U.S. patent application number 11/933822 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for shaft structure with configurable bending profile.
Invention is credited to Gregory K. Qualizza.
Application Number | 20090118031 11/933822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40588671 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090118031 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Qualizza; Gregory K. |
May 7, 2009 |
Shaft Structure with Configurable Bending Profile
Abstract
A shaft structure with a configurable bending profile is
provided for golf clubs, fishing rods, and the like. The shaft
structure employs a plurality of tensioned sections. The golfer, in
practice, configures the bending profile of a golf shaft by
adjusting the internal pressure of the sections in order to change
the stiffness of that section. The combination of sections and
their associated stiffness results in an advantageous bending
profile. The golfer can, at any time and very easily, change the
bending profile of the golf shaft.
Inventors: |
Qualizza; Gregory K.;
(Orland Park, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILSON DANIEL SWAYZE, JR.
3804 CLEARWATER CT.
PLANO
TX
75025
US
|
Family ID: |
40588671 |
Appl. No.: |
11/933822 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/318 ; 137/14;
43/18.1R |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/10 20130101;
A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 60/06 20151001; A63B 53/12 20130101; A63B
60/22 20151001; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 60/10 20151001; A63B
60/42 20151001; Y10T 137/0396 20150401; A63B 60/08 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/318 ; 137/14;
43/18.1R |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/10 20060101
A63B053/10 |
Claims
1. A configurable bending shaft structure comprising a plurality of
sections including a first section having a first stiffness and a
second section having a second stiffness.
2. The shaft structure as in claim 1 wherein said first and second
sections are tensioned by a tensioning apparatus.
3. The shaft structure as in claim 2 wherein said tension serves to
stiffen said first and second sections.
4. The shaft structure as in claim 2 wherein said tensioning
apparatus is comprised of a compressed fluid.
5. A shaft structure as in claim 4, wherein said compressed fluid
is pressurized by a first pressurizing apparatus to adjust said
tension.
6. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein said first pressurizing
apparatus includes a first piston.
7. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein said pressurizing
apparatus includes a first biasing apparatus to adjust said
pressure of said compressed fluid.
8. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein the shaft structure
includes a second pressurizing apparatus having a second
piston.
9. A shaft structure as in claim 8, wherein said second
pressurizing apparatus includes a second biasing apparatus to
adjust a second pressure.
10. A shaft structure as in claim 1, wherein the shaft structure is
connected to a golf club.
11. A shaft structure as in claim 1, wherein the shaft structure
connected to a fishing rod.
12. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft
structure, comprising the steps of: setting the first stiffness of
a first section; setting the second stiffness of a second
section;
13. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 12 wherein said first section and said second section
is a fluid-filled chamber.
14. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 13, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting
said first stiffness of said first section by changing a first
pressure by a first apparatus.
15. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 13, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting
said second stiffness of said second section by changing a second
pressure by a second apparatus.
16. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 14, wherein said first apparatus includes a first
piston.
17. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 14, wherein said first apparatus includes a first
biasing apparatus to adjust said first pressure.
18. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 15, wherein said second apparatus includes a second
piston.
19. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure
as in claim 15, wherein said second apparatus includes a second
biasing apparatus to adjust said second pressure.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to shafts for golf clubs, fishing
rods and the like; and more particularly where the overall bending
profile of these devices can be configured by the golfer or user to
match physical abilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Golf shafts and fishing poles are typically manufactured
with a predetermined bending profile. The "bending profile" of a
golf shaft refers to a distinct flex pattern that a conventional
golf shaft exhibits when subjected to a force. The flex pattern is
typically measured as the amount of deflection the shaft
experiences when the shaft is positioned horizontally and subjected
to a constant force. Presently, golf shafts are mass produced with
a predefined and fixed bending profile without regard for a
golfer's individual swing mechanics. Typically, these parameters
are designed in an attempt to accommodate a vast multitude of
golfers.
[0003] Previous knowledge of golf shaft dynamics resulted in a
general understanding that the stiffness of a golf shaft played a
role in the performance of a golf club. However, it has been
discovered that the overall bending profile of the shaft has much
more to do with the performance of a golf club than merely its
overall stiffness. The bending profile directly contributes to ball
launch angle and spin, both of which can directly affect shot
distance and accuracy. Additionally, the bending profile can
influence club-head reaction and orientation before the clubface
makes contact with the ball.
[0004] Prevailing weather conditions can also affect optimum ball
flight. For example, on a windy day, a golfer might choose to
reconfigure their shaft for a bending profile that promotes a lower
penetrating ball flight which reduces the affects of the wind.
Conversely, on a day with little or no wind, a golfer may choose to
configure the bending profile to promote a higher launch angle.
[0005] Various proposals to provide variable stiffness for a golf
club shaft (or even a fishing pole) have previously been made that
involve using a hollow shaft charged with a gas or liquid fluid
that can be pressurized and by mechanical devices such as rods,
jackscrews and the like. Increasing the fluid pressure in the shaft
increases the shaft stiffness. Increasing the length of the rod
increases the tension and hence shaft stiffness.
[0006] Such pressurizable shafts are illustrated, for example, by
Menzies U.S. Pat. No. 1,831,255, Sears U.S. Pat. No. 2,432,450,
Busch U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,775, Burrough U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,668 (a
fishing rod), Simmons U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,300, Koch et al. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,540,625, Painter U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,693 and Qualizza
U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,365.
[0007] So far as is known, these variable stiffness, hollow shaft
structures of the prior art do not address changing a shaft's
bending profile but rather have defined a device which
indiscriminately promotes a stiffness change across the entire
shaft and never addresses the ability to adjust the bending
characteristics of the golf shaft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In order for a golf club to be effective and ultimately
configured for a golfer by the golfer without requiring the golfer
to have intimate knowledge or club-building skills, the present
invention provides for a device whose performance characteristics
can be easily changed to accommodate the golfer's abilities for any
given day any given weather condition and course conditions as
well.
[0009] The present invention overcomes the inability of prior art
shafts to create a unique bending profile. A shaft is provided
which can be easily configured to create a variable bending profile
that matches the golfer's abilities so as to maximize both shot
accuracy and distance.
[0010] More particularly, this invention relates to a shaft
structure for golf clubs, fishing poles and like apparatus
incorporating a variable, configurable bending profile shaft
structure. The shaft structure consists of a plurality of sections
which may be individually stiffened by virtue of applying a tension
force to each individual section. The variable, configurable
bending profile shaft does not require special tools or skills to
affect the configuring of the bending profile.
[0011] By adjusting the tension force in each of the sections and
hence the stiffness of each section the golfer is able to
accurately "tune" the bending profile of the shaft in order to
maximize their skill level.
[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a shaft
structure which allows a golfer to change the tension force of
individual sections that in-turn changes the stiffness of the
section and hence that portion of the golf shaft that is defined by
the section.
[0013] Another object allows for tuning golf shaft performance by
creating a flex profile that results from the cooperation of a
multitude of sections under tension. Each section under tension has
a unique stiffness that is directly related to the amount of
tension applied to a section. Increasing the tension increases the
stiffness and reducing the tension reduces the stiffness.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
shaft structure that has a selectable bending profile. Hence, a
single assembled shaft structure can replace many different
combinations and permutations of golf shafts, golf clubs, and
manufacturing procedures and can avoid the need for large
inventories of golf clubs with golf club shafts pre-set to
different stiffness values, thereby effecting a saving of what
would otherwise be an expenditure of substantial amounts of
money.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
club shaft structure which allows a golfer to customize the bending
profile of each shaft of a set of clubs, or of a fishing pole,
according to his ability or wishes without being dependent upon the
shaft stiffness that happens to result from shaft manufacturing
procedures as in the prior art.
[0016] Other and further objects, aims, features, advantages,
applications, embodiments and the like regarding the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
present specification, attached drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The invention may be understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements,
and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a
golf club which incorporates a shaft structure of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagrammatical view of the butt section
of the shaft structure of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagrammatical view of the mid and tip
sections of the shaft structure shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a detailed view of a piston unit of the
butt/mid section of shown in FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a piston unit of the
mid/tip section of shown in FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the piston
unit as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention which reveals fill valves in lieu of the piston units as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the piston
unit arrangement as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5;
[0026] FIG. 10 reveals another embodiment of the current invention
that utilizes tensioning rods in lieu of the piston units as shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative golf club 20 that incorporates
an embodiment of a shaft structure 21 of the present invention. In
the preferred embodiment, shaft structure 21 includes separate,
internal sections under tension which may be tensioned to different
levels. Three separate, internal, sections 22, 23 and 24 are shown
to illustrate the present invention. Fewer or additional separate,
internal tensioned sections are within the scope of the present
invention. In the preferred embodiment the tensioning of each
section 22, 23 and 24 occurs from a fluid being pressurized
internally to each section. As well known in the art shaft
structure 21 may be made from graphite, ferrous metal such as
steel, non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or titanium and the like,
plastics, nylons, aramids or any combinations of material.
[0028] Tensioned section 22 may be affixed at one end of a
conventional club head 30 (not detailed structurally) and tensioned
section 24 connects at one end to a circumferentially extending,
conventional golf grip 25 (not detailed structurally).
[0029] Tensioned section 22 defines a section of the shaft
structure 21 which is typically referred to as the tip section;
tension section 23 is often referred to as the mid section of the
shaft structure 21 and tensioned section 24 is often referred to as
the butt section of the shaft structure 21.
[0030] In the preferred embodiment and referring to FIG. 2, butt
section 24 is defined by a proximal and distal end. The distal end
of butt section 24 is further defined by piston unit 26. Proximal
end is defined by piston unit 31.
[0031] With reference to FIG. 3 the proximal end of the mid section
23 is defined by piston unit 26 and at the distal by piston unit
29. Tip section 22 is defined at the proximal end by piston unit 29
and by bulkhead 68 at the distal end. The distal end of tip section
22 connects to hose 27 of golf club head 30. Those skilled in the
art will recognize and appreciate that a plurality of tensioned
sections as well as a plurality of tensioning means can be
incorporated and that such an arrangement does not deviate from the
scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0032] With attention toward FIG. 2 therein is shown in detail butt
section 24. Conventional golf grip 25 is connected to butt section
24 by a standardized process. The distal end of the butt section 24
is defined by piston unit 26. Additionally, positioned within the
proximal end of butt section 24 is piston unit 31 which includes
piston 33, piston seal 34, bulkhead 39, jackscrew 43 and stiffness
indicator 41. Fluid 37 resides within butt section 24 as defined by
piston unit 26 at the distal end and by piston unit 31 at the
proximal end. Jackscrew 43 has at one end a hex cap arrangement
that allows for the inserting of a hex wrench in order to
facilitate the turning of jackscrew 43. The turning of jackscrew 43
in cooperation with the threaded arrangement between jackscrew 43
and bulkhead 39 causes piston 33 to move up and down accordingly.
Fluid 37 may be a gas, liquid or other material sufficient to carry
the forces as presented by the change in volumes as facilitated by
the position of piston 33. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that a multitude of other materials may be used as fluid 37 and
that using other materials does not deviate from the scope or the
intention of the current invention.
[0033] Referring to FIG. 4 therein shown in detail is a
representation of piston unit 26. In particular, piston unit 26 is
comprised of piston 50, piston seal 52, spline 62, wall spline 64,
stay collar 58 and stiffness indicator 60. Piston unit 26 serves to
define both the butt section 24 above and mid section 23 below.
Piston 50, in cooperation with piston seal 52, serves to maintain
pressure in both butt section 24 and mid section 23. The
representative pressure in butt section 24 as maintained by piston
unit 31 at the proximal end and piston unit 26 at the distal end
serves to promote an axial tension force upon the butt section 24
of shaft structure 21 that is located between piston 33 of piston
unit 31 and piston unit 26. The axial tension force creates a
corresponding increase or decrease in stiffness in the butt section
24 of the shaft structure 21. The stiffness of butt section 24 is
indicated by stiffness indicator 41 as viewed through window 12
directly affixed to and made part of shaft structure 21 (FIG. 1).
When a desired stiffness is achieved piston unit 26 is locked in
place by the cooperative engaging of spline 62 with wall spline 64.
In free-movement spline 62 of piston unit 26 is not engaged with
wall spline 64 and therefore is free to traverse up or down. The
location of piston unit 26 serves to increase/decrease the volume
of mid section 23 while simultaneously decreasing/increasing the
volume of butt section 24 and hence a corresponding
increase/decrease in pressure of the respective sections 23 and 24.
When a desired pressure is reached within mid section 23 as defined
by the position of piston unit 26, stay collar 58 adjusting hex
screw 54 is turned in order to decrease the circumference of stay
collar 58. This in turn slightly reduces the diameter of shaft
structure 21 which then prompts spline 62 to cooperatively engage
with wall spline 64. The wall of the shaft structure 21 adjacent to
stay collar 58 is sufficiently thin enough so as to allow the
reduction of the diameter of stay collar 58 to effect the
engagement of spline 62 with wall spline 64. The combination of
stay collar 58 and the wall of shaft structure 21 at the point of
contact provides for structural integrity. In this manner piston
unit 26 is effectively locked in place. With piston unit 26 locked
in place a pressure is developed within butt section 24 as defined
by the position of piston 30. In this manner a unique,
independently stressed butt section 24 of shaft structure 21
occurs.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 5 therein is shown in further detail a
representation of piston unit 29. In particular, piston unit 29 is
comprised of piston 70, piston seal 72, spline 82, wall spline 84,
stay collar 78 and stiffness indicator 80. Piston unit 29 serves to
define both the mid section 23 above and tip section 22 below
piston unit 29. Piston 60, in cooperation with piston seal 62,
serves to maintain pressure in both mid section 23 and tip section
22. The representative pressure in mid section 23 as maintained by
piston unit 26 at the proximal end and piston unit 29 at the distal
end serves to promote an axial tension force upon the section of
the shaft 21 that is located between piston unit 26 and piston unit
29. The axial tension force creates a corresponding increase or
decrease in stiffness in the mid section 23 of shaft structure 21.
The stiffness of mid section 23 is indicated by stiffness indicator
80 as viewed through window 10 which is affixed to and made part of
shaft structure 21 (FIG. 1). Piston unit 29 is locked in place by
the cooperation of spline 82 with wall spline 84. In free-movement
spline 82 of piston unit 29 is not engaged with wall spline 84 and
therefore is free to move. When a desired pressure is reached which
is, in part, defined by the position of piston unit 29 stay collar
78 hex adjusting screw 74 is turned in order to decrease the
circumference of stay collar 78. This in turn reduces the diameter
of shaft structure 21 at that point which then causes spline 82 to
cooperatively engage wall spline 84. The combination of stay collar
78 and the wall of shaft structure 21 at the point of contact
provides for structural integrity. In this manner piston unit 29 is
effectively locked in place. With piston units 26 and 29 locked in
place and with the corresponding loads carried by the piston units
26 and 29 a unique tension exists within the mid section 23 of
shaft structure 21 as defined by piston units 26 and 29. The unique
tension exhibits an axially tension force within this section and a
corresponding stiffness results within the mid section 23 of shaft
structure 21.
[0035] With reference to FIG. 3 tip section 22 is defined by piston
unit 29 at the proximal end and by bulkhead 68 at the distal end.
Piston unit 29, in cooperation with bulkhead 68, serves to maintain
pressure in tip section 22. The representative pressure in tip
section 22 as maintained by piston unit 29 at the proximal end and
bulkhead 68 at the distal end serves to promote an axial tension
force upon the tip section of shaft structure 21 that is located
between piston unit 29 and bulkhead 68. The axial tension force
creates a corresponding increase or decrease in stiffness in the
section of the shaft structure 21. The stiffness of the tip section
22 is indicated by stiffness indicator 80 as viewed through window
8 (FIG. 1).
[0036] Configuring a unique bending profile is defined by the
pressure in each individual section 22, 23 and 24 which in-turn
creates a unique axial tension force in each section 22, 23 and 24
which further promotes a stiffness in each section 22, 23 and 24
that is unique to that section. Piston units 26 and 29 are
sufficiently small enough and strategically placed so as to
accurately control the position and length of the individual
sections 22, 23 and 24. Those skilled in the art will recognize
that a plurality of sections may be incorporated into the present
invention as well as further means to ideally locate and define
each section and that doing so does not deviate from the scope or
the spirit of the present invention.
[0037] As an alternative, a spline section similar in design to
spline sections 64 and 84 may run the entire length of shaft
structure 21. In this manner sections 22, 23 and 24 can be defined
to be a large or as small as the golfer may favor. Additionally,
those skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude of locking
device may be discovered to lock both piston units 26 and 29. As
well piston unit 31 may be served by a multitude of different
devices and that such devices does not deviate from the scope nor
the spirit of the current invention.
[0038] In practice and when a golfer chooses to adjust the bending
profile the golfer will first loosen stay collars 58 and 78 for
piston units 26 and 29 respectively. The golfer then turns
jackscrew 43 via a hex wrench. Clockwise movement of jackscrew 43
causes piston 33 of piston unit 31 to move downward (with reference
to FIG. 2). Counter-clockwise movement of jackscrew 43 causes
piston 33 of piston unit 31 to move upward (with reference to FIG.
2). A downward movement of piston 33 compresses fluid 37.
Compression of fluid 37 exerts a force upon piston unit 26 causing
piston unit 26 to move downward. Movement of piston unit 26
compresses fluid 35 (FIG. 3). Compression of fluid 35 promotes a
force upon piston unit 29 causing piston unit 29 to move downward.
Movement of piston unit 29 compresses fluid 31. Continued clockwise
turning of jackscrew 43 continues the process until the desired
stiffness is reached in tip section 22 as indicated by stiffness
indicator 80 as viewed through window 8 located on shaft structure
21. At this time the golfer tightens stay collar 78 which
effectively locks piston unit 29 in place. In this manner pressure
in tip section 22 is maintained as well as isolating and
segregating it from mid section 23 and butt section 24.
[0039] After configuring the stiffness in tip section 22 the golfer
then adjusts the stiffness in mid section 23 by either turning
jackscrew 43 clockwise to increase the pressure in mid section 23
or counter-clockwise to decrease the pressure. If an increase in
stiffness for mid section 23 is required turning jackscrew
clockwise further compresses fluid 37 which then exerts further
pressure on piston unit 26 causing it to move downward. Further
downward movement of piston unit 26 compresses fluid 35. Since
piston unit 29 is now locked in position pressure builds within mid
section 23. If a decrease in stiffness for mid section 23 is
required turning jackscrew counter-clockwise will decompress fluid
37 which then reduces pressure on piston unit 26 causing it to move
upward. Upward movement of piston unit 26 increases the volume
within mid section 23 and therefore reduces the pressure which
necessarily reduces the axial force and, hence, the stiffness.
Movement of piston unit 26 continues until the required stiffness
is achieved as indicated by stiffness indicator 60 and as viewed
through window 10 located in shaft structure 21. At this time stay
collar 58 is tightened thereby restricting further movement of
piston unit 26. Therefore, a unique mid section 23 is defined by
locked piston unit 26 and 29. Mid section 23 then experiences a
unique and isolated pressure. The unique pressure facilitates a
unique stiffness within mid section 23.
[0040] Further turning of jackscrew 42 facilitates the final
adjustment of butt section 24. Turning jackscrew 43 clockwise
serves to compress fluid 37 while turning jackscrew
counter-clockwise serves to decompress fluid 37. Since piston unit
26 is now locked in place pressure in butt section 24 will
proportionately increase/decrease which serves to change the
axially force upon the butt section 24 of shaft 21 which is defined
at the proximal end by piston unit 31 and at the distal end by
piston unit 26. Stiffness indication of the butt section is
indicated by indicator 41 as viewed through window 12 of shaft
structure 21.
[0041] Given the ability to configure the stiffness of individual
shaft 21 sections, a substantial bending profile can be obtained.
For instance, if one were to desire a mid kick-point shaft
structure 21with a "soft tip" tip section 22 will require a
pressure less than butt section 24. However, because of the need
for a mid kick tip section 22 pressure would be greater than mid
section 23. In this configuration stiffness indicators would
reveal, as an example, 9, 5, 6 for sections 24, 23 and 22
respectively. Conversely, if one requires a low kick-point tip
section 22 pressure would be less than both mid section 23 and butt
section 24 pressure. Requiring a high kick-point would necessarily
dictate pressure in tip section 22 and mid section 23 be greater
than pressure in butt section 24.
[0042] FIG. 6 reveals another embodiment of locking piston units 26
and 29. In this embodiment locking pawls 93 and 99 cooperates with
detents 96 and 98 respectively when the piston unit 100 is locked
into place. When the piston unit 100 is chosen to move magnetic
collar 94 is placed over the shaft 21 in the appropriate position
so as to cause pawl 93 and 99 to retract against springs 95 and 91
by virtue of the magnetic force between magnetic collar 94 and
locking pawls 93 and 99. With the retraction of locking pawls 93
and 99 piston unit 100 is allowed to move freely to another
position so as to allow a greater or lesser pressure and hence a
greater or lesser stiffness. When the appropriate stiffness is
achieved magnetic collar 94 is removed causing pawls 93 and 99 to
extend by virtue of the force imparted by springs 91 and 95 upon
locking pawls 93 and 99. Thus locking pawls 93 and 99 engage
detents 96 and 98 respectively.
[0043] FIG. 7 reveals an alternative embodiment wherein sections
24, 23 and 22 are fitted with micro-miniature valves 101, 104 and
108 respectively. Pressurized fluids 37, 35 and 31 would be
introduced into the accompanying sections 24, 23 and 22 by virtue
of miniaturized valves 101, 104 and 108. In this manner
pressurization units 26, 29 and 31 would be eliminated.
[0044] FIG. 8 reveals yet another embodiment where each section has
as an associated pressurization unit that is adjacent to and
contiguous with the associated section. As an example and as shown,
mid section 123 would be pressurized by piston 191 and seal 196.
Facilitating the movement up or down of piston 191 occurs through a
longitudinal transaction as facilitated by jackscrew 192 in
threaded cooperation with bulkhead 189. The golfer would facilitate
the turning of jackscrew 192 via hex detail 87 through slot 193
strategically placed in shaft structure 21.
[0045] FIG. 10 reveals another embodiment where tensioning of the
sections 22, 23 and 24 occurs from an adjustable mechanical means
located internal to each section 22, 23 and 24. One such mechanical
means could be an adjustable length rod 224. The adjustable length
rod 224 would serve to create a force on opposite ends of the
adjustable length rod 224 which would transfer the force to the
ends of section 23 by virtue of bulkheads 227 and 229. In this
manner the adjustable length rod 224 would serve to create a
tension within the section 23. The golfer adjusts the tension
within each section by adjusting the length of the adjustable
length rod 224 via hex arrangement 226. Turning hex arrangement 226
causes the threaded arrangement 223 to turn as well causing
adjustable rod 224 to expand or contract. Facilitation of turning
hex arrangement 226 is via slot 225 in shaft structure 21.
Adjusting the adjustable length rod 224 to be longer increases the
tension within a section and adjusting the adjustable length rod
224 to be shorter decreases the tension within a section.
[0046] Although in the preferred embodiment three tensioned
sections are shown those skilled in the art will readily recognize
and appreciate that a plurality of tensioned sections can be used
and in doing so does not deviate from the scope and the spirit of
the present invention.
* * * * *