U.S. patent application number 14/329551 was filed with the patent office on 2015-01-15 for golf clubs and shafts configured for consistent club gapping.
The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Martin R. Jertson, Bradley D. Schweigert, Ryan M. Stokke.
Application Number | 20150018114 14/329551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52277515 |
Filed Date | 2015-01-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150018114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stokke; Ryan M. ; et
al. |
January 15, 2015 |
GOLF CLUBS AND SHAFTS CONFIGURED FOR CONSISTENT CLUB GAPPING
Abstract
Some embodiments include a set of golf club shafts configured
for consistent club gapping. Other embodiments for related golf
club shafts and golf clubs, and related methods are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Stokke; Ryan M.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Jertson; Martin R.; (Phoenix, AZ) ;
Schweigert; Bradley D.; (Anthem, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52277515 |
Appl. No.: |
14/329551 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61845765 |
Jul 12, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/287 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/12 20130101;
A63B 53/10 20130101; H04L 67/141 20130101; A63B 53/005
20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/287 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/12 20060101
A63B053/12 |
Claims
1. A set of shafts for golf clubs comprising: two or more shafts
each configured for an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf
club having a different loft angle; wherein: each shaft of the set
of shafts comprises an elongate body, a tip end, a butt end, a
midpoint, and a center of gravity, wherein: the elongate body
extends between the tip end and the butt end; the center of gravity
is located a first distance from the midpoint; the first distance
is greater than or equal to approximately 6.0% of a second distance
from the midpoint to the butt end; and the center of gravity is
located closer to the butt end than to the tip end.
2. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein the two or
more shafts comprise three or more shafts each having a different
loft angle.
3. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein the two of
more shafts are each configured for a different golf club ranging
from a 1-iron-type golf club to a 9-iron-type golf club.
4. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein the two or
more shafts are configured for one or more iron-type clubs and one
or more wedge-type clubs.
5. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein the two or
more shafts are each configured for a different golf club ranging
from a 2-hybrid- to a 5-hybrid-type golf club.
6. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein, for each
shaft, the first distance is greater than or equal to approximately
9.0% of the second distance.
7. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein, for each
shaft, the first distance is greater than or equal to approximately
11.0% of the second distance.
8. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein each shaft
comprises a wall comprising steel, and a thickness of the wall is
greater at the butt end than a thickness of the wall at the tip
end.
9. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 8, wherein, for each
shaft, the thickness of the wall at the tip end is between
approximately 0.008 and 0.018 inches, and the thickness of the wall
at the butt end is between approximately 0.015 and 0.030
inches.
10. The set of shafts for golf clubs of claim 1, wherein each shaft
comprises a wall comprising carbon fiber, wherein the wall is
impregnated with a weighting material between the midpoint and the
butt end, wherein the weighting material has a higher density than
the carbon fiber.
11. A set of golf clubs comprising: two or more golf clubs each
being an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf club having a
different loft angle; wherein: each golf club of the set of golf
clubs comprises: a shaft comprising an elongate body, a tip end, a
butt end, a midpoint between the tip end and the butt end, and a
center of gravity, wherein: the elongate body extends between the
tip end and the butt end; the center of gravity is located a first
distance from the midpoint; the first distance is greater than or
equal to approximately 6.0% of a second distance from the midpoint
to the butt end; and the center of gravity is located closer to the
butt end than to the tip end.
12. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein the two or more golf
clubs comprise three or more golf clubs each having a different
loft angle.
13. The set of golf clubs of claim 12, wherein a first golf club of
the three of more golf clubs is a 3-iron-type golf club having a
club head weight of at least 247 grams, a second golf club of the
three of more golf clubs is a 4-iron-type golf club having a club
head weight of at least 254 grams, and a third golf club of the
three of more golf clubs is a 5-iron-type golf club having a club
head weight of at least 260 grams.
14. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein the two or more golf
clubs are each a different golf club ranging from a 1-iron- to a
9-iron-type golf club.
15. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein the two or more golf
clubs are one or more iron-type clubs and one or more wedge-type
clubs.
16. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein the two or more golf
clubs are each configured for a different golf club ranging from a
2-hybrid- to a 5-hybrid-type golf club.
17. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein, for each golf club,
the first distance is greater than or equal to approximately 9.0%
of the second distance.
18. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein, for each golf club,
the first distance is greater than or equal to approximately 11.0%
of the second distance.
19. The set of golf clubs of claim 11, wherein a swing weight of
each golf club within the set of golf clubs is the same.
20. The set of golf clubs of claim 19, wherein the swing weight of
each golf club is between approximately 205.00 and 216.50
in-oz.
21. A method comprising: providing a set of golf clubs comprising
two or more golf clubs each being an iron-type, wedge-type, or
hybrid-type golf club having a different loft angle; wherein: each
golf club of the set of golf clubs comprises: a shaft comprising an
elongate body, a tip end, a butt end, a midpoint, and a center of
gravity, wherein: the elongate body extends between the tip end and
the butt end; the center of gravity is located a first distance
from the midpoint; the first distance is greater than or equal to
approximately 6.0% of a second distance from the midpoint to the
butt end; and the center of gravity is located closer to the butt
end than to the tip end.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein providing the set of golf clubs
comprises providing the set of golf clubs with three or more golf
clubs each having a different loft angle.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein providing the set of golf clubs
comprises providing each golf club of the set of golf clubs with
the first distance being greater than or equal to approximately
9.0% of the second distance.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein providing the set of golf clubs
comprises providing each golf club of the set of golf clubs with
the first distance being greater than or equal to approximately
11.0% of the second distance.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein providing the set of golf clubs
comprises providing each golf club of the set of golf clubs wherein
a swing weight of each golf club within the set of golf clubs is
the same.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/845,765, filed Jul. 12, 2013. U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/845,765 is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and
relates more particularly to golf club shafts and golf clubs, and
related methods.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many people experience difficulty in achieving a consistent
distance gap between golf shots hit with adjacent iron-type or
hybrid-type golf clubs (e.g., a 5-iron-type golf club versus a
6-iron-type golf club). This difficulty can be particularly
noticeable when using longer iron-type or hybrid-type golf clubs
having smaller loft angles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary golf
club shaft, according to an embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a tip end side cross-sectional view of
the golf club shaft of FIG. 1, according to the embodiments of FIG.
1;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a butt end side cross-sectional view of
the golf club shaft of FIG. 1, according to the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a butt end side cross-sectional view of
another golf club shaft, according to another embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a golf club,
according to another embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a set of golf clubs,
according to another embodiment; and
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart for an exemplary procedure
of providing a set of golf clubs.
[0012] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present
disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote
the same elements.
[0013] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0014] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods,
and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated
or otherwise described herein.
[0015] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more
mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together, but not
be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for
any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for
an instant. "Mechanical coupling" and the like should be broadly
understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
[0016] The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the
like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the
coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.
[0017] As defined herein, two or more elements are "integral" if
they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined
herein, two or more elements are "non-integral" if each is
comprised of a different piece of material.
[0018] As defined herein, "approximately" can, in some embodiments,
mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other
embodiments, "approximately" can mean within plus or minus five
percent of the stated value. In further embodiments,
"approximately" can mean within plus or minus three percent of the
stated value. In yet other embodiments, "approximately" can mean
within plus or minus one percent of the stated value. The
apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein
are not limited in this regard.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Various embodiments include a set of shafts for golf clubs.
The set of shafts can include two or more shafts each configured
for an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf club having a
different loft angle. Each shaft of the set of shafts can include
an elongate body, a tip end, a butt end, a midpoint, and a center
of gravity. The elongate body can extends between the tip end and
the butt end. The center of gravity can be located a first distance
from the midpoint. The first distance can be greater than or equal
to approximately 6.0% of a second distance from the midpoint to the
butt end. The center of gravity can be located closer to the butt
end than to the tip end.
[0020] Many embodiments include a set of golf clubs. The set of
golf clubs can include two or more golf clubs each being an
iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf club having a different
loft angle. Each golf club of the set of golf clubs can include a
shaft. The shaft can include an elongate body, a tip end, a butt
end, a midpoint between the tip end and the butt end, and a center
of gravity. The elongate body can extend between the tip end and
the butt end. The center of gravity can be located a first distance
from the midpoint. The first distance can be greater than or equal
to approximately 6.0% of a second distance from the midpoint to the
butt end. The center of gravity can be located closer to the butt
end than to the tip end.
[0021] Some embodiments can include a method. The method can
include providing a set of golf clubs. The set of golf clubs can
include two or more golf clubs each being an iron-type, wedge-type,
or hybrid-type golf club having a different loft angle. Each golf
club of the set of golf clubs can include a shaft. The shaft can
include an elongate body, a tip end, a butt end, a midpoint, and a
center of gravity. The elongate body can extend between the tip end
and the butt end. The center of gravity can be located a first
distance from the midpoint. The first distance can be greater than
or equal to approximately 6.0% of a second distance from the
midpoint to the butt end. The center of gravity can be located
closer to the butt end than to the tip end.
[0022] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view
of a shaft 100, according to an embodiment. Shaft 100 is merely
exemplary and embodiments of the shaft are not limited to the
embodiments presented herein. The shaft can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0023] Shaft 100 can be an elongate body, and can have a tip end
101 and a butt end 102. The elongate body can extend between the
tip end and the butt end. Shaft 100 can have a shaft length 107. In
various embodiments, shaft 100 can have a midpoint 103 such that a
half-length distance 108 from midpoint 103 to butt end 102 is
one-half of shaft length 107. Midpoint 103 can bisect shaft 100
into a tip side 104 and a butt side 105.
[0024] In certain embodiments, shaft 100 can have a center of
gravity 106 located closer to butt end 102 than to tip end 101.
Center of gravity 106 can be located along butt side 105 between
midpoint 103 and butt end 102. Specifically, center of gravity 106
can be located a distance 109 from midpoint 103 such that shaft 100
has a high center of gravity. In many embodiments, distance 109 can
be greater than or equal to approximately 6.0% of half-length
distance 108. In further embodiments, distance 109 can be greater
than or equal to approximately 9.0% of half-length distance 108. In
still further embodiments, distance 109 can be greater than or
equal to approximately 11.0% of half-length distance 108. For
example, distance 109 can be greater than or equal to approximately
6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10.0%, 10.5%,
11.5%, 12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%, 13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, or 15.0% of
half-length distance 108. As distance 109 increases as a percentage
of half-length distance 108, center of gravity 106 is positioned so
as to be closer to butt end 102.
[0025] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a tip end
side cross-sectional view of shaft 100. FIG. 3 illustrates a butt
end side cross-sectional view of shaft 100. Shaft 100 can include a
tubular wall surrounding a hollow core. At the tip end of shaft
100, as shown in FIG. 2, a wall 201 can surround a hollow core 202,
and shaft 100 can have a tip outer diameter 203 and a tip inner
diameter 204. Wall 201 can have a thickness 205 at the tip end. At
the butt end of shaft 100, as shown in FIG. 3, a wall 301 can
surround a hollow core 302, and shaft 100 can have a butt outer
diameter 303 and a butt inner diameter 304. Wall 301 can have a
thickness 305 at the butt end. The wall (e.g., 201, 301) of shaft
100 can be made of steel. The thickness of the wall can increase
from the tip end to the butt end, such that thickness 305 of wall
301 at butt end 102 (FIG. 1) is greater than thickness 205 at tip
end 201. In a number of embodiments, the thickness of the wall can
gradually increase at uniform rate when moving from tip end 101
(FIG. 1) to butt end 102 (FIG. 1). In other embodiments, the
thickness of the wall can increase at a non-uniform rate when
moving from tip end 101 (FIG. 1) to butt end 102 (FIG. 1). In
certain embodiments, at each cross section of shaft 100, the wall
can have an approximately uniform thickness. In a number of
embodiments, tip outer diameter 203 can be between approximately
0.325 and 0.380 inches. Butt outer diameter 303 can be between
approximately 0.560 and 0.630 inches. In further embodiments, shaft
100 can have a wall thickness varying between 0.008 to 0.030
inches, such as, for example, when shaft 100 comprises steel. In
certain embodiments, thickness 205 at tip end 101 (FIG. 1) can be
between approximately 0.008 and 0.018 inches, and thickness 305 at
butt end 102 (FIG. 1) can be between approximately 0.015 and 0.030
inches. For example, thickness 205 at tip end 101 (FIG. 1) can be
0.010 inches and thickness 305 at butt end 102 (FIG. 1) can be
0.025 inches. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of shaft 100
can become thinner moving toward tip end 101 (FIG. 1) from butt end
102 (FIG. 1), but can become thicker within a few inches of tip 102
for added structural support for attachment to the hosel of a club
head. By having a greater wall thickness at butt side 105 (FIG. 1)
than tip side 104 (FIG. 1), the center of gravity of steel shaft
100 can be positioned closer toward butt end 102 (FIG. 1).
[0026] Alternatively, or in addition, the shaft can be made of
graphite (e.g., carbon fiber), fiberglass, and/or other suitable
materials. In certain embodiments, the shaft can be made of a lower
density material, such as carbon fiber or fiberglass, and
impregnated with a higher density weighting material, such as steel
or tungsten. The density of carbon fiber can be between
approximately 1.0 and 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter. The density
of fiberglass can be between approximately 1.5 and 3.0 grams per
cubic centimeter. The density of steel can be between approximately
7.5 and 8.2 grams per cubic centimeter. The density of tungsten can
be between approximately 14 and 19 grams per cubic centimeter.
[0027] For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a butt end side
cross-sectional view of shaft 400, according to an embodiment.
Shaft 400 can be similar to shaft 100 (FIGS. 1-3), and various
components and/or constructions of shaft 400 can be identical to
various components of shaft 100. Shaft 400 can include a tubular
wall surrounding a hollow core. At the butt end of shaft 400, as
shown in FIG. 4, a wall 401 can surround a hollow core 402, and
shaft 400 can have a butt outer diameter 403 and a butt inner
diameter 404. Wall 401 can have a thickness 405 at the butt end.
The tip end of shaft 400 can be similar to the tip end of shaft
100, as shown in FIG. 2, the thickness of wall 401 can be
approximately uniform from the butt end to the tip end, such that
thickness 405 is the same as the thickness at the tip end of shaft
400. Shaft 400, and other embodiments of graphite shafts, can have
a wall thickness between approximately 0.010 and 0.100 inches. Wall
401 of shaft 400 can be made of carbon fiber and can be impregnated
with a weighting material, such as tungsten, between the midpoint
and the butt end, on the butt side of shaft 400. The weighting
material, such as tungsten, can have a higher density than the
carbon fiber. In some embodiments, the weighting material can be
impregnated in shaft 400, such that the density of shaft 400
gradually increases from the tip end to the butt end, or at least
from the midpoint to the butt end. By using impregnated weighting
material on the butt side of shaft 400, the center of gravity of
shaft 400 can be positioned closer toward the butt end. In many
embodiments, the center of gravity of the shaft can be positioned
closer to the butt end by varying the densities of the shaft and/or
varying the wall thickness of the shaft without adding weights to
the outside of the butt side of the shaft or to the hollow core of
the butt side of the shaft.
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of a golf club 500,
according to an embodiment. Golf club 500 is merely exemplary and
embodiments of the golf club are not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. The golf club can be employed in many different
embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described
herein.
[0029] Golf club 500 can include a club head 501, a shaft 503, and
a grip 506. Shaft 503 can be similar or identical to shaft 100
(FIGS. 1-3) and/or shaft 400 (FIG. 4), and various components
and/or constructions of shaft 503 can be identical to various
components of shaft 100 and/or shaft 400. Golf club 500 has a swing
weight, which generally is a predetermined feel of the club when it
is swung. The swing weight of golf club 500 can be measured by
determining the net moment of golf club 500 about a pivot point 512
on fulcrum 505. Pivot point 512 can be a distance 508 from the butt
of the club. Distance 508 is defined as 14.0 inches for the
lorythmic swing weight scale. Club head 501 can have a center of
gravity 502 located a distance 509 from pivot point 512. Shaft 503
can have a center of gravity 504 located a distance 510 from pivot
point 512. Grip 506 can have a center of gravity 507 located a
distance 511 from pivot point 512. The weight of each component of
the golf club (i.e., club head 501, shaft 503, and grip 506) can
affect the swing weight of golf club 500. Further, the distance of
the center of gravity from the pivot point for each component
(i.e., distance 509 for center of gravity 502 of club head 501,
distance 510 for center of gravity 504 of shaft 503, and distance
511 for center of gravity 507 of grip 506) can affect the swing
weight of golf club 500. In other words, the swing weight can be
altered by changing the weight of club head 501, shaft 504, and/or
grip 506, or by moving the center of gravity of club head 501,
shaft 504, and/or grip 506. For example, increasing the length of
golf club 500 and moving center of gravity 502 such that distance
509 increases can change the swing weight. The length of shaft 503
and/or the length of assembled golf club 500 can thus affect swing
weight. The swing weight measurement, which can be measured in
inch-ounces (in-oz) can be converted to an alphanumeric
combination, as shown in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Swing Weight Conversions. Moment (in-oz)
Swing Weight 160.00 A0 161.75 A1 163.50 A2 165.25 A3 167.00 A4
168.75 A5 170.50 A6 172.25 A7 174.00 A8 175.75 A9 177.50 B0 179.25
B1 181.00 B2 182.75 B3 184.50 B4 186.25 B5 188.00 B6 189.75 B7
191.50 B8 193.25 B9 195.00 C0 196.75 C1 197.50 C2 200.25 C3 202.00
C4 203.75 C5 205.50 C6 207.25 C7 209.00 C8 210.75 C9 212.50 D0
214.25 D1 216.00 D2 217.75 D3 219.50 D4 221.25 D5 223.00 D6 224.75
D7 226.50 D8 228.25 D9 230.00 E0 231.75 E1 233.50 E2 235.25 E3
237.00 E4 238.75 E5 240.50 E6 242.25 E7 244.00 E8 245.75 E8 247.50
F0
[0030] Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 6 illustrates a set of
golf clubs 600. Set of golf clubs 600 is merely exemplary and
embodiments of the set of golf clubs are not limited to the
embodiments presented herein. The set of golf clubs can be employed
in many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted
or described herein.
[0031] Set of golf clubs 600 can include three golf clubs, 610,
620, and 630, each being a different one of an iron-type golf club.
Each golf club (e.g., 610, 620, or 630) of set of golf clubs 600
can be similar or identical to golf club 500 (FIG. 5), and various
components and/or constructions of each golf club (e.g., 610, 620,
630) can be identical to various components of golf club 500. Each
golf club of set of golf clubs 600 can include a shaft, a club
head, and a grip. For example, golf club 610 can include a shaft
611, a club head 612 having a face 613, and a grip 614. Golf club
620 can include a shaft 621, a club head 622 having a face 623, and
a grip 624. Golf club 630 can include a shaft 631, a club head 632
having a face 633, and a grip 634. Shafts 611, 621, and/or 631 can
be similar or identical to shaft 100 (FIGS. 1-3) and/or shaft 400
(FIG. 4), and various components and/or constructions of shafts
611, 621, and/or 631 can be similar or identical to various
components of shaft 100 and/or shaft 400. Each golf club (e.g.,
610, 620, 630) can have a discrete club number associated with a
loft angle of the face (e.g., 613, 623, 633) of the club head
(e.g., 612, 622, 632). The club number can be used to identify a
certain golf club of the set with predetermined degrees of loft.
Club numbers for iron-type golf clubs can include 1 through 9, as
well as wedges, such as a pitching wedge (PW), a utility wedge
(UW), a sand wedge (SW), and a lob wedge (LW). Although the exact
loft angle can vary slightly in various embodiments, the loft angle
of the face can be converted to a club number, as shown in Table
2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Iron-Type Club Number and Loft Angle. Club #
Loft Angle (degrees) 1 14 2 17 3 20 4 23 5 26 6 29 7 32 8 36 9 40
PW 45 UW 50 SW 54 LW 58
[0032] For example, face 613 of golf club 610 can have a loft angle
of 20 degrees and can be a 3-iron; face 623 of golf club 620 can
have a loft angle of 26 degrees and can be a 5-iron; and face 633
of golf club 630 can have a loft angle of 32 degrees and can be a
7-iron. Shafts configured for a golf club having a certain club
number can have a corresponding shaft number. In addition to
changes in loft angle, in many embodiments, iron-type golf clubs
with a lower loft angle can have a greater length than iron-type
golf clubs with a higher loft angle. Accordingly, lower number
clubs are often called long irons, and higher number clubs are
often called short irons. In some embodiments, the set of golf
clubs can include hybrid-type golf clubs. Although the club numbers
of hybrid-type golf clubs are often designated by the loft angle,
each hybrid-type golf club can have an equivalent iron-type club
number, as shown in Table 3. For purposes of this description,
hybrid-type golf clubs are designated by their equivalent iron-type
club number. For example, a 2-hybrid-type golf club signifies a
hybrid-type club head with a loft angle of 17 degrees.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Hybrid-Type Club Number and Loft Angle. Club
# Loft Angle (degrees) Equivalent Iron-Type Number 17 17 2 20 20 3
23 23 4 26 26 5 29 29 6
[0033] Different club numbers can be used for hitting a golf ball
different distances. The lower club numbers can be used for longer
shots, and the higher club numbers for shorter shots. By using
effectively the same swing with different clubs, the various
iron-type golf clubs can be used to achieve different distances.
Many people, however, have difficulty achieving consistent
variations in distances when using adjacent iron-type golf clubs.
For example, many players would like a 10-15 yard increase in the
distance for shots with each descending club number. For some
players, this gap is often hardest to achieve with long iron-type
golf clubs, such as the 3-iron- to 7-iron-type golf clubs. For
example, the distance between shots using a 3-iron- and a
4-iron-type golf club might not be as well defined or consistent as
the distance between shots using short iron-type golf clubs, such
as an 8-iron- and an 9-iron-type golf club. Difficulties in
achieving consistent club gapping can make determining which club
to use at long distances difficult.
[0034] In some embodiments, a set of golf clubs can be optimized
for consistent club gapping by creating a greater difference in
lengths between the golf clubs of different club numbers and/or by
creating a greater difference in weight of the club head in golf
clubs of different club numbers. By adding weight to the club head,
the momentum of the club head can be increased, which can increase
the energy transferred to the ball upon contact. Similarly, by
increasing the length of the golf club, the speed of the club head
can be increased, which can increase the energy transferred to the
ball upon contact. Increasing the weight of the club head and/or
increasing the length of the golf club, however, can affect the
swing weight, and many players prefer a consistent swing weight
across the set of iron-type golf clubs to maintain the same feel of
the swing across the clubs. In various embodiments, by shifting
weight toward the butt end of the golf club, the increased weight
of the club head and/or the increased length of the golf club can
be offset to maintain a consistent swing weight. In certain
embodiments, the weight of certain club heads in a set of golf
clubs can be increased, and the length of the golf clubs in the set
of golf clubs can be kept the same. In other embodiments, the
length of certain golf clubs in the set of golf clubs can be
increased and the weight of the club heads in the set of golf clubs
can be kept the same. In yet further embodiments, the weight of
certain club heads can be increased, and the lengths of certain
club heads can be increased. In a number of embodiments, swing
weight can be maintained by moving the center of gravity of the
shaft toward the butt end.
[0035] For example, Table 4 provides data for an exemplary set of
steel shafts, according to an embodiment, in which two or more
shafts have a high center of gravity (i.e., in which the center of
gravity has been moved toward the butt end). The lengths described
can be within approximately plus or minus 0.125 inches. The weights
described can be within approximately plus or minus 3.6 grams. The
center of gravity is positioned on the butt side of the shaft, and
the distance from the center of gravity to the midpoint is
identified, as well as that distance as a percentage of the shaft
half-length.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Exemplary Steel Shafts with High Center of
Gravity. Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft #
(inches) (grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 3 41.000 125.8
2.6000 12.68% 4 40.250 124.1 2.5250 12.55% 5 39.500 122.4 2.4500
12.41% 6 38.750 120.6 2.3750 12.26% 7 38.125 119.1 2.3625 12.39% 8
37.500 117.7 2.2500 12.00% 9 36.875 116.2 2.2375 12.14% SW 36.500
115.3 2.2500 12.33%
[0036] Table 5 provides data for an exemplary set of graphite
shafts, according to an embodiment, in which two or more shafts
have a high center of gravity. The lengths described can be within
approximately plus or minus 0.125 inches. The weights described can
be within approximately plus or minus 3.6 grams. The center of
gravity is positioned on the butt side of the shaft, and the
distance from the center of gravity to the midpoint is identified,
as well as that distance as a percentage of the shaft
half-length.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Exemplary Graphite Shafts with High Center
of Gravity. Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft #
(inches) (grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 4 39.500 75 2.9
14.43% 5 38.750 73 2.3 11.74% 6 38.000 72 1.6 8.42% 7 37.375 71 1.2
6.35% 8 36.750 70 0.8 4.22% 9 36.125 69 0.0 -0.21% SW 35.500 65
-0.4 -1.97%
[0037] In some embodiments, a set of shafts can include two or more
shafts each configured for an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type
golf club having a different loft angle. For example, the two or
more shafts can include a first shaft configured for a 4-iron-type
golf club, a second shaft configured for a pitching-wedge-type golf
club, and a third shaft configured for a 3-hybrid-type golf club.
In certain embodiments, the two or more shafts can each be
configured for a different golf club ranging from a 1-iron-type
golf club to a 9-iron-type golf club. For example, the two or more
shafts can include a first shaft configured for a 3-iron-type golf
club, a second shaft configured for a 4-iron-type golf club, and a
third shaft configured for a 5-iron-type golf club. In certain
other embodiments, the two or more shafts can be configured for one
or more iron-type golf clubs and one or more wedge-type golf clubs.
For example, the two or more shafts can include a first shaft
configured for a 5-iron-type golf club and a second shaft
configured for a sand-wedge-type golf club. In yet further
embodiments, the two or more shafts can each be configured for a
different golf club ranging from a 2-bybrid- to a 5-hybrid-type
golf club. For example, the two or more shafts can include a first
shaft configured for a 2-hybrid-type golf club, a second shaft
configured for a 3-hybrid-type golf club, and a third shaft
configured for a 4-hybrid-type golf club.
[0038] Each shaft (e.g., shaft 611 (FIG. 6), shaft 621 (FIG. 6), or
shaft 631 (FIG. 6)) can be identical or substantially similar to
shaft 100 (FIGS. 1-3) and/or shaft 400 (FIG. 4), and various
components and/or constructions of the shafts can be identical to
various components of shaft 100 and/or shaft 400. Specifically,
each shaft can be an elongate body with a tip end, a butt end, a
midpoint, and a center of gravity, in which the elongate body
extends between the tip end and the butt end. The center of gravity
can be located closer to the butt end than to the tip end, and the
center of gravity can be a distance from the midpoint that is
greater than or equal to approximately 6.0% of a half-length of the
shaft. As described above, in other embodiments, the distance from
the center of gravity to the midpoint can be greater than or equal
to approximately 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%,
10.0%, 10.5%, 11.5%, 12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%, 13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, or
15.0% of the half-length of the shaft. In some embodiments, the set
of shafts can include three or more shafts each having a different
loft angle. In other embodiments, the set of shafts can include
four or more shafts each having a different loft angle. In further
embodiments, the set of shafts can include five or more shafts each
having a different loft angle.
[0039] For example, for the steel shafts described in Table 4, the
set of shafts can include two, three, four, five, six, seven, or
even eight shafts each having a high center of gravity.
Specifically, the distance from the center of gravity to the
midpoint in each shaft of the set of shafts is greater than or
equal to approximately 12.0% of the half length of the shaft. In
some embodiments, the two or more shafts can be configured for any
iron-type golf club number, including wedges (e.g., PW, UW, SW,
LW). In other embodiments, the two or more shafts can each be
configured only for the 1-iron- to 9-iron-type golf clubs.
Specifically, the two or more shafts can, in certain embodiments,
be configured only for iron-type golf clubs having a loft angle
equal to or less than approximately 40 degrees. In various
embodiments, the two or more shafts can each be configured for a
different one of an iron-type golf club within the 1-iron- to
9-iron-type golf clubs, such as a 1-iron- to 7-iron-type golf club,
a 1-iron- to 5-iron-type golf club, a 1-iron- to 3-iron-type golf
club, a 2-iron- to 7-iron-type golf club, a 2-iron- to 5-iron-type
golf club, a 2-iron- to 3-iron-type golf club, a 3-iron- to
9-iron-type golf club, a 3-iron- to 6-iron-type golf club, a
3-iron- to 4-iron-type golf club, a 4-iron- to 8-iron-type golf
club, a 4-iron- to 6-iron-type golf club, a 5-iron- to 7-iron-type
golf club, or another suitable range of an iron-type golf club.
[0040] In some embodiments, one or more of the shafts configured
for the iron-type golf clubs can be provided at a full untrimmed
length, and can have a high center of gravity characteristic, as
described above. In other embodiments, one or more of the shafts
can be provided at a trimmed length for a golf club, and can have a
high center of gravity characteristic, as described above. In some
embodiments, each shaft can be incorporated in a golf club at the
trimmed length and have a high center of gravity characteristic as
described above. When assembled in the set of golf clubs, the
shafts can have a standard length, or can be longer or shorter,
such as for taller or shorter people. Table 6 provides data for
exemplary steel shafts assembled in golf clubs that have been
trimmed to a standard length. Table 7 provides data for exemplary
steel shafts assembled in golf clubs that have been trimmed to a
length of one inch longer than the standard length. Table 8
provides data for exemplary steel shafts assembled in golf clubs
that have been trimmed to a length of two inches longer than the
standard length. Table 9 provides data for exemplary steel shafts
assembled in golf clubs that have been trimmed to a length of one
inch shorter than the standard length. Table 10 provides data for
exemplary steel shafts assembled in golf clubs that have been
trimmed to a length of two inches shorter than the standard length.
In each case a set of shafts can have a high center of gravity
characteristic, as described above.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Exemplary High Center of Gravity Steel
Shafts Trimmed for Standard Length Clubs. Length Weight Distance
from CG to Percentage of Shaft # (inches) (grams) Midpoint (inches)
Half-length 3 37.58 116.2 2.21 11.75% 4 37.08 115.2 2.14 11.57% 5
36.58 114.2 2.08 11.38% 6 36.08 113.1 2.02 11.19% 7 35.58 112.0
2.01 11.32% 8 35.08 110.9 1.91 10.87% 9 34.58 109.8 1.90 10.99% PW
34.33 109.2 1.92 11.18% UW 34.33 109.2 1.92 11.18% SW 34.08 108.5
1.91 11.19% LW 33.83 89.4 1.89 11.20%
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Exemplary High Center of Gravity Steel
Shafts Trimmed for Clubs One Inch Longer Than Standard Length.
Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft # (inches)
(grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 3 38.58 119.0 2.26 11.70% 4
38.08 118.0 2.19 11.53% 5 37.58 117.0 2.13 11.35% 6 37.08 115.9
2.07 11.16% 7 36.58 114.8 2.06 11.28% 8 36.08 113.7 1.96 10.85% 9
35.58 112.6 1.95 10.97% PW 35.33 112.0 1.97 11.15% UW 35.33 112.0
1.97 11.15% SW 35.08 111.3 1.96 11.16% LW 34.83 92.2 1.94
11.17%
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Exemplary High Center of Gravity Steel
Shafts Trimmed for Clubs Two Inches Longer Than Standard Length.
Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft # (inches)
(grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 3 39.58 121.8 2.31 11.66% 4
39.08 120.8 2.24 11.49% 5 38.58 119.8 2.18 11.31% 6 38.08 118.7
2.12 11.13% 7 37.58 117.6 2.11 11.25% 8 37.08 116.5 2.01 10.83% 9
36.58 115.4 2.00 10.94% PW 36.33 114.8 2.02 11.12% UW 36.33 114.8
2.02 11.12% SW 36.08 114.1 2.01 11.13% LW 35.83 95.0 1.99
11.13%
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Exemplary High Center of Gravity Steel
Shafts Trimmed for Clubs One Inch Shorter Than Standard Length.
Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft # (inches)
(grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 3 36.58 113.4 2.16 11.79% 4
36.08 112.4 2.09 11.61% 5 35.58 111.4 2.03 11.42% 6 35.08 110.3
1.97 11.23% 7 34.58 109.2 1.96 11.35% 8 34.08 108.1 1.86 10.90% 9
33.58 107.0 1.85 11.02% PW 33.33 106.4 1.87 11.22% UW 33.33 106.4
1.87 11.22% SW 33.08 105.7 1.86 11.23% LW 32.83 86.6 1.84
11.24%
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Exemplary High Center of Gravity Steel
Shafts Trimmed for Clubs Two Inches Shorter Than Standard Length.
Length Weight Distance from CG to Percentage of Shaft # (inches)
(grams) Midpoint (inches) Half-length 3 35.58 110.6 2.11 11.84% 4
35.08 109.6 2.04 11.66% 5 34.58 108.6 1.98 11.46% 6 34.08 107.5
1.92 11.26% 7 33.58 106.4 1.91 11.40% 8 33.08 105.3 1.81 10.93% 9
32.58 104.2 1.80 11.05% PW 32.33 103.6 1.82 11.26% UW 32.33 103.6
1.82 11.26% SW 32.08 102.9 1.81 11.27% LW 31.83 83.8 1.79
11.28%
[0041] In some embodiments, a set of golf clubs can include two or
more golf clubs each being an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type
golf club having a different loft angle. For example, the two or
more golf clubs can include a 4-iron-type golf club, a
pitching-wedge-type golf club, and a 3-hybrid-type golf club. In
certain embodiments, the two or more golf clubs can each be a
different golf club ranging from a 1-iron-type golf club to a
9-iron-type golf club. For example, the two or more golf clubs can
include a 3-iron-type golf club, a 4-iron-type golf club, and a
5-iron-type golf club. In certain other embodiments, the two or
more golf clubs can be one or more iron-type golf clubs and one or
more wedge-type golf clubs. For example, the two or more golf clubs
can include a 5-iron-type golf club and a sand-wedge-type golf
club. In yet further embodiments, the two or more golf clubs can
each be a different golf club ranging from a 2-hybrid- to a
5-hybrid-type golf club. For example, the two or more golf clubs
can include a 2-hybrid-type golf club, a 3-hybrid-type golf club,
and a 4-hybrid-type golf club.
[0042] The set of golf clubs can be identical or substantially
similar to set of golf clubs 600 (FIG. 6), and various components
and/or constructions of the set of golf clubs can be identical to
various components of set of golf clubs 600. Each golf club can be
identical or substantially similar to golf club 500 (FIG. 5), and
various components and/or constructions of the golf clubs can be
identical to various components of golf club 500. Specifically,
each golf club of the set of golf club can include a shaft. The
shaft can be identical or substantially similar to shaft 100 (FIGS.
1-3) and/or shaft 400 (FIG. 4), and various components and/or
constructions of the shaft can be identical to various components
of shaft 100 and/or shaft 400. As described above, the shaft can be
an elongate body with a tip end, a butt end, a midpoint, and a
center of gravity, and in which the elongate body extends between
the tip end and the butt end. The center of gravity can be located
closer to the butt end than to the tip end, and the center of
gravity can be a distance from the midpoint that is greater than or
equal to approximately 6.0% of a half-length of the shaft. As
described above, in other embodiments, the distance from the center
of gravity to the midpoint can be greater than or equal to
approximately 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%,
10.0%, 10.5%, 11.5%, 12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%, 13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, or
15.0% of the half-length of the shaft. In some embodiments, the set
of golf clubs can include three or more golf clubs each having a
different loft angle. In other embodiments, the set of golf clubs
can include four or more golf clubs each having a different loft
angle. In further embodiments, the set of golf clubs can include
five or more golf clubs each having a different loft angle.
[0043] The set of golf clubs can include two or more golf clubs
each having a shaft with a high center of gravity, as described
above. In some embodiments, the two or more golf clubs can be any
iron-type club number, including wedges (e.g., PW, UW, SW, LW). In
other embodiments, the two or more golf clubs can each be 1-iron-
to 9-iron-type golf clubs, and limited to clubs having a loft angle
less than or equal to approximately 40 degrees. In various
embodiments, the two or more golf clubs can each be a different one
of an iron-type golf club within the 1-iron- to 9-iron-type golf
clubs, such as a 1-iron- to 7-iron-type golf club, a 1-iron- to
5-iron-type golf club, a 1-iron- to 3-iron-type golf club, a
2-iron- to 7-iron-type golf club, a 2-iron- to 5-iron-type golf
club, a 2-iron- to 3-iron-type golf club, a 3-iron- to 9-iron-type
golf club, a 3-iron- to 6-iron-type golf club, a 3-iron- to
4-iron-type golf club, a 4-iron- to 8-iron-type golf club, a
4-iron- to 6-iron-type golf club, a 5-iron- to 7-iron-type golf
club, or another suitable range of an iron-type golf club.
[0044] In some embodiments, the weight of the club head and/or
length of the golf club for each of the two or more golf clubs
within the set of golf clubs is increased to optimize club gapping.
In some such embodiments, the swing weight of each golf club within
the set of golf clubs can be the same or substantially similar. In
some embodiments, the swing weight measurement for each golf club
within the set of golf clubs can be within plus or minus
approximately 1.0 in-oz. For example, a first golf club in the set
of golf clubs can have a swing weight of 212.50 in-oz
(corresponding to a alphanumeric swing weight of D0), a second golf
club in the set of golf clubs can have a swing weight of 211.90
in-oz, and a third golf club in the set of golf clubs can have a
swing weight of 213.10 in-oz. In certain embodiments, the swing
weight of each golf club is between approximately 205.00 and 216.50
in-oz. Table 11 provides data for exemplary iron-type golf clubs
optimized for consistent club gapping (in this embodiment, having
both an increase in head weight), and also having high center of
gravity steel shafts for maintaining swing weight. Table 12
provides data for exemplary iron-type golf clubs optimized for
consistent club gapping (in this embodiment, having both an
increase in head weight), and also having high center of gravity
graphite shafts for maintaining swing weight. The club weights
listed can be minimum club head weights for optimizing consistent
club gapping. For example, a first golf club of a set of three or
more golf clubs can be a 3-iron-type golf club with a club head
weight of at least 247 grams. A second golf club of the set of
three or more golf clubs can be a 4-iron-type golf club with a club
head weight of at least 254 grams. A third golf club of the set of
three or more golf clubs can be a 5-iron-type golf club with a club
head weight of at least 260 grams. In further embodiments, the
lengths of each golf club can be increased by at least
approximately 3% from those lengths listed in Table 11 and Table
12. In yet further embodiments, both the club head weight can be
increased and the length of the golf club can be increased to
optimize consistent club gapping.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Exemplary Golf Clubs Optimized for
Consistent Club Gapping with High Center of Gravity Steel Shafts.
Length Club Head Swing Club # (inches) Weight (grams) Weight 2
39.25 240 D0 3 38.75 247 D0 4 38.25 254 D0 5 37.75 260 D0 6 37.25
266 D0 7 36.75 273 D0 8 36.25 280 D0 9 35.75 288 D0 PW 35.50 296 D2
UW 35.50 297 D4 SW 35.25 305 D4 LW 35.00 314 D6
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Exemplary Golf Clubs Optimized for
Consistent Club Gapping with High Center of Gravity Graphite
Shafts. Length Club Head Swing Club # (inches) Weight (grams)
Weight 2 39.25 245 C9 3 38.75 251 C9 4 38.25 257 C9 5 37.75 261 C9
6 37.25 266 C9 7 36.75 271 C9 8 36.25 277 C9 9 35.75 282 C9 PW
35.50 289 D1 UW 35.50 289 D3 SW 35.25 298 D3 LW 35.00 306 D5
[0045] Increasing the length of the golf clubs and/or increasing
the weight of the club heads of the set of golf clubs can
advantageously facilitate more uniform and/or consistent club
gapping for many players between the iron-type golf clubs. The
increased weight and/or increased length can allow for recovering
distance that may be lost due to inexperience or mis-hitting with
the iron-type golf clubs, particularly the long iron-type golf
clubs. By positioning the center of gravity higher on each shaft,
the set of iron-type golf clubs can have a substantially similar
swing weight, which can advantageously facilitate a consistent
swing feel among the iron-type golf clubs. An additional benefit is
that the increased weight of each club head can allow for
additional optimization of the club head, such as positioning the
center of gravity of the club head for higher launch, or for
increased inertia for more forgiveness on mis-hits.
[0046] Returning to the drawings, FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart
for a method 700, which can be used to provide, form, and/or
manufacture a set of golf clubs and/or a set of shafts in
accordance with the present disclosure. Method 700 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 700 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 700 can be performed in the order presented. In other
embodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities
of method 700 can be performed in any suitable order. In still
other embodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes,
and/or the activities of method 700 can be combined or skipped.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 700, method 700 can include block 710 for
providing a set of golf clubs. In many embodiments, the set of golf
clubs can be similar or identical to set of golf clubs 600 (FIG.
6). The set of golf clubs of method 700 can include a two or more
golf clubs each being an iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf
club having a different loft angle. Each golf club of the set of
golf clubs of method 700 can be similar or identical to golf club
500 (FIG. 5). Each golf club of the set of golf clubs of method 700
can include a shaft. Each shaft can be similar or identical to
shaft 100 (FIG. 1) and/or shaft 400 (FIG. 4). Each shaft can be an
elongate body having a tip end, a butt end, a midpoint, and a
center of gravity, wherein the elongate body extends between the
tip end and butt end. The center of gravity can be located closer
to the butt end than to the tip end and can be located a distance
from the midpoint that is greater than or equal to approximately
6.0% of a distance from the midpoint to the butt end. In some
embodiments, the set of golf clubs of method 700 can include three
or more golf clubs each having a different loft angle. In other
embodiments, the set of golf clubs of method 700 can include four
or more golf clubs each having a different loft angle. In a number
of embodiments, the center of gravity for each shaft of the set of
golf clubs of method 700 can be greater than or equal to
approximately 9.0% of a distance from the midpoint to the butt end.
In still further embodiments, center of gravity for each shaft of
the set of golf clubs of method 700 can be greater than or equal to
approximately 11.0% of a distance from the midpoint to the butt
end. In many embodiments, a swing weight of each golf club of the
set of golf clubs of method 700 can be the same or substantially
similar.
[0048] In some embodiments, the set of golf clubs of claim 700 can
be provided by performing one or more sub-processes. Providing the
set of golf clubs can include block 720 of providing a set of
shafts. Each shaft of the set of shafts can be configured for an
iron-type, wedge-type, or hybrid-type golf club having a different
loft angle. In many embodiments, the set of shafts of block 720 can
include two or more shafts, as described above in connection with
block 710, and can be provided via annealing, forging, milling,
machining, molding, and/or other processes, where the portions of
the shafts can be a single piece or can include several pieces
coupled together such as via welding, brazing, and/or adhesives. In
some embodiments, steel shaft can be provided through annealing
such that the thickness of the wall of each shaft is greater at the
butt end than at the tip end, so as to position the center of
gravity closer to the butt end. In other embodiments, graphite
shafts can be provided by weaving carbon fibers and impregnating
filler materials, such as tungsten or steel, so as to position the
center of gravity closer to the butt end. In certain embodiments,
providing the set of shafts can include providing untrimmed shafts.
In certain other embodiments, providing the set of shafts can be
include trimming each shaft to a suitable lengths for assembly in
iron-type golf clubs.
[0049] Providing the set of golf clubs can include block 730 of
providing a set of club heads. The set of club heads can include
two or more club heads. The club heads can be provided via casting,
forging, milling, machining, molding, and/or other processes.
[0050] Providing the set of golf clubs can include block 740 of
assembling each shaft of the set of shafts with each club head of
the set of club heads. Each shaft of the set of shafts and each
club head of the set of club heads can be assembled through
welding, brazing, adhesives, and/or other processes.
[0051] Although the golf clubs and shafts configured for consistent
club gapping have been described with reference to specific
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present disclosure. For example, to one of ordinary
skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that blocks 710, 720,
730, and/or 740 of FIG. 7 may be comprised of many different
procedures, processes, and activities and be performed by many
different modules, in many different orders, that any element of
FIGS. 1-7 may be modified, and that the foregoing discussion of
certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a
complete description of all possible embodiments.
[0052] As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new
regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or
modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies
such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment
related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture
described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules
of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related
to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described
herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as
conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0053] While the above examples may be described in connection with
an iron-type golf club and a hybrid-type golf club, the apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be
applicable to other types of golf clubs such as a wood-type golf
club or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be
applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a
tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.
[0054] Additional examples of such changes have been given in the
foregoing description. Other permutations of the different
embodiments having one or more of the features of the various
figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the disclosure of
embodiments is intended to be illustrative and is not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the present
disclosure shall be limited only to the extent required by the
appended claims.
[0055] The golf clubs and shafts discussed herein may be
implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing
discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily
represent a complete description of all possible embodiments.
Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings
themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiments, and may
disclose alternative embodiments.
[0056] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless
such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly
stated in such claim.
[0057] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
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