U.S. patent application number 12/973312 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-30 for golf club.
Invention is credited to Hiroyuki TAKEUCHI.
Application Number | 20110159982 12/973312 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44188211 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110159982 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TAKEUCHI; Hiroyuki |
June 30, 2011 |
GOLF CLUB
Abstract
A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip body
8a, and an extending member 8b. The extending member 8b is
detachably mounted to a back end of the grip body 8a. A length of a
grip holding surface 8m can be adjusted by mounting and dismounting
the extending member 8b. Preferably, the grip body 8a has a hard
base body h1. Preferably, the extending member 8b has a hard
connector h2. Preferably, the extending member 8b can be mounted to
the back end of the grip body 8a by connecting the hard base body
h1 and the hard connector h2 to each other. The number of the
extending member 8b may be 1 or equal to or greater than 2.
Preferably, the extending members are detachably mounted to each
other.
Inventors: |
TAKEUCHI; Hiroyuki;
(Kobe-shi, JP) |
Family ID: |
44188211 |
Appl. No.: |
12/973312 |
Filed: |
December 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/299 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 60/22 20151001; A63B 60/0085 20200801; A63B 53/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/299 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/16 20060101
A63B053/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2009 |
JP |
2009-298971 |
Claims
1. A golf club comprising: a head; a shaft; a grip body; and an
extending member, wherein the extending member is detachably
mounted to a back end of the grip body; and a length of a holding
surface of a grip can be adjusted by mounting and dismounting the
extending member.
2. The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a hard
base body, wherein the extending member has a hard connector; and
the extending member can be mounted to the back end of the grip
body by connecting the hard base body and the hard connector to
each other.
3. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the extending member
has a hard connector; the grip body has a cavity part having an
undercut structure; the cavity part is made of rubber; the hard
connector can be mounted to the cavity part by using elastic
deformation of the rubber; and due to the undercut structure, the
hard connector can be less likely to come off the cavity part.
4. The golf club according to claim 2, wherein the hard base body
and the shaft are separated from each other; and rubber exists
between the hard base body and the shaft.
5. The golf club according to claim 2, wherein the hard base body
and the hard connector are separated from each other with the
extending member mounted to the grip body; and rubber exists
between the hard base body and the hard connector.
6. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the golf club
includes the plurality of extending members; the extending members
are detachably mounted to each other; and a length of the grip can
be adjusted by connecting number of the extending members.
7. The golf club according to claim 6, wherein the hard connectors
are separated from each other with the extending members connected
to each other; and rubber exists between the hard connectors.
8. The golf club according to claim 6, wherein each of the
plurality of extending members has a cavity part having an undercut
structure; the cavity part is made of rubber; the hard connector of
the first extending member can be mounted to the cavity part of the
second extending member by using elastic deformation of the rubber;
and due to the undercut structure, the second extending member can
be less likely to come off the first extending member.
9. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the golf club
includes the plurality of extending members having lengths
different from each other; and a length of the grip can be adjusted
by selection or combination of the extending members.
10. The golf club according to claim 2, wherein the golf club
includes the plurality of extending members, and wherein when a
thickness of rubber existing between the hard base body and the
shaft is defined as A1 (mm); a thickness of rubber existing between
the hard base body and the hard connector is defined as A2 (mm);
and a thickness of rubber existing between the adjacent hard
connectors is defined as A3 (mm), a total sum At of the thickness
A1, the thickness A2, and the thickness A3 is 1 mm or greater and
10 mm or less.
11. The golf club according to claim 4, wherein when a thickness of
the rubber existing between the hard base body and the shaft is
defined as A1 (mm), the thickness A1 is 1 mm or greater and 5 mm or
less.
12. The golf club according to claim 5, wherein when a thickness of
the rubber existing between the hard base body and the hard
connector is defined as A2 (mm), the thickness A2 is 1 mm or
greater and 5 mm or less.
13. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the golf club
includes the plurality of extending members; the extending members
are detachably mounted to each other; a length of the grip can be
adjusted by connecting number of the extending members; each of the
extending members has a hard connector; and when a thickness of
rubber existing between the adjacent hard connectors is defined as
A3 (mm), the thickness A3 is 1 mm or greater and 5 mm or less.
14. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the grip body and
the extending member can be connected to each other by screw
connection.
15. The golf club according to claim 6, wherein the extending
members can be connected to each other by screw connection.
16. The golf club according to claim 2, further comprising a
connecting member, wherein the connecting member connects the hard
base body and the hard connector to each other.
Description
[0001] The application claims priority on Patent Application No.
2009-298971 filed in JAPAN on Dec. 28, 2009, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a golf club capable of
adjusting a club length.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] An optimal length of a golf club is different at every golf
player. Generally, the golf player selects and purchases a golf
club having a length suitable for the golf player. However, options
of a club length in a commercial item are limited. It is useful to
easily adjust the club length.
[0006] The club length can be adjusted by shaft replacement. In a
normal golf club, a head and a shaft are bonded to each other by
using an adhesive. For this reason, the shaft replacement is not
easy in the normal golf club. Therefore, the adjustment of the club
length is not also easy.
[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2006-42951
and Japanese Patent Application National Publication (Laid-Open)
No. 2005-533626 disclose golf clubs in which a head and a shaft are
connected to each other by screw connection. In the golf clubs, the
mounting and dismounting of the shaft are easy. A length of the
golf club can be changed by exchanging the shaft to a shaft having
a different length.
[0008] JP-A No. 2008-29691 discloses a golf club in which a collar
member is attached to an outer circumference of a tip part of a
shaft. The collar member can adjust a relative position of the
shaft with a shaft hole in an axial direction. In the golf club, a
club length can be adjusted by changing an inserting length of the
shaft to a head.
[0009] JP-A No. 2005-160689 discloses a golf putter in which a
length of a shaft inserted into a grip can be adjusted. In the golf
club, a club length can be adjusted by changing an inserting length
of the shaft to the grip.
[0010] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication (JP-Y) No.
3052104 discloses a hitting club having a shaft overlapping part in
which two shafts having different apertures are overlapped. union
coupling is used for the hitting club. In the golf club, a slide
mechanism can adjust a length of the shaft itself.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] When the shaft is exchanged to the other shaft having a
different length, a new shaft for the exchange is required.
Generally, a shaft is expensive. The use of the shaft for the
exchange causes expense increase. When the inserting length of the
shaft to the head is changed, a swing weight (swing balance) may be
fluctuated, or shaft strength may be insufficient. When the length
of the shaft inserted into the grip is adjusted, the swing weight
is apt to be fluctuated. Grip rigidity of a portion into which the
shaft is not inserted is apt to be insufficient. The insufficient
rigidity may destabilize a swing and a club behavior.
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf
club facilitating adjust of a club length and capable of
suppressing disadvantages caused by the adjustment of the club
length.
[0013] A golf club according to the present invention is provided
with a head, a shaft, a grip body, and an extending member. The
extending member is detachably mounted to a back end of the grip
body. A length of a holding surface of a gap can be adjusted by
mounting and dismounting the extending member.
[0014] A preferable golf club is further provided with a hard base
body. Preferably, the extending member has a hard connector.
Preferably, the extending member can be mounted to the back end of
the grip body by connecting the hard base body and the hard
connector to each other.
[0015] Preferably, the extending member has a hard connector.
Preferably, the grip body has a cavity part having an undercut
structure. Preferably, the cavity part is made of rubber.
Preferably, the hard connector can be mounted to the cavity part by
using elastic deformation of the rubber. Preferably, due to the
undercut structure, the hard connector can be less likely to come
off the cavity part.
[0016] Preferably, the hard base body and the shaft are separated
from each other. Preferably, rubber exists between the hard base
body and the shaft.
[0017] Preferably, the hard base body and the hard connector are
separated from each other with the extending member mounted to the
grip body. Preferably, rubber exists between the hard base body and
the hard connector.
[0018] A preferable golf club is provided with the plurality of
extending members. Preferably, the extending members are detachably
mounted to each other. Preferably, a length of the grip can be
adjusted by connecting number of the extending members.
[0019] Preferably, the hard connectors are separated from each
other with the extending members connected to each other.
Preferably, rubber exists between the hard connectors.
[0020] Preferably, each of the plurality of extending members has a
cavity part having an undercut structure. Preferably, the cavity
part is made of rubber. Preferably, the hard connector of the first
extending member can be mounted to the cavity part of the second
extending member by using elastic deformation of the rubber.
Preferably, due to the undercut structure, the second extending
member can be less likely to come off the first extending
member.
[0021] A preferable golf club is provided with the plurality of
extending members having lengths different from each other.
Preferably, a length of the grip can be adjusted by selection or
combination of the extending members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a view showing a golf club according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of the golf club of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 2;
[0025] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a golf club of a second embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 6;
[0029] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of FIG. 6;
[0030] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a golf club of a third
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a golf club according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a method for measuring an
out-of-plane primary attenuation rate;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a method for calculating an
out-of-plane primary attenuation rate;
[0034] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a golf club of example 2;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 13;
[0036] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of FIG. 13, and is a partial
cross sectional view;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a side view independently showing a hard
connector used in an embodiment of FIG. 13;
[0038] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a golf club of example 4;
[0039] FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 17;
[0040] FIG. 19 is an exploded view of FIG. 17, and is a partial
cross sectional view; and
[0041] FIG. 20 is a side view independently showing a hard
connector used in an embodiment of FIG. 17.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] The present invention will be described below in detail
based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
[0043] In the present application, an "axial direction" means a
direction of a central axial line of a shaft unless particularly
described.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a golf club 2 has a golf club head 4, a
golf club shaft 6, and a golf club grip 8. The head 4 is mounted to
one end part of the shaft 6. The grip 8 is mounted to the other end
part of the shaft 6.
[0045] The head 4 is not limited. A wood type head, an iron type
head, and a putter head are exemplified as the head 4. The wood
type head is illustrated in FIG. 1. The shaft 6 is not limited. A
so-called a steel shaft and a so-called carbon shaft are
exemplified as the shaft 6.
[0046] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a vicinity of a grip end of
FIG. 1. Grooves are formed on an external surface (grip holding
surface) of the grip 8. However, the description of the grooves is
omitted in the drawings of the present application. The grip
holding surface is a surface capable of being brought into contact
with a golf player's hand when using the golf club 2. A side
surface of the grip 8 is the grip holding surface. In the present
application, the grip holding surface is also merely referred to as
a holding surface.
[0047] The shaft 6 is cylindrical although not shown in the
drawings. The grip 8 is approximately cylindrical although not
shown in the drawings. A holding surface 8m of the grip 8 is a
curved surface having an approximately circumferential surface
shape.
[0048] The grip 8 may have a so-called back line. In this case,
after the shaft 6 is inserted into the grip 8, a sectional shape of
the holding surface 8m of the grip 8 is not a true circle. The grip
8 may not have a so-called back line.
[0049] The grip 8 has a grip body 8a and two extending members 8b.
The two extending members 8b are mounted to a back end of the grip
body 8a.
[0050] The grip body 8a is fixed to a back end part of the shaft 6
by using a double-faced adhesive tape. An adhesion method using the
double-faced adhesive tape is the same as that of a normal adhesion
method of a grip.
[0051] A first extending member 8b is mounted to the back end of
the grip body 8a. A second extending member 8b is mounted to a back
end of the first extending member 8b.
[0052] A part of the holding surface 8m of the grip 8 is formed by
the grip body 8a. A part of the holding surface 8m is formed by the
extending members 8b.
[0053] An external surface 8a1 of the grip body 8a and an external
surface 8b1 of the extending member 8b are substantially steplessly
connected. The holding surface 8m is formed by the external surface
8a1 and the external surfaces 8b1.
[0054] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is an
exploded view of FIG. 2; and FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of
FIG. 4. Sectional positions of the cross sectional views of the
present application are positions including a shaft axial line.
[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the grip 8 has a connecting
member 8c in addition to the grip body 8a and the extending members
8b. In the embodiment, the connecting member 8c is a screw. The
connecting member 8c has a head part 8c1 and a screw part 8c2.
[0056] The grip body 8a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body
h1. The rubber part g1 and the hard base body h1 may be separated
from each other.
[0057] A material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part
g1 has a cavity part cv1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0058] The hard base body h1 is provided inside the rubber part g1.
The external surface 8a1 of the grip body 8a is an external surface
of the rubber part g1.
[0059] The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarging part e1
having an inner diameter d2 greater than an opening diameter d1
(see FIG. 5). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure. The
undercut structure is not limited to the form of FIG. 5.
[0060] The hard base body h1 has a screw hole sc1 (see FIG. 5). A
lower part of the hard base body h1 is disposed inside the shaft 6.
The hard base body h1 may be bonded to the shaft 6.
[0061] The rubber part g1 and the hard base body h1 may be
separable from each other. When the grip body 8a is attached to the
shaft 6, the hard base body h1 may be first mounted to the shaft 6,
and the rubber part g1 may be then mounted to the shaft 6 with the
hard base body h1.
[0062] The first extending member 8b is located between the grip
body 8a and the second extending member 8b.
[0063] The first extending member 8b has a rubber part g2 and a
hard connector h2.
[0064] A material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The rubber part
g2 has a cavity part cv2.
[0065] The hard connector h2 is provided inside the rubber part g2.
The rubber part g2 covers a part of the hard connector h2. The
external surface 8b1 of the extending member 8b is an external
surface of the rubber part g2.
[0066] The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarging part e2
having an inner diameter d2 greater than an opening diameter d1
(see FIG. 5). The cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure. The
undercut structure is not limited to the form of FIG. 5.
[0067] The hard connector h2 has a screw hole sc2 (see FIG. 5). The
hard connector h2 is mounted to the cavity part cv1 described
above. The hard connector h2 is fitted into the cavity part cv1 of
the grip body 8a.
[0068] The hard connector h2 has a small diameter part h21 and a
great diameter part h22 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The hard connector h2
has an exposed part ex1 (see FIG. 4). The exposed part ex1 is not
covered with the rubber part g2. The exposed part ex1 is projected
from the rubber part g2.
[0069] An outer diameter of the small diameter part h21 corresponds
to the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv1. The outer
diameter of the small diameter part h21 is equal to the opening
diameter d1 of the cavity part cv1, or is equal to or less than the
opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv1.
[0070] An outer diameter of the great diameter part h22 corresponds
to the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarging part e1.
The outer diameter of the great diameter part h22 is approximately
equal to the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarging part
e1.
[0071] The second extending member 8b is located on a grip back end
side of the first extending member 8b. The second extending member
8b is the extending member 8b located on the backmost side.
[0072] The second extending member 8b is the same as the first
extending member 8b described above. Therefore, the description of
the second extending member 8b is omitted.
[0073] The mounting order of the second extending member 8b and the
first extending member 8b can be switched. That is, the second
extending member 8b can be mounted to the back end of the grip body
8a, and the first extending member 8b can be mounted to the back
end of the second extending member 8b.
[0074] In the second extending member 8b, an outer diameter of a
small diameter part h21 corresponds to the opening diameter d1 of
the cavity part cv2 of the first extending member 8b. An outer
diameter of the small diameter part h21 is approximately equal to
the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv2, or is equal to or
less than the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv2.
[0075] In the second extending member 8b, an outer diameter of the
great diameter part h22 corresponds to the inner diameter d2 of the
inner diameter enlarging part e2 of the first extending member 8b.
The outer diameter of the great diameter part h22 is approximately
equal to the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarging part
e2.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the hard connector h2 of the extending
member 8b (first extending member 8b) is fitted into the cavity
part cv1 of the grip body 8a. Furthermore, the hard connector h2 of
the second extending member 8b is fitted into the cavity part cv2
of the first extending member 8b.
[0077] Thus, the grip body 8a has the cavity part cv1 having the
undercut structure. Each of the extending members 8b has the cavity
part cv2 having the undercut structure. The exposed parts ex1 of
the hard connectors h2 are fitted into the cavity part cv1 and the
cavity part cv2.
[0078] Since the opening diameter d1 is smaller than the outer
diameter of the great diameter part h22, the hard connector h2
(exposed part ex1) cannot be fitted into the cavity part cv1 unless
the cavity part cv1 is deformed. Since the cavity part cv1 is made
of rubber, the cavity part cv1 can be elastically deformed. The
hard connector h2 is mounted to the cavity part cv1 by using the
elastic deformation of rubber. Due to the undercut structure, the
hard connector h2 (exposed part ex1) is less likely to come off the
cavity part cv1 in a state where the mounting is completed (a state
of FIG. 3). Thus, the hard connector h2 is less likely to come off
the cavity part cv1.
[0079] The undercut structure is utilized also for connecting the
extending members 8b to each other.
[0080] Since the opening diameter d1 is smaller than the outer
diameter of the great diameter part h22, the hard connector h2
(exposed part ex1) of the second extending member 8b cannot be
fitted into the cavity part cv2 unless the cavity part cv2 of the
first extending member 8b is deformed. Since the cavity part cv2 is
made of rubber, the cavity part cv2 can be elastically deformed.
The hard connector h2 of the second extending member 8b is mounted
to the cavity part cv2 of the first extending member 8b by using
the elastic deformation of the rubber. Due to the undercut
structure, the hard connector h2 (exposed part ex1) is less likely
to come off the cavity part cv2 in a state where the mounting is
completed (a state of FIG. 3). Thus, the hard connector h2 is less
likely to come off the cavity part cv2.
[0081] In the embodiment, connection by the connecting member 8c is
used in addition to the connection of the cavity part cv1 and the
hard connector h2, and the connection of the cavity part cv2 and
the hard connector h2. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting member 8c
penetrates the extending members 8b to reach the hard base body h1.
The connecting member 8c is screwed to the screw holes sc2 of all
the extending members 8b. Furthermore, the connecting member 8c is
screwed to the screw hole sc1 of the hard base body h1. The hard
base body h1 and the hard connectors h2 are connected to each other
by the connecting member 8c. The connection is further strengthened
by the connecting member 8c.
[0082] The head part 8c1 of the connecting member 8c is housed in
the cavity part cv2 of the extending member 8b (second extending
member 8b) placed at the backmost end (see FIG. 3). That is, the
head part 8c1 is not projected to the outside. The connecting
member 8c is not a hindrance in the use of the golf club.
[0083] In the first embodiment, the connection of the hard
connector h2 and the cavity part is used in combination with the
connection by the connecting member 8c. The combined use ensures
the connection. Either the connection of the hard connector h2 and
the cavity part or the connection by the connecting member 8c may
be used.
[0084] In the first embodiment, the extending members 8b are
detachably mounted. When the extending members 8b are removed, the
connecting member 8c is first removed, and the hard connectors h2
are then removed from the cavity parts (cv1, cv2) by using the
elastic deformation of the rubber. A length Lg (see FIG. 1) of a
grip holding part can be adjusted by mounting and dismounting the
extending members 8b.
[0085] In the embodiment, the case where the number of the
extending members 8b is two is shown. The length Lg of the grip
holding part can be changed by changing the number of the extending
members 8b. When the number of the extending members 8b is 0, the
length Lg can be shortened. The number of the extending members 8b
may be 1. The length Lg is measured along the axial direction.
[0086] The number of the extending members 8b may be equal to or
greater than 3. Since the connecting structure of the extending
members 8b is the same, the number of the extending members 8b to
be connected can be optionally selected.
[0087] Preferably, the length of the connecting member 8c is made
different according to the number of the extending members 8b to be
connected.
[0088] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a grip 10 of a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross sectional
view of the grip 10 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the
grip 10 of FIG. 6.
[0089] The grip 10 has a grip body 10a and two extending members
10b. The two extending members 10b are mounted to a back end of the
grip body 10a.
[0090] The grip body 10a is fixed to a back end part of a shaft 6
by using a double-faced adhesive tape. An adhesion method of the
double-faced adhesive tape is the same as a normal adhesion method
of a grip.
[0091] The first extending member 10b is mounted to the back end of
the grip body 10a. The second extending member 10b is mounted to a
back end of the first extending member 10b.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 6, a part of a holding surface 10m of the
grip 10 is formed by the grip body 10a. A part of the holding
surface 10m is formed by the extending members 10b.
[0093] An external surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a and an
external surface 10b1 of the extending member 10b are substantially
steplessly connected. Furthermore, the external surfaces 10b1 of
the extending members 10b are substantially steplessly connected.
The holding surface 10m is formed by the external surface 10a1 and
the two external surfaces 10b1.
[0094] The grip body 10a has a rubber part g3 and a hard base body
h3. A material of the rubber part g3 is rubber.
[0095] The hard base body h3 is provided inside the rubber part g3.
The rubber part g3 covers the hard base body h3. The external
surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a is an external surface of the
rubber part g3.
[0096] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hard base body h3 has a screw
hole sc3. The hard base body h3 has a cylinder part h31 and a
bottom face part h32. An inner surface of the cylinder part h31 is
the screw hole sc3. The screw hole sc3 is opened upward.
[0097] The hard base body h3 is fixed to the rubber part g3. The
fixing method is not limited. For example, the fixing method is
adhesion by an adhesive.
[0098] The first extending member 10b is located between the grip
body 10a and the second extending member 10b. The first extending
member 10b has a rubber part g4 and a hard connector h4. A material
of the rubber part g4 is rubber. The rubber part g4 covers an upper
part of the hard connector h4.
[0099] The hard connector h4 is provided inside the rubber part g4.
The external surface 10b1 of the extending member 10b is an
external surface of the rubber part g4.
[0100] The hard connector h4 has a cylindrical part h41 and a
columnar part h42 (see FIG. 7). An inner surface of the cylindrical
part h41 is a screw hole sc4 (female screw). An external surface of
the columnar part h42 is a male screw. The cylindrical part h41 and
the columnar part h42 are disposed coaxially with each other. The
columnar part h42 has an exposed part ex2 exposed from the rubber
part g4 (see FIG. 8). At least a part of the columnar part h42 is
an exposed part ex. The exposed part ex is projected downward.
[0101] In the connection between the first extending member 10b and
the grip body 10a, the columnar part h42 (male screw) is screwed
into the screw hole sc3 (female screw) of the grip body 10a. In the
connection of the extending members 10b, the columnar part h42 of
the second extending member 10b is screwed into the screw hole sc4
of the first extending member 10b.
[0102] All the extending members 10b are common. The screw hole sc3
and the screw hole sc4 are the same kind.
[0103] An axial direction length of the exposed part ex2 is shorter
than that of the screw hole sc3. Therefore, a clearance k1 exists
between the bottom face part h32 and the columnar part h42 with the
grip body 10a and the extending member 10b connected to each other
(see FIG. 7). The clearance k1 prevents formation of a gap in a
boundary between the external surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a and
the external surface 10b1 of the extending member 10b.
[0104] The axial direction length of the exposed part ex2 is
shorter than that of the screw hole sc4. Therefore, a clearance k2
exists between an end face of the columnar part h42 and a bottom
face of the cylindrical part h41 with the extending members 10b
connected to each other (see FIG. 7). The clearance k2 prevents
formation of a gap in a boundary between the external surfaces 10b1
of the extending members 10b.
[0105] The second extending member 10b is located on a grip back
end side of the first extending member 10b. The second extending
member 10b is the extending member 10b located on the backmost
side.
[0106] The second extending member 10b is the same as the first
extending member 10b described above. Therefore, the description of
the second extending member 10b is omitted.
[0107] Thus, in the embodiment, the grip body 10a and the extending
member 10b can be connected to each other by the screw connection.
Furthermore, the extending members 10b can be connected to each
other by the screw connection.
[0108] In the second embodiment, the extending members 10b are
detachably mounted. The extending members 10b are removed by
rotating the extending members 10b to release the screw connection.
A length Lg of a grip holding part can be adjusted by mounting and
dismounting the extending members 10b.
[0109] In the embodiment, the case where the number of the
extending members 10b is 2 is shown. The length Lg of the grip
holding part can be changed by changing the number of the extending
members 10b. When the number of the extending members 10b is 0, the
length Lg can be shortened. The number of the extending members 10b
may be 1.
[0110] The number of the extending members 10b may be equal to or
greater than 3. Since the connecting structure of the extending
members 10b is the same, the number of the extending members 10b to
be connected can be optionally selected.
[0111] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a grip 12 according to a third
embodiment. The grip 12 has a grip body 10a, an extending member
10b and an extending member 12b. The grip body 10a is the same as
that of the second embodiment described above. The extending member
10b is the same as that of the second embodiment described
above.
[0112] The extending member 12b has a rubber part g5 and a hard
connector h4. The hard connector h4 of the extending member 12b is
the same as that of the extending member 10b described above. A
difference between the extending member 10b and the extending
member 12b is only a length of a rubber part.
[0113] A length of a rubber part g4 of the extending member 10b is
shown by a double-pointed arrow L1 in FIG. 9. A length of the
rubber part g5 of the extending member 12b is shown by a
double-pointed arrow L2 in FIG. 9. The length L1 and the length L2
are different from each other. In the embodiment, a length of the
grip 12 can be adjusted by selecting either one of the extending
members 10b and 12b. Preferably, a ratio (L2/L1) is a noninteger.
In this case, a length Lg which is not achieved by connection of
the extending member 10b can be achieved by connection of the
extending member 12b.
[0114] A material of the hard base body is harder than that of a
holding surface of the grip. The use of the hard base body can
enhance certainty of the connection and internal rigidity of the
grip. A preferable material of the hard base body is a metal or a
resin. A more preferable material is the metal. A thermoplastic
resin and a carbon-fiber reinforced resin are exemplified as the
resin. In respect of processability, nylon, polyether block
copolymer (PEBAX), and polycarbonate or the like are exemplified as
a desirable resin. Stainless steel, an aluminum alloy, and a
titanium alloy or the like are exemplified as the metal. In respect
of a swing balance, high specific gravity metals (specific gravity:
equal to or greater than 12) such as tungsten and a tungsten alloy
can be also used.
[0115] A material of the hard connector is harder than that of the
holding surface of the grip. The use of the hard connector can
enhance certainty of the connection and internal rigidity of the
grip. A preferable material of the hard connector is a metal or a
resin. A more preferable material is the metal. A thermoplastic
resin and a carbon-fiber reinforced resin are exemplified as the
resin. In respect of processability, nylon, polyether block
copolymer (PEBAX), and polycarbonate or the like are exemplified as
a desirable resin. Stainless steel, an aluminum alloy, and a
titanium alloy or the like are exemplified as the metal. In respect
of the swing balance, high specific gravity metals (specific
gravity: equal to or greater than 12) such as tungsten and a
tungsten alloy can be also used.
[0116] Rubber which is a material of the rubber part is not
limited. Preferable rubber is a rubber elastic body made of
vulcanized rubber or the like. It is natural that a thermoplastic
elastomer is also included in the rubber. In respect of slip
resistance or the like, natural rubber (specific gravity: 0.91 to
0.93), styrene-butadiene rubber (specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.97),
EPDM (specific gravity: 0.86 to 0.87), polyisoprene rubber
(specific gravity: 0.92 to 0.93), and a mixture thereof are
preferable.
[0117] The rubber is normally a composition. The rubber composition
may be mixed with oil. For example, aromatic oil, naphthenic oil,
and paraffinic oil or the like can be used as the oil.
[0118] For example, the rubber composition of the grip may be
suitably mixed with a reinforcing agent, a filler, a vulcanizing
accelerator, and a vulcanizing assistant or the like if needed in
addition to the rubber, sulfur, and the oil. Furthermore, the
rubber composition may be mixed with an age inhibitor and a
processing aid or the like.
[0119] For example, carbon and silica or the like can be used as
the reinforcing agent. For example, hard clay, calcium carbonate,
magnesium carbonate, and clay or the like are used as the filler.
For example, zinc oxide and stearic acid or the like are used as
the vulcanizing assistant. The vulcanizing accelerator can be
suitably selected in response to rubber to be used, according to a
known method.
[0120] The rubber may be a resin composition. Examples of the resin
contained in the resin composition include a thermoplastic resin.
The thermoplastic resin can be used for injection molding. A
thermoplastic elastomer is preferable as the thermoplastic resin. A
thermoplastic elastomer containing a soft segment and a hard
segment is more preferable. In respect of coexistence of grip
property and abrasion resistance, a urethane-based thermoplastic
elastomer is more preferable.
[0121] As a preferable mixing ratio based on 100 parts by mass of
the rubber, a mixing ratio of the reinforcing agent is 5 to 70
parts by mass; a mixing ratio of the filler is 10 to 70 parts by
mass; a mixing ratio of the vulcanizing accelerator is 0.1 to 3
parts by mass; and a mixing ratio of the vulcanizing assistant is 1
to 10 parts by mass. However, the mixing ratio is not limited to
the ratios thereof.
[0122] A process for producing the grip body is not limited. The
grip body can be produced by a known method. Press forming and
injection molding are exemplified as the method. A producing method
including the step of setting a separately formed hard base body in
a mold for a grip body and the step of fixing the hard base body to
the grip body concurrently with molding the grip body in the mold
can be also employed.
[0123] In the press forming, the mold is filled with the rubber
composition. The mold filled with the rubber composition is
pressurized and heated. A heating temperature is normally set to
130 to 200.degree. C., but the heating temperature is not limited
thereto. A heating time is normally set to 3 to 15 minutes, but the
heating time is not limited thereto.
[0124] A method for producing the extending member is not limited.
Press forming and injection molding are exemplified as the method
for producing the extending member. A producing method including
the step of setting a separately formed hard connector in a mold
for a rubber part and the step of fixing the hard connector to the
rubber part concurrently with molding the rubber part in the mold
may be employed.
[0125] Extension of a club length increases a swing balance. In the
present invention, the mass of the hard connector offsets the
increase in the swing balance with the increase in the club length.
That is, the mass of the hard connector causes the suppression of
the increase in the swing balance. In this respect, the specific
gravity of the hard connector is preferably greater than the
specific gravity of the rubber part. The specific gravity of the
hard connector is more preferably equal to or greater than 1.5,
still more preferably equal to or greater than 2.0, and yet still
more preferably equal to or greater than 2.5. In respect of
suppressing a club weight, the specific gravity of the hard
connector is preferably equal to or less than 20.
[0126] The extending member of the embodiment is considered to
operate as a dynamic vibration absorber. The form in which the hard
connector is disposed inside the rubber part is considered to
produce an operation as the dynamic vibration absorber. As a
result, the extending member was found to be able to enhance
vibration absorptivity of the grip.
[0127] In the grip 10 of the second embodiment, the hard base body
h3 and the shaft 6 are separated from each other. Rubber exists
between the hard base body h3 and the shaft 6 (see FIG. 7). The
rubber can enhance the operation as the dynamic vibration absorber.
The rubber can enhance the vibration absorptivity of the grip
10.
[0128] A thickness of rubber existing between the hard base body h3
and the shaft 6 is shown by a double-pointed arrow A1 in FIG. 7. In
respect of the vibration absorptivity, the thickness A1 is
preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more preferably equal to
or greater than 1.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or
greater than 2 mm. When a central part of the grip is deformed,
holding is not stabilized. In this respect, the thickness A1 is
preferably equal to or less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to or
less than 4 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 3
mm.
[0129] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the hard base body h1 and the
hard connector h2 are separated from each other. Rubber exists
between the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2. The rubber
can enhance the operation as the dynamic vibration absorber. The
rubber can enhance the vibration absorptivity of the grip 8.
[0130] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the hard connectors h2 are
separated from each other. Rubber exists between the hard
connectors h2. The rubber can enhance the operation as the dynamic
vibration absorber. The rubber can enhance the vibration
absorptivity of the grip 8.
[0131] A thickness of the rubber existing between the hard base
body h1 and the hard connector h2 is shown by a double-pointed
arrow A2 in FIG. 3. In respect of the vibration absorptivity, the
thickness A2 is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more
preferably equal to or greater than 1.5 mm, and still more
preferably equal to or greater than 2 mm. When a central part of
the grip is deformed, holding is not stabilized. In this respect,
the thickness A2 is preferably equal to or less than 5 mm, more
preferably equal to or less than 4 mm, and still more preferably
equal to or less than 3 mm.
[0132] A thickness of the rubber existing between the hard
connectors h2 is shown by a double-pointed arrow A3 in FIG. 3. In
respect of the vibration absorptivity, the thickness A3 is
preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more preferably equal to
or greater than 1.5 mm, and still more preferably equal to or
greater than 2 mm. When a central part of the grip is deformed,
holding is not stabilized. In this respect, the thickness A3 is
preferably equal to or less than 5 mm, more preferably equal to or
less than 4 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 3
mm.
[0133] The thickness A1, the thickness A2, and the thickness A3 are
measured with the extending member attached.
[0134] A total sum At of the rubber thickness is calculated by the
following formula. That is, the total sum At (mm) of the rubber
thickness is a total of the thickness A1 (mm), the thickness A2
(mm), and the thickness A3 (mm). In the calculation of the total
sum At, the thickness A1, the thickness A2 or the thickness A3 may
be 0.
At=A1+A2+A3
[0135] In respect of the vibration absorptivity, the thickness At
is preferably equal to or greater than 1 mm, more preferably equal
to or greater than 2 mm, and still more preferably equal to or
greater than 3 mm. When a central part of the grip is deformed,
holding is not stabilized. In this respect, the thickness At is
preferably equal to or less than 10 mm, more preferably equal to or
less than 9 mm, and still more preferably equal to or less than 8
mm.
[0136] As in all the embodiments described above, the connecting
structure of the grip body and the extending member is preferably
the same as the connecting structure of the extending members. When
the plurality of extending members exist, the connecting structures
thereof are preferably the same. The structures can enhance a
freedom degree of the connection. The structures can enhance a
freedom degree related to the connection order and the connecting
number of the extending members.
[0137] In the embodiment described above, the plurality of
extending members exist, and all the extending members are made
same. In this case, since the extending members are the same, the
mounting order of the extending members is optional, and the
freedom degree for the adjustment of the grip is high.
[0138] On the other hand, the plurality of extending members may
exist, and the outer diameters of the extending members may be
different from each other. Examples thereof include a grip 14 shown
in FIG. 10.
[0139] The grip 14 has a grip body 14a, a first extending member
14b, and a second extending member 14c. In the grip 14, outer
diameters of the first extending member 14b and that of the second
extending member 14c are different from each other. Internal
structures of the grip body 14a and the extending members 14b and
14c are made to be similar to those of the grip 8 or the grip
10.
[0140] A holding surface 14m is formed by the grip body 14a and all
the extending members 14b and 14c. The holding surface 14m is
substantially steplessly formed. An external surface 14a1 of the
grip body 14a and an external surface 14b1 of the extending member
14b adjacent to the grip body 14a are substantially steplessly
connected. The external surface 14b1 and an external surface 14c1
of the mutually adjacent extending members are substantially
steplessly connected.
[0141] In the grip 14, the outer diameter of the grip is increased
as approximating to the grip end with the extending members 14b and
14c attached. The shape can contribute to easy-to-hold. Preferably,
the difference of the outer diameter is achieved by the thickness
of the rubber part. A difference between the outer shapes of the
extending members is achieved by only the rubber part. In this
case, the hard connector is made common in the first extending
member 14b and the second extending member 14c.
EXAMPLES
[0142] Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be
clarified by examples. However, the present invention should not be
interpreted in a limited way based on the description of the
examples.
[Evaluation]
[0143] A valuation method is as follows.
[Measurement of Swing Weight]
[0144] A swing weight was measured by using "BANCER-14" (trade
name) manufactured by DAININ Corporation. The swing weight is a
14-inch type. The measured values are shown in the following Table
1.
[Measurement of Out-of-Plane Primary Vibration Attenuation
Rate]
[0145] FIG. 11 shows a situation where an out-of-plane primary
vibration attenuation rate is measured. In the measurement, a shaft
51 with a grip in which a grip 48 is attached to a shaft 6 is used.
A string 50 is mounted to a grip side edge part of the shaft 51
with the grip. An acceleration pickup meter 52 is mounted to a spot
of 370 mm from a grip end. The shaft 51 with the grip is hung by
using the string 50. In a state where the shaft 51 with the grip is
hung, the opposite side (back side) of the acceleration pickup
meter 52 is hammered by an impact hammer 54 to excite the shaft 51
with the grip. Input vibration F is measured by a force pickup
meter 56 mounted to the impact hammer 54. Response vibration
.alpha. is measured by the acceleration pickup meter 52. The
response vibration .alpha. is inputted into a frequency analysis
device 62 via an amplifier 58. The input vibration F is inputted
into the frequency analysis device 62 via an amplifier 60. A
dynamic single analyzer (HP3562A) manufactured by Hewlett Packard
Development Company was used as the frequency analysis device 62. A
transfer function in a frequency region obtained in analysis was
determined to obtain a vibration number of the shaft 51 with the
grip. A vibration attenuation rate (.zeta.) determined by the
following formula is an out-of-plane primary vibration attenuation
rate.
.zeta.=(1/2).times.(.DELTA..omega./.omega.n)
To=Tn.times. 2
[0146] However, as shown in a graph of FIG. 12, con is a frequency
of the primary maximum value. Meanings of .DELTA..omega., Tn and T0
are shown in the graph of FIG. 12.
[Sensuous Evaluation of Vibration Absorptivity by Actual Shot]
[0147] Each of twenty-five intermediate- or high-level golf players
(satisfying conditions where the players have golf experience of
more than 10 years and play golf at least once a month at present)
hit balls by using clubs to which grips of the examples and the
comparative example were attached. Each of the players hit five
balls using each of the clubs and conducted sensuous evaluation of
each of the clubs in terms of vibration absorptivity at five stages
of a one score to a five score. A club thought to have higher
vibration absorptivity provides a higher score. The average of the
scores is shown in the following Table 1.
[Grip 70 according to Examples 1 and 2]
[0148] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a grip 70 according to example. FIG. 14 is a cross sectional
view of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a grip 70.
[0149] The grip 70 has a structure similar to that of the grip 8
according to the first embodiment described above.
[0150] The grip 70 has a grip body 70a and two extending members
70b. The two extending members 70b are mounted to a back end of the
grip body 70a.
[0151] The grip body 70a is fixed to a back end part of the shaft 6
by using a double-faced adhesive tape. An adhesion method of the
double-faced adhesive tape is the same as a normal adhesion method
of a grip.
[0152] The grip 70 has a connecting member 70c in addition to the
grip body 70a and the extending members 70b. The connecting member
70c is a screw.
[0153] The grip body 70a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body
h1. A material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part g1
has a cavity part cv1 (see FIG. 15). The hard base body h1 is
provided inside the rubber part g1. The hard base body h1 is
provided inside the shaft 6.
[0154] A producing method of the rubber part g1 is as follows.
[0155] Natural rubber (NR) and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber
(EPDM) were mixed at a mass ratio of 65:35. Furthermore, sulfur,
carbon black, and an inorganic component were suitably mixed
therein to obtain a rubber composition. A press mold was filled
with the rubber composition. The press mold filled with the rubber
composition was then pressurized at 150.degree. C. for 10 minutes
to obtain the rubber part g1 vulcanized and molded.
[0156] A length extended by one extending member 70b was set to 0.5
inch (12.7 mm). As shown in FIG. 13, when the two extending members
70b are attached, a club length is extended by 1.0 inch (25.4
mm).
[0157] The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarging part e1
having an inner diameter greater than an opening diameter (see FIG.
15). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure.
[0158] The first extending member 70b has a rubber part g2 and a
hard connector h2. A material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The
rubber part g2 has a cavity part cv2. The hard connector h2 is
provided inside the rubber part g2. The rubber part g2 covers a
part of the hard connector h2.
[0159] The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarging part e2
having an inner diameter greater than an opening diameter. The
cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure.
[0160] A producing method of the rubber part g2 is as follows.
Natural rubber (NR) and ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) were
mixed at a mass ratio of 65:35. Furthermore, sulfur, carbon black,
and an inorganic component were suitably mixed therein to obtain a
rubber composition. A press mold was filled with the rubber
composition. The press mold filled with the rubber composition was
pressurized at 150.degree. C. for 10 minutes to obtain the rubber
part g2 vulcanized and molded.
[0161] Differences between the grip 8 described above and the grip
70 according to the example 1 are a shape of the rubber part g1, a
shape of the hard connector h2, and a shape of the rubber part g2.
In the grip 70, a rubber thickness A2 (see FIG. 3) is 0 mm, and a
rubber thickness A3 (see FIG. 3) is 0 mm. That is, in the grip 70,
the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 are brought into
contact with each other, and the hard connectors h2 are also
brought into contact with each other. Regarding the other points,
the grip 8 is the same as the grip 70. Also in the grip 70, the
connection by the screw and the connection using the undercut
structure are employed.
[0162] A metal was used as a material of the hard base body h1. An
aluminum alloy was used as the metal.
[0163] A metal was used as a material of the hard base body h2. An
aluminum alloy was used as the metal. An adhesive was used for
connecting the hard connector h2 and rubber part g2 to each
other.
[0164] FIG. 16 is a view independently showing the hard connector
h2 used for the extending member 70b. The hard connector h2 has a
great diameter part h21, an inclined part h22, an intermediate
diameter part h23, and a small diameter part h24. The great
diameter part h21 is cylindrical. The inclined part h22 is conical.
The intermediate diameter part h23 is cylindrical. The small
diameter part h24 is cylindrical. The great diameter part h21, the
inclined part h22, the intermediate diameter part h23, and the
small diameter part h24 are disposed coaxially with each other.
Although not shown in the drawings, a screw hole is formed at a
center of the hard connector h2.
[0165] A length d21 of the great diameter part h21 was set to 1.0
mm; a length d22 of the inclined part h22 was set to 1.0 mm; a
length d23 of the intermediate diameter part h23 was set to 1.5 mm;
and a length d24 of the small diameter part h24 was set to 9.2 mm.
The length d21, the length d22, the length d23, and the length d24
were measured along a central axial line of the hard connector h2.
The drawings such as FIG. 16 do not reflect the ratios of the
lengths.
Example 1
[0166] "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" (trade name) manufactured by SRI
Sports Limited was used. A grip of the "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" was
removed. In place of the grip, the grip body 70a was mounted. One
of the extending members 70b was attached to the grip body 70a to
obtain a golf club of example 1. Evaluation of the example 1 is
shown in the following Table 1.
Example 2
[0167] One more extending member 70b was further mounted to the
grip of the example 1 to obtain a golf club of example 2. In the
grip of the example 2, as shown in FIG. 14, the two extending
members 70b are attached. Evaluation of the example 2 is shown in
the following Table 1.
[0168] s[Grip 80 according to Examples 3 and 4]
[0169] FIG. 17 is an enlarged view showing a vicinity of a grip end
of a grip 80 according to example. FIG. 18 is a cross sectional
view of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the grip 80.
[0170] The grip 80 is the same type as the grip 8 according to the
first embodiment described above.
[0171] The grip 80 has a grip body 80a and two extending members
80b. The two extending members 80b are mounted to a back end of the
grip body 80a.
[0172] The grip body 80a is fixed to a back end part of a shaft 6
by using a double-faced adhesive tape. An adhesion method of the
double-faced adhesive tape is the same as a normal adhesion method
of a grip.
[0173] The grip 80 has a connecting member 80c in addition to the
grip body 80a and the extending members 80b. The connecting member
80c is a screw.
[0174] The grip body 80a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body
h1. A material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part g1
has a cavity part cv1 (see FIG. 19). The rubber part g1 was
produced as in the rubber part g1 of the grip body 70a.
[0175] The hard base body h1 is provided inside the rubber part g1.
An axial direction length A4 (see FIG. 19) of the hard base body h1
was set to 5.0 mm.
[0176] A length extended by one extending member 80b was set to 0.5
inch (12.7 mm). As shown in FIG. 17, when the two extending members
80b are attached, a club length is extended by 1.0 inch.
[0177] The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarging part e1
having an inner diameter greater than an opening diameter (see FIG.
19). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure.
[0178] The first extending member 80b has a rubber part g2 and a
hard connector h2. A material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The
rubber part g2 has a cavity part cv2. The hard connector h2 is
provided inside the rubber part g2. The rubber part g2 covers a
part of the hard connector h2.
[0179] The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarging part e2
having an inner diameter greater than an opening diameter. The
cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure.
[0180] The rubber part g2 was produced as in the rubber part g2 of
the grip body 70b.
[0181] Differences between the grip 8 described above and the grip
80 according to the example 1 are a shape of the rubber part g1, a
shape of the hard connector h2, and a shape of the rubber part g2.
In the grip 80, a rubber thickness A2 (see FIGS. 3 and 18) is 0 mm,
and a rubber thickness A3 (see FIGS. 3 and 18) is 4 mm. That is, in
the grip 80, the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 are
brought into contact with each other. However, the hard connectors
h2 are not brought into contact with each other. Rubber having a
thickness A3 of 4 mm is interposed between the hard connectors h2.
Regarding the other points, the grip 80 is the same as the grip 8.
Also in the grip 80, the connection by the screw and the connection
using the undercut structure are employed.
[0182] A metal was used as a material of the hard base body h1. An
aluminum alloy was used as the metal.
[0183] A metal was used as a material of the hard base body h2. An
aluminum alloy was used as the metal. An adhesive was used for
connecting the hard connector h2 and rubber part g2 to each
other.
[0184] FIG. 20 is a view independently showing the hard connector
h2 used for the extending member 80b. The hard connector h2 has a
great diameter part h25, an inclined part h26, an intermediate
diameter part h27, and a small diameter part h28. The great
diameter part h25 is cylindrical. The inclined part h26 is conical.
The intermediate diameter part h27 is cylindrical. The small
diameter part h28 is cylindrical. The great diameter part h25, the
inclined part h26, the intermediate diameter part h27, and the
small diameter part h28 are disposed coaxially with each other.
Although not shown in the drawings, a screw hole is formed at a
center of the hard connector h2.
[0185] A length d25 of the great diameter part h25 was set to 1.0
mm; a length d26 of the inclined part h26 was set to 1.0 mm; a
length d27 of the intermediate diameter part h27 was set to 1.5 mm;
and a length d28 of the small diameter part h28 was set to 5.2 mm.
The length d25, the length d26, the length d27, and the length d28
were measured along a central axial line of the hard connector h2.
The drawings such as FIG. 20 do not reflect the ratios of the
lengths.
Example 3
[0186] "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" (trade name) manufactured by SRI
Sports Limited was used. A grip of the "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" was
removed. In place of the grip, the grip body 80a was mounted. One
of the extending members 80b was attached to the grip body 80a to
obtain a golf club of example 3. Evaluation of the example 3 is
shown in the following Table 1.
Example 4
[0187] One more extending member 80b was further mounted to the
grip of the example 3 to obtain a golf club of example 4. In the
grip of the example 4, as shown in FIG. 18, two extending members
80b are attached. Evaluation of the example 4 is shown in the
following Table 1.
Example 5
[0188] A golf club of example 5 was obtained in the same manner as
in the example 4 except that a rubber part was provided between a
hard base body h1 and a hard connector h2 so that a rubber
thickness A2 (see FIG. 18) was set to 4.0 mm. Evaluation of the
example 5 is shown in the following Table 1.
Example 6
[0189] A golf club of example 6 was obtained in the same manner as
in the example 4 except that a thickness of a rubber part g2 was
adjusted so that a rubber thickness A3 (see FIG. 18) was set to 1.0
mm. Evaluation of the example 6 is shown in the following Table
1.
Comparative Example 1
[0190] "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" manufactured by SRI Sports Limited
was used as is as a commercial item. A grip of the comparative
example 1 is a grip attached to "SRIXON ZR-700 Driver" as standard.
Evaluation of the comparative example 1 is shown in the following
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Specifications and evaluation results of
examples and comparative examples Comparative Unit Example 1
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Example 6
Extending member Number Piece 0 1 2 1 2 2 2 Total length inch 0 0.5
1 0.5 1 1 1 Total weight g 0 10 20 11 22 28 21 Club length inch 45
45.5 46 45.5 46 46 46 Club weight g 319 329 339 330 343 349 342
Swing weight 14-inch D2 D2 D2 D2 D2 D3 D2 type Thickness A1 mm -- 0
0 0 0 0 0 Thickness A2 mm -- 0 0 0 0 4 0 Thickness A3 mm -- -- 0 --
4 4 1 At = A1 + A2 + A3 mm -- 0 0 0 4 8 1 Out-of-plane primary %
0.51 0.86 1.32 1.12 1.48 1.67 1.40 attenuation rate Actual shot
evaluation -- 3.0 3.8 4.1 4.0 4.4 4.6 4.2 (vibration
absorptivity)
[0191] As shown in Table 1, the examples are high1y evaluated as
compared with the comparative examples. From the evaluation
results, the advantages of the present invention are apparent.
[0192] The invention described above can be applied to all the golf
club. The present invention can be used for a wood type golf club,
an iron type golf club, and a putter club or the like.
[0193] The description hereinabove is mere1y for an illustrative
example, and various modifications can be made in the scope not to
depart from the principles of the present invention.
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