U.S. patent application number 11/493962 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle.
Invention is credited to Augusto Sandino.
Application Number | 20060264264 11/493962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324834 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060264264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sandino; Augusto |
November 23, 2006 |
Golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle
Abstract
An adjustable golf putter utilizes an integrated indexing
mechanism for the rotation of the golf club shaft in relation to
the putter head. A circular portion of the hosel nests in a cavity
formed in the putter head. Matching faces are impressed with a
series of radiating serrations incorporated into the head and hosel
and no additional parts are required. When pressed together, the
serrated faces permit the hosel to rotate in discrete increments
selected at time of manufacture. The putter may rotate in
increments of 5 degrees for a total of 35 degrees in each direction
from a center marking feature. The hosel is locked in a selected
position by simply tightening the hosel screw. The putter can be
adjusted for use by both right and left handed golfers without
disassembly.
Inventors: |
Sandino; Augusto; (Santa
Ana, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
46324834 |
Appl. No.: |
11/493962 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10905182 |
Dec 20, 2004 |
|
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|
11493962 |
Jul 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/248 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/025 20200801;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 53/007
20130101; A63B 53/02 20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/06
20130101; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 53/047 20130101; A63B 53/0466
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/248 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06 |
Claims
1. An adjustable clubhead assembly comprising: a hosel including a
shaft receiving recess and a hub portion, the shaft receiving
recess defining a shaft axis, the hub portion defining a first face
and a rotation axis, the hub portion including a first engagement
element being disposed on the first face; a clubhead defining a
clubhead axis and including a hub receptor being disposed on a rear
section of the clubhead, the hub receptor defining a second face
and including a second engagement element being disposed on the
second face thereof, the hub receptor being rotatably engageable to
the hub portion about the rotation axis with the first face mating
with the second face, the first engagement element being matable
with the second engagement element for impeding rotational movement
of the hosel with respect to the clubhead at a clubhead angle; and
attachment means for securing the hosel to the clubhead.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first engagement element
includes at least one tooth projection.
3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the second engagement element
includes at least one notch.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second engagement
elements are a radial serration profile.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the hub portion is
cylindrical.
6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the hub receptor is a
cylindrical concave recess portion whereinto the hub portion is
received.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the concave recess portion is
defined by a raised socket wall, and wherein the raised socket wall
substantially surrounds the cylindrical hub portion.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the clubhead angle is defined by
the orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead
axis.
9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the hub portion of the hosel
includes a guide selection marking and the hub receptor includes at
least one selection marking corresponding to the clubhead angle,
the guide selection marking being alignable with the selection
marking for orienting the hosel at the clubhead angle with respect
to the clubhead.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the attachment means is a screw
hole and screw.
11. An adjustable golf club comprising: an elongate shaft defining
a distal end and a shaft axis; a hosel including a shaft receiving
recess and a hub portion, the shaft receiving recess being sized
and configured to receive the distal end of the shaft, the hub
portion defining a first face and a rotation axis, the hub portion
including a first engagement element being disposed on the first
face; a clubhead defining a clubhead axis and including a hub
receptor being disposed on a rear section of the clubhead, the hub
receptor defining a second face and including a second engagement
element being disposed on the second face thereof, the hub receptor
being rotatably engageable to the hub portion about the rotation
axis with the first face mating with the second face, the first
engagement element being matable with the second engagement element
for impeding rotational movement of the hosel with respect to the
clubhead at a clubhead angle; and attachment means for securing the
hosel to the clubhead.
12. The club of claim 11 wherein the first engagement element
includes at least one tooth projection.
13. The club of claim 12 wherein the second engagement element
includes at least one notch.
14. The club of claim 11 wherein the first and second engagement
elements are a radial serration profile.
15. The club of claim 11 wherein the hub portion is
cylindrical.
16. The club of claim 15 wherein the hub receptor is a cylindrical
concave recess portion whereinto the hub portion is received.
17. The club of claim 16 wherein the concave recess portion is
defined by a raised socket wall, and wherein the raised socket wall
substantially surrounds the cylindrical hub portion.
18. The club of claim 11 wherein the clubhead angle is defined by
the orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead
axis.
19. The club of claim 11 wherein the hub portion of the hosel
includes a guide selection marking and the hub receptor includes at
least one selection marking corresponding to the clubhead angle,
the guide selection marking being alignable with the selection
marking for orienting the hosel at theclubhead angle with respect
to the clubhead.
20. The club of claim 11 wherein the attachment means is a screw
hole and screw.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/905,182, filed Dec. 20, 2004, the
entire contents of which is expressly incorporated herein.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to adjustable golf
putter and more specifically it relates to a golf putter that
allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft
and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to
assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one
another.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] It can be appreciated that adjustable golf putters have been
in use for years. The concept of an adjustable putter per se is not
a new concept. Many patents have issued that related to golf clubs
that have a head that is adjustable relative to the shaft.
[0007] The main problem with conventional adjustable golf putters
is they consist of multiple parts, which increase the cost of
manufacturing and decrease the ease and use of the products.
Another problem with conventional adjustable golf putters are they
are not aesthetically pleasing due to the multiplicity of parts
required to assemble the product. Another problem with conventional
adjustable golf putter are that they are not dynamically balanced
because either there are too many working parts on the golf putter
head or that the fix point of attachment between the golf putter
head and shaft is off center.
[0008] While these devices may be suitable for the particular
purpose to which they address, the they are not as suitable for to
provide a adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of
the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while
minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf
putter and having all parts flush with one another.
[0009] In these respects, a golf putter with adjustable head and
shaft angle according to the present invention substantially
departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior
art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for
the purpose of to provide a adjustable golf putter that allows for
the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter
head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the
golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of adjustable golf putter now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new golf putter with adjustable head
and shaft angle construction wherein the same can be utilized to
provide an adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of
the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while
minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf
putter and having all parts flush with one another.
[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new golf
putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that has many of the
advantages of the adjustable golf putter mentioned heretofore and
many novel features that result in a new golf putter with
adjustable head and shaft angle which is not anticipated, rendered
obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art
adjustable golf putter, either alone or in any combination
thereof.
[0012] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a
hosel attachment with a guide marking that accepts the golf putter
shaft, a hosel screw, a golf putter head with selection markings
and a golf shaft. Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a
means for attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a
concaved recess portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking
is provided on the hosel to assist in the angle selection. Golf
putter head with a front flat surface and a back section with a
concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to accept the hosel
attachment end and hosel screw. Concaved recess portion of the back
section of golf putter head also contain angle selection markings
to correspond to the amount of angle degree selected between the
golf putter head and the golf putter shaft. Golf club shaft
contains a first end attachment to the hosel and a second end for
gripping by the golfer. Alternatively, golf club shaft can be
directly attached to the golf putter head.
[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter.
[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0015] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that will overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art devices.
[0016] An object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter with adjustable head and shaft angle for to provide a
adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle
between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the
amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having
all parts flush with one another.
[0017] Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable
head and shaft angle that functions as an adjustable golf putter
head in which the angle between the golf putter shaft and golf
putter head can be adjusted and then be fixed in a set
position.
[0018] Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable
head and shaft angle that minimizes the amount of parts necessary
to assemble the adjustable golf putter.
[0019] Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable
head and shaft angle that is aesthetically pleasing to the user by
reducing extraneous parts.
[0020] Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable
head and shaft angle that is dynamically balanced.
[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects
and advantages be within the scope of the present invention.
[0022] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, an adjustable clubhead assembly is provided that
includes a hosel, a clubhead, and an attachment means. The clubhead
assembly may be used with the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft
may thus define a distal end and a shaft axis. The hosel includes a
shaft receiving recess and a hub portion. The shaft receiving
recess is sized and configured to receive the distal end of the
shaft. The hub portion defines a first face and a rotation axis.
The hub portion also includes a first engagement element that is
disposed on the first face. In addition, the clubhead is also
provided which defines a clubhead axis and includes a hub receptor
that is disposed on a rear section of the clubhead. The hub
receptor defines a second face and includes a second engagement
element that is disposed on the second face thereof. The hub
receptor is rotatably engageable to the hub portion about the
rotation axis with the first face mating with the second face. The
first engagement element is matable with the second engagement
element for impeding rotational movement of the hosel with respect
to the clubhead at a clubhead angle. The clubhead angle is defined
by the orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead
axis. In addition, the attachment means secures the hosel to the
clubhead. Although many various means may be used, as described
below, the attachment means is a screw hole and screw.
[0023] According to an aspect of the present invention, the
rotation axis of the hub portion is oriented generally orthogonally
with respect to the first face. In accordance with another aspect
of the present invention, the first engagement element may include
at least one tooth projection and the second engagement element may
include at least one notch. The tooth projection may be configured
to correspond to the notch in order to impede rotational movement
of the hosel with respect to the clubhead. In addition, the first
and second engagement elements may be configured as radial
serration profiles that may be configured to correspond to each
other in order to impede rotational movement of the hosel with
respect to the clubhead. The clubhead angle may be defined by the
orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead
axis.
[0024] The hub portion of the hosel may also include a guide
selection marking and the hub receptor may include at least one
selection marking corresponding to the clubhead angle. The guide
selection marking may be alignable with the selection marking for
orienting the hosel at the clubhead angle with respect to the
clubhead.
[0025] Further, the hub portion may be configured as being
cylindrical. In this regard, the hub receptor may be a cylindrical
concave recess portion whereinto the hub portion is received.
Finally, the concave recess portion may be defined by a raised
socket wall. The raised socket wall may substantially surround the
hub portion. Alternatively however, the raised socket wall may
surround only a majority of the hub portion.
[0026] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this
invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however,
that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be
made in the specific construction illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of
the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same
becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate
the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and
wherein:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable golf
putter;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front side view of golf putter head;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a top down view of golf putter head without the
hosel and hosel screw;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a back view of the golf putter head without the
hoself and hosel screw;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side view of the golf putter head without the
hosel and hosel screw;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the hosel without
the hosel screw;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a front view of the hosel without the hosel
screw;
[0035] FIG. 8 is a hosel screw;
[0036] FIG. 9 is side exploded view of the adjustable golf
putter;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a back view of the golf putter head with the
hosel and hosel screw attached;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the alternative
embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the hosel and the clubhead
illustrating first and second engagement elements, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the hosel being coupled to
the clubhead with the first engagement element engaged with the
second engagement element, according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, the attached figures illustrate a golf putter with
adjustable head and shaft angle, which comprises a hosel attachment
with a guide marking that accepts the golf putter shaft, a hosel
screw, a golf putter head with angle selection markings and a golf
shaft. Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a means for
attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a concaved recess
portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking is provided on
the hosel to correspond to the angle selection markings. Golf
putter head contains a front flat surface and a back section with a
concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to accept the hosel
attachment end and the hosel screw. Concaved recess portion of the
back section of golf putter head also contains angle selection
markings to correspond to the amount of angle degree selected
between the golf putter head and golf shaft. Golf club shaft
contains a first end attachment to the hosel and a second end for
gripping by the golfer.
[0042] Alternatively, golf club shaft can be directly attached to
the golf putter head.
[0043] Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a means for
attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a concaved recess
portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking is provided on
the hosel to assist in angle selection. Hosel 12 is shown in FIGS.
1, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Hosel 12 has a shaft-receiving end with a shaft
receiving recess 22. Hosel 12 has a putter head end that is rounded
and pre-measured to fit flush with the concaved recess portion on
the backside of the putter head 10. Rounded hosel end has a guide
marking 18 and a concaved recessed portion to accept the hosel
screw 14, which is used to lock the hosel 12 to the golf putter
head 10 in a fixed position. The Hosel 12 maybe made of either
plastic or metal. Alternatively, hosel 12 can be eliminated and
replaced by a golf shaft 20 with an rounded end that is also
pre-measured to fit flush with the concaved recess portion on the
back side of the putter head 10 as shown in FIG. 11. In this
preferred embodiment, the hosel 12 is a separate piece allowing a
plurality of different shafts to be attached to the hosel. In
another embodiment, the hosel screw 14 may be sealed into place
using a proxy or other type of tamper resistant glue.
[0044] Once sealed this way, the golf putter head 10 is temporarily
nonadjustable and can be used for tournament play.
[0045] Golf putter head contains a front flat surface 26 and a back
section 24 with a concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to
accept the hosel attachment end and hosel screw 14. Concaved recess
portion on the back section of golf putter head also contains
selection markings 16 to correspond to the amount of angle degree
selected. Golf Putter Head 10 has a front surface as seen in FIG. 2
and a back surface as seen in FIG. 4. The back surface has a
concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to fit the round end
of the hosel 12 which allows the hosel 12 to lay flush with the
back surface 24 of the golf putter head 10. Front surface 26 is
flat to provide a striking surface and to contact the golf ball.
Golf putter head 10 can be made of either plastic or metal. In this
preferred embodiment, the golf putter head 10 is made out of
stainless stell. Golf putter head 10 contains a plurality of angle
selection markings 16 to assist user in obtaining a precise angle
separation between the golf putter head 10 and the golf shaft 20.
Angle selection markings also inform user as to the exact degree
angle selected. The middle angle marking represents a degree angle
of zero between the golf putter head 10 and the golf shaft 20.
Additional markings to the right or left of the zero marking
constitutes a five degree increase to a maximum of approximately 30
degrees of angle separation between the golf putter head 10 and the
golf shaft 20. In another embodiment, the golf putter head 10 may
include a plurality of guide markings to line up the ball to the
center of the front surface of the golf putter head 10. In another
embodiment, the golf putter head 10 may be of different weight to
allow user to customize the playability of the adjustable golf
putter.
[0046] In another embodiment, the maximum degree angle between the
golf putter head 10 and the golf shaft 20 may be set at 35
degrees.
[0047] The Golf Shaft 20 includes a first end for connection to a
hosel and a second end for gripping by the user. Alternatively,
golf club shaft 20 can be directly attached to the golf putter head
10. The golf shaft can be of different height, weight and length to
accommodate different users. In another embodiment, the golf shaft
20 includes a first end that is rounded and pre-measured to fit
flush with the concaved recess on the back surface of the golf
putter head 10. The first end also having a concaved recess portion
to accept a screw to attach the golf shaft 20 to the golf putter
head in a fixed but adjustable position. The second end is for
gripping by the user.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 9, hosel 12 has an end 22 with a recess to
receive the golf shaft 20. Hosel 12 has a rounded end that is
pre-measured to fit the concaved recess portion on the back surface
24 of the golf putter head 10. Hosel 12 has a corresponding
concaved recess portion to receive a hosel screw 14. Hosel 12 is
attached to golf putter head 10 via a hosel screw 14, which allows
the golf putter head 10 and golf shaft 20 to be in a fixed by
adjustable position. Hosel 12, the back surface of the golf putter
head 24 and the hosel screw 14 are flush with one another providing
a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance to the adjustable golf
putter. Alternatively, the hosel 12 can be completely eliminated
and replaced by a golf shaft 20 with an rounded end that is
pre-measured to fit the concaved recess portion on the back surface
24 of the golf putter head 10. Rounded end of the golf shaft has a
corresponding concaved recess portion to receive a screw and will
be attached to the back surface 24 of the golf putter head 10 via
the screw. The rounded end of the golf shaft 20, the back surface
24 of the golf putter head and the screw attachment will be flush
with on another providing a smooth, aesthetically pleasing
appearance to the adjustable golf putter. In another embodiment,
the screw may be sealed into place using a proxy or other type of
tamper resistant glue. Once sealed this way, the golf putter head
10 is temporarily nonadjustable and can be used for tournament
play.
[0049] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the
adjustable golf putter designated generally by numeral 10. FIG. 11
illustrates an alternate embodiment of the adjustable golf putter.
In this preferred embodiment, a user, typically a golfer, right or
left handed, will practice using the adjustable golf putter at a
default set angel of zero degrees between the golf putter head 10
and the golf shaft 20. Depending on the needs of the golfer, he or
she can adjust the angle between the golf putter head 10 and the
golf shaft 20 by using a common Allen wrench. To loosen the hosel
screw 14, golfer would turn the screw counter clockwise, which will
loosen the connection between the hosel 12 and the golf putter head
10. Golfer may then adjust the angle between the golf putter head
10 and the golf shaft 20 by increments of 5 degrees to a maximum
degree angle of 20 degrees in either direction. After determining
the desired degree angle, golfer may fix the position of the golf
putter head 10 and the hosel 14 by turning the hosel screw 14
clockwise to a locked position. In this preferred embodiment, the
golfer will typically use the guide selection marking 18 to
precisely adjust the hosel 12 to a corresponding angle selection
marking 16. Both the guide selection marking 18 and the angle
selection markings 16 are also used as reference points to assist
the golfer in remembering exactly what degree angle the golfer
likes or dislikes.
[0050] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and
operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent
from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion
relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.
[0051] With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0052] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, an adjustable clubhead assembly 30 and an adjustable
golf club 32 are provided. As mentioned herein, the golf club 32 of
embodiments of the present invention may be formed utilizing an
elongate shaft 20. FIG. 12 illustrates the shaft 20 in dashed
lines. The shaft 20 defines a distal end 34 a shaft axis 36. As is
known in the art, the distal end 34 of the shaft 20 may generally
taper from a first shaft circumference to a second shaft
circumference, with the second shaft circumference being less than
the first shaft circumference. The hosel assembly is sized and
configured to mate with the distal end 34 of the shaft 20, as shown
in FIG. 12, and as described below.
[0053] The clubhead assembly 30 includes a hosel 12, a clubhead 38
(such as the putter head 10 discussed above), and an attachment
means 40. As shown in FIGS. 11-12 the hosel 12 includes a shaft
receiving recess 22 and a hub portion 42. The shaft receiving
recess 22 is sized and configured to receive the distal end 34 of
the shaft 20 therein. As is known in the art, various adhesives may
be used in forming a strong bond between the shaft receiving recess
22 and the distal end 34 of the shaft 20. Nevertheless, according
to an aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that the
shaft 20 also may be integrally formed with the hosel 12. Referring
again to FIG. 11, the hub portion 42 of the hosel 12 defines a
first face 44, a guide face 46, and a rotation axis 48. The first
face 44 is preferably planar and may be oriented relatively
orthogonally with respect to the rotation axis 48. In this regard,
as will be explained further below, although it is preferred to
have a planar first face 44, the first face 44 need only be
configured to mate with another surface. Therefore, the first face
44 may be configured as any two or three dimensional surface. The
guide face 46 is opposite the first face 44 and may also be
configured as a two or three dimensional surface. As discussed
above, the hosel 12 may also include at least one guide selection
marking 16, which is preferably disposed on the guide face 46 of
the hub portion 42, as shown in FIG. 12. Finally, the hub portion
42 is also be formed to include a first engagement element 50 being
disposed on the first face 44.
[0054] With reference to the clubhead 38, the clubhead 38 defines
front and rear sections 52, 54. The clubhead 38 may also be
fabricated of a variety of materials in order to provide the
desired mechanical properties as are necessary in golf. As is known
in the art, the front section 52 of the clubhead 38 includes a
forward face 56 that is configured to strike a golf ball, and may
include various design features as are known in the art. For
example, the forward face 56 may be planar. In addition, the
clubhead 38 may also define a clubhead axis 58 that extends
longitudinally through the clubhead 38. Thus, in one
implementation, the clubhead axis 58 extends parallel to the plane
of the forward face 56.
[0055] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
rear section 54 of the clubhead 38 includes a hub receptor 60. The
rear section 54 may be defined as that portion of the clubhead 38
opposing the forward face 56 of the front section 52. Thus, as
shown in FIG. 11, the clubhead 38 may be formed in a variety of
shapes, such as a putter, a nine-iron, or a driver, just to name a
few. The rear section 54 may thus occupy a majority of the clubhead
38. In this regard, the hub receptor 60 may also occupy any
position in the rear section 54 of the clubhead 38. In preferred
embodiments however, the hub receptor 60 is centrally disposed in
the rear section 54, as illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0056] In an implementation of the present invention, the hub
receptor 60 defines a second face 62 and includes a second
engagement element 64 that is disposed on the second face 62. The
hub receptor 60 is rotatably engageable to the hub portion 42 of
the hosel 12. The relative rotation of the hub receptor 60 about
the hosel 12 occurs about the rotation axis 48 with the first face
44 mating with the second face 62. As described further below, the
first engagement element 50 is matable with the second engagement
element 64 for impeding rotational movement of the hosel 12 with
respect to the clubhead 38 at a clubhead angle 66.
[0057] The configuration of the clubhead 38, including the position
and configuration of the hub receptor 60, may be determined in
response to design requirements aimed at achieving a properly
weighted or properly responsive clubhead 38, as may be performed by
one of skill in the art. Other considerations, such as the angular
orientation of the forward face 56 of the clubhead 38, the density
of the clubhead 38, the materials from which the clubhead 38 is
fabricated, and the size and configuration of the clubhead 38 may
be variously modified by one of skill in the art. It is
contemplated that by modifying such variables, the teachings herein
may be used to provide clubhead assemblies 30 that may be used in a
wide variety of golfing applications. For example, the clubhead 38
may be the putter head 10 discussed above; however, the clubhead 38
may be modified to be any driver, iron, wood, or other type of
golfing implement known in the art.
[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 11-12, the hub portion 42 of the
hosel 12 is configured to engage the hub receptor 60 of the
clubhead 38. Both the hub portion 42 and the hub receptor 60 should
preferably be complimentarily formed in order to facilitate proper
engagement. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11-12, the hub
portion 42 is preferably configured to be cylindrical. Thus, the
hub receptor 60 may be formed as a cylindrical concave recess
portion whereinto the cylindrical hub portion 42 is received. In
this regard, the concave recess portion may be defined by a raised
socket wall 68. However, it is also contemplated that the hub
receptor 60 includes no raised portion whatsoever. Nevertheless,
the raised socket wall 38 may encircle the hub portion 42 of the
hosel 12 by extending about a periphery 70 of the hub portion 42.
However, the raised socket wall 68 may extend only about a majority
of the periphery 70 of the hub portion and define a gate 72, as
shown in FIG. 11. In such an embodiment, the gate 72 may be sized
and configured to provide for passage and rotational movement of
the hosel 12. Thus, the hosel 12 may include a central section 74
that extends between the hub portion 42 and the shaft receiving
recess 22. The central section 74 may be substantially coplanar
with the hub portion 42, for example, by joining with the hub
portion 42 at a position intermediate the guide face 46 and first
face 44 of the hub portion 42, as shown in FIG. 11. In such a case,
the raised socket wall 68 should preferably include the gate 72 to
facilitate rotational movement of the hosel 12 with respect to the
clubhead 38. However, the central section 74 may also extend toward
the hub portion 42, joining with the hub portion 42 at the guide
face 46 of the hub portion 42. In this latter implementation, the
raised socket wall 68 need not include the gate 72.
[0059] As mentioned above, the raised socket wall 68 may surround
the majority of the periphery 70 of the hub portion 42. In such an
innovative embodiment, shown in FIGS. 11-12, the hub portion 42
would have only two degrees of freedom: rotational movement about
the rotation axis 48 and axial movement along the rotation axis 48.
Each of these movements is innovatively controlled as discussed
herein. First, because the hub portion 42 may be received to within
the hub receptor 60 with the raised socket walls 68 surrounding the
majority of the periphery 70 of the hub portion 42, extrication of
the hub portion 42 from the hub receptor 60 due to centrifugal
forces along the shaft axis 36 would be prevented. Therefore, in
use, the clubhead 38 may tend to be securely mounted to the hosel
12, thus improving the safety of the assembly 30. Further, it is
noted that by providing that the raised socket walls 68 surround a
majority of the periphery 70 of the hub portion 42, as shown in
FIG. 11, the only ready method of inserting or removing the hub
portion 42 from the hub receptor 60 is through translational
movement along the rotation axis 48. This translational movement
along the rotation axis 48 is preferably restricted by the
attachment means 40. Therefore, if the raised socket wall 68 is
closely fitted with the hub portion 42, it is contemplated that the
raised socket wall 68 may bear a majority of the centrifugal forces
that are present between the hub portion 42 and the hub receptor 60
during a swing of the golf club 32. Thus, such centrifugal forces
may be shared between the hub receptor 60 and the attachment means
40. Such a design advantage allows for an improved dispersion of
centrifugal and axial forces, and may tend to ensure that the
engagement between the hosel 12 and the clubhead 38 does not fail
during the swing of the golf club 32.
[0060] As discussed above, the first face 44 of the hub portion 42
mates with the second face 62 of the hub receptor 60. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the first and second faces 44, 62 may
preferably be configured to be substantially planar. Nevertheless,
the first and second faces 44, 62 may be formed as any three
dimensional geometric surface. Importantly, the first and second
faces 44, 62 should be configured to substantially mate, which may
include that the first face 44 contacts the second face 62 along a
majority of the surface thereof. Thus, if the first face 44 is
concave, the second face 62 should preferably be shaped as a
substantially convex surface so as to facilitate proper mating
between the first face 44 and the second face 62. The mating
relationship may thus provide that the first face 44 substantially
mirrors the second face 62.
[0061] The mating relationship of the first and second faces 44, 62
also preferably includes that the first engagement element 50
corresponds to the second engagement element 64 to provide
necessary frictional or locking engagement to impede the relative
rotation of the hub receptor 60 about the hosel 12. In this regard,
as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first engagement element 50 may be
formed to include at least one tooth projection, and the second
engagement element 64 may include at least one corresponding notch.
Indeed, the configuration of the first and second engagement
elements 50, 64 may be variously modified according to the
teachings herein. For example, both of the first and second
engagement elements 50, 64 may include at least one tooth
projection and at least one notch. Additionally, the first and
second engagement elements 50, 64 may include a series of radial
serrations, such as a radial serration profile shown in FIG. 11.
Nevertheless, the first and second engagement elements 50, 64 may
include any number of teeth, bumps, ribs, notches, pins, or
recesses to provide the necessary frictional or locking engagement
to impede the relative rotation of the hub receptor 60 about the
hosel 12. Thus, the user may select a preferred clubhead angle 66
and engage the first engagement element 50 with the second
engagement element 64 in order to fix the orientation of the hosel
12 with respect to the clubhead 38. In this regard, the clubhead
angle 66 is defined as the orientation of the shaft axis 36 with
respect to the clubhead axis 58.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the attachment means 40 may
include a screw 14 that is insertable through a screw hole 76 of
the hub portion 42 of the hosel 12 and fastenable to a threaded
hole 78 in the hub receptor 60 of the clubhead 38. Such
configuration may provide for simplicity of use, thus allowing the
user to simply loosen the screw 14, disengage the first engagement
element 50 from the second engagement element 64, and rotate the
hub portion 42 with respect to the hub receptor 60 to a desired
clubhead angle 66. Then, the user may simply tighten the screw 14
which would cause the first engagement element 50 to mate with the
second engagement element 64 and thereby fix the orientation of the
hosel 12 with respect to the clubhead 38 at the desired clubhead
angle 66.
[0063] The attachment means 40 facilitates the mating of the first
engagement element 50 with the second engagement element 64, which
is accomplished by press-fitting the first face 44 to the second
face 62. Thus, other attachment means 40 which perform such a
press-fitting, may be utilized. For example, the hub receptor 60
may be configured to include a biasing element, such as a spring,
which contacts the hub portion 42 of the hosel 12 and urges the
first face 44 against the second face 62. Appropriate structure may
be included in the rear section 54 of the clubhead 38 in order to
anchor and/or support the biasing element. Thus, the biasing
element may allow the first face 44 of the hosel 12 to be in fixed
contact with the second face 62 of the clubhead 38 with the first
and second engagement elements 50, 64 being mated, thus securing
the orientation of the hosel 12 with respect to the clubhead 38 at
a desired angle.
[0064] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *