U.S. patent application number 14/147326 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-01 for releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Nike, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Nike, Inc.. Invention is credited to David N. Franklin, John T. Stites, Gary G. Tavares, James S. Thomas.
Application Number | 20140121032 14/147326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40193668 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140121032 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stites; John T. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2014 |
Releasable and Interchangeable Connections for Golf Club Heads and
Shafts
Abstract
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the
club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that
the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily
changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may
include: (a) a cylindrical structure having a cylindrical interior
chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, a rotation-inhibiting
structure, and a securing structure; and (b) a securing system for
releasably engaging the securing structure. The club head and shaft
may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the
original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be
bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft connection
assembly so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with
respect to the club head.
Inventors: |
Stites; John T.;
(Weatherford, TX) ; Franklin; David N.; (Fort
Worth, TX) ; Thomas; James S.; (Fort Worth, TX)
; Tavares; Gary G.; (Southbridge, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nike, Inc. |
Beaverton |
OR |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Nike, Inc.
Beaverton
OR
|
Family ID: |
40193668 |
Appl. No.: |
14/147326 |
Filed: |
January 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11846370 |
Aug 28, 2007 |
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14147326 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/244 ;
29/426.2; 29/525.02; 29/592; 473/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
A63B 60/42 20151001; Y10T 29/49948 20150115; Y10T 29/49 20150115;
A63B 53/00 20130101; A63B 53/023 20200801; Y10T 29/49817 20150115;
A63B 53/022 20200801; A63B 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/244 ;
473/307; 29/592; 29/525.02; 29/426.2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/02 20060101
A63B053/02; A63B 59/00 20060101 A63B059/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly, comprising: a
cylindrical structure having a first end and a second end opposite
the first end, wherein the first end includes a first opening that
defines a cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a golf club
shaft, wherein the cylindrical structure includes a
rotation-inhibiting structure located on an exterior surface of the
cylindrical structure nearer to the first end than the second end,
wherein the second end includes a securing structure, and wherein
the cylindrical interior chamber extends toward the second end
axially beyond the rotation-inhibiting structure; and a securing
system for releasably engaging the securing structure, wherein the
securing structure includes a threaded hole defined in the second
end of the cylindrical structure and the securing system includes a
threaded bolt element that engages the threaded hole, wherein the
cylindrical structure extends in a first axial direction and the
cylindrical interior chamber extends in a second axial direction
that differs from the first axial direction, and wherein the
threaded hole does not axially align with the second axial
direction.
2. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the rotation-inhibiting structure includes plural flat
sides that extend in the first axial direction of the cylindrical
structure.
3. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein a portion of the exterior surface in a longitudinal
direction of the cylinder structure has a non-round cross section
to thereby provide the rotation-inhibiting structure.
4. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein a portion of the exterior surface in a longitudinal
direction of the cylinder structure has a polygonal shaped cross
section to thereby provide the rotation-inhibiting structure.
5. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the rotation-inhibiting structure extends less than 35% of
an overall axial length of the cylindrical structure.
6. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the exterior surface of the cylindrical structure at the
first end includes a tapered portion that tapers from a narrower
width at the first end to a wider width proximate to a location
where the rotation-inhibiting structure begins on the exterior
surface, and wherein the exterior surface of the cylindrical
structure abruptly changes width in an axial direction thereof such
that the exterior surface abruptly changes width with from the
wider width to a narrower width corresponding to the
rotation-inhibiting structure.
7. A golf club head/shaft connection assembly according to claim 1,
wherein the exterior surface of the cylindrical structure at the
first end includes a rotational position indicator located between
the first end and a location where the rotation-inhibiting
structure begins.
8. A golf club, comprising: a golf club head having a hosel area
that provides access to a shaft-receiving chamber defined in the
golf club head, wherein a first end of the shaft-receiving chamber
near the hosel area includes a first rotation-inhibiting structure
and a second end of the shaft-receiving chamber opposite the first
end includes a first opening for receiving a securing member; a
shaft connection member extending into the shaft-receiving chamber
of the golf club head, the shaft connection member including a
cylindrical structure having a first end and a second end opposite
the first end, wherein the first end of the shaft connection member
includes a second opening that defines a cylindrical interior
chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein the cylindrical
structure includes a second rotation-inhibiting structure located
on an exterior surface of the cylindrical structure nearer to its
first end than its second end, wherein the second
rotation-inhibiting structure engages the first rotation-inhibiting
structure at the hosel area of the golf club head, wherein the
second end includes a securing structure, and wherein the
cylindrical interior chamber extends toward the second end of the
shaft connection member axially beyond the second
rotation-inhibiting structure; a shaft engaged in the cylindrical
interior chamber of the shaft connection member, wherein an end of
the shaft extends axially toward the second end of the shaft
connection member beyond the second rotation-inhibiting structure;
and a securing member extending into the second end of the
shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head and releasably
engaging the securing structure of the shaft connection member to
thereby releasably engage the shaft connection member with the golf
club head, wherein the cylindrical structure extends in a first
axial direction and the cylindrical interior chamber extends in a
second axial direction that differs from the first axial
direction.
9. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein the securing structure
of the shaft connection member includes a threaded hole defined in
the second end of the cylindrical structure and the securing member
includes a threaded bolt element that engages the threaded hole,
and wherein the threaded bolt element releasably engages the golf
club head to hold the shaft connection member in place with respect
to the golf club head.
10. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of
the first end of the shaft-receiving chamber includes an opening
having an non-round cross section to thereby provide the first
rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein a portion of the
exterior surface in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder
structure of the shaft connection member has a mating and
correspondingly shaped non-round cross section to thereby provide
the second rotation-inhibiting structure.
11. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of
the first end of the shaft-receiving chamber includes an opening
having a polygonal shaped cross section to thereby provide the
first rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein a portion of the
exterior surface in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder
structure of the shaft connection member has a mating and
correspondingly shaped polygonal shaped cross section to thereby
provide the second rotation-inhibiting structure.
12. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein a portion of the
first end of the shaft connection member remains outside of the
shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head, and wherein the
second rotation-inhibiting structure extends into the shaft
receiving chamber and engages the first rotation-inhibiting
structure.
13. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein the exterior surface
of the cylindrical structure proximate the first end of the shaft
connection member includes a first rotational position indicator,
wherein the first rotational position indicator is located on the
exterior surface between the first end of the shaft connection
member and a location where the second rotation-inhibiting
structure begins, and wherein the golf club head includes a second
rotational position indicator located proximate to the
shaft-receiving chamber.
14. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein the first opening of
the shaft receiving chamber is located at a sole surface of the
golf club head.
15. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein the shaft-receiving
chamber includes an interior surface through which the first
opening of the shaft-receiving chamber is defined.
16. A golf club according to claim 8, wherein the difference in
direction between the first axial direction and the second axial
direction allows selective changing of an angle of the shaft with
respect to a ball striking face of the club head.
17. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the difference in
direction is between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees.
18. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the difference in
direction is between 0.5 degrees and 8 degrees.
19. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the difference in
direction is between 0.75 degrees and 6 degrees.
20. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the difference in
direction is between 1 degree and 4 degrees.
21. A method of producing a golf club head/shaft connection
assembly, comprising: producing a shaft connection member as a
cylindrical structure having a first end and a second end opposite
the first end; producing an open cylindrical interior chamber for
receiving a golf club shaft at the first end of the shaft
connection member; forming a rotation-inhibiting structure as part
of the shaft connection member, wherein the rotation-inhibiting
structure is located on an exterior surface of the cylindrical
structure nearer to the first end than the second end, wherein the
cylindrical interior chamber extends toward the second end axially
beyond the rotation-inhibiting structure; forming a securing
structure at the second end of the shaft connection member; and
providing a securing member for engaging the securing structure,
wherein the cylindrical structure extends in a first axial
direction and the cylindrical interior chamber extends in a second
axial direction that differs from the first axial direction, and
wherein the securing structure includes a threaded hole that does
not axially align with the second axial direction.
22. A method of assembling a golf club, comprising: providing a
golf club head having a hosel area that provides access to a
shaft-receiving chamber defined in the golf club head, wherein a
first end of the shaft-receiving chamber near the hosel area
includes a first rotation-inhibiting structure and a second end of
the shaft-receiving chamber opposite the first end includes a first
opening for receiving a securing member; engaging a shaft with a
shaft connection member, wherein the shaft connection member
includes a cylindrical structure having a first end and a second
end opposite the first end, wherein the first end of the shaft
connection member includes a second opening that defines a
cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft,
wherein the cylindrical structure includes a second
rotation-inhibiting structure located on an exterior surface of the
cylindrical structure nearer to its first end than its second end,
wherein the second rotation-inhibiting structure engages the first
rotation-inhibiting structure at the hosel area of the golf club
head, wherein the second end of the shaft connection member
includes a securing structure, wherein the cylindrical interior
chamber extends toward the second end of the shaft connection
member axially beyond the second rotation-inhibiting structure, and
wherein an end of the shaft extends within the cylindrical interior
chamber and toward the second end of the shaft connection member to
a location axially beyond the second rotation-inhibiting structure;
placing at least a portion of the shaft connection member into the
shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head such that the first
rotation-inhibiting structure engages the second
rotation-inhibiting structure to inhibit rotation of the shaft
connection member with respect to the golf club head; placing a
securing member into the second end of the shaft-receiving chamber;
and releasably engaging the securing member with the securing
structure of the shaft connection member to thereby releasably
engage the shaft connection member with the golf club head, wherein
the cylindrical structure extends in a first axial direction and
the cylindrical interior chamber extends in a second axial
direction that differs from the first axial direction.
23. A method according to claim 22, further comprising: releasing
the shaft connection member with respect to the golf club head;
engaging a second shaft with a second shaft connection member,
wherein the second shaft connection member includes a cylindrical
structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first
end, wherein the first end of the second shaft connection member
includes a second opening that defines a cylindrical interior
chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein an exterior
surface of the cylindrical structure of the second shaft connection
member nearer to its first end than its second end includes a third
rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein the second end of the
second shaft connection member includes a second securing
structure; placing at least a portion of the second shaft
connection member into the shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club
head such that the first rotation-inhibiting structure engages the
third rotation-inhibiting structure to inhibit rotation of the
second shaft connection member with respect to the golf club head;
placing the securing member into the second end of the
shaft-receiving chamber; and releasably engaging the securing
member with the second securing structure of the second shaft
connection member to thereby releasably engage the second shaft
connection member with the golf club head.
24. A method according to claim 22, further comprising: releasing
the shaft connection member with respect to the golf club head; and
releasably engaging an assembly including a second shaft with the
shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head.
25. A method according to claim 22, further comprising: disengaging
the shaft connection member from the golf club head; changing a
position of the shaft connection member with respect to the golf
club head to thereby alter a position of a free end of the shaft
with respect to a ball striking face of the club head; and
releasably engaging the securing member with the securing structure
of the shaft connection member to thereby releasably engage the
shaft connection member with respect to the golf club head at the
changed position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/846,370 filed Aug. 28, 2007. This priority
application is entirely incorporated herein by reference.
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/or head/shaft position adjusting features to allow
easy interchange of shafts and heads and/or to allow easy
modification of the head/shaft positioning properties.
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 such 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) a cylindrical structure
having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein
the first end includes a first opening that defines a cylindrical
interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein an
exterior surface of the cylindrical structure includes a
rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein the second end includes
a securing structure; and (b) a securing system for releasably
engaging the securing structure.
[0010] Further aspects of this invention relate to golf clubs in
which the shaft is engaged with the golf club head using a
shaft/club head connection member of the type described above. Such
golf clubs may include: (a) a golf club head having a
shaft-receiving chamber, wherein a first end of the shaft-receiving
chamber includes a first rotation-inhibiting structure and a second
end of shaft-receiving chamber includes a first opening for
receiving a securing member; (b) a shaft connection member
extending into the shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head,
the shaft connection member including a structure as generally
described above; (c) a shaft engaged in the cylindrical interior
chamber of the shaft connection member; (d) a securing member
received through the second end of the shaft-receiving chamber of
the golf club head and releasably engaging the securing structure
of the shaft connection member to thereby releasably engage the
shaft connection member with the golf club head; and/or (e) a grip
member engaged with the free end of the shaft.
[0011] The club head and shaft may be interchanged with respect to
one another by releasing the securing system and interchanging the
originally present parts (e.g., shafts, club heads, etc.) with
different parts, e.g., having different characteristics.
Furthermore, the shaft may be angled and/or the chamber for
receiving the shaft in the shaft connection member may be angled or
otherwise offset with respect to the axial direction of the shaft
connection 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).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] 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:
[0013] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a front view of an example golf
club according to this invention;
[0014] FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate various views of an example
golf club head/shaft connection member that may be used in
accordance with examples of this invention;
[0015] FIGS. 3A through 3E illustrate example features of a
connection between a golf club head and a shaft utilizing a golf
club head/shaft connection member in accordance with an example of
this invention; and
[0016] FIGS. 4A through 6B illustrate various example features and
structures that allow adjustment of various characteristics of a
golf club, such as loft angle, lie angle, etc., utilizing golf club
head/shaft connection members in accordance with examples of this
invention.
[0017] The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] 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.
A. General Description of Golf Club Head/Shaft Connection
Assemblies and Golf Clubs Including Such Assemblies According to
Examples of the Invention
[0019] 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. More detailed descriptions of aspects of this invention
follow.
[0020] 1. Example Golf Club Head/Shaft Connection Assemblies and
Golf Club Structures According to the Invention
[0021] One aspect of this invention relates to golf club head/shaft
connection assemblies for securely, but releasably, connecting a
golf club head and shaft. Such assemblies may include, for example:
(a) a cylindrical structure having a first end and an opposite
second end, wherein the first end includes a first opening
providing access to a cylindrical interior chamber for receiving a
golf club shaft, wherein an exterior surface of the cylindrical
structure (e.g., nearer to the first end than the second end)
includes a rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein the second
end includes a securing structure; and (b) a securing system for
releasably engaging the securing structure. While a variety of
different securing structures and securing systems may be used
without departing from this invention, in some example structures
according to this invention, the securing structure will include a
threaded hole defined in the second end of the cylindrical
structure, and the securing system will include a threaded bolt
element that engages the threaded hole. The cylindrical interior
chamber and the threaded hole may be coaxial or non-coaxial, and
optionally, they may be provided in the cylindrical structure
completely independent from one another.
[0022] A variety of rotation-inhibiting structures and systems may
be used without departing from this invention. In some example
structures according to this invention, the rotation-inhibiting
structure may include plural flat sides that extend in an axial
direction of the cylindrical structure (optionally to form a
polygon cross section having from 3-25 sides). In some more
specific examples, the polygon cross section of the cylindrical
structure that forms the rotation-inhibiting structure will have at
least 4 flat sides (or even at least six or eight flat sides).
Other non-round cross sectional configurations may be provided as
part of the rotation-inhibiting structure without departing from
this invention (e.g., star or asterisk shaped exterior surfaces,
oval or elliptical shaped exterior surfaces, non-regular or
non-symmetrically shaped exterior surfaces, etc.).
[0023] The rotation-inhibiting structure may extend along any
desired portion of an overall longitudinal (or axial) length of the
cylindrical structure without departing from this invention. In
some more specific examples, the rotation-inhibiting structure will
extend less than 50% of an overall axial length of the cylindrical
structure, or even less than 35% of the overall axial length. On
the other hand, the rotation-inhibiting structure, when present on
the exterior surface of the cylindrical structure, will extend a
sufficient portion of the overall longitudinal or axial length of
the cylindrical structure so as to provide a solid, non-rotational
engagement and feel (e.g., at least 2% of the overall axial
length). In some more specific examples, the rotation-inhibiting
structure will extend from 2-65% of the overall axial length of the
cylindrical structure, or even from 5-50% or even 10-35% of the
overall axial length.
[0024] The exterior surface of the cylindrical structure and its
cylindrical interior chamber may be coaxial. On the other hand,
these cylindrical structures need not be coaxial (e.g., they may
extend in different directions, they may extend in parallel but in
a non-coaxial direction, etc.). By providing non-coaxial
cylindrical interior and exterior surfaces (or through other
features of the club head, shaft, etc.), various properties,
positions, angles, and the like of the shaft with respect to the
club head ball striking face may be changed, as will be explained
in more detail below. If desired, the exterior surface of the
cylindrical structure (e.g., at the first end thereof) may includes
a rotational position indicator to allow a user to easily see the
position of the shaft/club head connection member with respect to
the club head when in use.
[0025] Aspects of this invention further relate to golf clubs in
which the shaft is engaged with the golf club head using shaft/club
head connection members of the types described above. Such golf
clubs may include: (a) a golf club head having a shaft-receiving
chamber, wherein a first end of the shaft-receiving chamber
includes a first rotation-inhibiting structure and a second end of
the shaft-receiving chamber includes a first opening for receiving
a securing member; (b) a shaft connection member extending into the
shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club head, the shaft connection
member including a cylindrical structure having a first end and an
opposite second end, wherein the first end of the shaft connection
member includes a second opening that defines a cylindrical
interior chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, wherein an
exterior surface of the cylindrical structure includes a second
rotation-inhibiting structure that engages the first
rotation-inhibiting structure, and wherein the second end includes
a securing structure; (c) a shaft engaged in the cylindrical
interior chamber of the shaft connection member; (d) a securing
member extending into the second end of the shaft-receiving chamber
of the golf club head and releasably engaging the securing
structure of the shaft connection member to thereby releasably
engage the shaft connection member with the golf club head; and/or
(e) a grip member engaged with the free end of the shaft. The
securing member may be inserted into the shaft-receiving chamber of
the club head through an opening provided in the sole of the club
head.
[0026] The rotation-inhibiting structure of the club head may
constitute an opening having side walls or edges of the same
non-round construction (e.g., polygonal, flat-sided, non-regular,
etc.) as the rotation-inhibiting structure of the shaft/club head
connection member as described above. Alternatively, if desired,
the club head's opening or side walls may be differently shaped
from the rotation-inhibiting structure of the connection member,
but it may include appropriately located retaining walls, edges, or
other structures so as to securely hold the connection member in a
non-rotational manner.
[0027] 2. Example Methods of Producing Golf Club Head/Shaft
Connection Assemblies and Golf Clubs Including Such Assemblies
According to the Invention
[0028] Another aspect of this invention relates to methods of
producing club head/shaft connection assemblies in accordance with
examples of this invention (e.g., of the types described above).
Such methods may include, for example: (a) producing a shaft
connection member as a cylindrical structure having a first end and
an opposite second end (e.g., via casting or molding processes, via
extrusion, etc.); (b) producing an open cylindrical interior
chamber for receiving a golf club shaft at the first end of the
shaft connection member (e.g., via drilling or machining processes,
etc.); (c) forming a rotation-inhibiting structure as part of an
exterior surface of the cylindrical structure, e.g., nearer to the
first end than the second end (e.g., by grinding, machining, etc.);
(d) forming a securing structure at the second end of the shaft
connection member (e.g., by drilling, tapping, or machining
processes, etc.); and (e) providing a securing member for engaging
the securing structure (e.g., by manufacturing it, from third party
suppliers, etc.). If desired, the securing structure may be formed
as a threaded hole defined in the second end of the cylindrical
structure and the securing member may be provided as a threaded
bolt element that is engagable with the threaded hole. The assembly
may be formed so as to include any of the various structures and/or
configurations described above (and described in more detail
below).
[0029] Another aspect of this invention relates to methods of
assembling golf clubs using club head/shaft connection assemblies
in accordance with examples of this invention. Such methods may
include: (a) providing a golf club head having a shaft-receiving
chamber (e.g., by manufacturing it, from a third party supplier,
etc.), wherein a first end of the shaft-receiving chamber includes
a first rotation-inhibiting structure and a second end of
shaft-receiving chamber includes a first opening for receiving a
securing member; (b) engaging a shaft with a shaft connection
member, wherein the shaft connection member includes a cylindrical
structure, e.g., of the types described above; (c) placing at least
a portion of the shaft connection member into the shaft-receiving
chamber of the golf club head such that the first
rotation-inhibiting structure engages a rotation-inhibiting
structure provided with the shaft connection member to thereby
inhibit rotation of the shaft connection member with respect to the
golf club head; (d) placing a securing member into the second end
of the shaft-receiving chamber; and (e) releasably engaging the
securing member with a securing structure provided with the shaft
connection member to thereby releasably engage the shaft connection
member with the golf club head.
[0030] If desired, various characteristics or features of the club
head may be changed, e.g., by changing a position of the shaft with
respect to the club head (e.g., by rotating the shaft and its
connection member with respect to the club head when the shaft is
bent or when the cylindrical interior shaft receiving chamber of
the connection member is non-coaxial with respect to its exterior
cylindrical surface) to thereby change the loft, lie, offset,
inset, or other features of the club head. Such methods may
include: (a) releasing or disengaging the shaft connection member
with respect to the golf club head; (b) changing a position of the
shaft connection member with respect to the golf club head (e.g.,
by rotating them with respect to one another) to thereby alter a
position of a free end of the shaft with respect to a ball striking
face of the club head; and (c) releasably engaging the securing
member with the securing structure of the shaft connection member
to thereby releasably engage the shaft connection member with
respect to the golf club head at the changed position.
[0031] Additionally, or alternatively, aspects of the invention
allow easy interchange of one shaft for another on the club head
(or one club head for another on the shaft). Such methods may
include: (a) releasing or disengaging the shaft connection member
with respect to the golf club head; (b) engaging a second shaft
with a second shaft connection member, wherein the second shaft
connection member may include the various structures described
above; (c) placing at least a portion of the second shaft
connection member into the shaft-receiving chamber of the golf club
head such that the first rotation-inhibiting structure of the
shaft-receiving chamber engages the rotation-inhibiting structures
provided on the second shaft connection member to thereby inhibit
rotation of the second shaft connection member with respect to the
golf club head; (d) placing the securing member into the second end
of the shaft-receiving chamber; and (e) releasably engaging the
securing member with a securing structure provided with the second
shaft connection member to thereby releasably engage the second
shaft connection member with the golf club head. In a similar
manner to that described above, a given shaft (and shaft connection
member) may be readily disengaged from a club head and engaged with
a different club head in accordance with still additional aspects
of this invention.
[0032] 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.
C. Specific Examples of the Invention
[0033] FIG. 1 generally illustrates an example golf club 100 in
accordance with at least some examples of this invention. This club
100 includes a club head 102, a releasable club head/shaft
connection region 104 that connects the club head to a shaft 106
(which will be described in more detail below), and a grip member
108 engaged with the shaft 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 any desired materials, in any desired construction and/or
in any desired manner, including from conventional materials, in
conventional constructions, in conventional manners, as are known
and used in the art, optionally modified (if necessary, e.g., in
size, shape, inclusion of structures, etc.) to accommodate the
releasable club head/shaft connection parts.
[0034] Any desired materials also may be used for the shaft member
106, including conventional 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. The
grip member 108 may be engaged with the shaft 106 in any desired
manner, including in conventional 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 conventional 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 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).
[0035] The releasable connection 104 between golf club heads and
shafts in accordance with examples of this invention now will be
described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 2A through 3E.
FIGS. 2A through 2C illustrate an example club head/shaft
connection member 200 in accordance with this invention. As shown,
the club head/shaft connection member 200 includes a generally
cylindrical body 202 having a first end 204 and an opposite second
end 206. The first end 204 defines an opening to an interior
cylindrical chamber 208 for receiving the end of a golf club shaft
106. The second end 206 includes a securing structure (e.g., a
threaded hole 210 in this example structure) that assists in
securely engaging the connection member 200 to a club head body as
will be explained in more detail below. In this example structure,
as shown in FIG. 2B, the interior chamber 208 is not open to the
threaded hole 210, but if desired, the threaded hole 210 may extend
to and open in to the interior chamber 208 in some structures in
accordance with this invention.
[0036] As shown, a least a portion of the first end 204 of the
connection assembly 200 includes a rotation-inhibiting structure
212. While a variety of rotation-inhibiting structures may be
provided without departing from this invention, in this example
structure, the rotation-inhibiting structure 212 constitutes a
cylindrical area having a non-round cross section such that when it
is fit into a close fitting and similarly shaped opening or
chamber, the non-rounded sides and edges of the rotation-inhibiting
structure 212 will prevent rotation of the connection assembly 200
with respect to the member into which it is fit (e.g., a golf club
head, as will be explained in more detail below). While a variety
of non-rounded cross sectional structures may be used without
departing from the invention, in the illustrated example, a portion
of the first end 204 of the cylindrical body 202 has a polygon
shaped cross section having plural (eight) flat sides 212a.
[0037] The rotation-inhibiting structure 212 may extend along any
desired portion of the overall longitudinal length L of the
connection assembly 200. For example, the length l of the
rotation-inhibiting structure 212 may be less than 65% of the
overall length L of the connection assembly 200, and in some
examples, it may be less than 50%, less than 35%, or even less than
25% of the overall axial length L. On the other hand,
rotation-inhibiting structure 212 may extend along any desired
portion of the overall longitudinal length L of the connection
assembly 200. For example, the rotation-inhibiting structure 212
should be of sufficient length l to enable strong and secure
engagement with the club head in a non-rotational manner. As some
more specific examples, the length l may be at least 2% of the
overall length L of the connection assembly 200, and in some
examples at least 5%, at least 10%, or even least 20% of the
overall axial length L. If desired, the rotation-inhibiting
structure 212 may extend from 2-65% of the overall axial length L
of the connection assembly 200, or even from 5-50% or 10-35% of the
overall length L.
[0038] FIGS. 2A through 2C further illustrate that the first end
204 of the club head/shaft connection member 200 includes an
expanded portion 214. As will be more apparent from FIGS. 3A
through 3E, this expanded portion 214 provides a stop that prevents
the connection member 200 from extending into the club head body
and provides a strong base for securing the connection member 200
to the club head body. Also, the exterior shape of the first end
204 may be tapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft
106 and the club head 102 and a conventional aesthetic
appearance.
[0039] Other features of this example connection member structure
200 may be seen from FIGS. 2A through 2C. For example, in this
example structure 200, the threaded hole 210 of the securing
structure (in the second end 206 of the connection member 200) is
coaxial with the cylindrical interior chamber 208 (see common axial
line 216) and coaxial with respect to the exterior surface 218.
These features are not requirements. Rather, if desired, one of
these cylindrical holes 208 and 210 may be offset (and still
parallel) with respect to the other and/or with respect to the
exterior surface 218. As another example, if desired (and as
illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B), one hole may be angled with
respect to the other and/or with respect to the exterior surface
218. As still another example, if desired, multiple threaded holes
(or other securing structures) may be included at the second end
206 to enable engagement with multiple bolts (or other securing
systems).
[0040] The connection member 200 may be made from any desired
materials and from any desired number of independent parts without
departing from this invention. In this illustrated example, the
entire connection member 200 is made as a unitary, one-piece
construction from conventional materials, such as metals or metal
alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least some example structures
according to this invention, the connection member will be made
from a titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or other metal or
metal alloy material. The various holes (e.g., chamber 208 and
threaded opening 210) and/or surface structures (e.g., flat panels
212a, expanded portions) may be produced in the material in any
desired manner without departing from the invention, including via
production methods that are commonly known and used in the art,
such as by drilling, tapping, machining, lathing, extruding,
grinding, etc.
[0041] One example of engagement of a golf club shaft 106 with a
club head 102 utilizing connection assembly 200 now will be
described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3A through 3E.
At some time during the head/shaft connection process, a shaft 106
is engaged within the cylindrical interior chamber 208 of the
connection assembly 200. In this illustrated example structure 200,
the shaft 106 will be permanently engaged in the chamber 208, e.g.,
via an adhesive or cement bond. Other ways of engaging a shaft 106
with the connection assembly 200 are possible without departing
from this invention, including, for example, mechanical connections
(including releasable mechanical connections, such as threaded
structures or the like); welding, brazing, soldering, or other
fusing techniques; etc. Once connected to the connection assembly
200, the shaft 106 is ready for mounting to a golf club head 102.
Alternatively, if desired, the shaft 106 may be connected to the
connection member 200 later in the process, even as late as the
final step in the connection process.
[0042] An example club head structure 102 now will be described in
more detail, particularly in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B (FIG.
3B provides an overhead view of the club head 102, without a shaft
106 engaged therewith, looking down the hosel opening). In this
example structure, the club head 102 includes a hosel area 302 that
provides access to a shaft-receiving chamber 304 defined in the
club head 102. The shaft-receiving chamber 304 in this example
structure extends completely through the club head body 102 and
produces an opening 306 at the sole of the club head 102. This
opening 306 allows access for insertion of a securing system 308
(e.g., a threaded bolt member) that helps secure the connection
system 200 to the club head body 102, as will be described in more
detail below. In this example structure, the shaft-receiving
chamber 304 includes a mounting plate 310 with a hole 310a defined
therein, which provides a support surface for securing the
connection system 200 within the club head body 102, as will be
explained in more detail below. If desired, the mounting plate 310
may be integrally formed as part of the club head structure, and it
may be located at any desired position along the shaft-receiving
chamber 304, including right at or near the opening 306.
Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a plug member may be
provided close to opening 306 (optionally a removable plug member)
or the sole member may include a countersunk region to allow the
bolt member 308 to lie flush or substantially flush with the club
head sole.
[0043] The upper opening for the shaft-receiving chamber 304 in
this example structure has rotation-inhibiting structures 312.
While a variety of rotation-inhibiting structures 312 may be used
without departing from the invention, in this example structure,
the rotation-inhibiting structure 312 constitutes an opening having
a plurality of flat sides or edges 312a that generally correspond
to the size, shape, and location of the rotation-inhibiting
structure 212 (and flat panels 212a) of the connection member 200
(e.g., having a non-round opening, and in this illustrated example,
a polygonal opening with flat sides or edges 312a). As noted above,
a variety of rotation-inhibiting structures 312 and/or 212 may be
used without departing from this invention.
[0044] Connection of the connection assembly 200 (optionally with a
shaft 106 already engaged with it) to the club head 102 will be
described in more detail in conjunction with FIGS. 3A, 3C, 3D, and
3E. As shown, the cylindrical body 202 of the connection member 200
is inserted into the shaft-receiving chamber 304 of the club head
body 102 in an appropriate manner such that the rotation-inhibiting
structures 212a of the connection member 200 engage the
rotation-inhibiting structures 312a of the hosel 302. At this
location and in this arrangement, the second end 206 of the
connection member 200 is seated against the mounting plate 310
and/or the expanded portion 214 of the connection member 200 first
end 204 is seated against the top surface of the hosel 302
opening.
[0045] Once inserted, the connection assembly 200 may be engaged
with the club head body by inserting the securing system 308
through the opening 306 in the sole of the club head and engaging
the securing system 308 with the securing structure 210 provided
with the connection member 200. If desired, the locations where the
connection member 200 meet the club head 102 (e.g., at mounting
plate 310 and/or the hosel opening) and/or where the securing
system 308 meets the club head 102 (e.g., at the mounting plate
310) may include a flexible material (such as a washer, a gasket,
an o-ring, an elastomeric washer or coating, etc.) to provide noise
and/or vibration dampening, etc. This illustrated connection system
is readily releasable, e.g., by twisting out the bolt member 308,
to allow users to interchange different shafts 106 on a given golf
club head 102 and/or to allow users to interchange different golf
club heads 102 on a given shaft/connection member assembly. If
desired, the bolt 308 and mounting plate opening 310a may be
structured so as to prevent the bolt 308 from completely falling
out of the opening 306 when the bolt 308 is released from the
connection system 200 (e.g., by providing an enlarged ring on the
free end of bolt 308). The bolt may include a head having
structures for engaging a screwdriver, an alien wrench, or another
tool.
[0046] As will be explained in more detail below in conjunction
with FIGS. 4A through 6B, adjustment of the rotational position of
the connection system 200 (and its attached shaft 106) with respect
to the golf club head 102 may be used in at least some examples of
this invention to adjust various features of the overall golf club,
such as loft angle, lie angle, inset distance, offset distance, to
fade bias, to draw bias, etc. To enable users to easily identify
the club head's "settings" (e.g., the club head body 102 position
and/or orientation with respect to the shaft 106), any or all of
the shaft 106, the connection member 200, and/or the club head 102
may include markings or indicators. FIGS. 2A and 3A shows an
indicator 220 on the connection system 200 (e.g., on the expanded
portion 214), and FIG. 3A shows plural indicators 320 on the hosel
area 302 of the club head 102. By noting the relative positions of
the various indicators, a club fitter or other user can readily
determine and know the position of the shaft with respect to the
club head body 102 and its ball striking face. If desired, the
indicators (e.g., indicators 320) may be associated with and/or
include specific quantitative information, such as a specifically
identified loft angle, lie angle, inset distance, offset distance,
etc.
[0047] Additional aspects of this invention relate to utilizing
releasable golf club head/shaft connection assemblies to enable
club fitters (or others) to adjust various positions and/or angles
of the club head (and its ball striking face) with respect to the
free (grip) end of the shaft (e.g., lie angle, loft angle, etc.).
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one example golf club head/shaft
connection system 400 in which these angles can be controlled and
adjusted. More specifically, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a
releasable golf club head/shaft connection assembly 200 similar to
that described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 3E (the
same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 4A and 4B as
those used in FIGS. 1 through 3E to denote the same or similar
parts). The shaft 402, however, in this example structure 400, is
bent so as to include a first axial direction 404 extending coaxial
with the interior chamber 208 of the connection member 200 and a
second axial direction 406 extending along a major portion of the
shaft 402. The axial direction change region 408 (optionally an
abrupt bend or a continuous and/or smooth change) transitions the
shaft axial direction from the first direction 404 to the second
direction 406.
[0048] As evident from a comparison of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the angle
and/or position of the free end of the shaft 402 (at the location
of the grip, remote from the connection assembly 200) may be
altered with respect to the club head 102 (and with respect to the
ball striking face) by rotating the connection member 200 with
respect to the club head (note the changed location of the position
indicator 220 of the connection member 200 in FIGS. 4A and 4B). For
ease in illustration, the club head structure is not shown in FIGS.
4A and 4B, but its location with respect to connection member 200
is readily evident from the previously described figures. This bent
shaft feature, along with the releasable connection system 200
(e.g., via releasable securing system features 210 and 308), allows
club fitters (or others) to freely and easily adjust various angles
and/or positions of the shaft 402 with respect to the club head 102
(e.g., variable lie, loft, and face angle combinations) while still
using the same shaft 402 and head 102, which can help users more
easily determine the optimum club head/shaft combination and
arrangement to suit their needs.
[0049] The axial direction change region 408 may be located at any
desired position along the shaft 402 without departing from this
invention. In at least some example structures 400 according to
this aspect of the invention, the axial direction change region 408
will be located in the lower half of the shaft 402 nearer to the
club head 102 than to the grip end. In some more specific examples,
the axial direction change region 408 will be located in the lower
quarter of the shaft 402 nearest to the club head 102, and even in
the lower 10% or even 5% of the shaft 402 nearest to the club head
102. In some example structures 400 according to the invention, the
bend or other axial direction change region 408 may be located as
close to the connection member 200 or other portion of the club
head as possible.
[0050] Also, any desired axial direction change .theta. (or bend)
angle may be used 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 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees. In
some example structures, this bend or other axial direction change
will be between 0.25 and 25 degrees, between 0.5 and 15 degrees,
between 1 and 10 degrees, or even between 1 and 5 degrees.
[0051] Aspects of this invention are not limited to golf club
shafts having a single axial direction change region. Rather, as
illustrated by the structure 500 shown in FIG. 5A, the shaft 502
may have multiple axial direction change regions (e.g., regions 504
and 506 in FIG. 5A (in FIG. 5A, the same or similar reference
numbers are used as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4B to denote the
same or similar parts)). This double bend feature allows further
fine tuning or control of the position and/or angle of the free end
of the shaft 502 (at the grip) with respect to the club head 102
and its ball striking face (e.g., to adjust positions to provide a
range of inset, outset, onset, and offset positions and/or
optionally to adjust lie, loft, and/or face angle features). For
simplicity in illustration, the club head 102 is not shown in FIG.
5A.
[0052] FIG. 5B illustrates another example structure 520 including
a releasable golf club head/shaft connection assembly (e.g., like
assembly 200) and a shaft 522 having two (or more) axial direction
change regions 504 and 506 like those illustrated in FIG. 5A. In
this example structure 520, however, the shaft 522 has more abrupt
direction changes as compared to the structure 500 and shaft 502 of
FIG. 5A. This shaft structure 522 also allows control of the
position and/or angle of the free end of the shaft 522 (at the
grip) with respect to the club head 102 and its ball striking face
(e.g., to adjust positions to provide a range of inset, outset,
onset, and offset positions and/or optionally to adjust lie, loft,
and/or face angle features).
[0053] The axial direction change regions 504 and 506 in the
various structures (e.g., structures 500 and 520) may be located at
any desired positions along the shafts 502 and/or 522 and/or at any
desired relative spacing with respect to one another without
departing from this invention. In at least some example structures
500 and/or 520 according to this invention, at least one of the
axial direction change regions 504 and 506 (and optionally both)
will be located in the lower half of the shaft 502 and/or 522
nearer to the club head 102 than to the grip end. In some more
specific examples, one or both of the axial direction change
regions 504 and 506 will be located in the lower quarter of the
shaft 502 and/or 522 nearest to the club head 102, and even in the
lower 10% or 5% of the shaft 502 and/or 522 nearest to the club
head 102. The axial direction change regions 504 and 506 may be
separated from one another by at least 1/2 inch, at least 1 inch,
at least 2 inches, or even at least 4 inches or more without
departing from this invention.
[0054] Also, any desired axial direction change (or bend) angles
may be used for each of the two (or more) direction changes 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
4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees. In some example structures,
like those shown in FIG. 5A, these bends or other axial direction
changes will be between 0.25 and 25 degrees, between 0.5 and 15
degrees, between 1 and 10 degrees, or even between 1 and 5 degrees.
In other example structures, like those shown in FIG. 5B, these
bends or other axial direction changes will be between 25 and 145
degrees, between 30 and 120 degrees, between 45 and 100 degrees, or
even between 60 and 90 degrees. If desired, one bend may be
relatively slight (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5A) while another is more
abrupt (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B). The bends or axial direction
changes 502 and 504 may be arranged so that the free ends of the
shaft (and the shaft sections 524 and 526 including the free ends)
lie on the same plane or on different planes. Also, if desired,
more than two bends or axial direction change regions may be
provided in a club head shaft structure without departing from this
invention.
[0055] Utilizing a shaft including one or more axial direction
change regions is not the only manner in which the position and/or
angle of the free (grip) end of a shaft may be altered with respect
to a golf club head and/or its ball striking face. FIGS. 6A and 6B
illustrate another example arrangement. In this example
arrangement, the club head/shaft connection member 600 includes an
"off-axis" or angled bore hole or interior chamber 608 in which the
shaft 106 (optionally a straight shaft) is received. More
specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical
surface 618 of the connection member 600 extends in a first axial
direction 626, and the interior cylindrical surface 628 of the bore
hole 608 extends in a second axial direction 630 that differs from
the first axial direction 626. In this manner, while the shaft
connection member 600 exterior maintains a constant axial direction
corresponding to that of the interior of the club head hosel and
its opening, the shaft 106 extends away from the club head 102 at a
different and adjustable angle with respect to the club head 102
and its ball striking face (the shaft position and/or angle may be
adjusted, for example, by rotating the shaft connection member 600
with respect to the club head hosel). This may be seen, for
example, by a comparison of the angles of FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0056] While any desired angle may be maintained between the first
axial direction 626 and the second axial direction 630, in
accordance with some examples of this invention, this angle will be
between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, and in some examples between
0.5 degrees and 8 degrees, between 0.75 degrees and 6 degrees, or
even between 1 degree and 4 degrees.
[0057] As another example, if desired, the axial directions 626 and
630 may be parallel to one another but offset such that these
directions are not coaxial. In this manner, various characteristics
of the club may be changed by rotating the connection system 200
with respect to the club head (such as inset or outset dimensions,
etc.).
[0058] Many variations in the overall structure of the shaft, club
head, and club head/shaft connection assembly are possible without
departing from this invention. For example, if desired, the
connection system may be used to connect shafts to other elements
of a golf club (or other) structure, such as connecting a golf club
shaft to a grip element. Similar structures also may be used to
connect shafts to other pieces of athletic equipment or other
equipment, if desired (not limited to golf clubs). The various
steps of the described assembly processes also may be altered,
changed in order, combined, and/or omitted without departing from
the invention.
[0059] Additionally, the releasable connection assemblies may be
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 conventional (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.
CONCLUSION
[0060] 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.
* * * * *