U.S. patent application number 14/192615 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for systems to custom fit golf clubs and methods of providing the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Brandon L. Fossum, Marty R. Jertson, Ryan M. Stokke.
Application Number | 20150238824 14/192615 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881257 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150238824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jertson; Marty R. ; et
al. |
August 27, 2015 |
SYSTEMS TO CUSTOM FIT GOLF CLUBS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING THE
SAME
Abstract
Embodiments of golf club fitting systems and golf club shaft
fitting systems are presented herein. Other examples and related
methods are also disclosed herein.
Inventors: |
Jertson; Marty R.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Stokke; Ryan M.; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Fossum;
Brandon L.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING
CORPORATION
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
53881257 |
Appl. No.: |
14/192615 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/288 ;
29/592 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20130101;
A63B 60/42 20151001; A63B 53/10 20130101; A63B 53/02 20130101; A63B
53/005 20200801; Y10T 29/49 20150115; A63B 60/002 20200801 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf club fitting system comprising: interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts comprising: at least one mass increment
between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts; a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts; a substantially constant shaft length for the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and at least one golf
club head configured to be removeably coupled to the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.
2. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the
substantially constant shaft length for each of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts is greater than approximately 44
inches.
3. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the net moment
tolerance is approximately 50 inch*grams.
4. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the at least
one mass increment is approximately 5 grams or greater.
5. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first
correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft,
and a third correlated golf club shaft; the first correlated golf
club shaft has a first mass; the second correlated golf club shaft
has a second mass; the third correlated golf club shaft has a third
mass; the first mass is a first mass increment less than the second
mass; the second mass is a second mass increment less than the
third mass; the at least one mass increment comprises the first
mass increment and the second mass increment; and the first mass
increment is different from the second mass increment.
6. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first
correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft,
and a third correlated golf club shaft; the first correlated golf
club shaft has a mass between approximately 50-60 grams; the second
correlated golf club shaft has a mass between approximately 61-70
grams; and the third correlated golf club shaft has a mass between
approximately 72-85 grams.
7. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first
correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft,
and a third correlated golf club shaft; the first correlated golf
club shaft comprises a first grip end and a first balance point,
wherein the first balance point is a first distance from the first
grip end; the second correlated golf club shaft comprises a second
grip end and a second balance point, wherein the second balance
point is a second distance from the second grip end; the third
correlated golf club shaft comprises a third grip end and a third
balance point, wherein the third balance point is a third distance
from the third grip end; the first distance is greater than the
second distance; and the second distance is greater than the third
distance.
8. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising: a
first part of a two part coupling system in communication with each
of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and a second
part of the two part coupling system in communication with each of
the at least one golf club head.
9. The golf club fitting system of claim 1 wherein: the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts are associated with at
least one frequency rating.
10. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein: the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts are each associated
with a frequency rating of approximately 230-270 cycles per
minute.
11. A golf club shaft fitting system comprising: interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts, each with a substantially constant
length, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprising:
a first correlated golf club shaft with a first mass; a second
correlated golf club shaft with a second mass, wherein the second
mass is a first mass increment greater than the first mass; a third
correlated golf club shaft with a third mass, wherein the third
mass is a second mass increment greater than the second mass; and a
net moment tolerance associated with each of the first, second, and
third correlated golf club shafts.
12. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein: the
net moment tolerance is approximately 50 inch*grams.
13. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein: the
first and second mass increments are equal to each other and are at
least approximately 5 grams.
14. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein: the
first correlated golf club shaft is associated with a first
frequency rating; the second correlated golf club shaft is
associated with a second frequency rating; the third correlated
golf club shaft is associated with a third frequency rating; and
the first frequency rating is different than the second and third
frequency ratings.
15. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11 wherein: the
first correlated golf club shaft is associated with a first
frequency rating; the second correlated golf club shaft comprises a
second frequency rating; the third correlated golf club shaft
comprises a third frequency rating; the first frequency rating is
at least approximately 15 cycles per minute different than the
second frequency rating; and the second frequency rating is at
least 15 cycles per minute different than the third frequency
rating.
16. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein: the
first correlated golf club shaft comprises a first grip end and a
first balance point, wherein the first balance point is a first
distance from the first grip end; the second correlated golf club
shaft comprises a second grip end and a second balance point,
wherein the second balance point is a second distance from the
second grip end; the third correlated golf club shaft comprises a
third grip end and a third balance point, wherein the third balance
point is a third distance from the third grip end; the first
distance is greater than the second distance; and the second
distance is greater than the third distance.
17. A method of providing a golf club fitting system comprising:
providing interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprising:
predetermining at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; predetermining a
net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts; and predetermining a substantially constant shaft length
for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and providing
at least one golf club head configured to be coupled to the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein: providing the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts comprises: predetermining at least one
frequency rating for the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein: predetermining the net moment
tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
comprises: predetermining the net moment tolerance to be
approximately 50 inch*grams.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein: predetermining the at least
one mass increment for the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts comprises: predetermining the mass increment to be at least
approximately 5 grams.
21. The method of claim 17, further comprising: using the golf club
fitting system to fit a person for at least one golf club; and
selling the at least one golf club to the person.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to sport equipment,
and more particularly, to systems for custom fitting golf
clubs.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In order for an individual to play golf to the best of his
or her abilities, the individual can be fitted for custom golf
clubs. There are various fitting methods and systems available in
the marketplace. The various fitting systems and methods can be
configured to custom fit golf clubs to an individual's unique swing
characteristics, physical characteristics, and/or playing
preferences. The various fitting systems and methods can suggest
the proper golf club length, mass, grip, shaft, swing weight, or
model for an individual. The proper fitting system can customize a
golf club that will facilitate an individual to play golf to the
best of his or her abilities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary
golf club fitting method.
[0004] FIG. 2 is an exemplary golf club fitting system according to
one embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an interchangeable correlated
golf club shaft according to one embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 4 is an exemplary golf club fitting system according to
another embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an assembled golf club according to one
embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a block diagram representation of a method of
providing a golf club fitting system according to one
embodiment.
[0009] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used
in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the
claims.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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. 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The detailed description provided below, in connection with
the appended drawings, is intended as a description of the present
examples, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which
the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description
sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps
for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or
equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
examples.
[0016] In one example, a golf club fitting system can comprise
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts can include at least one mass increment
between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts, a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts, and a substantially constant shaft length for the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The golf club fitting
system also can include at least one golf club head that is
configured to be removeably coupled to the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts.
[0017] In another example, a golf club shaft fitting system can
comprise interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts have a substantially
constant length. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
can include a first correlated golf club shaft with a first mass, a
second correlated golf club shaft with a second mass, and a third
correlated golf club shaft with a third mass. The second mass can
be a mass increment greater than the first mass, and the third mass
can be a mass increment greater than the second mass. The
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts also can include a net
moment tolerance that is associated with the first, second, and
third correlated golf club shafts.
[0018] In a further example, a method for providing a golf club
fitting system can include providing interchangeable golf club
shafts comprising predetermining at least one mass increment
between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts; predetermining a net moment tolerance for the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and predetermining a
substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts. Providing the golf club fitting system
can comprise providing a golf club head configured to be coupled to
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.
[0019] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an
exemplary golf club fitting process 100. The golf club fitting
process 100 may be used to fit various golf clubs such as
driver-type golf clubs, fairway wood-type golf clubs, putter-type
golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, and/or any
other suitable type of golf clubs. The golf club fitting process
100 can include various parameters that are meant to suggest a
particular set of golf clubs for an individual. More specifically,
the golf club fitting process 100 can be used to optimize the mass
of a golf club shaft for an individual.
[0020] In particular, block 110 of the golf club fitting process
100 describes the step of receiving physical and swing
characteristic information about an individual. Block 110 can
gather information about an individual and the individual's golf
game. For example, block 110 may involve a question and answer
session wherein an individual provides preferences regarding golf
club length, golf club weight, golf club flex, golf club swing
weight, golf club make or model, or any other suitable preference.
Further, block 110 can include an initial evaluation of the
individual's swing characteristics such as swing speed, swing
travel path, golf ball contact location, and any other suitable
swing characteristic. The individual's preferences and swing
characteristics can be received electronically or written down by
hand.
[0021] Turning to block 120 of the golf club fitting process 100, a
golf club can be assembled with an interchangeable correlated golf
club shaft and a golf club head, based on the gathered information,
and the assembled golf club can be provided to the individual. The
individual can swing the golf club, or otherwise inspect the golf
club to provide feedback regarding the golf club and/or the
correlated golf club shaft. For example, the individual can hit a
golf ball to see how the correlated golf club shaft affects the
ball striking, ball flight, or distance the golf ball travels.
Further, the individual can experience how the correlated golf club
shaft contributes to how the golf club feels and/or how the golf
club appears when held.
[0022] After the individual has experienced the correlated golf
club shaft, block 130 of the golf club fitting process 100 provides
for receiving feedback regarding the individual's performance and
the club's performance. As an example, block 130 can include
receiving feedback regarding the performance of the correlated golf
club shaft, the feel of the correlated golf club shaft, and/or the
appearance of the golf club assembled with the correlated golf club
shaft.
[0023] Next, block 140 of the golf club fitting process 100
provides for determining whether the provided golf club with the
correlated golf club shaft has the optimal shaft for the
individual. For example, the individual can provide feedback
regarding the length, the mass, the swing weight, and/or the flex
of the correlated golf club shaft. More specifically, the
individual may provide feedback regarding a change to the mass of
the correlated golf club shaft while holding the other
characteristics of the shaft constant (e.g., the length, the swing
weight, the flex, etc.).
[0024] If the shaft is not the optimal shaft, then the golf club
fitting process 100 can return to block 120 where a different
correlated golf club shaft is assembled to the golf club head and
provided to the individual to repeat the processes of block 130 and
block 140. In some embodiments block 120, block 130, and block 140
can be repeated any number of times until feedback indicating that
the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized is received. More
specifically, blocks 120, 130, and 140 can be repeated until the
mass of the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized for the
individual.
[0025] Next, block 150 may be reached when the correlated golf club
shaft has been optimized by the fitting process 100. For example,
the individual may provide feedback indicating that the correlated
golf club shaft has been optimized. More specifically, the
individual may indicate that optimal mass has been provided by the
correlated golf club shaft.
[0026] The golf club fitting process 100 is merely exemplary of a
golf club fitting process. Some golf club fitting processes may
involve more steps to optimize the golf club characteristics. Still
more golf club fitting processes may involve providing any number
golf club heads and/or golf club shafts. The present disclosure is
not limited in this regard.
[0027] While a particular order of actions is illustrated in the
golf club fitting process 100, these actions may be performed in
other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions depicted
in the FIG. 1 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or
simultaneously with each other. The methods, apparatus, and systems
described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0028] Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary fitting system 200 for
custom fitting golf clubs is depicted. The fitting system 200 can
be used in a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club
fitting process 100 (FIG. 1) to customize golf clubs to an
individual. More specifically, the fitting system 200 can allow for
a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club fitting
process 100 to focus on the golf club shaft mass preference of an
individual. Accordingly, the fitting system 200 facilitates
assembling and providing various golf clubs with varying masses to
an individual (i.e. block 120 of the golf club fitting process 100
in FIG. 1) while holding the length of the various golf clubs
substantially constant, and by maintaining a net moment tolerance
for the various assembled golf clubs provided for use by the
individual. In other embodiments of fitting system 200, the
frequency rating of the golf club may be varied or held
substantially constant throughout the fitting system 200. Thus, the
fitting system 200 allows for a fitting process similar to the golf
club fitting process 100 (FIG. 1) to focus on the golf club mass
preference of an individual.
[0029] The fitting system 200 can include a set of interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 and at least one golf club head
220. Golf club head 220 is configured to be removeably attached to
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (e.g., see the
golf club 500 of FIG. 5) as will be discussed further below.
[0030] While golf club head 220 is depicted as a wood-style golf
club head in FIG. 2, the golf club head 220 can be an iron-type,
hybrid-type, a wedge-type, a putter-type, or any other suitable
type of golf club head without departing from the current
disclosure. The golf club head 220 can be configured to removeably
attach to each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210. In another embodiment, a first golf club head 220 can be
configured to be attached to a fraction of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210; while a second golf club head (not
shown) can be configured to be attached to another fraction of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. Additionally,
while there are three interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 depicted in FIG. 2, in other embodiments there may be any
number of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 included
in the fitting system 200. For example, the fitting system 200 may
include two interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, four
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, or any suitable number
of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. This disclosure is
not limited in this regard.
[0031] The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 in FIG.
2 can include a first correlated golf club shaft 230, a second
correlated golf club shaft 240, and a third correlated golf club
shaft 250. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can
be constructed like any typical golf club shaft used for assembling
golf clubs. For example, the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 210 can be constructed from various materials such as steel,
composites, plastics, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can include
different materials for each of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210. For example, the first correlated golf club shaft
230 can be constructed of steel while the second correlated golf
club shaft 240 and third correlated golf club shaft 250 can be
constructed of composite material.
[0032] The major components of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210 in FIG. 2 are a grip end (e.g., first grip end 234,
second grip end 244, third grip end 254), a substantially constant
length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210, a
shaft mass (e.g., a first shaft mass, a second shaft mass, and a
third shaft mass), and a net moment (e.g., a first net moment, a
second net moment, and a third net moment).
[0033] In other embodiments, the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210 can have other major components. For example, the
major components can include a frequency rating (e.g., a first
frequency rating, a second frequency rating, and a third frequency
rating), a balance point (e.g., a first balance point, a second
balance point, and a third balance point), and a tow part coupler
for removeably attaching the golf club head 220 to each of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. The frequency
rating, the balance point, and the attachment mechanism will be
discussed in further detail below.
[0034] The major components of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210 can influence the characteristics of the golf club
(i.e., the golf club 500 in FIG. 5) when one of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 is removeably attached to the golf
club head 220 in a golf club fitting process similar to the golf
club fitting process 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the substantially
constant lengths of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 will ensure that the assembled golf clubs (i.e., the golf club
500 of FIG. 5) will be a substantially constant length when the
various interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 are
attached to the golf club head 220. Additionally, the assembled
golf clubs will have different masses as the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 are interchanged with the golf club
head 220 because of the difference between the first shaft mass,
the second shaft mass, and the third shaft mass. In general, each
major component of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 can influence the assembled golf club (i.e., the golf club 500
of FIG. 5) characteristics depending on which one of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 are attached to the
golf club head 220. More about the major components of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 is discussed
below.
[0035] Generally, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 include predetermined major component values. Some of the major
component values can vary between the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 210, and some of the major component values can
remain substantially constant between the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210. Some exemplary values for the
major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 (e.g., the substantially constant shaft lengths, the shaft
masses, and the net moments) are shown in Table 1 below. The values
for the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210 shown in Table 1 are exemplary, and are of only one
embodiment of many possible embodiments of interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210. The exact values of the major
components can vary from embodiment to embodiment, and can vary
within certain embodiments of the fitting system 200. This
disclosure is not limited in this regard.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Shaft Number Shaft Length Shaft Mass Net
Moment of Shafts 210 (inches) (grams) (in-g) 230 46.00 53.00 439.07
240 46.00 62.00 442.08 250 46.00 71.00 446.40
[0036] The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can all
be substantially constant in length like the correlated golf club
shafts 230, 240, and 250 in Table 1. The length of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 will depend on the
type of golf club head 220, the desired length of the assembled
golf club (i.e, the golf club 500 of FIG. 5), and the method of
attachment of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210
to the golf club head 220. For example, a wood-style golf club head
can use interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 that are
approximately 44-46 inches (111.76-116.84 centimeters) in length.
For an iron-type golf club head, the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts can be approximately 37-41 (93.98-104.14
centimeters) inches in length. And for a wedge-type golf club head,
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be
approximately 35-37 (88.9-93.98 centimeters) inches in length. The
substantially constant length of the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 210 can be any suitable length for any desired
golf club head 220. Accordingly, the length of an assembled golf
club will remain substantially constant when any one of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (e.g., first
correlated golf club shaft 230, second correlated golf club shaft
240, or third correlated golf club shaft 250) are removeably
attached to the golf club head 220 in a golf club fitting process
similar to the golf club fitting process 100. In one embodiment,
the first correlated golf club shaft 230, the second correlated
golf club shaft 240, and the third correlated golf club shaft 250
can each be configured to be coupled to the same golf club head
220. In another embodiment, the first correlated golf club shaft
230, the second correlated golf club shaft 240, and the third
correlated golf club shaft 250 can be configured to be coupled to
any number of golf club heads similar to the golf club head
220.
[0037] Still referring to Table 1 and to FIG. 2, the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 have predetermined
masses (e.g., a first mass, a second mass and a third mass
respectively). As shown in Table 1, the masses of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 vary from the first
correlated golf club shaft 230, second correlated golf club shaft
240, and third correlated golf club shaft 250. In other words, the
first mass of the first correlated golf club shaft 230 is a
predetermined mass increment different from the second mass of the
second correlated golf club shaft 240; and the second mass of
second correlated golf club shaft 240 is a predetermined mass
increment different from the third mass of the third correlated
golf club shaft 250.
[0038] In one embodiment of fitting system 200, the mass increments
separating the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass can
be substantially the same. As described in Table 1, the first
correlated golf club shaft 230 has a first mass of 53 grams, the
second correlated golf club shaft 240 has a second mass of 62
grams, and the third correlated golf club shaft 250 has a third
mass of 71 grams. In this embodiment the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 210 have a constant mass increment between
adjacent correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250. Further,
the correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 may each be
configured to be removeably attached to golf club head 220 in order
to vary the assembled golf club mass. Or in another embodiment,
correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 can be configured to
be removeably attached to various golf club heads similar or
different from golf club head 220 in order to vary the assembled
golf club masses. This disclosure is not limited in this
regard.
[0039] Turning to Table 2, another embodiment of the golf club
fitting system 200 is described. In Table 2, the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 255 can include a first correlated golf
club shaft 260, a second correlated golf club shaft 270, and a
third correlated golf club shaft 280. Correlated golf club shafts
260, 270, and 280 can be similar to correlated golf club shafts
230, 240, and 250 (e.g., they can have the major components and can
be configured to be removeably attached to one or more golf club
heads similar to golf club head 220, etc.). The major component
values for the correlated golf club shafts 260, 270, and 280 are
shown in Table 2. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
255 can have substantially similar lengths, a net moment tolerance,
and more than one mass increment. For example, in Table 2 the first
mass increment separating the first mass of the first correlated
golf club shaft 260 and the second mass of the second correlated
golf club shaft 270 is 9 grams. In other words, the first mass
increment is 9 grams. Further, the second mass increment that
separates the second mass of second correlated golf club shaft 270
and the third mass of the third correlated golf club shaft 280 is
11 grams. In other words, the second mass increment is 11 grams.
Accordingly, the second mass increment is different than the first
mass increment; or more specifically the first mass increment is
less than the second mass increment. In other embodiments, the
first mass increment can be greater than the second mass increment,
and in another embodiment there may be three or more different mass
increments between the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
255.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Shaft Number Shaft Length Shaft Mass Net
Moment of Shafts 255 (inches) (grams) (in-g) 260 46.00 52.00 439.07
270 46.00 61.00 442.08 280 46.00 72.00 446.40
[0040] The mass increment can be any predetermined mass increment
suitable for the golf club fitting system 200, and the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255 of the golf club
fitting system 200 can span any predetermined mass variation. For
example, when the golf club fitting system 200 includes three
correlated golf club shafts (e.g., first correlated golf club shaft
260, second correlated golf club shaft 270, and third correlated
golf club shaft 280), the mass variation for the fitting system is
20 grams, with a minimum mass increment of 9 grams and a maximum
mass increment of 11 grams. In another embodiment, the mass
increments can be lesser in magnitude. For example, the mass
increment can be 5 or 8 grams. In another embodiment the mass
increments can be greater in magnitude. For example, the mass
increment can be 13 or 15 grams. In another embodiment, the mass
increments could be a combination of greater and lesser magnitudes.
For example, a first mass increment can be 8 grams, and a second
mass increment can be 15 grams. The current disclosure is not
limited to any particular, or any consistent mass increment for a
set of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255.
[0041] Turning to FIG. 3, each of the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2) and 255 (Table 2) is associated with
a net moment. One method of determining the net moment (M) of a
correlated golf club shaft 300 will be described. The correlated
golf club shaft 300 can be similar to the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 of FIG. 2. For example, the
correlated golf club shaft 300 may have the same major components
and/or the same construction as all or some of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255. The net moment M of the
correlated golf club shaft 300 can be measured about a reference
point 310 that is 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) from the grip end
304 of the correlated golf club shaft 300. The center of gravity
320 (also called a "balance point" of correlated golf club shaft
300) can be located a distance (D) from the reference point 310.
The mass of the correlated golf club shaft 300 creates a weight or
a force (F.sub.s) at the center of gravity 320. The weight or force
F.sub.s is multiplied by the distance D to calculate a net moment M
about the reference point 310. The net moment M can be considered
positive when the net moment produces a torque in a
counter-clockwise direction about the reference point 310.
[0042] Referring back to FIG. 2, the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2) all have net moment values
that can be calculated using methods similar to those described
above and depicted in FIG. 3. Like the other major components of
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210, the net
moments will influence the net moment of the assembled golf club
(i.e. the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) when a correlated golf club
shaft 230, 240 or 250 is removeably attached to a golf club head
220. In one embodiment, the net moments of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255 in the golf club fitting
system 200 are predetermined to be within a predetermined tolerance
of each other (a "net moment tolerance"). By predetermining a net
moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2), the net moment of a golf club that is
assembled by attaching one of interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2) to a golf club head 220 can be kept
within a predetermined golf club net moment tolerance. In some
embodiments, every correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250, 260,
270, and/or 280 can be within a single net moment tolerance. In
other embodiments, the first correlated golf club shaft 230 and
second correlated golf club shaft 240 can be within a first net
moment tolerance, while the third correlated golf club shaft 250
can be within a second net moment tolerance; accordingly, the first
correlated golf club shaft 230 and second correlated golf club
shaft 240 may influence the assembled golf club (e.g., the golf
club 500 of FIG. 5) net moment differently than the third
correlated golf club shaft 250 would influence an assembled golf
club net moment.
[0043] Referring back to FIG. 2, Table 1, and Table 2, each
correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, and 280 has a
net moment value, and each embodiment of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 255 is associated with a net
moment tolerance wherein each net moment of each correlated golf
club shaft is within the net moment tolerance. By predetermining
the net moments to be within a net moment tolerance, the golf club
fitting system 200 can be focused on providing a golf club (e.g.,
block 130 of the golf club fitting system 100) with a consistent
feeling of performance. In other words, the masses of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and 255 can differ
by predetermined mass increments, and the influence the net moment
of each interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250,
260, 270, or 280 has on an assembled golf club (i.e., similar to
the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) will not substantially affect the
assembled golf club net moment. In particular, some embodiments of
the current disclosure provides for a net moment tolerance of less
than 50 gram-inches. In other embodiments, the net moment tolerance
for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 255
is less than 40, 30, 20 or 10 gram-inches. And in other embodiments
the net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 210 and/or 255 of the golf club fitting system 200 is
less than 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 gram-inches. For example, in Table
1 the correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 have net
moments of 439.07 inch-grams, 442.08 inch-grams, and 446.40
inch-grams, respectively. Accordingly, the net moment tolerance is
less than 10 gram-inches. More specifically, the net moment
tolerance is approximately 8 gram-inches.
[0044] In general, as the shaft masses increase in magnitude so
will the net moment tolerances. Accordingly, when the mass
increments are increased in magnitude, so is the net moment
tolerance. For example, in a set of interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts that have a mass increment of more than 25 grams, the
net moment tolerance can be no greater than approximately 50
gram-inches. In another example, if the mass increment is more than
approximately 20 grams the net moment tolerance can be no greater
than approximately 15 gram-inches. Though the net moment tolerance
can be influenced by the mass increments between interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts, the current disclosure is not limited
in this regard.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the golf club
fitting system of the current disclosure is depicted. The golf club
fitting system 400 can include a golf club head 420 and
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. In the golf club
fitting system 400, three interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 410 are shown: the first correlated golf club shaft 430, the
second correlated golf club shaft 440, and the third correlated
golf club shaft 450. In other embodiments, the golf club fitting
system 400 can include more or less correlated golf club shafts
than the three shown in FIG. 4. For example, the golf club fitting
system 400 can include two, four, five, six, or any suitable number
of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. This disclosure
is not limited in this regard. Each of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 410 can have major components similar
to the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 210. For example, interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 410 all have a substantially similar length 415. Like the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2), the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 can vary in their
lengths 415 depending on factors such as the type of golf club head
420, etc. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 also
include a grip end: a first grip end 433, a second grip end 443,
and a third grip end 453.
[0046] The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 have
predetermined balance points (i.e., similar to the balance point
320 of FIG. 3): a first balance point 435, a second balance point
445, and a third balance point 455. In the current embodiment, the
balance points of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
410 are located at predetermined distances from the respective grip
ends. The first correlated golf club shaft 430 has a first balance
point 435 that is located a first distance 438 from the first grip
end 433. The second correlated golf club shaft 440 has a second
balance point 445 that is located a second distance 448 from the
second grip end 443. The third correlated golf club shaft 450 has a
third balance point 455 located a third distance 458 from the third
grip end 453. In other embodiments, there can be any suitable
number of balance points, grip ends, and distances. The respective
balance points of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
410 can be predetermined by shifting mass within each of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 either towards the
grip ends or away from the grip ends. Similar to the center of
gravity 320 of FIG. 3, the balance points of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 410 can affect the feel of swinging a
golf club assembled from any one of the interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts 410 and the golf club head 420.
[0047] In FIG. 4, the first balance point 435 is located further
from the first grip end 433 than the second balance point 445 is
from the second grip end 443. Additionally, the second balance
point 445 is located further from the second grip end 443 than the
third balance point 455 is from the third grip end 453. In other
words, the first distance 438 is greater than the second distance
448; and the second distance 448 is greater than the third distance
458. The distances 458, 448, and 438 can be changed by moving mass
closer to the grip ends 453, 443, and/or 433, or by moving mass
further away from the grip ends 453, 443, and/or 433. Exemplary
major component values for the first correlated golf club shaft
430, the second correlated golf club shaft 440, and the third
correlated golf club shaft 450 are listed in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Shaft Shaft Net B.P. from Number of Length
Shaft Mass Moment Grip End Shafts 410 (inches) (grams) (in-g)
(inches) 430 46 52.9 439.07 22.3 440 46 61.4 442.08 21.2 450 46 72
446.4 20.2
[0048] Generally, the balance points 435, 445, and 455 are
predetermined to be further from the respective grip ends 433, 443,
and 453 as the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 430,
440, and 450 have more mass. As is shown in Table 3, the first
correlated golf club shaft 430 has the lowest mass value (52.9
grams), and the first distance 438 value (22.3 inches, or 56.642
centimeters) is the largest of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts 410. While the third correlated golf club shaft 450 has
the greatest mass value (72 grams), and the third distance 430
value (20.2 inches, or 51.308 centimeters) is the least of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. In other
embodiments, there can be different numbers of interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 410. Generally, the more mass an
interchangeable correlated golf club shaft has relative to other
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, the closer the balance
point will be to the grip end relative to the other interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts. By predetermining the balance point to
be relatively closer to the grip end based on the mass of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shaft, the net moment of the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can remain in the net
moment tolerance despite the difference in masses and the
substantially similar lengths.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 2 and to FIG. 4, the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 and 410 can include a major
component called a frequency rating. The frequency rating can be in
addition to the other major components (e.g., mass, net moment,
length, balance point, etc.), or the frequency rating can replace
one of the other major components without departing from the
present disclosure. The frequency rating can be determined by
placing a 205 gram mass on the end of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shaft opposite the grip end (i.e., the tip
end), and then the correlated golf club shaft can be clamped six
inches (15.24 centimeters) from the grip end. The tip end then can
be excited with the 205 gram mass attached, and a cycles-per-minute
(CPM) measurement is taken. The frequency rating can be related to
a "flex rating" of one of the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts. For example, a correlated golf club shaft with a CPM rating
in the range of 230-250 can be classified as a regular flex
correlated golf club shaft; a CPM rating of 251-270 can be
classified as a stiff correlated golf club shaft; a CPM rating of
271-310 can be classified as a tour-stiff correlated golf club
shaft; and a flex rating of 290-315 can be classified as an extra
tour-stiff correlated golf club shaft. The flex rating
classifications of regular, stiff, tour-stiff, and extra tour-stiff
are merely exemplary and can change from shaft design to shaft
design.
[0050] Generally, the major components of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 410 can all be predetermined
along with one frequency rating. For example, the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts 210 or 410 can be classified as stiff
and have a frequency rating in the range of 251-271. In another
embodiment, each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
210 and/or 410 can have distinct frequency ratings. For example, a
first correlated golf club shaft 230 and a second correlated golf
club shaft 240 can be classified as a stiff correlated golf club
shaft and have a frequency rating in the range of 251-271; while
the third correlated golf club shaft 250 can have an extra
tour-stiff rating and have a frequency rating of 290-315. Table 4
below depicts twelve interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
(i.e., each row in Table 4 has major component values for a
correlated golf club shaft). The interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts in Table 4 have substantially similar lengths, more
than one mass increment between adjacent interchangeable correlated
golf club shafts, a net moment tolerance of 50 gram-inches, and
different balance point locations, and three of the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts have been predetermined to be in each
frequency rating. The major component values in Table 4 are merely
exemplary of one embodiment and are not limitations on the current
disclosure. In other embodiments there may be two interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts in each frequency rating. In other
embodiments, there may be one interchangeable correlated golf club
shaft in each frequency rating. In other embodiments there may be
only two frequency ratings (e.g., 251-270 CPM and 271-310 CPM), and
six interchangeable correlated golf club shafts predetermined to be
in each of the two frequency ratings. The current disclosure is not
limited in this regard.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Shaft B.P. Net Shaft Length Mass from Grip
Moment (inches) (grams) End (inches) (in-g) Frequency 230-250 46.00
52.90 22.30 439.07 (cycles per 46.00 61.40 21.20 442.08 minute)
46.00 72.00 20.20 446.40 251-270 46.00 54.50 22.20 446.90 46.00
62.90 21.00 440.30 46.00 74.30 20.20 460.66 271-310 46.00 57.30
21.90 452.67 46.00 65.60 20.90 452.64 46.00 75.30 20.10 459.33
290-315 46.00 60.30 21.50 452.25 46.00 70.30 20.70 471.01 46.00
80.30 20.00 481.80
[0051] Turning to FIG. 5, the golf club 500 can be assembled by
removeably attaching a correlated golf club shaft 510 from a set of
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts (not shown) to a golf
club head 520. The correlated golf club shaft 510 is similar to any
correlated golf club shaft discussed herein (e.g., 230, 240, 250,
260, 270, 280, 430, 440, and/or 450), or any other correlated golf
club shaft that falls within this disclosure. The golf club head
520 can be similar to any golf club head discussed herein (e.g.,
220 (FIG. 2) or 420 (FIG. 4)), or any suitable golf club head. When
the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeably
attached to golf club head 520, a golf club 500 is assembled that
can be provided to an individual for a fitting process (e.g., block
120 of the golf club fitting process 100 in FIG. 1). The attachment
of golf club head 520 to correlated golf club shaft 510 is
removeable to facilitate interchanging of correlated golf club
shafts. The correlated golf club shaft 510 can be configured to be
removeably attached to many golf club heads similar to the golf
club head 510. Alternatively, the correlated golf club shaft 510
may be one of many interchangeable correlated golf club shafts
similar to 510, wherein any of the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts that are similar to the correlated golf club shaft 510
can be removeably attached to the golf club head 520. This
disclosure is not limited in this regard.
[0052] Generally, the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft
510 is removeably attached to the golf club head 520 via a two-part
coupling mechanism. A two-part coupling mechanism can include a
first part that is coupled to the correlated golf club shaft 510.
The first part of the coupling mechanism is secured to the
correlated golf club shaft 510 near or at the end opposite the grip
end 530 (e.g., the tip end). The first part can be molded, adhered,
or mechanically fixed to the correlated golf club shaft 510. A
second part of the two-part coupler is fixed to the club head 520.
The second part can be molded, cast, adhered, or mechanically fixed
to the golf cub head 520. Additionally, there can be more than one
club head similar to golf club head 520 that includes the second
part of the two-part coupler such that any correlated golf club
shaft 510 can be coupled to any of the golf club heads 520. When
the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeably
attached to the golf club head 520, the first part of the coupler
and the second part of the coupler are in communication with each
other to form a secure attachment point. For example, the
attachment can happen with a threaded fastener, a pin or post, a
latch or any other suitable attachment. The method of removeable
attachment is not a limitation to the current disclosure.
[0053] Turning to FIG. 6, the method 600 can be used to provide,
form, and/or manufacture a golf club fitting system in accordance
with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club
fitting system can be similar to the golf club fitting system 200
of FIG. 2, or the golf club fitting system 400 of FIG. 4.
[0054] The method 600 comprises block 610 for providing the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In some examples, the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be similar to the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2) and/or the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 (FIG. 4). In some
examples, block 610 can include providing interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts with major shaft components such as a
substantially constant length, shaft mass increments, and a net
moment tolerance like the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 210 (FIG. 2). In other examples, block 610 can include
providing interchangeable correlated golf club shafts that include
a balance point like the interchangeable correlated golf club
shafts 410 (FIG. 4), and an attachment mechanism for removeably
attaching a golf club head to the interchangeable correlated golf
club shafts to assemble a golf club similar to the golf club 500
(FIG. 5).
[0055] Block 620 of the method 600 includes providing at least one
golf club head that is configured to be coupled to the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In some examples, the
golf club head that is configured to be removeably coupled to the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be similar to the
golf club head 220 (FIG. 2), the golf club head 420 (FIG. 4),
and/or the golf club head 520 (FIG. 5). The golf club head can be
any suitable golf club head being used for a golf club fitting
system similar to the golf club fitting system 200 (FIG. 2) or 400
(FIG. 4).
[0056] In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of the
method 600 can be combined into a single block or performed
simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be changed.
For example, in some embodiments, blocks 610 and 620 may be
combined if desired. In the same or other examples, some of the
blocks of the method 600 can be subdivided into several sub-blocks.
As an example, block 610 may comprise a sub-block for
predetermining at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of
the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and a sub-block
for predetermining a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts. There also can be examples in which
the method 600 can include further or different blocks. As an
example, the method 600 may comprise another block for
predetermining a frequency rating for the interchangeable
correlated golf club shafts, and/or another block for
predetermining a substantially constant shaft length for the
interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In addition, there may
be examples where the method 600 can comprise only part of one or
more of the steps described above. For instance, block 620 may be
optional in some implementations. Other variations can be
implemented for the method 600 without departing from the scope of
the present disclosure.
[0057] Although the golf club fitting systems and related methods
herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments,
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present disclosure. Other permutations of the
different embodiments having one or more of the features of the
various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the
specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be
illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and are not intended to
be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application
shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended
claims.
[0058] The golf club fitting systems and related methods 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
embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.
[0059] 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 claims.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
* * * * *