Golf club head face plate having grids

Abstract

To provide a golf club head faceplate comprising a lattice to improve energy storage capabilities and minimize stress concentration.SOLUTION: A lattice can comprise a plurality of flexure shapes that facilitate in faceplate bending. The flexure shapes of the lattice can comprise a reentrant, concave, or non-convex shape. The lattice can comprise at least one repeating pattern of flexure shapes that can be interconnected or spaced apart. During golf ball impacts, the flexure shapes flex to store energy through linear and torsional bending.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] <Cross - Reference to Related Applications> This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 697,304, filed on Jul. 12, 2018, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a golf club head face plate having a grid.

Background Art

[0003] The design of golf clubs takes into account several performance characteristics, such as ball speed. Typically, golf club design aims to increase ball speed by increasing the flexibility or bendability of the face plate. However, current designs are limited due to manufacturing or structural considerations. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a club head having a face plate that further increases ball speed while minimizing stress concentration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0021] For the sake of brevity and clarity of description, the drawings comprehensively show the structure, and in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the golf club and its manufacturing method, descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted. Furthermore, the elements of the drawings do not necessarily reflect the actual scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements in order to clarify the embodiments of the golf club and its manufacturing method. The same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present embodiment described below is directed to a golf club head face plate including a lattice. The lattice includes a plurality of bending shapes that facilitate bending of the face plate. The bending shapes of the lattice include an inwardly recessed shape (i.e., a shape facing inward), a concave shape, or a non-convex shape. The lattice has a repeating pattern of the bending shapes. The bending shapes can be shapes connected to each other or shapes separated from each other. The dimensions, shape, and pattern of the lattice affect the bending of the face plate during a golf ball impact. When the golf ball collides, the bending shapes of the lattice function as small springs that accumulate energy through linear bending and torsional bending. By accumulating energy through two bending modes, a greater energy accumulation is obtained within the face plate. This makes it possible to achieve a greater ball speed during the impact of the golf ball. Further, the bending shapes of the lattice reduce the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of the face plate material (i.e., the impact area of the face plate) by shifting the position of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the face plate material. This can move the maximum stress away from the impact region of the face plate, thereby enhancing the durability of the face plate. Spreading the stress over a larger volume of the face plate material and the combination with the two modes of bending lead to an increase in the ball speed of 1 to 3 miles per hour.

[0023] The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. in the specification and claims are used to distinguish similar elements and do not necessarily indicate a particular order or time sequence. Terms used in this way are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances. For example, the embodiments described in this specification may be performed in an order other than the order illustrated or described in other ways in this specification. Further, "comprising", "having" and their conjugations are intended to be non-exclusive inclusion. A process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus having a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, and may include elements not explicitly listed or other elements specific to such a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0024] The terms "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", etc. in the specification and claims are for illustrative purposes and do not necessarily describe a permanent relative position. These terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the devices, methods, and / or articles described in this specification can operate, for example, in an orientation different from the orientations illustrated or described in this specification.

[0025] As described in this specification, the term "loft" or "loft angle" of a golf club refers to the angle formed between the club face and the shaft, measured by any suitable loft and lie machine.

[0026] Embodiments of a golf club head are described herein. The golf club head can comprise a driver type club head, a fairway wood type club head, or a hybrid type club head. For example, in some embodiments, the golf club head can comprise a driver type club head. The driver type club head has a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the driver type club head is less than about 16°, less than about 15°, less than about 14°, less than about 13°, less than about 12°, less than about 11°, or less than about 10°. Further, in many embodiments, the volume of the driver type club head is greater than about 400 cc, greater than about 425 cc, greater than about 445 cc, greater than about 450 cc, greater than about 455 cc, greater than about 460 cc, greater than about 475 cc, greater than about 500 cc, greater than about 525 cc, greater than about 550 cc, greater than about 575 cc, greater than about 600 cc, greater than about 625 cc, greater than about 650 cc, greater than about 675 cc, or greater than about 700 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the driver type club head can be about 400 cc to 600 cc, 425 cc to 500 cc, about 500 cc to 600 cc, about 500 cc to 650 cc, about 550 cc to 700 cc, about 600 cc to 650 cc, about 600 cc to 700 cc, or about 600 cc to 800 cc.

[0027] For example, in some embodiments, the golf club head can comprise a fairway wood type club head. The fairway wood type club head has a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood type club head is 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. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood type club head is greater than about 12 degrees, greater than about 13 degrees, greater than about 14 degrees, greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, or greater than about 20 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the loft angle of the fairway wood type club head can be from 12 degrees to 35 degrees, from 15 degrees to 35 degrees, from 20 degrees to 35 degrees, or from 12 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0028] Further, in many embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood type club head is less than about 400 cc, less than about 375 cc, less than about 350 cc, less than about 325 cc, less than about 300 cc, less than about 275 cc, less than about 250 cc, less than about 225 cc, or less than about 200 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the fairway wood type club head can be from about 150 cc to 200 cc, from about 150 cc to 250 cc, from about 150 cc to 300 cc, from about 150 cc to 350 cc, from about 150 cc to 400 cc, from about 300 cc to 400 cc, from about 325 cc to 400 cc, from about 350 cc to 400 cc, from about 250 cc to 400 cc, from about 250 to 350 cc, or from about 275 to 375 cc.

[0029] For example, in some embodiments, the golf club head can include a hybrid type club head. The hybrid type club head includes a loft angle and a volume. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid type club head is 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. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the hybrid type club head is greater than about 16 degrees, greater than about 17 degrees, greater than about 18 degrees, greater than about 19 degrees, greater than about 20 degrees, greater than about 21 degrees, greater than about 22 degrees, greater than about 23 degrees, greater than about 24 degrees, or greater than about 25 degrees.

[0030] Further, in many embodiments, the volume of the hybrid type club head is less than about 200 cc, less than about 175 cc, less than about 150 cc, less than about 125 cc, less than about 100 cc, or less than about 75 cc. In some embodiments, the volume of the hybrid type club head can be about 100 cc to 150 cc, about 75 cc to 150 cc, about 100 cc to 125 cc, or about 75 cc to 125 cc.

[0031] For purposes of ease of discussion and understanding, and for purposes of illustration only, the following detailed description shows a golf club head as a driver. It should be understood that a driver is provided for purposes of illustration of a face plate lattice for increasing ball speed. As described above, a face plate having the disclosed lattice can generally be used in connection with any desired driver, fairway wood, hybrid, or wood.

[0032] Other features and aspects will become apparent by considering the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Before any particular embodiment of the disclosure is described in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is to be understood that the description of a particular embodiment is not intended to limit the disclosure to that particular embodiment, but rather to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Also, it is to be understood that the terminology and phraseology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0033] <Lattice golf club head face plate> The golf club head face plate described herein includes a lattice. The lattice includes a plurality of flexure shapes that facilitate flexure of the face plate. During impact of the golf ball, the flexure shapes of the face plate lattice act as small springs that store energy through linear bending and torsional bending. By storing energy through two bending modes, greater face plate energy storage is possible, resulting in a greater ball speed during impact of the golf ball. Further, the flexure shapes of the lattice reduce the maximum stress that occurs over a small volume of the face plate material and shift the location of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the face plate material.

[0034] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically shows a front view of a golf club head 100. Like reference numerals are used to identify like or identical components in the various figures. The golf club head 100 includes a face plate 130 and a body 110 that are fixed to each other so as to define a substantially closed / hollow interior volume. The club head 100 includes a crown 114, a sole 118 opposite the crown 114, a heel 122, and a toe 126 opposite the heel 122.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the faceplate 100 includes a hitting face 134 intended to strike a golf ball and a back face 138 opposite the hitting face 134. The faceplate 130 further includes a center 132 located at the geometric center of the faceplate 130 and a peripheral portion 136. The peripheral portion 136 extends entirely around the faceplate 130 near the crown 114, the toe 126, the sole 118, and the heel 122 of the club head 100.

[0036] To withstand the impact stress that occurs when the club head 100 strikes a golf ball, the faceplate 130 is formed of a metal, or a metal alloy, and preferably a lightweight metal alloy. For example, stainless steel or a steel alloy (such as, but not limited to, C300, C350, Ni (nickel)-Co (cobalt)-Cr (chromium)-steel alloy, 565 steel, AISI type 304 or AISI type 630 stainless steel), a titanium alloy (such as, but not limited to, Ti-6-4, Ti-3-8-6-4-4, Ti-10-2-3, Ti 15-3-3-3, Ti 15-5-3, Ti185, Ti 6-6-2, Ti-7s, Ti-9s, Ti-92, or Ti-8-1-1 titanium alloy), an amorphous metal alloy, or other similar metals.

[0037] The faceplate of the club head 100 further includes a lattice 140 having a plurality of bent shapes recessed within the faceplate 130. The lattice 140 can be recessed within the back face 138 of the faceplate 130. The lattice 140 can be disposed within the closed / hollow internal volume of the club head 100. The lattice 140 is not exposed on the outer surface of the club head 100 or is not visible on the outer surface.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the lattice 140 can be disposed in the region of the face plate 130. The face plate 130 can include a central region 150 located near the face plate center 132 of the face plate 130, a toe region 158 located near the toe 126 of the club head 100, a heel region 162 located near the heel 162 of the club head 100, a bottom region 166 located near the sole 118 of the club head 100, and a top region 170 located near the crown 114 of the club head 100. The lattice 140 can be disposed in the central region 150, the toe region 158, the heel region 162, the bottom region 166, the top region 170, or any combination thereof.

[0039] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the face plate 130 can further constitute a high-toe region 174, a low-toe region 178, a high-heel region 182, and a low-heel region 186. The lattice 140 can be disposed on the high-toe region 174, the low-toe region 178, the high-heel region 182, the low-heel region 178, or any combination thereof. The position of the lattice 140 on the face plate 130 can affect how the face plate 130 bends during impact with a golf ball. In some embodiments, the lattice 140 can provide a face plate 130 with an asymmetric bend to achieve different golf ball shot shapes such as a draw, a fade, or a straight shot. In one embodiment, the lattice 140 can be disposed in the high-toe region 174 and the low-heel region 186 to provide a draw-biased shot shape (i.e., a ball flight from right to left). In another example, the lattice 140 can be disposed in the high-heel region 182 and the low-toe region 178 to provide a fade-biased shot shape (i.e., a ball flight from left to right).

[0040] In other embodiments, the lattice 140 can be disposed on the outer surface of the club head 100 or on the inner surface of the club head 100 that is adjacent to the closed volume / inner volume. More specifically, the lattice 140 can be disposed on the crown 114, sole 118, toe 126, heel 122, or any combination thereof. In yet other embodiments, the lattice 140 can be disposed on the face plate 130 and at least one of the crown 114, sole 118, toe 126, or heel 122. In other embodiments, a portion of the crown 114 or sole 118 can be formed as an insert that can be attached to the club head 100, and the lattice 140 is formed on the insert. In yet other embodiments, the club head 100 can be integrally formed as one component or piece. Here, the lattice 140 can be integrally formed with the club head 100 in at least one of the crown 114, sole 118, toe 126, or heel 122. The lattice 140 disposed on at least one of the crown 114 or sole 118 can minimize stress concentration and move the maximum stress concentration away from the thinnest portion of the crown 114 or sole 118.

[0041] The grid 140 can constitute the proportion of the back surface area. In some embodiments, the grid 140 can constitute more than 40%, more than 45%, more than 50%, more than 55%, more than 60%, more than 65%, more than 70%, or more than 75% of the back surface area. In other embodiments, the grid 140 can constitute 10% - 100% of the back surface area. In some embodiments, the grid 140 can constitute 10% - 95%, 10% - 90%, 10% - 85%, 10% - 80%, 10% - 75%, 10% - 70%, 10% - 65%, 10% - 60%, 10% - 55%, or 10% - 50% of the back surface area. In some embodiments, the grid 140 can constitute 10% - 25%, 25% - 40%, 40% - 55%, 55% - 70%, 70% - 85%, or 85% - 100% of the back surface area. For example, the grid 140 can constitute 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the back surface area.

[0042] The grid 140 can include at least one repeating pattern. In some embodiments, the grid 140 can include a plurality of repeating patterns. For example, the grid 140 can include one, two, three, four, or five repeating patterns. In other embodiments, at least one repeating pattern can be a radial pattern. Here, the pattern is repeated in the radial direction (i.e., from the center of the faceplate to the periphery of the faceplate).

[0043] The number of bending shapes of the lattice 140 can affect the way the lattice 140 stores energy in the face plate. In some embodiments, the number of bending shapes can increase, decrease, or remain constant towards the central region 150, toe region 158, heel region 162, bottom region 166, top region 170, high-toe region 174, low-toe region 178, high-heel region 182, or low-heel region 186. For example, the number of bending shapes can decrease towards the toe region 158 of the face plate 130. In another example, the number of bending shapes can decrease towards the bottom region 166 of the face plate 130. In other examples, the number of bending shapes can decrease towards the heel region 162 of the face plate 130. In another example, the number of bending shapes can decrease towards the top region 170 of the face plate 130.

[0044] The size (i.e., volume) of the bending shape of the lattice 140 can affect the way the lattice 140 stores energy in the face plate. In some embodiments, the size of the bending shape can increase, decrease, or remain constant towards the central region 150, toe region 158, heel region 162, bottom region 166, top region 170, high-toe region 174, low-toe region 178, high-heel region 182, or low-heel region 186. For example, the size of the bending shape can be made larger in the toe region 158 than in the heel region 162 to facilitate toe bending of the face plate 130. In another example, the size of the bending shape can be made larger in the bottom region 166 than in the top region 170 to facilitate sole bending of the face plate 130. In another example, the size of the bending shape can be made larger in the heel region 162 than in the toe region 158 to facilitate heel bending of the face plate 130. In another example, the size of the bending shape can be made larger in the top region 170 than in the bottom region 166 to facilitate crown bending of the face plate 130.

[0045] The number of flexure shapes can correspond to the size of the flexure shapes. The number of flexure shapes can have an inverse relationship with the size of the flexure shapes. As the size of the flexure shapes increases, the number of flexure shapes decreases. In other words, as the size of the flexure shapes decreases, the number of flexure shapes increases. Along with the positioning of the flexure shapes on the face plate 130, the size and number of the flexure shapes can further enhance a desired golf ball shot shape such as draw, fade, or straight.

[0046] The flexure shapes of the plurality of grids 140 facilitate bending of the face plate. The flexure shapes of the grid 140 can include reentrant (i.e., inward-facing shape), concave, or non-convex shapes. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the flexure shapes of the grid 140 can be constituted by a series of interconnected grooves. A series of interconnected grooves can be constituted by a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to the base groove. A series of interconnected grooves can be constituted by a repeating pattern of the base groove and a repeating pattern of the ligament grooves. The repeating patterns of the base groove and the ligament grooves are interconnected to form a flexure shape. The flexure shape can be formed from a part of the base groove and the ligament grooves. The part of the flexure shape is either concave or convex with respect to the center of the flexure shape. As described in more detail below, a series of interconnected grooves can be arranged in a serpentine pattern, a chiral pattern, or a windmill pattern.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10-14, the bent shape of the grid 140 can be formed from a plurality of land portions. The plurality of land portions form a plurality of bent shape recesses. The bent shape recess can include at least two vertices that define an acute interior angle and at least one vertex that defines an obtuse angle around the bent shape recess. At least one obtuse angle vertex is disposed between at least two acute interior angle vertices. At least one obtuse angle vertex does not define an acute interior angle. The acute interior angle can define an angle less than 90 degrees, and the obtuse angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. At least one obtuse angle vertex of the bent shape recess can define a reentrant, concave, or non-convex shape of the bent shape recess. As described in more detail below, the bent shape recess formed from the land portion can include a plurality of Evan, arrowhead, four-point star, six-point star, or three-point star bent shape recesses.

[0048] In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 15-17, the bent shape can be formed from a plurality of land portions. The plurality of land portions form a plurality of bent shape recesses. In these embodiments, the land portion can have a geometric shape between adjacent bent shape recesses. The geometric shape of the land portion can include a triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, or hexagon. The plurality of land portions can have a plurality of interconnected shapes, and the geometric shape of each land portion can define a part of one or more bent shape recesses. As described in more detail below, the bent shape recess formed from the land portion having a geometric shape can include a plurality of triad, diamond, or slot bent shape recesses.

[0049] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the faceplate lattice 140 can exhibit auxetic behavior. Auxetic behavior can be defined as a structure having a near-zero or negative Poisson's ratio. In other words, as an auxetic structure is stretched or a tensile force is applied, the auxetic structure tends to become thicker (as opposed to thinner) or expand in a direction perpendicular to the applied force. In contrast, a material having a positive Poisson's ratio that is not close to zero contracts in a direction perpendicular to the applied force. The auxetic structure is advantageous for the club head faceplate because the expansion characteristics of the auxetic structure when stretched by tension increase the flexibility of the faceplate and the amount of faceplate energy storage. Increasing the amount of faceplate energy storage increases ball speed upon impact of the golf ball.

[0050] Based on finite element simulations measuring the internal energy of the faceplate 130 during golf ball impact, the faceplate 130 including the lattice 140 increases the internal energy storage by 10% to 20% compared to the faceplate without the lattice 140. In some embodiments, the internal energy storage can be increased by 10% - 15%, or 15% - 20%. This increase in internal energy storage is equivalent to an increase in ball speed of approximately 1.0 - 3.0 mph compared to a faceplate without the lattice 140. In some embodiments, the ball speed increases by 1.0 - 2.0 mph, or 2.0 - 3.0 mph. In some embodiments, the ball speed increases by 1.0 - 1.5 mph, 1.5 - 2.0 mph, 2.0 - 2.5 mph, or 2.5 - 3.0 mph. This increase in ball speed is equivalent to an increase in ball distance of approximately 5 - 15 yards compared to a faceplate lacking the lattice 140. In some embodiments, the ball distance increases by 5 - 10 yards, or 10 - 15 yards. In some embodiments, the ball distance increases by 5 - 7 yards, 7 - 9 yards, 9 - 11 yards, 11 - 13 yards, or 13 - 15 yards. The advantages of the faceplate 130 including the lattice 140 are described in more detail below.

[0051] Based on the coefficient of restitution (COR) faceplate test that measures the faceplate 130 during golf ball impact, the faceplate 130 including the lattice 140 increases the COR by 2% to 10% compared to the faceplate without the lattice 140. In some embodiments, compared to a faceplate without the lattice 140, the COR can be increased by 2% - 5%, or 5% - 10%. For example, the COR of the faceplate 130 with the lattice 140 can be increased by 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% compared to a faceplate without the lattice 140.

[0052] The dimensions of the lattice 140 can affect the way the lattice accumulates energy in the faceplate. For example, the lattice 140 can include a depth measured as the distance from the back surface 138 to the bottom surface of the lattice 140 in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 138. The depth of the lattice 140 can range from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches. The depth of the lattice 140 can range from 0.025 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.075 inches. For example, the depth of the lattice 140 can be 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, or 0.075 inches. In one example, the depth of the lattice 140 can be 0.05 inches.

[0053] The dimensions of the faceplate 130 can affect the way the lattice accumulates energy in the faceplate. For example, the faceplate 130 includes a thickness measured in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 134 from the striking face 134 to the back surface 138. The thickness of the faceplate 130 varies from the faceplate center 132 to the faceplate periphery 136. The thickness of the faceplate can facilitate reducing the weight of the faceplate and can enable moving weight to other parts of the club head (e.g., the sole) to facilitate the center of gravity position or the moment of inertia.

[0054] The thick faceplate 130 can minimize the energy storage capacity of the grid 140 by restricting the bending of the faceplate 130. A thinner faceplate 130 can increase the energy storage capacity of the grid 140 by allowing the faceplate 130 to bend freely. For example, the thickness of the faceplate near the center of the faceplate can range from 0.10 inches to 0.25 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the faceplate near the center of the faceplate can range from 0.10 inches to 0.175 inches, or from 0.175 inches to 0.25 inches. In other embodiments, the thickness of the faceplate near the center of the faceplate can range from 0.10 inches to 0.15 inches, from 0.15 inches to 0.20 inches, or from 0.20 inches to 0.25 inches. For example, the thickness of the faceplate near the center of the faceplate can be 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, or 0.25 inches. In another example, the thickness of the faceplate near the center of the faceplate can be 0.20 inches.

[0055] In another example, the thickness of the faceplate near the perimeter of the faceplate can range from 0.60 inches to 0.14 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the faceplate near the perimeter of the faceplate can range from 0.60 inches to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 inches to 0.14 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the faceplate near the perimeter of the faceplate can range from 0.60 inches to 0.08 inches, from 0.08 inches to 0.10 inches, from 0.10 inches to 0.12 inches, or from 0.12 inches to 0.14 inches. For example, the thickness of the faceplate near the perimeter of the faceplate can be 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, or 0.14 inches. In another example, the thickness of the faceplate near the perimeter of the faceplate can be 0.09 inches.

[0056] <Grid having a series of interconnected grooves> As described above, the grid can comprise a plurality of bent shapes. These bent shapes can further comprise a series of interconnected grooves. The series of interconnected grooves can comprise a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves extending outward from the base groove. The plurality of ligament grooves can be connected to or integrated with the base groove. The plurality of ligament grooves may be equally spaced or unequally spaced along the base groove. The series of interconnected grooves can comprise a repeating pattern of the base groove and a repeating pattern of the ligament grooves. The repeating patterns of the base groove and the ligament grooves are interconnected from the bent shape. The bent shape can be formed from a portion of the base groove and the ligament grooves. A portion of the bent shape can be either concave or convex with respect to the center of the bent shape. A grid having a bent shape formed from a series of interconnected grooves facilitates accumulating greater energy within the faceplate and enables greater ball speed during impact of a golf ball. Three examples of grids with interconnected base grooves and ligament grooves are described below.

[0057] <Samburst groove> In one example, as shown in FIG. 7, the faceplate 130 can include a grid 240. The grid 240 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but may differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The grid 240 can include a plurality of Samburst grooves. In other words, the grid 240 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a Samburst pattern. Each Samburst groove can include a base groove 244 and six ligament grooves 248 extending from the base groove 244. The base groove 244 can be circular, and the ligament grooves 248 can be curved. The ligament grooves 248 can extend non-linearly outward or away from the base groove 244.

[0058] The ligament groove 248 can include a first curve 252, a second curve 256, and an inflection point 260 disposed between the first curve 252 and the second curve 256. The position of the inflection point 260 indicates a change in the direction of the curvature of the ligament groove 248. In some embodiments, the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 of the ligament groove 248 can have the same width. In other embodiments, the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 of the ligament groove 248 can have different widths.

[0059] The first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can have an outer radius. The outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be similar or different. The outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can range from 0.08 to 0.16 inches. In some embodiments, the outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can range from 0.08 to 0.12 inches, or from 0.12 to 0.16 inches. In some embodiments, the outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can range from 0.08 to 0.1 inch, 0.1 to 0.12 inches, 0.12 to 0.14 inches, or 0.14 to 0.16 inches. For example, the outer radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, or 0.15 inches.

[0060] The first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can include an inner radius. The inner radius is smaller than the outer radius. In other words, the outer radius is larger than the inner radius. The inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be similar or different. The inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can range from 0.03 to 0.09 inches. In some embodiments, the inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can range from 0.03 to 0.06 inches, or from 0.06 to 0.09 inches. For example, the inner radii of the first curve 252 and the second curve 256 can be 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, or 0.09 inches.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 7, at least three burst grooves form a bent shape 268. The bent shape 268 can comprise at least a part of at least three base grooves 244 and at least three ligament grooves 248. A part of the circular base groove 244 and the curved ligament groove 248 form the concave shape of the bent shape 268. A part of the bent shape 268 is concave or convex with respect to the center of the bent shape 268. Further, adjacent bent shapes 268 can share at least one ligament groove 248. The shared ligament groove 248 forms a part of two bent shapes 268.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, the grid 240 can comprise a repeating pattern of burst grooves. The bent shapes 268 are scattered in a circular shape (i.e., the base grooves 244). In other words, the grid 240 can comprise a first repeating pattern of bent shapes 268 and a second repeating pattern of circular shapes, and the first repeating pattern is scattered within the second repeating pattern. Further, in other words, the grid 240 can comprise a repeating pattern of interconnected bent shapes 268.

[0063] The dimensions of the grid 240 can affect how the grid stores energy in the face plate 130. For example, the base groove 244 can have an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the base groove 244 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the base groove 244 can range from 0.1 to 0.2 inches, or from 0.2 to 0.3 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the base groove 244 can be 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.30 inches.

[0064] The base groove 244 can have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the base groove 244 can range from 0.05 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the base groove 244 can range from 0.05 to 0.125 inches, or from 0.125 to 0.2 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the base groove 244 can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0065] <Chiral groove> In another example, as shown in FIG. 8, the face plate 130 can include a grid 340. The grid 340 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but may differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The grid 340 can include a plurality of chiral grooves. In other words, the grid 340 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a chiral pattern. Each chiral groove can include a base groove 344 and six ligament grooves 348 extending from the base groove 344. The grid 340 is similar to the grid 240, but the geometric shape of the ligament grooves is different. The base groove 344 can be circular, and the ligament grooves 348 can be straight. The ligament grooves 348 can extend linearly outward from the base groove 344. The ligament grooves 348 can be in contact with the circular base groove 348.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, three chiral grooves form a bent shape 368. The bent shape 368 can include at least a portion of at least three base grooves 344 and at least three ligament grooves 348. A portion of the circular base groove 344 forms a reentrant shape of the bent shape 368. A portion of the bent shape 368 is concave with respect to the center of the bent shape 368. Further, adjacent bent shapes 368 can share at least one ligament groove 348. The shared ligament groove 348 forms a portion of two bent shapes 368.

[0067] The dimensions of the grid 340 can affect how the grid accumulates energy in the face plate 130. For example, the base groove 344 can include an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 inches, or 0.2 to 0.3 inches. For example, the outer diameter of the base groove 344 can be 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.30 inches.

[0068] The base groove 344 can have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be in the range of 0.05 to 0.125 inches, or 0.125 to 0.2 inches. For example, the inner diameter of the base groove 344 can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0069] <Windmill groove> In another example, as shown in FIG. 9, the face plate 130 can include a grid 440. The grid 440 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but may differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The grid 440 can include a plurality of windmill grooves. In other words, the grid 440 can include a plurality of grooves arranged in a windmill pattern. Each windmill groove can include four ligament grooves 448 that converge or meet at a base point 444. The ligament grooves 448 can extend away from the base point 444. Here, a right angle (i.e., approximately 90 degrees) is formed between adjacent ligament grooves 448. Each ligament groove 448 extends from the base point 444 to an inflection point 460. Each ligament groove 448 changes direction at the inflection point 460.

[0070] Each ligament groove 448 can include a first segment 452, a second segment 456, and an inflection point 460 disposed between the first segment 452 and the second segment 456. The position of the inflection point 460 indicates a change in the direction of the ligament groove 448. The inflection point 460 can define a right angle (i.e., approximately 90 degrees) between the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448. In some embodiments, the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448 can have a similar width. In other embodiments, the first segment 452 and the second segment 456 of the ligament groove 448 can have different widths.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, four windmill grooves can form a bent shape 468. The bent shape 468 can include eight ligament grooves 448. The ligament grooves 448 form a re-entrant shape of the bent shape 468. The portions of the bent shape 468 are concave or convex with respect to the center of the bent shape 468. Further, adjacent bent shapes 468 can share at least two ligament grooves 448. The shared ligament grooves 448 form part of two bent shapes 468.

[0072] The dimensions of the grids 240, 340, and 440 can affect the way the grids store energy in the face plate 130. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the base grooves 244 and 344 can have a width (hereinafter referred to as the "base groove width"). The base groove width ranges from 0.01 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 to 0.03 inches, 0.01 to 0.04 inches, 0.01 to 0.05 inches, 0.01 to 0.06 inches, 0.01 to 0.07 inches, 0.01 to 0.08 inches, or 0.01 to 0.09 inches. For example, the base groove width can be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, or 0.1 inches.

[0073] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7-9, the ligament grooves 248, 348, and 448 can include a width (hereinafter referred to as the "ligament groove width"). The ligament groove width can be the same as or different from the base groove width. For example, the ligament groove width can be larger than the base groove width. In another example, the ligament groove width can be smaller than the base groove width. In some embodiments, the base groove width can range from 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches, or from 0.05 inches to 0.1 inches. In some embodiments, the ligament groove width can range from 0.01 to 0.03 inches, 0.01 to 0.04 inches, 0.01 to 0.05 inches, 0.01 to 0.06 inches, 0.01 to 0.07 inches, 0.01 to 0.08 inches, or 0.01 to 0.09 inches. For example, the ligament groove width can be 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, or 0.1 inches.

[0074] The dimensions, shapes, and patterns of the grids 240, 340, and 440 (hereinafter referred to as "grids") formed from a series of interconnected grooves affect the flexure of the faceplate during impact of a golf ball. During impact of a golf ball, the flexed shape of the grid resembles a spring that stores energy via tensile and torsional loads. When the golf ball collides with the faceplate, the striking face is in a compressed state and the back face is in a tensile state. When tension is applied to the back face, the convex and concave curves of the flexed-shaped ligament grooves bend and act as a spring that stores energy in the faceplate via linear bending and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that stores energy through tension and torsion). Storing energy through two bending modes is more advantageous than a conventional clubhead faceplate that stores energy through one bending mode (i.e., linear bending). By storing energy in two bending modes, the ball speed can be increased during impact of the golf ball.

[0075] Furthermore, the flexed shape of the grid reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of the faceplate material (i.e., the impact area of the faceplate) by shifting the position of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the faceplate material. For example, the reduced stress can be transferred across 3 to 8 base grooves or ligament grooves within the grid 240, 340, or 440 in a direction from near the faceplate center 132 to near the faceplate periphery 136. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be transferred across 3 to 5, 4 to 6, 5 to 7, or 6 to 8 base grooves or ligament grooves in a direction from near the faceplate center 132 to near the faceplate periphery 136. This stress reduction does not occur in a faceplate without the grid 240, 340, or 440.

[0076] <Grid with Flexed Shape Concavity> <Flexed Shape Concavity and Apex> As described above, the lattice can have a plurality of bent shapes formed from a plurality of land portions. The plurality of land portions can form a plurality of bent shape recesses. The land portions separate the bent shape recesses. The land portions are interconnected with each other and define a portion of the club head 100 without the bent shape recesses. The land portions form around the bent shape recesses.

[0077] The land portion can have a width between adjacent bent shape recesses. The land portion width can be measured from around one bent shape recess to around an adjacent bent shape recess. The land portion width may vary between adjacent bent shape recesses or may remain constant. Adjacent land portion widths may be similar to each other or different. For example, the land portion width can be kept constant along one portion around the bent shape recess. The land portion width can vary along another portion around the bent shape recess.

[0078] In some embodiments, the land portion width can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.1 inches, i.e., 0.1 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.11 inches, 0.11 to 0.14 inches, 0.14 to 0.17 inches, or 0.17 to 0.2 inches. For example, the land portion width can be 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0079] The buckled-shaped recess can have a width. The width of the buckled-shaped recess can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inch, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the buckled-shaped recess can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the width of the buckled-shaped recess can be in the range of 0.1 - 0.2 inches, or 0.2 - 0.3 inches. For example, the width of the buckled-shaped recess can be 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3 inches.

[0080] The perimeter of the buckled-shaped recess can include at least two vertices that define acute interior angles and at least one vertex that defines an obtuse angle. The at least one obtuse angle vertex is disposed between the at least two acute interior angle vertices. The at least one obtuse angle vertex does not define an acute interior angle. The acute interior angle can define an angle less than 90 degrees, and the obtuse angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 270 degrees, or greater than 270 degrees and less than 360 degrees. In other embodiments, the obtuse angle can define an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 225 degrees, greater than 225 degrees and less than 270 degrees, greater than 270 degrees and less than 315 degrees, or greater than 315 degrees and less than 360 degrees. At least one obtuse angle vertex on the periphery of the buckled-shaped recess can define a concave, concave, or non-convex shape.

[0081] In some embodiments, the bent-shaped recess can include one, two, three, four, five, or six vertices that define a major angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees. The number of major angle vertices can correspond to the recesses of the bent-shaped recess. For example, a bent-shaped recess having two major angle vertices can have two recesses along the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess. In another example, a bent-shaped recess having one major angle vertex can have one recess along the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess. In another example, a bent-shaped recess having three major angle vertices can have three recesses along the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess. In another example, a bent-shaped recess having four major angle vertices can have four recesses along the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess. Further, in another example, a bent-shaped recess having six major angle vertices can have six recesses along the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess.

[0082] A lattice including bent-shaped recesses formed from multiple land portions facilitates the accumulation of greater energy within the face plate and enables a greater ball speed upon golf ball impact. Five examples of lattices with land portions and bent-shaped recesses are shown below. The examples of the bent-shaped recesses described below refer to one orientation, but it will be understood that the bent-shaped recesses can be oriented in several different configurations to achieve greater face plate energy accumulation and greater ball speed during golf ball impact. Further, to minimize stress concentration within the face plate 130, any sharp edges on the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess can be rounded by rounding the vertices on the perimeter of the bent-shaped recess or providing a small radius.

[0083] <Evan Bent-shaped Recess> In one example, as shown in FIG. 10, the face plate 130 can include a grid 540. The grid 540 can be similar to the grid 140 as described above, but may have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 564 can form a plurality of Evan-bent shape recesses 568. Each Evan-bent shape recess 568 can include four vertices 552 that define an acute interior angle and two vertices 556 that define an obtuse angle.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 10, the Evan-bent shape recess 568 can have a bow tie shape in which the width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 decreases from the acute interior angle vertex 552 toward the obtuse angle vertex 556. In other words, the width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 is greater between the opposed acute interior angle vertices 552 than between the obtuse angle vertices 556. The minimum width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 can be measured across the opposed obtuse angle vertices 556. As described above, the width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the Evan-bent shape recess 568 can be 0.125 inches.

[0085] The width of the land portion 564 can correspond to the width of the Evan-bending-shaped recess 568. In this example, the width of the land portion 564 can vary along a part around the Evan-bending-shaped recess 568. More specifically, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan-bending-shaped recesses 568 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 552 to the obtuse angle vertex 556. In other words, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan-bending-shaped recesses 568 is larger at the obtuse angle vertex 556 than at the acute interior angle vertex 552. Further, in other words, the width of the land portion 564 between adjacent Evan-bending-shaped recesses 568 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 552 than at the obtuse angle vertex 556. In this example, the width of the land portion 564 along another part around the Evan-bending-shaped recess 568 can remain constant.

[0086] Furthermore, as described above, the width of the land portion 564 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 564 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0087] <Arrowhead-bending-shaped recess> In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, the face plate 130 can include a grid 640. The grid 640 can be similar to the grid 140 as described above, but may differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 664 can consist of a plurality of arrowhead-bending-shaped recesses 668. Each arrowhead-bending-shaped recess 668 can include three vertices 652 that define an acute interior angle and one vertex 656 that defines an obtuse angle.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 11, the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668 can have a substantially triangular or arrow shape. The minimum width of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668 can be measured between the obtuse vertex 656 and the acute interior vertex 652 that directly faces the obtuse vertex 656 (i.e., the acute interior vertex 652 that is not adjacent to the obtuse vertex 656). As described above, the width of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668 can be in the range of 0.1 - 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668 can be 0.125 inches.

[0089] The width of the land portion 664 can correspond to the width of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668. In this example, the width of the land portion 664 can remain constant along a part of the perimeter of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668. The width of the land portion 664 can vary along another part of the perimeter of the arrow-bending-shaped recess 668.

[0090] Furthermore, as described above, the width of the land portion 664 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 664 can be in the range of 0.02 - 0.2 inches.

[0091] <Four-Pointed Star Bending Shape Recess> In another example, as shown in FIG. 12, the faceplate 130 can include a grid 740. The grid 740 can be similar to the grid 140 as described above, but can have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 764 can form a plurality of four-point star-shaped buckling recesses 768. Each of the four-point star-shaped buckling recesses 768 can include four vertices 752 that define acute interior angles and four vertices 756 that define obtuse angles.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 12, the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can include a star or a concave square. The minimum width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can be measured between the opposing obtuse angle vertices 756. The maximum width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can be measured between the opposing acute interior angle vertices 752 (i.e., the acute interior angle vertices 752 having a recess or gap therebetween). As described above, the width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can be in the range of 0.1 - 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768 can be 0.125 inches.

[0093] The width of the land portion 764 can correspond to the width of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768. In this example, the width of the land portion 764 can be varied along a part of the perimeter of the four-point star-shaped buckling recess 768. More specifically, the width of the land portion 764 between adjacent four-point star-shaped buckling recesses 768 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 752 to the obtuse angle vertex 756. In other words, the width of the land portion 764 is greater at the obtuse angle vertex 756 than at the acute interior angle vertex 752. Further, in other words, the width of the land portion 764 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 752 than at the obtuse angle vertex 756.

[0094] Furthermore, as described above, the width of the land portion 764 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 764 can range from 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0095] <Six-Pointed Star Buckling Shape Recess> In another example, as shown in FIG. 13, the face plate 130 can include a grid 840. The grid 840 can be similar to the grid 140 as described above, but may differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 864 can form a plurality of six-pointed star buckling shape recesses 868. Each of the six-pointed star buckling shape recesses 768 can include six vertices 852 that define acute interior angles and six vertices 856 that define obtuse angles.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 13, the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can include a star shape. The minimum width of the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can be measured between opposing obtuse angle vertices 856 (i.e., obtuse angle vertices 856 having a recess or void therebetween). The maximum width of the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can be measured between opposing acute interior angle vertices 852 (i.e., acute interior angle vertices 852 having a recess or void therebetween). As described above, the width of the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can range from 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the six-pointed star buckling shape recess 868 can be 0.125 inches.

[0097] The width of the land portion 864 can correspond to the width of the six-point star-shaped bent portion recess 868. In this example, the width of the land portion 864 can be varied along a part of the periphery of the six-point star-shaped bent portion recess 868. More specifically, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star-shaped bent portion recesses 868 increases from the acute interior angle vertex 852 to the obtuse angle vertex 856. In other words, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star-shaped bent portion recesses 868 is larger at the obtuse angle vertex 856 than at the acute interior angle vertex 852. Further, in other words, the width of the land portion 864 between adjacent six-point star-shaped bent portion recesses 868 is smaller at the acute interior angle vertex 852 than at the obtuse angle vertex 856.

[0098] Furthermore, as described above, the width of the land portion 864 can be made larger than 0.02 inches, larger than 0.05 inches, larger than 0.1 inches, larger than 0.15 inches, or larger than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 864 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0099] <Three-Pointed Star Bent Portion Recess> In another example, as shown in FIG. 14, the face plate 130 can include a grid 940. The grid 940 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but may have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 964 can form a plurality of three-point star-shaped bent portion recesses 968. Each of the three-point star-shaped bent portion recesses 968 can include three vertices 952 that define an acute interior angle and three vertices 956 that define an obtuse angle.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 14, the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968 can have a substantially triangular shape, star shape, or Y shape. The minimum width of the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968 can be measured between the opposing obtuse vertices 956 (i.e., the obtuse vertices 956 having a recess or gap therebetween). The maximum width of the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968 can be measured between the acute interior angle vertex 952 and the obtuse vertex 956 (i.e., between the acute interior angle vertex 952 and the obtuse vertex 956 having a recess or gap therebetween). As described above, the width of the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the three-point bent recess 968 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the three-point bent recess 968 can be 0.125 inches.

[0101] The width of the land portion 964 can correspond to the width of the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968. In this example, the width of the land portion 964 can be varied along a part of the periphery of the three-point star-shaped bent recess 968. More specifically, the minimum width of the land portion 964 can be measured between the obtuse vertex 956 on the bent recess 968 and the acute interior angle vertex 952 on the adjacent bent recess 968.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, the width of the land portion 964 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 964 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0103] Multiple grids 540, 640, 740, 840, and 940 (hereinafter referred to as "grids") formed from multiple land portions, and a plurality of bent-shaped recesses thereof, affect the bending of the face plate during the impact of a golf ball. During the impact of the golf ball, the bent-shaped recesses of the grid resemble a spring that accumulates energy through tensile and torsional loads. When the golf ball collides with the face plate, the striking face is in a compressed state and the back face is in a tensile state. When tension is applied to the back face, the bent-shaped recess expands at the obtuse-angled vertex (i.e., the size or volume of the bent-shaped recess increases). Due to this expansion, the bent-shaped recess can accumulate energy in the face plate through linear bending and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that accumulates energy through tension and torsion). Accumulating energy through two bending modes is more advantageous than a conventional club head face plate that accumulates energy through one bending mode (i.e., linear bending). By accumulating energy in two bending modes, the ball speed can be increased during the impact of the golf ball.

[0104] Furthermore, the bent shape of the grid reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of the face plate material (i.e., the impact area of the face plate) by shifting the position of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the face plate material. For example, the reduced stress can be shifted over 3 to 8 bent-shaped recesses in the direction from near the face plate center 132 to near the peripheral portion 136 of the face plate within the grid 540, 640, 740, 840, or 940. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be shifted over 3 to 5, 4 to 6, 5 to 7, or 6 to 8 bent-shaped recesses in the direction from near the face plate center 132 to near the peripheral portion 136 of the face plate. This stress reduction does not occur in a face plate without the grids 540, 640, 740, 840, or 940.

[0105] <Bent-shaped recesses defined by land portions having geometric shapes> As described above, the lattice can include a plurality of bending shapes formed from a plurality of land portions. The plurality of land portions can form a plurality of bending shape recesses. The plurality of land portions separate the plurality of bending shape recesses. The land portions are interconnected with each other and define a portion of the club head 100 without the bending shape recesses. The land portions form around the bending shape recesses. In some embodiments, the periphery of the bending shape recess can include a reentrant shape, a concave shape, or a non-convex shape. In other embodiments, the periphery of the bending shape recess can be lacking in a reentrant, concave, non-convex shape.

[0106] The land portions can have a geometric shape between adjacent bending shape recesses. The geometric shape of the land portions can include a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, a quadrilateral, a polygon, or a hexagon. The geometric shapes of the land portions can be interconnected with each other. And the land portions form a series of interconnected geometric shapes between the bending shape recesses.

[0107] The geometric shape of the land portions can form part of one or more bending shape recesses. For example, the land portion can have a triangular shape that forms part of three bending shape recesses. In another example, the land portion can have a quadrilateral shape that forms part of four bending shape recesses.

[0108] The land portions can have a width between adjacent bending shape recesses. The land portion width can be measured from the periphery of one bending shape recess to the periphery of an adjacent bending shape recess. The land portion width can vary between adjacent bending shape recesses or can remain constant. The adjacent land portion widths can be similar to each other or can be different. For example, the land portion width can be kept constant along one portion of the periphery of the bending shape recess. The land portion width can vary along another portion of the periphery of the bending shape recess.

[0109] In some embodiments, the land portion width can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.1 inches, i.e., 0.1 to 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the land portion width can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.05 inches, 0.05 to 0.08 inches, 0.08 to 0.11 inches, 0.11 to 0.14 inches, 0.14 to 0.17 inches, or 0.17 to 0.2 inches. For example, the land portion width can be 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.09, 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, or 0.2 inches.

[0110] The bent shape recess can have a width. The bent shape recess width can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, the bent shape recess width can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In some embodiments, the bent shape recess width can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 inches, or 0.2 to 0.3 inches. For example, the bent shape recess width can be 0.1, 0.11, 0.12, 0.125, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.2, 0.25, or 0.3 inches.

[0111] A lattice including a bent-shaped recess formed from a plurality of land portions facilitates the accumulation of greater energy within the faceplate and enables a greater ball speed upon golf ball impact. Four examples of lattices with land portions having geometric shapes and bent-shaped recesses will be described below. The examples of the bent-shaped recesses described below refer to one orientation, but it will be understood that the bent-shaped recesses can be oriented in several different configurations in order to achieve greater faceplate energy accumulation and greater ball speed upon golf ball impact.

[0112] <Land portion having a triangular shape> In one example, as shown in FIG. 14 and as described above, the faceplate 130 can include a lattice 940. The lattice 940 can be similar to the lattice 140 described above, but can differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 964 can form a plurality of three-point star-shaped bent-shaped recesses 968. The three-point star-shaped bent-shaped recesses 968 can include a re-entrant, concave, or non-convex shape. The land portion 964 can have a triangular shape. In this example, six land portions 964 having a triangular shape can form one bent-shaped recess 968. The land portion 964 can include a series of interconnected triangular shapes.

[0113] In another example, as shown in FIG. 15, the faceplate 130 can include a lattice 1040. The lattice 1040 can be similar to the lattice 140 described above, but can differ in size, shape, or dimensions. The lattice 1040 can be similar to the lattice 940 described above, but has a different geometric shape. The plurality of land portions 1064 can form a plurality of triad bent-shaped recesses 1068. The triad bent-shaped recesses 1068 can include a re-entrant shape, a concave shape, or a non-convex shape. The triad bent-shaped recesses 1068 can have a substantially triangular shape with rounded edges (i.e., the perimeter of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 is more rounded than the bent-shaped recess 968).

[0114] The land portion 1064 can have a substantially triangular shape. In this example, six land portions 1064 having a substantially triangular shape can form one bent-shaped recess 1068. Similar to the grid 940 described above, the land portion 1064 can have a series of interconnected triangular shapes. As described above, the width of the land portion 1064 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 1064 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0115] As described above, the width of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be 0.125 inches.

[0116] The triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can have a radius. The radius of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be in the range of 0.01 to 0.025 inches, or 0.025 to 0.05 inches. For example, the radius of the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can be 0.01, 0.011, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, or 0.05 inches. In one example, the triad bent-shaped recess 1068 can have three radii with a value of 0.011 inches.

[0117] <Quadrilateral land portion> In another example, as shown in FIG. 16, the face plate 130 can include a grid 1140. The grid 1140 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but may have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. A plurality of land portions 1164 can form a plurality of diamond-shaped bent recesses 1168. The diamond-shaped bent recess 1168 can have a convex shape. More specifically, the diamond-shaped bent recess 1168 can have a diamond, rectangular, rhombic, parallelogram, or any quadrilateral shape. The land portion 1164 can have a square shape. In other embodiments, the land portion 1164 can have a rectangular, rhombic, parallelogram, or any quadrilateral shape.

[0118] In this example, four land portions 1164 having a square shape can form one bent recess 1168. The land portion 1164 can have a series of interconnected substantially square shapes.

[0119] The width of the land portion 1164 can correspond to the width of the diamond-shaped bent recess 1168. The width of the land portion 1164 can remain constant between adjacent diamond-shaped bent recesses 1168. As described above, the width of the land portion 1164 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 1164 can be in the range of 0.02 to 0.2 inches.

[0120] As described above, the width of the diamond-shaped bent recess 1168 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the diamond-shaped bent recess 1168 can be in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the diamond-shaped bent recess 1168 can be 0.125 inches.

[0121] <Hexagonal land portion> <In another example, as shown in FIG. 17, the face plate 130 can include a grid 1240. The grid 1240 can be similar to the grid 140 described above, but can have different sizes, shapes, or dimensions. The plurality of land portions 1264 can form a plurality of slot-bent shape recesses 1268. The slot-bent shape recesses 1268 can have a shape similar to a slot or can include a rectangle with rounded ends. The slot-bent shape recesses 1268 can include a convex shape. The land portions 1264 can have a hexagonal shape.>

[0122] <In this example, five slot-bent shape recesses 1268 can be arranged to form one hexagonal land portion 1264. The slot-bent shape recesses 1268 can be arranged to form a plurality of interconnected land portions 1264 having a hexagonal shape.>

[0123] <As described above, the width of the land portion 1264 can be greater than 0.02 inches, greater than 0.05 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.15 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the land portion 1264 can be in the range of 0.02 - 0.2 inches.>

[0124] <As described above, the width of the slot-bent shape recess 1268 can be greater than 0.08 inches, greater than 0.1 inches, greater than 0.12 inches, greater than 0.14 inches, greater than 0.16 inches, greater than 0.18 inches, or greater than 0.2 inches. In some embodiments, as described above, the width of the slot-bent shape recess 1268 can be in the range of 0.1 - 0.3 inches. In one example, the width of the slot-bent shape recess 1268 can be 0.125 inches.>

[0125] Multiple bent-shaped recesses of a lattice 940, 1040, 1140, or 1240 (hereinafter referred to as "lattice") formed from a plurality of land portions having geometric shapes affect the bending of the face plate during the impact of a golf ball. During the impact of a golf ball, the land portions of the lattice resemble springs that accumulate energy through tensile and torsional loads. When a golf ball collides with the face plate 130, the striking face 134 is in a compressed state and the back 138 is in a tensile state. When tension is applied to the back 138, the land portions deform linearly and rotationally. This linear and rotational movement allows the land portions to accumulate energy within the face plate 130 through linear bending and torsional bending (i.e., similar to a spring that accumulates energy through tension and torsion). Accumulating energy through two bending modes is more advantageous than a conventional club head face plate that accumulates energy through one bending mode (i.e., linear bending). By accumulating energy in two bending modes, the ball speed can be increased during the impact of a golf ball.

[0126] Furthermore, the bent shape of the lattice reduces the maximum stress concentrated in a small volume of the face plate material (i.e., the impact area of the face plate) by shifting the position of the reduced stress over a larger volume of the face plate material. For example, the reduced stress can be shifted across 3 to 8 land portions in a direction from near the face plate center 132 to near the face plate periphery 136 within the lattice 1040, 1140, or 1240. In some embodiments, the reduced stress can be shifted across 3 to 5, 4 to 6, 5 to 7, or 6 to 8 land portions in a direction from near the face plate center 132 to near the face plate periphery 136. This stress reduction does not occur in a face plate without the lattice 1040, 1140, or 1240.

[0127] <Method of manufacturing a golf club head face plate having a lattice> A method of manufacturing a club head 100 having a face plate 130 with a lattice described herein is provided. The method includes providing a body 110 and a face plate 130. The face plate 130 is coupled to the body 110 so as to substantially define a hollow / closed structure. The body 110 can be made or formed by casting, forging, machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), chemical etching, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or any suitable method or combination thereof. In some embodiments, the face plate 130 can be welded onto the body 110. In other embodiments, the face plate 130 and the body 110 can be formed together as an integral part.

[0128] Furthermore, the face plate 130 having a lattice can be created or formed by electrical discharge machining (EDM), chemical etching, additive manufacturing, 3D printing, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the face plate 130 can be formed from an additive manufacturing method such as powder metal sintering. The powder metal sintering system includes layers of metal powder that are sintered or melted layer by layer by a heat source such as a laser. The layer by layer technique forms a three-dimensional face plate 130 having a lattice from the layered metal.

[0129] The advantage of using these methods to form the lattice of the face plate 130 is to minimize large stress concentrations in the face plate 130 during the impact of a golf ball. In particular, these methods provide small fillets (e.g., 0.015 - 0.05 inches) on the edges of the lattice rather than square or sharp edges. Methods such as milling or end milling are not advantageous when forming the lattice. This is because these methods form square or sharp edges, resulting in a high degree of stress concentration within the lattice and causing the failure of the face plate 130 during the impact of a golf ball.

[0130] <Example> <Example 1 - Coefficient of Restitution (COR) Faceplate Test> A representative faceplate 130 with a lattice and variable face thickness was compared to a similar inspection faceplate without the lattice. The representative faceplate 130 has a variable faceplate thickness including a 0.09 - inch faceplate perimeter thickness, a 0.20 - inch faceplate center thickness, a 0.05 - inch lattice depth, and a lattice 1040 with a triad flexure - shaped recess 1068. The inspection faceplate has a variable faceplate thickness including a 0.09 - inch faceplate perimeter thickness and a 0.20 - inch faceplate center thickness. The representative faceplate 130 and the inspection faceplate are made of a titanium alloy (i.e., Ti - 6 - 4).

[0131] A test was conducted to compare the coefficient of restitution (COR) between the representative faceplate 130 and the inspection faceplate. The coefficient of restitution (COR) is the ratio of the final velocity to the initial velocity during the collision of a golf ball with the faceplate. The test used an air cannon to launch the golf ball for each faceplate. The distance from each faceplate to the location of the air cannon was kept constant, and each faceplate was held in a fixed position. As a result of the test, the representative faceplate 130 had an average COR value of 0.827, and the inspection faceplate had an average COR value of 0.795. The results indicate that the representative faceplate 130 had an average 3.54% increase in COR over the inspection faceplate. The lattice of the representative faceplate 130 allows energy storage through two bending modes (i.e., linear and torsional), thereby increasing the COR to provide a greater ball velocity during golf ball impact.

[0132] <Example 2 - Internal Energy Faceplate Test> A representative faceplate 130 including a lattice and variable face thickness was compared with a similar inspection faceplate lacking the lattice and variable face thickness. The representative faceplate 130 has a variable faceplate thickness including a 0.09-inch faceplate peripheral thickness, a 0.20-inch faceplate center thickness, and a 0.05-inch lattice depth. The inspection faceplate has a constant faceplate thickness of 0.115 inches (USGA standard faceplate).

[0133] Tests were conducted to compare the internal energy between the representative faceplate 130 and the inspection faceplate. In this test, a finite element simulation was used to model the impact of a golf ball on the striking face with a ball speed in the range of 90 to 115 miles per hour. The internal energy is measured in pound - inches (lbf - inch). As a result of the test, the representative faceplate 130 had an internal energy of 80 - 82 pound - inches, and the inspection faceplate had an internal energy of 71 pound - inches. The results indicate that the representative faceplate 130 had an increase in internal energy of 10% - 15%. This increase in internal energy is equivalent to an increase in ball speed of approximately 1 to 3 miles per hour. The lattice of the representative faceplate 130 enables greater energy storage by accumulating energy through two bending modes, namely linear and torsional, thereby enabling a greater ball speed during golf ball impact.

[0134] The replacement of one or more of the recited elements constitutes a reconstruction and not a repair. Further, benefits, other advantages, and problem solutions have been described in relation to specific embodiments. However, these benefits, advantages, problem solutions, and any one or more elements that can effect or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be regarded as important, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.

[0135] The rules of golf can be changed from time to time (for example, new regulations may be adopted by golf standard - setting and / or supervisory bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), etc., or old rules may be eliminated or changed, etc.). Therefore, golf equipment related to the devices, 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 devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, sold, and / or marketed as conforming or non - conforming golf equipment. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0136] Furthermore, the embodiments and limitations described herein do not belong to the public under the principle of commonality if those embodiments and / or limitations are (1) not expressly claimed in the claims but (2) are equivalents or potential equivalents of the elements and / or limitations recited in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0137] Clause 1: A golf club head having a face plate with a lattice, wherein the lattice comprises a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves comprising a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves, the plurality of ligament grooves being connected to and extending outwardly from the base groove, the base groove having a circular shape, the ligament grooves having at least one curve, at least three of the sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape comprising at least a portion of at least three base grooves and at least three ligament grooves that form a series of convex and concave curves with respect to the center of the bent shape, and the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape being configured to bend during a golf ball impact to store energy by linear bending and torsional bending.

[0138] Clause 2: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of turbulator grooves include a repeating pattern of a bent shape that is interspersed within a circular repeating pattern.

[0139] Clause 3: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the bent shape has an inwardly concave shape.

[0140] Clause 4: The golf club head according to Clause 2, wherein the plurality of bent shapes are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0141] Clause 5: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of ligament grooves are arranged at equal intervals along the base groove.

[0142] Clause 6: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the base groove has a width in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0143] Clause 7: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the ligament groove has a width in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0144] Clause 8: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves is in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0145] Clause 9: A golf club head having a face plate with a grid, wherein the grid comprises a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves comprising a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to and extending outwardly from the base groove, the base groove having a circular shape, the ligament grooves having at least one curve, at least three of the sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape comprising at least three base grooves and at least a portion of three ligament grooves forming a series of convex and concave curves with respect to the center of the bent shape, the plurality of sunburst grooves comprising a repeating pattern of interconnected bent shapes, and the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape being bent during a golf ball impact to accumulate energy by linear bending and torsional bending.

[0146] Clause 10: The golf club head according to Clause 9, wherein the plurality of bent shapes are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0147] Clause 11: The golf club head according to Clause 9, wherein the bent shape has an inwardly recessed shape.

[0148] Clause 12: The golf club head according to Clause 9, wherein adjacent bent shapes share at least one ligament groove.

[0149] Clause 13: The golf club head according to Clause 9, wherein the ligament groove has a width in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0150] Clause 14: The golf club head according to Clause 9, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves is in the range of 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0151] Clause 15: A golf club head having a face plate with a grid, wherein the grid comprises a plurality of grooves arranged in a sunburst pattern, each of the sunburst grooves comprising a base groove and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to and extending outwardly from the base groove, the base groove having a circular shape, the ligament grooves comprising a first curve, a second curve, and an inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve, at least three of the sunburst grooves forming a bent shape, the bent shape comprising at least three base grooves and a portion of at least three ligament grooves forming a series of convex and concave curves with respect to the center of the bent shape, the bent shape having an inwardly recessed shape, and the series of convex and concave curves of the bent shape being bent during a golf ball impact to accumulate energy by linear bending and torsional bending.

[0152] Clause 16: The golf club head according to Clause 15, wherein the plurality of sunburst grooves comprises a repeating pattern of bent shapes interspersed within a circular repeating pattern.

[0153] Clause 17: The golf club head according to Clause 15, wherein the plurality of bent shapes is located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0154] Clause 18: The golf club head according to Clause 15, wherein the ligament grooves have a width in the range of 0.01 inches to 0.05 inches.

[0155] Clause 19: The golf club head according to Clause 18, wherein the first curve and the second curve of the ligament grooves have a similar width.

[0156] Clause 20: The golf club head according to Clause 15, wherein the depth of the plurality of grooves ranges from 0.025 inches to 0.075 inches.

[0157] Clause 21: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the plurality of bent shapes increase in size toward a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0158] Clause 22: The golf club head according to Clause 1, wherein the number of the bent shapes increases toward a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high-toe region, a low-toe region, a high-heel region, and a low-heel region.

[0159] Clause 23: A golf club head having a face plate with a grid, wherein the grid includes a plurality of land portions forming a plurality of bent-shaped recesses, the plurality of bent-shaped recesses include at least two vertices defining an acute interior angle and at least one vertex defining an obtuse angle, the land portions are interconnected with each other and define a part of the club head lacking the bent-shaped recesses, and the land portions separate the bent-shaped recesses.

[0160] Clause 24: The golf club head according to Clause 23, wherein the obtuse angle defines at least one recess on the bent-shaped recess.

[0161] Clause 25: The golf club head according to Clause 23, wherein the bent-shaped recess has two vertices defining an obtuse angle, and the two obtuse angles define two recesses on the bent-shaped recess.

[0162] Clause 26: The golf club head according to Clause 23, wherein the acute interior angle defines an angle less than 90 degrees, and the obtuse angle defines an angle greater than 180 degrees and less than 360 degrees.

[0163] Clause 26: A golf club head having a face plate with a grid, the grid comprising a plurality of land portions forming a plurality of bent-shaped recesses, the plurality of bent-shaped recesses having a geometric shape, the land portions being interconnected with each other, the land portions separating the bent-shaped recesses, and the land portions having a series of interconnected geometric shapes between the bent-shaped recesses.

[0164] Clause 27: The golf club head according to Clause 26, wherein the geometric shape of the land portion is selected from the group consisting of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, a quadrilateral, a polygon, and a hexagon.

[0165] The various features and advantages of the present disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** A golf club head comprising a face plate with lattice, wherein the lattice comprises a plurality of interconnected grooves, the face plate defines a face plate center located at the geometric center of the face plate and a peripheral portion of the face plate, the interconnected grooves extend non-linearly in a direction from the face plate center towards the peripheral portion of the face plate, the interconnected grooves define a plurality of bending shapes, around each bending shape, there is a series of convex curves and concave curves with respect to the center of the bending shape, the interconnected grooves comprise a plurality of base grooves and a plurality of ligament grooves, the plurality of ligament grooves are connected to each of the plurality of base grooves, each of the plurality of base grooves has a circular shape, each of the plurality of ligament grooves has at least one curve, A golf club head. **Claim 2** The golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves comprise a repeating pattern of bending shapes scattered within a circular repeating pattern. **Claim 3** The golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each bending shape has an inwardly concave shape. **Claim 4** The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region. **Claim 5** The golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each ligament groove comprises a first curve, a second curve, and an inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve. **Claim 6** A golf club head comprising a face plate with lattice, wherein the lattice comprises a plurality of interconnected grooves, the plurality of interconnected grooves comprise a plurality of base grooves and a plurality of ligament grooves, the plurality of ligament grooves are connected to each of the plurality of base grooves, each of the plurality of ligament grooves extends non-linearly between adjacent base grooves, the plurality of interconnected grooves form a plurality of bending shapes, The base groove and the ligament groove each form around a respective bent shape, and around each bent shape is provided with a series of convex curves and concave curves with respect to the center of the bent shape, each of the plurality of base grooves has a circular shape, each of the plurality of ligament grooves has at least one curve, a golf club head.

7. The golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves comprises a repeating pattern of bent shapes interspersed within a circular repeating pattern.

8. The golf club head according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each bent shape has an inwardly recessed shape.

9. The golf club head according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves is located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region.

10. The golf club head according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each ligament groove comprises a first curve, a second curve, and an inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve.

11. The golf club head according to claim 10, wherein the first curve and the second curve of the ligament groove have the same width.

12. A golf club head comprising a face plate with a grid, wherein the grid comprises a plurality of interconnected grooves arranged in a serpentine pattern, each of the serpentine grooves comprises a base groove, and a plurality of ligament grooves connected to each of the base grooves, and wherein the ligament grooves extend non-linearly between adjacent base grooves, at least three serpentine grooves form a bent shape, and the bent shape comprises at least a portion of at least three base grooves and at least three ligament grooves that form a series of convex curves and concave curves with respect to the center of the bent shape, and the series of convex curves and concave curves of the bent shape bend during a golf ball impact to store energy by linear bending and torsional bending. a golf club head.

13. The golf club head according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves comprise a repeating pattern of a bent shape interspersed within a circular repeating pattern. **Claim 14** The golf club head according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the plurality of interconnected grooves are located on a face plate region selected from the group consisting of a central region, a toe region, a heel region, a top region, a bottom region, a high toe region, a low toe region, a high heel region, and a low heel region. **Claim 15** The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein each of the bent shapes has an inwardly recessed shape. **Claim 16** Each of the base grooves has a circular shape, The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein each of the ligament grooves has at least one curve. **Claim 17** The golf club head according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein each of the ligament grooves comprises a first curve, a second curve, and an inflection point located between the first curve and the second curve.

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