U.S. patent application number 10/623054 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-29 for temporary golf club shaft-component connection.
Invention is credited to Burrows, Bruce D..
Application Number | 20040018886 10/623054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30773679 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040018886 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burrows, Bruce D. |
January 29, 2004 |
Temporary golf club shaft-component connection
Abstract
A temporary shaft-component connection for assembling a selected
golf club shaft with a club head and/or hand grip segment, to
facilitate custom club design and fitting to suit the needs and
preferences of an individual golfer. The temporary shaft-component
connection is particularly designed for use with nonmetallic club
shafts formed from a graphite-based composite material or the like
having a range of different lengths and stiffness (whip)
characteristics. In a shaft-head connection, a metal adapter insert
is mounted onto a lower end of the club shaft and includes one or
more flat surfaces for reception into a matingly shaped socket in
the hosel of a selected club head to prevent relative rotation
between the club shaft and head. A compression nut carried on the
shaft is threaded onto the hosel to axially engage and retain a
thrust flange on the shaft or adapter or adapter insert, to prevent
axial separation of the club head and shaft.
Inventors: |
Burrows, Bruce D.;
(Valencia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stuart O. Lowry
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
Suite 1650
6320 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
30773679 |
Appl. No.: |
10/623054 |
Filed: |
July 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60398548 |
Jul 24, 2002 |
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60438254 |
Jan 2, 2003 |
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60438040 |
Jan 2, 2003 |
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60467109 |
Apr 30, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/305 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 60/22 20151001; A63B 53/02 20130101; A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B
53/10 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/305 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A temporary connection for connecting a golf club shaft with an
additional club component, said temporary connection comprising: an
elongated adapter insert mounted on one of the golf club shaft and
the additional club component; a thrust flange carried by said one
of the golf club shaft and the additional club component; a socket
member on the other of the golf club shaft and additional
component, said socket member defining a socket having a size and
shape for slide-fit reception of said adapter insert, said socket
member further defining a thrust seat for substantially seated
reception of said thrust flange when said adapter insert is
slidably received into said socket, said adapter insert and socket
member further including interengageable surfaces for substantially
preventing relative rotation therebetween when said adapter insert
is slidably received into said socket; and connection means for
removably interconnecting said adapter insert and socket member
with said thrust flange retained in seated reception upon said
thrust seat.
2. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said adapter insert
is formed from a metal material.
3. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said thrust flange
is formed integrally with said adapter insert.
4. The temporary connection of claim 1 including adhesive means for
mounting said thrust flange onto said one of the golf club shaft
and the additional club component.
5. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein the additional club
component comprises a golf club head having a hosel.
6. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said adapter insert
in mounted onto one end of the club shaft.
7. The temporary connection of claim 6 further including adhesive
means for mounting said adapter insert onto said one end of the
club shaft.
8. The temporary connection of claim 6 wherein said adapter insert
comprises a drawn metal jacket.
9. The temporary connection of claim 5 wherein said socket member
is formed integrally with said hosel.
10. The temporary connection of claim 5 wherein said socket member
is mounted onto said hosel.
11. The temporary connection of claim 10 further including adhesive
means for mounting said socket member onto said hosel.
12. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said
interengageable surfaces comprise interengageable flat
surfaces.
13. The temporary connection of claim 1 further including
interengageable tapered surfaces formed on said adapter insert and
said socket member.
14. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said
interengageable surfaces comprise interengageable spline
surfaces.
15. The temporary connection of claim 1 wherein said connection
means comprises a compression nut carried by one of said adapter
insert and socket member, said compression nut defining an internal
thread and a thrust shoulder, and an external thread formed on the
other of said adapter insert and socket member, said compression
nut being threadably engageable with said external thread for
urging said thrust shoulder against one of said thrust flange and
thrust seat for axially displacing said thrust flange into seated
engagement upon said thrust seat.
16. The temporary connection of claim 15 wherein said compression
nut is carried by said adapter insert, and said external thread is
formed on said socket member.
17. The temporary connection of claim 15 further including a
backstop reaction member on said one of said adapter insert and
socket, said backstop reaction member being engageable by said
compression nut upon unthreading thereof from said external thread
for axially separating said adapter insert from said socket
member.
18. The temporary connection of claim 6 wherein said connection
means comprises a compression nut carried by the golf club shaft,
said compression nut defining an internal thread and a thrust
shoulder, and an external thread formed on said socket member, said
compression nut being threadably engageable with said external
thread for urging said thrust shoulder against said thrust flange
and for axially displacing said thrust flange into seated
engagement upon said thrust seat.
19. The temporary connection of claim 18 further including a
backstop reaction member on the club shaft, said backstop reaction
member being engageable by said compression nut upon unthreading
thereof from said external thread for axially separating said
adapter insert from said socket member.
20. The temporary connection of claim 1 further including a
compressible spring element positioned generally within a base end
of said socket and being at least partially compressed when said
thrust flange is seated upon said thrust seat.
21. A temporary connection for connecting a golf club shaft with an
additional club component, said temporary connection comprising: an
elongated adapter insert mounted on the golf club shaft; a thrust
flange carried by said the golf club shaft; a socket member on the
additional component, said socket member defining a socket having a
size and shape for slide-fit reception of said adapter insert, said
socket member further defining a thrust seat for substantially
seated reception of said thrust flange when said adapter insert is
slidably received into said socket, said adapter insert and socket
member further including interengageable surfaces for substantially
preventing relative rotation therebetween when said adapter insert
is slidably received into said socket; and connection means for
removably interconnecting said adapter insert and socket member
with said thrust flange seated upon said thrust seat, said
connection means comprising a compression nut carried by the golf
club shaft and defining an internal thread and a thrust shoulder,
and an external thread formed on said socket member, said
compression nut being threadably engageable with said external
thread for urging said thrust shoulder against said thrust flange
and for axially displacing and retaining said thrust flange into
seated engagement upon said thrust seat.
22. The temporary connection of claim 21 wherein said adapter
insert is formed from a metal material.
23. The temporary connection of claim 21 wherein said thrust flange
is formed integrally with said adapter insert.
24. The temporary connection of claim 21 wherein the additional
club component comprises a golf club head having a hosel.
25. The temporary connection of claim 24 wherein said socket member
is formed integrally with said hosel.
26. The temporary connection of claim 24 wherein said socket member
is mounted onto said hosel.
27. The temporary connection of claim 21 wherein said
interengageable surfaces comprise interengageable flat
surfaces.
28. The temporary connection of claim 21 further including a
backstop reaction member carried by the club shaft, said backstop
reaction member being engageable by said compression nut upon
unthreading thereof from said external thread for axially
separating said adapter insert from said socket member.
29. A golf club, comprising: an elongated club shaft having a lower
end; an elongated adapter insert mounted onto said club shaft lower
end; a thrust flange carried by said club shaft at a position
generally adjacent to said club shaft lower end; a club head having
a hosel; a socket member on said hosel, said socket member defining
a socket having a size and shape for slide-fit reception of said
adapter insert, said socket member further defining a thrust seat
for substantially seated reception of said thrust flange when said
adapter insert is slidably received into said socket, said adapter
insert and socket member further including interengageable surfaces
for substantially preventing relative rotation therebetween when
said adapter insert is slidably received into said socket; and
connection means for removably interconnecting said adapter insert
and socket member with said thrust flange retained in seated
reception upon said thrust seat.
30. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said adapter insert is formed
from a metal material.
31. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said club shaft is formed
from a nonmetallic material.
32. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said thrust flange is formed
integrally with said adapter insert.
33. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said socket member is formed
integrally with said hosel.
34. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said socket member is mounted
onto said hosel.
35. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said interengageable surfaces
comprise interengageable flat surfaces.
36. The golf club of claim 29 wherein said connection means
comprises a compression nut carried by one of said adapter insert
and socket member, said compression nut defining an internal thread
and a thrust shoulder, and an external thread formed on the other
of said adapter insert and socket member, said compression nut
being threadably engageable with said external thread for urging
said thrust shoulder against one of said thrust flange and thrust
seat for axially displacing and retaining said thrust flange into
seated engagement upon said thrust seat.
37. The golf club of claim 36 wherein said compression nut is
carried by said club shaft, and said external thread is formed on
said socket member.
38. The golf club of claim 36 further including a backstop reaction
member on said one of said club shaft and socket member, said
backstop reaction member being engageable by said compression nut
upon unthreading thereof from said external thread for axially
separating said adapter insert from said socket member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/398,548, filed Jul. 24, 2002, U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/438,254, filed Jan. 2, 2003, U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/438,040, filed Jan. 2, 2003, and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/467,109, filed Apr. 30, 2003.
[0002] This invention relates generally to improvements in golf
clubs. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved
temporary connection between a golf club shaft and an additional
component such as a golf club head to facilitate customized golf
club construction to suit the needs and preferences of an
individual golfer.
[0003] Golf clubs are well known in the art, to include a club head
such as a wood-type or iron-type club head mounted at a lower end
of an elongated club shaft. An upper end of the club shaft has a
resilient grip mounted thereon and designed for comfortable manual
grasping and swinging of the golf club to strike a golf ball. In
modern golf clubs, the wood-type or iron-type club head is commonly
formed from a cast or machined metal or metal alloy such as
stainless steel, titanium alloy, and the like. The club shaft has
historically been formed from a selected metal or metal alloy,
while more recent golf club designs have incorporated a nonmetallic
club shaft formed from a composite material such as a
graphite-based composite or the like. One advantage provided by
such graphite-based composite club shaft materials is that the
stiffness or flexibility (whip) characteristics of the club shaft
can be variably selected in accordance with the preferences and
skill level of an individual golfer. That is, by providing a golfer
with a selection of club shafts having a range of different whip
characteristics, the golfer can custom-tailor his or her set of
golf clubs.
[0004] In the past, custom fitting of golf clubs having different
physical characteristics, such as different club shaft stiffness
and lengths, has required a golf shop to carry a large number of
sample clubs for test use by golfers. More specifically, for each
golf club head, it has been necessary for the golf shop to carry
multiple sample club heads of each particular brand and type, each
connected to a club shaft having different physical
characteristics, for test use by golfers. For example, for any
particular driver or other wood-type club head brand, or for any
particular iron-type or putter club head brand, it has been
necessary for the golf shop to carry a relatively large number of
different sample clubs in order to provide a meaningful choice for
custom-fitting of each golf club in accordance with the preferences
of any one golfer. Heretofore, it has not been practical or
feasible for club shafts and club heads to be interchanged quickly
and easily. Accordingly, it has not been possible for a golfer to
sample and test a large number of different club shaft-head
combinations, without requiring the golf shop to carry an unduly
large number of sample clubs. As a result, custom-fitting of golf
clubs to an individual golfer generally has not provided the golfer
with a truly broad selection of shaft-head combinations, and thus
has not provided the golfer with an optimal choice for custom
tailored clubs.
[0005] The resilient hand grip mounted on the upper end of a
typical club shaft also comprises a variable in the design and
custom fitting of golf clubs to suit the needs and preferences of
an individual golfer. That is, resilient hand grips are available
in a relatively broad range of different diametric sizes, tread
patterns, and elastomer or other soft and compliant materials. The
choice of hand grip size is dependent at least in part upon the
size of the golfer's hands, with a larger grip diameter being
normally preferred by a golfer having larger hands. Hand grip tread
pattern and/or the softness or tackiness of the hand grip material
may vary significantly in accordance with individual golfer
preferences.
[0006] The present invention relates to a temporary shaft-head
connection for quickly and easily interconnecting a selected golf
club shaft with an additional component such as a selected golf
club head or a selected hand grip segment, so that an individual
golfer can be provided with an extensive range of shaft-component
combinations for custom fitting of a set of golf clubs, without
requiring a golf shop to carry an extremely large number of
different sample golf clubs for test use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the invention, a temporary
shaft-component connection is provided for quickly and easily
assembling a selected golf club shaft with a selected golf club
head and/or hand grip segment, to facilitate custom club design and
fitting to suit the needs and preferences of an individual golfer.
The temporary shaft-component connection is particularly designed
for use with nonmetallic club shafts formed from a graphite-based
composite material or the like having a range of different lengths
and stiffness (whip) characteristics.
[0008] In one preferred form comprising a temporary shaft-head
connection for coupling the golf club shaft to a golf club head,
the shaft-head connection comprises a rigid and sturdy adapter
insert mounted onto a lower end of the club shaft. The adapter
insert includes one or more external flat surfaces formed from a
low wear bearing material such as metal, such as a rectangular or
squared-off or splined shape, for reception into a matingly shaped
socket formed in the hosel or within an adapter socket mounted onto
the hosel of a selected golf club head to prevent relative rotation
between the club shaft and head. A compression nut carried on the
club shaft or adapter insert is threadably connected to the hosel
or adapter socket mounted thereto to axially engage and retain a
thrust flange formed on the shaft or adapter, to prevent axial
separation of the club head and shaft.
[0009] In one preferred form, the adapter insert has a
sleeve-shaped construction and is securely affixed onto the lower
end of the club shaft by means of epoxy or the like. In another
preferred form, the adapter insert may comprise a drawn metal
jacket or the like attached securely to the lower end of the club
shaft. In a further preferred embodiment, the adapter insert may
comprise a pin having an elongated shank seated into the lower end
of a tubular club shaft, and an enlarged cap of flat-surfaced and
noncircular cross section positioned at the shaft lower end for
seated reception into the matingly shaped hosel socket or adapter
socket. In each embodiment, the thrust flange can be provided as an
integral portion of the adapter insert, or separately mounted by
means of epoxy or the like onto the club shaft. In one
configuration, the hosel socket is defined by the adapter socket
mounted within a hosel bore, by means of epoxy or the like, wherein
this adapter socket may further include external threads thereon
for threaded engagement with the compression nut.
[0010] In another alternative preferred embodiment, the adapter
insert further includes a tapered seat surface at a location
axially above the flat surfaces thereon for seated friction fit
into an upper end of the hosel socket as the compression nut is
threaded onto the hosel. In this variation, a backstop flange may
also mounted onto the club shaft at a location axially above the
compression nut. This backstop flange is engaged by the compression
nut for axially retracting the club shaft from the hosel socket or
adapter socket, upon unthreading movement of the compression nut to
disassemble the club shaft from the club head.
[0011] In each embodiment, the club shaft is quickly and easily
disassembled from the club head by unthreading the compression nut
from the hosel or adapter socket, to retract or permit retracting
of the adapter insert from the hosel or adapter socket.
Alternately, the same temporary connection components may be used
for interconnecting the club shaft with a hand grip segment having
a selected hand grip thereon, to accommodate similar quick and easy
assembly and disassembly of the golf club components. Such
disassembly accommodates quick and easy re-assembly of the same
club shaft with an alternative club head and/or hand grip segment
having different physical characteristics, and/or re-assembly of a
different club shaft with the same club head and/or hand grip
segment. In this manner, a golfer can test swing a large number of
different shaft-head and shaft-grip segment combinations within a
short period of time, for custom fitting of a set of golf clubs,
without requiring the golf shop to carry a large number of sample
clubs.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become more apparent from the following detailed description taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club including a
wood-type club head connected to the lower end of a golf club shaft
by means of the temporary shaft-head connection in accordance with
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmented and exploded perspective
view illustrating components of the temporary shaft-head
connection, in accordance with one preferred form of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view showing
partial assembly of the temporary connection components shown in
FIG. 2;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a fragmented longitudinal sectional view taken
generally on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a fragmented sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but
depicting the golf club shaft connected to the golf club head;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a fragmented and exploded perspective view
illustrating an alternative preferred form of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a fragmented longitudinal sectional view of a
hosel portion of the club head, taken generally on the line 7-7 of
FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a fragmented longitudinal sectional view showing
the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the golf club shaft connected to the
golf club head;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a fragmented and exploded perspective view
illustrating another alternative preferred form of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a fragmented longitudinal sectional view showing
the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the golf club shaft connected to the
golf club head;
[0024] FIG. 11 is fragmented and exploded sectional view depicting
a further alternative preferred form of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a fragmented and exploded sectional view similar
to FIG. 11, but showing still another alternative preferred
embodiment of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 13 is a fragmented sectional view corresponding to FIG.
12, and illustrating the golf club shaft and golf club head in
assembled relation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] As shown in the exemplary drawings, a golf club referred to
generally in FIG. 1 by the reference numeral 10 is provided with an
improved temporary shaft-component connection 12 for quickly and
easily interconnecting an elongated club shaft 14 with an
additional component such as a golf club head 16. The temporary
shaft-component connection 12 permits quick and easy assembly and
disassembly of the club shaft 14 and additional component such as
the head 16, so that a golfer can test swing a relatively large
number of different golf club combinations within a relatively
short period of time, and without requiring a golf shop to carry an
unduly large number of sample clubs. The invention thus permits and
facilitates custom fitting of a set of golf clubs from a selection
of different club shafts and additional components such as club
heads and/or hand grip segments having different physical
characteristics, to suit the needs and preferences of an individual
golfer.
[0028] The illustrative golf club 10 shown in FIG. 1 has an
overall, generally conventional construction to include the
elongated club shaft 14 connected to the club head 16 by
interfitting a lower end of the club shaft 14 with a hosel 18
formed to extend generally upwardly from a heel end of the club
head 16. In this regard, FIG. 1 shows the club head 16 in the form
of a wood-type club head having a front ball impact face 20 for
striking a golf ball (not shown). In accordance with modern golf
club construction, the wood-type head 16 typically comprises a
so-called metal wood club head comprising a hollow head
construction formed from a selected cast or forged or machined
metal or alloy such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, etc.
Alternative club head types such as iron-type heads, putters, and
the like may be used.
[0029] The club shaft 14 has an elongated and typically hollow
tubular construction extending from the connection thereof to the
club head 16 to an upper end (not shown) having a resilient grip
(also not shown) mounted thereon. In many modern golf clubs, the
club shaft 14 is formed from a nonmetallic material such as a
carbon or graphite-based composite or the like, commonly referred
to as a "graphite" shaft, which can be manufactured within a range
of different physical characteristics such as length, and stiffness
or flexibility (whip) to suit the needs and preferences of an
individual golfer. In this regard, in the course of custom fitting
a set of golf clubs to a particular golfer, it is common for the
golfer to choose a club shaft 14 having specific and preferred
physical characteristics from among a number of different club
shafts having different physical characteristics, such as overall
size, weight and weight distribution, head material, etc. In the
same fashion, it is common for the golfer to choose a hand grip 22
from among a number of different available hand grips formed, for
example, with different diametric sizes, or from different
cushioned materials or the different specific tread patterns.
[0030] In general terms, the temporary shaft-component connection
12 of the present invention is provided to permit and facilitate
golfer selection of preferred shaft-component combinations in the
course of custom fitting one or more golf clubs to an individual
golfer. The temporary connection 12 is designed to enable quick and
easy assembly of a specific shaft-head combination for golfer
testing, and/or a specific shaft-grip segment combination for
golfer testing, followed by quick and easy disassembly and
subsequent re-assembly to form different shaft-component
combinations. Accordingly, with the present invention, a golfer can
test swing a relatively large number of different shaft-component
combinations within a relatively short period of time, and without
requiring a golf shop to carry an extremely large number of
different sample clubs. Instead, the golf shop need only carry a
single set of club shafts 14 having the range of different physical
characteristics, and a single set of club heads 16 to include, for
example, a set of so-called wood-type heads and a set of so-called
iron-type heads, and one or more putter heads, etc., and a single
set of grip segments having different physical characteristics. In
each shaft-component combination assembled by use of the temporary
connection 12 of the present invention, the club shaft 14 is
securely attached to the additional component such as a club head
16 in a manner permitting actual club swinging and testing by
striking a golf ball.
[0031] The temporary shaft-component connection 12 is shown in more
detail in the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the invention
for use in detachably coupling a selected club shaft 14 with a
selected golf club head 16. Persons skilled in the art will
recognize and appreciate, however, that the illustrative
embodiments for a shaft-head connection may be used alternately or
in addition to form a shaft-grip segment connection.
[0032] In accordance with one preferred form of the invention in as
depicted in FIGS. 2-5, the lower end of the club shaft 14
particularly such as a graphite shaft has a generally round cross
sectional shape and is slide-fit received into the open upper end
of a sleeve-shaped adapter insert 22. This adapter 22 insert is
formed from a suitable rigid or sturdy bearing material, preferably
such as stainless steel or the like, and is securely affixed onto
the shaft lower end by means of a conventional epoxy or other
suitable adhesive connection or the like.
[0033] The sleeve-shaped adapter insert 22 has a lower end or tip
24 defining an external flat-surfaced shape including at least one
and preferably multiple flat surfaces, such as the generally
rectangular or squared-off cross sectional shape as shown. The
specific flat-surface geometry of the adapter tip 24 is sized and
shaped for mating slide-fit and seated reception into a socket
member defining an open socket 26, shown best in FIG. 2 in the form
of a squared-off configuration, formed integrally by the hosel 18.
Accordingly, when the tip 24 of the adapter insert 22 is seated
within the hosel socket 26, the resultant interengaging flat
surfaces prevent relative rotation between the club shaft 14 and
the club head 16. Alternative noncircular shapes for the adapter
tip 24 and the mating socket 26, particularly such hexagonal shapes
or splined configurations, will be recognized and understood by
persons skilled in the art.
[0034] The illustrative adapter insert 22 further includes an upper
and generally cylindrical end portion 28 for slide-fit reception
about the club shaft 14, with the tip 24 and upper end 28 portions
of the adapter providing an internal extended surface area for
secure mounting of the adapter insert onto the shaft 12 by epoxy or
the like, as previously described. In addition, a radially
outwardly projecting thrust flange 30 is formed on the adapter
insert 22, generally at the juncture between the lower tip 24 and
the upper end portion 28. This thrust flange 30 is positioned to
seat generally upon a thrust seat defined by the axial upper end of
the hosel 18, when the adapter tip 24 is seated within the hosel
socket 26. A compression nut 32 is carried about the club shaft 14
and can be slidably displaced downwardly over the thrust flange 30,
to bring a thrust shoulder 34 on the nut 32 into axially bearing
engagement with the thrust flange 30, for securely retaining the
thrust flange 30 engaged with the thrust seat. At the same time, a
female thread 36 (FIG. 4) within the compression nut 32 is engaged
with a male thread 38 (FIG. 2) on the hosel 18 to prevent axial
separation of the club shaft 14 from the club head 16.
[0035] A selected club shaft 14 having a particular set of physical
characteristics is thus assembled quickly and easily with a
selected club head 16. The flat-surfaced tip 24 of the adapter
insert 22 engages the matingly shaped hosel socket 26 to prevent
relative rotation between the club shaft 14 and head 16, with the
hard and flat-surfaced adapter tip 24 providing the requisite and
adequate torque load-bearing capacity which would not otherwise be
provided by forming one or more flat surfaces directly upon the
graphite club shaft material. In addition, the compression nut 32
firmly seats and retains the thrust flange 30 on the thrust flange,
relative to the hosel 18 to prevent axial separation of the
components. The resultant shaft-head combination can be tested by a
golfer under actual swing and ball impact conditions. The
particular shaft-head combination can then be disassembled quickly
and easily, followed by quick and easy re-assembly of the club head
with an alternative club shaft having different physical
characteristics, and/or re-assembly of the club shaft with a
different club head.
[0036] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate one alternative preferred form of the
invention, wherein components corresponding functionally to those
shown in FIGS. 1-5 are identified by common reference numerals
increased by 100. As shown, the illustrative club head 116 has a
hosel 118 upstanding generally at a heel end thereof, wherein this
hosel 118 defines an upwardly open hosel socket 126 having a
conventionally round cross section shape but further including a
base segment 118' in the form of a flat-surfaced counterbore such
as the squared-off geometry as depicted in FIG. 7. A male thread
138 is formed about the hosel 126.
[0037] The lower end of the tubular club shaft 114 carries a
pin-shaped adapter insert 122 having an elongated pin shank 128
received into the hollow shaft bore and suitably fastened therein
as by means of an epoxy or the like. Alternatively, the pin shank
128 can be threaded for secure thread-in attachment into the shaft
bore. In either case, the pin-shaped adapter insert 122 further
includes a cap 124 having a flat-surfaced geometry such as a
squared-off shape that is sized for mating slide-fit into the
flat-surfaced base segment 118' of the hosel socket 126. In this
position, a thrust flange 130, mounted securely onto the club shaft
114 as by an axially elongated thrust collar 128' which is affixed
to the club shaft by means of an epoxy or the like, is seated upon
the axially upper end of the hosel 118. A compression nut 132
having an internal female thread 136 is threadably engaged with the
hosel 118 in the same manner as previously described, for axially
retaining the thrust flange 130 relative to the club head 116.
[0038] The thus-described temporary shaft-head connection 112
(FIGS. 6-8) thereby provides for quick and easy shaft-head assembly
for golfer testing, and corresponding quick and easy disassembly so
that the golfer can test other shaft-head combinations. The
flat-surfaced cap 124 of the adapter insert 122 engages the
flat-surfaced base segment 118' of the hosel socket 126 to prevent
shaft-head rotation, and the compression nut 132 retains the thrust
flange 130 to prevent axial component separation.
[0039] A further alternative preferred form of the invention is
shown in FIGS. 9-10, wherein components corresponding functionally
to those shown in FIGS. 1-5 are identified by common reference
numerals increased by 200. As shown, the illustrative club head 216
has a hosel 218 upstanding generally at a heel end thereof, wherein
this hosel 218 defines an upwardly open hosel socket 226 as
previously shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-5.
[0040] In this embodiment, the adapter insert 222 comprises a
jacket formed by drawn metal or the like encasing and securely
attached to the lower end of the club shaft 214, and further
defining the flat-surfaced external geometry such as the
squared-off shape as shown. The drawn metal jacket adapter insert
222 is sized and shaped for mating slide-fit reception into the
hosel socket 226 to prevent relative rotation between the shaft 214
and the club head 216. A thrust flange 230 is formed integrally
with an axially elongated thrust collar 228 which is affixed to the
club shaft by means of an epoxy or the like, and is seated upon the
axially upper end of the hosel 218. A compression nut 232 having an
internal female thread 236 is threadably engaged with the male
thread 238 on the hosel 218 in the same manner as previously
described, for axially retaining the thrust flange 230 relative to
the club head 216 and thereby preventing axial shaft-head component
separation. In use, the resultant temporary shaft-head connection
212 functions in the same manner as previously described
herein.
[0041] FIG. 11 shows another alternative preferred temporary
shaft-head connection 312 of the present invention, wherein
components corresponding functionally to those shown in FIGS. 1-5
are identified by common reference numerals increased by 300. This
embodiment pertains to a modified hosel construction which can be
tailored for use with any one of the adapter-tipped club shafts as
shown and described in FIGS. 1-10.
[0042] More particularly, as shown, a golf club head 316 includes
an upstanding hosel 318 formed generally at a heel end thereof, and
defining an upwardly open bore 318' of conventionally round cross
sectional shape. In this embodiment, the socket member is defined
by an adapter socket 319 in the form of an insert sleeve which is
securely mounted within the hosel bore 318', by means of epoxy
adhesive or the like, wherein this adapter socket 319 defines the
upwardly open hosel socket 326 having the flat-surfaced geometry
such as the squared-off cross section as shown. In addition, an
upper portion 321 of the adapter socket 319 overlies the axially
upper end of the hosel 318 and incorporates the external male
thread 338 thereon.
[0043] FIG. 11 further shows an adapter-tipped club shaft such as
the shaft 12 with the adapter insert 22 and associated compression
nut 32 for quick and easy assembly with the modified hosel
construction. In this regard, as shown, the adapter tip 24 is
slide-fit received into the hosel socket 326 to prevent relative
shaft-head rotation, and the compression nut 32 threadably engages
with the threaded upper portion 321 of the adapter socket 319 to
firmly retain the thrust flange 30 and thereby prevent axial
separation of the shaft-head components. One important aspect of
the modified hosel construction as shown in FIG. 11 is that the
male thread 338 can be formed on the adapter socket 319 easier than
thread formation directly onto the club head hosel 318. Persons
skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the specific
shape of the hosel insert sleeve 319 can be modified for mechanical
compatibility with any one of the adapter-tipped club shafts shown
and described herein.
[0044] FIGS. 12-13 illustrate another alternative preferred
embodiment of the invention, wherein components corresponding
functionally to those shown in FIGS. 1-5 are identified by common
reference numerals increased by 400. As shown, the golf club head
416 includes the hosel 418 at the heel end thereof and defining the
upwardly open hosel socket 426 for receiving the adapter insert 422
at the tip end of the golf club shaft 414. In this version, the
hosel socket 426 includes a lower flat-surfaced base segment 418'
which merges with an upper tapered entry segment 426'.
[0045] The adapter insert 422 on the club shaft 414 comprises a
flat-surfaced adapter tip 422' for mating slide-fit reception into
the flat-surfaced base segment 418' of the hosel socket, in
combination with a tapered transition zone 428 for seated and
preferably friction fit or binding engagement with the upper
tapered entry segment 426' of the hosel socket. A compression nut
432 includes female threads 436 for thread-on engagement with male
threads on the hosel 418, with a thrust shoulder 434 on the
compression nut 432 urging a thrust flange 430 into firm seated
engagement with a thrust seat defined by an axially upper end of
the hosel 418. As shown, this thrust flange 430 is formed at the
axially upper end of the tapered transition segment zone 428,
preferably integrally therewith, with the lower end of the club
shaft 414 secured within the adapter insert 422 by means of epoxy
attachment or the like.
[0046] The adapter insert 422 may additionally include a spring
element 450 such as a block of compressible foam, such as a
urethane foam member or the like, for placement into the bottom or
base end of the hosel socket prior to insertion of the adapter tip
422'. This spring element 450 is tightly compressed within the
hosel socket when the adapter tip 422' is seated therein and locked
in place by means of thread-on attachment of the compression nut
432. Importantly, the spring element 450 provides a reaction force
acting on the adapter tip 422' to assist in holding the adapter tip
422' tightly and securely in position, substantially without wobble
or looseness. While the spring element 450 is shown in the
embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, it will be recognized and understood
that the spring element 450 may be used in anyone or all of the
embodiments of the invention shown and described herein.
[0047] When it is desired to disassemble the club head 416 from the
club shaft 414, the compression nut 432 is unthreaded relative to
the male threads 438 on the hosel 426. A backstop flange 428' is
carried by the club shaft at an axial location slightly above the
compression nut, so that the thrust shoulder 434 on the nut 432
engages the backstop flange 428' to axially push and separate the
club shaft from the hosel 426. In other words, the engagement of
the nut shoulder 434 with the backstop flange 428' overcomes the
binding or friction fit engagement of the tapered transition zone
428 with the hosel, to permit relatively quick and easy shaft-head
separation. As shown, this backstop flange 428' may be formed at a
lower end of a backstop sleeve 500 mounted onto the club shaft 414
by means of an epoxy attachment or the like.
[0048] A variety of further modifications and improvements in and
to the improved temporary shaft-component connection for a golf
club of the present invention will be apparent to those persons
skilled in the art. Accordingly, no limitation on the invention is
intended by way of the foregoing description and accompanying
drawings, except as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *