Golf club head having localized heat affected zone

Abstract

Described herein is a golf club head having a localized heat treatment. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and, more particularly, to golf club heads having one or more localized heat affected zones (HAZs).

[0002] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 900,378, filed September 13, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Characteristic time (CT) is a measurement of the amount of time in microseconds that a golf ball is in contact with the face plate during impact. The characteristic time requirement is one of many rules imposed by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and American Golf Association (R&A) on golf equipment manufacturers to determine the conformity of a club head. Often, the characteristic time characteristics of a golf club head are not uniform and vary substantially across the face plate. This variation can result in inconsistencies in club head performance and, more specifically, can generate different ball velocities depending on where the ball impact occurs on the face plate. These small changes in the location of the ball impact across the face plate can lead to noticeable changes in the ball velocities generated and ball flight distances, thereby making the game unpredictable for golfers.

[0004] Golf club head characteristics time characteristic changes can result from face plates having asymmetric perimeter shapes and / or variable face plate characteristics (i.e., thickness, material, texture, face-body transition, etc.). Reducing the thickness of the material used to form the golf club head, and more specifically the face plate, can be beneficial for many reasons. Among these reasons are that a thinner face plate can reduce weight, can increase flexibility, and can reduce the amount of material used. By reducing weight in certain areas of the golf club head, that weight can be redistributed (as needed) to improve club head performance.

[0005] Redistributing weight away from the face plate can result in increased flexibility and increased energy transfer to the golf ball. This increased flexibility (resulting from a thinner face plate) can result in more variable CT across the face plate. There is a need in the art for a repeatable, efficient, and affordable manufacturing method that allows for locally altering the CT to reduce CT variation across the face plate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 shows a front view of a golf club head in an address position. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a front view of a golf club head in address position with CT reference measurement locations. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a front view of a golf club head having a rectangular reference shape in an address position. [Figure 4] 1 shows a front view of a golf club head having an oval reference shape in an address position. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head having a multiple linear reference shape in an address position. [Figure 6]1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head having an elliptical reference shape and one or more HAZs in an address position. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head in an address position, the golf club head having a straight reference shape and one or more HAZs. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates a front view of a golf club head having a rectangular reference shape and one or more HAZs in an address position. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates some structural aspects of an exemplary structure and / or embodiment of a HAZ portion. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a process for forming a golf club head assembly. [Figure 11] 1 is a chart comparing ball speeds (in miles per hour) for a test club with a HAZ, a control club with no HAZ, and a 1 degree lofted control club with no HAZ. [Figure 12] 13 is a chart comparing launch angles for a test club having a HAZ, a control club having no HAZ, and a control club having no HAZ and a loft of 1 degree. [Figure 13] 1 is a chart comparing the spin rate (rpm) of a test club having a HAZ, a control club having no HAZ, and a control club having no HAZ and a loft of 1 degree.

[0007] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0008] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show general types of structures, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Furthermore, elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Presented herein are golf club heads, particularly wood-type golf club heads, with face plates having one or more heat affected zones (HAZ) to allow for consistent or reasonable tolerance variation of CT across the face plate. The heat affected zone may be formed via a weld bead that locally modifies a particular portion, section, or area of ​​the face plate without collectively modifying the features and characteristics of the face plate in its entirety. The local modification of a particular portion or area of ​​the face plate via a weld bead (or spot weld) to form a heat affected zone may modify the microstructure of that area or area. The modification of the microstructure at the area or area of ​​interest may modify the characteristic time characteristics of that area or area when impacted by a golf ball.

[0010] Because the characteristic time properties vary across the face plate in both the heel-toe and crown-sole directions, the areas of the face plate that are subject to heat treatment and / or HAZ may be areas that approximate the characteristic time threshold to avoid the golf club head having hot spots (i.e., portions of the face plate that are at, near, or close to the USGA and R&A CT limits), areas of the club head that potentially have non-compliant CT due to manufacturing variations, and / or specific areas of the face plate that fall out of compliance with repeated club head use and wear. As a result of a face plate having a localized heat affected zone treatment (via a weld bead or spot weld), the treated area may have different material properties (i.e., a different microstructure to alter the CT) than a non-heat affected area of ​​the same material. These areas, areas, or portions that are targeted for conditioning may generally be defined by a reference shape. Additionally, methods of manufacturing the golf club heads described herein are outlined below.

[0011] Terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the specification and claims, when present, are used to distinguish between similar elements and do not necessarily describe a particular order or chronological sequence. Terms so used should be understood to be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein can be operated in orders other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include" and "have," as well as any variations thereof, are intended to include non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0012] Terms such as "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," and the like in the specification and claims, when present, are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily describe permanent relative positions. Terms so used should be understood to be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, such that embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and / or articles of manufacture described herein are operable, for example, in orientations other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0013] The term "driver-type golf club head" as described herein may be defined by one or more of loft angle, club head volume, club head weight, or club head material.

[0014] 1.Loft angle In many embodiments, the loft angle of a driver-type club head may be less than about 16 degrees, less than about 15 degrees, less than about 14 degrees, less than about 13 degrees, less than about 12 degrees, less than about 11 degrees, less than about 10 degrees, less than about 9 degrees, less than about 8 degrees, or less than about 7 degrees.

[0015] 2. Volume Furthermore, in many embodiments, the volume of the driver-type club head may be greater than about 400cc, greater than about 425cc, greater than about 450cc, 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 some embodiments, the volume of the driver-type club head may be about 400cc to 600cc, about 425cc to about 500cc, about 500cc to about 600cc, about 500cc to about 650cc, about 550cc to about 700cc, about 600cc to about 650cc, about 600cc to about 700cc, or about 600cc to about 800cc.

[0016] 3. Weight In some embodiments, the driver-type club head may have a weight (or mass) of 170 grams to 250 grams. In other embodiments, the driver-type club head may be 170 grams to 175 grams, 175 grams to 180 grams, 180 grams to 185 grams, 185 grams to 190 grams, 190 grams to 195 grams, 195 grams to 200 grams, 200 grams to 205 grams, 205 grams to 210 grams, 210 grams to 215 grams, 215 grams to 220 grams, 220 grams to 225 grams, 225 grams to 230 grams, 230 grams to 235 grams, 235 grams to 240 grams, 240 grams to 245 grams, or 245 grams to 250 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of a driver-type club head is 170 grams, 171 grams, 172 grams, 173 grams, 174 grams, 175 grams, 176 grams, 177 grams, 178 grams, 179 grams, 180 grams, 181 grams, 182 grams, 183 grams, 184 grams, 185 grams, 186 grams, 187 grams, 188 grams, 189 grams, 190 grams, 191 grams, 192 grams, 193 grams, 194 grams, 195 grams, 196 grams, 197 grams, 198 grams, 199 grams, 200 grams, 201 grams, 202 grams, 203 grams, 204 grams, 205 grams, 206 grams, 207 grams, 208 grams, 209 grams, 300 grams, 301 grams, 302 grams, 303 grams, 304 grams, 305 grams, 306 grams, 307 grams, 308 grams, 309 grams, 400 grams, 401 grams, 402 grams, 403 grams, 404 grams, 405 grams, 406 grams, 407 grams, 408 grams, 409 grams, 500 grams, 501 grams, 502 grams, 503 grams, 504 grams, 505 grams, 506 grams, 507 grams, 508 grams, 509 grams, 510 grams, 511 grams, 512 grams, 513 grams, 514 grams, 515 grams, 516 grams, 517 grams, 518 grams, 519 grams, 520 grams, 521 grams, 522 grams 09 grams, 210 grams, 211 grams, 212 grams, 213 grams, 214 grams, 215 grams, 216 grams, 217 grams, 218 grams, 219 grams, 220 grams, 221 grams, 222 grams, 223 grams, 224 grams, 225 grams, 226 grams, 227 grams, 228 grams, 229 grams, 230 grams, 231 grams, 232 grams, 233 grams, 234 grams, 235 grams, 236 grams, 237 grams, 238 grams, 239 grams, 240 grams, 241 grams, 242 grams, 243 grams, 244 grams, 245 grams, 246 grams, 247 grams, 248 grams, 249 grams, or 250 grams.

[0017] 4.Material The material of the driver-type golf club head may be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material of the driver-type golf club head may be constructed from any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloy, or any other known metal or composite material for making a driver-type golf club head. In many embodiments, the driver-type golf club head may be constructed from titanium and / or composite materials.

[0018] The term "fairway wood-type golf club head" as described herein may be defined by one or more of loft angle, club head volume, club head weight, or club head material.

[0019] 1.Loft angle In many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood type club head may be 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 many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head may be 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. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood type club head may be between 12 degrees and 35 degrees, between 15 degrees and 35 degrees, between 20 degrees and 35 degrees, or between 12 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0020] 2. Volume In many embodiments, the volume of a fairway wood type club head may be 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 some embodiments, the volume of the club head may be about 150cc-200cc, about 150cc-250cc, about 150cc-300cc, about 150cc-350cc, about 150cc-400cc, about 300cc-400cc, about 325cc-400cc, about 350cc-400cc, about 250cc-400cc, about 250cc-350cc, or about 275cc-375cc.

[0021] 3. Weight In many embodiments, a fairway wood type club head may have a weight between 170 grams and 215 grams. In other embodiments, a fairway wood type golf club head may weigh between 170 grams and 175 grams, 175 grams and 180 grams, 180 grams and 185 grams, 185 grams and 190 grams, 190 grams and 195 grams, 195 grams and 200 grams and 205 grams, 205 grams and 210 grams, or 210 grams and 215 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of a fairway wood type club head may be 170 grams, 171 grams, 172 grams, 173 grams, 174 grams, 175 grams, 176 grams, 177 grams, 178 grams, 179 grams, 180 grams, 181 grams, 182 grams, 183 grams, 184 grams, 185 grams, 186 grams, 187 grams, 188 grams, 189 grams, 190 grams, 191 grams, 192 grams, 193 grams, 194 grams, 195 grams, 196 grams, 197 grams, 198 grams, 199 grams, 200 grams, 201 grams, 202 grams, 203 grams, 204 grams, 205 grams, 206 grams, 207 grams, 208 grams, 209 grams, 210 grams, 211 grams, 212 grams, 213 grams, 214 grams, or 215 grams.

[0022] 4.Material The material of the fairway wood type golf club head may be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material of the fairway wood type golf club head may be constructed from any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloy, steel alloy, or any other known metal or composite material for making a fairway wood type golf club head. In many embodiments, the fairway wood type golf club head is constructed from titanium and / or composite material.

[0023] The term "hybrid-type golf club head" as described herein may be defined by one or more of loft angle, club head volume, club head weight, or club head material.

[0024] 5.Loft angle In many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid-type golf club head may be 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 many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid-type club head may be 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.

[0025] 6. Volume In many embodiments, the hybrid-type club head volume may be less than about 200cc, less than about 175cc, less than about 150cc, less than about 125cc, less than about 100cc, or less than about 75cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume may be between about 100cc and 150cc, between about 75cc and 150cc, between about 100cc and 125cc, or between about 75cc and 125cc.

[0026] 7. Weight In many embodiments, the hybrid-type golf club head may have a weight between 190 grams and 240 grams. In other embodiments, the hybrid-type golf club head may weigh between 190 grams and 195 grams, 195 grams and 200 grams, 200 grams and 205 grams, 205 grams and 210 grams, 210 grams and 215 grams, 215 grams and 220 grams, 220 grams and 225 grams, 225 grams and 230 grams, 230 grams and 235 grams, or 235 grams and 240 grams. In some embodiments, the weight of the hybrid club head is 190 grams, 191 grams, 192 grams, 193 grams, 194 grams, 195 grams, 196 grams, 197 grams, 198 grams, 199 grams, 200 grams, 201 grams, 202 grams, 203 grams, 204 grams, 205 grams, 206 grams, 207 grams, 208 grams, 209 grams, 210 grams, 211 grams, 212 grams, 213 grams, 214 grams, 215 grams, 216 grams, 217 grams, 218 grams, 219 grams, 220 grams, 221 grams, 222 grams, 223 grams, 224 grams, 225 grams, 226 grams, 227 grams, 228 grams, 229 grams, 230 grams, 231 grams, 232 grams, 233 grams, 234 grams, 235 grams, 236 grams, 237 grams, 238 grams, 239 grams, or 240 grams.

[0027] 8.Materials The material of the hybrid golf club head may be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material of the hybrid golf club head may be constructed from any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, titanium, titanium alloy, steel alloy, or any other known metal or composite for making a hybrid golf club head. In many embodiments, the hybrid golf club head may be constructed from titanium alloy and / or composite material.

[0028] The term "spot welding" as described herein may be defined as the application of a weld bead to a material at a specific location to create a heat affected zone that changes the physical grain structure from an equiaxed circular microstructure to a dendritic microstructure, where the material microstructure transforms back to the equiaxed circular microstructure upon release from the spot weld.

[0029] Before describing any embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings, as the disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0030] Described below is a golf club head with a reference shape to help provide a constant CT across the face plate. The reference shape includes a heat affected zone (HAZ) that provides the ability to reduce / limit the CT characteristics of a particular area, thereby producing a CT that is within a predetermined tolerance across the face. More specifically, described herein is a golf club head, particularly a golf club head (driver, fairway wood, or hybrid) with a face plate having at least one heat affected zone (HAZ) to enable a constant (or within a predetermined tolerance) CT across the face plate of the golf club head. As described above, the heat affected zone may be formed via a spot weld or weld bead that modifies a particular portion, section, or area of ​​the face plate without collectively modifying the features and characteristics of the face plate in its entirety. The localized modification of a particular portion or area of ​​the face plate (via a spot weld or weld bead) to form a heat affected zone may modify the microstructure of that area or portion (to a dendritic microstructure) and therefore may modify the characteristic time characteristics of the treated location.

[0031] For example, generally, the portions of a golf club head having the greatest characteristic time measurements may typically be found (1) toward the geometric center of the face plate, (2) offset from the geometric center of the face plate toward the toe of the face plate, (3) offset from the geometric center toward the top edge of the face plate, or combinations thereof. These regions may potentially have characteristic time measurements that are at, near, or approximate the CT threshold (i.e., the USGA and R&A CT limits).

[0032] To form a faceplate with a more uniform CT (i.e., no "CT hot spots"), the area of ​​interest for the local heat affected zone may be characterized by a reference shape. The local heat affected zone may be formed via a spot weld or weld bead inside or on the periphery of the reference shape. The heat affected zone within the reference shape may have different material properties (i.e., a different (dendritic) microstructure) than the non-heat affected zone outside the reference shape to locally modify the CT.

[0033] (Golf club head) The golf club head described herein may be a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club, or a hybrid-type golf club head as defined above. In many embodiments, the golf club head may be a wood-type golf club head (i.e., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, or a hybrid-type golf club head). The driver-type golf club head, the fairway wood-type golf club head, and the hybrid-type golf club head may be characterized by a loft angle, a head volume, and / or a head weight, as described above.

[0034] In some embodiments, the golf club head may be formed of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material. In some embodiments, the face plate of the golf club head may be formed of stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or a steel alloy (e.g., 455 steel, 475 steel, 431 steel, 17-4 stainless steel, maraging steel), a titanium alloy (e.g., Ti7-4, Ti6-4, T-9S), an aluminum alloy, or a composite material.

[0035] (Golf Club Head Composition and Setup) In many embodiments, the golf club head 100 comprises a club head body 124 (which may also be referred to as a "body"). The club head body 124 defines a toe portion 106, a heel portion 105, a top portion 108, a sole portion 109, a rear portion 125, and a faceplate opening configured to receive the faceplate 102. The faceplate 102 may provide a surface adapted for impact with a golf ball. The rear portion 125 is spaced rearwardly from the faceplate 102. The sole portion 109 is defined as being between the faceplate 102 and the rear portion 125 and resting on the ground 118 (or playing surface) at address position. The top portion 108 may be formed opposite the sole portion 109. The faceplate 102 is defined by the sole portion 109, the top portion 108, the heel portion 105, and the toe portion 106 opposite the heel portion 105.

[0036] As previously mentioned, the golf club head 100 may be configured to be in an "address position." Unless otherwise noted or stated, the golf club head 100 is in the address position for all reference measurements, ratios, and / or descriptive parameters. The address position may be referred to as (1) the sole of the golf club head resting on the ground 118 in contact with and parallel to the playing surface, and (2) the striking surface may be substantially perpendicular to the ground.

[0037] The face plate 102 of the club head 100 defines a geometric center 104. In some embodiments, the geometric center 104 may be located at the geometric center point of the face plate perimeter and the midpoint of the face height. In the same example or other examples, the geometric center may also be centered relative to a designed impact area, which may be defined by an area of ​​a groove on the face plate. As an alternative approach, the geometric center of the face plate 102 may be located according to a definition of a golf governing body, such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the geometric center of the face plate 102 may be determined according to Section 6.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Club Head (USGA-TPX3004, Revision 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http: / / www.usga.org / equipment / testing / protocols / Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head / ) ("Flexibility Procedure").

[0038] The club head 100 further defines a loft plane that is tangent to the geometric center 104 of the face plate 102. The face height may be measured parallel to the loft plane between an upper end of the face plate perimeter near the crown portion 108 and a lower end of the face plate perimeter near the sole portion 109. In these embodiments, the perimeter of the face plate 102 may be located along the outer edge of the face plate where the curvature diverges from the bulge and / or roll of the face plate 102.

[0039] The geometric center 104 of the face plate 102 further defines a coordinate system having an origin located at the geometric center of the face plate 102, the coordinate system having an X'-axis 103, a Y'-axis 107, and a Z'-axis. The X'-axis 103 extends through the geometric center 104 of the face plate 102 in a direction from the heel 105 to the toe 106 of the club head 100. The Y'-axis 107 extends through the geometric center 104 of the face plate 102 in a direction perpendicular to the X'-axis 103 from the crown 108 to the sole 109 of the club head 100, and the Z'-axis extends through the geometric center 104 of the face plate 102 in a direction perpendicular to the X'-axis 103 and the Y'-axis 107 from the front end to the back end of the club head 100.

[0040] The coordinate system defines an X'Y' plane 101 extending through an X' axis 103 and a Y' axis 107. The X'Y' plane 101 extends parallel to a hosel axis (not shown) and is located at an angle corresponding to the loft angle of the club head 100 from the loft plane. Additionally, the X' axis 103 may be located at a 60 degree angle relative to the hosel axis when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane. In these or other embodiments, the club head may be viewed from the front (FIG. 1) when viewing the face plate 102 from a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane 101.

[0041] When the golf club head 100 is in an address position, the golf club head 100 may be divided into four quadrants (i.e., first, second, third, and fourth quadrants) bounded by the perimeter of the face plate 102, the X' axis 103, and the Y' axis 107. Within one or more quadrants, a reference shape 126 may be projected onto the face plate 102, and the reference shape 126 may include a HAZ portion to modify areas having characteristic time values ​​generally greater than a characteristic time threshold or target characteristic time. In many embodiments, the reference shape 126 may be bounded or located in its entirety within the first, second, third, or fourth quadrants. In alternative embodiments, the reference shape 126 may extend into one or more quadrants, two or more quadrants, or three or more quadrants. In other embodiments, the reference feature 126 may extend along a quadrant boundary (ie, along the X' or Y' axes) into one or more quadrants.

[0042] In most embodiments, the HAZ(s) may be located in the high toe quadrant. In some embodiments, the HAZ(s) may be located in both the low toe and high toe quadrants. In some embodiments, the HAZ(s) may be located in both the high toe and high heel quadrants. In some embodiments, the HAZ(s) may be in both the high toe and low heel quadrants. In alternative embodiments, the HAZ(s) may be in all quadrants and / or clustered around the geometric center.

[0043] Reference shape 126 may take the form of any shape, and preferably does not extend into the body of club head 100 (i.e., is located only on face plate 102). For example, in many embodiments, reference shape 126 may be substantially triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, semicircular, curvilinear, etc. Generally, the reference shape comprises an area having a characteristic time value that is generally greater than a characteristic time threshold or target characteristic time value.

[0044] One or more characteristic time values ​​on the face plate 102 that are greater than a threshold, designed, or target characteristic time measurement may be detected or located, depending on the manufacturer, (1) via a standard USGA test method for measuring characteristic time via a thermal probing process (which seeks to identify the location and value of the maximum characteristic time value of the club head by taking measurements at strategically selected locations), or (2) by identifying known regions of interest through the aggregation of CT data. Upon detection or identification of regions, areas, and / or locations of the golf club head having characteristic time values ​​that approximate a CT threshold value, the given region, area, and / or location of the golf club head may be imposed with or configured with a localized weld bead (or spot weld) to create a heat affected zone (HAZ).

[0045] This produces a faceplate 102 having a non-uniform microstructure (see FIGS. 6-9). The CT characteristics of the treated area may be altered by imposing a localized weld bead or spot weld to a given area of ​​interest on the faceplate 102 to produce a heat affected zone. In other words, faceplate areas (or locations) approaching or exceeding the CT threshold may receive a weld bead or spot weld to produce a heat affected zone that locally alters the microstructure of the treated area (to locally produce higher strength and / or hardened areas) to the extent that the CT characteristics of the area are reduced according to values ​​below the CT threshold of interest. Thus, instead of altering the club head contour to accommodate faceplate areas having high CT areas (i.e., increasing face thickness, modifying the varying face thickness contour of the faceplate, introducing club head strengthening elements, etc.), the applied HAZ structure reduces reliance on bulk (or large scale) design modifications to the club head and instead focuses on localized changes in microstructural (or small scale) modifications to the faceplate 102.

[0046] I. Embodiment In many embodiments of the golf club head 100 described below, the heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the face plate 102, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape 126. As discussed above and in detail below, the deposition of a weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot weld regions). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in a CT reduction due to dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications because it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0047] In many embodiments, golf club head 100 may also be viewed in a direction perpendicular to the X'Y' plane 101 and face plate 102 as shown by Figures 1-8. When viewing the golf club head in a direction generally perpendicular to the X'Y' plane 101 and face plate 102, golf club head 100 may be defined by a coordinate system having an X' axis 103 extending through the geometric center 104 of face plate 102 in a heel 105-toe 106 direction, and a Y' axis 107 extending through the geometric center 104 in a top-to-bottom (or crown 108-sole 109) direction.

[0048] The X' axis 103 horizontally divides the golf club head into an upper region 110 and a lower region 111. The upper region 110 of the golf club head is bounded by the X' axis 103, the crown 108, and the maximum heel-toe width of the golf club head. The lower region 111 of the golf club head is bounded by the X' axis 103, the sole 109, and the maximum heel-toe width of the golf club head. The Y' axis 107 vertically separates the club head into a left region 112 and a right region 113. The left region 112 may be bounded by the Y' axis and the toe end of the golf club head. The right region may be bounded by the Y' axis 107 and the heel 105 of the golf club head 100. Additionally, the X' axis 103 and the Y' axis 107 are perpendicular to each other, forming four faceplate quadrant regions.

[0049] The four face plate quadrant areas may be defined as a center-high toe quadrant 114, a center-low toe quadrant 115, a center-high heel quadrant 116, and a center-low heel quadrant 117 when the golf club head is resting on the ground 118 in an address position. The center-high toe quadrant 114 extends from the geometric center 104 and spans the upper left face plate area. The center-low toe quadrant 115 extends from the geometric center 104 and spans the lower left face plate area. The center-high heel quadrant 116 extends from the geometric center 104 and spans the upper right face plate area. The center-low heel quadrant 117 extends from the geometric center 104 and spans the lower right face plate area.

[0050] One or more faceplate quadrant regions 114, 115, 116, 117 may include a characteristic time value that is at, exceeds, or approximates a characteristic time value of interest. In many embodiments, the quadrant of interest may be the center-high toe quadrant 114, as this region may be identified as a critical region with one or more locations that approximate a critical CT threshold due to manufacturing tolerances and / or variations.

[0051] As shown by FIG. 2, the setup (or address) positions of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are similar. FIG. 2 further maps multiple potential location points within the center-high toe quadrant 114 to identify whether the faceplate characteristic time values ​​are at, near, or exceed the characteristic time limits of interest. In general, CT readings are typically emphasized at the center-high toe because this is the known quadrant of relevance. Table 1, further provided in the exemplary section, provides the average of the approximate CT readings (in microseconds) at the corresponding mapped location points on the club head within the center-high toe quadrant 114 for each faceplate that is free of HAZ. In other words, the faceplate 102 of FIG. 2 and Table 1 has a uniform microstructure.

[0052] As further illustrated by FIG. 6, the first spot weld 119 and the second spot weld 120 formed on the faceplate 102 locally change the microstructure of the faceplate 102 within the heat affected zone described above. The microstructure of the heat affected zone resulting from the spot welds forms a dendritic structure, which is a needle-like or finger-like structure that creates smaller grain boundaries to harden or increase faceplate strength in the weld (or HAZ) area. This localized hardening directly correlates to a decrease in characteristic time in such areas where the flexibility of the faceplate is limited. The weld pool and locations outside the heat affected zone (i.e., locations not affected by the spot welds) have a homogenous microstructure with larger grain boundaries relative to the grain boundaries of the heat affected zone. In many embodiments, the HAZ structure defined by the spot welds produces a faceplate with a 2% to 6% increase in dendritic microstructure compared to a non-spot welded faceplate.

[0053] As evidenced by the following examples, a golf club head having a face plate with a uniform microstructure or non-HAZ structure within the center-high toe quadrants may have characteristic time values ​​that vary by up to 20 μs in the crown-sole and heel-toe directions. Additionally, a point measured directly adjacent to another point may vary by up to 16 μs. Depending on the location of golf ball impact, having a golf club head with a face plate 102 that has a wide range of characteristic time characteristics may adversely affect the ball velocity generated. In many golf club head embodiments, it is desirable for a given quadrant to have a characteristic time profile that is more uniform (i.e., less variation in the heel-toe and crown-sole directions).

[0054] For identification of quadrants that have a high degree of variation and / or meet or exceed the designed CT parameters, a reference shape may be projected onto the quadrant, more specifically the location of interest, and thus the HAZ. The reference shape may surround or partially encompass the location of interest. As described below, in many embodiments, the reference shape may encompass a large area of ​​interest or a small area of ​​interest, depending on the CT characteristics of the faceplate 102.

[0055] (Rectangular reference shape) In many embodiments, the heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the faceplate, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape. The deposition of a weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot weld areas). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in CT reduction due to dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications, as it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0056] 3, in many embodiments, the reference shape 126 that encompasses the region of interest (i.e., one or more faceplate CT measurements that meet or exceed the designed CT parameters) may be substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the reference shape 126 may be in the form of a square that may extend from the geometric center 104 of the faceplate 102 to a point within the center-high toe quadrant 114.

[0057] The rectangular (or square) reference shape 126 may have a height, measured in a loft plane, that extends in a crown-sole direction from about 5% to about 50% of the overall height of the faceplate 102. In many embodiments, the height of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be from about 5% to about 10%, from about 10% to about 15%, from about 15% to about 20%, from about 20% to about 25%, from about 25% to about 30%, from about 30% to about 35%, from about 35% to about 40%, from about 40% to about 45%, or from about 45% to about 50% of the overall height of the faceplate 102.

[0058] In alternative embodiments, the rectangular reference shape 126 may have a maximum height, measured in the loft plane, between about 0 inches and 1.05 inches in the crown-sole direction. In many embodiments, the maximum height of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the maximum height of the rectangular reference shape may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the maximum height of the rectangular reference shape may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inches, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0059] The rectangular (or square) reference shape 126 may have a width, measured in the loft plane, in the heel-toe direction, that is about 5% to about 25% of the overall width of the faceplate 102. In many embodiments, the width of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, or about 20% to about 25% of the overall width of the faceplate 102.

[0060] In alternative embodiments, the rectangular reference shape may have a maximum width measured in the loft plane in the heel-toe direction of between about 0 inches and about 1.05 inches. In many embodiments, the maximum width of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the maximum width of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the maximum width of the rectangular reference shape 126 may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inches, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0061] (Oval reference shape) As discussed above, the heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the faceplate 102, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape 126. The deposition of a weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot welded regions). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in a CT reduction due to dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape 126 may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications because it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0062] 4, in many embodiments, the reference shape 126 encompassing the area of ​​interest for applying the HAZ region (i.e., one or more faceplate CT measurements that meet or exceed the designed CT parameters) may be substantially elliptical. The reference shape 126, more particularly the elliptical reference shape 126, may extend from the geometric center 104 of the faceplate 102 to a point within the center-high toe quadrant 114.

[0063] An exemplary elliptical reference shape may have a minor axis 127 measured in the loft plane and passing through the center of the ellipse, which may be about 5% to about 50% of the overall height of the faceplate 102. In many embodiments, the minor axis of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 45% to about 50% of the overall height of the faceplate 102.

[0064] In alternative embodiments, the elliptical reference shape 126 may have a minor axis 127 measured in the loft plane between about 0 inches and 1.05 inches. In many embodiments, the minor axis 127 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be measured between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the minor axis 127 of the elliptical reference shape may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the minor axis 127 of the elliptical reference shape may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inches, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0065] The elliptical reference shape 126 may have a major axis 128 measured in the loft plane that may be about 5% to about 25% of the overall height of the faceplate 102. In many embodiments, the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, or about 20% to about 25% of the overall height of the faceplate 102.

[0066] In alternative embodiments, the elliptical reference shape 126 may have a major axis 128 measured in the loft plane of between about 0 inches and 1.05 inches. In many embodiments, the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inch, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0067] In many embodiments, the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape 126 may be angled with respect to the x-axis 103. The angle between the major axis 128 of the elliptical reference shape and the x-axis 103 may be between 20 degrees and 80 degrees. In many embodiments, the angle formed between the elliptical reference shape 126 and the x-axis 103 may vary based on the position of interest. In some embodiments, the angle between the major axis and the x-axis may be between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 30 degrees and about 35 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 40 degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 45 degrees, between about 45 degrees and about 50 degrees, between about 50 degrees and about 55 degrees, between about 55 degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 60 degrees and about 65 degrees, between about 65 degrees and about 70 degrees, between about 70 degrees and about 75 degrees, or between about 75 degrees and about 80 degrees. In many embodiments, the angle formed may be about 45 degrees.

[0068] (Linear reference shape) As discussed above, the heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the faceplate, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape 126. The deposition of the weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape 126 creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot weld areas). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in a CT reduction due to the dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications because it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0069] 5, in many embodiments, the reference shape encompassing the region of interest (i.e., one or more faceplate CT measurements that meet or exceed the designed CT parameters) may be substantially linear. The reference shape, more specifically, linear reference shape 126, may extend from the geometric center 104 of the faceplate 102 to a point within the center-high toe quadrant 114. In many embodiments, one or more HAZs (or weld beads) are applied along the linear reference shape 126.

[0070] In many embodiments, the linear reference feature 126 may be angled with respect to the x-axis 103. The angle between the linear reference feature 126 and the x-axis 103 may be between 20 degrees and 80 degrees. In many embodiments, the angle formed between the linear reference feature 126 and the x-axis may vary based on the position of interest. In some embodiments, the angle formed between the linear reference feature 126 and the x-axis 103 may be between about 20 degrees and about 25 degrees, between about 30 degrees and about 35 degrees, between about 35 degrees and about 40 degrees, between about 40 degrees and about 45 degrees, between about 45 degrees and about 50 degrees, between about 50 degrees and about 55 degrees, between about 55 degrees and about 60 degrees, between about 60 degrees and about 65 degrees, between about 65 degrees and about 70 degrees, between about 70 degrees and about 75 degrees, or between about 75 degrees and about 80 degrees. In many embodiments, the angle formed may be about 45 degrees.

[0071] The linear reference feature 126 may have a maximum height, in a crown-sole direction, of about 5% to about 50% of the overall height of the face plate 102, as measured in the loft plane. In many embodiments, the height of the linear reference feature may be about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 45% to about 50% of the overall height of the face plate 102.

[0072] In alternative embodiments, the linear reference shape 126 may have a maximum height, measured in the loft plane, between about 0 inches and 1.05 inches in the crown-sole direction. In many embodiments, the maximum height of the linear reference shape 126 may be between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the maximum height of the linear reference shape 126 may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1.0 inches. In alternative embodiments, the maximum height of the linear reference shape 126 may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inches, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0073] The linear reference feature 126 may have a maximum width, measured in the loft plane, in the heel-toe direction, that may be about 5% to about 25% of the overall width of the faceplate 102. In many embodiments, the width of the linear reference feature 126 may be about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 15%, about 15% to about 20%, or about 20% to about 25% of the overall width of the faceplate 102.

[0074] In alternative embodiments, the linear reference shape 126 may have a maximum width, measured in the loft plane, between about 0 inches and 1.05 inches in the heel-toe direction. In many embodiments, the maximum width of the linear reference shape 126 may be between about 0 inches and about 0.25 inches, between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches, between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches, between about 0.75 inches and 1.00 inches, or between about 1.00 inches and about 1.05 inches. In other embodiments, the maximum width of the linear reference shape 126 may be greater than about 0 inches, greater than about 0.25 inches, greater than about 0.5 inches, greater than about 0.75 inches, or greater than about 1 inch. In alternative embodiments, the maximum width of the linear reference shape 126 may be less than about 1.05 inches, less than about 1.0 inches, less than about 0.75 inches, less than about 0.5 inches, or less than about 0.25 inches.

[0075] As previously mentioned, the reference shape 126 described above is projected onto the faceplate 102 to generate boundaries around the relevant regions. These regions of interest are typically those areas that have high CT values ​​and may generally be found in the center-high toe quadrant 114. Within the center-high toe quadrant 114, with specific reference to FIG. 2 and Table 1, it can be seen that at a given measurement location point (i.e., CT measurement area), the CT may vary by up to about 15 μs within a 1 inch by 1 inch area. Additionally, at adjacent faceplate location points, the CT may vary by up to 11 μs. This variation may further increase over time with repeated impacts (i.e., wear). To reduce variation within a localized area without affecting adjacent measurement locations, HAZ may be formed via spot welds and / or weld beads within the reference shape 126 or at the boundary of the reference shape 126.

[0076] (Reference shape with one or more HAZs) As discussed above, the heat affected zone may be found in one or more regions of the faceplate, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape. The deposition of a weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot welded regions). In regions where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in CT reduction due to dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications, as it creates a contour around and / or across the region that is subject to CT adjustment.

[0077] As mentioned above, the HAZ is an area caused by a weld bead that changes the microstructure of the face plate. As shown in FIG. 6, two spot welds (i.e., the first spot weld may also be referred to as the "first weld bead" and the second spot weld may also be referred to as the "second weld bead") are formed on the outer surface of the face plate 102. In other words, the first spot weld 119 and the second spot weld 120 may be applied to the (outer) surface of the face plate 102 that directly contacts the golf ball during impact. In other embodiments, the first and second spot welds 119, 120 do not need to be formed / applied to the outer surface of the face plate 102, and conversely, the first and second spot welds 119, 120 may be applied to the rear surface of the face plate 102 in an open crown or open sole design (i.e., the body of the golf club head provides access to the interior of the club head). In many embodiments, a first spot weld 119 may be located at the geometric center of the faceplate, and a second spot weld 120 is spaced away from the geometric center and located solely in the center-high toe quadrant.

[0078] As discussed above, the spot weld(s) locally affect the microstructure of a particular region on the faceplate 102 without collectively altering the microstructure across the faceplate 102. The spot weld(s) of FIG. 6 may be generally defined by a diameter. The diameter of the spot weld(s) in contact with the faceplate 102 may be between about 0.125 inches and about 0.75 inches. In many embodiments, the diameter of the spot weld(s) may be between about 0.125 inches and about 0.225 inches, between about 0.225 inches and about 0.325 inches, between about 0.325 inches and about 0.425 inches, between about 0.425 inches and about 0.525 inches, between about 0.525 inches and about 0.625 inches, or between about 0.625 inches and about 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the one or more spot welds may be about 0.1 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.250 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.350 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.450 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.550 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.650 inches, 0.7 inches, or 0.750 inches. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the one or more spot welds may be less than about 0.750 inches, less than about 0.7 inches, less than about 0.65 inches, less than about 0.6 inches, less than about 0.55 inches, less than about 0.50 inches, less than about 0.45 inches, less than about 0.40 inches, less than about 0.35 inches, less than about 0.30 inches, less than about 0.20 inches, or less than about 0.15 inches.

[0079] The heat affected zone formed by the spot weld may be about 20% to about 50% of the diameter of the spot weld. In many embodiments, the spot weld may form a heat affected zone (i.e., the location where the microstructure changes) of about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 45% to about 50% of the diameter of the spot weld. In other embodiments, the spot weld may form a heat affected zone of less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, or less than about 25% of the diameter of the spot weld. The heat affected zone is a non-melted area of ​​the faceplate 102 where the microstructure has changed as a result of portions of the metal matrix being exposed to high welding temperatures. The remaining area of ​​the spot weld may be defined as the weld pool area (i.e., the area where the faceplate 102 has reached its melting point and may be ready for filler material to be injected), as shown in the example of FIG. 9. 9 merely illustrates the reference between the weld bead (or spot weld) and the HAZ. The weld bead may be placed on the exterior of the faceplate surface via heating. The bead is removed via finishing techniques (grinding, grinding, polishing, etc.), but the HAZ formed may still easily be present in the structure.

[0080] As previously discussed, FIG. 6 illustrates a first spot weld 119 and a second spot weld 120 applied to the faceplate 102 to locally change the microstructure of the faceplate 102 within the heat affected zone described above. The microstructure of the heat affected zone resulting from the spot welds forms a dendritic structure, which is a needle-like or finger-like structure that creates smaller grain boundaries to harden or increase faceplate strength in the weld (or HAZ) region. This localized hardening directly correlates to a reduction in characteristic time in such areas where the flexibility of the faceplate is limited. The weld pool and locations outside the heat affected zone (i.e., locations not affected by the spot weld) have a homogenous microstructure with larger grain boundaries relative to the grain boundaries of the heat affected zone. In many embodiments, the HAZ structure defined by the spot welds produces a faceplate with a 2% to 6% increase in dendritic microstructure compared to a non-spot welded faceplate.

[0081] In this particular embodiment, the first spot weld 119 and the second spot weld are positioned on and / or within the reference shape 126 described above, are spaced apart, and do not touch one another. In many embodiments, the center of the first spot weld 119 and the center of the second spot weld 120 are spaced apart by approximately 0.1 inches to 1 inch. For example, in many embodiments, the center of the first spot weld 119 and the center of the second spot weld 120 may be spaced apart by 0.1 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.80 inches, 0.85 inches, 0.90 inches, 0.95 inches, or 1.0 inch. In other embodiments, the separation distance between the center of the first spot weld and the center of the second spot weld 120 may be less than 1.0 inch, less than 0.95 inch, less than 0.90 inch, less than 0.85 inch, less than 0.80 inch, less than 0.75 inch, less than 0.70 inch, less than 0.65 inch, less than 0.60 inch, less than 0.55 inch, less than 0.50 inch, less than 0.45 inch, less than 0.40 inch, less than 0.35 inch, less than 0.30 inch, less than 0.20 inch, or less than 0.150 inch.

[0082] In many embodiments, the second spot weld 120 may be offset from the geometric center along the X-axis and / or toward the toe by up to about 0.84 inches. In alternative embodiments, the second spot weld 120 may be offset from the geometric center by up to about 0.01 inches, 0.02 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.07 inches, 0.08 inches, 0.09 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.11 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.13 inches, 0.14 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.16 inches, 0.17 inches, 0.18 inches, 0.19 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.21 inches, 0.22 inches, 0.23 inches, 0.24 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.27 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.43 inches, 0.44 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.46 inches, 0.47 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.51 inches, 0.52 inches, 0.53 inches, 0.54 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.57 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.61 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.63 inches, 0. .18", 0.19", 0.20", 0.21", 0.22", 0.23", 0.24", 0.25", 0.26", 0.27", 0.28", 0.29", 0.30", 0.31", 0.32", 0.33", 0.34", 0.35", 0.36", 0.37", 0.38", 0.39", 0.40", 0. 41", 0.42", 0.43", 0.44", 0.45", 0.46", 0.47", 0.48", 0.49", 0.50", 0.51", 0.52", 0.53", 0.54", 0.55", 0.56", 0.57", 0.58", 0.59", 0.60", 0.61", 0.62", 0.63", 0.6 It may be offset from the geometric center by 4 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, 0.80 inches, 0.81 inches, 0.82 inches, 0.83 inches, or 0.84 inches.

[0083] In the same or other embodiments, the second spot weld 120 may be offset from the geometric center by up to about 0.42 inches toward the crown or top edge of the faceplate. The second spot weld 120 may be offset from the geometric center by up to about 0.01 inches, 0.02 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.07 inches, 0.08 inches, 0.09 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.11 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.13 inches, 0.14 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.16 inches, 0.17 inches, 0.18 inches, 0.19 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.46 inches, 0.47 inches, 0.48 inches, 0.49 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.52 inches, 0.56 inches, 0.58 inches, 0.59 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.62 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, 0.80 inches, 0.82 inches, 0.84 inches, 0.86 inches, 0.88 inches, 0.89 inches, 0.90 inches, 0.92 inches The first and second spot welds may be offset from the geometric center by 0.21 inches, 0.22 inches, 0.23 inches, 0.24 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.27 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, or 0.42 inches. In many embodiments, the first and second spot welds are spaced apart and do not contact or abut the face-to-body transition region.

[0084] In many embodiments, the first spot weld 119 and the second spot weld 120 are collinear with one another, as shown in FIG. 6. In alternative embodiments, the first spot weld 119 and the second spot weld need not be collinear. Based on the face plate surface area of ​​the club head shown, approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of the face plate surface area may contact a single weld bead. Up to 16.5% of the exterior face plate surface area may contact any weld.

[0085] (Straight line reference shape with one or more HAZs) The heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the faceplate, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape. The deposition of a weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot welded areas). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in CT reduction due to dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications, as it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0086] As discussed above, the HAZ may also be linearly located along the reference shape. As discussed above, the reference shape 126 may be projected onto the faceplate 102, and more particularly, the linear reference shape 126 may be projected onto a number of relevant points on the faceplate 102. These relevant points are typically areas of high CT and may generally be found in the center-high toe quadrant 114. Within the center-high toe quadrant 114, with specific reference to the following example, it can be seen that at the faceplate measurement location point (i.e., CT measurement area), the CT may vary by up to about 15 μs within a 1 inch by 1 inch area. Additionally, at adjacent faceplate location points, the CT may vary by up to 11 μs. This variation may further increase over time with repeated impacts (i.e., wear). To reduce variation, within the localized area, without affecting adjacent measurement locations, the HAZ may be formed via spot welding and / or weld beads.

[0087] 7, spot welds 121 (i.e., spot welds may also be referred to as "weld beads") are formed on the outer surface of face plate 102. In other words, spot welds 121 may be applied to the (outer) surface of face plate 102 that directly contacts the golf ball during impact. In other embodiments, spot welds 121 do not need to be formed / applied to the outer surface of face plate 102, but rather, spot welds 121 may be applied to the rear surface of face plate 102 in an open crown or open sole design (i.e., where the body of the golf club head provides access to the interior of the club head).

[0088] In many embodiments, the plurality of spot welds may be referred to as two or more spot welds, three or more spot welds, four or more spot welds, five or more spot welds, six or more spot welds, seven or more spot welds, eight or more spot welds, nine or more spot welds, ten or more spot welds, eleven or more spot welds, or twelve or more spot welds. The plurality of spot welds may generally be formed along a linear reference shape. In some embodiments, due to precision errors, the plurality of spot welds may be slightly offset from the linear reference shape 126.

[0089] As discussed above, the spot welds 121 locally affect the microstructure of a particular area on the faceplate 102 without collectively changing the microstructure across the faceplate 102. The spot welds illustrated by FIG. 7 may be generally defined by a diameter. The diameter of the spot welds 121 in contact with the faceplate 102 may be from about 0.125 inches to about 0.75 inches. In many embodiments, the diameter of the spot welds may be from about 0.125 inches to about 0.225 inches, from about 0.225 inches to about 0.325 inches, from about 0.325 inches to about 0.425 inches, from about 0.425 inches to about 0.525 inches, from about 0.525 inches to about 0.625 inches, or from about 0.625 inches to about 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the plurality of spot welds 121 may be about 0.1 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.250 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.350 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.450 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.550 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.650 inches, 0.7 inches, or 0.750 inches. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the plurality of spot welds 121 may be less than about 0.750 inches, less than about 0.7 inches, less than about 0.65 inches, less than about 0.6 inches, less than about 0.55 inches, less than about 0.50 inches, less than about 0.45 inches, less than about 0.40 inches, less than about 0.35 inches, less than about 0.30 inches, less than about 0.20 inches, or less than about 0.15 inches.

[0090] The heat affected zone formed by the plurality of spot welds 121 may be about 20% to about 50% of the diameter of each of the plurality of spot welds. In many embodiments, the spot welds may form a heat affected zone (i.e., a location where the microstructure changes) of about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 45% to about 50% of the diameter of the spot weld. In other embodiments, the plurality of spot welds 121 may form a heat affected zone that is less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, or less than about 25% of the diameter of the spot weld. The heat affected zone is a non-melted area of ​​the faceplate 102 that has changed in microstructure as a result of exposure to high welding temperatures. The remaining area of ​​the spot weld may be defined as the weld pool area (ie, the area where the faceplate 102 has reached its melting point and may be ready for filler material to be injected), as an example shown in FIG.

[0091] As further illustrated by FIG. 7 and described above, the multiple spot welds formed on the faceplate 102 locally change the microstructure of the faceplate 102 within the heat affected zone described above. The microstructure of the heat affected zone resulting from the spot welds forms a dendritic structure, which is a needle-like or finger-like structure that creates smaller grain boundary sizes to harden or increase the strength of the faceplate 102 in the weld (or HAZ) area. This localized hardening directly correlates to a decrease in characteristic time in such areas where the flexibility of the faceplate is reduced. Locations outside the weld pool and heat affected zone (i.e., locations not affected by the spot welds) have a homogenous microstructure with larger grain boundaries relative to the grain boundaries of the heat affected zone.

[0092] In this particular embodiment, the plurality of spot welds 121 are positioned along a straight line reference shape 126 and extend from the geometric center 104 of the face plate 102 to a point in the center-high toe quadrant and do not extend into the body of the club head. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of spot welds 121 is in contact with or touches another spot weld of the plurality of spot welds. In other embodiments, the plurality of spot welds need not be in contact with or touch another spot weld. In these embodiments, the plurality of spot welds may be spaced about 0.1 inch to 1 inch apart from each other spot weld. For example, in many embodiments, multiple spot welds may be spaced 0.1 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.60 inch, 0.65 inch, 0.70 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.80 inch, 0.85 inch, 0.90 inch, 0.95 inch, or 1.0 inch apart from one another.

[0093] The furthest spot welds of the plurality of spot welds 121 from the geometric center (along the X-axis and / or toward the toe) may be spaced apart by up to about 0.84 inches. In alternative embodiments, the furthest spot welds of the plurality of spot welds 121 may be spaced apart by up to about 0.01 inches, 0.02 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.07 inches, 0.08 inches, 0.09 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.11 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.13 inches, 0.14 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.1 inches, 0.2 ... 6 inch, 0.17 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.19 inch, 0.20 inch, 0.21 inch, 0.22 inch, 0.23 inch, 0.24 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.26 inch, 0.27 inch, 0.28 inch, 0.29 inch, 0.30 inch, 0.31 inch, 0.32 inch, 0.33 inch, 0.34 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.36 inch, 0.37 inch, 0.38 inch, 0.39 inch , 0.40 inch, 0.41 inch, 0.42 inch, 0.43 inch, 0.44 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.46 inch, 0.47 inch, 0.48 inch, 0.49 inch, 0.50 inch, 0.51 inch, 0.52 inch, 0.53 inch, 0.54 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.56 inch, 0.57 inch, 0.58 inch, 0.59 inch, 0.60 inch, 0.61 inch, 0.62 inch, 0.6 The spacing may be 3 inches, 0.64 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.66 inches, 0.67 inches, 0.68 inches, 0.69 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.71 inches, 0.72 inches, 0.73 inches, 0.74 inches, 0.75 inches, 0.76 inches, 0.77 inches, 0.78 inches, 0.79 inches, 0.80 inches, 0.81 inches, 0.82 inches, 0.83 inches, or 0.84 inches from the geometric center.

[0094] In the same or other embodiments, the spot welds 121 furthest from the geometric center along the Y-axis 107 may be spaced a maximum of about 0.42 inches from the geometric center toward the crown or top edge of the faceplate. The furthest spot weld may be spaced a maximum of about 0.01 inches, 0.02 inches, 0.03 inches, 0.04 inches, 0.05 inches, 0.06 inches, 0.07 inches, 0.08 inches, 0.09 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.11 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.13 inches, 0.14 inches, 0.15 inches, 0.16 inches, 0.17 inches, 0.18 inches, 0.19 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.42 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.42 ... The spot welds 121 may be spaced apart from the geometric center by 0.21 inches, 0.22 inches, 0.23 inches, 0.24 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.26 inches, 0.27 inches, 0.28 inches, 0.29 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.31 inches, 0.32 inches, 0.33 inches, 0.34 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.36 inches, 0.37 inches, 0.38 inches, 0.39 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.41 inches, or 0.42 inches. In many embodiments, the plurality of spot welds 121 are spaced apart and do not touch or abut the face-to-body transition region.

[0095] In many embodiments, the multiple spot welds are collinear with one another, as shown in FIG. 7. In alternative embodiments, the multiple spot welds need not be collinear, but are slightly offset from a straight reference line (i.e., non-collinear). Based on the face plate surface area of ​​the club head shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of the face plate surface area may contact a single weld bead. No more than 16.5% of the exterior face plate surface area may contact any weld.

[0096] (Rectangular reference shape with one or more HAZs) The heat affected zone may be found in a particular region of the faceplate, and further, the heat affected zone may be bounded or generally located within the reference shape 126. The deposition of the weld bead or spot weld within the reference shape 126 creates a HAZ region that forms a dendritic microstructure (different from non-spot welded regions). In areas where the CT characteristics are equal to or greater than a threshold value, the placement of spot welds at relevant locations results in a CT reduction due to the dendritic microstructure characteristics. The reference shape 126 may help more easily identify the location of individual CT modifications because it creates a contour around and / or across the area targeted for CT adjustment.

[0097] As previously mentioned, the reference shape 126 is projected onto the faceplate 102 to generate a boundary around the regions of interest. These areas of interest are typically those regions that have high CT values ​​and may generally be found in the center-high toe quadrant 114. Within the center-high toe quadrant 114, with specific reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that at a faceplate location (i.e., CT measurement area), the CT may vary by up to about 15 μs within a 1 inch by 1 inch area. Additionally, at adjacent faceplate locations, the CT may vary by up to 11 μs. This variation may further increase over time with repeated impacts (i.e., wear). To reduce variation within the localized area without affecting adjacent measurement locations, a HAZ may be formed via spot welding and / or weld beads.

[0098] 8, at least four spot welds (i.e., first spot weld 119, second spot weld 120, third spot weld 122, and fourth spot weld 123, which may also be referred to as a first weld bead, a second weld bead, a third weld bead, and a fourth weld bead, respectively) are formed on the outer surface of face plate 102. In other words, first spot weld 119, second spot weld 120, third spot weld 122, and fourth spot weld 123 may be applied to the (outer) surface of face plate 102 that directly contacts the golf ball during impact. In other embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth spot welds 119, 120, 122, 123 need not be formed / applied to the outer surface of the face plate 102; instead, the first, second, third, and fourth spot welds 119, 120, 122, and 123 may be applied to the rear surface of the face plate 102 in an open crown or open sole design (i.e., a golf club head that provides access to the interior of the club head).

[0099] As previously discussed, the spot welds 119, 120, 122, and 123 may locally affect the microstructure of a particular area on the faceplate 102 without collectively changing the microstructure across the faceplate 102. The four or more spot welds illustrated in FIG. 8 may generally be defined by a diameter. The diameter of the four or more spot welds 119, 120, 122, and 123 in contact with the faceplate 102 may be from about 0.125 inches to about 0.75 inches. In many embodiments, the diameter of the one or more spot welds may be from about 0.125 inches to about 0.225 inches, from about 0.225 inches to about 0.325 inches, from about 0.325 inches to about 0.425 inches, from about 0.425 inches to about 0.525 inches, from about 0.525 inches to about 0.625 inches, or from about 0.625 inches to about 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the diameter of the four or more spot welds may be about 0.1 inches, 0.150 inches, 0.2 inches, 0.250 inches, 0.3 inches, 0.350 inches, 0.4 inches, 0.450 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.550 inches, 0.6 inches, 0.650 inches, 0.7 inches, or 0.750 inches. In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the four or more spot welds may be less than about 0.750 inches, less than about 0.7 inches, less than about 0.65 inches, less than about 0.6 inches, less than about 0.55 inches, less than about 0.50 inches, less than about 0.45 inches, less than about 0.40 inches, less than about 0.35 inches, less than about 0.30 inches, less than about 0.20 inches, or less than about 0.15 inches.

[0100] The heat affected zone formed by a single spot weld may be about 20% to about 50% of the diameter of the spot weld. In many embodiments, the spot weld may form a heat affected zone (i.e., the location where the microstructure changes) of about 20% to about 25%, about 25% to about 30%, about 30% to about 35%, about 35% to about 40%, about 40% to about 45%, or about 45% to about 50% of the diameter of the spot weld. In other embodiments, the spot weld may form a heat affected zone of less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, or less than about 25% of the diameter of the spot weld. The heat affected zone is a non-melted area of ​​the faceplate 102 that has changed in microstructure as a result of exposure to high welding temperatures. The remaining area of ​​the spot weld may be defined as the weld pool area (i.e., the area where the faceplate 102 has reached its melting point and may be ready for filler material to be injected), as shown in the example of FIG. 9.

[0101] As further illustrated by FIG. 8, the first spot weld 119, the second spot weld 120, the third spot weld 122, and the fourth spot weld 123 formed on the faceplate 102 locally change the microstructure of the faceplate 102 within the heat affected zone described above. The microstructure of the heat affected zone resulting from the spot welds forms a dendritic structure, which is a needle-like or finger-like structure that creates smaller grain boundaries to harden or increase strength in the weld (or HAZ) area of ​​the faceplate 102. This localized hardening directly correlates to a decrease in the characteristic time of the area where the flexibility of the faceplate is reduced. The weld pool and locations outside the heat affected zone (i.e., locations not affected by the spot welds) have a homogenous microstructure with larger grain boundaries relative to the grain boundaries of the heat affected zone (i.e., the area that is less stiff and more flexible).

[0102] In this particular embodiment, first spot weld 119, second spot weld 120, third spot weld 122, and fourth spot weld 123 are positioned on and / or within rectangular reference shape 126 at relative locations and may be spaced apart from one another and do not touch one another. In many embodiments, the separation distance between the center of first spot weld 119, the center of second spot weld 120, the center of third spot weld 122, and the center of fourth spot weld 123 may vary. In many embodiments, the separation distance may be between about 0.1 inch and 1 inch. For example, in many embodiments, the center of the first spot weld 119 to the center of at least one of the second spot weld 120, the center of the third spot weld 122, and the center of the fourth spot weld 123 may be spaced 0.1 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.2 inch, 0.25 inch, 0.3 inch, 0.35 inch, 0.4 inch, 0.45 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.55 inch, 0.60 inch, 0.65 inch, 0.70 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.80 inch, 0.85 inch, 0.90 inch, 0.95 inch, or 1.0 inch apart. In other embodiments, the separation distance between the center of the first spot weld 119 and at least one of the centers of the second spot weld 120, the third spot weld 122, and the fourth spot weld 123 may be less than 1.0 inch, less than 0.95 inch, less than 0.90 inch, less than 0.85 inch, less than 0.80 inch, less than 0.75 inch, less than 0.70 inch, less than 0.65 inch, less than 0.60 inch, less than 0.55 inch, less than 0.50 inch, less than 0.45 inch, less than 0.40 inch, less than 0.35 inch, less than 0.30 inch, less than 0.20 inch, or less than 0.150 inch. In many embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth spot welds are spaced apart and do not touch or abut the face-to-body transition region.

[0103] In many embodiments, at least two spot welds are collinear with one another, as shown in Figure 8. In the same or alternative embodiments, at least two spot welds are not collinear with one another. Based on the face plate surface area of ​​the club head shown in the example of Figure 8, approximately 0.5% to 1.0% of the face plate surface area may contact a single weld bead. No more than 16.5% of the exterior face plate surface area may contact any weld.

[0104] (Manufacturing method) 10 illustrates a process for forming and / or assembling the golf club head 100. In a first step 200, the face plate 102 may be aligned relative to the body of the golf club head 100. A second step 300 involves welding the face plate 102 to the body of the club head 100. In a third step 400, the club head and face plate may be heated to, above, or below the solvus temperature of the face plate material through a series of melting and / or aging steps. In a fourth step 500, the club head and face plate are air cooled.

[0105] Once the club head has cooled, a fifth step 600 involves identifying at least one region of interest on the face plate. This region of interest may typically be identified or found by determining the location where the golf ball remains on the face plate at impact for a period of time longer than the intentionally designed period. The location may be identified or found by (1) standard USGA test methods for measuring characteristic time via a heat-seeking process (which seeks to identify the location and value of the club head's maximum characteristic time value by taking measurements at strategically selected locations), or (2) by identifying known regions of interest through club head aggregation of CT data.

[0106] Once the at least one area of ​​interest on the face plate has been identified, spot welding via plasma welding or laser welding may be applied to the at least one area of ​​interest at a predetermined temperature of 500°C to 650°C for a time range of 1 second to 5 seconds, thereby forming a HAZ area. This step 700 may be completed prior to any face plate finishing steps. For example, localized heat treatment may be completed prior to smoothing or texturing processes, coating / aesthetic processes, and thermal polishing processes of the entire face plate and / or club head.

[0107] Finally, in a seventh step 800, the filler material formed by the spot welds may be polished, smoothed, and / or removed from the faceplate to produce a smooth faceplate surface. In other words, excess material on the faceplate as a result of the spot welds may be removed prior to polishing so that no mass is added to the faceplate. After removal of the spot welds as described above, macroscopically the faceplate appears unchanged, but microscopically portions of the faceplate microstructure have been modified to have a dendritic structure.

[0108] Example 1 To analyze the effectiveness of the golf club head embodiments described herein and to obtain quantifiable information regarding the club head's characteristic time, ball speed, launch angle, and spin characteristics, a three club robotic testing experiment was conducted. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 7 was benchmarked against a control club with no HAZ and a 1 degree lofted control club with no HAZ.

[0109] The golf club head of Figure 7 that was tested was a driver-type golf club head having a loft angle of about 8.95 degrees, a swing weight of D4.2, a total club head weight (grip + shaft + head) of 317.9 grams, and a finished head weight of 204.5 grams. The control club was a driver-type golf club head having a loft angle of about 9.1 degrees, a swing weight of D4.1, a total club head weight (grip + shaft + head) of 317.6 grams, and a finished head weight of 204.6 grams.

[0110] The 1 degree lofted control club was lofted (via an adjustable hosel) to have a clubhead with a loft angle of approximately 8.1 degrees, a swing weight of D4.1, a total clubhead weight (grip + shaft + head) of 317.6 grams, and a finished head weight of 204.6 grams.

[0111] Additionally, various characteristic time measurements were recorded for the center and high toe quadrants at various locations on the control club. The table below (Table 1) summarizes the values ​​recorded. The measurement location at the (0 in, 0 in) point location is defined at the geometric center (or origin) of the golf club head. Moving from right to left on the table adjusts the horizontal reference location and therefore moves it closer to the toe of the club head. Moving from bottom to top on the table adjusts the vertical reference location and therefore moves it towards the crown of the club head.

[0112] [Table 1]

[0113] For comparison purposes, center-high toe characteristic time values ​​were also measured for the tested embodiment of Figure 7 and are shown in Table 2. Comparing Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that at critical locations on the faceplate (i.e., the center-high toe quadrants), the characteristic time measurements before (Table 1) and after (Table 2) the spot weld were reduced by an average of about 4% or 12 μs.

[0114] [Table 2]

[0115] Typically, a decrease in characteristic time results also results in a decrease in ball speed. However, this was not the case. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 11, it can be seen that ball speeds for the tested clubs across center, toe, and heel impacts increased relative to the control club and the lofted control club. Additionally, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, it can be seen that the tested club heads launched approximately 8% lower with approximately 9% less spin.

[0116] It was concluded that this phenomenon was due to both impact velocity and localized face plate hardening. The characteristic time test is a low (or slow) impact test that measures the time that the golf ball remains in contact with the face plate upon impact. Alternatively, ball velocity data is typically taken at high speed impacts with the golf ball. For this reason, the club heads described herein with HAZ (and more specifically, the face plate response) vary according to low and high impact settings.

[0117] For example, at the characteristic time measurement location where the heat affected zone is present, the heat affected zone is stiffer than the adjacent (non-HAZ locations) due to smaller grain boundaries. The heat affected zone does not allow the face plate to bend as much, resulting in a reduced CT (at a particular location) due to the stiffer area. Thus, the golf ball does not stay in contact with the face plate as long upon impact. However, at high impacts (such as a full swing) when the overall system is stiffer, the heat affected zone produces increased ball velocity, and therefore, energy transfer to the golf ball upon impact is not lost due to reduced face bending and / or curvature in the particular area as the face bends.

[0118] The substitution of one or more claimed elements constitutes a reconstruction, not a repair. Moreover, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may give rise to or make more evident any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as a critical, essential, or essential feature or element of any or all of the claims.

[0119] Because the rules of golf may change frequently (e.g., new rules may be adopted, or old rules may be eliminated or modified, by golf standards organizations and / or governing 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 conform to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and / or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this respect.

[0120] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not available to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiment and / or limitation (1) is not explicitly claimed in the claims and (2) is equivalent or potentially equivalent to elements and / or limitations expressly recited in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0121] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

[0122] Item 1. A face plate and a body, the body comprising a sole, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end, the sole being on the ground at address, the crown being opposite the sole, the heel end being opposite the toe end and perpendicular to the sole and the crown, the face plate having a geometric center equidistant from the crown and the sole and equidistant from the heel end and the toe end, the face plate defining a loft plane, the loft plane intersecting the ground and tangent to the geometric center, the face plate and the body, and a reference shape having a height and a width, the reference shape extending from the geometric center toward the crown and the toe end, the height of the reference shape being about 25% of an overall height of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a crown-sole direction, and the width of the reference shape being about 25% of an overall height of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a heel-to-toe direction. Within 11. A golf club head comprising: a reference shape that is approximately 25% of an overall width of the face plate to be measured, the reference shape further comprising a characteristic time threshold, wherein one or more locations within the reference shape include a characteristic time value higher than the characteristic time threshold, and a first heat affected zone is formed at or near the one or more locations, wherein each heat affected zone location after formation includes a characteristic time value equal to or less than the characteristic time threshold.

[0123] Item 2. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the geometric center of the face plate further defines an origin for a coordinate system having an X' axis and a Y' axis, the X' axis extending through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction from the heel to the toe of the club head and the Y' axis extending through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction perpendicular to the X' axis from the crown to the sole of the club head, forming four face plate quadrant areas including a center-high toe quadrant, and the reference shape is a rectilinear reference shape extending from the geometric center of the face plate and bounded only by the center-high toe quadrants.

[0124] Item 3. The golf club head according to item 2, wherein the linear reference shape is angled at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees with respect to the X' axis.

[0125] Item 4. The golf club head according to item 3, wherein the linear reference shape is angled at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the X' axis.

[0126] Item 5. The golf club head of item 2, wherein at least the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are present along the linear reference shape, and the first, second, third, and fourth heat affected zones have a microstructure that is different from a microstructure of a non-heat affected faceplate region.

[0127] Item 6. The golf club head of item 5, wherein the microstructure of the first, second, third, and fourth heat affected zones is an acicular or finger-like structure with smaller grain boundaries than the microstructure of the non-heat affected faceplate region.

[0128] Item 7. The golf club head of item 1, wherein the first heat affected zone extends over no more than 16.5% of the exterior faceplate surface area.

[0129] Item 8. The golf club head of item 5, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are substantially collinear with one another.

[0130] Item 9. The golf club head of item 8, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are not present at any location along the face plate-to-body transition region.

[0131] Item 10. A face plate and a body, the body comprising a sole, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end, the sole being on the ground at address, the crown being on the opposite side of the sole, the heel end being on the opposite side of the toe end and perpendicular to the sole and the crown, the face plate having a geometric center equidistant from the crown and the sole and equidistant from the heel end and the toe end, the face plate defining a loft plane, the loft plane intersecting the ground and tangent to the geometric center, the face plate and the body, and a reference shape having a height and a width, the reference shape extending from the geometric center toward the crown and the toe end, the height of the reference shape being about 5% to about 25% of an overall height of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a crown-sole direction, and the width of the reference shape being about 10% to about 25% of an overall height of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a heel-to-toe direction. Within 1. A golf club head comprising: a reference shape that is about 5% to about 25% of an overall width of the face plate to be measured, the reference shape further comprising a characteristic time threshold, wherein within the reference shape, one or more locations include a characteristic time value higher than the characteristic time threshold, and a first heat affected zone is formed at or near the one or more locations, wherein each heat affected zone location after formation includes a characteristic time value less than or equal to the characteristic time threshold.

[0132] Item 11. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the geometric center of the face plate further defines an origin for a coordinate system having an X' axis and a Y' axis, the X' axis extending through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction from the heel to the toe of the club head and the Y' axis extending through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction perpendicular to the X' axis from the crown to the sole of the club head, forming four face plate quadrant areas including a center-high toe quadrant, and the reference shape is a rectilinear reference shape extending from the geometric center of the face plate and bounded only by the center-high toe quadrants.

[0133] Item 12. The golf club head according to item 11, wherein the linear reference shape is angled at an angle of about 20 degrees to about 80 degrees with respect to the X' axis.

[0134] Item 13. The golf club head according to item 12, wherein the linear reference shape is angled at an angle of about 45 degrees to about 50 degrees with respect to the X' axis.

[0135] Item 14. The golf club head of item 11, wherein at least the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are present along the linear reference shape, and the first, second, third, and fourth heat affected zones have a microstructure that is different from a microstructure of a non-heat affected faceplate region.

[0136] Item 15. The golf club head of item 14, wherein the microstructure of the heat affected zone is a needle-like or finger-like structure forming smaller grain boundaries than the microstructure of the non-heat affected faceplate region.

[0137] Item 16. The golf club head of item 10, wherein the first heat affected zone extends over no more than 16.5% of the exterior faceplate surface area.

[0138] Item 17. The golf club head of item 14, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are collinear with one another.

[0139] Item 18. The golf club head of item 17, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are not present at any location along the face plate-to-body transition region.

[0140] Item 19. The golf club head according to item 11, wherein the golf club head is a driver-type club head.

[0141] Item 20. The golf club head according to item 11, wherein the golf club head is a driver-type club head having a loft angle of less than 10 degrees.

Claims

1. a face plate and a body, the body including a sole, a crown, a heel end, and a toe end; The sole is on the ground at address, the crown is opposite the sole; the heel end is opposite the toe end and perpendicular to the sole and the crown; the face plate has a geometric center that is equidistant from the crown and the sole and equidistant from the heel end and the toe end; the faceplate defining a loft plane, the loft plane intersecting the ground surface and tangent to the geometric center; the faceplate further comprising an area defined by a reference shape having a height and a width; the reference shape extends from the geometric center toward the crown and the toe end; the height of the reference shape is between 5% and 25% of an overall height of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a crown-sole direction; the width of the reference shape is between 5% and 25% of an overall width of the face plate measured in the loft plane in a heel-to-toe direction; the region defined by the reference shape includes, at one or more locations, characteristic time values ​​that are greater than a predetermined characteristic time threshold; the faceplate further comprising a first heat affected zone formed in a portion of the faceplate at or near the one or more locations where spot welds are applied, each heat affected zone location after formation includes a characteristic time value that is less than or equal to the predetermined characteristic time threshold; the geometric center of the faceplate further defines an origin for a coordinate system having an X' axis and a Y' axis; the X' axis extends through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction from the heel to the toe of the club head, and the Y' axis extends through the geometric center of the face plate in a direction perpendicular to the X' axis from the crown to the sole of the club head to define four face plate quadrant regions, including a center-high toe quadrant; The reference shape is a rectilinear reference shape extending from the geometric center of the face plate and bounded only by the center-high toe quadrant.

2. 2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the linear reference feature is angled at an angle of between 20 degrees and 80 degrees relative to the X' axis.

3. 3. The golf club head of claim 2, wherein the linear reference feature is angled at an angle of between 45 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the X' axis.

4. 4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are present along the linear reference shape, and the first, second, third, and fourth heat affected zones have a microstructure that is different from a microstructure of a non-heat affected faceplate region.

5. 5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the microstructure of the heat affected zone is a needle-like or finger-like structure forming smaller grain boundaries than the microstructure of the non-heat affected faceplate region.

6. The golf club head of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first heat affected zone extends over no more than 16.5% of the exterior face plate surface area.

7. The golf club head of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are collinear with one another.

8. 8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the first heat affected zone, the second heat affected zone, the third heat affected zone, and the fourth heat affected zone are absent anywhere along the face plate-to-body transition region.

9. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the golf club head is a driver-type club head.

10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the golf club head is a driver-type club head having a loft angle of less than 10 degrees.

Images