U.S. patent application number 12/509217 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKE, INC.. Invention is credited to Vincent Contini, Scott Allen Harris, James Alan Prescott, Matthew Paul Rubal, Raymond J. Sander, James S. Thomas, Gregory A. Trees.
Application Number | 20100197423 12/509217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43033366 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100197423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thomas; James S. ; et
al. |
August 5, 2010 |
RELEASABLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTIONS FOR GOLF CLUB HEADS AND
SHAFTS
Abstract
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so they may
be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft orientation with
respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for
connecting the club head and shaft may include a shaft adapter and
a head adapter. The shaft adapter may have an exterior surface
extending along a first axis and a bore having a cross-sectional
shape along a second axis configured to attach to a shaft member.
The second end of the shaft adapter may have a cross-sectional
shape of a regular polygon or a cross-sectional shape defined by
splines. The head adapter has a first end and a second end along a
first axis and a bore having either a shape of a regular polygon or
a cross-sectional shape defined by splines along a second axis that
is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a
plurality of orientations.
Inventors: |
Thomas; James S.; (Fort
Worth, TX) ; Trees; Gregory A.; (Columbus, OH)
; Contini; Vincent; (Powell, OH) ; Sander; Raymond
J.; (Benbrook, TX) ; Prescott; James Alan;
(Columbus, OH) ; Harris; Scott Allen; (Upper
Arlington, OH) ; Rubal; Matthew Paul; (Columbus,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BANNER & WITCOFF, LTD.
1100 13th STREET, N.W., SUITE 1200
WASHINGTON
DC
20005-4051
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKE, INC.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
43033366 |
Appl. No.: |
12/509217 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12366484 |
Feb 5, 2009 |
|
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12509217 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/307 ; 29/428;
473/309; 473/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0466 20130101;
A63B 53/06 20130101; A63B 53/023 20200801; A63B 53/02 20130101;
A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/047 20130101; Y10T 29/49826 20150115; A63B 53/028 20200801;
A63B 60/22 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/307 ; 29/428;
473/309; 473/314 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/02 20060101
A63B053/02; A63B 53/00 20060101 A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club comprising: a shaft; a shaft adapter engaged with
the shaft, the shaft adapter having a first end and a second end
along a first axis, the shaft adapter further comprising a bore
extending along a second axis, wherein one end of the shaft extends
into the shaft adapter on the second axis, and wherein at least a
portion of an exterior surface of the shaft adapter has a
noncircular cross-sectional shape; a head adapter having a first
end and a second end along a first axis, the head adapter further
comprising a bore having a noncircular cross-sectional shape along
a second axis that is shaped to receive and engage the portion of
the exterior surface of the shaft adapter having the noncircular
cross-sectional shape in a non-rotational manner and in a plurality
of different orientations; and a golf club head having a hosel area
engaged with an exterior surface of the head adapter.
2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the noncircular
cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
is defined by splines along the first axis and the noncircular
cross-sectional shape of the bore of the head adapter is defined by
splines along the second axis of the head adapter and is oriented
to receive and engage with the splines on the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter.
3. The golf club of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an
interior chamber of the hosel area of the club head has a
noncircular cross-sectional shape, wherein at least a portion of an
exterior surface of the head adapter has a noncircular
cross-sectional shape that may be received within and engage the
noncircular cross-sectional shape the hosel area in a
non-rotational manner and in a plurality of different
orientations.
4. The golf club of claim 3, wherein the noncircular
cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the head adapter
is defined by splines along the first axis and the noncircular
cross-sectional shape the interior chamber of the hosel area is
defined by splines oriented to receive and engage with the splines
on the exterior surface of the head adapter.
5. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the second axis of the shaft
adapter is off-set from the first axis of the shaft adapter at
about 1 degree.
6. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the second axis of the head
adapter is off-set from the first axis of the shaft adapter at
about 2 degrees.
7. A method for assembling a golf club comprising: attaching a
shaft member to a shaft adapter having a first end and a second end
along a first axis, wherein the shaft member is inserted within a
bore defined in the shaft adapter along a second axis, wherein at
least a portion of an exterior surface of the shaft adapter has a
noncircular cross-sectional shape; and inserting the shaft adapter
within a bore of a head adapter, wherein the head adapter comprises
a first end and a second end along a first axis and wherein the
bore has a noncircular cross-sectional shape along a second axis
that is shaped to receive and engage the portion of the exterior
surface of the shaft adapter having the noncircular cross-section
in a non-rotational manner and in a plurality of different
orientations.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the noncircular cross-sectional
shape of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter is defined by
splines along the first axis and the noncircular cross-sectional
shape of the bore of the head adapter is defined by splines along
the second axis of the head adapter and are oriented to receive and
engage with the splines on the exterior surface of the shaft
adapter.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of an exterior
surface of the head adapter has a noncircular cross-sectional shape
defined by splines along the first axis, and wherein at least a
portion of an interior chamber of a hosel area of a club head has a
noncircular cross-sectional shape defined by splines oriented to
receive and engage with the splines on the exterior surface of the
head adapter, and wherein the method further comprises: inserting
the head adapter into the hosel area of the club head such that the
splines of the exterior surface of the head adapter engage the
splines in the interior chamber of the hosel area in a
non-rotational manner.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the head adapter is integrally
formed as part of a hosel area of a club head.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the noncircular cross-sectional
shape of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter is defined by
splines along the first axis and the hosel area of the club head
has a noncircular cross-sectional shape defined by splines oriented
to receive and engage with the splines on the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter.
12. The method of claim 7, further comprising: removing the shaft
adapter from the head adapter and reinserting the second end of the
shaft adapter into the bore of the head adapter in a different
orientation.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: removing the head
adapter from the hosel area of the club head and reinserting the
head adapter into the hosel area of the club head in a different
orientation.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein the second axis of the shaft
adapter is off-set from the first axis of the shaft adapter at
about 1 degree.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein the second axis of the head
adapter is off-set from the first axis of the shaft adapter at
about 2 degrees.
16. A golf club head and shaft connecting system, comprising: a
shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first
axis, the shaft adapter further comprising a bore extending along a
second axis configured to attach to a shaft member on the second
axis, wherein at least a portion of an exterior surface of the
shaft adapter is configured to engage a head adapter and has a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines along the first axis; and
a head adapter having a first end and a second end along a first
axis, the head adapter further comprising a bore having a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines along a second axis that
are shaped to receive and engage with the splines provided on the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter in a plurality of
orientations, and wherein an exterior surface of the second end of
the head adapter is configured to engage a hosel area of a club
head.
17. A golf club head and shaft connecting system of claim 16,
further comprising: instructions for instructing a person to
perform a method of: inserting a shaft member into the bore at the
first end of the shaft adapter; and inserting the second end of the
shaft adapter into the bore of the head adapter in one of a
plurality of different orientations.
18. The golf club head and shaft connecting system of claim 17,
further comprising: a club head having a hosel area with a
cross-sectional area defined by splines oriented to receive and
engage with the second end of the head adapter, and wherein the
instructions further instruct a person to perform the method of:
inserting the head adapter into the hosel area of the club head at
one of a plurality of different orientations.
19. The golf club head and shaft connecting system of claim 18,
further comprising: information relating to a face angle, a lie
angle, and a loft angle of the club head in relation to at least
one of different orientations of the shaft adapter and the head
adapter with respect to one another or different orientations of
the shaft adapter and the head adapter with respect to the hosel
area of the club head.
20. A golf club comprising: a shaft; a shaft adapter engaged with
the shaft, the shaft adapter having a first end and a second end
along a first axis, the shaft adapter further comprising a bore
extending along a second axis, wherein one end of the shaft extends
into the shaft adapter on the second axis, and wherein at least a
portion of an exterior surface of the shaft adapter has a
noncircular cross-sectional shape; and a golf club head having a
hosel area integrally formed with a bore having a noncircular
cross-sectional shape extending along a first axis that is shaped
to receive and engage the portion of the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter having the noncircular cross-sectional shape in a
non-rotational manner and in a plurality of different orientations.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/366,484, filed Feb. 5, 2009,
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club
heads. More particularly, aspects of this invention relate to golf
clubs having releasable connections between the golf club head and
the shaft and head/shaft position adjusting features to allow easy
interchange of shafts and heads and to allow easy modification of
the head/shaft positioning properties. Additionally, features of
this invention are similar in structure and function to features of
the invention as described, for example, in U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/774,513 filed Jul. 6, 2007 in the names of Gary G.
Tavares, et al., which application is entirely incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players--players of
different genders and dramatically different ages and/or skill
levels. Golf is somewhat unique in the sporting world in that such
diverse collections of players can play together in golf events,
even in direct competition with one another (e.g., using
handicapped scoring, different tee boxes, in team formats, etc.),
and still enjoy the golf outing or competition. These factors,
together with the increased availability of golf programming on
television (e.g., golf tournaments, golf news, golf history, and/or
other golf programming) and the rise of well known golf superstars,
at least in part, have increased golf's popularity in recent years,
both in the United States and across the world.
[0004] Golfers at all skill levels seek to improve their
performance, lower their golf scores, and reach that next
performance "level." Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment
have responded to these demands, and in recent years, the industry
has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment.
For example, a wide range of different golf ball models now are
available, with balls designed to complement specific swing speeds
and/or other player characteristics or preferences, e.g., with some
balls designed to fly farther and/or straighter; some designed to
provide higher or flatter trajectories; some designed to provide
more spin, control, and/or feel (particularly around the greens);
some designed for faster or slower swing speeds; etc. A host of
swing and/or teaching aids also are available on the market that
promise to help lower one's golf scores.
[0005] Being the sole instrument that sets a golf ball in motion
during play, golf clubs also have been the subject of much
technological research and advancement in recent years. For
example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in
putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts, and grips in recent
years. Additionally, other technological advancements have been
made in an effort to better match the various elements and/or
characteristics of the golf club and characteristics of a golf ball
to a particular user's swing features or characteristics (e.g.,
club fitting technology, ball launch angle measurement technology,
ball spin rates, etc.).
[0006] Given the recent advances, there is a vast array of golf
club component parts available to the golfer. For example, club
heads are produced by a wide variety of manufacturers in a variety
of different models. Moreover, the individual club head models may
include multiple variations, such as variations in the loft angle,
lie angle, offset features, weighting characteristics (e.g., draw
biased club heads, fade biased club heads, neutrally weighted club
heads, etc.). Additionally, the club heads may be combined with a
variety of different shafts, e.g., from different manufacturers;
having different stiffnesses, flex points, kick points, or other
flexion characteristics, etc.; made from different materials; etc.
Between the available variations in shafts and club heads, there
are literally hundreds of different club head/shaft combinations
available to the golfer.
[0007] Club fitters and golf professionals can assist in fitting
golfers with a golf club head/shaft combination that suits their
swing characteristics and needs. Conventionally, however, golf club
heads are permanently mounted to shafts using cements or adhesives.
Therefore, to enable a golfer to test a variety of head/shaft
combinations, the club fitter or professional must carry a wide
selection of permanently mounted golf club head/shaft combinations
(which takes up a considerable amount of storage space and
inventory costs) or the club fitter or professional must build new
clubs for the customer as the fitting process continues (which
takes a substantial amount of time and inventory costs). The
disadvantages associated with these conventional options serve to
limit the choices available to the golfer during a fitting session
and/or significantly increase the expense and length of a
session.
SUMMARY
[0008] The following presents a general summary of aspects of the
invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the
invention and various features of it. This summary is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but it simply
provides a general overview and context for the more detailed
description that follows.
[0009] Aspects of this invention relate to systems and methods for
connecting golf club heads to shafts in a releasable manner so that
the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so
that the angle and/or position of the shaft with respect to the
club head body (and its ball striking face) can be readily changed.
Golf club head/shaft connection assemblies in accordance with
examples of this invention may include a shaft adapter with an
exterior surface having a cross-sectional shape of a regular
polygon or a noncircular cross-sectional shape defined by splines.
The shaft adapter further comprises an interior bore provided along
an axis offset from the axis of the exterior surface. The shaft
adapter is configured to attach to a shaft member. The shaft
adapter according to some examples of the invention is also
configured to securely and releasably engage a head adapter.
[0010] The head adapter includes a bore having the shape of a
regular polygon or a noncircular cross-sectional shaped defined by
splines along an offset axis with respect to the exterior surface
of the head adapter. The head adapter is shaped to receive the
shaft adapter in a plurality of different orientations. For
example, the bore of the head adapter may have a cross-sectional
shape defined by splines, wherein the splines are adapted to mate
with the splines on the exterior surface of the shaft adapter to
prevent rotational movement around the axis. In further
embodiments, the invention comprises a golf club with a club head
having a hosel area that may receive the head adapter as described
above in a plurality of different orientations. Yet in other
embodiments, the head adapter may be formed integral with a hosel
area of a club head (as a unitary, one piece construction). In
further embodiments, the head adapter may be inserted into the
hosel area through a space in the bottom of the golf club head
along the same axis as the hosel area, and further secured in place
by a bolt or other known technique. In still yet further
embodiments, the golf club further comprises a shaft member,
wherein the shaft adapter may be integral with the shaft member (as
a unitary, one piece construction).
[0011] Further aspects of this invention relate to methods of
assembling a golf club. According to one exemplary method, a shaft
member is attached to the shaft adapter having a first end and a
second end along a first axis, wherein the shaft member is inserted
within a bore provided along a second axis. The method may further
comprise inserting the second end of the shaft adapter within a
bore of a head adapter, wherein the head adapter comprises a first
end and a second end along a first axis and wherein the bore has
the cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon along a second axis
that is shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a
plurality of different orientations. Alternatively, the bore of the
head adapter may have a cross-sectional shape defined by splines,
shaped to receive the second end of the shaft adapter, the exterior
of which may also be defined by splines.
[0012] Other methods according to certain embodiments of the
invention may further comprise inserting the head adapter into a
hosel area of a club head. In select embodiments, the head adapter
may be inserted into the hosel area in one of a plurality of
different orientations. Further methods may include removing the
shaft adapter from the head adapter and reinserting the second end
of the shaft adapter into the bore of the head adapter in a
different orientation and/or removing the head adapter from the
hosel area of the club head and reinserting the head adapter into
the hosel area of the club head in a different orientation.
[0013] Further aspects of the invention relate to marketing,
selling, manufacturing, or utilizing one or more components of the
golf club as a kit. The kit, including at least the shaft adapter
and the head adapter as described above, may be associated with
instructions for constructing a golf club by choosing between one
or more heads, shafts, shaft adapters, grips, head adapters, etc.
Furthermore, the shaft and/or the shaft adapter may be angled with
respect to the axial direction of the club head hosel or club head
engaging member so as to allow adjustment of the angle or position
of the shaft with respect to the club head (e.g., with respect to
its ball striking face). Instructions for making the adjustments
and/or information detailing the characteristics of the club in
relation to the adjustments may also be provided as part of one or
more kits in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A more complete understanding of the present invention and
certain advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the
following detailed description in consideration with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a frontal view of an exemplary
golf club according to embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
shaft adapter according to certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
head adapter engaging a shaft adapter according to certain
embodiments of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an example golf club having a
shaft adapter and a head adapter according to one embodiment of the
invention;
[0019] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the rotation of an example shaft
adapter in relation to a club head according to one embodiment of
the invention, and FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate the rotation of an
exemplary shaft adapter and an exemplary head adapter in relation
to a club head in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a table comprising exemplary information
relating to the adjustment of the shaft adapter in relation to the
club head according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
shaft adapter according to another example structure of the
invention;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
head adapter engaging a shaft adapter according to another example
structure of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an example golf club having a
shaft adapter and a head adapter according to another example
structure of the invention;
[0024] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the rotation of an example
shaft adapter in relation to a club head according to one example
of the invention, and FIGS. 10C and 10D illustrate the rotation of
an exemplary shaft adapter and an exemplary head adapter in
relation to a club head in accordance with another example of the
invention; and
[0025] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate the interconnection of an
example shaft adapter and a head adapter according to alternative
examples of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 12A illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of
an example shaft adapter/head adapter assembly according to another
example structure of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 12B is an exploded view of an example golf club having
a shaft adapter and a head adapter according to the example
structure depicted in FIG. 12A.
[0028] FIG. 13A illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of
an example shaft adapter/head adapter assembly according to a
further example structure of the invention.
[0029] FIG. 13B is an exploded view of an example golf club having
a shaft adapter and a head adapter according to the example
structure depicted in FIG. 13A.
[0030] The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] In the following description of various example structures
in accordance with the invention, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which are
shown by way of illustration various example connection assemblies,
golf club heads, and golf club structures in accordance with the
invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that other specific
arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and
structural and functional modifications may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the
terms "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "rear," "side,"
"underside," "overhead," and the like may be used in this
specification to describe various example features and elements of
the invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of
convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the
figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Nothing in this
specification should be construed as requiring a specific three
dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall
within the scope of this invention.
[0032] In general, as described above, aspects of this invention
relate to systems and methods for connecting golf club heads to
shafts in a releasable manner so that the club heads and shafts can
be readily interchanged and/or repositioned with respect to one
another. Specific examples of the invention are described in more
detail below. The reader should understand that these specific
examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the
invention, and they should not be construed as limiting the
invention.
A. Examples of Specific Embodiments
1. Exemplary Club Structure
[0033] FIG. 1 generally illustrates an exemplary golf club 100 in
accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention.
Exemplary club 100 includes a club head 102, a releasable club
head/shaft connection system 104 that connects the club head 102 to
a shaft member 106 (which will be described in more detail below),
and a grip member 108 engaged with the shaft member 106. While a
driver/wood-type golf club head 102 is illustrated in FIG. 1,
aspects of this invention may be applied to any type of club head,
including, for example: fairway wood club heads; iron type golf
club heads (of any desired loft, e.g., from a 0-iron or 1-iron to a
wedge); wood or iron type hybrid golf club heads; putter heads; and
the like. The club heads may be made from suitable materials, in
suitable constructions, in suitable manners, as are known and used
in the art, optionally modified (if necessary, e.g., in size,
shape, etc.) to accommodate the releasable club head/shaft
connection parts.
[0034] The various parts of the club head/shaft connection system
104 may be made from any desired or suitable materials without
departing from this invention. For example, one or more of the
various parts may be made from a metal material, including
lightweight metals conventionally used in golf club head
constructions, such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium, nickel,
alloys of these materials, steel, stainless steel, and the like,
optionally anodized finished materials. Alternatively, if desired,
one or more of the various parts of the connection system 104 may
be made from rigid polymeric materials, such as polymeric materials
conventionally known and used in the golf club industry. The
various parts may be made from the same or different materials
without departing from this invention. In one specific example,
each of the various parts will be made from a 7075 aluminum alloy
material having a hard anodized finish. The parts may be made in
suitable manners as are known and used in the metal working and/or
polymer production arts.
[0035] Any desired materials also may be used for the shaft member
106, including suitable materials that are known and used in the
art, such as steel, graphite, polymers, composite materials,
combinations of these materials, etc. Optionally, if necessary or
desired, the shaft may be modified (e.g., in size, shape, etc.) to
accommodate the releasable club head/shaft connection parts 104.
The grip member 108 may be engaged with the shaft 106 in any
desired manner, including in any suitable manners that are known
and used in the art (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via mechanical
connections, etc.). Any desired materials may be used for the grip
member 108, including suitable materials that are known and used in
the art, such as rubber, polymeric materials, cork, rubber or
polymeric materials with cord or other fabric elements embedded
therein, cloth or fabric, tape, etc. Optionally, if desired, the
grip member 108 (or any suitable handle member) may be releasably
connected to the shaft 106 using a releasable connection like
releasable connection 104 (examples of which will be described in
more detail below).
[0036] The releasable connection 104 between golf club heads and
shafts in accordance with some examples of this invention now will
be described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2 through
6.
2. Exemplary Shaft Adapter
[0037] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
shaft adapter 202 according to one embodiment of the invention. The
shaft adapter 202 may be made from one or more suitable materials
as described above and may comprise materials that are different
than the materials comprising the remaining sections of the golf
club. For example, the shaft adapter 202 may comprise or include
rubber or another compressible material that may increase the
surface tension and/or reduce movement between the shaft adapter
202, the shaft member 106, and/or the head adapter (302, described
below). In yet other embodiments, rubber and/or other materials may
be used to increase shock absorbency and/or to reduce noise during
a ball strike. In yet other embodiments, the shaft adapter 202 may
be constructed from a lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymeric
material (e.g., a rigid polymeric material).
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, shaft adapter 202 has a first end 204
and a second end 206, wherein the first end 204 is along the same
axis 208 as the second end 206. The shaft adapter 202 further
comprises a bore 210 along a second axis 212 configured to attach
to a shaft member 106 on the second axis 212. Thus, the cylindrical
exterior of the shaft adapter 202 extends in one axial direction
(along axis 208) from the first end 204 to the second end 206,
while the cylindrical bore 210 that receives the shaft member 106
extends in a different axial direction (axis 212). Those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate upon review of this disclosure that
there are various combinations of structural elements and/or
processes that may be used to implement the two axes 208, 212 of
shaft adapter 202. The angular difference between the first axis
208 and the second axis 212, may be any angle without departing
from this invention, e.g., at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5
degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5
degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.
[0039] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the bore 210 has
a circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., to receive a conventionally
shaped round shaft. If desired, however, the cross-sectional shape
of the bore 210 may be, for example, a polygon having any number of
sides, such as: 12 or fewer sides, 10 or fewer sides, eight or
fewer sides, six or fewer sides, or even four or fewer sides. The
cross-sectional shape of the bore 210 may be configured to have a
size and shape adapted to inhibit rotation of the shaft member 106
with respect to the shaft adapter 202. This may be due to the shaft
adapter's bore 210 having the same general polygon shape as the
shaft member 106. Yet in other embodiments, only a portion of the
bore 210 engages or mates with the shaft member 106, however, the
mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 202 within the shaft
member 106. In some more specific example structures according to
the invention, a portion of the shaft member 106 will have a square
or rectangular cross-section and the bore 210 of the shaft adapter
202 will include a multi-sided polygon shaped opening (e.g., with
4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 sides) that receives shaft member 106.
Alternatively, if desired, the shaft adapter 202 may be permanently
engaged with the shaft member 106, e.g., using cements or
adhesives, using fusing techniques (such as welding, brazing, or
soldering), etc., particularly in example structures in which the
bore 210 and the shaft member 106 have round cross-sections.
[0040] In some example embodiments, at least one of the bore 210
and/or the shaft member 106 may have a different quantity of
"sides" or protrusions than the other, however, the cross-sectional
shapes of the various structures still allow the secure insertion
of the shaft member 106 within the shaft adapter's bore 210 without
allowing the shaft member 106 to rotate freely within the bore 210.
In one such embodiment, the number of "sides" of the either the
bore 210 or the shaft member 106 is a multiple of the number of
sides on the other. Other such rotation-inhibiting structures and
arrangements also are possible without departing from this
invention. For example, either one or both of the shaft adapter 202
and/or the shaft member 106 may include mechanical structures, such
as spring loaded pins or other extending structures that extend
into openings, slots, or ridges (e.g., akin to attachment of
hydraulic hoses to their hydraulic oil supply connection elements).
Detent mechanisms and other physical (and optionally static)
securing structures that fit into openings, slots, or ridges also
may be used as a releasable rotation-inhibiting connection without
departing from this invention.
[0041] Looking briefly to FIG. 4 (which will be discussed in more
detail below), the shaft adapter 202 is configured to securely
attach to the shaft member 106. The exemplary shaft adapter 202 may
be hollow and may be sized to receive a free end portion of a golf
club shaft, such as shaft member 106. Yet in other embodiments, the
exemplary shaft adapter 202 may be sized to be received within a
hollow portion at the free end of a golf club shaft, such as shaft
member 106. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
the shaft adapter 202 is not required to be hollow and may securely
attach to a club shaft by any suitable methods and mechanisms,
including for example, e.g., via cements or adhesives; via welding,
brazing, soldering, or other fusing techniques; via mechanical
connectors; via a friction fit; etc. In some embodiments, the
connection of the shaft adapter 202 to a shaft member 106, may be
releasable, so as to allow shafts to be easily and quickly
switched. Yet, in other embodiments, the shaft adapter 202 may be
integral to or otherwise permanently affixed to the shaft member
106. As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the exterior surface
of the shaft adapter 202 may be a cross-sectional shape of a
regular polygon. The cross-sectional shape may be, for example, a
polygon having 16 or fewer sides, 12 or fewer sides, 10 or fewer
sides, eight or fewer sides, six or fewer sides, or even four or
fewer sides). In other embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of
the exterior surface of the shaft adapter may be circular. The
cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
is configured to have a size and shape adapted to fit into the head
adapter (as described below) and inhibit rotation of the shaft
adapter 202 with respect to the head adapter 302.
[0042] In some embodiments, the exterior sides of the shaft adapter
202, the shaft member 106 and/or the head adapter (discussed below)
may be tapered in the axial direction such that the diameter of the
component either increases or decreases along the axial direction.
This feature can assist in making the shaft adapter 202 easily fit
into and slide out of the head adapter and/or avoid the need to
maintain extremely strict tolerances in the manufacturing
procedures.
3. Exemplary Head Adapter
[0043] Exemplary connection 104 may further include a head adapter
302. Looking to FIG. 3, the head adapter 302 has a first end 304
and a second end 306. As seen, the first end 304 is along the same
axis (not shown) as the second end 306. The head adapter 302
further comprises a bore 310 along a second axis 312 configured to
receive the shaft adapter 202 on the second axis 312 (in turn the
shaft adapter 202 receives shaft member 106). Thus, the exterior of
the head adapter 302 may extend in one axial direction from the
first end 304 to the second end 306, while the bore 310 that
receives the shaft adapter 202 extends in a different axial
direction (axis 312). Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate upon review of this disclosure there are various
combinations of structural elements and/or processes that may be
used to implement the two axes of head adapter 302 without
departing from the scope of the invention. The angular difference
between the first axis (not shown) and the second axis 312, may be
any angle without departing from this invention, e.g., at least
0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2
degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least
8 degrees.
[0044] As seen in FIG. 3, the bore 310 of the shaft adapter 302 has
the cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon. The cross-sectional
shape may be, for example, a polygon having 12 or fewer sides, 10
or fewer sides, eight or fewer sides, six or fewer sides, or even
four or fewer sides). The cross-sectional shape of the bore 310 is
configured to have a size and shape adapted to inhibit rotation of
the shaft adapter 202 with respect to the head adapter 302. This
may be due to the head adapter's bore 310 having the same general
polygon shape as the exterior surface of the shaft adapter 202, as
described above. Yet in other embodiments, only a portion of the
bore 310 engages or mates with the shaft adapter 202, however, the
mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 202 within the head
adapter 302. In some more specific example structures according to
the invention, the shaft adapter 202 will have a square or
rectangular cross-section and the bore 310 of the head adapter 302
will include a multi-sided polygon shaped opening (e.g., with 4, 8,
12, or 16 sides) that receives the shaft adapter 202.
[0045] Thus, at least one of the bore 310 and/or the exterior
surface of the shaft adapter 202 may have a different quantity of
"sides" or protrusions than the other, however, the cross-sectional
shapes of the various structures still allow the secure insertion
of the shaft adapter 202 within the head adapter's bore 310 without
allowing the shaft adapter 202 to rotate freely within the bore
310. In one such embodiment, the number of "sides" of the either
the bore 310 or the shaft adapter 202 is a multiple of the number
of sides on the other. Still in other embodiments, the bore 310 of
the head adapter 302 may have a circular cross-sectional shape,
i.e., shaped to receive a shaft adapter 202 with an exterior
surface that also has a circular cross-sectional shape. Other such
rotation-inhibiting structures and arrangements also are possible
without departing from this invention. For example, either or both
of the head adapter 302 or the shaft adapter 202 may include
mechanical structures, such as spring loaded pins or other
extending structures that extend into openings, slots, or ridges
(e.g., akin to attachment of hydraulic hoses to their hydraulic oil
supply connection elements). Detent mechanisms and other physical
(and optionally static) securing structures that fit into openings,
slots, or ridges also may be used as a releasable
rotation-inhibiting connection without departing from this
invention.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft adapter 202 may be configured
to fit entirely within the head adapter 302. Yet, in other
embodiments, shaft adapter 202 will extend less than 50% of an
overall axial length of the head adapter 302, and it may extend
less than 35%, less than 25%, or even less than 15% of the overall
axial length of the head adapter 302. This feature can help keep
the overall connection assembly relatively short, compact, and
lightweight. Alternatively, if desired, a portion of the shaft
adapter 202 may remain outside the head adapter 302 (and
optionally, the exterior shape of the shaft adapter 202 outside of
the head adapter may be different from the exterior shape of the
shaft adapter 202 located within the head adapter). As discussed
below in relation to FIG. 6, the configuration of the shaft adapter
202 and its arrangement with respect to the club head body may be
utilized to adjust various positions and/or angles of the ball
striking surface of the golf club head 102 (e.g., lie angle, loft
angle, face angle, etc.).
[0047] In other embodiments, the exemplary head adapter 302 may be
sized to be received within a hollow portion, such as the bore 210
of the shaft adapter 202, for example, as described in relation to
certain embodiments above where the shaft member 106 fits within
the shaft adapter 202. Further, in other embodiments, the head
adapter 302 may be integral to or otherwise permanently affixed to
a club head 402, such as being received with hosel area 404.
B. Methods of Assembling
[0048] FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
golf club 400 according to certain embodiments of the invention.
The exploded view of golf club 400 also highlights one of the
several methods that may be used for constructing golf clubs
according to certain aspects of the invention. According to one
exemplary method, the shaft member 106 is attached to the shaft
adapter 202 having a first end 204 and a second end 206 along a
first axis 208, wherein the shaft member 106 is inserted within a
bore 210 extending along a second axis 212 (axis 212 is shown in
FIG. 2). The shaft member 106 may be permanently fixed to the shaft
adapter 202 (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via fusing techniques
(e.g., welding, soldering, or brazing), etc.) or these parts 106
and 202 may be releasably connected to one another. The method may
further comprise inserting the second end 206 of the shaft adapter
202 within a bore 310 of a head adapter 302, wherein the head
adapter 302 comprises a first end 304 and a second end 306 along a
first axis 308 and wherein the bore 310 has the cross-sectional
shape of a regular polygon along a second axis 312 that is shaped
to receive the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 202 in a
plurality of different orientations. The method may further
comprise inserting the head adapter 302 into a hosel area 404 of a
club head 402 (the hosel area 404 may have an internal opening of a
polygon shape shaped to receive the exterior surface of the second
end of the shaft adapter 302). In select embodiments, the insertion
of the head adapter 302 into the hosel area 404 may be selected
from a plurality of different orientations, for example, as
discussed below in relation to FIGS. 5A-5D and FIG. 6. Accordingly,
further methods may include: removing the shaft adapter 202 from
the head adapter 302 and reinserting the second end 206 of the
shaft adapter 202 into the bore 310 of the head adapter 302 in a
different orientation; and/or removing the head adapter 302 from
the hosel area 404 of the club head 402 and reinserting the head
adapter 302 into the hosel area 404 of the club head 402 in a
different orientation.
[0049] Exemplary hosel area 404 may comprise an interior chamber or
bore for receiving the head adapter 302. The bore may be machined
into the golf club head 402 during manufacturing of the head. In
one embodiment, the hosel area 404 is created by drilling or
otherwise excavating a portion of golf club head 402. In this
regard, at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the hosel area
404 comprises the same materials as the golf club head 402. The
shaft member 106 may be secured to the club head 402 (through the
shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302) in any desired manner,
including releasable connection systems that are known and used in
the art. For example, a threaded nut provided on the shaft member
106 may engage a threaded portion provided on the hosel. As another
example, a threaded bolt may extend through an opening provided in
the club head (e.g., in the club head sole) that engages a threaded
portion provided in the bottom of the shaft member 106, the shaft
adapter 202, and/or the head adapter 302. Other releasable
connection systems, like those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,269
(Bruce D. Burrows) and U.S. Published Patent Appln. No.
2004/0018886 (Bruce D. Burrows) may be used without departing from
this invention. These patents are each entirely incorporated herein
by reference. The connection system may also be releasably engaged
in any of the manners described below.
C. Adjusting the Head Adapter and the Shaft Adapter
[0050] Because the axis of the bore 210 in the shaft adapter 202 is
offset from the axis of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
202, and because the axis of the bore in the head adapter 302 is
offset from the axis of its exterior surface, rotation of either of
these adapters with respect to the club head 402 will change the
position of the shaft member 106 with respect to the ball striking
face of the club head. FIGS. 5A-5D each show a top view of a
portion of a golf club according to various embodiments of the
invention where both the shaft adapter 202 and head adapter 302 may
be placed in one of several rotational orientations in relation to
club head 402. Specifically, looking to FIG. 5A, shaft member 106
is securely retained within shaft adapter 202. As seen, shaft
adapter 202 has an outer exterior shape of an octagon, which
engages and mates with the head adapter 302, which has an
octagon-shaped inner perimeter bore for receiving the shaft adapter
202. As discussed above, the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter
302 are not required to be the same shape, but rather only required
to mate in each other in one of several rotational orientations in
relation to one another and/or in relation to the club head 402,
for example, as also described below.
[0051] The exemplary shaft adapter 202 of FIGS. 5A-5D comprises
indicia 502 and the exemplary head adapter 302 comprises indicia
504. Indicia 502 on shaft adapter 202 indicates the rotational
position of the shaft adapter 202 with respect to the head adapter
302, and subsequently the club head 402. Indicia 504 on head
adapter 302 indicates the rotational position of the head adapter
302 in relation to the club head 402 and also the shaft adapter
202. The indicia 502, 504 are advantageous to allow users to better
record the club head/shaft orientation and/or to allow a reliable
return to a previous position after rotation of one or more of the
components in relation to the shaft member 106 has taken place.
Because both the exemplary shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter
302 are generally octagon-shaped in this example structure, there
are 64 rotational orientations they may engage and securely mate in
a releasable manner. Therefore, the following discussion will refer
to the positions of the head adapter 202 and the shaft adapter 302
as being in a rotational position ranging from 1 to 8, where
position 1 refers to when the indicia 502, 504 are at the 12
o'clock position in FIG. 5A and the subsequent positions are
consecutively numbered in a clockwise fashion. In yet further
embodiments, if desired, club head 106 may be marked with
indicia.
[0052] Depending on how the shaft adapter 202 and/or the head
adapter 302 are positioned in relation to the "face" of the club
head 102, the playing characteristics of the club may be modified.
This feature, along with the releasable connection system 104,
allows club fitters (or others) to freely and easily adjust various
angles and/or positions of the shaft member 106 with respect to the
club head 102 (e.g., variable lie, loft, and face angle
combinations) while still using the same shaft 106 and/or head 102,
which can help users more easily determine the optimum club
head/shaft combination and arrangement to suit their needs. Looking
to FIG. 5A, indicia 502 indicates that the shaft adapter 202 is in
position 1, and indicia 504 indicates that the head adapter 302 is
also in position 1. As seen in FIG. 5B, the shaft adapter 202 (and
thus the shaft 106) has been rotated to position 2, while the head
adapter 302 remains in position 1.
[0053] Repositioning the shaft adapter 202 in relation to the head
adapter 302 may be advantageous to adjust the club head/shaft
orientation by a known factor. For example, information may be
associated with the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302
relating to the angle of the offset-axes of the bores 210, 310. The
information may be provided with the adapters 202, 302, may be
printed, engraved, or otherwise marked on the adapters 202, 302,
themselves, or may otherwise be made available.
[0054] FIG. 6 provides table 600 which shows exemplary information
relating to adjusting the shaft adapter 202 in relation to the club
head 402 (while the head adapter 302 remains at a constant position
with respect to the club head 402). The information relates to the
example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, where both the shaft adapter
202 and the head adapter 302 are generally octagon shaped. In the
specific embodiment, the shaft adapter's bore 210 is offset at
about 2 degrees from center and the head adapter's bore 310 is
offset at about 1 degree from center, however the offset angle may
be within the range of 0.25 to 4 degrees, and in some examples, by
an angle within the range of 0.5 to 2 degrees. Table 600 shows the
changes to the face angle (column 604), lie angle (column 606), and
the loft (column 608) from rotating the shaft adapter 202 with
respect to the head adapter 302, one-eighth of the full rotation
(or about 45 degrees) in a clock-wise direction. As seen in the
first line of column 602, the shaft adapter 202 is set to position
1 (thus as shown in FIG. 5A, indicia 502 is at the 12 o'clock
position). When the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302 are
set to position 1 (as shown in FIG. 5A), the face angle and the
loft are not changed, however, the lie angle is located at +3
degrees (see line 610 of FIG. 6).
[0055] When the shaft adapter 202, however, is set to position 2
(or rotated about 45 degrees in the clock-wise direction) and the
head adapter 302 remains in position 1, for example, as shown in
FIG. 5B, the face angle is adjusted -0.7 degrees, the lie angle
changes to +2.4 degrees, and the loft increases 1.2 degrees (See
line 612 of FIG. 6). As shown in the remainder of table 600, the
face angle, lie angle, and loft may be adjusted to known quantities
by repositioning the shaft adapter 202 in relation to the head
adapter 302. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, the head adapter 302
may also be adjusted, either independently or in combination with
the repositioning of the shaft adapter.
[0056] In further embodiments, the "sides" of the shaft adapter 202
and/or the head adapter 302 may include protrusions on the
perimeter. For example, the components may have a generally
circular shape, however, protrusions may be placed or otherwise
disposed on the perimeter of the structure such as to create
substantially the same effect as the "walls." Indeed, any
structures, shapes, extensions or the like whose characteristics
mimic traditional sides are within the scope of the invention and
are encompassed within the term "sides" as used herein. In some
more specific exemplary structures according to the invention, the
rotation inhibiting structure of the interior chamber will have a
square or rectangular cross-section. In yet other embodiments, the
interior chamber may be irregularly shaped such that the "sides"
are not equal. This may be useful, for example, where it is
desirable that a shaft not be inserted in a manner that would not
provide good club characteristics. In one embodiment, there are a
plurality of possible configurations that the shaft adapter may be
received within the golf club head, wherein at least one
configuration provides different club characteristics than another
configuration.
D. Additional Aspects of the Invention
1. Generally
[0057] The releasable connection assemblies may be provided in any
desired structures and/or used in any desired manner without
departing from the invention. The clubs with such connection
assemblies may be designed for use by the golfer in play (and
optionally, if desired, the golfer may freely change shafts, heads,
and/or their positioning with respect to one another). As another
example, if desired, clubs including releasable connections in
accordance with the invention may be used as club fitting tools and
when the desired combination of head, shaft, and positioning have
been determined for a specific golfer, a club builder may use the
determined information to then produce a final desired golf club
product using suitable (and permanent) mounting techniques (e.g.,
cements or adhesives). Other variations in the club/shaft
connection assembly parts and processes are possible without
departing from this invention.
2. Kits
[0058] As additional example aspects of this invention, one or more
elements or components of a golf club and/or its connection
assembly may be marketed, sold, or utilized as a kit. One such
embodiment may include a kit comprising a golf club head having an
interior chamber configured to receive an insertable head adapter
302. In yet other embodiments, the head adapter 302 may be
permanently affixed to or otherwise formed as a part of the golf
club head. Additionally or alternatively, the kit further may
include the shaft adapter 202 and/or a shaft member 106.
[0059] Kits may be associated with instructions for constructing a
golf club with the head and choosing between one or more shafts,
shaft adapters, and/or other elements to construct a golf club. In
certain embodiments, the instructions will describe a method for:
inserting a shaft member 106 into the bore 210 at the first end 204
of the shaft adapter 202; inserting the second end 206 of the shaft
adapter 202 into the bore 310 of the head adapter 302 in one of a
plurality of different orientations; and/or inserting the head
adapter 302 into the hosel area of a club head 402, wherein the
head adapter 302 may be fit within the hosel area at a plurality of
different orientations. In yet further embodiments, the kit may
include information relating to the face angle, lie angle, and loft
angle of the club head 402 in relation to the different
orientations of the shaft adapter 202 and/or the head adapter 302
in the hosel area of the club head 402.
[0060] A kit may contain one or more shafts, shaft adapters, heads,
and/or instructions depending on the various embodiments. The kits
may further comprise information relating to the face angle, lie
angle, and loft angle of the club head in relation to an
orientation of a specific shaft adapter and/or head adapter in the
interior chamber of a specific club head. One skilled in the art
will readily appreciate that the instructions are not required to
be printed and remain physically present with the other components
of the kit, but rather the instructions may be provided on a
computer-readable medium. Such instructions may reside on a server
that the user may access. In accordance with certain embodiments,
the user may be provided information, such as a link to an address
on the Internet, which comprises the instructions, which would fall
within the scope of providing instructions. Thus, as used herein,
providing instructions is not limited to printed copies that are
deliverable with a physical element of the golf club.
3. Axial Direction Change Regions
[0061] Other structures of the golf club 100 may be used in
conjunction with the connection system 104 described above in
connection with FIGS. 2 through 6 to further increase the benefits
of the disclosed golf club. For example, additional structures may
further include an axial direction change region. Exemplary shafts
having one or more direction change regions are disclosed and
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/774,522 which is
entirely incorporated herein by reference. Further, the shaft
adapters and/or head adapters described above may be used with
other releasable golf club head/shaft connection arrangements, such
as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,890,269 (Bruce D. Burrows)
and U.S. Published Patent Appln. No. 2004/0018886 (Bruce D.
Burrows), each of which is entirely incorporated herein by
reference. Moreover, various aspects of the invention described
above may be used in connection with other patented, pending,
and/or commercially available releasable golf club shaft
assemblies.
[0062] Many variations in the overall structure of the shaft, club
head, and club head/shaft connection assembly are possible without
departing from this invention. Furthermore, the various steps of
the described assembly processes may be altered, changed in order,
combined, and/or omitted without departing from the invention.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, in such structures, the
club head can be quickly and easily exchanged for a different one
on the shaft (e.g., a club head of different loft, lie angle, size,
brand, etc.) and/or the shaft can be quickly and easily exchanged
for a different one on the club head (e.g., of different material,
of different flex, with different kick point characteristics,
etc.).
E. Additional Features and Examples of the Invention
[0063] Aspects of the invention described herein may be further
defined by the following additional example structures. The
following example structures are described in reference to the
exemplary club structure described above and depicted in FIG. 1.
The exemplary elements of these structures (discussed separately
below) are depicted together in FIG. 9, which is an exploded
perspective view of an exemplary golf club 900 (also discussed
below).
[0064] 1. Exemplary Shaft Adapter
[0065] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an example
shaft adapter 702 according to this example of the invention. The
example shaft adapter 702 is similar to exemplary shaft adapter 202
described above, however the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
702 may be fully or partially defined by splines 716 (which are
also depicted in FIG. 9) extending along the vertical axis 708. The
shaft adapter 702 may be made from one or more suitable materials
as described above and may comprise materials that are different
than the materials comprising the remaining sections of the golf
club. For example, the shaft adapter 702 may be constructed from a
lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymeric material (e.g., a
rigid polymeric material).
[0066] Shaft adapter 702 is generally cylindrically shaped and has
a first end 704 and a second end 706 along the same axis 708. Shaft
adapter 702 further comprises a bore 710 along a second axis 712
configured to attach to a shaft member 106 on the second axis 712.
The exterior of the shaft adapter 702 extends in one axial
direction (along axis 708) from the first end 704 to the second end
706, while the cylindrical bore 710 that receives the shaft member
106 may extend in a different axial direction (axis 712). According
to the example structure depicted in FIGS. 7-9, the exterior of
shaft adapter 702 may further be defined by flange 714, which is
adapted to be received by, and mate with, an opening 816 of the
head adapter 802 (as shown in FIG. 8). Alternatively, the bottom
surface of flange 714 may simply rest against the top surface of
head adapter 802. Those skilled in the art will recognize that
there are various combinations of structural elements and/or
processes that may be used to implement the two axes 708 and 712 of
shaft adapter 702. Similar to the example structure 202 described
above, the angular difference between the first axis 708 and the
second axis 712 of shaft adapter 702, may be any angle without
departing from this invention, e.g., at least 0.25 degrees, at
least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least
2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.
[0067] In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the bore 710 has a
circular cross-sectional shape, e.g., to receive a
conventionally-shaped round shaft. If desired, however, the
cross-sectional shape of the bore 710 may be configured to have a
size and shape adapted to inhibit rotation of the shaft member 106
with respect to the shaft adapter 702. For example, the shape of
the bore itself may be defined by vertical splines that are shaped
to receive and engage a shaft member with a partially splined
exterior. As described above with respect to shaft adapter 202,
shaft adapter 702 may be configured in a number of ways such that
bore 710 engages or mates with the shaft member 106, and such that
the mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 702 within the
shaft member 106. In still other structures, the shaft adapter 702
may be permanently engaged with the shaft member 106 (for example,
via cements or adhesives; via welding, brazing, soldering, or other
fusing techniques; via mechanical connectors; via a friction fit;
etc.) particularly in example structures in which the bore 710 and
the shaft member 106 have round cross-sections. Those skilled in
the art will readily appreciate the number of different ways in
which shaft adapter 702 and shaft member 106 may be joined.
[0068] Other such rotation-inhibiting structures and arrangements
also are possible without departing from the invention. For
example, either one or both of the shaft adapter 702 and/or the
shaft member 106 may include mechanical structures, such as spring
loaded pins or other extending structures that extend into
openings, slots, or ridges (e.g., akin to attachment of hydraulic
hoses to their hydraulic oil supply connection elements). Detent
mechanisms and other physical (and optionally static) securing
structures that fit into openings, slots, or ridges also may be
used as a releasable rotation-inhibiting connection without
departing from this invention.
[0069] Looking briefly to FIG. 9 (which will be discussed in more
detail below), the shaft adapter 702 is configured to securely
attach to the shaft member 106. The exemplary shaft adapter 702 may
be hollow and may be sized to receive a free end portion of a golf
club shaft, such as shaft member 106. Thus, in some example
structures, the connection of the shaft adapter 702 to a shaft
member 106, may be releasable, so as to allow shafts to be easily
and quickly switched. Yet, in other structures, the shaft adapter
702 may be integral to or otherwise permanently affixed to the
shaft member 106.
[0070] As further illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the exterior
surface of the shaft adapter 702 at the second end 706 may have a
cross-sectional shape that is defined by splines extending along
the shaft adapter's axis 708. The splines may create ridges along
the surface that are sized to mate and engage in a fixed position
with splines of another surface, such as the interior of the head
adapter 802 depicted in FIG. 8. The splines may consist of ridges
in the surface of the material comprising the shaft adapter 702 and
may be machined according to a variety of known techniques, e.g.,
by extrusion, molding, casting, or any other known manufacturing
techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. According to the
structure depicted in FIG. 7, the splines may extend up to flange
714. Also, in the example structure depicted, flange 714 is adapted
to rest on top 816 of the head adapter 802 depicted in FIG. 8 (the
head adapter 802 of FIG. 8 is described in more detail below).
Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter 702 is configured to have a size and shape adapted to
fit into the head adapter 802 (as described below) and inhibit
rotation of the shaft adapter 702 with respect to the head adapter
802.
[0071] According to aspects of the invention described herein, the
splines 716, 820 and 906 (each of which is further described below)
may consist of alternating ridges and grooves which are triangular,
rounded, squared off, or generally trapezoidal in shape. The
splines 716 (or polygonal cross-sectional area) may extend along
any portion of the longitudinal length of the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter 702 (or of the head adapter 802 or of the bore of
the hosel area 904) without departing from this invention. For
example, the splines 716 may extend from 10-100% of the overall
longitudinal length of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
702, and in some example structures, the splines may extend from
15-80% of the overall longitudinal length or even from 20-60% of
the overall longitudinal length. The portion of the exterior
surface including the splines 716 also may be located at any
desired position along the longitudinal length without departing
from this invention, such as extending upward from the second end
706, extending from the flange area 714 toward the second end 706,
etc. The splines 716 may also extend only partially around the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter 702. For example, the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter 702 may be defined by bands
of splines 716 spaced evenly around the exterior surface that
extend along the longitudinal length or along axis 708 of the shaft
adapter 702.
[0072] In some example structures, the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter 702, the shaft member 106 and/or the head adapter
802, at the locations of the noncircular cross-sections, may be
tapered in the axial direction such that the diameter of the
component decreases somewhat from the first end to the second end.
This feature can assist in making the shaft adapter 702 easily fit
into and slide out of the head adapter 802 and/or avoid the need to
maintain extremely strict tolerances in the manufacturing
process.
[0073] 2. Exemplary Head Adapter
[0074] Exemplary connection 104 may further include a head adapter
802 according to additional examples of the invention. The head
adapter 802 may be made from one or more suitable materials as
described above and may comprise materials that are different than
the materials comprising the remaining sections of the golf club.
For example, the head adapter 802 may be constructed from a
lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymeric material (e.g., a
rigid polymeric material). Looking to FIG. 8, the head adapter 802
has a first end 804 and a second end 806. As seen, the first end
804 is along the same axis (not shown) as the second end 806. The
head adapter 802 further comprises a bore 810 along a second axis
812 configured to receive the shaft adapter 702 on the second axis
812 (in turn the shaft adapter 702 receives shaft member 106).
Thus, the exterior of the head adapter 802 may extend in one axial
direction from the first end 804 to the second end 806, while the
bore 810 that receives the shaft adapter 702 extends in a different
axial direction (axis 812). Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate upon review of this disclosure that there are various
combinations of structural elements and/or processes that may be
used to implement the two axes of head adapter 802 without
departing from the scope of the invention. The angular difference
between the first axis (not shown) and the second axis 812, may be
any angle without departing from this invention, e.g., at least
0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2
degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least
8 degrees.
[0075] The bore 810 of the head adapter 802 may have a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines 820 extending along the
vertical axis 812, which are shaped to receive and engage with
splines 716 on the exterior of shaft adapter 702 in a fixed
position. The splines may consist of ridges in the surface of the
material comprising the head adapter 802 and may be machined
according to a variety of known techniques, e.g., by extrusion,
molding, casting, or any other known manufacturing techniques
familiar to those skilled in the art. The cross-sectional shape of
the bore 810 may thus be configured to have a size and shape
adapted to inhibit rotation of the shaft adapter 702 with respect
to the head adapter 802. In other example structures, only a
portion of the bore 810 engages or mates with the shaft adapter
702, however, the mating or other engagement prevents rotation of
the shaft adapter 702 within the head adapter 802. In the specific
example structure depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first end 804 of
head adapter 802 may be defined by a slight impression 816 that is
shaped to receive flange 714 of shaft adapter 702, when shaft
adapter 702 is fitted in bore 810 of head adapter 802.
[0076] Other rotation-inhibiting structures and arrangements are
also possible without departing from this invention. For example,
either or both of the head adapter 802 or the shaft adapter 702 may
include mechanical structures, such as spring loaded pins or other
extending structures that extend into openings, slots, or ridges
(e.g., akin to attachment of hydraulic hoses to their hydraulic oil
supply connection elements). Detent mechanisms and other physical
(and optionally static) securing structures that fit into openings,
slots, or ridges also may be used as a releasable
rotation-inhibiting connection without departing from this
invention.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 8, the shaft adapter 702 may be configured
to fit only partially within the head adapter 802. Yet, in other
structures, the shaft adapter 702 may extend more or less than the
axial length of the head adapter 802. As discussed further below in
relation to FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D, the configuration of the
shaft adapter 702 and its arrangement with respect to the club head
body may be utilized to adjust various positions and/or angles of
the ball striking surface of the golf club head 102 (e.g., lie
angle, loft angle, face angle, etc.).
[0078] In other example structures in accordance with this
invention, the head adapter 802 may be integral to or otherwise
permanently affixed to a club head 902, such as being received
within or integrally formed as part of hosel area 904. In such
structures, there may be no exterior surface of the head adapter
802 (although the hosel bore may extend in an "off-axis" manner
from the hosel exterior surface, if an exterior hosel is present in
the club head structure).
[0079] 3. Methods of Assembling Alternative Example Structures
According to this Invention
[0080] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
golf club 900 according to another example of the invention. The
exploded view of golf club 900 also highlights one of the several
methods that may be used for constructing golf clubs according to
certain aspects of the invention. According to one exemplary
method, the shaft member 106 is attached to the shaft adapter 702
having a first end 704 and a second end 706 along a first axis 708,
wherein the shaft member 106 is inserted within a bore 710
extending along a second axis 712 (axis 712 is shown in FIG. 7).
The shaft member 106 may be permanently fixed to the shaft adapter
702 (e.g., via cements or adhesives, via fusing techniques (e.g.,
welding, soldering, or brazing), etc.) or these parts 106 and 702
may be releasably connected to one another. The method may further
comprise inserting the second end 706 of the shaft adapter 702
within a bore 810 of a head adapter 802, wherein the head adapter
802 comprises a first end 804 and a second end 806 along a first
axis 808 and wherein the bore 810 has a cross-sectional shape
defined by splines 820 and is shaped to receive the splines 716 of
the second end 706 of the shaft adapter 702 in a plurality of
different orientations. The method may further comprise inserting
the head adapter 802 into a hosel area 904 of a club head 902. The
hosel area 904 may have an internal opening with a cross-sectional
shape defined by splines 906 that are shaped to receive the splines
818 of the second end 806 of the head adapter 802 in a plurality of
different orientations. According to select structures, the
insertion of the head adapter 802 into the hosel area 904 may be
selected from a plurality of different orientations, for example,
as discussed below in relation to FIGS. 10A-10D. Accordingly,
further methods according to this invention may include: removing
the shaft adapter 702 from the head adapter 802 and reinserting the
second end 706 of the shaft adapter 702 into the bore 810 of the
head adapter 802 in a different orientation (e.g., at a different
rotational position); and/or removing the head adapter 802 from the
hosel area 904 of the club head 902 and reinserting the head
adapter 802 into the hosel area 904 of the club head 902 in a
different orientation (e.g., at a different rotational
position).
[0081] Exemplary hosel area 904 may comprise an interior chamber or
bore for receiving the head adapter 802. The bore may be machined
into the golf club head 902 during manufacturing of the head
according to machining techniques known to those skilled in the
art. In one example structure, the hosel area 904 is created by
drilling or otherwise excavating a portion of golf club head 902.
In this regard, at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the
hosel area 904 comprises the same materials as the golf club head
902. Further, the shape of the bore may be defined by splines so as
to engageably receive head adapter 802 that has an exterior shape
defined by splines. The shaft member 106 may be secured to the club
head 902 (through the shaft adapter 702 and the head adapter 802)
in any desired manner, including releasable connection systems that
are known and used in the art. As seen in the exploded view of FIG.
9, an exterior portion of the hosel area 904 may have threads 910.
Threads 910 may be used to secure the entire interconnection
assembly by engaging threaded nut 908 over the first end 704 of the
shaft adapter with threads 910 on the exterior surface of the hosel
area 904. As another example, a threaded bolt may extend through an
opening provided in the club head (e.g., in the club head sole)
that engages a threaded portion provided in the bottom of the shaft
member 106, the shaft adapter 702, and/or the head adapter 802.
[0082] 4. Adjusting the Head Adapter and the Shaft Adapter
[0083] Because the axis of the bore 710 in the shaft adapter 702
may be offset from the axis of the exterior surface of the shaft
adapter 702, and because the axis of the bore in the head adapter
802 may be offset from the axis of its exterior surface, rotation
of either of these adapters with respect to the club head 902 will
change the position of the shaft member 106 with respect to the
ball striking face of the club head. The offsets may be an angle
within the range of 0.25 to 4 degrees, and in some examples, the
offset may be by an angle within the range of 0.5 to 2 degrees.
FIGS. 10A-10D each show a top view of a portion of a golf club
according to alternative example structures of the invention where
both the shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802 may be placed in
different rotational orientations in relation to club head 902. In
contrast to the rotation of the structures depicted in FIGS. 5A-5B
wherein the rotation must equal at least one full side of the
polygon, the alternative structures depicted in FIGS. 7-9 allow for
smaller, more incremental rotations. Specifically, looking to FIG.
10A, shaft member 106 is securely retained within shaft adapter
702. As seen in FIGS. 10A-10D, shaft adapter 702 has an outer
exterior shape defined by splines extending along the axis 708 of
shaft adapter 702. The exterior surface of shaft adapter 702
engages and mates with the head adapter 802, having an inner
perimeter bore shape defined by splines extending along the axis
812 of head adapter 802, for receiving the shaft adapter 702. In
FIGS. 10A-10D, the exterior surface of shaft adapter 702 and the
bore of head adapter 802 are similarly shaped, such that the
splines of head adapter 802 receive and engage the splines of shaft
adapter 702 in a number of different rotational orientations in
relation to one another, but also in such a way as to inhibit
rotation and movement.
[0084] The exemplary shaft adapter 702 of FIGS. 10A-10D may include
indicia 1002 and the exemplary head adapter 802 may include indicia
1004. Indicia 1002 on shaft adapter 702 indicates the rotational
position of the shaft adapter 702 with respect to the head adapter
802, and subsequently the club head 902. Indicia 1004 on head
adapter 802 indicates the rotational position of the head adapter
802 in relation to the club head 902 and also the shaft adapter
702. The indicia 1002, 1004 are advantageous to allow users to
better record the club head/shaft orientation and/or to allow a
reliable return to a previous position after rotation of one or
more of the components in relation to the shaft member 106 has
taken place. Because both the exemplary shaft adapter 702 and the
head adapter 802 are shaped as defined by splines 716, 818 and 820,
there are a large number of rotational orientations where they may
engage and securely mate in a releasable manner. Therefore, the
following discussion will refer to the positions of the head
adapter 702 and the shaft adapter 802 as being in incremental
rotational positions. Position 1 refers to when the indicia 1002,
1004 are at the 12 o'clock position in FIG. 10A and the subsequent
positions are described as incremental rotations in a clockwise
fashion. In yet further examples, if desired, club head 902 may be
marked with indicia.
[0085] Depending on how the shaft adapter 702 and/or the head
adapter 802 are positioned in relation to the "face" of the club
head 102, the playing characteristics of the club may be modified.
This feature, along with the releasable connection system 104,
allows club fitters (or others) to freely and easily adjust various
angles and/or positions of the shaft member 106 with respect to the
club head 102 (e.g., variable lie, loft, and face angle
combinations) while still using the same shaft 106 and/or head 102,
which can help users more easily determine the optimum club
head/shaft combination and arrangement to suit their needs. Looking
to FIG. 10A, indicia 1002 indicates that the shaft adapter 702 is
in position 1, and indicia 1004 indicates that the head adapter 802
is also in position 1. As seen in FIG. 10B, the shaft adapter 702
(and thus the shaft 106) has been incrementally rotated in a
clockwise direction, while the head adapter 802 remains in position
1. In FIG. 10C, on the other hand, the head adapter 802 (and thus
the club head 102) has been incrementally rotated in a clockwise
direction, while the shaft adapter 702 remains in position 1. In
FIG. 10D, both the shaft adapter 702 and the head adapter 802 have
been incrementally rotated in a clockwise direction, effectually
rotating both the shaft 106 and the club head 102 with respect to
one another.
[0086] Repositioning the shaft adapter 702 in relation to the head
adapter 802 as described may be advantageous to adjust the club
head/shaft orientation by a known factor. For example, information
may be associated with the shaft adapter 702 and the head adapter
802 relating to the angle of the offset-axes of the bores 710, 810.
The information may be provided with the adapters 702 and 802, may
be printed, engraved, or otherwise marked on the adapters 702 and
802, themselves, or may otherwise be made available. Those skilled
in the art will recognize that FIGS. 10A-10D represent only four
configurations of a large number of rotational orientations where
the shaft adapter 702 and the head adapter 802 may engage and
securely mate in a releasable manner.
[0087] FIGS. 11A and 11B depict top views of a portion of a club
head according to still further examples of the invention described
herein. FIG. 11A depicts a head adapter 1104 that has an exterior
cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon and interior bore with a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines extending along the
vertical axis of head adapter 1104. Shaft adapter 1102 depicted in
FIG. 11A has an exterior cross-sectional shape defined by splines
extending along the vertical axis of shaft adapter 1102, and is
shaped to be received by, and engage with, the vertical splines on
the interior bore of head adapter 1104. FIG. 11B, shows a
configuration similar to FIG. 11A, but FIG. 11B depicts a head
adapter 1108 that has an exterior cross-sectional shape defined by
splines extending along the vertical axis of head adapter 1108 and
an interior bore with a cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon.
Shaft adapter 1106 depicted in FIG. 11B has an exterior
cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon, and is shaped to be
received by, and engage with, the regular polygon shape of the
interior bore of head adapter 1108. The further embodiments
depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B reflect only two of many different
combinations of embodiments that fall within the scope of the
invention, and that would be recognized as such by those skilled in
the art. As a more specific example, any desired polygonal
cross-sectional shapes may be used without departing from this
invention, such as a 3 to 20 sided polygon.
F. Additional Exemplary Structures of the Invention
[0088] Aspects of the invention described herein may be further
defined by the following additional example structures. The
following example structures are described in reference to the
exemplary club structure described above and depicted in FIG.
1.
[0089] 1. Exemplary Shaft Adapter/Head Adapter Assembly with
Bottom-Fed Head Adapter
[0090] FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an adjustable shaft
adapter/head adapter assembly according to another example
structure of the invention. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional
perspective view of an example shaft adapter 1202 and head adapter
1208 according to the example of the invention. FIG. 12B is an
exploded view of the shaft adapter/head adapter assembly depicted
in FIG. 12A.
[0091] The example shaft adapter 1202 is similar to exemplary shaft
adapter 702 described above in that the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter 1202 may be fully or partially defined by splines
1204 (depicted in FIG. 12B) extending along the longitudinal axis
of the shaft adapter 1202. The shaft adapter 1202 may be made from
one or more suitable materials as described above and may comprise
materials that are different than the materials comprising the
remaining sections of the golf club. For example, the shaft adapter
1202 may be constructed from a lightweight metal, metal alloy, or
polymeric material (e.g., a rigid polymeric material).
[0092] Shaft adapter 1202 is generally cylindrically shaped and has
a first end 1206, a middle portion 1208 and a second end 1210 along
the same axis. According to the example structure depicted in FIGS.
12A and 12B, the first end 1206, the middle portion 1208 and the
second end 1210 may exhibit decreasing diameters, respectively. The
first end 1206 may comprise a lip 1212 that is adapted to rest upon
a bearing area 1214 of the hosel area 1216. Shaft adapter 1202
further comprises a bore 1218 configured to attach to a shaft
member 106 along an offset axis 1220. The offset axis 1220 may be
offset from a central hosel axis 1222 by about 2 degrees, however
the offset angle may be any angle without departing from this
invention, e.g., at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at
least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least
4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.
[0093] According to the example structure shown in FIGS. 12A and
12B the bore 1218 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, e.g.,
to receive a conventionally-shaped round shaft. If desired,
however, the cross-sectional shape of the bore 1218 may be
configured to have a size and shape adapted to inhibit rotation of
the shaft member 106 with respect to the shaft adapter 1202. For
example, the shape of the bore itself may be defined by splines
that are shaped to receive and engage a shaft member with a
partially splined exterior. As described above with respect to
shaft adapter 202, shaft adapter 1202 may be configured in a number
of ways such that bore 1218 engages or mates with the shaft member
106, and such that the mating prevents rotation of the shaft
adapter 1202 within the shaft member 106. In still other
structures, the shaft adapter 1202 may be permanently engaged with
the shaft member 106 (for example, via cements or adhesives; via
welding, brazing, soldering, or other fusing techniques; via
mechanical connectors; via a friction fit; etc.) particularly in
example structures in which the bore 1218 and the shaft member 106
have round cross-sections. Those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate the number of different ways in which shaft adapter 1202
and shaft member 106 may be joined.
[0094] Other such rotation-inhibiting structures and arrangements,
with respect to receipt of shaft 106 within shaft adapter 1202, are
also possible without departing from the invention. For example,
either one or both of the shaft adapter 1202 and/or the shaft
member 106 may include mechanical structures, such as spring loaded
pins or other extending structures that extend into openings,
slots, or ridges (e.g., akin to attachment of hydraulic hoses to
their hydraulic oil supply connection elements). Detent mechanisms
and other physical (and optionally static) securing structures that
fit into openings, slots, or ridges also may be used as a
releasable rotation-inhibiting connection without departing from
this invention. Thus, in some example structures, the connection of
the shaft adapter 1202 to a shaft member 106, may be releasable, so
as to allow shafts to be easily and quickly switched. Yet, in other
structures, the shaft adapter 1202 may be integral to or otherwise
permanently affixed to the shaft member 106.
[0095] As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter 1202 may have a cross-sectional shape that is
fully or partially defined by splines 1204 extending along the
shaft adapter's axis 1220. The splines may create ridges along the
surface that are sized to mate and engage in a fixed position with
splines of another surface, such as the interior of the head
adapter 1224. The splines 1204 may consist of ridges in the surface
of the material comprising the shaft adapter 1202 and may be
machined according to a variety of known techniques, e.g., by
extrusion, molding, casting, or any other known manufacturing
techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. According to the
example structure depicted in FIG. 12B, the splines 1204 may extend
along second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202. Thus, the
cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
1202 is configured to have a size and shape adapted to fit into the
head adapter hosel area 1216 (shown in FIG. 12B) and the head
adapter 1224 (inserted in the bottom of club head 1200, as
described below) and inhibit rotation of the shaft adapter 1202
with respect to the head adapter 1224.
[0096] According to aspects of the invention described herein,
splines 1204, the splines within hosel area 1216 and the splines
1230 and 1232 (each of which is further described below) may
consist of alternating ridges and grooves which are triangular,
rounded, squared off, or generally trapezoidal in shape. The
splines 1204 (or polygonal cross-sectional area) may extend along
any portion of the longitudinal length of the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter 1202 (or of the head adapter 1224 or of the bore
of the hosel area 1216) without departing from this invention. For
example, the splines 1204 may extend from 10-100% of the overall
longitudinal length of the exterior surface of the shaft adapter
1202, and in some example structures, the splines may extend from
15-80% of the overall longitudinal length or even from 20-60% of
the overall longitudinal length. The portion of the exterior
surface including the splines 1204 also may be located at any
desired position along the longitudinal length without departing
from this invention, such as extending upward from the second end
1210, extending from the lip area 1212 toward the second end 1210,
etc. The splines 1204 may also extend only partially around the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter 1202. For example, the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter 1202 may be defined by bands
of splines spaced evenly around the exterior surface that extend
along the longitudinal length or along axis 1220 of the shaft
adapter 1202. In addition, the splined areas 1204, 1230 and 1232
may instead have the cross-sectional shape of a regular polygon
with anywhere from 3 up to 20 sides without departing from this
invention.
[0097] In some example structures, the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter 1202, the shaft member 106 and/or the head adapter
1224, at the locations of the noncircular cross-sections, may be
tapered in the axial direction such that the diameter of the
component decreases somewhat across the first end 1206, across the
middle portion 1208, and across the second end 1210. This feature
can assist in making the shaft adapter 1202 easily fit into and
slide out of the head adapter 1224 and/or avoid the need to
maintain extremely strict tolerances in the manufacturing
process.
[0098] Exemplary connection 104 may further include a head adapter
1224 according to the additional example of the invention depicted
in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The head adapter 1224 may be made from one or
more suitable materials as described above and may comprise
materials that are different than the materials comprising the
remaining sections of the golf club. For example, the head adapter
1224 may be constructed from a lightweight metal, metal alloy, or
polymeric material (e.g., a rigid polymeric material). Looking at
FIGS. 12A and 12B, the exemplary head adapter 1224 has a first end
1226 and a second end 1228. As seen, the first end 1226 is along
the same axis (shown as axis 1220 in FIG. 12A) as the second end
1228. The head adapter 1224 further comprises a bore 1231 along a
second axis 1234 configured to receive the shaft adapter 1202 on
the second axis 1234 (in turn the shaft adapter 1202 receives shaft
member 106). Thus, the exterior of the head adapter 1224 may extend
in one axial direction from the first end 1226 to the second end
1228 (axis 1220), while the bore 1231 that receives the shaft
adapter 1202 extends in a different axial direction (axis 1234).
Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate upon review of
this disclosure that there are various combinations of structural
elements and/or processes that may be used to implement the two
axes of head adapter 1224 without departing from the scope of the
invention. The angular difference between the first axis 1220 and
the second axis 1234, may be any angle without departing from this
invention, e.g., at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at
least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least
4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.
[0099] The bore 1231 of the head adapter 1224 may also have a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines 1232 extending
longitudinally within the bore 1231, which are shaped to receive
and engage with splines 1204 on the exterior of shaft adapter 1202
in a fixed position. The splines 1232 may consist of ridges in the
surface of the material comprising the head adapter 802 and may be
machined according to a variety of known techniques, e.g., by
extrusion, molding, casting, or any other known manufacturing
techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. The
cross-sectional shape of the bore 1231 may thus be configured to
have a size and shape adapted to inhibit rotation of the shaft
adapter 1202 with respect to the head adapter 1224. According to
the cross-sectional view, FIG. 12A, only a portion of the bore 1231
engages or mates with the shaft adapter 1202. In other embodiments,
the head adapter 1224 may be sized such that the shaft adapter is
received within the full length of the head adapter 1224.
[0100] In the specific example structure depicted in FIGS. 12A and
12B, club head 1200 may have a space 1242 defined in the bottom of
the club head that provides an opening along the axis 1220 for
receiving the head adapter 1224. As seen in FIG. 12A, the head
adapter 1224 is adapted for insertion in space 1242 such that the
second end 1228 of the head adapter 1224 receives and engages with,
in a rotation-inhibiting fashion, the second end 1210 of the shaft
adapter 1202 in the hosel area 1216 of club head 1200. Space 1242
may be defined by insert interface 1236 as shown in FIG. 12A.
According to the example structure shown in FIG. 12A, head adapter
1224 further comprises a flange 1244 that may rest upon insert
interface 1236. The exterior surface of the head adapter 1224 may
also be defined by splines 1230, which may be configured to be
received by, and engage with in a rotation-inhibiting manner,
splines on the interior surface of the hosel area 1216.
[0101] The shaft adapter 1202/head adapter 1224 assembly may be
secured to the club head by washer 1240 and bolt 1238 as depicted.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are a variety of
ways to secure the implements of FIGS. 12A and 12B. For instance,
instead of bolt 1238, the head adapter 1224 may be permanently
fixed in space 1242 of the hosel area by known techniques.
[0102] Other rotation-inhibiting structures and arrangements are
also possible without departing from this invention. For example,
either or both of the head adapter 1224 or the shaft adapter 1202
may include mechanical structures, such as spring loaded pins or
other extending structures that extend into openings, slots, or
ridges (e.g., akin to attachment of hydraulic hoses to their
hydraulic oil supply connection elements). Detent mechanisms and
other physical (and optionally static) securing structures that fit
into openings, slots, or ridges also may be used as a releasable
rotation-inhibiting connection without departing from this
invention.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 12A, the shaft adapter 1202 may be
configured to fit only partially within the head adapter 1224. Yet,
in other structures, the shaft adapter 1202 may extend more or less
than the axial length of the head adapter 1224. In further example
structures in accordance with this invention, the head adapter 1224
may be integral to or otherwise permanently affixed to a club head
1200, such as being received within or integrally formed as part of
hosel area 1236. In such structures, there may be no exterior
surface of the head adapter 1224 (although the hosel bore may
extend in an "off-axis" manner from the hosel exterior surface, if
an exterior hosel is present in the club head structure).
[0104] The exploded view of the shaft adapter 1202/head adapter
1224 assembly of FIG. 12B further highlights one of the several
methods that may be used for constructing golf clubs according to
certain aspects of the invention. According to the exemplary
method, the shaft member 106 is attached to the shaft adapter 1202,
wherein the shaft member 106 is inserted within a bore 1218
extending along a second axis 1220. The method may further comprise
inserting the second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202 within a
bore 1231 of a head adapter 1224, wherein the bore 1231 has a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines 1232 and is shaped to
receive and engage with splines 1204 of the second end 1210 of the
shaft adapter 1202 in a plurality of different orientations. The
method may further comprise inserting the head adapter 1224 into
the bottom of club head 1200 in area 1242 defined by insert 1236.
This bottom portion of hosel area 1216 may have an internal opening
with a cross-sectional shape defined by splines that are shaped to
receive the splines 1230 of the second end 1228 of the head adapter
1224 in a plurality of different orientations. According to select
structures, the insertion of the head adapter 1224 into the hosel
area defined on the bottom of the clubhead 1236 may be selected
from a plurality of different orientations, for example, as noted
at 1236 of FIG. 12B, indicia 1-8. Accordingly, further methods
according to this invention may include: removing the shaft adapter
1202 from the head adapter 1224 and reinserting the second end 1210
of the shaft adapter 1202 into the bore 1231 of the head adapter
1224 in a different orientation (e.g., at a different rotational
position); and/or removing the head adapter 1224 from the bottom of
the hosel area, 1236, and reinserting the head adapter 1224 into
the bottom of the hosel area 1236 of the club head 1200 in a
different orientation.
[0105] Because the axis of the bore 1218 in the shaft adapter 1202
may be offset from the axis of the exterior surface of the shaft
adapter 1202, and because the axis of the bore 1231 in the head
adapter 1224 may be offset from the axis of its exterior surface,
rotation of either of these adapters with respect to the club head
1200 will change the position of the shaft member 106 with respect
to the ball striking face of the club head. As described in more
detail above with respect to previous example structures, this
feature, along with the releasable connection system 104, allows
club fitters (or others) to freely and easily adjust various angles
and/or positions of the shaft member 106 with respect to the club
head 102 (e.g., variable lie, loft, and face angle combinations)
while still using the same shaft 106 and/or head 102, which can
help users more easily determine the optimum club head/shaft
combination and arrangement to suit their needs.
[0106] 2. Additional Exemplary Shaft Adapter/Head Adapter
Assembly
[0107] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an adjustable shaft
adapter/head adapter assembly according to yet another example
structure of the invention. The shaft adapter/head adapter assembly
depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A and the exploded
view of FIG. 13B is similar to the exemplary structures depicted in
FIGS. 7-9 and FIGS. 12A-12B. Thus, the discussion will be made with
reference to the exemplary structures of FIGS. 7-9 and FIGS.
12A-12B.
[0108] The example shaft adapter 1302 is similar to exemplary shaft
adapters 702 and 1202 described above in that the exterior surface
of the shaft adapter 1302 may be fully or partially defined by
splines 1304 (depicted in FIG. 13B) extending along the
longitudinal axis of the shaft adapter 1302. The shaft adapter 1302
may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above
and may comprise materials that are different than the materials
comprising the remaining sections of the golf club. For example,
the shaft adapter 1302 may be constructed from a lightweight metal,
metal alloy, or polymeric material (e.g., a rigid polymeric
material).
[0109] Shaft adapter 1302 is generally cylindrically shaped and has
a first end 1306 and a second end 1310 along the same axis.
According to the example structure depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B,
shaft adapter 1302 may decrease in diameter from the first end 1306
to the second end 1310. Referring to FIG. 13B, the first end 1306
may comprise an outward-projecting area 1312 that is adapted to
rest upon and mate with a first end 1326 of a head adapter 1324.
Shaft adapter 1302 further comprises a bore 1318 configured to
attach to a shaft member 106 along an offset axis 1320. The offset
axis 1320 may be offset from a central hosel axis 1322 by about 2
degrees, however the offset angle may be any angle without
departing from this invention, e.g., at least 0.25 degrees, at
least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least
2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.
[0110] According to the example structure shown in FIGS. 13A and
13B the bore 1318 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, e.g.,
to receive a conventionally-shaped round shaft. As described above
with respect to shaft adapter 202 and shaft adapter 1202, shaft
adapter 1302 may be configured in a number of ways such that bore
1318 engages or mates with the shaft member 106, and such that the
mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 1302 within the shaft
member 106. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the
number of different ways in which shaft adapter 1302 and shaft
member 106 may be joined.
[0111] As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter 1302 may have a cross-sectional shape that is
fully or partially defined by splines 1304 extending along the
shaft adapter's axis 1320. The splines may create ridges along the
surface that are sized to mate and engage in a fixed position with
splines of another surface, such as the interior of the head
adapter 1324. The splines as referred to with respect to FIGS. 13A
and 13B may be sized, shaped and machined as previously described.
According to the example structure depicted in FIG. 13B, the
splines 1304 may extend along second end 1310 of the shaft adapter
1302. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the exterior surface of
the shaft adapter 1302 is configured to have a size and shape
adapted to fit into the head adapter 1324 and inhibit rotation of
the shaft adapter 1302 with respect to the head adapter 1324. The
splines 1304 (or, alternatively, a polygonal cross-sectional area)
may extend along any portion of the longitudinal length of the
exterior surface of the shaft adapter 1302 (or of the head adapter
1324 or of the bore of the hosel area 1316) without departing from
this invention, as previously discussed with respect to exemplary
structures of FIGS. 7-9 and FIGS. 12A-12B. In addition, the areas
1304, 1330 and 1332 may instead have the cross-sectional shape of a
regular polygon with anywhere from 3 up to 20 sides without
departing from this invention.
[0112] In some example structures, the exterior surface of the
shaft adapter 1302, the shaft member 106 and/or the head adapter
1324, at the locations of the noncircular cross-sections, may be
tapered in the axial direction such that the diameter of the
component decreases from the first end to the second end of each.
This feature can assist in making the shaft adapter 1302 easily fit
into and slide out of the head adapter 1324 and/or avoid the need
to maintain extremely strict tolerances in the manufacturing
process.
[0113] The exemplary structure depicted in FIGS. 13A and 13B may
further include a head adapter 1324. The head adapter 1324 may be
made from one or more suitable materials as described above and may
comprise materials that are different than the materials comprising
the remaining sections of the golf club, as previously discussed.
For example, the head adapter 1324 may be constructed from a
lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymeric material (e.g., a
rigid polymeric material). Looking at FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
exemplary head adapter 1324 has a first end 1326 and a second end
1328. As seen, the first end 1326 is along the same axis (shown as
axis 1320 in FIG. 13A) as the second end 1328. The head adapter
1324 further comprises a bore 1331 along a second axis 1334
configured to receive the shaft adapter 1302 on the second axis
1334 (in turn the shaft adapter 1302 receives shaft member 106).
Thus, the exterior of the head adapter 1324 may extend in one axial
direction from the first end 1326 to the second end 1328 (axis
1320), while the bore 1331 that receives the shaft adapter 1302
extends in a different axial direction (axis 1334). Those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate upon review of this disclosure
that there are various combinations of structural elements and/or
processes that may be used to implement the two axes of head
adapter 1324 without departing from the scope of the invention. The
angular difference between the first axis 1320 and the second axis
1334, may be any angle without departing from this invention, e.g.,
at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at
least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even
at least 8 degrees.
[0114] The bore 1331 of the head adapter 1324 may have a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines 1332 extending
longitudinally within the bore 1331, that are shaped to receive and
engage with splines 1304 on the exterior of shaft adapter 1302 in a
fixed position. Splines 1332 also may be sized, shaped and machined
as previously discussed. The cross-sectional shape of the bore 1331
may thus be configured to have a size and shape adapted to inhibit
rotation of the shaft adapter 1302 with respect to the head adapter
1324. According to the cross-sectional view, FIG. 13A, the shaft
adapter 1302 may be inserted in, such that it mates with the entire
portion of the bore 1331. In other embodiments, the head adapter
1324 may be sized such that the shaft adapter is received within
only a portion of the length of the head adapter 1324.
[0115] In the specific example structure depicted in FIGS. 13A and
13B, club head 1300 may have a space 1342 defined on the bottom of
the club head providing an opening along the axis 1320 for
receiving the head adapter 1324. As seen in FIG. 13A, space 1342
may be defined by insert interface 1336. According to the example
structure shown in FIG. 13A, the shaft adapter 1302/head adapter
1324 assembly may be secured to the club head by washer 1340 and
bolt 1338 from the bottom of the club head 1300 as depicted.
However, those skilled in the art will recognize that there are a
variety of ways to secure the implements of FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0116] In further example structures in accordance with this
invention, the head adapter 1324 may be integral to or otherwise
permanently affixed to a club head 1300, such as being received
within or integrally formed as part of hosel area 1316. In such
structures, there may be no exterior surface of the head adapter
1324 (although the hosel bore may extend in an "off-axis" manner
from the hosel exterior surface, if an exterior hosel is present in
the club head structure).
[0117] The exploded view of the shaft adapter 1302/head adapter
1324 assembly of FIG. 13B further highlights one of the several
methods that may be used for constructing golf clubs according to
certain aspects of the invention. According to the exemplary
method, the shaft member 106 is attached to the shaft adapter 1302,
wherein the shaft member 106 is inserted within a bore 1318
extending along a second axis 1320. The method may further comprise
inserting the second end 1310 of the shaft adapter 1302 within a
bore 1331 of a head adapter 1324, wherein the bore 1331 has a
cross-sectional shape defined by splines 1332 and is shaped to
receive the splines 1304 of the second end 1310 of the shaft
adapter 1302 in a plurality of different orientations. The method
may further comprise inserting the head adapter 1324 into a hosel
area 1316 of a club head 1300. The hosel area 1316 may have an
internal opening with a cross-sectional shape defined by splines
that are shaped to receive the splines 1330 of the second end 1328
of the head adapter 1324 in a plurality of different orientations.
According to aspects described herein, the head adapter 1324 may be
inserted into the hosel area 1316 in a plurality of different
orientations, for example, by rotating the head adapter 1324
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Accordingly, further methods
according to this invention may include removing the shaft adapter
1302 from the head adapter 1324 and reinserting the second end 1310
of the shaft adapter 1302 into the bore 1331 of the head adapter
1324 in a different orientation (e.g., at a different rotational
position).
[0118] Because the axis of the bore 1318 in the shaft adapter 1302
may be offset from the axis of the exterior surface of the shaft
adapter 1302, and because the axis of the bore 1331 in the head
adapter 1324 may be offset from the axis of its exterior surface,
rotation of either of these adapters with respect to the club head
1300 will change the position of the shaft member 106 with respect
to the ball striking face of the club head. As described in more
detail above with respect to previous example structure, this
feature, along with the releasable connection system 104, allows
club fitters (or others) to freely and easily adjust various angles
and/or positions of the shaft member 106 with respect to the club
head 102 (e.g., variable lie, loft, and face angle combinations)
while still using the same shaft 106 and/or head 102, which can
help users more easily determine the optimum club head/shaft
combination and arrangement to suit their needs.
[0119] The further exemplary structures depicted in FIGS. 12A-12B
and 13A-13B reflect only two of many different combinations of
embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, and that
would be recognized as such by those skilled in the art. As a more
specific example, any surface that is depicted and described as
being defined by splines in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B may also have
a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a 3 to 20 sided
polygon
CONCLUSION
[0120] While the invention has been described in detail in terms of
specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying
out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
there are numerous variations and permutations of the above
described systems and methods. Thus, the spirit and scope of the
invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended
claims.
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