U.S. patent application number 14/244714 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for systems and methods for fitting golf clubs to golfers.
This patent application is currently assigned to DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey D. Brunski, Matthew R. Daraskavich, Dan S. Nivanh, Brian D. Schielke.
Application Number | 20140221120 14/244714 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51259674 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140221120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brunski; Jeffrey D. ; et
al. |
August 7, 2014 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FITTING GOLF CLUBS TO GOLFERS
Abstract
A system for fitting golf clubs to golfers that enables an
overall club length to be varied without varying the length of the
golf club shaft. The system enables a greater number of
combinations of club characteristics, such as shaft flex, brand,
and length, to be contained within a club fitting cart and/or for a
same number of combinations of club characteristics to be contained
within a smaller cart.
Inventors: |
Brunski; Jeffrey D.; (Los
Angeles, CA) ; Daraskavich; Matthew R.; (Huntington
Beach, CA) ; Schielke; Brian D.; (Los Angeles,
CA) ; Nivanh; Dan S.; (Tustin, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD. |
Kobe |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
Kobe
JP
|
Family ID: |
51259674 |
Appl. No.: |
14/244714 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13841598 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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14244714 |
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61680614 |
Aug 7, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/288 ;
473/305; 473/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/50 20151001;
A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B 60/0085 20200801; A63B 53/028 20200801;
A63B 53/022 20200801; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 60/28 20151001;
A63B 55/10 20130101; A63B 53/005 20200801; A63B 53/14 20130101;
A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B 55/60 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/288 ;
473/305; 473/307 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/02 20060101
A63B053/02; A63B 59/00 20060101 A63B059/00; A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club fitting system, comprising: a golf club head
including a body portion having a first tubular passage and a
plurality of first castellations arranged about an upper end of the
first tubular passage, the first castellations extending upward;
and a collar portion including a second tubular passage configured
to receive a golf club shaft having a shaft length, and further
including a plurality of second castellations arranged about a
lower end thereof, the second castellations extending downward;
wherein the first and second castellations seat with one another in
a first configuration to define, in combination with the golf club
shaft having the shaft length, a first overall golf club length;
wherein the first and second castellations seat with one another in
a second configuration to define, in combination with the golf club
shaft having the shaft length, a second overall golf club length,
wherein the first and second overall golf club lengths are
different.
2. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein when the first
and second castellations seat with one another in the first
configuration, the collar portion defines a first rotational
orientation with respect to the body portion, and when the first
and second castellations seat with one another in the second
configuration, the collar portion defines a second rotational
orientation with respect to the body portion.
3. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein the first
castellations comprise a pair of first upwardly-extending
diametrically-opposed tabs, and a pair of second upwardly-extending
diametrically-opposed tabs.
4. The golf club fitting system of claim 3, wherein the first tabs
are measurably longer axially than the second tabs.
5. The golf club fitting system of claim 3, wherein the first tabs
are offset from the second tabs by about 90.degree. around the
perimeter of the first tubular passage.
6. The golf club fitting system of claim 3, wherein the second
castellations comprise a pair of first diametrically-opposed slots
configured to receive the first tabs and a pair of second
diametrically-opposed slots configured to receive the second
tabs.
7. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising a
plug portion extending from the collar portion, wherein the first
tubular passage of the body portion receives the plug portion.
8. A golf club fitting system, comprising: a golf club head
including a hosel having a first tubular passage, the hosel having
a slot in a sidewall thereof defining a plurality of detents; and a
tubular adapter having a radial protrusion, the adapter including a
second tubular passage configured to receive a golf club shaft
having a shaft length; wherein the radial protrusion is configured
to be seated in any of the detents in the slot to vary an extent to
which the adapter and the golf club shaft having the shaft length
extend into the first tubular passage to thereby vary an overall
golf club length using the golf club shaft having the shaft
length.
9. The golf club fitting system of claim 8, wherein the slot
defines two detents.
10. The golf club fitting system of claim 8, further comprising a
securement mechanism configured to removably secure the adapter to
the golf club shaft and to the golf club head.
11. The golf club fitting system of claim 10, wherein the
securement mechanism comprises one or more set screws.
12. A method for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer, the
method comprising: securing a first golf club head to a golf club
shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a first distance into
the first golf club head; removing the first golf club head from
the golf club shaft; and securing a second golf club head to the
golf club shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a second
distance into the second golf club head; wherein the first and
second distances are different; and wherein the first and second
distances respectively correspond to first and second rotational
orientations of the golf club heads to the golf club shaft.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first rotational
orientation of the golf club heads to the golf club shaft is offset
by about 90.degree. from the second rotational orientation of the
golf club heads to the golf club shaft.
14. A golf club fitting system, comprising: at least two golf club
heads; and a golf club shaft; wherein the system is configurable to
provide a plurality of golf club lengths using only the golf club
heads and the golf club shaft; and wherein providing the plurality
of golf club lengths comprises varying an extent to which the golf
club shaft extends into the golf club heads.
15. The golf club fitting system of claim 14, wherein providing the
plurality of golf club lengths comprises varying a hosel length of
a golf club formed from the golf club heads and the golf club
shaft.
16. The golf club fitting system of claim 14, further comprising a
plurality of hosel-like sleeves having variable bore lengths,
wherein the sleeves are alternately receivable within a bore in
each of the golf club heads.
17. The golf club fitting system of claim 14, further comprising a
plurality of adapters, wherein the adapters are receivable within a
bore in each of the golf club heads to selectively limit an extent
to which the golf club shaft may extend into each of the golf club
heads.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
13/841,598, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, which claims priority, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e), from provisional application Ser. No.
61/680,614, filed on Aug. 7, 2012. The entire contents of the
priority applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, the concepts described herein relate to golf
clubs (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges, putters, etc.).
More particularly, in some embodiments the concepts described
herein relate to custom golf club fittings. For the sake of clarity
and brevity, the concepts will be described in detail below with
respect to wedge-type golf clubs, but could be applied to any type
of golf clubs.
[0003] Each golfer has a different swing type and physical
characteristics (e.g., golfer's height, weight, arm-length, etc.).
In order to properly fit a set of golf clubs (e.g., a set of irons,
a set of wedges, or an entire set of golf clubs including irons,
wedges, etc.) for any particular golfer, a fitting process is
generally employed to determine the proper specifications for each
golf club in the golfer's bag.
[0004] The golf club fitting process generally requires a golfer to
swing a golf club under the supervision of a golf club fitting
specialist. Based on the results, the golf club fitting specialist
may suggest adjustments to various golf clubs (e.g., switching to a
different shaft length, a different shaft stiffness or "flex,"
etc.), or ask the golfer to try a different golf club altogether.
The golfer may continue to swing the adjusted golf club, and
further adjustments may be made if necessary. Through this process,
the golfer may arrive at a set of custom-fit golf clubs that is
adapted for that individual.
[0005] However, such a process requires the golf club fitting
specialist to carry a large number of golf club components,
particularly club heads and shafts. For example, for each club
head, there may be tens to hundreds of shafts needed to ensure a
best fit for a golfer, since shafts come in different lengths,
flexes, brands, etc. Typically, to assure that the golfer is
provided the opportunity to find the best-fit club, the golfer must
be provided with a large number of club heads and club shafts to be
combined in various combinations during the fitting process.
[0006] With respect to wedges, assuming that the variables for golf
club shafts are limited to brand, shaft length, and shaft flex or
stiffness, the maximum number of shafts needed to be carried by a
golf club fitting specialist to ensure a full library of
customization options can generally be calculated with the
following expression:
S=.SIGMA..sub.i=1.sup.nBCLSL, (1)
[0007] where S is the total number of shafts needed, n represents
the number of club heads with different wedge lofts offered, B
represents the number of brands offered, CL represents the number
of club lengths offered, and SL represents the number of stiffness
levels offered. One skilled in the art will understand that this
expression may be easily reconfigured to account for additional
variables, and is a mere generalization, since not every brand of
shaft necessarily offers each length and stiffness.
[0008] Assuming that a manufacturer provides club heads with eight
different wedge lofts (e.g., 46.degree., 48.degree., 50.degree.,
52.degree., 54.degree., 56.degree., 58.degree., and 60.degree.),
and for each wedge loft, two different brands of shafts, with each
brand providing five different club lengths at four different
stiffness levels (e.g., A-flex, R-flex, S-flex, and X-flex), the
manufacturer may have to provide a fitting specialist with eight
wedge heads (one for each of the eight loft angles LA) and
approximately 320 different shafts.
[0009] One reason why such a large number of shafts is required is
that each different club head may require its own set of
customizable shafts. For instance, the recommended shafts for a
46.degree. pitching wedge range from 32.775 inches to 33.775 inches
(in 0.5 inch increments), while the recommended shafts for a
58.degree. lob wedge range from 32.405 inches to 33.405 inches (in
0.5 inch increments). Therefore, otherwise similar shafts (e.g.
same brand and same flex), cannot necessarily be mixed and matched
between wedges of different lofts.
[0010] Further, a typical golf club fitting specialist works at
multiple retail fitting sites, and must transport his or her
fitting equipment between each fitting site using a "fitting cart."
FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a typical "fitting cart" 100. The
fitting cart 100 includes storage space for multiple shafts 102,
multiple club heads 104, and associated tools (not shown) for
securing each head 102 to each shaft 104. The cart 100 further
typically includes wheels 106 to enhance its portability. Since
storage space within the cart 100 is limited, and since the size of
the cart 100 is limited by considerations of weight and
portability, it is not practical for the fitting specialist to
carry several hundred different shafts.
[0011] Thus, one alternative is to limit the golfer to a subset of
golf shafts and club heads that can be practically carried by the
golf club fitting specialist. The drawback of this option is that
the fitting specialist has a smaller pool of customizations to
offer the golfer, which inevitably requires compromises to be made
during the fitting process. Therefore, there is a need for a system
that allows thorough fitting of golf clubs for golfers, while
reducing the number of shafts needed to be carried by the fitting
specialist.
SUMMARY
[0012] The present embodiments have several features, no single one
of which is solely responsible for their desirable attributes.
Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments as expressed
by the claims that follow, their more prominent features now will
be discussed briefly. After considering this discussion, and
particularly after reading the section entitled "Detailed
Description," one will understand how the features of the present
embodiments provide the advantages described herein.
[0013] One embodiment of this disclosure is a golf club fitting
system, comprising a first club head having a first striking face,
a first main body, a first hosel extending from the first main
body, a first loft angle LA.sub.1, and a first hosel length
HL.sub.1. The system further comprises a second club head having a
second striking face, a second main body, a second hosel extending
from the second main body, a second loft angle LA.sub.2 greater
than the first loft angle LA.sub.1 by no more than 15.degree., and
a second hosel length HL.sub.2 less than the first hosel length
HL.sub.1 by at least 0.340 inches.
[0014] Another embodiment is a golf club fitting system, comprising
a first club head having a first striking face, a first main body,
a first hosel extending from the first main body, a first loft
angle LA.sub.1, and a first hosel length HL.sub.1. The system
further comprises a second club head having a second striking face,
a second main body, a second hosel extending from the second main
body, a second loft angle LA.sub.2 greater than the first loft
angle LA.sub.1 by no more than 5.degree., and a second hosel length
HL.sub.2 less than the first hosel length HL.sub.1 by at least
0.120 inches.
[0015] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a first club head having a first striking face, a first
main body, a first hosel extending from the first main body, a
first loft angle LA.sub.1, and a first hosel length HL.sub.1. The
system further comprises a second club head having a second
striking face, a second main body, a second hosel extending from
the second main body, a second loft angle LA.sub.2 greater than the
first loft angle LA.sub.1 by at least 4.degree., and a second hosel
length HL.sub.2. The first and second golf club heads satisfy the
following condition: (HL.sub.1-HL.sub.2)=R*(LA.sub.2-LA.sub.1),
where R is a constant within the range of 0.025 inches/degree to
0.035 inches/degree.
[0016] A still further embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a first club head having a first striking face, a first
main body, a first hosel extending from the first main body, a
first loft angle LA.sub.1, and a first hosel length HL.sub.1. The
system further comprises a second club head having a second
striking face, a second main body, a second hosel extending from
the second main body, a second loft angle LA.sub.2 greater than
LA.sub.1 angle by at least 4.degree., and a second hosel length
HL.sub.2. The system further comprises a third club head having a
third striking face, a third main body, a third hosel extending
from the third main body, a third loft angle LA.sub.3 greater than
LA.sub.2 by at least 4.degree., and a third hosel length HL.sub.3.
The first, second and third golf club heads are configured to
satisfy the following condition: 3.66 in. --(0.03125
in/degree*LA.sub.n).ltoreq.HL.sub.n.ltoreq.3.78 in -(0.03125
in/degree*LA.sub.n) where n is 1, 2, or 3, corresponding to the
first, second, and third club heads, respectively.
[0017] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a first club head having a first loft greater than
45.degree. and a first hosel length, HL.sub.1, a second club head
having a second loft greater than the first loft and a second hosel
length, HL.sub.2, less than the first hosel length and a third club
head having a third loft greater than the second loft and a third
hosel length, HL.sub.3, less than the second hosel length, wherein
HL.sub.1=(HL.sub.2-l)=(HL.sub.3-2l). In other words, HL.sub.1 is
shorter than HL.sub.2 by the quantity l and shorter than HL.sub.3
by the quantity 2l, where l could be any increment of length.
[0018] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a golf club head including a body portion having a first
tubular passage and a plurality of first castellations arranged
about an upper end of the first tubular passage. The first
castellations extend upward. The system further comprises a sleeve
portion including a second tubular passage configured to receive a
golf club shaft, and further including a shaft portion having a
plurality of second castellations arranged about an upper end
thereof The second castellations extend downward. The first tubular
passage receives the shaft portion, and the first and second
castellations seat with one another in a first configuration to
define a first overall golf club length.
[0019] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a golf club head including a hosel having a first
tubular passage. The hosel has a slot in a sidewall thereof
defining a plurality of detents. The system further comprises a
tubular adapter having a radial protrusion. The adapter includes a
second tubular passage configured to receive a golf club shaft. The
radial protrusion may be seated in any of the detents in the slot
to vary the extent to which the adapter and the golf club shaft
extend into the first tubular passage to thereby vary an overall
golf club length.
[0020] Still another embodiment is a method for fitting a set of
golf clubs to a golfer. The method comprises securing a first golf
club head to a golf club shaft such that the golf club shaft
extends a first distance into the first golf club head. The method
further comprises removing the first golf club head from the golf
club shaft, and then securing a second golf club head to the golf
club shaft such that the golf club shaft extends a second distance
into the second golf club head. The first and second distances are
different.
[0021] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising at least two golf club heads, and a golf club shaft. The
system is configurable to provide a plurality of golf club lengths
using only the at least two golf club heads and the golf club
shaft.
[0022] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a plurality of golf club heads having different loft
angles, and at least one golf club shaft. The number of the golf
club shafts needed to fit a given number of the golf club head loft
angles is not dependent upon the given number of loft angles.
[0023] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a golf club head including a body portion having a first
tubular passage and a plurality of first castellations arranged
about an upper end of the first tubular passage. The first
castellations extend upward. The golf club fitting system further
comprises a collar portion including a second tubular passage
configured to receive a golf club shaft having a shaft length, and
further including a plurality of second castellations arranged
about a lower end thereof The second castellations extend downward.
The first and second castellations seat with one another in a first
configuration to define, in combination with the golf club shaft
having the shaft length, a first overall golf club length. The
first and second castellations seat with one another in a second
configuration to define, in combination with the golf club shaft
having the shaft length, a second overall golf club length, wherein
the first and second overall golf club lengths are different. When
the first and second castellations seat with one another in the
first configuration, the collar portion may define a first
rotational orientation with respect to the body portion, and when
the first and second castellations seat with one another in the
second configuration, the collar portion may define a second
rotational orientation with respect to the body portion. The first
castellations may comprise a pair of first upwardly-extending
diametrically-opposed tabs, and a pair of second upwardly-extending
diametrically-opposed tabs. The first tabs may be measurably longer
axially than the second tabs. The first tabs may be offset from the
second tabs by about 90.degree. around the perimeter of the first
tubular passage. The second castellations may comprise a pair of
first diametrically-opposed slots configured to receive the first
tabs and a pair of second diametrically-opposed slots configured to
receive the second tabs. The golf club fitting system may further
comprise a plug portion extending from the collar portion, wherein
the first tubular passage of the body portion receives the plug
portion.
[0024] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising a golf club head including a hosel having a first
tubular passage, the hosel having a slot in a sidewall thereof
defining a plurality of detents. The golf club fitting system
further comprises a tubular adapter having a radial protrusion. The
adapter includes a second tubular passage configured to receive a
golf club shaft having a shaft length. The radial protrusion is
configured to be seated in any of the detents in the slot to vary
an extent to which the adapter and the golf club shaft having the
shaft length extend into the first tubular passage to thereby vary
an overall golf club length using the golf club shaft having the
shaft length. The slot defines two detents. The golf club fitting
system may further comprise a securement mechanism configured to
removably secure the adapter to the golf club shaft and to the golf
club head. The securement mechanism may comprise one or more set
screws.
[0025] Still another embodiment is a method for fitting a set of
golf clubs to a golfer, the method comprising securing a first golf
club head to a golf club shaft such that the golf club shaft
extends a first distance into the first golf club head. The method
for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer further comprises
removing the first golf club head from the golf club shaft. The
method for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer further
comprises securing a second golf club head to the golf club shaft
such that the golf club shaft extends a second distance into the
second golf club head. The first and second distances are
different. The first and second distances respectively correspond
to first and second rotational orientations of the golf club heads
to the golf club shaft. The first rotational orientation of the
golf club heads to the golf club shaft may be offset by about
90.degree. from the second rotational orientation of the golf club
heads to the golf club shaft.
[0026] Still another embodiment is a golf club fitting system,
comprising at least two golf club heads, and a golf club shaft. The
system may be configurable to provide a plurality of golf club
lengths using only the golf club heads and the golf club shaft.
Providing the plurality of golf club lengths may comprise varying
an extent to which the golf club shaft extends into the golf club
heads. Providing the plurality of golf club lengths may comprise
varying a hosel length of a golf club formed from the golf club
heads and the golf club shaft. The golf club fitting system may
further comprise a plurality of hosel-like sleeves having variable
bore lengths, wherein the sleeves are alternately receivable within
a bore in each of the golf club heads. The golf club fitting system
may further comprise a plurality of adapters, wherein the adapters
are receivable within a bore in each of the golf club heads to
selectively limit an extent to which the golf club shaft may extend
into each of the golf club heads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The present embodiments now will be discussed in detail with
an emphasis on highlighting the advantageous features. These
embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious golf club fitting
systems and methods as shown in the accompanying drawings, which
are for illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the
following figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:
[0028] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a typical fitting cart
for containing and transporting a golf club fitting system;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a golf club fitting
apparatus, in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a graph of hosel length HL versus loft angle LA
for use in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a graph of hosel length HL versus loft angle LA
for use in accordance with another embodiment of this
disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a body element of an
adapter system for varying an overall length of a golf club, in
accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a sleeve element of
the adapter system for varying an overall length of a golf club in
accordance with the first embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 7 and 8 are front perspective views of the body
element and sleeve element of FIGS. 5 and 6 engaged in a first
orientation and a second orientation, respectively;
[0035] FIGS. 9 and 10 are front elevation views of a golf club head
and an adapter system for varying the length of a golf club in
accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosure, with the
adapter system engaged in a first a configuration and a second
configuration, respectively;
[0036] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head and
the adapter system of FIGS. 9 and 10 taken through the line 11-11
of FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
system for varying an overall length of a golf club;
[0038] FIG. 13A is a side elevation view of a set of inserts for
varying an overall length of a golf club in accordance with a third
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0039] FIGS. 13B-13C are cross-sectional views of the inserts of
FIG. 13A in combination with a golf club head and golf club
shaft;
[0040] FIGS. 14A-14B are cross-sectional views of a fourth
embodiment of a system for varying an overall length of a golf
club;
[0041] FIGS. 15A-15B are side elevation views of a fifth embodiment
of a system for varying an overall length of a golf club;
[0042] FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a
method of fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer;
[0043] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of a sixth embodiment of a
system for varying an effective length of a golf club; and
[0044] FIGS. 18A-18B are side elevation views of a seventh
embodiment of a system for varying an overall length of a golf
club.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] Terminology
[0046] The following terms may be used herein with respect to golf
club loft angles LA, or the angle that the club face makes with the
ground when the sole of the club head lies flat on the ground
(higher loft angles LA generally produce higher ball trajectories
and shorter ball carries):
[0047] Pitching Wedge (abbreviated PW)--A golf club typically
having a loft angle LA between 40.degree. and 50.degree.;
[0048] Gap Wedge/Approach Wedge (abbreviated GW/AW)--A golf club
typically having a loft angle LA between 45.degree. and
55.degree.;
[0049] Sand Wedge (abbreviated SW)--A golf club typically having a
loft angle LA between 50.degree. and 60.degree.; and
[0050] Lob Wedge (abbreviated LW)--A golf club typically having a
loft angle LA between 55.degree. and 65.degree..
[0051] The following terms may be used herein with respect to the
stiffness or "flex" of golf club shafts (stiffer shafts are
generally intended for skilled players who can produce greater club
head speeds):
[0052] L-Flex--Ladies Flex (the most flexible shaft);
[0053] A-Flex--Senior Flex;
[0054] R-Flex--Regular Flex;
[0055] S-Flex--Stiff Flex; and
[0056] X-Flex--Extra Stiff Flex (the stiffest shaft).
[0057] In some embodiments, the proposed solution offered herein to
the problem discussed above involves varying the hosel length of
different clubs to enable a golf club fitting specialist to use a
shaft of a particular length across different clubs, thereby
reducing the total number of shafts that the fitting specialist
needs to carry between retail fitting sites. And, because a golfer
typically only carries a few wedges (e.g., 2 or 3 wedges) as
opposed to a more substantial number (e.g., 6 or more) of longer
irons in his or her golf bag, the below description works
particularly well for wedge fitting, but is not limited to wedges.
It could be adapted for any other type of golf club.
[0058] In other embodiments, the proposed solution offered herein
to the problem discussed above involves varying an extent to which
the golf club shaft extends into the hosel of the golf club head.
Such embodiments may comprise varying the bore length BL across
different club heads, or providing an interface that enables the
club shaft to extend into the bore of the club head at more than
one length. Thus, while the hosel lengths of the club heads in a
set may remain constant, the overall club length varies according
to how far the shaft extends into the hosel.
[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a golf club fitting apparatus that
includes a reference club 10 comprising the components of a
conventional golf club, which in this specific example is a wedge.
The reference club 10 has a club head 12 having a heel 14 merging
into a hosel 16 having a bore 18, into which the bottom end 19 of a
shaft 20 is removably inserted. The club head 12 has a striking
face 22 and a bottom or sole 24. A resilient grip 26 is fitted onto
the upper portion of the shaft 20. A grip cap 28 typically
terminates the grip 26 and covers the top end of the shaft 20
(i.e., the end of the shaft 20 opposite the hosel 16).
[0060] The reference club 10 is used in conjunction with a
measurement device to measure golf club dimensions for fitting one
or more golf clubs to a particular golfer in accordance with this
disclosure. The measurement device includes a linear measurement
element 32 with a stop member 34 at one end. The linear measurement
element 32 is marked in the desired measurement units (typically
inches and fractions thereof in countries that use the English
system of measurement, but could be cm and mm in those countries
that use the metric system). In use, the reference club 10 is
oriented relative to the measurement device so that, when the
linear measurement element 32 is horizontal, with the stop member
34 projecting vertically upward, the heel 14 of the club head 12
and the grip 26 of the reference club 10 are resting on the linear
measurement element 32, the striking face 20 of the club head 12 is
generally vertically oriented, the sole 22 of the club head 12
rests against the stop member 34, and the longitudinal axis A of
the club shaft 14 is substantially parallel to the linear
measurement element 32. Once the reference club 10 is properly
oriented relative to the measurement device, the club length CL is
read from the linear measurement element 32 at a juncture 36
between the grip 24 and the grip cap 26. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the grip cap 26 is not included in the club
length measurement CL.
[0061] The shaft length SL is a measurement of the shaft 20 from
the grip/grip cap juncture 36 to the lower end of the shaft 20
(shown housed in and contacting a shaft seating surface 38 in the
hosel 16 and indicated by the phantom vertical line C). The bore
length BL is a length of the bore 18 between the top of the hosel
16 (where the shaft 14 enters the hosel, as indicated by the
phantom vertical line B) and the shaft seating surface 38 in the
hosel 16 (as indicated by the phantom vertical line C).
[0062] The hosel length HL is a measurement of the distance between
the stop element 34 and the shaft seating surface 38 in the hosel
16. This measurement may be read from the linear measurement
element 32 at the position of the shaft seating surface 38 in the
hosel 16 (i.e., at a position coincident with the phantom vertical
line C).
[0063] The fitting apparatus, including the reference club 10 and
the measurement device of FIG. 2, having been described, several
example embodiments are described below.
[0064] One embodiment comprises a set of club heads having typical
wedge-type loft angles LA, such as a 46.degree. PW, a 48.degree.
PW, a 50.degree. GW, a 52.degree. AW, a 54.degree. SW, a 56.degree.
SW, a 58.degree. LW and a 60.degree. LW. As described in detail
below, by configuring the hosel length HL of each club head, a
single shaft can be used interchangeably with all club heads of the
set in order to achieve the desired club length CL. In the
foregoing embodiment, eight club heads are provided, but in
alternative embodiments any number of club heads could be provided.
Further, the listed loft angles LA are merely examples, and should
not be construed as limiting.
[0065] With respect to a standard length, Table 1 illustrates data
(in inches) for each of the eight wedge club heads in the present
embodiment, including 1) hosel length HL, 2) bore length BL, 3)
shaft length SL, and 4) club length CL.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 SET OF WEDGES HL BL SL CL 46.degree. PW
2.22'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.5'' 48.degree. PW 2.22'' 0.354'' 33.28''
35.5'' 50.degree. GW 2.095'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.375'' 52.degree. AW
2.095'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.375'' 54.degree. SW 1.97'' 0.354''
33.28'' 35.25'' 56.degree. SW 1.97'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.25''
58.degree. LW 1.845'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.125'' 60.degree. LW
1.845'' 0.354'' 33.28'' 35.125''
[0066] The club lengths shown in Table 1 are considered in the
industry to be "standard" club lengths. That is, the listed club
lengths are recommended for golfers of average height. However,
golf clubs having extended length shafts and shortened length
shafts are also widely available for taller golfers and shorter
golfers, respectively. Extended shaft lengths are typically 0.5
inches longer as compared to the standard shaft length for a club
having the same loft angle LA, while shortened shaft lengths are
typically 0.5 inches shorter as compared to the standard shaft
length for a club having the same loft angle LA. It should be
appreciated that the principles of the present embodiments are
readily adaptable to extended and shortened shaft lengths by
adjusting the club lengths listed in Table 1 by .+-.0.5 inches.
[0067] In Table 1, the hosel length HL corresponds to HL of FIG. 2,
and decreases in increments of 0.125 inches for every 4.degree.
increase in loft angle LA. The bore length BL corresponds to BL of
FIG. 2, and is constant throughout the set at 0.354 inches. The
desired standard club length CL corresponds to CL of FIG. 2, and
also decreases in increments of 0.125 inches for every 4.degree.
increase in loft angle LA. With these above dimensions, the shaft
length SL is able to be maintained at a constant 33.28 inches
throughout the set. In this manner, a single shaft can be
sequentially secured to each of the eight club heads in the set
during a fitting process to enable the golfer being fitted to try
club heads having eight different loft angles LA without needing
multiple shafts to achieve the desired club length CL for each loft
angle LA. Essentially, by varying the hosel length HL from club
head to club head, the shaft length SL can be kept constant to
achieve the desired club length CL for each loft angle LA.
[0068] The above dimensions are not to be construed as limiting, as
different manufacturers may adhere to their own standards for
determining club length. For example, the dimensions in Table 1 may
vary by .+-.1/8'', .+-.1/4'', .+-.1/2'', or any other value.
[0069] Under the prior art method of golf club fitting, there might
not be a direct correlation between the hosel length HL and the
club length CL. In other words, by maintaining a constant
difference between CL and HL throughout the set as shown in Table
1, a constant shaft length SL may be used to achieve the plurality
of incremental club lengths CL shown in Table 1.
[0070] With reference to FIG. 2, this concept can be expressed
using the equation for the club length CL as follows:
CL=SL+HL, (2)
[0071] where SL is the shaft length and HL is the hosel length.
Another way of expressing Equation (2) is to subtract HL from each
side. That is,
CL-HL=SL (2)
[0072] Thus, a constant differential between CL and HL across
wedges of varying loft angle LA maintains a constant SL. Expressed
mathematically:
SL=CL.sub.PW-HL.sub.PW=CL.sub.GW-HL.sub.GW=CL.sub.LW-HL.sub.LW,
etc. This relationship allows the use of one shaft for each of the
standard club lengths. In a similar manner, the "Standard length
plus 0.5 inches" extended shaft can be reduced to one shaft across
the set of wedges, and the "Standard length minus 0.5 inches"
shortened shaft can also be reduced to one shaft across the set of
wedges. Thus, only three shafts are needed for each brand for each
shaft stiffness.
[0073] The following example provides additional illustration of
how the present embodiments achieve advantages over the prior art.
In this example, the following assumptions are made: [0074] There
are three wedge club heads that are to be fitted: (1) a 46.degree.
PW, (2) a 50.degree. GW, and (3) a 58.degree. LW. [0075] Each club
head can be fitted with either a Brand X shaft or a Brand Y shaft.
[0076] For the 46.degree. PW, the standard club length CL is 35.5
inches. However, the standard club length may be increased or
decreased by 0.5 inches for customization purposes. The standard
club length CL may thus be represented as 35.5.+-.0.5 inches.
Similarly, for the 50.degree. GW, the standard club length is
35.375.+-.0.5 inches, and for the 58.degree. LW, the standard club
length is 35.125.+-.0.5 inches. [0077] For each club length, three
different shaft stiffnesses, or "flexes," are available: (1)
A-flex, (2) R-flex, and (3) S-flex.
[0078] Under the above assumptions, and using the Equation (1),
which is described above under the heading "BACKGROUND,"
S=.SIGMA..sub.i=1.sup.nBCLSL, (1)
[0079] where S is the total number of shafts needed, n represents
the number of club heads with different wedge lofts offered, B
represents the number of brands offered, CL represents the number
of club lengths offered, and SL represents the number of stiffness
levels offered, the prior art method requires 54 different shafts
to provide a full range of customizable shaft options for the three
wedge club heads: 54=.SIGMA..sub.1.sup.3233. Essentially, each
shaft configuration requires its own shaft, which burdens the golf
club fitting specialist, who must transport each of those 54 shafts
to each retail fitting site just to fit three wedge club heads to
each golfer.
[0080] Using the system of the present embodiments, only 18 shafts
are required to achieve each of the club lengths under the above
assumptions. That is, instead of needing
S=.SIGMA..sub.i=1.sup.nBCLSL shafts, the number of shafts required
(denoted as S.sub.2) can be expressed as S.sub.2=BCLSL. Notably, no
summation is needed for each additional wedge club head. Thus, the
total number of shafts needed is reduced by 2/3, from 54 to 18. The
reduction in the number of shafts needed becomes even more
significant as the number of club heads in the calculation
increases. The present embodiments thus create advantages where
storage space for club heads and shafts is limited, such as with a
portable fitting cart, or even with a fixed fitting display in a
retail store where floor space may be limited.
[0081] Another advantageous feature of the present embodiments is
that the number of shafts needed to fit a given number of loft
angles does not change as the number of loft angles increases. For
example, adding another loft angle to a given fitting does not
require any additional shafts when the number of brand options, the
number of club length options, and the number of shaft stiffness
options are unchanged. Whereas under the prior art method, each
additional club head added to the fitting requires another 18
shafts (where the number of brands options is two, the number of
club length options is three, and the number of stiffness options
is three, as in the above example).
[0082] In certain embodiments, across a set of wedges the club
length CL may decrease by a constant length decrement D.sub.L
corresponding to a given loft angle LA increment I.sub.LA. For
example, for a loft angle LA increment I.sub.LA of 4.degree. the
relationship of club length for a 46.degree. PW with respect to a
50.degree. GW may be expressed as:
CL.sub.50=CL.sub.46-D.sub.L, (3)
[0083] where CL.sub.50 is the club length of the 50.degree. GW,
CL.sub.46 is the club length of the 46.degree. PW, and D.sub.L is
the length decrement between the PW and the GW.
[0084] The length decrement D.sub.L can also be applied across
hosel lengths. For example, for a loft angle LA increment I.sub.LA
of 4.degree. the relationship of hosel length for a 46.degree. PW
with respect to a 50.degree. GW may be expressed as:
HL.sub.50=HI.sub.46-D.sub.L. (4)
[0085] With reference to Table 1 above, in the illustrated
embodiment D.sub.L equals 0.125 inches for every loft angle LA
increment I.sub.LA of 4.degree.. Accordingly, given a 35.5 inch
standard club length for a 46.degree. PW, a 50.degree. GW would
have a standard club length of 35.375 inches. This relationship
holds across extended club lengths and shortened club lengths.
Accordingly, given an extended club length of 36 inches for a
46.degree. PW (35.5+0.5 inches), a 50.degree. GW would have an
extended club length of 35.875 inches (35.375+0.5 inches).
[0086] The D.sub.L of 0.125 inches in Table 1 is merely one
example. In alternative embodiments, D.sub.L may have any other
suitable value, such as, for example, 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches,
etc.
[0087] In some embodiments, the length decrement D.sub.L may
correlate to a total length decrease D.sub.MAX. In one example,
D.sub.MAX=D.sub.L.times.N, where N is the number of times D.sub.L
must be incremented/decremented to arrive at the difference in
length between the lowest lofted wedge and the highest lofted
wedge. In the embodiment of Table 1,
D.sub.max=D.sub.L.times.3=0.375 inches. In some embodiments,
D.sub.max is subject to a constraint, in which, D.sub.max cannot
exceed the hosel length HL of the highest lofted wedge in the set.
For example, if the highest lofted wedge in the set is a 58.degree.
SW, D.sub.max.ltoreq.HL.sub.SW.
[0088] In the present embodiments, with the relationships and
constraints discussed above, various hosel lengths HL can be
determined for each wedge in a set so that a given constant shaft
length SL can be mated with any of the club heads in the set to
produce the desired club length CL for any loft angle LA. In some
embodiments, the hosel length HL may be correlated with the loft
angle LA. For example, as shown in the graph of FIG. 3, as the loft
angle LA increases, the hosel length HL decreases. Furthermore, the
rate of change at which the hosel length HL decreases per unit
change in loft angle LA is constant in FIG. 3, and can be
represented as the slope S of the line L in FIG. 3, where
S = .DELTA. H L .DELTA. L A , ##EQU00001##
or the rate of change of hosel length HL divided by the rate of
change of loft angle LA. Expressed another way:
(HL.sub.1-HL.sub.2)=S*(LA.sub.2-LA.sub.1), (5)
[0089] where HL.sub.1 and HL.sub.2 represent the hosel lengths HL
of two different wedges, and LA.sub.1 and LA.sub.2 represent the
loft angles LA of the respective wedges. For example, S may be
between 0.025 inches/degree and 0.035 inches/degree. In the
embodiment of FIG. 3, 5 is about 0.03125 inches/degree.
[0090] Equation (5) relates the hosel lengths HL and loft angles LA
of various wedges. With any given wedge, however, a relationship
between its hosel length HL and loft angle LA may also exist. For
instance, in some embodiments, a theoretical HL.sub.0 at zero
degree loft angle can be extrapolated from the graph of FIG. 3 to
be 3.72 inches. By using this theoretical HL.sub.0, the expression
for correlating loft angle LA to hosel length HL (HL.sub.LA) of a
wedge of any loft angle LA may be determined as:
HL.sub.LA=3.72 in-(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA. (6)
[0091] In one or more embodiments, HL.sub.LA can be broadly
expressed as:
3.66 inches-(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA.ltoreq.HL.sub.LA<3.78
inches-(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA. (7)
[0092] In some embodiments, HL.sub.LA can be expressed according
to:
3.70 inches-(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA.ltoreq.HL.sub.LA.ltoreq.3.74
inches-(0.03125 inches/degree)*LA. (8)
[0093] Expressions (7) and (8) are supported by Table 2 below and
the graph of FIG. 4. As further shown in Table 2, the maximum hosel
length of a set HL.sub.MAX is equal to the hosel length of the
lowest lofted club in the golf club fitting system. In the example
shown in Table 2, the 48.degree. loft angle LA corresponds to
HL.sub.MAX.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Loft Angle (LA) Hosel Length (HL) Lower
Boundary Upper Boundary 48.degree. 2.22'' 2.16'' 2.28'' 52.degree.
2.095'' 2.035'' 2.155'' 56.degree. 1.97'' 1.91'' 2.03'' 60.degree.
1.845'' 1.785'' 1.905''
[0094] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate one embodiment of a system for varying
the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for fitting
golf clubs to a golfer. FIG. 5 illustrates a first or body element
50 of the length-varying mechanism, which is fixed to and extends
from the heel 14 of the golf club head 12 of the reference club 10
(see FIG. 1). FIG. 6 illustrates a second or sleeve element 52 that
is configured to engage with the body element 50. FIGS. 7 and 8
illustrate the body and sleeve elements 50, 52 engaged with one
another.
[0095] With reference to FIG. 5, the body element 50 comprises a
castellated annular base 51 that includes a pair of first
upwardly-extending diametrically-opposed tabs 54 and a pair of
second upwardly-extending diametrically-opposed tabs 56. The first
tabs 54 are measurably longer (axially) than the second tabs 56,
and they are advantageously offset from them by about 90 degrees
around the perimeter of the base 51. With reference to FIG. 6, the
sleeve element 52 includes an annular collar 53 having a tapered
upper portion 57a and a cylindrical, castellated lower portion 57b
that is complementary with the castellated annular base 51 of the
body element 50. The lower portion 57b defines a pair of first
diametrically-opposed slots 58 and a pair of second
diametrically-opposed slots 60 that are located to receive the tabs
54, 56 on the body element 50. The first slots 58 have a depth that
corresponds approximately to the axial length of the longer first
tabs 54, while the second slots 60 have a depth corresponding
approximately to the axial length of the shorter second tabs 56.
The sleeve element 52 further includes a downwardly-depending plug
62, around the upper end of which the lower portion 57b is
concentrically disposed. The body element 50 includes a bore 64
configured to receive the plug 62, while the upper portion 57a of
the sleeve element 52 includes a tubular passage 66 configured to
receive a golf club shaft (not shown).
[0096] As described above and as shown in the drawings, the first
tabs 54 have a greater axial length or height than the second tabs
56, and the first slots 58 have a greater depth than the second
slots 60. Thus, when the plug 62 of the sleeve element 52 is
inserted into the bore 64 of the body element 50 in a first
rotational orientation illustrated in FIG. 7, the first tabs 54 on
the body element 50 seat in the first slots 58 in the sleeve
element 52, and the second tabs 56 on the body element 50 seat in
the second slots 60 in the sleeve element 52. This configuration
enables the sleeve element 52 to be inserted to a first distance
within the body element 50. With reference to FIG. 8, when the
sleeve element 52 is rotated to a second rotational orientation
90.degree. displaced from the first rotational orientation shown in
FIG. 7, the first tabs 54 on the body element 50 are received
within the second slots 60 in the sleeve element 52. Because the
second slots 60 are shallower than the first slots 58, the sleeve
element 52 does not extend as far into the body element 50 as it
does in the first rotational orientation of FIG. 7. The
configuration of FIG. 8 thus results in a greater overall club
length, because the effective length of the hosel has been
increased by approximately the difference in axial length between
the first tabs 54 and the second tabs 56. In this embodiment, as in
any of the present embodiments, the variance in overall club length
may be about 1/8'', about 1/4'', or any other value. While not
shown, a securement mechanism, such as a set screw, may be used to
removably secure the body element 50 and the sleeve element 52 to
one another.
[0097] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of a system for
varying the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer. This embodiment includes a tubular
adapter 70 having a radial protrusion 72. With reference to FIG.
11, the adapter 70 includes a tubular passage 74 configured to
receive the end of a reference golf club shaft 75. A reference club
head 12' includes a hollow, hosel-like sleeve 76 extending upwardly
from its heel, the sleeve 76 defining a bore 78 configured to
receive the adapter 70. The sleeve 76 also includes a slot 80 in a
sidewall thereof having first and second longitudinally spaced
detents 82, 84. The protrusion 72 is configured to be seated in
either of the detents 82, 84 to define first and second club
lengths, respectively. In FIG. 9, the protrusion 72 is seated in
the first detent 82 to provide a first selectable club length, and
in FIG. 10 the protrusion 72 is seated in the second detent 84 to
provide a second selectable club length. By seating the protrusion
72 in one or the other of the detents 82, 84, the overall club
length can be varied between the first club length and the second
length, because the extent to which the shaft 75 extends into the
socket 78 defined by the sleeve 76 is varied. With reference to
FIG. 11, a securement mechanism, such as one or more set screws 86,
may be used to removably secure the adapter 70 to the shaft 75, and
to the sleeve 76. Further, while two detents are shown in FIGS.
9-11, any number of detents may be provided.
[0098] The embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 is particularly useful when
adjusting the overall club length for taller golfers and/or shorter
golfers. As discussed above, extended club lengths for taller
golfers are typically 0.5 inches longer as compared to the standard
club length for a club having the same loft angle LA, while
shortened club lengths for shorter golfers are typically 0.5 inches
shorter as compared to the standard club length for a club having
the same loft angle LA. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 the
first and second detents 82, 84 may, for example, be spaced by 0.5
inches. If the first detent 82 provides a proper club length for a
golfer of average height, then the second detent 84 would provide a
proper club length for a taller golfer. Similarly, if the second
detent 84 provides a proper club length for a golfer of average
height, then the first detent 82 would provide a proper club length
for a shorter golfer. In an embodiment of the club head 12' having
three detents all spaced from one another by 0.5 inches, a single
shaft and club head could be used to fit shorter golfers, golfers
of average height, and taller golfers.
[0099] In another embodiment (not shown) the embodiment of FIGS.
9-11 may be modified to omit the adapter 70. In such an embodiment,
the golf club shaft may include a radial protrusion configured to
seat within one or more detents in the sleeve of the club head.
[0100] FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of a system for
varying the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer. This embodiment includes a club
shaft 90 having a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 92,
and a plug 94 selectively engageable with each of the openings 92.
A location of the plug 94 along the shaft 90 determines an extent
to which the shaft 90 may extend into a bore 96 defined in a
hollow, hosel-like sleeve 98. Thus, by varying a location of the
plug 94 along the shaft 90, e.g. by selecting which of the openings
92 the plug 94 engages, the overall length of the golf club can be
varied. The plug 94 may, in some embodiments, comprise a threaded
member, such as a bolt or a screw, and the openings 92 may include
internal threads to matingly receive the plug 94. A set screw or
other securement mechanism (not shown) may removably secure the
shaft 90 at a selected position within the bore 96. In the
illustrated embodiment, three openings 92 are shown, but in
alternative embodiments any number of openings 92 may be
provided.
[0101] FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate another embodiment of a system for
varying the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer. This embodiment includes one or
more plugs that are inserted into a bore 96' defined by a hollow,
hosel-like sleeve 98' on the club head prior to the insertion of a
club shaft 106 into the bore 96', in order to limit the extent to
which the shaft 106 may extend into the bore 96'. For example, FIG.
13A illustrates a set of plugs 100, 102, 104 having varying
thicknesses. The illustrated set includes three plugs, but
alternative sets may include one or two plugs, or any number of
plugs greater than three. In the illustrated example set, a first
plug 100 has a first thickness, T.sub.1, a second plug 102 has a
second thickness, T.sub.2, and a third plug 104 has a third
thickness, T.sub.3. Depending upon which of the plugs 100, 102, 104
is inserted in the bore 96' prior to insertion of the shaft 106,
the overall length of the golf club will vary. For example,
inserting the first plug 100 provides a relatively shorter club
length, while inserting the second plug 102 or third plug 104
provides a relatively longer club length. FIG. 13B illustrates a
configuration in which the second plug 102 has been inserted into
the bore 96' of the sleeve 98' prior to insertion of the shaft
106.
[0102] In another embodiment, a set of plugs may include one or
more plugs of uniform thickness. By varying the number of plugs
inserted into the bore hole prior to the shaft, the overall length
of the golf club will vary. For example, inserting one of the first
plugs 100 provides a relatively shorter club length, while
inserting two or more of the first plugs 100 provides a relatively
longer club length. FIG. 13C illustrates two of the first plugs 100
inserted into the bore 96' of the hosel-like sleeve 98' prior to
insertion of the shaft 106 into the sleeve 98'.
[0103] FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate another embodiment of a system for
varying the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer. This embodiment includes removable
tubular adapters having different bottom wall thicknesses. For
example, FIG. 14A illustrates a first adapter 108 that is
externally dimensioned to fit snugly into a bore 96'' defined in a
hosel-like sleeve 98'' and that defines an interior passage 109
dimensioned to receive the end of a club shaft 106. The first
adapter 108 has a bottom wall 110 with a first, relatively small
thickness T.sub.1. FIG. 14B illustrates a second adapter 108' that
is identical to the first adapter 108, but with a bottom wall 110'
having a second thickness T.sub.2 that is greater than the first
thickness T.sub.1. The adapters 108, 108' limit the extent to which
the shaft 106 extends into the bore 96'' in the hosel-like sleeve
98''. Thus, the first adapter 108 provides a relatively shorter
club length, while the second adapter 108' provides a relatively
longer club length.
[0104] FIGS. 15A-15B illustrates another embodiment of a system for
varying the overall length of golf clubs for use in a process for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer. This embodiment includes a shaft
112 having a plurality of telescoping segments 114, 116, 118, 120.
For example, in FIG. 15A a first segment 114 is in an extended
position with respect to a second segment 116, while the second
segment 116 and a third segment 118 are in a retracted position
with respect to a fourth segment 120, resulting in a relatively
shorter overall club length. In FIG. 15B, by contrast, all of the
segments 114, 116, 118, 120 are in an extended position, resulting
in a relatively longer overall club length.
[0105] As the foregoing description illustrates, the present
embodiments enable a single shaft to be used to fit multiple club
heads having different loft angles while simultaneously varying the
overall club length for club heads having different loft angles. In
some embodiments, this advantage is accomplished by varying a hosel
length of the club. Varying the hosel length may, in some
embodiments, be accomplished by changing the effective length of a
bore in a hosel-like sleeve extending from the heel of the club
head. In other embodiments, varying the hosel length may be
accomplished by varying an extent to which the shaft extends into
the bore of the hosel-like sleeve.
[0106] In accordance with the present embodiments, a system for
fitting golf clubs to a golfer comprises a plurality of golf club
heads and a single golf club shaft, wherein the system is
configurable to achieve a plurality of golf club lengths using only
the single golf club shaft. In certain embodiments, the foregoing
advantage is achieved by varying a hosel length of the golf club.
In other embodiments, the foregoing advantage is achieved by
varying an extent to which the single golf club shaft extends into
a hosel-like sleeve on each golf club head. In such embodiments, a
golf club fitting professional is able to present a golfer with a
range of golf club lengths across a range of loft angles using only
a single golf club shaft.
[0107] Also in accordance with the present embodiments, a plurality
of golf club heads is configured to be mated with a single golf
club shaft such that an overall golf club length is variable. In
such embodiments, the plurality of golf club heads may include a
variable bore length in a hosel-like sleeve on each club head, such
that the golf club shaft may extend into the sleeve of each of the
golf club heads by a varying extent. In other such embodiments, the
plurality of golf club heads and/or the golf club shaft may include
an adapter that selectively limits an extent to which the golf club
shaft may extend into the hosel-like sleeve of each of the golf
club heads.
[0108] FIG. 16 illustrates a process 1600, in accordance with this
disclosure, for fitting a set of golf clubs to a golfer using only
a single golf club shaft. A "set," as defined herein, may include
any number of golf clubs. The process 1600 may comprise securing a
first golf club head to a shaft such that the overall club length
is equal to a first length (B1602), disengaging the first golf club
head from the shaft (B1604), and securing a second golf club head
to the shaft such that the overall club length is equal to a second
length, wherein the first and second overall club lengths are
different (B1606). Further, a loft angle of the first golf club
head may differ from a loft angle of the second golf club head.
[0109] In accordance with this disclosure, a process for making a
set of golf clubs based on a fitting process may comprise any of
the fitting processes described herein, and further comprising any
of forging, molding, machining, milling, etching, etc. of golf club
heads for the set of golf clubs, and/or fitting the golf club heads
to golf club shafts.
[0110] Certain of the present embodiments comprise varying an
overall club length based on loft angles of a plurality of club
heads, without varying the length of a reference shaft configured
to be connected to each of the plurality of club heads. Others of
the present embodiments comprise varying hosel lengths of a
plurality of golf club heads in order to vary the overall club
length without varying the length of a reference shaft configured
to be connected to each of the plurality of club heads.
[0111] In another of the present embodiments, an overall length of
a plurality of golf clubs may remain constant, while a grip on the
shaft may include markings or indicia that indicate where a golfer
should grasp the grip depending upon which of a plurality of golf
club heads is attached to the shaft so as to effectively vary the
length of each of the clubs. For example, FIG. 17 illustrates a
grip 122 having a plurality of longitudinally spaced markings 124
that indicate where the lower extent of a golfer's lower hand
should be located, depending upon the loft angle of the club head
(not shown) attached to the shaft 126. For a higher lofted club
head, the golfer should align his or her lower hand with a lower
one of the markings 124 ("choke up"), and for a lower lofted club
head, the golfer should align his or her lower hand with a higher
one of the markings 124 ("choke down").
[0112] In another of the present embodiments, an overall length of
a plurality of golf clubs may be varied using a single shaft by
removing a first grip having a first grip length from the shaft and
securing a second grip having a second grip length to the shaft,
wherein the first and second grip lengths differ. For example, with
reference to FIG. 18A, when a lesser lofted club head is attached
to a shaft 128, a first grip 130 having a relatively long length
may be secured to the shaft 128, and when a greater lofted club
head is attached to the shaft 128, a second grip 132 having a
relatively short length may be secured to the shaft 128. Engagement
between the grips 130, 132 and the shaft 128 may be via any
conventional means, such as threads, a set screw, etc.
[0113] While certain embodiments have been described herein, one of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the above principles
can be applied to other golf club types and mixed golf club types.
Furthermore, the construction of the wedge(s) shown in the figures
has been simplified and/or shown schematically for the sake of
brevity and clarity, and should be not construed as limiting the
claims. Indeed, the above described concepts are equally applicable
to golf clubs having shaft sleeves, etc.
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