Golf club head faceplate including lattice

Abstract

To provide a golf club head face plate including a lattice for improving energy accumulation ability and suppressing stress concentration to minimum.SOLUTION: A lattice may include a plurality of flexure shapes that facilitate bending of a faceplate. The flexure shapes of the lattice may include a reentrant shape, a recessed shape, or a non-recessed shape. The lattice may include at least one repeating pattern of the flexure shapes capable of being connected with or separated from each other. During impact of a golf ball, the flexure shapes are flex to accumulate energy through linear bending and torsional bending.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 21

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 190,693, filed May 19, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent No. 63 / 198,218, filed October 2, 2020. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 373,603, filed July 12, 2021. U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 373,603 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 880,865, filed May 21, 2020, which issued as U.S. Patent No. 11,058,929 on July 13, 2021. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 880,865 is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 510,737, filed July 12, 2019, which issued as U.S. Patent No. 10,675,517 on June 9, 2020, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent No. 62 / 697,304, filed July 12, 2018. The entire contents of the above disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a golf club head face plate having a grating. [Background technology]

[0003] Golf club designs take into account several performance characteristics, such as ball speed. Typically, golf club designs aim to increase ball speed by increasing the deflection or flexing capacity of the face plate. However, current designs are limited by manufacturing or structural considerations. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a club head having a face plate that further increases ball speed while minimizing stress concentrations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head face plate according to one embodiment.

[0005] [Figure 2] 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the golf club head of FIG. 1.

[0006] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head face plate subdivided into different face plate regions.

[0007] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head face plate subdivided into different face plate regions.

[0008] [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head face plate subdivided into different face plate regions.

[0009] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head face plate subdivided into different face plate regions.

[0010] [Figure 7] FIG. 10 shows a portion of a sunburst groove faceplate grating.

[0011] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a portion of a chiral groove faceplate grating.

[0012] [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows a portion of a windmill groove faceplate grid.

[0013] [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an Evan bend recessed faceplate grating.

[0014] [Figure 11] FIG. 10 shows a portion of an arrowhead bend shaped recessed faceplate grating.

[0015] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows a portion of a four-point star-shaped bent recessed faceplate grating.

[0016] [Figure 13] FIG. 10 shows a portion of a six-point star-shaped bent recessed faceplate grating.

[0017] [Figure 14] FIG. 10 shows a portion of a three-point star-shaped bent recessed faceplate grating.

[0018] [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a faceplate grid with land portions forming triangular shapes.

[0019] [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a faceplate grid with land portions forming triangular shapes.

[0020] [Figure 17] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a faceplate grid with land portions forming hexagonal shapes.

[0021] [Figure 18] FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a golf club head face plate with a sunburst groove face plate grating according to one embodiment.

[0022] [Figure 19] FIG. 13 shows a portion of a bone bent recessed faceplate grid.

[0023] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a detailed view of the bone-bent recessed faceplate grid of FIG. 19.

[0024] [Figure 21]FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a golf club face plate with a bone-bent recess face plate grid, according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an iron golf club head.

[0026] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a toe diagram of the iron golf club head of FIG. 22.

[0027] [Figure 24] 1 illustrates the rear surface of an iron golf club head face plate with a bone bent recess face plate grid. FIG.

[0028] For simplicity and clarity, the drawings generally illustrate structures, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf club and its manufacturing method. Furthermore, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to clearly illustrate the embodiments of the golf club and its manufacturing method. The same reference numerals in different drawings refer to the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The present embodiment described below is directed to a golf club head face plate including a grating. The grating includes multiple bends that facilitate bending of the face plate. The bends of the grating include inwardly concave (i.e., inward-facing), concave, or non-convex shapes. The grating has a repeating pattern of bends. The bends can be interconnected or disconnected. The size, shape, and pattern of the grating affect the bending of the face plate upon golf ball impact. During impact with the golf ball, the bends of the grating act as small springs that store energy through linear and torsional bending. Storing energy through two bending modes results in greater energy storage within the face plate, which allows for greater ball velocity during golf ball impact. Furthermore, the bends of the grating reduce the maximum stress concentration in a small volume of face plate material (i.e., the impact area of ​​the face plate) by distributing the reduced stress over a larger volume of the face plate material. This increases the durability of the faceplate by moving the maximum stress away from the impact area of ​​the faceplate. Spreading the stress over a larger volume of faceplate material, combined with the two modes of bending, leads to an increase in ball speed of 1-3 mph.

[0030] Furthermore, gratings including multiple flexure shapes can adjust the characteristic time (CT) of a face plate. The gratings described herein control or reduce CT variation within the United States Golf Association (USGA) rules. In one example, CT control can be achieved by designing a face plate grating with flexure shapes oriented in a low-heel to high-toe direction or a low-toe to high-heel direction. A face plate including a flexure shape reduces the characteristic time while maintaining similar ball speed performance compared to a similar face plate lacking a flexure shape. In some examples, a face plate including a flexure shape reduces the center CT by approximately 1 to 10 μs, or 1 to 5 μs, compared to a similar face plate lacking a flexure shape. A face plate including a flexure shape maintains similar ball speed performance compared to a similar face plate lacking a flexure shape. A face plate including a flexure shape grating provides a desirable lower characteristic time value without sacrificing high ball speed performance.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" in the specification and claims are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or chronological sequence. Terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances; for example, the embodiments described herein may be performed in orders other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, "comprises," "having," and conjugations thereof are intended to be non-exclusive inclusive, and a process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include elements not expressly listed or other elements inherent to such process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device.

[0032] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and the like, used in the specification and claims are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. These terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the devices, methods, and / or articles described herein may, for example, operate in orientations other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0033] As used herein, the term "characteristic time (CT)" refers to a measurement used to determine the amount of time, measured in microseconds (μs), that a golf ball contacts the club face at the moment of impact. Characteristic time is measured by striking a specific spot on the striking surface multiple times with a small steel pendulum. CT measurements are for wood-type clubheads, such as drivers, fairway woods, or hybrids. A computer program measures the time it takes for the steel pendulum to contact the club face at the moment of impact. The CT value was based on the method outlined in the USGA Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Procedures. For example, see Section 2 ("Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Protocol") of the USGA Golf Club Head Flexibility Measurement Procedures (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 2.0, April 9, 2019).

[0034] As used herein, the term "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club refers to the angle formed between the club face and the shaft as measured by any suitable loft and lie machine.

[0035] As used herein, a "driver golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 16°, less than about 15°, less than about 14°, less than about 13°, less than about 12°, less than about 11°, or less than about 10°. As used herein, a "driver golf club head" has a volume of greater than about 400cc, greater than about 425cc, greater than about 445cc, greater than about 450cc, greater than about 455cc, greater than about 460cc, greater than about 475cc, greater than about 500cc, greater than about 525cc, greater than about 550cc, greater than about 575cc, greater than about 600cc, greater than about 625cc, greater than about 650cc, greater than about 675cc, or greater than about 700cc. In other embodiments, the driver volume can be between about 400cc and 600cc, between 425cc and 500cc, between about 500cc and 600cc, between about 500cc and 650cc, between about 550cc and 700cc, between about 600cc and 650cc, between about 600cc and 700cc, or between about 600cc and 800cc.

[0036] As used herein, a "fairway golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in other embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. In other embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood can be between 12 and 35 degrees, between 15 and 35 degrees, between 20 and 35 degrees, or between 12 and 30 degrees.

[0037] Additionally, as used herein, a "fairway golf club head" has a volume of less than about 400cc, less than about 375cc, less than about 350cc, less than about 325cc, less than about 300cc, less than about 275cc, less than about 250cc, less than about 225cc, or less than about 200cc. In other embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood can be between about 150cc and 200cc, between about 150cc and 250cc, between about 150cc and 300cc, between about 150cc and 350cc, between about 150cc and 400cc, between about 300cc and 400cc, between about 325cc and 400cc, between about 350cc and 400cc, between about 250cc and 400cc, between about 250cc and 350cc, or between about 275cc and 375cc.

[0038] As used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a loft angle of less than about 40 degrees, less than about 39 degrees, less than about 38 degrees, less than about 37 degrees, less than about 36 degrees, less than about 35 degrees, less than about 34 degrees, less than about 33 degrees, less than about 32 degrees, less than about 31 degrees, or less than about 30 degrees. Additionally, in other embodiments, the hybrid loft angle is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0039] Additionally, as used herein, a "hybrid golf club head" has a volume of less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of a hybrid-type club head can be between about 100 cc and 150 cc, between about 75 cc and 150 cc, between about 100 cc and 125 cc, or between about 75 cc and 125 cc.

[0040] As used herein, an "iron golf club head" may have a loft angle greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately 23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, greater than approximately 25 degrees, greater than approximately 26 degrees, greater than approximately 27 degrees, greater than approximately 28 degrees, greater than approximately 29 degrees, greater than approximately 30 degrees, greater than approximately 31 degrees, greater than approximately 32 degrees, greater than approximately 32 degrees, greater than approximately 33 degrees, or greater than approximately 34 degrees. , greater than about 35 degrees, greater than about 36 degrees, greater than about 37 degrees, greater than about 38 degrees, greater than about 39 degrees, greater than about 40 degrees, greater than about 41 degrees, greater than about 42 degrees, greater than about 43 degrees, greater than about 44 degrees, greater than about 45 degrees, greater than about 48 degrees, greater than about 49 degrees, greater than about 50 degrees, greater than about 51 degrees, greater than about 52 degrees, greater than about 53 degrees, greater than about 54 degrees, greater than about 55 degrees, greater than about 56 degrees, greater than about 57 degrees, greater than about 58 degrees, greater than about 59 degrees, or greater than about 60 degrees.

[0041] In other embodiments, the loft angle of the irons may range from 17 degrees to 60 degrees. In still other embodiments, the loft angle of the irons may range from 17 degrees to 50 degrees, or from 17 degrees to 40 degrees. For example, the loft angle of an iron can be 60 degrees, 59 degrees, 58 degrees, 57 degrees, 56 degrees, 55 degrees, 54 degrees, 53 degrees, 52 degrees, 51 degrees, 50 degrees, 49 degrees, 48 ​​degrees, 47 degrees, 46 degrees, 45 degrees, 46 degrees, 45 degrees, 44 degrees, 43 degrees, 42 degrees, 41 degrees, 40 degrees, 39 degrees, 38 degrees, 37 degrees, 36 degrees, 35 degrees, 34 degrees, 33 degrees, 32 degrees, 31 degrees, 30 degrees, 29 degrees, 28 degrees, 27 degrees, 26 degrees, 25 degrees, 24 degrees, 23 degrees, 22 degrees, 21 degrees, 20 degrees, 19 degrees, 18 degrees, or 17 degrees.

[0042] For ease of discussion and understanding, and for purposes of illustration only, the following detailed description will refer to a golf club head as a driver. It should be understood that a driver is provided for purposes of illustrating a face plate grid for increasing ball speed. As noted above, face plates having the disclosed grids can generally be used in connection with any desired driver, fairway wood, hybrid, iron, general wood, or general iron.

[0043] Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before any embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details or embodiments and arrangements of components as set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of supporting other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit the disclosure, since it covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0044] <Golf club head face plate with grid> The golf club head face plate described herein includes a lattice. The lattice includes multiple flexures that facilitate flexure of the face plate. During impact with a golf ball, the flexures of the face plate lattice act as small springs that store energy through linear and torsional bending. Storing energy through two bending modes allows for greater face plate energy storage, resulting in greater ball velocity during golf ball impact. Furthermore, the flexures of the lattice reduce the maximum stresses that occur over a small volume of face plate material and shift the location of the reduced stresses over a larger volume of face plate material.

[0045] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a golf club head 100. Like reference numbers are used to identify like or identical components in the various views. Golf club head 100 includes a face plate 130 and a body 110 secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior volume. Club head 100 includes a crown 114, a sole 118 opposite crown 114, a heel 122, and a toe 126 opposite heel 122.

[0046] 1 and 2, the face plate 100 includes a striking face 134 intended to strike a golf ball and a back surface 138 opposite the striking face 134. The face plate 130 further includes a center 132 located at the geometric center of the face plate 130 and a periphery 136. The periphery 136 extends generally around the periphery of the face plate 130 near the crown 114, the toe 126, the sole 118, and the heel 122 of the club head 100.

[0047] To withstand the impact stresses generated when the club head 100 strikes a golf ball, the face plate 130 is formed of a metal or metal alloy, and preferably a lightweight metal alloy, such as a stainless steel or steel alloy (such as, but not limited to, C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium)-steel alloy, 565 steel, AISI type 304, or AISI type 630 stainless steel), a titanium alloy (such as, but not limited to, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloy), an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar metal.

[0048] The face plate of club head 100 further includes a grid 140 having a plurality of bent features recessed within face plate 130. The grid 140 may be recessed within the rear surface 138 of face plate 130. The grid 140 may be located within a closed / hollow interior volume of club head 100. The grid 140 is not exposed or visible on the exterior surface of club head 100.

[0049] 3-5, the grid 140 may be disposed in a region of the face plate 130. The face plate 130 may include a central region 150 located near a face plate center 132 of the face plate 130, a toe region 158 located near a toe 126 of the club head 100, a heel region 162 located near a heel 122 of the club head 100, a bottom region 166 located near a sole 118 of the club head 100, and a top region 170 located near a crown 114 of the club head 100. The grid 140 may be disposed in the central region 150, the toe region 158, the heel region 162, the bottom region 166, the top region 170, or any combination thereof.

[0050] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , face plate 130 can further comprise high toe region 174, low toe region 178, high heel region 182, and low heel region 186. Grating 140 can be disposed on high toe region 174, low toe region 178, high heel region 182, low heel region 186, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, grating 140 can cover a circular region, an elliptical region, or a combination thereof, centered on the geometric center of the face plate. In some examples, the elliptical region is aligned from the low heel to the high toe. For example, going forward, FIGS. 18 and 21 show grating patterns that are generally aligned from the low heel to the high toe. The gratings shown in FIGS. 18 and 21 cover both the circular and elliptical regions. The location of grating 140 on face plate 130 can affect how face plate 130 flexes during impact with a golf ball.

[0051] In some embodiments, the grid 140 can provide the face plate 130 with asymmetrical curvature to achieve different golf ball shot shapes, such as a draw, a fade, or a straight shot. In one embodiment, the grid 140 can be positioned in the high toe region 174 and the low heel region 186 to provide a drawn shot shape (i.e., a right-to-left ball flight). In another example, the grid 140 can be positioned in the high heel region 182 and the low toe region 178 to provide a faded shot shape (i.e., a left-to-right ball flight).

[0052] In other embodiments, the lattice 140 may be located on an exterior surface of the club head 100 or on an interior surface of the club head 100 adjacent to the closed / internal volume. More specifically, the lattice 140 may be located on the crown 114, the sole 118, the toe 126, the heel 122, or any combination thereof. In still other embodiments, the lattice 140 may be located on the face plate 130 and at least one of the crown 114, the sole 118, the toe 126, or the heel 122. In other embodiments, a portion of the crown 114 or the sole 118 may be formed as an insert that can be attached to the club head 100, with the lattice 140 formed on the insert. In still other embodiments, the club head 100 may be integrally formed as a single component or piece, where the lattice 140 may be integrally formed with the club head 100 on at least one of the crown 114, the sole 118, the toe 126, or the heel 122. The lattice 140 disposed on at least one of the crown 114 or sole 118 can minimize stress concentrations and move maximum stress concentrations away from the thinnest portions of the crown 114 or sole 118 .

[0053] The grating 140 can comprise a percentage of the surface area of ​​the rear surface. In some embodiments, the grating 140 can comprise more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, or more than 75% of the rear surface area. In other embodiments, the grating 140 can comprise between 10% and 100% of the rear surface area. In some embodiments, the grating 140 can comprise between 10% and 95%, 10% and 90%, 10% and 85%, 10% and 80%, 10% and 75%, 10% and 70%, 10% and 65%, 10% and 60%, 10% and 55%, or 10% and 50% of the rear surface area. In some embodiments, the grating 140 can comprise 10%-25%, 25%-40%, 40%-55%, 55%-70%, 70%-85%, or 85%-100% of the rear surface area. For example, the grating 140 can comprise 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the rear surface area.

[0054] The grating 140 can include at least one repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the grating 140 can include multiple repeating patterns. For example, the grating 140 can include one, two, three, four, or five repeating patterns. In other embodiments, the at least one repeating pattern can be a radial pattern, where the pattern repeats in a radial direction (i.e., from the faceplate center to the faceplate periphery).

[0055] In some embodiments, the grating 140 can include multiple rows. Adjacent rows can be staggered or offset. The multiple rows can be aligned in a linear, radial, curved, or arcuate fashion. The multiple rows can be angled in a low-heel-to-high-toe direction, a low-toe-to-high-heel direction, a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or any combination thereof.

[0056] The number of bend shapes in the grating 140 can affect how the grating 140 stores energy in the faceplate. In some embodiments, the number of bend shapes can increase, decrease, or remain constant toward the center region 150, the toe region 158, the heel region 162, the bottom region 166, the top region 170, the high-toe region 174, the low-toe region 178, the high-heel region 182, or the low-heel region 186. For example, the number of bend shapes can decrease toward the toe region 158 of the faceplate 130. In another example, the number of bend shapes can decrease toward the bottom region 166 of the faceplate 130. In another example, the number of bend shapes can decrease toward the heel region 162 of the faceplate 130. In another example, the number of bend shapes can decrease toward the top region 170 of the faceplate 130.

[0057] The size (i.e., volume) of the flexure shape of the grating 140 can affect how the grating 140 stores energy in the faceplate. In some embodiments, the size of the flexure shape can increase, decrease, or remain constant toward the central region 150, the toe region 158, the heel region 162, the bottom region 166, the top region 170, the high-toe region 174, the low-toe region 178, the high-heel region 182, or the low-heel region 186. For example, the size of the flexure shape can be larger in the toe region 158 than in the heel region 162 to facilitate toe bending of the faceplate 130. In another example, the size of the flexure shape can be larger in the bottom region 166 than in the top region 170 to facilitate sole bending of the faceplate 130. In another example, the size of the flexure shape can be larger in the heel region 162 than in the toe region 158 to facilitate heel bending of the faceplate 130. In another example, the size of the bent shape may be larger in the top region 170 than in the bottom region 166 to facilitate crown bending of the faceplate 130 .

[0058] The number of bend shapes can correspond to the size of the bend shapes. The number of bend shapes can have an inverse relationship with the size of the bend shapes. As the size of the bend shapes increases, the number of bend shapes decreases. Stated another way, as the size of the bend shapes decreases, the number of bend shapes increases. The size and number of the bend shapes, along with the positioning of the bend shapes on the face plate 130, can further enhance a desired golf ball shot shape, such as a draw, fade, or straight.

[0059] The curved shape of the plurality of gratings 140 facilitates bending of the faceplate. The curved shape of the grating 140 can include reentrant (i.e., inward-facing), concave, or non-convex shapes. As illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 , the curved shape of the grating 140 can be comprised of a series of interconnected grooves. The series of interconnected grooves can be comprised of a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to the base groove. The series of interconnected grooves can be comprised of a repeating pattern of base grooves and a repeating pattern of ligament grooves. The repeating patterns of base grooves and ligament grooves interconnect to form the curved shape. The curved shape can be formed from a portion of the base grooves and ligament grooves. The portion of the curved shape can be either concave or convex relative to the center of the curved shape. As described in more detail below, the series of interconnected grooves can be arranged in a sunburst pattern, a chiral pattern, or a pinwheel pattern.

[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 10-14, the curved shape of the grating 140 can be formed from multiple land portions. The multiple land portions form multiple curved recesses. The curved recess can have at least two vertices defining an acute interior angle and at least one vertex defining a reflex angle around the perimeter of the curved recess. The at least one reflex vertex is disposed between the at least two acute interior vertices. The at least one reflex vertex does not define an acute interior angle. The acute interior angle can define an angle less than 90 degrees, and the reflex angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. The at least one reflex vertex of the curved recess can define a reentrant, concave, or non-convex shape of the curved recess. As described in more detail below, the bend-shaped recesses formed from the land portions may comprise multiple Evan, arrowhead, four-point star, six-point star, three-point star, or bone bend-shaped recesses.

[0061] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 15-17, the bend shape can be formed from multiple land portions. The multiple land portions form multiple bend shape recesses. In these embodiments, the land portions can have a geometric shape between adjacent bend shape recesses. The geometric shape of the land portion can comprise a triangle, square, rectangle, diamond, parallelogram, or hexagon. The multiple land portions can have multiple interconnected shapes, and the geometric shape of each land portion can define a portion of one or more bend shape recesses. As described in more detail below, the bend shape recesses formed from the geometrically shaped land portions can comprise multiple triad, diamond, or slot bend shape recesses.

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments, the faceplate grating 140 can exhibit auxetic behavior. Auxetic behavior can be defined as a structure having a near-zero or negative Poisson's ratio. In other words, as an auxetic structure is stretched or subjected to a tensile force, it tends to thicken (as opposed to become thinner) or expand in a direction perpendicular to the applied force. In contrast, a material with a non-near-zero positive Poisson's ratio contracts in a direction perpendicular to the applied force. Auxetic structures are advantageous for clubhead faceplates because the expansion properties of the auxetic structure when stretched in tension increase the flexibility and faceplate energy storage of the faceplate. Increasing the energy storage of the faceplate increases ball velocity upon impact with a golf ball.

[0063] Based on finite element simulations measuring the internal energy of the face plate 130 upon golf ball impact, a face plate 130 including the grating 140 increases internal energy storage by 10% to 20% compared to a face plate lacking the grating 140. In some embodiments, the internal energy storage can be increased by 10% to 15%, or 15% to 20%. This increase in internal energy storage equates to an increase in ball speed of approximately 1.0 to 3.0 mph compared to a face plate without the grating 140. In some embodiments, the ball speed increases by 1.0 to 2.0 mph, or 2.0 to 3.0 mph. In some embodiments, the ball speed increases by 1.0 to 1.5 mph, 1.5 to 2.0 mph, 2.0 to 2.5 mph, or 2.5 to 3.0 mph. This increase in ball speed equates to an increase in ball distance of approximately 5 to 15 yards compared to a face plate lacking the grating 140. In some embodiments, the ball distance increases by 5 to 10 yards, or 10 to 15 yards. In some embodiments, ball distance is increased by 5-7 yards, 7-9 yards, 9-11 yards, 11-13 yards, or 13-15 yards. The benefits of the face plate 130 including the grating 140 are described in more detail below.

[0064] Based on coefficient of restitution (COR) faceplate testing that measures faceplate 130 during impact with a golf ball, faceplate 130 including grating 140 increases COR by 2% to 10% compared to a faceplate lacking grating 140. In some embodiments, the COR can be increased by 2% to 5%, or 5% to 10% compared to a faceplate without grating 140. For example, the COR of faceplate 130 with grating 140 can be increased by 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% compared to a faceplate lacking grating 140.

[0065] The dimensions of the grating 140 can affect how the grating deposits energy in the faceplate. For example, the grating 140 can include a depth, measured as the distance from the rear surface 138 to the bottom surface of the grating 140 in a direction perpendicular to the rear surface 138. The depth of the grating 140 can range from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches. The depth of the grating 140 can range from 0.025 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.075 inches. For example, the depth of the grating 140 can be 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, or 0.075 inches. In one example, the depth of the grating 140 can be 0.05 inches.

[0066] In other embodiments, the depth of the grating 140 may range from 0.005 inches to 0.025 inches. In other embodiments, the depth of the grating 140 may range from 0.005 inches to 0.015 inches, or from 0.015 inches to 0.025 inches. In other embodiments, the depth of the grating 140 may range from 0.005 inches to 0.01 inches, from 0.01 inches to 0.015 inches, from 0.015 inches to 0.020 inches, or from 0.020 inches to 0.025 inches. In other embodiments, the depth of the grating 140 can be in the range of 0.006 inches to 0.011 inches, 0.007 inches to 0.012 inches, 0.008 inches to 0.013 inches, 0.009 inches to 0.014 inches, 0.01 inches to 0.015 inches, 0.011 inches to 0.016 inches, 0.012 inches to 0.017 inches, 0.013 inches to 0.018 inches, 0.014 inches to 0.019 inches, or 0.015 inches to 0.02 inches. For example, the depth of the grating 140 can be 0.005, 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009, 0.01, 0.011, 0.012, 0.013, 0.014, 0.015, 0.016, 0.017, 0.018, 0.019, 0.02, 0.021, 0.022, 0.023, 0.024, or 0.025 inches.

[0067] The dimensions of the face plate 130 can affect how the grating stores energy in the face plate. For example, the face plate 130 includes a thickness measured from the striking face 134 to the rear surface 138 in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 134. The face plate 130 has a variable thickness profile extending between the face plate center 132 and the face plate periphery 136. The thickness of the face plate 130 varies from the face plate center 132 to the face plate periphery 136. The variable thickness profile can include a thickened central region encompassing the face plate center 132, a thinned periphery region adjacent the face plate periphery 136, and a transition region that varies the face plate thickness between the thickened central region and the thinned periphery region. The thickness of the face plate can facilitate reducing the weight of the face plate and allow weight to be moved to other portions of the club head (e.g., the sole) to facilitate center of gravity location or moment of inertia.

[0068] A thicker faceplate 130 can minimize the energy storage capability of the grating 140 by limiting the flexing of the faceplate 130. A thinner faceplate 130 can increase the energy storage capability of the grating 140 by allowing the faceplate 130 to flex freely. For example, the faceplate thickness near the faceplate center 132 can range from 0.075 inches to 0.2 inches. For example, the faceplate thickness near the faceplate center 132 can range from 0.10 inches to 0.20 inches, or from 0.10 inches to 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the faceplate thickness near the faceplate center 132 can range from 0.075 inches to 0.175 inches, or from 0.075 inches to 0.15 inches. In other embodiments, the faceplate thickness near faceplate center 132 can range from 0.08 inches to 0.175 inches, 0.08 inches to 0.15 inches, 0.09 inches to 0.175 inches, or 0.09 inches to 0.15 inches. For example, the faceplate thickness near faceplate center 132 can be 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.097, 0.10, 0.102, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.135, 0.137, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.20 inches.

[0069] In another example, the faceplate thickness near faceplate periphery 136 can be in the range of 0.06 inches to 0.14 inches. In some embodiments, the faceplate thickness near faceplate periphery 136 can be in the range of 0.06 inches to 0.10 inches, 0.06 inches to 0.12 inches, 0.07 inches to 0.10 inches, or 0.07 inches to 0.12 inches. In some embodiments, the faceplate thickness near faceplate periphery 136 can be in the range of 0.06 inches to 0.08 inches, 0.08 inches to 0.10 inches, 0.10 inches to 0.12 inches, or 0.12 inches to 0.14 inches. For example, the faceplate thickness near the faceplate periphery 136 can be 0.06, 0.07, 0.075, 0.077, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, or 0.14 inches.

[0070] A grating with a series of interconnecting grooves As described above, the lattice can include multiple bend shapes. These bend shapes can further include a series of interconnected grooves. The series of interconnected grooves can include a base groove and multiple ligament grooves extending outward from the base groove. The multiple ligament grooves can be connected to or integrated with the base groove. The multiple ligament grooves can be evenly or unevenly spaced along the base groove. The series of interconnected grooves can include a repeating pattern of base grooves and a repeating pattern of ligament grooves. The repeating patterns of base grooves and ligament grooves are interconnected from the bend shapes. The bend shapes can be formed from portions of the base grooves and ligament grooves. The portions of the bend shapes are either concave or convex relative to the center of the bend shape. A lattice with a bend shape formed from a series of interconnected grooves facilitates greater energy storage within the face plate, enabling greater ball speeds during golf ball impact. Three examples of lattices with interconnected base grooves and ligament grooves are described below.

[0071] <Sunburst groove> In one example, as shown in FIG. 7 , the faceplate 130 can include a grating 240. The grating 240 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The grating 240 can include a plurality of sunburst grooves. Stated differently, the grating 240 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern. Each sunburst groove can include a base groove 244 and six ligament grooves 248 extending from the base groove 244. The base groove 244 can be circular, and the ligament grooves 248 can be curved. The ligament grooves 248 can extend outward or away from the base groove 244 in a non-linear manner.

[0072] The ligament groove 248 can include a first curve 252, a second curve 256, and an inflection point 260 located between the first curve 252 and the second curve 256. The location of the inflection point 260 indicates a change in the direction of the curvature of the ligament groove 248. In some embodiments, the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 of the ligament groove 248 can have similar widths. In other embodiments, the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 of the ligament groove 248 can have different widths.

[0073] The first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can have an outer radius. The outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be similar or different. The outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be in the range of 0.08 to 0.16 inches. In some embodiments, the outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be in the range of 0.08 to 0.12 inches, or 0.12 to 0.16 inches. In some embodiments, the outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be in the range of 0.08 to 0.1 inches, 0.1 to 0.12 inches, 0.12 to 0.14 inches, or 0.14 to 0.16 inches. For example, the outer radius of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, or 0.15 inches.

[0074] The first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can include an inner radius. The inner radius is smaller than the outer radius. Alternatively, the outer radius is larger than the inner radius. The inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be similar or different. The inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be in the range of 0.03 to 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, the inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be in the range of 0.03 to 0.06 inches, or 0.06 to 0.09 inches. For example, the inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, or 0.09 inches.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 7 , at least three sunburst grooves form a bent shape 268. The bent shape 268 can include at least three base grooves 244 and portions of at least three ligament grooves 248. The portions of the circular base grooves 244 and the curved ligament grooves 248 form the concave shape of the bent shape 268. The portions of the bent shape 268 are concave or convex relative to the center of the bent shape 268. Furthermore, adjacent bent shapes 268 can share at least one ligament groove 248. The shared ligament groove 248 forms portions of two bent shapes 268.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the grating 240 can comprise a repeating pattern of sunburst grooves. The bent shapes 268 are interspersed with circular shapes (i.e., base grooves 244). Stated another way, the grating 240 can comprise a first repeating pattern of bent shapes 268 and a second repeating pattern of circular shapes, the first repeating pattern being interspersed within the second repeating pattern. Stated yet another way, the grating 240 can comprise a repeating pattern of interconnected bent shapes 268.

[0077] The dimensions of the grating 240 can affect how the grating stores energy in the faceplate 130. For example, the base groove 244 can have an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the base groove 244 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the base groove 244 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 inches, or 0.2 to 0.3 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the base groove 244 can be 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.30 inches.

[0078] The base groove 244 can have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the base groove 244 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the base groove 244 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.125 inches, or 0.125 to 0.2 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the base groove 244 can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 18 , the grating 240 can be aligned in a low-toe-to-high-heel direction, a low-heel-to-high-toe direction, a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or any combination thereof. As shown in FIG. 18 , the grating 240 can be aligned or oriented in a low-heel-to-high-toe direction. The alignment direction of the grating 240 can affect the characteristic time of the face within the central region 150, the peripheral region 154, the toe region 158, the heel region 162, the bottom region 166, the top region 170, the high-toe region 174, the low-toe region 178, the high-heel region 182, and / or the low-heel region 186. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the grating 240 is aligned to match the average shot dispersion across the face plate. The location of the grating 240 can correspond to the area of ​​the face that withstands the most impacts. The grating's ability to distribute stress can result in greater durability, especially within areas that experience the greatest number of hits. Thus, the grating alignment direction can be selected to increase the uniformity of the characteristic time response across face 130 and to increase durability.

[0080] As shown in Figure 18, in some embodiments, the grating 240 can be formed as circular regions, elliptical regions, or a combination thereof, centered about the geometric center 132 of the faceplate 130. As shown in Figure 18, the grating 240 can also be formed as elliptical regions aligned in a low-heel to high-toe direction. Additionally, the grating 240 can be formed as circular and elliptical regions aligned in a low-heel to high-toe direction.

[0081] The face plate 130 including the grating 240 can adjust the characteristic time within USGA regulations. The face plate 130 including the grating 240 reduces the characteristic time while maintaining similar ball speed performance compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 240. In some examples, the face plate 130 including the grating 240 reduces the center CT by approximately 1 to 10 μs, or 1 to 5 μs, compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 240. The face plate 130 including the grating 240 maintains similar ball performance compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 240. The face plate 130 including the grating 240 provides a desirable lower characteristic time value without sacrificing high ball speed performance.

[0082] <Chiral groove> In another example, as shown in FIG. 8 , the faceplate 130 can include a grating 340. The grating 340 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The grating 340 can include a plurality of chiral grooves. Stated differently, the grating 340 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a chiral pattern. Each chiral groove can include a base groove 344 and six ligament grooves 348 extending from the base groove 344. The grating 340 is similar to the grating 240, but the geometric shape of the ligament grooves is different. The base grooves 344 can be circular, and the ligament grooves 348 can be linear. The ligament grooves 348 can extend linearly outward from the base grooves 344. The ligament grooves 348 can be tangent to the circular base grooves 344.

[0083] As shown in Figure 8, three chiral grooves form a bent shape 368. The bent shape 368 can include at least three base grooves 344 and portions of at least three ligament grooves 348. The portion of the circular base groove 344 forms the re-entrant shape of the bent shape 368. The portion of the bent shape 368 is concave relative to the center of the bent shape 368. Furthermore, adjacent bent shapes 368 can share at least one ligament groove 348. The shared ligament groove 348 forms portions of two bent shapes 368.

[0084] The dimensions of the grating 340 can affect how the grating stores energy in the faceplate 130. For example, the base groove 344 can include an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 inches, or 0.2 to 0.3 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.30 inches.

[0085] The base groove 344 can have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.125 inches, or 0.125 to 0.2 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0086] <Windmill groove> In another example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the faceplate 130 can include a grid 440. The grid 440 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The grid 440 can include a plurality of windmill grooves. Stated differently, the grid 440 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a windmill pattern. Each windmill groove can include four ligament grooves 448 that meet or converge at a base point 444. The ligament grooves 448 can extend away from the base point 444, where a right angle (i.e., approximately 90 degrees) is formed between adjacent ligament grooves 448. Each ligament groove 448 extends from the base point 444 to an inflection point 460. Each ligament groove 448 changes direction at the inflection point 460.

[0087] Each ligament groove 448 can comprise a first segment 452, a second segment 456, and an inflection point 460 disposed between the first segment 452 and the second segment 456. The location of the inflection point 460 indicates a change in direction of the ligament groove 448. The inflection point 460 can define a right angle (i.e., approximately 90 degrees) between the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448. In some embodiments, the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448 can comprise similar widths. In other embodiments, the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448 can comprise different widths.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 9 , four windmill grooves can form a bent shape 468. The bent shape 468 can include eight ligament grooves 448. The ligament grooves 448 form the reentrant shape of the bent shape 468. Portions of the bent shape 468 are concave or convex relative to the center of the bent shape 468. Additionally, adjacent bent shapes 468 can share at least two ligament grooves 448. The shared ligament groove 448 forms part of two bent shapes 468.

[0089] The dimensions of the gratings 240, 340, and 440 can affect how the gratings store energy in the faceplate 130. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base grooves 244 and 344 can have a width (hereinafter referred to as the "base groove width"). The base groove width ranges from 0.01 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 to 0.03 inches, 0.01 to 0.04 inches, 0.01 to 0.05 inches, 0.01 to 0.06 inches, 0.01 to 0.07 inches, 0.01 to 0.08 inches, or 0.01 to 0.09 inches. For example, the base groove width can be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, or 0.1 inches.

[0090] In another example, as shown in Figures 7-9, ligament grooves 248, 348, and 448 can include a width (hereinafter, "ligament groove width"). The ligament groove width can be the same as or different from the base groove width. For example, the ligament groove width can be greater than the base groove width. In another example, the ligament groove width can be less than the base groove width. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the ligament groove width can range from 0.01 to 0.03 inches, 0.01 to 0.04 inches, 0.01 to 0.05 inches, 0.01 to 0.06 inches, 0.01 to 0.07 inches, 0.01 to 0.08 inches, or 0.01 to 0.09 inches. For example, the ligament groove width can be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, or 0.1 inches.

[0091] The size, shape, and pattern of the lattices 240, 340, and 440 (hereinafter referred to as the "lattices"), formed from a series of interconnected grooves, affect the flexure of the face plate upon impact with a golf ball. During golf ball impact, the flexed shape of the lattice resembles a spring that stores energy through tensile and torsional loads. When a golf ball impacts the face plate, the striking face is in compression and the rear surface is in tension. When tension is applied to the rear surface, the convex and concave curves of the ligament grooves of the flexed shape flex and act as a spring that stores energy in the face plate through linear and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that stores energy through tension and torsion). Storing energy through two bending modes is advantageous over conventional club head face plates that store energy through a single bending mode (i.e., linear bending). Storing energy in two bending modes can increase ball velocity during golf ball impact.

[0092] Additionally, the curved shape of the grating reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of faceplate material (i.e., the impact area of ​​the faceplate) by shifting the location of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the faceplate material. For example, the reduced stress can be transferred across 3-8 base or ligament grooves in grating 240, 340, or 440 in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be transferred across 3-5, 4-6, 5-7, or 6-8 base or ligament grooves in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136. This stress reduction would not occur in a faceplate without grating 240, 340, or 440.

[0093] <Grating with curved recess> <Bent shape recess and apex> As described above, the grid can include multiple flexures formed from multiple land portions. The multiple land portions can form multiple flexure recesses. The land portions separate the flexure recesses. The land portions are interconnected to each other and define portions of the club head 100 that are free of flexure recesses. The land portions form the perimeter of the flexure recesses.

[0094] The land portion can have a width between adjacent bend-shaped recesses. The land portion width can be measured from the perimeter of a bend-shaped recess to the perimeter of an adjacent bend-shaped recess. The land portion width can vary or remain constant between adjacent bend-shaped recesses. Adjacent land portion widths can be similar or different from one another. For example, the land portion width can remain constant along one portion of the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. The land portion width can vary along another portion of the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess.

[0095] In some embodiments, the land portion width can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.1 inches, or 0.1 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.11 inches, 0.11 to 0.14 inches, 0.14 to 0.17 inches, or 0.17 to 0.2 inches. For example, the land portion width can be 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0096] The bend-shaped recess can have a width. The bend-shaped recess width can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the bend-shaped recess width can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the bend-shaped recess width can be in the range of 0.1-0.2 inches, or 0.2-0.3 inches. For example, the bend-shaped recess width can be 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3 inches.

[0097] The perimeter of the curved recess can include at least two vertices defining an acute interior angle and at least one vertex defining a reflex angle. At least one reflex vertex is disposed between at least two acute interior vertices. At least one reflex vertex does not define an acute interior angle. The acute interior angle can define an angle less than 90 degrees, and the reflex angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the reflex angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees, or greater than 270 degrees and less than 360 degrees. In other embodiments, the reflex angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 225 degrees, greater than 225 degrees and less than 270 degrees, greater than 270 degrees and less than 315 degrees, or greater than 315 degrees and less than 360 degrees. At least one reflex vertex on the curved recess perimeter can define a concave, concave, or non-convex shape.

[0098] In some embodiments, the bend-shaped recess can include one, two, three, four, five, or six vertices that define a reflex angle greater than 180 degrees but less than 360 degrees. The number of reflex vertices can correspond to the recess of the bend-shaped recess. For example, a bend-shaped recess with two reflex vertices can include two recesses along the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. In another example, a bend-shaped recess with one reflex vertex can include one recess along the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. In another example, a bend-shaped recess with three reflex vertices can include three recesses along the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. In another example, a bend-shaped recess with four reflex vertices can include four recesses along the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. In yet another example, a bend-shaped recess with six reflex vertices can include six recesses along the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess.

[0099] A grid including a curved recess formed from multiple lands facilitates greater energy storage within the face plate, enabling greater ball speed upon golf ball impact. Below are several examples of grids with lands and curved recesses. While the curved recess examples described below refer to one orientation, it will be understood that the curved recesses can be oriented in several different configurations to achieve greater face plate energy storage and greater ball speed during golf ball impact. Additionally, to minimize stress concentrations within the face plate 130, any sharp edges on the periphery of the curved recesses can be rounded by rounding or providing a small radius.

[0100] <Evan curved recess> 10, the faceplate 130 can include a grating 540. The grating 540 can be similar to the grating 140, as described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The land portions 564 can form a plurality of Evan bend-shaped recesses 568. Each Evan bend-shaped recess 568 can include four vertices 552 that define acute interior angles and two vertices 556 that define reflex angles.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10 , the Evan bend recess 568 can have a bow tie shape in which the width of the Evan bend recess 568 decreases from the acute interior angle vertex 552 to the reflex angle vertex 556. Stated another way, the width of the Evan bend recess 568 is greater between the opposing acute interior angle vertices 552 than between the reflex angle vertices 556. The minimum width of the Evan bend recess 568 can be measured across the opposing reflex angle vertices 556. As described above, the width of the Evan bend recess 568 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the Evan bend recess 568 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the Evan bend recess 568 may be 0.125 inches.

[0102] The width of the land portion 564 can correspond to the width of the Evan bend-shaped recess 568. In this example, the width of the land portion 564 can vary along a portion of the circumference of the Evan bend-shaped recess 568. More specifically, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan bend-shaped recesses 568 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 552 to the reflex angle vertex 556. Stated another way, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan bend-shaped recesses 568 is greater at the reflex angle vertex 556 than at the reflex angle vertex 552. Stated yet another way, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan bend-shaped recesses 568 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 552 than at the reflex angle vertex 556. In this example, the width of the land portion 564 along another portion of the circumference of the Evan bend-shaped recess 568 can remain constant.

[0103] Additionally, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 564 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 564 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0104] <Arrowhead curved recess> 11, the faceplate 130 can include a grating 640. The grating 640 can be similar to the grating 140, as described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 664 can be comprised of a plurality of arrowhead bend-shaped recesses 668. Each arrowhead bend-shaped recess 668 can include three vertices 652 that define an acute interior angle and one vertex 656 that defines a reflex angle.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11 , the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668 can have a substantially triangular or arrowhead shape. The minimum width of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668 can be measured between the reflex vertex 656 and the acute interior angle vertex 652 directly opposite the reflex vertex 656 (i.e., the acute interior angle vertex 652 that is not adjacent to the reflex vertex 656). As described above, the width of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668 can be 0.125 inches.

[0106] The width of the land portion 664 can correspond to the width of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668. In this example, the width of the land portion 664 can remain constant along a portion of the circumference of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668. The width of the land portion 664 can vary along another portion of the circumference of the arrowhead bend shaped recess 668.

[0107] Additionally, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 664 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 664 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0108] <Four-Pointed Star Curved Recess> 12, the faceplate 130 can include a grating 740. The grating 740 can be similar to the grating 140, as described above, but can have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 764 can form a plurality of four-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 768. Each of the four-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 768 can include four vertices 752 that define an acute interior angle and four vertices 756 that define a reflex angle.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 12 , the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can comprise a star or a concave square. The minimum width of the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can be measured between the opposing reflex vertices 756. The maximum width of the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can be measured between the opposing acute interior vertices 752 (i.e., the acute interior vertices 752 with a recess or gap between them). As described above, the width of the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the four-point star bend shaped recess 768 can be 0.125 inches.

[0110] The width of the land portion 764 can correspond to the width of the four-pointed star bend-shaped recess 768. In this example, the width of the land portion 764 can vary along a portion of the circumference of the four-pointed star bend-shaped recess 768. More specifically, the width of the land portion 764 between adjacent four-pointed star bend-shaped recesses 768 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 752 to the reflex angle vertex 756. Stated another way, the width of the land portion 764 is greater at the reflex angle vertex 756 than at the acute interior angle vertex 752. Stated yet another way, the width of the land portion 764 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 752 than at the reflex angle vertex 756.

[0111] Additionally, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 764 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 764 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0112] <Six-Pointed Star Curved Recess> 13, faceplate 130 can include a grating 840. Grating 840 can be similar to grating 140, as described above, but may have a different size, shape, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 864 can form a plurality of six-point star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 868. Each of six-point star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 768 can include six vertices 852 that define acute interior angles and six vertices 856 that define reflex angles.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 13 , the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 can have a star shape. The minimum width of the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 can be measured between opposing reflex vertices 856 (i.e., reflex vertices 856 having a recess or gap therebetween). The maximum width of the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 can be measured between opposing acute interior vertices 852 (i.e., acute interior vertices 852 having a recess or gap therebetween). As described above, the width of the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the six-point star bend shaped recess 868 may be 0.125 inches.

[0114] The width of the land portion 864 can correspond to the width of the six-point star bend-shaped recess 868. In this example, the width of the land portion 864 can vary along a portion of the circumference of the six-point star bend-shaped recess 868. More specifically, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star bend-shaped recesses 868 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 852 to the reflex angle vertex 856. Stated another way, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star bend-shaped recesses 868 is greater at the reflex angle vertex 856 than at the acute interior angle vertex 852. Stated yet another way, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star bend-shaped recesses 868 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 852 than at the reflex angle vertex 856.

[0115] Additionally, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 864 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 864 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0116] <Three-Pointed Star bent shape recess> 14, the faceplate 130 can include a grating 940. The grating 940 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but may have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 964 can form a plurality of three-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 968. Each of the three-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 968 can include three vertices 952 that define an acute interior angle and three vertices 956 that define a reflex angle.

[0117] 14 , the three-pointed star bend shaped recess 968 can have a substantially triangular, star, or Y-shape. The minimum width of the three-pointed star bend shaped recess 968 can be measured between the opposing reflex vertices 956 (i.e., the reflex vertices 956 having a recess or gap therebetween). The maximum width of the three-pointed star bend shaped recess 968 can be measured between the acute interior angle vertex 952 and the reflex vertex 956 (i.e., the acute interior angle vertex 952 and the reflex vertex 956 having a recess or gap therebetween). As described above, the width of the three-pointed star bend shaped recess 968 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the three-point bend recess 968 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the three-point bend recess 968 can be 0.125 inches.

[0118] The width of the land portion 964 can correspond to the width of the three-pointed star bend-shaped recess 968. In this example, the width of the land portion 964 can vary along a portion of the circumference of the three-pointed star bend-shaped recess 968. More specifically, the minimum width of the land portion 964 can be measured between the reflex vertex 956 on the bend-shaped recess 968 and the acute interior angle vertex 952 on the adjacent bend-shaped recess 968.

[0119] Additionally, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 964 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 964 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0120] <Bone curved recess> In another example, as shown in FIGS. 19-21 , the faceplate 130 can include a lattice 1340. The lattice 1340 can be similar to the lattice 140 described above, but can have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 1364 can form a plurality of bone bend shaped recesses 1368. The plurality of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 are separate and not connected to adjacent bone bend shaped recesses 1368. Each of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can include a peripheral edge having a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to the center of the bone bend shaped recess 1368. Furthermore, each of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can include a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to a centerline 1342. The centerline 1342 is defined as extending through the center of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 or between two central vertices of the bone bend shaped recess 1368.

[0121] 19 and 20 , the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can include multiple vertices along the periphery of the bone bend shaped recess 1368. In one example, each of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can include two vertices 1352 that define the lowest points of the two concave edges and two vertices 1356 that define the vertices of the two convex edges. Stated another way, the two vertices 1356 can define the endpoints of the bone bend shaped recess 1368. The centerline 1342 then intersects with the two end vertices 1356. In many embodiments, at least one vertex 1352 can be located closest to the centerline 1342. In other embodiments, two vertices 1352 can be located closest to the centerline 1342. Each of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can further include four bend vertices 1360, 1362 located at the transition between the concave and convex edges.

[0122] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 , the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can include a substantially bone, barbell, drumstick, or expanded water drop shape. Each of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can include a major end nodule 1370, a minor end nodule 1376, and an isthmus 1382. The isthmus 1382 connects the major end nodule 1370 to the minor end nodule 1376. The major end nodule 1370 can include a convex edge. The minor end nodule 1376 can include a convex edge. The isthmus 1382 can include at least one concave edge. The at least one concave edge of the isthmus 1382 connects to the convex edge of the major end nodule 1370 and the convex edge of the minor end nodule 1370. The isthmus 1382 can include two concave edges. The concave edge of the isthmus 1382 connects to the convex edge of the major end nodule 1370 and the convex edge of the minor end nodule 1376. The major end nodule 1370 can be larger than the minor end nodule 1376. The major end nodule 1370 can have a major diameter, and the minor end nodule 1376 can have a minor diameter. The major and minor diameters can be larger than the minor diameters. The major and minor end nodules can also be referred to as recesses, recess pools, apophysis, knobs, or knots. The isthmus 1382 can also be referred to as a strait, canal, shaft, channel, bridge, or constriction.

[0123] 20 , the bone bend shaped recess 1368 may be symmetrical about the centerline 1342. The edges of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 on either side of the centerline 1342 may be mirror images of each other. Additionally, a vertical axis (not shown) may intersect the lowermost apex 1352. The bone bend shaped recess 1368 does not have to be symmetrical about the vertical axis intersecting the lowermost apex 1352.

[0124] The bone bend shape recess 1368 can further be described as having two circular shapes connected by an isthmus, bridge, or narrowing 1382. The circular shape of the bone bend shape recess 1368 can be described in terms of a major reference circle and a minor reference circle. The major reference circle 1372 can be larger than the minor reference circle 1378. The bone bend shape recess 1368 can be described as having a major reference circle 1372 and a minor reference circle 1378 connected by a narrowing 1382. The major reference circle 1372 can have a radius ranging from about 0.025 inches to about 0.06 inches. The minor reference circle 1378 can have a radius ranging from about 0.02 inches to about 0.05 inches. In one example, the radius of the major reference circle 1372 can be 0.04 inches and the radius of the minor reference circle 1378 can be 0.03 inches. Additionally, the concave edge of the constriction 1382 can include a radius ranging from 0.10 inches to 0.25 inches. In one example, the convex edge radius of the constriction 1382 can be 0.15 inches.

[0125] A major reference circle 1372 can at least partially define a boundary of the main end nodule 1370. For example, the major reference circle 1372 can coincide with a convex edge of the bone bend shape recess 1368. In other words, the major reference circle 1372 can coincide with an edge of the bone bend shape recess 1368 between two main end inflection apexes 1360 located on the main end nodule 1370. The main end nodule 1370 can include a main end apex 1356, and the major reference circle 1372 coincides with the main end apex 1356. A major nodule angle 1374 can be defined between the two main end inflection apexes 1360 about the main end nodule 1370. The major nodule angle 1374 can be in the range of 135 degrees to 180 degrees, 180 degrees to 225 degrees, or 225 degrees to 270 degrees, inclusive.

[0126] The minor reference circle 1378 can at least partially define a boundary of the minor end nodule 1376. For example, the minor reference circle 1378 can coincide with a convex edge of the bone bend shape recess 1368. In other words, the minor reference circle 1378 can coincide with an edge of the bone bend shape recess 1368 between two minor end inflection apexes 1362 located on the minor end nodule 1376. The minor end nodule 1376 can include a minor end apex 1356, where the minor reference circle 1378 coincides with the minor end apex 1356. A minor nodule angle 1380 can be measured between the two minor end inflection apexes 1362 around the minor end nodule 1376. The minor nodule angle 1380 can be in the range of 135 degrees to 180 degrees, 180 degrees to 225 degrees, or 225 degrees to 270 degrees, inclusive.

[0127] The isthmus 1382 can extend between two major end inflection apexes 1360 and two minor end inflection apexes 1362. The isthmus 1382 can include two concave edges. The two apexes 1352 can be located on the concave edges of the isthmus 1382. The apex 1352 can be located on the lowest point or point located closest to the centerline 1342. The ends of the isthmus 1382 connect to the major and minor end nodules 1370, 1376. The transition between the isthmus 1382 and the end nodules 1370, 1376 can be smooth so that no sharp edges are formed between the isthmus 1382 and the end nodules 1370, 1376. In other words, the outer periphery of the bone bend shape recess 1368 can transition smoothly or seamlessly between the end nodules 1370, 1376 and the isthmus 1382. The peripheral edges of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 are devoid of sharp edges or edges that converge to a point to minimize stress risers in the faceplate.

[0128] The minimum width of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can be measured between opposing apexes 1352 on the concave edge of the bone bend shaped recess 1368. The minimum width of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can be measured across the isthmus or narrowing 1382. The minimum width of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can include between 0.02 inches and 0.03 inches, between 0.03 inches and 0.04 inches, between 0.04 inches and 0.05 inches, or between 0.05 inches and 0.06 inches. In some embodiments, the minimum width of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can be approximately 0.02 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.045 inches, or 0.05 inches.

[0129] The maximum length of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can be measured between opposing apexes 1356 of the convex edge of the bone bend shaped recess 1368. The maximum length of the bone bend shaped recess 1368 can be measured between apexes 1356 parallel to the centerline 1342. The maximum length can include between 0.25 inches and 0.50 inches. In some embodiments, the maximum length can include 0.25 inches to 0.30 inches, 0.30 inches to 0.35 inches, 0.35 inches to 0.40 inches, 0.40 inches to 0.45 inches, or 0.45 inches to 0.50 inches. The isthmus 1382 can span 40% to 80% of the length of the bone bend shaped recess 1368.

[0130] 19-21 , in some embodiments, the lattice 1340 can include linear rows of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368. Adjacent rows of the bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 can be oriented in different directions. The main end nodules 1370 of a first row of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 face a first direction, and the main end nodules 1370 of a second row of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 face a second direction opposite the first direction. In other embodiments, adjacent rows of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 can be oriented in the same direction, where each row of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 can be oriented such that the main end nodules 1370 point in the same direction. Additionally, adjacent rows of bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 extending in the same direction can be staggered or offset from one another. When comparing adjacent rows of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 extending in the same direction, the major end nodules 1370 and minor end nodules 1376 of adjacent bone bend shaped recesses 1368 may be offset from each other or may not be aligned with each other.

[0131] The lattice 1340 can be aligned in a low-toe-to-high heel direction, a low-heel-to-high toe direction, a heel-to-toe direction, a crown-to-sole direction, a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, or any combination thereof. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 , the lattice 1340 can be aligned in a low-heel-to-high toe direction, where the plurality of first bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 rows have main end nodules 1370 toward the high toe, and the plurality of second bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 rows have main end nodules 1370 toward the low heel. In another example, as shown in FIG. 24 , the lattice 1340 can be aligned in a low-toe-to-high heel direction, where the plurality of first bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 rows have main end nodules 1370 toward the low toe, and the plurality of second bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 rows have main end nodules 1370 toward the high heel.

[0132] The alignment direction of the grating 1340 can affect the characteristic time response of the faceplate within the central region 150, peripheral region 154, toe region 158, heel region 162, bottom region 166, top region 170, high-toe region 174, low-toe region 178, high-heel region 182, and / or low-heel region 186. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the grating 1340 is aligned to match the average shot dispersion across the faceplate. The location of the grating 1340 can correspond to the region of the face that withstands the most impacts. The ability of the grating 1340 to distribute stress can result in greater durability, particularly within regions that experience the greatest number of hits. Therefore, the alignment direction of the grating 1340 can be selected to increase the uniformity of the characteristic time response across the faceplate 130 and increase durability.

[0133] The face plate 130 including the grating 1340 can adjust the characteristic time within USGA regulations. The face plate 130 including the grating 1340 reduces the characteristic time while maintaining similar ball speed performance compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 1340. In some examples, the face plate 130 including the grating 1340 reduces the center CT by approximately 1 to 10 μs, or 1 to 5 μs, compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 1340. In other examples, the face plate 130 including the grating 1340 reduces the center CT by approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 μs compared to a similar face plate without the grating 1340. The face plate 130 including the grating 1340 maintains similar ball performance compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 1340. The face plate 130 including the grating 1340 provides a desirable lower characteristic time value without sacrificing high ball speed performance.

[0134] 21 , the lattice 1340 can be aligned along a reference direction 1384. Each row of bend-shaped recesses 1368 can have a centerline 1342 extending through the end apex 1356. Each bend-shaped recess 1368 is aligned along the centerline 1342. The centerline 1342 of each row of bend-shaped recesses 1368 can be parallel to the reference direction 1384. The lattice 1340 can be aligned such that the reference direction 1384 is offset from the ground plane 105 by an angle 1346 between 0 and 179 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle 1346 can include between 0 and 30 degrees, 30 and 60 degrees, 60 and 90 degrees, 90 and 120 degrees, 120 and 150 degrees, or 150 and 179 degrees. In embodiments in which the lattice 1340 is oriented in a low-heel-to-high-toe direction, the angle 1346 may be less than 90 degrees, less than 80 degrees, less than 70 degrees, less than 60 degrees, less than 50 degrees, less than 40 degrees, less than 30 degrees, or less than 20 degrees. In embodiments in which the lattice 1340 is oriented in a low-heel-to-high-toe direction, the angle 1346 may range from 5 degrees to 60 degrees, 10 degrees to 70 degrees, 15 degrees to 80 degrees, or 20 degrees to 85 degrees. For example, in embodiments in which the lattice 1340 may be oriented in a low-heel-to-high-toe direction, the angle 1346 may be approximately 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 85 degrees.

[0135] Furthermore, similar to the grating 140, the grating 1340 can be disposed in the central region 150, the high-toe region 174, the low-toe region 178, the high-heel region 182, the low-heel region 178, or any combination thereof. The grating 1340 can be formed as a circular region, an elliptical region, or a combination thereof, centered on the geometric center of the faceplate. As shown in FIG. 21 , the grating 1340 can be formed as an elliptical region aligned in the low-heel-to-high-toe direction. The grating 1340 can also be formed as a combination of a circular region and an elliptical region aligned in the low-heel-to-high-toe direction.

[0136] The multiple flexure recesses of the lattice 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, and 1340 (hereinafter referred to as the "lattice") formed from the multiple land portions affect the flexure of the face plate upon impact with a golf ball. During golf ball impact, the flexure recesses of the lattice resemble springs that store energy through tension and torsion loads. When a golf ball impacts the face plate, the striking face is in compression and the rear surface is in tension. When tension is applied to the rear surface, the flexure recesses expand (i.e., the flexure recesses increase in size or volume) at the reflex apex. This expansion allows the flexure recesses to store energy in the face plate through linear and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that stores energy through tension and torsion). Storing energy through two bending modes is advantageous over conventional club head face plates that store energy through one bending mode (i.e., linear bending). By storing energy in two bending modes, ball speed can be increased upon impact with the golf ball.

[0137] Additionally, the bent shape of the grating reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of faceplate material (i.e., the impact area of ​​the faceplate) by shifting the location of the reduced stress over a larger volume of faceplate material. For example, the reduced stress can be transferred over three to eight bent shape recesses in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136 in gratings 540, 640, 740, 840, or 940. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be transferred over three to five, four to six, five to seven, or six to eight bent shape recesses in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136. This stress reduction would not occur in a faceplate without gratings 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, or 1340.

[0138] Additionally, the inclusion of a grating on the back surface of the face plate can provide a more uniform characteristic time response across the face. A face plate including the grating 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340 can maintain a characteristic time within USGA regulations. In some embodiments, a face plate including the grating 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340 can reduce the center characteristic time while maintaining similar ball speed performance compared to a similar face plate lacking the grating 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340. The reduced center characteristic time is desirable to comply with USGA regulations.

[0139] <Bend-shaped recess defined by geometrically shaped land portion> As described above, the grid can include multiple bends formed from multiple land portions. The multiple land portions can form multiple bend recesses. The multiple land portions separate the multiple bend recesses. The land portions are interconnected to each other and define portions of the club head 100 that are free of bend recesses. The land portions form the perimeter of the bend recesses. In some embodiments, the perimeter of the bend recess can include a re-entrant shape, a concave shape, or a non-convex shape. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the bend recess can lack a re-entrant, concave, or non-convex shape.

[0140] The land portions can have a geometric shape between adjacent bend-shaped recesses. The geometric shape of the land portions can have a triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, quadrilateral, polygon, or hexagon. The geometric shapes of the land portions can be interconnected with each other, and the land portions form a series of interconnected geometric shapes between the bend-shaped recesses.

[0141] The geometric shape of the land portion can form a portion of one or more bend-shaped recesses. For example, the land portion can have a triangular shape that forms a portion of three bend-shaped recesses. In another example, the land portion can have a square shape that forms a portion of four bend-shaped recesses.

[0142] The land portion can have a width between adjacent bend-shaped recesses. The land portion width can be measured from the perimeter of a bend-shaped recess to the perimeter of an adjacent bend-shaped recess. The land portion width can vary or remain constant between adjacent bend-shaped recesses. Adjacent land portion widths can be similar or different from one another. For example, the land portion width can remain constant along one portion of the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess. The land portion width can vary along another portion of the perimeter of the bend-shaped recess.

[0143] In some embodiments, the land portion width can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.1 inches, or 0.1 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.11 inches, 0.11 to 0.14 inches, 0.14 to 0.17 inches, or 0.17 to 0.2 inches. For example, the land portion width can be 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0144] The bend-shaped recess can have a width. The bend-shaped recess width can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the bend-shaped recess width can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the bend-shaped recess width can be in the range of 0.1-0.2 inches, or 0.2-0.3 inches. For example, the bend-shaped recess width can be 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3 inches.

[0145] A grid including a curved recess formed from multiple lands facilitates greater energy storage within the face plate, enabling greater ball velocity upon golf ball impact. Four examples of grids including lands with geometric shapes and curved recesses are described below. While the curved recess examples described below refer to one orientation, it will be understood that the curved recesses can be oriented in several different configurations to achieve greater face plate energy storage and greater ball velocity upon golf ball impact.

[0146] <Triangular shaped land portion> In one example, as shown in FIG. 14 and as described above, the faceplate 130 can include a grid 940. The grid 940 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but can have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 964 can form a plurality of three-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 968. The three-pointed star-shaped bend-shaped recesses 968 can include a re-entrant, concave, or non-convex shape. The land portions 964 can include a triangular shape. In this example, six land portions 964 having triangular shapes can form one bend-shaped recess 968. The land portions 964 can include a series of interconnected triangular shapes.

[0147] In another example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the faceplate 130 can include a grating 1040. The grating 1040 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but may have a different size, shape, or dimensions. The grating 1040 can be similar to the grating 940 described above, but may have a different geometric shape. The plurality of land portions 1064 can form a plurality of triad bend-shaped recesses 1068. The triad bend-shaped recesses 1068 can include a re-entrant shape, a concave shape, or a non-convex shape. The triad bend-shaped recesses 1068 can include a substantially triangular shape with rounded edges (i.e., the periphery of the triad bend-shaped recess 1068 is more rounded than the bend-shaped recess 968).

[0148] The land portions 1064 may have a substantially triangular shape. In this example, six land portions 1064 having substantially triangular shapes may form one bent recess 1068. The land portions 1064 may have a series of interconnected triangular shapes, similar to the lattice 940 described above. As described above, the width of the land portions 1064 may be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portions 1064 may be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0149] As discussed above, the width of the triad bend shaped recess 1068 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the triad bend shaped recess 1068 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the triad bend shaped recess 1068 can be 0.125 inches.

[0150] The triad bend recess 1068 can have a radius. The radius of the triad bend recess 1068 can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of the triad bend recess 1068 can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.025 inches, or 0.025 to 0.05 inches. For example, the radius of the triad bend recess 1068 can be 0.01, 0.011, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, or 0.05 inches. In one example, the triad bend recess 1068 can have three radii with a value of 0.011 inches.

[0151] <Four-sided land part> In another example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the faceplate 130 can include a grating 1140. The grating 1140 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but can have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 1164 can form a plurality of diamond-shaped recesses 1168. The diamond-shaped recesses 1168 can have a convex shape. More specifically, the diamond-shaped recesses 1168 can include a diamond, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or any quadrilateral shape. The land portions 1164 can include a square shape. In other embodiments, the land portions 1164 can include a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, or any quadrilateral shape.

[0152] In this example, four square-shaped land portions 1164 may form one bent-shaped recess 1168. The land portions 1164 may comprise a series of interconnected generally square shapes.

[0153] The width of the land portion 1164 can correspond to the width of the diamond bend shaped recess 1168. The width of the land portion 1164 can remain constant between adjacent diamond bend shaped recesses 1168. As described above, the width of the land portion 1164 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 1164 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0154] As discussed above, the width of the diamond bend shaped recess 1168 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the diamond bend shaped recess 1168 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the diamond bend shaped recess 1168 can be 0.125 inches.

[0155] <Hexagonal land part> In another example, as shown in FIG. 17 , the faceplate 130 can include a grating 1240. The grating 1240 can be similar to the grating 140 described above, but may have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 1264 can form a plurality of slot-shaped recesses 1268. The slot-shaped recesses 1268 can have a slot-like shape or a rectangle with rounded ends. The slot-shaped recesses 1268 can include a convex shape. The land portions 1264 can have a hexagonal shape.

[0156] In this example, five slot bend shaped recesses 1268 may be arranged to form one hexagonal land portion 1264. The slot bend shaped recesses 1268 may be arranged to form a plurality of interconnected land portions 1264 having a hexagonal shape.

[0157] As discussed above, the width of the land portion 1264 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the land portion 1264 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0158] As discussed above, the width of the slot bend shaped recess 1268 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the width of the slot bend shaped recess 1268 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the slot bend shaped recess 1268 can be 0.125 inches.

[0159] The flexural recesses of the lattice 940, 1040, 1140, or 1240 (hereinafter referred to as the "lattice"), formed from the geometrically shaped land portions, affect the flexure of the face plate during golf ball impact. During golf ball impact, the lattice land portions resemble springs that store energy through tension and torsion loads. When a golf ball impacts the face plate 130, the striking face 134 is in compression and the rear surface 138 is in tension. When tension is applied to the rear surface 138, the land portions deflect linearly and rotationally. This linear and rotational movement allows the land portions to store energy within the face plate 130 through linear and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that stores energy through tension and torsion). Storing energy through two bending modes is advantageous over conventional club head face plates that store energy through a single bending mode (i.e., linear bending). By storing energy in two bending modes, ball speed can be increased upon impact with the golf ball.

[0160] Additionally, the bent shape of the grating reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of faceplate material (i.e., the impact area of ​​the faceplate) by shifting the location of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the faceplate material. For example, the reduced stress can be shifted over 3-8 land portions in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136 within grating 1040, 1140, or 1240. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be shifted over 3-5, 4-6, 5-7, or 6-8 land portions in a direction from near faceplate center 132 to near faceplate periphery 136. This stress reduction would not occur in a faceplate without grating 1040, 1140, or 1240.

[0161] <Iron golf club head> 22-24, FIG. 22 shows a front perspective view of an iron golf club head 1400, wherein like reference numbers are used to identify like or identical components in the various views. The iron club head 1400 includes a face plate 1430 and a body 1410 secured together to define a substantially closed / hollow interior volume. The club head 1400 includes a top rail 1414, a sole 1418 opposite the top rail 1414, a heel 1422, and a toe 1426 opposite the heel 1422.

[0162] As shown in FIGS. 22-24 , the face plate 1430 includes a striking face 1434 intended to impact a golf ball and a back surface 1438 opposite the striking face 1434. The striking face 1434 may have a variable thickness profile, as described above for the club head 100. The club head 1400 may include a face plate region similar to that described above for the club head 100. The club head 1400 may be similar to the club head 100 described above, but with different volume, size, and face plate dimensions. The club head 1400 is a smaller club head when compared to the wood-type club head 100 and may include smaller or lower values ​​for volume, club head dimensions, and face plate dimensions.

[0163] The face plate 1430 of the club head 1400 further includes a grid 1440 having a plurality of bent features recessed within the face plate 1430. The grid 1440 may be recessed within the rear surface 1438 of the face plate 1430. The grid 1440 may be disposed within a closed / hollow interior volume of the club head 1400, where the grid 1440 is not exposed or visible on the exterior surface of the club head 1400. The grid 1440 may include a face plate grid as described herein. It will be understood that the grid 1440 of the club head 1400 may be modified in size, shape, and / or number to accommodate the dimensions of the smaller face plate 1430 of the club head 1400.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 24 , in one example, the faceplate 1430 can include a lattice 1340 having a plurality of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 as described above. As shown in FIG. 24 , the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can be aligned in rows, where each row of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 is aligned in a low-toe to high-heel direction. A row of the plurality of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can have a main end nodule 1370 facing toward the low toe, and a row of the plurality of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can have a main end nodule 1370 facing toward the high heel. Furthermore, the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 can be aligned in rows, where each row of the bone bend shaped recesses 1368 is aligned in a high-toe to low-heel direction. When comparing adjacent rows of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 extending from a low-toe direction to a high-heel direction, the major end nodules 1370 of a first row can be aligned with the minor end nodules 1376 of a second row. The aligned direction of the rows of bone bend shaped recesses 1368 improves flexion of the face plate, thereby improving ball performance for off-center hits.

[0165] <Method for manufacturing a golf club head face plate having a grating> A method of manufacturing a club head 100 having a face plate 130 with a grating as described herein is provided. The method includes providing a body 110 and a face plate 130. The face plate 130 is bonded to the body 110 to define a substantially hollow / closed structure. The body 110 can be fabricated or formed by casting, forging, machining, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or any suitable method or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the body 110 can be modified by electrical discharge machining (EDM) or chemical etching. Similarly, the face plate 130 can be fabricated or formed by casting, forging, machining, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or any suitable method or combination thereof. The face plate 130 can then be modified by electrical discharge machining (EDM) or chemical etching. In some embodiments, the face plate 130 can be welded onto the body 110. In other embodiments, the face plate 130 and the body 110 can be formed together as a unitary piece.

[0166] In one embodiment, the faceplate 130 can be formed from an additive manufacturing method such as powder metal sintering. Powder metal sintering systems include layers of metal powder that are sintered or fused layer by layer by a heat source such as a laser. The layer by layer technique forms a three-dimensional faceplate 130 with a grating from layered metal. The grating 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340 can be integrally formed into the faceplate 130 during the powder metal sintering process.

[0167] In another embodiment, faceplate 130 may be formed by a forging process. In some iterations of the method, grid 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340 may be integrally formed in faceplate 130 during an initial forging process. In other iterations of the method, grid 540, 640, 740, 840, 940, 1040, 1140, 1240, or 1340 may be formed in faceplate 130 during a secondary forging step. In some embodiments, faceplate 130 is further heat treated after the forging process is completed.

[0168] An advantage of using these methods to form the grating of the face plate 130 is that it minimizes large stress concentrations in the face plate 130 during golf ball impact. In particular, these methods provide small fillets (e.g., 0.015 to 0.05 inches) on the edges of the grating rather than square or sharp edges. Methods such as milling or end milling are not advantageous in forming the grating because they create square or sharp edges that create high stress concentrations in the grating and result in failure of the face plate 130 during golf ball impact.

[0169] <Example> <Example 1 - Coefficient of Restitution (COR) Faceplate Test> The representative faceplate 130 with the grating and variable face thickness was compared to a similar control faceplate lacking a grating. The representative faceplate 130 has a variable faceplate thickness including a faceplate perimeter thickness of 0.09 inches, a faceplate center thickness of 0.20 inches, a grating depth of 0.05 inches, and a grating 1040 with a triad bend-shaped recess 1068. The control faceplate has a variable faceplate thickness including a faceplate perimeter thickness of 0.09 inches and a faceplate center thickness of 0.20 inches. The representative faceplate 130 and the control faceplate comprise a titanium alloy (i.e., Ti-6-4).

[0170] Tests were conducted to compare the coefficient of restitution (COR) between the representative faceplate 130 and a control faceplate. The coefficient of restitution (COR) is the ratio of the final velocity to the initial velocity during impact between the golf ball and the faceplate. Tests were conducted using an air cannon to fire golf balls at each faceplate. The distance from each faceplate to the air cannon was kept constant, and each faceplate was held in a fixed position. Test results indicated that the representative faceplate 130 had an average COR value of 0.827, while the control faceplate had an average COR value of 0.795. The results show that the representative faceplate 130 had an average COR increase of 3.54% over the control faceplate. The lattice in the representative faceplate 130 allows for energy storage through two bending modes (i.e., linear and torsional), thereby increasing the COR to provide greater ball velocity during golf ball impact.

[0171] <Example 2 - Internal Energy Faceplate Test> A representative faceplate 130 including a grating 240 with sunburst grooves and a variable face thickness was compared to a similar control faceplate lacking the grating and variable face thickness. The representative faceplate 130 has a variable faceplate thickness including a faceplate perimeter thickness of 0.09 inches, a faceplate center thickness of 0.20 inches, and a grating depth of 0.05 inches. The control faceplate has a constant faceplate thickness of 0.115 inches (USGA standard faceplate).

[0172] Tests were conducted to compare the internal energy between the representative face plate 130 and a control face plate. The tests used finite element simulations to model the impact of a golf ball on the striking face, with ball speeds ranging from 90 to 115 miles per hour. Internal energy is measured in pounds-inches (lbf-inch). Test results indicated that the representative face plate 130 had an internal energy of 80 to 82 lbf-inches, while the control face plate had an internal energy of 71 lbf-inches. The results indicated that the representative face plate 130 with sunburst grooves had a 10% to 15% increase in internal energy. This internal energy increase equates to an increase in ball speed of approximately 1 to 3 miles per hour. The lattice 240 of the representative face plate 130 allows for greater energy storage by storing energy through two bending modes (i.e., linear and torsional), thereby enabling greater ball speeds during golf ball impact.

[0173] <Example 3 - COR (Coefficient of Restitution) Faceplate Test> A comparison was made between a first exemplary faceplate 130 including a first grating, a second exemplary faceplate 130 including a second grating, and a control faceplate. The control faceplate lacked a grating but was similar to the first and second exemplary faceplates. All three faceplates had similar variable face thicknesses and were formed from the same metal material. The gratings of the first and second exemplary faceplates 130 were formed by electrical discharge machining (EDM).

[0174] The first exemplary faceplate 130 included a grating 240 with sunburst grooves. The second exemplary faceplate 130 included a grating 1040 with triad bend-shaped recesses 1068. The control faceplate lacked a grating. The gratings 240, 1040 measured a uniform depth of approximately 0.05 inches and had a groove width of approximately 0.04 inches.

[0175] Tests were conducted to compare the coefficient of restitution (COR) between the exemplary faceplate 130 and a control faceplate. The tests used an air cannon that fired a golf ball at each faceplate. The distance the air cannon was positioned from each faceplate was held constant, and each faceplate was held in a fixed position. Test results showed that the first exemplary faceplate 130 with the sunburst grooved grating 240 averaged a COR value of 0.761. The second exemplary faceplate 130 with the triad flexure recess 1068 averaged a COR value of 0.765. The control faceplate averaged a COR value of 0.758. The results show that the first exemplary faceplate 130 had an average COR increase of 0.4% over the control faceplate, and the second exemplary faceplate 130 had an average COR increase of 0.9% over the control faceplate.

[0176] The gratings of the first and second exemplary face plates 130 enable energy storage via two bending modes (i.e., linear and torsional), thereby increasing the COR to provide greater ball speed during golf ball impact.

[0177] <Example 4 - Stat Area Test> The exemplary faceplate 130 comprising the grating 1340 with bone-shaped recesses 1368 was compared to a similar control faceplate lacking the grating feature. The exemplary faceplate 130 comprised a forged faceplate, the bone-shaped recesses 1368, and a grating depth of 0.01 inches. The control faceplate 130 included similar faceplate dimensions (i.e., thickness, height, and width, material) as the exemplary faceplate 130, but lacked the grating feature.

[0178] Tests were conducted to compare the stat area (i.e., the standard deviation of the collection of golf ball carry distances multiplied by the standard deviation of the collection of golf ball offline distances) between the exemplary face plate 130 and a control face plate. Golf ball carry distance is the distance a golf ball travels through the air. Golf ball offline distance is the distance a golf ball is offset from a line extending from the player to the desired target. Golf ball offline distance is measured perpendicular to the line extending from the player to the desired target. Stat area determines the accuracy of grouping or dispersion of a collection of golf ball shots, where a narrower dispersion indicates a lower stat area and a larger dispersion indicates a higher stat area. Tests showed that the exemplary face plate 130 resulted in an average reduction in stat area (i.e., less ball dispersion) of approximately 33% compared to the control face plate. The exemplary face plate 130 including the lattice 1340 with bone-shaped recesses 1368 reduces the difference in ball carry distance between on-center and off-center hits or provides similar ball carry distance for on-center and off-center hits. The exemplary face plate 130 including the lattice 1340 with bone-shaped recesses 1368 provides a desired lower stud area, allowing for greater accuracy in golf ball shot dispersion compared to club heads lacking the lattice feature.

[0179] Example 5 - Golf Ball Offline Distance Test The exemplary faceplate 130 comprising the grating 1340 with bone-shaped recesses 1368 was compared to a similar control faceplate lacking the grating feature. The exemplary faceplate 130 comprised a forged faceplate, the bone-shaped recesses 1368, and a grating depth of 0.01 inches. The control faceplate 130 had similar faceplate dimensions (i.e., thickness, height, and width, material) to the exemplary faceplate 130, but lacked the grating feature.

[0180] Tests were conducted to compare the amount of offline distance a golf ball traveled for various hits across the face plate. Various hits were measured at the center of the face plate and within a one-inch range extending from the center of the face plate toward the heel, toe, crown, and sole. Golf ball offline distance is the distance the golf ball is offset from a line extending from the player to the desired target. The line extending from the player to the desired target is the golf flight path the player desires to achieve. Golf ball offline distance is measured perpendicular to the line extending from the player to the desired target. Testing showed that the exemplary face plate 130 averaged less than 10 yards offline for hits within 0.5 inches of the face plate center. The control face plate averaged more than 10 yards to the player's left for hits within 0.5 inches of the face plate center. In some examples, the exemplary faceplate 130 averaged approximately 8 yards of offline distance, while the control faceplate averaged 11 yards of offline distance. In these examples, the exemplary faceplate 130 provides a 4 yard reduction in offline distance, or approximately a 30% reduction in offline distance.

[0181] The exemplary face plate 130 with the lattice 1340 having the bone-shaped recesses 1368 provided consistent ball flight for center impacts and impacts within 0.5 inches of center in all directions. The exemplary face plate 130 with the lattice 1340 having the bone-shaped recesses 1368 provided similar straight ball flight for center hits, low heel hits, and high toe hits (i.e., low heel and high toe hits see the greatest curvature in shot shape). The control face plate 130 required hitting lower on the face plate to achieve a straighter golf ball path, which requires more precision and is more difficult to achieve. The exemplary face plate 130 achieved improved ball flight for hits higher on the face plate 130, which requires less precision and is easier to achieve.

[0182] <Example 6 - Characteristic Time Test> The exemplary faceplate 130 comprising a grating 1340 with bone-bent recesses 1368 was compared to a similar control faceplate lacking a grating feature. The exemplary faceplate 130 comprised a forged faceplate and bone-bent recesses 1368 arranged in a low-heel to high-toe direction. The control faceplate 130 had similar faceplate dimensions (i.e., thickness, height, and width, material) to the exemplary faceplate 130, but lacked a grating feature.

[0183] Tests were conducted to measure the characteristic time and ball speed between the exemplary face plate 130 and a control face plate. The characteristic time was measured using the standard USGA test described herein. Ball speed measurements were collected from a collection of golfer shots. Tests showed that the exemplary face plate 130 had a characteristic time of 228 μs at the face plate center and an average ball speed of approximately 160.1 mph. Tests showed that the control face plate had a characteristic time of 237 μs at the face plate center and an average ball speed of approximately 160.7 mph. Tests showed that the exemplary face plate 130 had a center characteristic time that was 9 μs less than the center characteristic time of the control face plate. In other embodiments, the center characteristic time of the exemplary face plate 130 can be 1 to 10 μs, or 1 to 5 μs, shorter than the center characteristic time of the control face plate. Furthermore, the exemplary face plate 130 tested to have ball speeds similar to the control face plate. The exemplary face plate 130 with the grid 1340 having the bone-bend shaped recesses 1368 provided desirable lower center characteristic time values ​​without sacrificing high ball speed performance.

[0184] Substitution of one or more listed elements would constitute a reconstruction, not a repair. Furthermore, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described in connection with specific embodiments. However, these benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any one or more elements that may effect or make more pronounced any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

[0185] Because the Rules of Golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted, or outdated rules may be eliminated or modified, by golf standards and / or regulatory bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may or may not comply with the Rules of Golf of any particular era. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as compliant or non-compliant golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0186] Furthermore, embodiments and limitations described herein are not in the public domain under the principle of inclusion if those embodiments and / or limitations (1) are not specifically claimed in the claims, but (2) are equivalents or potential equivalents of elements and / or limitations recited in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0187] Clause 1: A golf club head having a face plate with a lattice, the lattice having a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves having a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to and extending outward from the base groove, the base groove having a circular shape, the ligament grooves having at least one curve, at least three sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape having portions of the at least three base grooves and at least three ligament grooves forming a series of convex and concave curves relative to a center of the bent shape, the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape flexing during golf ball impact to store energy through linear and torsional bending.

[0188] Clause 2: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the plurality of sunburst grooves comprise a repeating pattern of bent shapes interspersed within a repeating circular pattern.

[0189] Clause 3: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the bent shape comprises an inwardly concave shape.

[0190] Clause 4: The golf club head described in Clause 2, wherein the plurality of flexed shapes are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

[0191] Clause 5: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the plurality of ligament grooves are equally spaced along the base groove.

[0192] Clause 6: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the base groove has a width ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0193] Clause 7: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the ligament grooves have a width ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0194] Clause 8: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0195] Clause 9: A golf club head having a face plate with a lattice, the lattice comprising a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves comprising a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to and extending outward from the base groove, the base groove comprising a circular shape, the ligament grooves comprising at least one curve, at least three sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape comprising a portion of the at least three base grooves and at least three ligament grooves forming a series of convex and concave curves relative to a center of the bent shape, the plurality of sunburst grooves comprising a repeating pattern of interconnected bent shapes, the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape flexing during golf ball impact to store energy by linear and torsional bending.

[0196] Clause 10: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the plurality of flexed shapes are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

[0197] Clause 11: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the bent shape comprises an inwardly concave shape.

[0198] Clause 12: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein adjacent bend shapes share at least one ligament groove.

[0199] Clause 13: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the ligament grooves have a width ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0200] Clause 14: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0201] Clause 15: A golf club head having a face plate with a lattice, the lattice having a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves comprising a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to and extending outward from the base groove, the base groove having a circular shape, the ligament grooves comprising a first curve, a second curve, and an inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve, at least three sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape comprising a portion of the at least three base grooves and at least three ligament grooves forming a series of convex and concave curves relative to a center of the bent shape, the bent shape having an inwardly concave shape, the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape flexing during golf ball impact to store energy by linear and torsional bending.

[0202] Clause 16: The golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the plurality of sunburst grooves comprises a repeating pattern of meandering shapes interspersed within a repeating circular pattern.

[0203] Clause 17: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the plurality of flexed shapes are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

[0204] Clause 18: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the ligament grooves have a width ranging from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0205] Clause 19: The golf club head of Clause 18, wherein the first curve and the second curve of the ligament groove have similar widths.

[0206] Clause 20: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0207] Clause 21: The golf club head described in Clause 1, wherein the plurality of flexed shapes increase in size toward a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

[0208] Clause 22: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the number of bend shapes increases toward a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

[0209] Clause 23: A golf club head having a face plate comprising a lattice, the lattice comprising a plurality of land portions forming a plurality of curved recesses, the plurality of curved recesses comprising at least two vertices defining an acute interior angle and at least one vertex defining a reflex angle, the land portions interconnected to one another and defining a portion of the club head lacking the curved recesses, the land portions separating the curved recesses.

[0210] Clause 24: The golf club head of Clause 23, wherein the reflex angle defines at least one depression on the curved recess.

[0211] Clause 25: The golf club head of clause 23, wherein the curved recess has two vertices that define a reflex angle, the two reflex angles defining two recesses on the curved recess.

[0212] Clause 26: The golf club head of Clause 23, wherein the acute included angle defines an angle that is less than 90 degrees, and the reflex angle defines an angle that is greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees.

[0213] Clause 26: A golf club head having a face plate comprising a lattice, the lattice comprising a plurality of land portions forming a plurality of curved recesses, the curved recesses comprising geometric shapes, the land portions interconnecting with one another, the land portions separating the curved recesses, and the land portions comprising a series of interconnected geometric shapes between the curved recesses.

[0214] Clause 27: The golf club head of Clause 26, wherein the geometric shape of the land portion is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, a quadrilateral, a polygon, and a hexagon.

[0215] Clause 28: A golf club head having a face plate having a grid, a heel end, a toe end, and a reference direction, the grid having a plurality of recesses arranged in a repeating pattern, each of the plurality of recesses having a bone shape, the bone shape having a plurality of concave edges and convex edges relative to a center.

[0216] Clause 29: A golf club head as described in Clause 28, wherein each of the plurality of recesses has two vertices defining vertices of two convex edges, each of the plurality of recesses has a centerline extending between the two vertices, the reference direction extends from the high heel end to the low toe end, and each of the plurality of recesses is aligned so that its centerline is parallel to the reference direction.

[0217] Clause 30: The golf club head of clause 29, wherein each of the plurality of recesses is separate and not connected to an adjacent recess.

[0218] Clause 31: The golf club head of Clause 29, wherein the plurality of recesses are oriented in rows, and adjacent rows of the plurality of recesses are staggered relative to one another.

[0219] Clause 32: A golf club head having a face plate comprising a lattice, the lattice comprising a plurality of recesses arranged in a repeating pattern, each of the plurality of recesses comprising a bone shape, the bone shape comprising a major end nodule, a minor end nodule, and an isthmus connecting the major end nodule to the minor end nodule, the major end nodule being larger than the minor end nodule, and each of the plurality of recesses being separate and not connected to an adjacent recess.

[0220] Clause 33: A golf club head comprising: a face plate having a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, and a lattice, the lattice having a plurality of land portions forming a plurality of curved recesses, each of the curved recesses comprising a major end nodule, a minor end nodule, and a narrowed portion connecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule, the major end nodule having a circular shape with a major diameter, the minor end nodule having a circular shape with a minor diameter, the major diameter being larger than the minor diameter, and the plurality of curved recesses being separate and not connected to each other.

[0221] Clause 34: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

[0222] Clause 35: A golf club head as described in Clause 2, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low-toe to high-heel direction, a low-heel to high-toe direction, a heel-to-toe direction, and a crown-to-sole direction.

[0223] Clause 36: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the periphery of each of the curved recesses comprises a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to a center of the curved recess.

[0224] Clause 37: The golf club head of clause 4, wherein the main end nodule has a convex edge, the minor end nodule has a convex edge, and the narrowed portion has at least one concave edge.

[0225] Clause 38: The golf club head described in Clause 1, wherein the plurality of bend-shaped recesses are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0226] Clause 39: The golf club head of clause 1, wherein the face plate includes the plurality of lands and the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

[0227] Clause 40: A golf club head comprising: a face plate having a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, and a lattice, the lattice comprising a plurality of lands forming a plurality of curved recesses, each of the curved recesses comprising a major end nodule, a minor end nodule, and a narrowed portion connecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule, the major end nodule having a circular shape with a major diameter, the minor end nodule having a circular shape with a minor diameter, the major diameter being larger than the minor diameter, a centerline extending through the curved recess intersecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule, the narrowed portion defining a concave portion of the curved recess relative to the centerline, the plurality of curved recesses being separate and not connected to one another.

[0228] Clause 41: The golf club head of Clause 8, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

[0229] Clause 42: The golf club head of clause 9, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low-toe to high-heel direction, a low-heel to high-toe direction, a heel-to-toe direction, and a crown-to-sole direction.

[0230] Clause 43: The golf club head of Clause 8, wherein the periphery of each of the curved recesses comprises a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to a center of the curved recess.

[0231] Clause 44: The golf club head of clause 11, wherein the main end nodule has a convex edge, the minor end nodule has a convex edge, and the narrowed portion has at least one concave edge.

[0232] Clause 45: The golf club head of clause 8, wherein the plurality of bend-shaped recesses are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0233] Clause 46: The golf club head of Clause 8, wherein the face plate includes the plurality of lands and the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

[0234] Clause 47: A golf club head comprising: a face plate having a crown, a sole, a toe, a heel, and a lattice, the lattice having a plurality of lands forming a plurality of curved recesses, each curved recess comprising a major end nodule, a minor end nodule, and a narrowed portion connecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule, the major end nodule having a circular shape with a major diameter, and the minor end nodule having a circular shape with a minor diameter. wherein the major diameter is greater than the minor diameter, the major end nodules have major end apexes, the minor end nodules have minor end apexes, a centerline extends through the curved recess intersecting the major end nodules and the minor end nodules, the narrowed end nodules have at least one lowermost apex, the lowermost apex being defined as the apex located closest to the centerline, and the curved recesses are separate and not connected to one another.

[0235] Clause 48: The golf club head of Clause 15, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

[0236] Clause 49: The golf club head of clause 16, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low-toe to high-heel direction, a low-heel to high-toe direction, a heel-to-toe direction, and a crown-to-sole direction.

[0237] Clause 50: The golf club head described in Clause 15, wherein the plurality of bend-shaped recesses are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0238] Clause 51: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the narrowed portion defines a concave portion relative to the center line, and the major end nodules and the minor end nodules define convex portions relative to the center line.

[0239] Clause 52: The golf club head of clause 15, wherein the face plate includes the plurality of lands and the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

[0240] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. Crown and Sole and Tou and Heels and a faceplate including a grating, the grating including a plurality of lands forming a plurality of curved recesses; A golf club head comprising: Each of the bent recesses has: a main end nodule; a minor end nodule; a narrowed portion connecting the main end nodule and the sub-end nodule; Equipped with the main end nodule has a circular shape having a major diameter; the minor end nodule has a circular shape with a minor diameter; the major diameter is greater than the minor diameter; The golf club head, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are separate and not connected to one another.

2. The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

3. 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low toe to high heel direction, a low heel to high toe direction, a heel to toe direction, and a crown to sole direction.

4. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the periphery of each curved recess comprises a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to a center of the curved recess.

5. the main end nodule has a convex edge; the minor end nodule has a convex edge; The golf club head of claim 4 , wherein the narrowed portion comprises at least one concave edge.

6. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are located on face plate regions selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

7. the face plate includes the plurality of lands; The golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

8. Crown and Sole and Tou and Heels and a faceplate including a grating, the grating including a plurality of lands forming a plurality of curved recesses; A golf club head comprising: Each of the bent recesses has: a main end nodule; a minor end nodule; a narrowed portion connecting the main end nodule and the sub-end nodule; Equipped with the main end nodule has a circular shape having a major diameter; the minor end nodule has a circular shape with a minor diameter; the major diameter is greater than the minor diameter; a centerline extending through the bent recess intersecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule; the narrowed portion defines a recess of the curved recess relative to the centerline; The golf club head, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are separate and not connected to one another.

9. The golf club head of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

10. 10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low toe to high heel direction, a low heel to high toe direction, a heel to toe direction, and a crown to sole direction.

11. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the periphery of each curved recess comprises a plurality of concave and convex edges relative to a center of the curved recess.

12. the main end nodule has a convex edge; the minor end nodule has a convex edge; The golf club head of claim 11 , wherein the narrowed portion comprises at least one concave edge.

13. 9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are located on face plate regions selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

14. the face plate includes the plurality of lands; The golf club head of claim 8 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

15. Crown and Sole and Tou and Heels and a faceplate including a grating, the grating including a plurality of lands forming a plurality of curved recesses; A golf club head comprising: Each of the bent recesses has: a main end nodule; a minor end nodule; a narrowed portion connecting the main end nodule and the sub-end nodule; Equipped with the main end nodule has a circular shape having a major diameter; the minor end nodule has a circular shape with a minor diameter; the major diameter is greater than the minor diameter; the main end nodule has a main end apex; the minor-end nodule has a minor-end apex; a centerline extending through the bent recess intersecting the major end nodule and the minor end nodule; the narrowed end nodule has at least one lowermost apex; The lowest vertex is defined as the vertex located closest to the centerline; The golf club head, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are separate and not connected to one another.

16. The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are oriented in a plurality of linear rows.

17. 17. The golf club head of claim 16, wherein the plurality of linear rows are oriented in a direction selected from the group consisting of a low toe to high heel direction, a low heel to high toe direction, a heel to toe direction, and a crown to sole direction.

18. 16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the plurality of curved recesses are located on face plate regions selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

19. the constriction defines a recess relative to the centerline; The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the major end nodules and the minor end nodules define a convex portion relative to the centerline.

20. the face plate includes the plurality of lands; The golf club head of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of curved recesses are formed by a forging process.

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