U.S. patent application number 11/426285 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for method of making a weighted golf swing trainer.
Invention is credited to Thomas A. Andersen.
Application Number | 20060258476 11/426285 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324726 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060258476 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andersen; Thomas A. |
November 16, 2006 |
METHOD OF MAKING A WEIGHTED GOLF SWING TRAINER
Abstract
A method of making at least two types of weighted golf swing
trainers. In a first type of trainer club, a lower section of a
hollow golf shaft is filled within a first type of particle and a
flowable material. A barrier is then by created to keep the
flowable material and the first type of particle in the lower
section. A second type of particle and a compressible epoxy resin
is placed into an upper section of the golf shaft so that the resin
cures to surround the second type of particles. A method of making
a second type of trainer club where flowable materials are
impermissible. Such second club is made in a similar manner as the
first type with the exception that the first type of particle and
flowable material are mixed with compressible epoxy resin and
placed into the lower section of the golf shaft.
Inventors: |
Andersen; Thomas A.;
(Duarte, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE SONI LAW FIRM
55 S. LAKE AVE SUITE 720
PASADENA
CA
91101
US
|
Family ID: |
46324726 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426285 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10850079 |
May 19, 2004 |
7090589 |
|
|
11426285 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/231 ;
473/242; 473/256; 473/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20130101;
A63B 53/12 20130101; A63B 15/005 20130101; A63B 21/072 20130101;
A63B 60/24 20151001; A63B 69/36 20130101; A63B 15/00 20130101; A63B
69/3632 20130101; A63B 21/0603 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/231 ;
473/242; 473/256; 473/316 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36; A63B 53/06 20060101 A63B053/06; A63B 53/12 20060101
A63B053/12 |
Claims
1. A method for manufacturing a weighted golf swing trainer
comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a hollow shaft having an
upper section, a lower section, a grip end and a head end, the
lower section being closer to the head end than is the upper
section, the upper section between closer to the grip end than is
the lower section; (b) placing a first type of particle in the
lower section of the shaft and whereby there are interstices
between the particles; (c) placing a flowable material in the lower
section of the shaft to fill in at least some of the interstices;
(d) forming a barrier between the upper and lower sections of the
shaft; (e) placing a second type of particle in the upper section
of the shaft; and (f) placing a compressible epoxy resin into the
upper section of the shaft so that the resin cures to surround the
second type of particle thereby.
2. The method as in claim 1 wherein the flowable material is
tungsten powder.
3. The method as in claim 2 wherein the first type of particle is a
different size than the second type of particle.
4. The method as in claim 3 wherein the first and second types of
particles are lead shot.
5. The method as in claim 4 wherein the interstices formed between
the particles of lead shot in step (a) are 8 g/cc.
6. The method as in claim 1 wherein step (d), the barrier formed
between the upper and lower sections of the shaft is a liquid
impermeable barrier.
7. The method as in claim 6 wherein step (d) further comprises the
steps of: (1) placing the liquid impermeable barrier into the grip
end; and (2) compressing the liquid impermeable barrier against the
first type of particles and flowable material.
8. The method as in claim 1 wherein after step (a) but before step
(b), further comprising the step of attaching a golf club head to
the head end.
9. The method as in claim 8 wherein attaching the golf club head to
the head end further includes the steps of: (1) abrading the head
end; (2) cleaning the head end with a solvent; (3) drying the head
end; (4) applying an adhesive to the head end and the golf head;
and (5) inserting the head end into the golf head.
10. The method as in claim 1 further comprising the step of: (g)
attaching a grip to the grip end.
11. A method for manufacturing a weighted golf swing trainer
comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a hollow shaft having an
upper section, a lower section, a grip end and a head end, the
lower section being closer to the head end than is the upper
section, the upper section between closer to the grip end than is
the lower section; (b) mixing a first type of particle, a flowable
material, and a compressible epoxy resin together to form a mixture
therefrom; (c) placing the mixture in the lower section of the
shaft; (d) forming a barrier between the upper and lower sections
of the shaft; (e) placing a second type of particle in the upper
section of the shaft; and (f) placing a compressible epoxy resin
into the upper section of the shaft so that the resin cures to
surround the second type of particle thereby.
12. The method as in claim 11 wherein the flowable material is
tungsten powder.
13. The method as in claim 12 wherein the first type of particle is
a different size than the second type of particle.
14. The method as in claim 13 wherein the first and second types of
particles are lead shot.
15. The method as in claim 14 wherein the interstices formed
between the particles of lead shot in step (a) are 8 g/cc.
16. The method as in claim 11 wherein step (d), the barrier formed
between the upper and lower sections of the shaft is a liquid
impermeable barrier.
17. The method as in claim 16 wherein step (d) further comprises
the steps of: (1) placing the liquid impermeable barrier into the
grip end; and (2) compressing the liquid impermeable barrier
against the first type of particles and flowable material.
18. The method as in claim 11 wherein after step (a) but before
step (b), further comprising the step of attaching a golf club head
to the head end.
19. The method as in claim 18 wherein attaching the golf club head
to the head end further includes the steps of: (1) abrading the
head end; (2) cleaning the head end with a solvent; (3) drying the
head end; (4) applying an adhesive to the head end and the golf
head; and (5) inserting the head end into the golf head.
20. The method as in claim 11 further comprising the step of: (g)
attaching a grip to the grip end.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and is a
continuation-in-part of utility patent application Ser. No.
10/850,079 filed on May 19, 2004, and hereby claims the benefit
thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to golf swing practice
equipment and a method of making the same.
[0003] There are many golf swing trainers in the marketplace which
claim to help golfers have a correct swing on a consistent basis.
Exemplary of such golf swing trainers is that described in Sorenson
U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,407.
[0004] Also, more than one year ago I invented and sold the golf
swing trainer described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/384,502 filed May 29, 2002.
[0005] Existing golf swing trainers suffer from one or more
disadvantages, including: [0006] Inability to actually hit a golf
ball with the trainer to provide feedback to the golfer as to the
effectiveness of the golfer's swing. [0007] Failure to meet
USGA.RTM. compliant requirements for on course use. [0008] Lack of
the "feel" of an actual golf club.
[0009] A large portion of the existing prior art patents relating
to golf clubs involve designs that allow users to selectively
adjust the golf club while playing, thereby altering the swing
weight, sweet spot, or some other characteristic. In this respect,
such clubs are intended to help a user overcome their own
deficiencies. However, such clubs are generally distinguishable
from weighted golf swing trainers because trainer clubs are
designed to help a golfer learn proper form and enhance other
characteristics of their swing. Thus, the technologies relating to
user-modifiable golf clubs is often times incompatible with the
objective and intended use of trainer clubs.
[0010] Although the use of flowable materials in golf clubs has
been used in the past, such use of flowable materials appear to be
limited to use in standard golf clubs, specifically those which aim
to provide a user with selectable adjustments while on the golf
course. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,279 issued to Hull on
Jan. 21, 1992, a golf club is disclosed that appears to provide for
selectable adjustments to standard golf clubs by shifting weight
throughout the entire shaft thereof via a series of valves. By
doing so, a user may adjust the swing weight and balance weight of
the club. Such a design fails to disclose a flowable material
limited to the lower section of the golf club.
[0011] Golf clubs have also used two different particles, heavy and
light, to desirably weight the club head. For example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,145,052 issued to Janssen on Mar. 20, 1979, a golf club is
disclosed that allows for selective adjustments to the club head,
for the purpose of altering the location of the sweet spot. By
using two types of materials, the swing weight or balance weight of
the club head is maintained. Such a design is distinguishable from
the present invention in that sweet spot alterations in a club head
are primarily for users who hit off-center and may wish to adjust
the sweet spot according to their personal style and/or
deficiencies. Such technology is not applicable to disposing two
different particles in the shaft of a golf club since sweet spots
may not be altered by modifications to the shaft.
[0012] There are also patents that disclose the use of weights that
are interchangeable between the golf club head and the shaft. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,327 issued to Gorman on Sep. 20, 1971
discloses a golf club that provides apertures for receiving a
capsule in both the golf club head and the shaft. The capsule
includes a plurality of weighted washers that maybe selectively
added or removed by the user. The capsule is interchangeable
between the shaft and the club head. Such a design is provided for,
once again, altering the swing weight of the club, which in turn
alters the balance point of the club. Such alteration of the
balance point is typically disadvantageous in golf swing trainers
since it is the preset placement of the balance point that provides
part of the advantageous training features.
[0013] The present invention is directed to a weighted golf swing
trainer that overcomes deficiencies of these prior golf clubs and
prior golf swing trainers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] A golf swing trainer according to the present invention
comprises a shaft having a grip end and a head end, and a weighted
filling inside the shaft. The weighted filling comprises a first
size of high density particles with interstices between them and
tungsten powder in a lower section, and a second type of high
density particles in an upper section, the lower section being
closer to the head end and is the upper section. The high density
particles typically have a density of at least 8 g/cc and are
spheroidal; preferably they are lead shot. The two types of
particles can be of the same material or different materials, and
can have the same size or different size. So the trainer can be
used as a regular golf club, it can have a grip on the grip end of
the shaft and a club head on the head end of the shaft.
[0015] So that the trainer has the feel of a regular golf club
during the swing, the filling material can include urethane resin.
In one version of the invention there is cured urethane resin only
in the upper section. So that the urethane resin is only in the
upper section, there is a liquid impermeable barrier between the
two sections.
[0016] In one version of the invention, the tungsten powder can
move during the swing, to help the user swing properly. This can be
effected by having the tungsten powder be present in only a portion
of the lower section.
[0017] For a club that is useable on the golf course, according to
the United States Golf Association ("USGA.RTM.") it is not
permissible to have any moving parts. In an alternate version of
the invention satisfying USGA.RTM. requirements, there is no
barrier and there is cured polymeric material, such as urethane
resin, along the length of the shaft, wherever there are particles
to prevent the particles from moving during a swing.
[0018] Another benefit of using the improved golf swing trainer
club is that proper and consistent use of the trainer club promotes
building muscles specifically exerted when a user swings the club
in the proper swing plane. These muscles, the so-called "golf
muscles," include muscles surrounding the arms, hips and legs. Of
these muscles, there are those generally known as "slow-twitch"
muscles that are used primarily when the muscle must support a
large amount of weight for an extended period of time. An example
of these muscles are those exerted when curling weights with the
arms. There are also muscles known as "fast-twitch" muscles that
are used for quick bursts of power, such as the leg muscles exerted
by sprinting runners. Advantageously, the golf swing trainer made
according to the present invention helps build the "fast-twitch"
muscles used in the golf swing. By promoting users to swing the
club in the proper swing plane, the fast-twitch muscles typically
used when swinging in this plane are exercised. Incorporating a
series of exercises with the club can yield significant
muscle-building benefits that are targeted to the "fast-twitch"
muscles, yielding a significant increase in swing speed. Moreover,
a unique advantage in building "fast-twitch" muscles with the golf
swing trainer made according to the present invention is that the
user, by increasing club head or swing speed, in turn receives a
dramatic increase in distance, which is a long-felt need.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] These and other features of the invention could be better
understood with reference to the following description, appended
claims, and accompanying drawings where:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of swing trainer embodying
features of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a transverse, partial sectional view of the swing
trainer of FIG. 1 taken on line 2-2 in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a transverse, partial sectional view of the swing
trainer of FIG. 1 taken on line 3-3 in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of making a
weighted golf swing trainer; and
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an method of making an
alternate embodiment of a weighted golf swing trainer.
[0025] The drawings are not to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a swing trainer 10 according to
the present invention comprises a shaft 12 having a wall 13, a head
end 14 and a grip end 16, with a grip 18 mounted on the grip end 16
and a golf club head 20 mounted on the head end 14.
[0027] The shaft is hollow substantially along its entire length.
For the reasons detailed below, the grip end 16 needs to be hollow.
The bottom portion of the lower end need not be hollow.
[0028] The shaft 12 can be made of any material conventionally used
for golf clubs, such as a steel, graphite or tungsten alloy. The
shaft 12 can be a substantially constant diameter, but preferably
is tapered, with a larger diameter at the grip end 16 then at the
head end 14. For example, the outside diameter of the grip end 16
can be about 9/16 inch, and the outside diameter of the head end 14
can be about 5/16 inch.
[0029] The golf club head 20 can be any head conventionally used on
golf clubs. It can be an iron, a wedge, or a driver. It typically
is not a putter head.
[0030] The grip 18 can be any conventional golf club grip.
Optionally, it can be a training grip which is configured to
require the golfer place his or her hands in a proper position for
an effective golf swing.
[0031] There is a weighted filling inside of the shaft 12 in a
lower section 32 of the shaft 12 the filling can comprise a first
size of lead shot 34 and tungsten powder 36.
[0032] In an upper section 42 of the shaft 12, the filling can
comprise a second size of lead shot 44 and cured epoxy resin 46.
The lower section 32 is closer to the head end 14 than is the upper
section 42. The size of the lead shot 34 and 44 can be the same,
but preferably the first size 34 is of larger diameter than the
second size 44 to accommodate the tungsten powder 36 in
interstices.
[0033] The length of the lower section 32 can be about 8 to about
16 inches, and preferably is about 12 to about 14 inches.
[0034] Typically, the lower section 32 has size 5 shot which has an
average diameter of 0.12 inches. Preferably, the lead shot used in
the upper section 42 is a size 8 or 10 lead shot, which has an
average outside diameter of 0.09 inch and 0.07 inch, respectively.
More than one size of lead shot can be used in either or both
sections.
[0035] A preferred tungsten powder has a tab density of at least 9
g/cc. A preferred powder is available from Tungsten Heavy Powder,
Inc. of San Diego, Calif. under the name "Technon.RTM. Ultra
Powder." This spheroidal powder comprises 98%-99% tungsten, with a
tab density according to ASTM spec 527 of at least 10-11 g/cc; a
particle size of 30-100 microns; and a flowability according to
ASTM spec B212 of 7.2 seconds. This powder is prepared from
sintered tungsten parts with a higher density than virgin tungsten
powder. The tungsten powder typically can be size 100 mesh.
However, it is recognized that other types of tungsten powder or
other weighted flowable material may be substituted for the above
so long as it is capable of flowing through the interstices created
by the first type of particle, i.e. lead shot 34.
[0036] The tungsten powder 36 fills a portion of the lower section,
typically only about half of it, so that the tungsten powder can
move during the golf swing shift position. That is why larger
diameter lead shot with more void space is used in the lower
section. This helps a golfer perform a proper wrist cock, which
adds distance to the golfer's shot.
[0037] Also, the lower section need not be completely filled with
lead shot 34 so that the lead shot can also move in the lower
section during a swing.
[0038] There is a barrier or gasket 52 between the lower section 32
and upper section 42. Preferably, the barrier 52 is liquid
impervious. It can be made out of cork covered with cloth, vinyl or
rubber material, or wadded up tissue paper. Its purpose is to keep
uncured resin from reaching the lower section 32.
[0039] Cured polymeric material, such as SBR rubber, "Kraton.TM."
material, or polyurethane resin, can be part of the filling
material. Preferably polyurethane resin 46 is cured in situ and
provides a high "rebound effect" so that the club has a realistic
feel. It can have a Shore A hardness of about 80. A suitable
preferred polyurethane is available from Cytec Industries, Inc. of
Olean, N.Y. under the product name "Conathane.RTM." TU-6080. This
preferred polyurethane has a viscosity at 25.degree. C. of about
2600 cps before cure; a tensile strength of about 2025 psi; 100%
modulus of about 610; 300% modulus of about 1550, an elongation of
about 350%; and a tear strength of about 275 pli. An even more
preferable polyurethane is available from Conap, Inc., a division
of Cytec Industries, Inc. under the product name "Conathane.RTM."
TU-8070. This polyurethane has viscosity of 1000 cps at 25.degree.
C. before cure; a tensile strength of about 1500 PSI; 100% modulus
of about 550 PSI; 300% modulus of about 800 PSI; an elongation of
about 750%; a tear strength of about 280 lbf/in; and Shore A
hardness of about 70. It is recognized that other compressible
polyurethane resins and may also be used so long as the resin
maintains a high "rebound effect" after curing.
[0040] The weight system is designed so that the balance point of
the trainer is not at its center, but is closer to the head end 14
than the grip end 16. Preferably the balance point is from about 2
to about 4 inches closer to the head end 14 than it is to the grip
end 16. This approximates the feel of a regular golf club.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, a method of making the swing trainer 10
is described. To manufacture the swing trainer 10, the first step
200 is to select a hollow shaft 12 is selected that has an upper
section 42, a lower section 32, a grip end 16, and a head end 14.
In the next step 202, a first type of particle, preferably lead
shot 34, is placed in the lower section 32 of the shaft 12, whereby
there interstices between the particles 34. Next 204, a flowable
material, preferably tungsten powder 36 as described herein, is
placed in the lower section 32 of the shaft 12 to fill in at least
some of the interstices. To help the lead shot 34 and flowable
material 36 to travel down the shaft 12, a rubber mallet may be
tapped against the shaft 12 to ensure that the lead shot 34 and
flowable material 36 traveled down to the bottom. To keep the lead
shot 34 and tungsten powder 36 from falling out of the bottom, in
the next step 206, a barrier 52 is formed between the upper and
lower sections 42 and 32. A plug or wadded tissue paper tamped down
against the lead shot 34 and flowable material 36 can be used.
[0042] A small amount of uncured resin is then added, preferably
about 2 squirts of the uncured resin 46 from a 400 ml two cartridge
dispensing gun. Another 5 squirts of the uncured resin 46 should be
added after waiting about two to three minutes. In the next step
208, a second type of particle 44 is placed in the upper section 42
of the shaft 12 which displaces the resin 46, while allowing the
lead shot 44 to be surrounded on all sides by the resin 46.
Preferably, only 3/4 of the measured lead shot 44 should be placed
in the upper section 42 first. After waiting for the mixture to
settle, as illustrated in box 210, additional resin 46 is added to
the upper section 42, preferably 2 squirts of uncured resin, and
the remaining 1/4 of lead shot 44 is then added. The resin is
prepared by mixing components of the polyurethane resin. This
process is repeated until the shaft is filled. The uncured resin is
allowed to cure in situ. The grip 18 is then placed on the shaft.
Preferably, a club head 20 is attached to the shaft 12 prior to
filling with lead shot 34 so as to prevent adverse effects of back
pressure that may occur when the golf club head 20 is attached
subsequent to filling the shaft 12.
[0043] Optionally, there is an empty space between the top of the
shot filling in the upper section 42 and the top of the shaft
12.
[0044] Each section can contain different types and different sizes
of high density particles, allowing for a change in the weight
position. However, such different sizes of particles may not be
adjusted by the user.
[0045] In an alternate version of the invention, for a club that
can be used on a golf course, it is necessary that the filling
material not move during a stroke. In this version of the
invention, polyurethane resin is used along the entire length of
the shaft wherever there is filling material, and there is no
barrier 52 in use. The high rebound polyurethane resin keeps the
lead shot and tungsten from moving, cushions the weighting
material, and provides a lively flexible shaft. Also, smaller size
lead shot is used in the bottom section 32 to help prevent movement
of the tungsten powder.
[0046] To manufacture such an alternative version, as shown in FIG.
5, a method of making such a club is illustrated. Notably, the
process for making this embodiment is nearly identical to the
method illustrated in FIG. 4 and described above with the exception
of the preparing different materials for the lower section 32 of
the shaft 12. More specifically, the after selecting a club as
illustrated in box 300, in box 302, a mixture is formed with a
first type of particle (lead shot), flowable material (tungsten
powder), and compressible epoxy resin. This mixture is placed into
the lower section 32 of the shaft 12 as illustrated in box 304. The
mixture created by this process yields a static mixture that
complies with USGA.RTM. rules. The remaining steps illustrated in
boxes 306, 308, and 310 remain identical to that which is described
in boxes 206, 208 and 210.
[0047] The present invention has significant advantages for a
golfer including the following: [0048] It is actually possible to
hit the ball with the club to get instant feedback on a swing.
[0049] The weight system forces, the golfer to swing properly on
plane. [0050] The correctly placed weight system places the golf
swing on the correct swing plane. [0051] The shifting weight
teaches the golfer a proper wrist cock release. [0052] The correct
weighting, similar to a golfer's other clubs, creates muscle memory
for the correct swing path. [0053] Creating the correct swing plane
and allowing the golfer to see the ball flight builds confidence,
and ingrains a sub-conscious repeatable swing memory. [0054] The
weighted club provides an excellent warmup before playing a round
of golf, just as a baseball hitter warms up with a weighted bat in
the on deck circle. [0055] Because of the urethane system, the club
has the feel of a regular golf club when the ball is hit. [0056]
The shifting weight provides extra momentum at the bottom of the
swing, providing encouragement of the proper wrist release at the
bottom of the swing, which is not available with a solid steel bar.
[0057] The use of different sized shot placed discretely inside the
shaft along with the resin provides the ability to adjust the
weight and feeling of the club that is not available with a solid
steel bar. [0058] This discrete weighting allows the wrist cock and
wrist release to be varied, and to vary the feeling of the club
according to the abilities and swing speed of the golfer. [0059] In
the version of the invention where all of the filling material is
held in place by urethane resin, the club can legally be used on
the golf course, thus providing an opportunity for an instant "tune
up" for the golfer during a round.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparing Seven Iron
[0059] [0060] A. Men's Seven Iron--A men's seven iron was prepared
by placing the following materials into a shaft in this order:
[0061] Lead shot, #5--4.5 ounces [0062] Tungsten powder--2.8 ounces
[0063] Barrier [0064] Lead shot, #8--14.1 ounces and polyurethane
resin, two components mixed, to fill the remaining shaft.
[0065] Preferably, a finished men's seven iron should measure
approximately 36.5 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 2 pounds and 8 ounces. A properly manufactured club
should have an exact center point of about 18.25 inches and a
balance point of approximately 2.25 inches measured from the exact
center toward the head end (plus or minus 0.5 inches). [0066] B.
Ladies Seven Iron--A ladies seven iron was prepared by placing the
following materials into a shaft in this order: [0067] Lead shot,
#5--2.8 ounces [0068] Tungsten powder--1.4 ounces [0069] Barrier
[0070] Lead shot, #8--9.7 ounces and polyurethane resin, two
components mixed, to fill the remaining shaft.
[0071] Preferably, a finished ladies seven iron should measure
approximately 35.5 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 2 pounds. A properly manufactured club should have an
exact center point and balance point that is proportional that
described in the men's club, subject to the reduced length of the
ladies club.
Example 2
Preparing Driver
[0072] A. Men's Driver--A men's driver was prepared by placing the
following materials into a shaft in this order: [0073] Lead shot,
#5--4 ounces [0074] Tungsten powder--2.8 ounces [0075] Barrier
[0076] Lead shot, #10--3.0 ounces [0077] Lead shot, #5--10 ounces
[0078] Polyurethane resin, two components mixed, to fill the
remaining shaft while placing the lead shot above the barrier.
[0079] Preferably, a finished men's driver should measure
approximately 44 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 2 pounds and 4 ounces. A properly manufactured club
should have an exact center point of about 22 inches and a balance
point of approximately 2.5 inches measured from the exact center
toward the head end (plus or minus 0.5 inches). Such measurements
assume that the club is being made with a training grip
(ergonomic). Standard grips will result in clubs that are
approximately 2 ounces lighter.
[0080] B. Ladies Driver--A ladies driver was prepared by placing
the following materials into a shaft in this order: [0081] Lead
shot, #5--3.0 ounces [0082] Tungsten powder--1.5 ounces [0083]
Barrier [0084] Lead shot, #10--1.0 ounces [0085] Lead shot, #5--8.1
ounces [0086] Polyurethane resin, two components mixed, to fill the
remaining shaft while placing the lead shot above the barrier.
[0087] Preferably, a finished ladies driver should measure
approximately 42 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 1 pound and 14 ounces. A properly manufactured club
should have an exact center point and balance point that is
proportional that described in the men's club, subject to the
reduced length of the ladies club. Such measurements assume that
the club is being made with a training grip (ergonomic). Standard
grips will result in clubs that are approximately 2 ounces
lighter.
Example 3
Wedge Legal for Use on a Golf Course
[0088] A. Men's Legal Wedge--A wedge legal for use on a golf course
was prepared by placing the following materials into a shaft, in
this order. [0089] Lead shot, #10--5.5 ounces [0090] Tungsten
powder--3.5 ounces [0091] Lead shot, #5--5.5 ounces
[0092] Preferably, a finished men's legal wedge should measure
approximately 35 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 2.0 pounds. A properly manufactured club should have
an exact center point of about 17.5 inches and a balance point of
approximately 5.5 inches measured from the exact center toward the
head end (plus or minus 0.5 inches). Such measurements assume that
the club is being made with a training grip (ergonomic). Standard
grips will result in clubs that are approximately 2 ounces
lighter.
[0093] B. Ladies Legal Wedge--A wedge legal for use on a golf
course was prepared by placing the following materials into a
shaft, in this order. [0094] Lead shot, #10--4.5 ounces [0095]
Tungsten powder--3.5 ounces [0096] Lead shot, #5--4.5 ounces
[0097] Preferably, a finished ladies legal wedge should measure
approximately 34 inches in length and have a finished weight of
approximately 1 pound and 14 ounces. A properly manufactured club
should have an exact center point and balance point that is
proportional that described in the men's club, subject to the
reduced length of the ladies club. Such measurements assume that
the club is being made with a training grip (ergonomic). Standard
grips will result in clubs that are approximately 2 ounces
lighter.
[0098] It should be noted that standard steel lengths are used for
each club, but the clubs are cut 1/8th inch short from the head end
14 of the shaft 12, which allows for sufficient space to install a
grip and maintain stiffness.
[0099] In all examples, polyurethane resin was added slowly during
the entire procedure, so that none of the filling material embedded
in the resin moves during a swing, and provides a cushion of resin
surrounding the lead shot to provide "life" to the club. In the
case of the wedge, the resin allows the wedge to be usable on
course.
[0100] Additionally, a preferable method of maintaining a good seal
between the club head 20 and the shaft 12 is abrading the head end
14 with an abrasive, such as sandpaper. The inside of the club's
hosel may also be abraded. The head end 14 and the hosel may both
be cleaned with a solvent, such as Acetone. Each side is dried by
using compressed air, and epoxy may then be applied to ensure a
tight seal.
[0101] All features disclosed in the specification, including the
claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or
process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except
combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are
mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification,
including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0102] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state
"means" for performing a specified function or "step" for
performing a specified function, should not be interpreted as a
"means" for "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112.
[0103] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to the preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. For example, instead of lead
shot, steel shot or other high density material can be used.
Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited
to the descriptions of the preferred versions contained
therein.
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