U.S. patent application number 11/171280 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for head assembly of golf club.
Invention is credited to Jae-Guen Lee, Jae-Hwan Lee, Jae-Young Lee.
Application Number | 20070004532 11/171280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37590340 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070004532 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jae-Young ; et
al. |
January 4, 2007 |
Head assembly of golf club
Abstract
The head assembly of a golf club includes a sound generator or a
vibration generator. The sound generator includes a sound hole
formed in a head of a driver, a sound pipe attached to the head,
and a sound generator attached to an iron. Using the head assembly,
since the golfer slowly swings the golf club, improper rapid swing
is prevented and head-up is also minimized.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jae-Young; (Daegu,
KR) ; Lee; Jae-Guen; (Daegu, KR) ; Lee;
Jae-Hwan; (Daegu, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MAYER, BROWN, ROWE & MAW LLP
1909 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
37590340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/171280 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/336 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/54 20151001;
A63B 69/3632 20130101; A63B 53/0454 20200801; A63B 2071/0625
20130101; A63B 53/0466 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101; A63B 53/045
20200801; A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 60/50 20151001; A63B
2053/0495 20130101; A63B 69/3635 20130101; A63B 2225/01 20130101;
A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B 2071/0633 20130101; A63B 53/047
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/336 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device including one or a combination of at least two of the group
of at least a single sound pipe for communicating a cavity formed
in a body of a head of a driver with exterior, a sound slit formed
in the sound pipe, and a sound hole formed in the head.
2. The head assembly of a golf club as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the cavity of the body of the head of the driver is divided
by at least one partition.
3. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device including at least one metal resonant wall for dividing a
cavity formed in a body of a head of a driver, and regularly or
irregularly arranged to divide a part or whole of the cavity.
4. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device, the sound generating device comprising: a connection shaft
installed to a center of gravity toward the wall of the cavity in a
cavity of a body of a head of a driver; and a vibration pipe or a
vibration ball installed to an end of the connection shaft.
5. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device, the sound generating device comprising: a hollow sound
device installed to a rear side of a face of a head of an iron and
having various shapes such as a golf ball shape; at least one sound
hole formed in the hollow sound device and having various shapes;
and a sound slit.
6. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device comprising: an sighting plate extending from the upper
surface of a head of a putter to the rear side thereof; and a sound
generating device detachable to the lower side of the sighting
plate and including a sound unit for accommodating a sound disc or
a sound ball guided by a slope and colliding against the wall of
the head to generate sound and vibration when the head is
positioned at the peak of the backswing stroke.
7. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device including a plurality of metal sound fins extending from the
rear side of a head of a putter and installed at regular intervals
to generate sound due to vibration.
8. A head assembly of a golf club comprising a sound generating
device, the sound and vibration generating device comprising: a
hollow sensing pipe fixed to a bottom surface of a head in a cavity
of a body of the head of a driver, closed by a cap, and having a
closed end; and at least one sensing ball inserted into the hollow
sensing pipe and colliding against the closed end to generate sound
or vibration when the head is positioned at peak of the swing
stroke.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a head assembly of golf
clubs, and more particularly, to an improvement of a head of
various golf clubs such as drivers, irons, and putters, and fairway
woods to enable a golfer to improve their swing and to efficiently
use the golf clubs.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Golf is often referred to as a "mind game", and a golfer's
state of mind is of primary importance in the game of golf. Since
the golfer's personality influences their golf game, it is
difficult to gain skill in golf. In particular, when novices swing
a golf club they may become accustomed to an undesirable golf pose.
As such most novices have difficulty in improving their swing.
[0005] Generally, there are various important factors in playing
golf, which golfers have difficulty in easily learning, as follows.
First, a golf club must be slowly backswung so as to precisely
drive a golf ball along a predetermined lie without disturbing
swing when backswinging with the golf club. Second, cocking, i.e.
striking the golf ball or swinging with a golf club only using the
golfer's wrists must be minimized. The golfer's left shoulder must
be slowly turned for slow swing while preventing the golfer's body
from recoiling when starting the backswing (a motion of moving a
golf club for a shot). Third, the downswing must be performed after
pausing the head of the golf club at the peak of the backswing
stroke. The lower part of the golfer's body must be prevented from
vibrating when performing the backswing.
[0006] Although novices consciously try to learn proper swing
technique according to the various factors, since most novices is
psychologically hasty and cannot visually concentrate the golfer's
eyes upon a golf ball, goals, which the novices want to achieve,
are not achieved. Moreover, since the novices cannot strike the
golf ball as their wishes when the novices concentrate their
efforts to improve their swings, the novice cannot swing according
to the various factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of
the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to
provide a head assembly of golf clubs, such as putters, irons,
drivers (including fairway woods), enabling a golfer to improve
golf swing mentally influence, to aim a head of the golf club when
swinging the golf club, to improve their grip of the golf club, to
improve their swing, and to improve their drive.
[0008] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device
including one or a combination of at least two of the group of at
least a single sound pipe for communicating a cavity formed in a
body of a head of a driver with exterior, a sound slit formed in
the sound pipe, and a sound hole formed in the head.
[0009] Preferably, the cavity of the body of the head of the driver
is divided by at least one partition.
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device
including at least one metal resonant wall for dividing a cavity
formed in a body of a head of a driver, and regularly or
irregularly arranged to divide a part or whole of the cavity.
[0011] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device, the
sound generating device including a connection shaft installed to a
center of gravity toward the wall of the cavity in a cavity of a
body of a head of a driver, and a vibration pipe or a vibration
ball installed to an end of the connection shaft.
[0012] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device, the
sound generating device including a hollow sound device installed
to a rear side of a face of a head of an iron and having various
shapes such as a golf ball shape, at least one sound hole formed in
the hollow sound device and having various shapes, and a sound
slit.
[0013] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device
including an sighting plate extending from the upper surface of a
head of a putter to the rear side thereof, and a sound generating
device detachable to the lower side of the sighting plate and
including a sound unit for accommodating a sound disc or a sound
ball guided by a slope and colliding against the wall of the head
to generate sound and vibration when the head is positioned at the
peak of the backswing stroke.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device
including a plurality of metal sound fins extending from the rear
side of a head of a putter and installed at regular intervals to
generate sound due to vibration.
[0015] In accordance with the present invention, the above and
other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a head
assembly of a golf club including a sound generating device, the
sound and vibration generating device including a hollow sensing
pipe fixed to a bottom surface of a head in a cavity of a body of
the head of a driver, closed by a cap, and having a closed end, and
at least one sensing ball inserted into the hollow sensing pipe and
colliding against the closed end to generate sound or vibration
when the head is positioned at peak of the swing stroke.
[0016] Since the head assembly of a golf club in accordance with
the present invention includes a sound generating device or a
vibration generating device installed to a head, the golfer can
utilize their senses to improve their golf game. Thus, the golfer
can accustom himself/herself to smoothly and slowly swinging the
golf club. Moreover, the golfer can prevent improper swing, i.e.
the backswing during the putter swing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and/or other objects and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent and more readily appreciated from
the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1a is a perspective view illustrating a head assembly
of a golf club according to a first preferred embodiment of the
present invention applied to a driver;
[0019] FIG. 1b is a sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG.
1a;
[0020] FIG. 1c is a sectional view illustrating a first
modification of the head assembly according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention taken along the line A-A in
FIG. 1a;
[0021] FIG. 1d is a sectional view illustrating a second
modification of the head assembly according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention taken along the line A-A in
FIG. 1a;
[0022] FIG. 1e is a sectional perspective view illustrating a third
modification of the head assembly according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 1f is a sectional perspective view illustrating a
fourth modification of the head assembly according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 1g is a sectional perspective view illustrating a fifth
modification of the head assembly according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 1h is a sectional perspective view illustrating a sixth
modification of the head assembly according to the first preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 1i is a sectional perspective view illustrating a
seventh modification of the head assembly according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 2a is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a head assembly of a golf club according to a second
preferred embodiment of the present invention applied to a
driver;
[0028] FIG. 2b is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a first modification of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 2c is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a second modification of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 2d is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a third modification of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 2e is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a fourth modification of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 2f is a partially sectional perspective view
illustrating a fifth modification of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 3a is a perspective view illustrating the lower side of
a head assembly of a golf club according to a third preferred
embodiment of the present invention applied to a driver;
[0034] FIG. 3b is a sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG.
3a;
[0035] FIG. 3c is a sectional view illustrating a first
modification of the head assembly according to the third preferred
embodiment of the present invention taken along line B-B in FIG.
3a;
[0036] FIG. 4a is a perspective view illustrating a head assembly
of a golf club according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the
present invention applied to a putter;
[0037] FIG. 4b is a perspective view illustrating a first
modification of the head assembly according to the fourth preferred
embodiment of the present invention applied to an iron;
[0038] FIG. 4c is a perspective view illustrating a second
modification of the head assembly according to the fourth preferred
embodiment of the present invention applied to an iron;
[0039] FIG. 5a is a rear-side perspective view illustrating a head
assembly of a golf club according to a fifth preferred embodiment
of the present invention applied to a putter;
[0040] FIG. 5b is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
head assembly of a golf club according to the fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 5a;
[0041] FIG. 5c is a sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG.
5c;
[0042] FIG. 5d is a sectional view illustrating a first
modification of the head assembly according to the fifth preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 6a is a perspective view illustrating a head assembly
of a golf club according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the
present invention applied to a putter;
[0044] FIG. 6b is a sectional view taken along line D-D in FIG.
6a;
[0045] FIG. 7a is a perspective view illustrating a head of a head
assembly of a golf club according to a seventh preferred embodiment
of the present invention, applied to a driver, with a cover
removed;
[0046] FIG. 7b is a lower-side exploded perspective view
illustrating the head assembly of a golf club according to the
seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention in FIG.
7a;
[0047] FIG. 7c is a view illustrating a modification of the head
assembly of a golf club according to the seventh preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 7d is a sectional view illustrating a head before
striking a golf ball with the head assembly of a golf club
according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0049] FIG. 7e is a sectional view illustrating a head after
striking a golf ball with the head assembly of a golf club
according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The structure and aspects of a head assembly of a golf club
according to the present invention are applicable to all golf
clubs. Hereinafter, the structure and operation of the head
assembly of a golf club according to the preferred embodiments of
the present invention and its modifications, applied to drivers
(including irons) and putters, will be described in detail in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although the head
assembly of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and
the modifications are applied to different kinds of golf clubs, the
same reference numerals are assigned to identical elements of a
head.
Embodiment 1
[0051] FIG. 1a shows a head assembly of a golf club according to a
first preferred embodiment of the present invention applied to a
head H of a driver D1. The head assembly, according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, is applied to the
driver D1 having a cavity CV formed in the driver D1. The head
assembly according to this embodiment includes plural sound pipes
1, 2, and 3, which are extended from the back of a face F of the
head H to the cavity CV of a body BD of the driver D1 and are fixed
to the body BD.
[0052] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1b illustrating a first
modification of the head assembly of a golf club according to the
first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sound
pipes 1, 2, and 3 are integrally fixed to a wall H' for forming the
driver D1. The first modification of the head assembly further
includes a partition P installed to the intermediate portion of the
cavity CV and to divide the cavity CV into two spaces so as to
separate the space where the sound pipes 1, 2, and 3 are installed
from the remainder of the cavity CV, thereby effectively generating
sound.
[0053] FIG. 1c shows various modifications of the sound pipes,
employed in the first modification of the head assembly according
to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, in a
single driver for the illustrative purpose.
[0054] As shown in the drawing, a sound pipe 11 integrally formed
with a wall H' for forming the head H of a driver D2 and having
threads 11' formed in the inner wall thereof, a sound pipe 12 fixed
to the wall H' of the head H of the driver D2 by a screw or by
welding after press-fitting, a sound pipe 13 having a closed end
13' and an inner wall without threads and fixed to the wall H' for
forming the head H of the driver D2, and a sound pipe 14 having a
sound generating slit 14' for easily generating sound are installed
to a single driver for illustrative purposes. However, when the
sound pipes 11, 12, 13, and 14 are practically installed to the
head H, one or more of the sound pipes 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be
installed to the driver D2. The thread and the sound generating
slit cause an air vortex which easily generates sound.
[0055] FIG. 1d shows a second modification of the head assembly
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in the drawing, the second modification of the
head assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the
present invention includes a plurality of sound pipes 21, 22, and
13 alternately installed to the wall H' of the body BD for forming
a head H of a driver D3.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 1e, a third modification of the head
assembly according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes a plurality of longitudinal sound slits 21, 32,
33, and 34 formed in a wall H' of a body BD of a driver D4 in the
longitudinal direction. A fourth modification of the head assembly
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, as shown in FIG. 1f, includes a plurality of sound holes
41, 42, 43, and 44 formed in a wall H' of a body BD of a driver D5.
A fifth modification of the head assembly according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1g,
includes a plurality of star-shaped sound holes 51, 52, 53, and 54
formed in a body BD of a driver D6.
[0057] If necessary, the head assembly of a golf club according to
the first preferred embodiment of the present invention may include
rubber or synthetic resin cap (not shown) for closing the sound
slits and the sound holes so that a head employing the head
assembly of a golf club according to the first preferred embodiment
of the present invention may be used as a general head of a golf
club.
[0058] In addition, a sixth modification of the head assembly
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, as shown in FIG. 1h, includes a single long sound slit
55 formed in a body BD of a driver D7 having a partition P. A
seventh modification of the head assembly according to the first
preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1i,
includes a long sound slit 56 formed in a streamlined concave side
face F.
[0059] As described above, the head assembly of a golf club
according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention can be applied to drivers having various configurations
and structures, and its concept is to generate sound using friction
between air and the sound slits or the sound holes generated when
the head of the golf club is swung over a predetermined speed.
[0060] In other words, according to the head assembly of a golf
club according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, air generates sound due to rapid angular speed of the
head assembly during the backswing when passing through the sound
slits or the sound holes. Therefore, a golfer repeats motion of
slowly swinging the golf club to prevent sound from being generated
during the backswing so that the golfer accustoms himself/herself
to a slow backswing.
Embodiment 2
[0061] FIGS. 2a is a perspective view illustrating a head assembly
of a golf club according to a second preferred embodiment of the
present invention applied to a driver. The second preferred
embodiment is described together with various modifications.
[0062] A head H of a driver D9 includes a cavity CV formed in the
head H, and a resonant wall W installed in the cavity CV of a body
BD connected to a face F of the head to generate sound. The
resonant wall W is a metal wall with a sufficient thin thickness
for dividing the cavity CV into two hollow spaces G1 and G2. The
resonant wall W is made of the same material as that of the head H
of the driver D9 and is integrally formed with the head H or is
separately made of a resonant metal plate and fixed in the cavity
CV.
[0063] As shown FIG. 2b, a driver D10 of a first modification of
the head assembly of a golf club according to the second preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of
resonant walls W1 and W2. As shown in FIG. 2c, a driver D11 of a
second modification of the head assembly of a golf club according
to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes a single partial resonant wall WP1 or at least two partial
resonant walls WP1 and WP2, installed to a wall of the cavity
CV.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 2d, a driver D12 of a third modification of
the head assembly of a golf club according to the second preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes partial resonant walls
WP3, WP4, and WP5, alternately arranged in the cavity CV.
[0065] In the fourth and fifth modifications of the head assembly
of a golf club according to the second preferred embodiment of the
present invention shown in FIGS. 2e and 2f, a driver D13 includes
partial resonant walls WP6 and WP7 installed to the rear wall of
the cavity CV, i.e. the inner wall opposite to the face F, a driver
D14 includes partial resonant walls WP8 and WP9 crossing each other
within the cavity CV.
[0066] The resonant walls W, W1, and W2 . . . , and the partial
resonant walls WP, WP1, and WP2 . . . are made of metal plates.
Preferably, when the head H of the driver is vibrated by external
impact, the resonant walls W, W1, and W2 . . . and the partial
resonant walls WP, WP1, and WP2 . . . are made of materials and
have thicknesses to generate sounds due to the vibration of the
head H of the driver.
Embodiment 3
[0067] Generally, drivers D are manufactured via mechanical
processes such as molding, forging, or the like. As shown in FIG.
3s, a head H of a driver D15, employing a head assembly of a golf
club according to a third preferred embodiment of the present
invention, includes a face F and a body BD connected to the face F
to form a cavity CV therein. The body BD is integrally formed with
the face F or is fixed to the face F.
[0068] The head assembly of a golf club according to the third
preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a
vibration generating device R installed in the cavity CV. The
vibration generating device R, as shown in FIG. 3b, includes an
elastic connection rod 60 such as a coil spring installed to a
center of gravity G of the rear face of the face F in the cavity CV
formed in the body BD, and a metal ball, such as a steel ball,
fixed to a free end of the elastic connection rod 60.
[0069] The vibration generating device R of a modification of the
head assembly of a golf club according to the third preferred
embodiment of the present invention applied to a driver D16, as
shown in FIG. 3c, includes a connection shaft 62 such as a steel
plate, an elastic metal plate, or a fixing pipe instead of the
elastic connection rod 60, and a vibration pipe 63 fixed to a free
end of the connection shaft 62, and its operation is identical to
that of the vibration generating device R shown in FIG. 3b.
[0070] In these structures, optimal weight of the metal ball 61 and
the vibration pipe 63 can be obtained by repeating experiments like
the operation and effect of the present invention described later.
Moreover, since the optimal weight varies according to the kind of
golf club and the manufacturer, detailed data will not be provided
in the description.
[0071] More preferably, as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c, the face F has
an outer portion with a thickness T greater than the thickness t of
a central portion of the face F so that elasticity of the face F is
increased to easily generate vibration.
[0072] According to the second and third preferred embodiments of
the present invention, when striking a golf ball (not shown) with
the driver, specific sound or vibration is generated by the
resonant walls W, W1, and W2 . . . , the partial resonant walls WP,
WP1, and WP2 . . . of the second preferred embodiment of the
present invention, or the ball 61 and the vibration pipe 63 of the
third preferred embodiment of the present invention in accordance
with swing conditions.
[0073] In other words, when proper swing is performed, normal sound
is generated or vibration transmitted to the golfer's hands is
generated. On the other hand, when the club is improperly swung,
sound or vibration corresponding to the improper swing is
generated. Thus, when the golfer trains using the golf clubs
employing the head assembly according to the preferred embodiments,
the golfer understands the sound generated when the optimal swing
performed. Thus the golfer trains the golf swing to prevent the
sound generated when improper swing is performed from being
generated, thereby improving the golfer's improper swing.
Embodiment 4
[0074] As shown in FIG. 4s, a head assembly of a golf club
according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention
applied to an iron I1 includes a variously shaped hollow sound
device 70 installed to a rear surface of a face F.
[0075] The sound device of a first modification of the head
assembly of a golf club according the fourth preferred embodiment
of the present invention applied to the iron I1, as shown in FIG.
4b, is made of various materials and has a golf ball shape or a
hollow semispherical shape. A sound device 80 of a second
modification of the head assembly of a golf club according to the
fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in
FIG. 4c, has quarter spherical shape and may be made of various
materials.
[0076] These sound devices 70, as shown in FIG. 4a, have
star-shaped sound holes 71, 72, and 73, or sound slits 74, 75, and
75 as shown in FIG. 4b illustrating the first modification of the
head assembly, and the sound device 80, as shown in FIG. 4c
illustrating the second modification of the head assembly, has
circular sound hole 81, 82, and 83, so that a sound generating
device can be structured.
[0077] Operation and effects of the head assembly of a golf club
according to the fourth preferred embodiment of the present
invention are identical to those of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
Embodiment 5
[0078] FIG. 5a shows a head assembly of a golf club according to a
fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention applied to a
putter P1. As shown in the drawing, preferably, a sound device of
the putter P1 includes an sighting plate GP extending from an upper
plate U of a head H backward and integrally formed with the upper
plate U to help the golfer aim when putting a golf ball, and a
cavity CP depressed from the rear central portion of a face F of
the head H. The cavity CP, as shown in FIG. 5c depicting a
sectional view taken along the line C-C, is defined by the upper
plate U, the face F, and a lower plate W of the head H.
[0079] A sound generating device of the head assembly of a golf
club according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes a sound unit K installed between the cavity CP
and the sighting plate GP or integrally formed with the sighting
plate GP. The sound unit K includes an approximate box-shaped unit
box 100, made of metal or synthetic resin and fixed to the head
H.
[0080] The unit box 100 of the sound unit K, as shown in FIG. 5b,
accommodates an integrated metal sound disc 110 with a
predetermined diameter therein. The sound disc 110 includes an
elastic ring 110 inserted into the outer circumference of the sound
disc 110 to absorb shock and a guide groove 112 formed in the outer
circumference of the sound disc 110 below the position of the
elastic ring 111.
[0081] The sound disc 110 is accommodated in a guide channel 121
upwardly slanted toward the face F of the head H and guide rails
120 formed in the guide channel 121 are inserted into a guide
groove 112 of the sound disc 110, such that the sound disc 110
freely slides along the guide channel 121.
[0082] The unit box 100, as shown in FIG. 5c, includes the guide
rails 120 downwardly slanted toward the rear side of the sighting
plate P, and a slope a of the guide rails 120 is determined by
experimentation.
[0083] Operation and effects of the head assembly of a golf club
according to the fifth preferred embodiment of the present
invention will be described as follows.
[0084] When the golfer take an initial pose for putting with the
putter P1 in FIG. 5c, the putter P1 is level with the ground, and
the sound disc 110 is positioned at the rear side of the unit box
100 due to the slope a of the guide rails 120.
[0085] Under these conditions, if the golfer rapidly backswings the
putter P1, a horizontal directional component force, greater than
friction between the sound disc 110 and the guide rails 120, is
generated due to the slope a, and the sound dis 110 moves from the
rear side of the unit box 100 to the face F of the head H of the
putter P1.
[0086] At that time, the sound disc 110 collides against the wall
of the unit box 100 to generate sound and vibration. Thus, the
golfer understands that the golfer rapidly backswings, i.e.
abnormally backswings.
[0087] Moreover, during the downswing, the golfer putts to prevent
the horizontal directional component force, greater than the
friction due to the slope a of the unit box 100, from being
generated so that the golf can accustom himself/herself to a slowly
downswing of the putter P1. Cocking (putting with the wrists) can
also be prevented according to the same principle as illustrated
above.
[0088] A putter P2, as shown in FIG. 5d, includes a unit box 140
having a sound ball 130 instead of the sound disc 110 and a guide
pipe 141 instead of the guide channel 121, and its operation and
effect are identical to those of the putter P1.
Embodiment 6
[0089] In a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
sound generating device is installed to a head H of a putter
P3.
[0090] The putter P3 includes a sighting plate GP integrally
extending from an upper plate U of the head H to help the golfer
aim, and a cavity CP depressed from the rear central portion of a
face F of the head H. As shown in FIG. 6b showing a sectional view
taken along the line D-D, the cavity CP is preferably defined by
the upper plate U, the face F, and a lower plate W. A sound
generating device of the head assembly of a golf club according to
the sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a
plurality of sound fins 150, 151, and 152, fixed at regular
intervals to a rear surface Hg of the head H, made of metal plates
with a predetermined thickness sufficient to easily generate sound,
and generating sound when swung.
Embodiment 7
[0091] A head assembly of a golf club according to a seventh
preferred embodiment of the present invention applied to a driver
D17 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7a to
7e.
[0092] As shown in the drawings, the head assembly of a golf club
according to the seventh preferred embodiment of the present
invention is depicted in the drawings by removing a crown, i.e. the
upper side of the head H. A hollow sensing pipe 160 is fixed to a
bottom surface OB of a cavity CV to have a slope b near a neck N,
to which a shaft (not shown) is installed, and is made of various
materials. The hollow sensing pipe 160 has an opened end connected
to an installation hole 162 of the bottom surface OB and a closed
rear end. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7b, the installation hole 162
has threads 162' formed in the inner circumference thereof and a
cap 163 couple with the installation hole 162 is formed with
threads 163'. A sensing ball 161, having a slightly smaller
diameter than the inner diameter of the hollow sensing pipe 160, is
inserted into the installation hole 162 from a lower surface 164 of
the head H, and the cap 163 closes the installation hole 162.
[0093] A single or more sensing ball 161 is made of metal and
inserted into the installation hole 162.
[0094] The sensing ball 161 is inserted into the sensing pipe 160
to freely move within the hollow sensing pipe 160. If necessary,
withdrawing the sensing ball from the sensing pipe 160 after
opening the cap 163, the head assembly of a golf club according to
the seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention may be
used as a general head of a golf club without the sensing ball 161.
The slope b can be variously determined by experiments and
according to the kind and specifications of the driver D17
employing the head assembly of a golf club according to the seventh
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 7d illustrating the driver D17 employing
the head assembly of a golf club according to the seventh preferred
embodiment of the present invention, since, in the head H of the
driver D17 directly before a normal swing is performed, the sensing
pipe 160 is inclined to the neck B, i.e. the toe by the slope b,
the sensing ball 161 is stably accommodated near the neck N in the
sensing pipe 160.
[0096] In this state, the golfer backswings, the sensing ball 161
keeps its original position in the sensing pipe 160 due to the
stationary inertia of the sensing ball 161 generated by backswing
and the geometrical structure of the sensing pipe 160 before the
head H reaches the peak of the backswing stroke. However, when the
head H reaches the peak of the backswing stroke, the angular speed
of the head H is 0 (zero) and the head H and the sensing pipe 160
are turned over. At that time, the sensing ball 161 loses the
stationary inertia and rolls down along the sensing pipe 160 due to
gravity.
[0097] The sensing ball 161 collides against the closed end of the
sensing pipe 160 to generate sound and vibration. The golfer feels
the vibration transmitted to the golfer's hands gripping the golf
club and hears the sound so that the golfer understands that the
head H reaches the peak of the backswing stroke. Thus, after this,
the golfer understands that the backswing must be paused at the
peak for a while and downswing must be slowly performed.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 7c, the installation angle and direction of
the sensing pipe 161 where the position of the sensing ball 161 is
turned over in the sensing pipe 160 of the driver D17 at the peak
of the backswing stroke are suggested. In other words, as shown in
FIG. 7c, the sensing pipe 160 may be installed to the driver D17 in
the direction of A-A' or B-B'.
[0099] Thus, when training using the head employing the head
assembly of a golf club according to this preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the golfer can perfect their backswing,
whereby the golfer correctly hits the golf ball with the golf club
to lengthen the distance.
[0100] When using the head employing the head assembly of the
present invention, the golfer hears sound generated due to the
various sound generating devices and air flowed by rapid change of
angular speed of the head during the backswing and senses vibration
generated by the vibration generating devices. Thus, since the
golfer slowly swings the golf club to prevent the sound from being
generated, rapid backswing that is apt to be the worst swing is
corrected. Thus, the rapid swing is prevented and head-up that must
be restricted is also minimized.
[0101] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
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