U.S. patent application number 12/535173 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-28 for golf club fitting system based on golfer height.
This patent application is currently assigned to U.S. KIDS GOLF, LLC. Invention is credited to Dan Van Horn.
Application Number | 20100022332 12/535173 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39225720 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100022332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Van Horn; Dan |
January 28, 2010 |
Golf Club Fitting System Based on Golfer Height
Abstract
Methods and systems for fitting golfers with a set of golf clubs
are provided. Golf club sets are designed for golfers within narrow
height ranges, such as approximately three or six inches. Each set
of golf clubs includes golf clubs with shaft lengths adjusted for
golfers within the narrow height range. Golf club heads are also
customized for the golfer and are selected based on the height,
strength, and swing speed of the golfer. Customized golf club sets
are then labeled with identifiers that convey relevant information
about the golf clubs to golfers. Such information can include the
height of the golfers for whom the sets are intended, the length of
the clubs in the set and, optionally, the weight of golf club
heads.
Inventors: |
Van Horn; Dan; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KING & SPALDING
1180 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3521
US
|
Assignee: |
U.S. KIDS GOLF, LLC
NORCROSS
GA
|
Family ID: |
39225720 |
Appl. No.: |
12/535173 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11700423 |
Jan 31, 2007 |
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12535173 |
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60847343 |
Sep 25, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3605 20200801;
A63B 53/005 20200801; A63B 53/00 20130101; A63B 2208/12 20130101;
A63B 60/00 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A method for providing a golf club fitting system comprising the
steps of: providing a plurality of golf club sets, each golf club
set being designed for golfers having a measured height that is
within one of a plurality of pre-determined height ranges; and
labeling at least one golf club in each golf club set in the
plurality of golf club sets with a golf club set label, the golf
club set label comprising a first component that is based on the
pre-determined height range for which the golf club set is
designed.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the golf club set label further
comprises a second component that represents a length of an index
club included within the golf club set.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the index club is a driver.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges spans about three inches.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges spans about six inches.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges comprises a minimum height, a maximum
height, and an optimal height between the minimum height and
maximum height; and wherein the first component of the golf club
set label is based on the optimal height of the pre-determined
height range.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the golf club set label is placed
on the at least one golf club.
8. A method for identifying a golf club set for a golfer,
comprising the steps of: determining a height of the golfer;
selecting a golf club set from a plurality of golf club sets, each
golf club set being designed for golfers having a determined height
that is within one of a plurality of pre-determined height ranges,
wherein each golf club set comprises at least one golf club having
a golf club set label comprising a first component that is based on
the pre-determined height range for which the golf club set is
designed, and wherein the selection of the golf club set is based
on the first component of the golf club set label associated with
the selected golf club set.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of selecting a golf club
set from the plurality of golf club sets comprises the steps of:
comparing the determined height of the golfer with the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges; identifying the pre-determined height
range that includes the determined height of the golfer; and
determining the first component of the golf club set label
associated with the identified pre-determined height range.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein an indicating means for
associating a height of a golfer with a first component of the golf
club set label is used for determining the first component of the
golf club set label associated with the identified pre-determined
height range.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the indicating means comprises
a chart associating each of a plurality of pre-determined height
ranges with a respective golf club set label.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the indicating means comprises
a software interface for receiving a height of a golfer and for
outputting a first component of a golf club set label, the
outputted first component being based on the height of the
golfer.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the indicating means comprises
a software interface for receiving a height of a golfer and
outputting a first component of a golf club set label, the
outputted first component being associated with the golf club set
associated with the pre-determined height range that includes the
received height of the golfer.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges comprises a minimum height, a maximum
height, and an optimal height between the minimum height and
maximum height; and wherein the first component of the golf club
set label associated with each respective golf club set is based on
the optimal height of the pre-determined height range.
15. A method for providing a golf club set to a golfer, comprising
the steps of: providing a plurality of golf club sets, each golf
club set comprising at least one golf club having a golf club set
label comprising a first component; and providing an indicating
means for associating a height of a golfer with a first component
of the golf club set label, wherein the first component of the at
least one golf club in each golf club set is based on a
pre-determined height range for which the golf club set is
designed.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicating means comprises
a chart associating each of a plurality of pre-determined height
ranges with a respective golf club set label.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicating means comprises
a chart associating each of a plurality of pre-determined height
ranges with a respective first component of a golf club set
label.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicating means comprises
a software interface for receiving a height of a golfer and
outputting a first component of a golf club set label, the
outputted first component being based on the height of the
golfer.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein the indicating means comprises
a software interface for receiving a height of a golfer and
outputting a first component of a golf club set label, the
outputted first component being associated with the golf club set
associated with the pre-determined height range that includes the
received height of the golfer.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of
pre-determined height ranges comprises a minimum height, a maximum
height, and an optimal height between the minimum height and
maximum height; and wherein the first component of the golf club
set label associated with each respective golf club set is based on
the optimal height of the pre-determined height range.
Description
RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/700,423 filed Jan. 31, 2007, which claims
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/847,343, entitled "Golf Club Fitting System for
Growing Golfers," filed Sep. 25, 2006. The complete disclosure of
the above-identified priority applications are hereby fully
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The invention relates to golf club fitting systems. In
particular, the invention relates to a system for determining the
specifications for a set of golf clubs based upon a golfer's
characteristics such as height, strength and swing speed.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf clubs can be made according to different
specifications, with varying configurations, sizes and weights. The
optimal specifications for a golf club can depend at least
partially upon the height and strength of the golfer. Because the
height and strength of growing golfers can change rapidly, golf
club manufacturers often produce multiple golf club sets, each
having varying specifications, with different sets being designed
for golfers of different height and strength ranges.
[0004] Junior golf club sets, and even some adult sets, are often
labeled with some form of color-coding system, with a particular
color corresponding to a certain height range or age range. Such
color coding systems are intended to simplify the golf club buying
experience. The purchaser simply needs to determine the height or
age of the golfer and the label color corresponding to that height
or age. Thus, the purchaser is expected to trust that the golf club
manufacturer has designed the clubs within a particular color-coded
set to specifications optimized for players of the corresponding
height or age.
[0005] While color-coded golf club fitting systems based on height
can be effective, wide ranges of golfer height tend to be assigned
to each color code. As a result, there is not enough granularity in
the specification differences between the available club sets, and
purchasers often purchase club sets that are not truly ideal for
the intended golfer. In addition, color-coded systems can sometimes
have the effect of oversimplifying the club fitting process,
thereby distancing certain important club specifications, such as
club length, club head weight, loft and lie angle, from the
purchaser's mind. Consequently, many parents delay transitioning
their growing children to the next color-coded level club set,
unaware that the player has outgrown his or her current set.
Conversely, other parents will purchase the next color coded system
prematurely, unaware that the player is not yet of the appropriate
height for that set.
[0006] Therefore, a need in the art exists for a system and method
for fitting golf clubs for growing golfers that increases the
granularity in the specification differences between available club
sets, with one or more club specifications tied to tight ranges of
golfer height. There also exists a need for a golf club fitting
system that allows for the club head weight and loft and lie angles
to be customized for a golfer, in addition to the length of the
clubs.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to the present invention, golf club sets are
designed for golfers within relatively tight height ranges, such as
height ranges of approximately three or six inches. Within each set
of golf clubs, each club is designed to have a certain length and
other characteristics, including club head weight, lie angle, loft
angle, bounce, offset and/or volume, based on the manufacturer's
view of ideal club specifications for a player whose height falls
within the assigned height range. In the typical golf club set, the
driver is the longest club and all other clubs are designed to be
incrementally shorter. In accordance with the invention, the
respective lengths of the golf clubs in one set differ from the
lengths of the corresponding clubs in another set, so as to
compensate for the height of the intended golfer. For example, the
driver in a first club set will be shorter than the driver in a
club set designed for the next greatest height range.
[0008] In addition to club length, one or more other golf club
specifications may be varied across club sets depending on the
height and/or strength of the golfer. For example, the clubs of a
particular set can be designed with a reduced club head weight for
smaller golfers who generate relatively slower swing speeds.
Golfers with slower swing speeds may prefer to have--and may play
golf more optimally with--clubs with lighter heads. In accordance
with the present invention, club heads for a given set of golf
clubs are produced in different weights relative to standard (i.e.,
adult) golf clubs. In certain exemplary embodiments, the inventive
fitting system incorporates three different golf club head options
that are designed to be approximately 6%, 12%, and 18% lighter,
respectively, than the corresponding standard golf club head.
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, each set of golf
clubs bears an identifier that includes at least one component.
This component represents a physical attribute of the golfer, such
as height, which serves as the basis for the club fitting system.
In embodiments where this component of the club set identifier
represents golfer height, each golf club set is designed for
golfers of a relatively tight height range (e.g., a height range of
approximately three or six inches).
[0010] In certain exemplary embodiments, the identifier also
includes a second component. This second component of the
identifier represents an important golf club specification, such as
an index club length and/or relative club head weight. The index
club length may be the length of the driver (or any other club)
included within the set.
[0011] In certain exemplary embodiments of the invention, each golf
club set identifier includes two numeric components representing
the optimal height of the golfer that should use the set and the
length of the driver included in the set. Each club within the set
is labeled with the same identifier, even though the other clubs
within that set will likely not have the same length as the driver.
In other embodiments, a golf club set identifier may include
additional components representing one or more other physical
attributes of the intended golfer and/or one or more other golf
club specifications. For example, a three-number identifier may
represent the golfer's height, the length of the driver and the
relative club head weight.
[0012] These and other embodiments, objects, and features of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the exemplary embodiments, read in conjunction with,
and reference to, the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a chart illustrating a golf club fitting system
and representative specifications of the various golf club sets
thereof, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the
present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a chart illustrating representative golf club head
specification options used in a golf club fitting system, in
accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a golf club fitting
method according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a chart illustrating a means for associating a
plurality of pre-determined height ranges with golf club set labels
according to certain exemplary embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Golf club sets in accordance with exemplary embodiments of
the present invention are designed for golfers within narrow height
ranges, such as height ranges of approximately three or six inches.
Each set of golf clubs comprises multiple clubs, each with a
certain length and other specifications, including club head
weight, lie angle and loft. The specifications of each golf club
are based on the manufacturer's view of ideal club specifications
for a player of the relevant height.
[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will
hereinafter be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. FIGS. 1 and 2
are charts of representative golf club specifications designed for
golfers of varying heights and levels of strength. FIG. 3 is a flow
chart illustrating an exemplary golf club fitting method 300. FIG.
4 is a chart illustrating an exemplary means 400 for associating a
plurality of pre-determine height ranges with golf club set labels.
The information contained in the charts of FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 will
be discussed in reference to the golf club fitting method 300 of
FIG. 3.
[0019] The golf club fitting method 300 of FIG. 3 begins at
starting block 301 and proceeds to step 305, where the height of
the golfer is measured. In certain embodiments, the height of the
golfer is measured in inches. In other embodiments, the height of
the golfer may be measured in other units. While not necessarily
required, the height of the golfer is preferably measured while the
golfer is wearing his or her golf shoes. Next, in step 310, a
determination is made as to whether the golfer's measured height
exceeds an adult height threshold 106K. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 1, the adult height threshold 106K for an
exemplary fitting system is defined as 64.5 inches. In other
embodiments, the adult height threshold may be defined differently.
For example, a shorter adult height threshold may be used in a
fitting system designed for use by only female golfers.
[0020] If the golfer's measured height is determined at step 310 to
exceed the adult height threshold 106K, the method advances to step
315, where a "standard" adult set of golf clubs is recommended for
the golfer. The definition of a "standard" adult golf club set may
vary in different contexts and depending on the manufacturer.
However, most golf club manufacturers produce at least one set of
adult golf clubs that are pre-configured for the average adult
golfer (i.e., not custom designed for an individual golfer). In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the lengths of the golf club
shafts for a set of exemplary standard adult golf clubs 104K are
shown. After recommending that a standard set of adult golf clubs
104K be selected for the golfer, the exemplary method 300 ends at
step 340.
[0021] However, if it is determined at step 310 that the golfer's
measured height does not exceed the adult height threshold 106K,
the method 300 proceeds to step 320. In step 320, the golfer's
measured height is compared with a set of pre-determined height
ranges (e.g., height ranges 106A-J) specified by the exemplary
fitting system, to identify the height range that includes the
golfer's measured height.
[0022] Although the exemplary height ranges 106A-J are shown as
being in three inch intervals, other intervals, such as six inches
are possible. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates two exemplary
embodiments of the invention, one embodiment 406 with six inch
intervals between successive height ranges, and another embodiment
408 with three inch intervals between successive height ranges. In
an embodiment 406 suited for beginner or intermediate golfers, six
inch intervals may provide sufficient granularity between
successive height ranges. In another exemplary embodiment 408
suited for advanced golfers, three inch intervals may provide more
appropriate granularity between successive height ranges.
[0023] Next in step 325, a determination is made as to which golf
club set label (e.g., system labels 102A-J) of the exemplary
fitting system corresponds to the identified height range. In
exemplary embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, each golf club within a
set may bear the label 404 associated with that set. After
identifying the applicable golf club set label, a recommendation is
made in step 330 that the golfer should purchase a golf club set
(or individual golf clubs) bearing that label.
[0024] In certain embodiments, the golf club fitting system may
provide means for indicating the pre-determined height ranges and
means for allowing the purchaser and/or the salesperson to
associate a pre-determined height range with a golf club set label.
Either or both of such means can be any type of printed media
(e.g., a chart, display, signage, or other documentation), a
software interface and/or a web page. For example, such means take
the form of the chart 400 of FIG. 4, or a portion thereof, which
may be displayed at the point of sale, on the internet or otherwise
to allow purchasers and/or salespersons to understand and use the
golf club fitting system of the present invention.
[0025] As discussed previously, golf club set labels 102A-J
comprise at least one component, such as a number corresponding to
a physical attribute of the golfer. In certain embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 1, golf club set labels 102A-J may comprise two
components, such as two numbers. For example, the golf club set
104D corresponding to the 45'' to 48'' height range 106D may bear a
label of "45-31" 102D. The first component of such a label
represents the height of the golfer and serves as the basis for the
exemplary club fitting system. The second component of the label
represents an index club length. The index club length may be the
length of the driver (or any other club) included within the set.
FIG. 4 is representative of exemplary embodiments of the invention,
wherein the driver is the index club 402. As discussed previously,
each club within a golf club set 104A-J may bear the same label
404.
[0026] Thus, a golf club set 104D bearing a label of "45-31" 102D
is intended to convey two pieces of information to the purchaser:
(1) that each club in the set 104D is optimized for use by a golfer
who is approximately 45 inches tall, and (2) that the optimum
length of the driver or other index club for such a golfer is 31
inches. Such a labeling system accommodates easy club fitting based
on player height. In addition, by focusing the purchaser's
attention on the optimum length of an index club (e.g., the driver)
for the intended golfer, the purchaser is more likely to recognize
that even a small increase in the golfer's height will necessitate
a transition to another club set (e.g., club set 104E) having
longer clubs to achieve consistent golfing performance.
[0027] In other embodiments, the golf club set labels 102A-J may
alternatively or additionally include other components representing
another physical attribute of the golfer and/or another golf club
specification, such as club head weight. Furthermore, the present
invention is not limited to numerical identifiers. Any combination
of alphanumeric and other symbols or codes may be used to convey
the basis of the club fitting system (e.g., golfer height, weight
and/or strength) and at least one important golf club
specification.
[0028] In certain embodiments, different club head options may be
offered for each golf club set 104A-J or selected golf club sets
104A-J. For example, smaller golfers tend to generate slower swing
speeds, and therefore they may prefer to have--and may play golf
more optimally with--clubs with lighter heads. Club heads for a
given set of golf clubs 104A-J may be produced in different weights
relative to the club heads of a standard adult golf club set 104K.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, exemplary golf club heads labeled
as "TS 6" 206, "TS 12" 208, and "TS 18" 210 are designed to be
approximately 6%, 12%, and 18% lighter, respectively, than the
corresponding standard adult golf club head.
[0029] In order to truly optimize a golf club for use by a golfer
of a particular height and/or strength, a reduction in club head
weight should often be accompanied by changes in the loft and lie
angles of the club head. For example, as the club head weight is
reduced from the standard adult club head weight, the loft angle
should be increased and the lie angle should be decreased. Such
accompanying changes in loft and lie angle can allow the golfer to
strike the golf ball in such a way as to achieve a better ball
flight trajectory. Adjustment of the loft and lie angles can help
to compensate for the decreased weight of the club head.
[0030] The chart of FIG. 2 provides representative club head
specifications for each of the three exemplary club head variations
"TS 6" 206, "TS 12" 208 and "TS 18" 210, as well as a comparison of
those specifications with representative loft, lie, and weight
specifications of club heads 202A-P for an exemplary standard adult
golf club set 104K. For example, the club head of a standard adult
driver 202A is shown to have a loft of 10 degrees, a lie of 57
degrees, and a weight of 200 grams, and the club head of an
exemplary modified "TS 6" driver 206A is shown to have a loft of 12
degrees and a lie of 55 degrees to adjust for a lighter weight of
185 grams. The golf club specifications shown in FIG. 2 are
provided by way of illustration only and are not intended to limit
the scope of the present invention.
[0031] In embodiments where different club head options are
provided for each or selected golf club sets 104A-J, a club head
recommendation is made for the golfer at step 335. After the
appropriate golf club set is recommended for the golfer, the method
ends at step 340. At some time in the future, the golfer may return
to the store (or visit a different store) to determine if he/she
has outgrown the previously recommended golf club set. At such
time, the exemplary club fitting method 300 may again be performed
to determine an appropriate golf club set for the golfer.
[0032] Based on the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention
provides golf club fitting systems and methods based upon the
height of the golfer. Many other modifications, features and
embodiments of the invention will become evident to those of skill
in the art. It should also be appreciated that many aspects of the
invention were described above by way of example only and are not
intended as required or essential elements of the invention unless
explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, it should be understood
that the foregoing relates only to certain exemplary embodiments of
the invention and that numerous changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the following claims. It should be further understood that the
invention is not restricted to the illustrated embodiments and that
various other modifications can be made within the scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *