
measured at the second front reinforcement segment.
9. A golf club head comprising:
a body comprising a sole , a crown , a body heel end, a
body toe end, a body front end , and a body rear end ; and
a trench feature at a body section of the body, the body
section comprising:
at least one of the sole or the crown ;
a body section exterior surface defining an exterior body
contour of the body section, wherein the body section
exterior surface comprises at least one discontinuous
segment at the trench feature and extrapolates the at
least one discontinuous segment at the trench feature;
and
a minimum outer thickness measured orthogonal to the
exterior body contour;
 US 11,266,886 B2
13
wherein :
the trench feature comprises:
a trench cap in the at least one discontinuous segment;
an inner trench section comprising a trench and an
inner section wall at least partially bounding the 5
trench ;
a reinforcement structure coupled to the body section
and wherein the reinforcement structure does not
extend entirely around the trench feature and is
discontinuous at one or more body section regions ; 10
wherein the reinforcement structure is separated from
the trench and the trench cap by the inner section
wall ;
the reinforcement structure comprises:
a reinforcement inner perimeter; 15
a reinforcement outer perimeter opposite the reinforce
ment inner perimeter, the minimum thickness of the
trench feature is located outside the reinforcement
outer perimeter;
a reinforcement peak protruded between the reinforce- 20
ment inner perimeter and the reinforcement outer
perimeter;
and
a reinforcement thickness measured, orthogonal to the
exterior body contour and from the reinforcement 25
peak to the exterior body counter, is at least approxi-
mately 3 times greater than the minimum outer
thickness;
wherein the reinforcement thickness is greater than an
inner section wall thickness .
10. The golf club head of claim 9 , wherein :
the body further comprises a skirt and the trench feature
extends to the skirt.
11. The golf club head of claim 9 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure is absent does not surround at 35
least portions of the trench feature.
12. The golf club head of claim 9 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure comprises a front reinforce
ment segment located between a body front end of a
body section and a trench front end of aa trench feature ; 40
and
the front reinforcement segment continuously extends
forward of an entirety of the trench front end of the
trench feature .
13. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein :
the front reinforcement segment further extends :
around aa trench toe side of the trench feature and toward
a body rear end ; and
around a trench heel side of the trench feature and toward
the body rear end .
14
14. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure further comprises one or more
rear reinforcement segments , each of the one or more
rear reinforcement segments located between aa trench
rear end of the trench feature and a body rear end .
15. The golf club head of claim 9 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure comprises:
a first front reinforcement segment located between a toe
side of the trench feature and at least one of the body
front end or a body toe end ; and
a second front reinforcement segment, separate from the
first front reinforcement segment, located between a
heel side of the trench feature and at least one of the
body front end or the body heel end.
16. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein :
a first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
segment is greater than aa reinforcement thickness mea
sured at aa different location on the reinforcement struc
ture; and
the first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
segment is approximately equal to a second thickness
measured at the second front reinforcement segment.
17. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein :
a first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
segment is greater than a reinforcement thickness mea
sured at a different location on the reinforcement struc
ture ; and
the first thickness measured at the first front reinforcement
30
segment is approximately equal to a second thickness
measured at the second front reinforcement segment.
18. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure further comprises two or more
discontinuous rear reinforcement segments , each of the
two or more rear reinforcement segments located
between aa trench rear end of the trench feature and a
body rear end.
19. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure further comprises three or
more discontinuous rear reinforcement segments, each
of the three or more rear reinforcement segments
located between a trench rear end of the trench feature
and a body rear end .
45 20. The golf club head of claim 12 , wherein :
the reinforcement structure further comprises a discon
tinuous rear reinforcement segment, located between a
trench rear end of the trench feature and a body rear
end .
*