U.S. patent application number 14/715711 was filed with the patent office on 2015-09-10 for weighting assembly for golf club.
The applicant listed for this patent is James I. Chapin. Invention is credited to James I. Chapin.
Application Number | 20150251064 14/715711 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54016367 |
Filed Date | 2015-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150251064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chapin; James I. |
September 10, 2015 |
WEIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR GOLF CLUB
Abstract
A weighting assembly for a golf club is adapted to be removably
attached to the upper portion of a golf club shaft. This weighting
assembly includes a threaded fastener, an upper shaft component, a
weight and a weight support component. The upper shaft component is
adapted to be secured within the top end of the golf club shaft,
and it has a hole that is threaded to receive the threaded
fastener. The weight support component is adapted to receive the
weight. The upper shaft component and the weight support component
each have detent features that cooperate to produce a detent
mechanism that is adapted to prevent movement of the weight support
component with respect to the golf club shaft when the threaded
fastener is threaded into the hole in the upper shaft
component.
Inventors: |
Chapin; James I.;
(Chattanooga, TN) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Chapin; James I. |
Chattanooga |
TN |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
54016367 |
Appl. No.: |
14/715711 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14598629 |
Jan 16, 2015 |
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14715711 |
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61941186 |
Feb 18, 2014 |
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61970174 |
Mar 25, 2014 |
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62012699 |
Jun 16, 2014 |
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62021983 |
Jul 8, 2014 |
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62041997 |
Aug 26, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/24 20151001;
A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 57/35 20151001; A63B 60/34 20151001;
A63B 60/14 20151001; A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 57/207 20151001;
A63B 60/08 20151001; A63B 60/16 20151001 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/14 20060101
A63B053/14; A63B 59/00 20060101 A63B059/00 |
Claims
1. A weighting assembly for a golf club that is adapted to be
removably attached to the upper portion of a golf club shaft, said
weighting assembly comprising: (a) a threaded fastener; (b) an
upper shaft component that: (i) is adapted to be secured within the
top end of the golf club shaft; (ii) has a hole that is threaded to
receive the threaded fastener; (iii) includes an upper shaft
component detent feature; (c) a weight; (d) a weight support
component that: (i) is adapted to receive the weight; (ii) includes
a weight support component detent feature; wherein the upper shaft
component detent feature and the weight support component detent
feature comprise a detent mechanism that is adapted to prevent
movement of the weight support component with respect to the golf
club shaft when the threaded fastener is threaded into the hole in
the upper shaft component.
2. The weighting assembly of claim 1 wherein the weight support
component is adapted to receive the weight in such a manner that
the weight support component and the weight together comprise a
hole through which the threaded fastener may pass.
3. The weighting assembly of claim 1 which includes a plurality of
interchangeable weights, each of which: (a) has a different
density; (b) is adapted to be received by the weight support
component.
4. The weighting assembly of claim 1 which includes: (a) a
plurality of interchangeable weight support components, each of
which comprises: (i) a base; (ii) a portion of a solid cylinder;
(b) a plurality of interchangeable weights, each of which comprises
a portion of a solid cylinder that is complementary with one of the
plurality of interchangeable weight support components.
5. The weighting assembly of claim 1 which includes a cap that: (a)
is adapted to cover the weight and the weight support component;
(b) includes a hole through which the threaded fastener may
pass.
6. The weighting assembly of claim 1 which includes a cap that: (a)
is adapted to cover the weight and the weight support component;
(b) is integrally formed with the threaded fastener.
7. The weighting assembly of claim 1 wherein the weight is
integrally attached to the threaded fastener.
8. The weighting assembly of claim 1 wherein: (a) the weight
support component includes a detent feature comprising a radially
extending projection; (b) the upper shaft component includes a
detent feature comprising a slot; wherein the radially extending
projection of the weight support component is adapted to be
received in the slot of the upper shaft component to comprise a
detent mechanism that is adapted to prevent movement of the weight
support component with respect to the golf club shaft when the
threaded fastener is threaded into the hole in the upper shaft
component.
9. The weighting assembly of claim 1 which includes clocking
markings associated with the detent features that may be aligned to
facilitate removably securing the weight support component to the
golf club shaft in a desired rotational position.
10. The weighting assembly of claim 1 wherein the detent features
on each of the weight support component and the upper shaft
component comprise a series of adjacent angled detent surfaces that
are arranged to intersect at peak lines and valley lines.
11. The weighting assembly of claim 10 wherein: (a) the golf club
shaft has a longitudinal axis; (b) the peak lines and valley lines
are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the golf club
shaft.
12. The weighting assembly of claim 10 wherein: (a) each pair of
adjacent detent surfaces on the weight support component that
intersect at a peak line form an angle .theta.; (b) each pair of
adjacent detent surfaces on the weight support component that
intersect at a valley line form the angle .phi. that is equal to
180.degree.-.theta.; (c) each pair of adjacent detent surfaces on
the upper shaft component that intersect at a valley line form an
angle .theta.; (d) each pair of adjacent detent surfaces on the
upper shaft component that intersect at a peak line form the angle
.phi. that is equal to 180.degree.-.theta.;
13. The weighting assembly of claim 12 wherein: (a) the angle
.theta. between each pair of adjacent detent surfaces on the weight
support component that intersect at a peak line is within the range
of about 45.degree. to about 150.degree.; (b) the angle .theta.
between each pair of adjacent detent surfaces on the upper shaft
component that intersect at a valley line is within the range of
about 45.degree. to about 150.degree..
14. A weighting assembly for a golf club that is adapted to be
removably attached to the upper portion of a golf club shaft, said
weighting assembly comprising: (a) a threaded fastener; (b) an
upper shaft component that: (i) is adapted to be secured within the
top end of the golf club shaft; (ii) has a hole that is threaded to
receive the threaded fastener; (iii) includes an upper shaft
component detent feature; (c) a weight comprising a portion of a
solid cylinder; (d) a weight support component that is adapted to
receive the weight, said weight support component comprising: (i) a
base; (ii) a portion of a solid cylinder that is complementary with
the weight; (iii) a weight support component detent feature; (e) a
cap that is adapted to cover the weight and the weight support
component; wherein the upper shaft component detent feature and the
weight support component detent feature comprise a detent mechanism
that is adapted to prevent movement of the weight support component
with respect to the golf club shaft when the threaded fastener is
threaded into the hole in the upper shaft component.
15. The weighting assembly of claim 14 which includes: (a) a
plurality of interchangeable weight support components, each of
which comprises: (i) a base; (ii) a portion of a solid cylinder;
(iii) a weight support component detent feature; (b) a plurality of
interchangeable weights, each of which comprises a portion of a
solid cylinder that is complementary with one of the plurality of
interchangeable weight support components.
16. The weighting assembly of claim 14 which includes a cap that
includes a hole through which the threaded fastener may pass.
17. The weighting assembly of claim 14 which includes a cap that is
integrally formed with the threaded fastener.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. application Ser. No. 14/598,629 which was filed on Jan. 16,
2015. This application also claims the benefit, through its parent
application, of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/941,186
which was filed on Feb. 18, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/970,174 which was filed on Mar. 25, 2014, U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/012,699 which was filed on
Jun. 16, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/021,983
which was filed on Jul. 8, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/041,997 which was filed on Aug. 26, 2014. Each
of the aforementioned applications is hereby incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a weighting assembly for
a golf club that is adapted to be removably attached to the upper
portion of the golf club shaft. Preferred embodiments of this
invention relate to such a weighting assembly that may be
adjustably located at different rotational positions on the golf
club shaft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The golf club has changed in the hundreds of years since the
game was invented. Each of today's golf clubs consists of three
main components, the club head, the shaft and the grip. Over time,
each of these components has been modified to improve the "feel" of
the club as it strikes a ball, and to provide for more control over
the path of the struck ball. Golf clubs known as "woods" are now
almost uniformly made of metal. Golf club shafts are now made of
metals and/or carbon fiber materials. Early golf club grips
consisted primarily of a leather strap that was wrapped in
overlapping fashion around the upper part of the golf club shaft.
Molded grips of various elastomeric materials were subsequently
developed and adapted to be slipped over the shaft and secured
thereon using an adhesive. More recent developments in grips have
resulted in the incorporation of a plastic or carbon fiber sleeve
between the golf club shaft and the grip. However, these sleeves
are also typically attached to the shaft using an adhesive.
[0004] In an effort to provide some control over the scope of
changes being made to the golf club, and to provide for uniformity
in golf rules, the R&A, a group of related entities including
R&A Championships Limited, Company, R&A Rules Limited,
Company and R&A Group Services Limited, Company, and the United
States Golf Association (USGA) have jointly issued the Rules of
Golf since 1952. The USGA assumes responsibility for the
administration of the Rules of Golf in the United States and
Mexico, whereas the R&A assumes this responsibility in 128
countries throughout Europe, Africa. Asia-Pacific and the remainder
of the Americas.
[0005] The Rules of Golf now include, in Appendices II and III,
detailed and specific rules regarding golf clubs and their
configuration. The grip of a golf club is defined as "material
added to the shaft to enable the player to obtain a firm hold. The
grip must be fixed to the shaft, must be straight and plain in
form, must extend to the end of the shaft and must not be molded
for any part of the hands." For clubs other than putters, the grip
must be circular in cross-section, although a grip which has subtle
changes in surface texture is generally considered to conform to
the rules. In addition, the longitudinal axis of the grip for clubs
other than putters must coincide with the longitudinal axis of the
golf club shaft. However, the rules relating to grips for putters
allow for non-circular cross-sections and for locating the grip on
the shaft so that its axis is offset from that of the shaft.
Consequently, a golfer now has hundreds of choices of putters of
various sizes and configurations. Putters can have heads of various
sizes, shapes and weights, shafts of various diameters and lengths,
and at least 85 different grips. However, grips for putters have
not previously been provided which can be positioned on a shaft in
such a way as to modify the loft and lie angles of the putter.
[0006] Because conventional golf club grips, or a sleeve component
thereof, are adhesively attached to the shaft, it is not possible
to change a grip without first cutting it off the shaft.
Consequently, the removal of conventional golf club grips from the
shaft requires their destruction. Furthermore, it is a laborious
process to cut an adhesively secured grip or grip sleeve from a
shaft and to remove the adhesive residue so that another grip may
be attached. It would be advantageous if an interchangeable golf
grip and grip assembly could be provided for removable attachment
to the shaft of a golf club in compliance with the Rules of
Golf.
[0007] Although it is known to provide weighting systems for a golf
club by which a weight may be attached to a golf club grip to
change the balance of the club, it would also be advantageous if a
golf club grip could be provided that inherently modifies the
balance of the club. It would be particularly advantageous if a
golf club grip could be provided that can be removably located at
different rotational positions on the shaft in order to modify the
balance of the golf club. It would also be advantageous if a
weighting assembly could be provided for a golf club, which
weighting assembly is adapted to be removably attached to the upper
portion of the golf club shaft.
[0008] In addition, various techniques have been developed to
provide an anti-slip characteristic to golf club grips. Thus, for
example, simulated leather wrapped grips molded out of an
elastomeric material with an indented spiral surface pattern are
known to provide anti-slip characteristics, as are molded grips
with small patterned indentations such as lines or dots.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,500 describes a composite grip
comprising two separate segments that are adhered together to
define an elongated resilient strip that is spirally wrapped around
a tapered resilient sleeve. The underlying segment is preferably
wider than the overlying segment and is comprised of a polyurethane
layer with a backing layer of felt. The outer surface of the
polyurethane layer may be heat-embossed with a friction enhancing
pattern that is intended to be engaged by a golfer's hands. The
overlying segment also includes a backing layer of felt, an
intermediate fabric layer and a polyurethane layer. The
intermediate fabric layer comprises a mesh of nylon, cotton,
polyester or the like. The polyurethane layer of the overlying
segment has a thickness that is sufficient to cover and impregnate
the fibers of the intermediate mesh and serves to bond together the
backing layer and the mesh. In one embodiment of this grip
construction, the outer surface of the polyurethane layer of the
overlying segment can be buffed to partially expose the fabric
fibers of the intermediate mesh layer.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,433 describes a composite grip
comprising an extruded seamless tubular elastomeric inner layer
onto which a pattern of textile cords are wound. An outer seamless
tubular elastomeric layer is then assembled over the cord patterned
inner layer and the assembly cured in a heated compression mold.
Upon removal from the mold, some material is removed from outer
surface to expose some of the cord.
[0011] Both the methods of U.S. Pat. No. 6,663,500 and of U.S. Pat.
No. 8,323,433 require numerous steps including a finishing step to
buff or otherwise remove a portion of the outer layer to expose an
underlying mesh or cord layer. It would be advantageous if a
simpler method could be provided for making a grip having anti-slip
surface characteristics. It would also be advantageous if this
simpler method would not require a separate surface-removing
step.
Notes on Construction
[0012] The use of the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar terms in
the context of describing the invention are to be construed to
cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated
herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising",
"having", "including" and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The terms "substantially", "generally" and
other words of degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate
permissible variation from the characteristic so modified. The use
of such terms in describing a physical or functional characteristic
of the invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to
the absolute value which the term modifies, but rather to provide
an approximation of the value of such physical or functional
characteristic. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise specified herein or clearly
indicated by context.
[0013] The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g.,
"such as" and "preferably") herein is intended merely to better
illuminate the invention and the preferred embodiments thereof, and
not to place a limitation on the scope of the invention. Nothing in
the specification should be construed as indicating any element as
essential to the practice of the invention unless so stated with
specificity.
[0014] Various terms are specifically defined herein. These terms
are to be given their broadest possible construction consistent
with such definitions, as follows:
[0015] The term "radially-directed", when used to describe the
direction of a force applied to or with respect to a golf club
shaft, refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of
the shaft.
[0016] The term "detent mechanism" describes a device or
combination of structures that is used to mechanically resist or
arrest the rotation of a device with respect to another device to
which it is attached or with which it is associated. Detent
mechanisms may be used to arrest rotation in a clockwise direction
and/or a counterclockwise direction, or to intentionally divide a
rotation into discrete increments.
[0017] The term "threaded fastener" includes bolts having external
threads that are adapted to engage the internal threads of a nut,
and screws having external threads that are adapted to be threaded
into another component, device or member.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The invention comprises a weighting assembly for a golf club
that is adapted to be removably attached to the upper portion of a
golf club shaft. The weighting assembly includes a threaded
fastener, an upper shaft component, a weight and a weight support
component. The upper shaft component is adapted to be secured
within the top end of the golf club shaft, and has a hole that is
threaded to receive the threaded fastener. The weight support
component is adapted to receive the weight. The upper shaft
component and the weight support component each include detent
features that cooperate to comprise a detent mechanism that is
adapted to prevent movement of the weight support component with
respect to the golf club shaft when the threaded fastener is
threaded into the hole in the upper shaft component.
[0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a plurality
of interchangeable weights, each of which has a different density
and is adapted to be received by the weight support component.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a plurality of
interchangeable weight support components and a plurality of
interchangeable weights. In this embodiment of the invention, each
of the plurality of interchangeable weight support components
comprises a base and a portion of a solid cylinder, and each of the
plurality of interchangeable weights comprises a portion of a solid
cylinder that is complementary with one of the plurality of
interchangeable weight support components.
[0020] In order to facilitate an understanding of the invention,
the preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the
drawings, and a detailed description thereof follows. It is not
intended, however, that the invention be limited to the particular
embodiments described and illustrated herein. Various modifications
and alternative embodiments such as would ordinarily occur to one
skilled in the art to which the invention relates are also
contemplated and included within the scope of the invention
described and claimed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a partial sectional view of a first embodiment of
the grip assembly.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a front view of the lower portion of the grip
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 3A is a front view of the lower portion of an
embodiment of the sleeve of the grip assembly that is provided with
a plurality of fins spaced around the lower portion of the sleeve,
along with an embodiment of a clamp assembly that includes a
threaded fastener.
[0024] FIG. 3B is a top view of the clamp shown in FIG. 3A.
[0025] FIG. 4A is a partial schematic view of a grip portion having
an integral clamp assembly and a threaded fastener.
[0026] FIG. 4B is an end view of the clamp assembly shown in FIG.
4A.
[0027] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an elastomeric clamp
member.
[0028] FIG. 5B is a top view of the elastomeric clamp member shown
in FIG. 5A.
[0029] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the cap of the assembly of
FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 6B is a top view of the cap of FIG. 6A.
[0031] FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the cap of FIGS. 6A and
6B.
[0032] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the cap.
[0033] FIG. 7B is a top view of the cap of FIG. 7A.
[0034] FIG. 7C is a sectional view of the cap of FIGS. 7A and
7B.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a generally cylindrical spacer
that may be employed in the assembly of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 9A is a front view of the expansion member of the
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 9B is a sectional view of the expansion member of FIG.
9A.
[0038] FIG. 9C is a bottom view of the expansion member of FIGS. 9A
and 9B, showing its integral nut.
[0039] FIG. 10A is a top view of the threaded fastener of the
assembly of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 10B is a partial sectional view of the threaded
fastener shown in FIG. 10A.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a front view of a first embodiment of a tool for
use with the threaded fastener of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0042] FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a tool for
use with the threaded fastener of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
[0043] FIG. 13 is an end view of the wrench portion of the tool
shown in FIG. 11 or the tool shown in FIG. 12.
[0044] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the
expansion member and its mating threaded fastener.
[0045] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the
expansion member, which is formed integrally with the sleeve.
[0046] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a first alternative
embodiment of the threaded fastener illustrated in FIGS. 10A and
10B.
[0047] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a first alternative
embodiment of the threaded fastener illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0048] FIG. 18A is a bottom view of a first embodiment of a cap
member that comprises a portion of a detent mechanism and is
adapted to be attached to the sleeve. This embodiment of a cap
member can be employed with the embodiment of the attachment
mechanism shown in FIG. 18B, or with the embodiment of the
attachment mechanism shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.
[0049] FIG. 18B is a perspective view, partially in section, of a
first embodiment of an attachment mechanism for the upper part of
the shaft comprising a threaded nut with a portion of a detent
mechanism. FIG. 18B also includes the cap member of FIG. 18A, which
comprises another portion of the detent mechanism.
[0050] FIG. 18C is a schematic view of the impending mating of
detent features of the cap member and threaded nut illustrated in
FIG. 18B.
[0051] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a threaded nut that
comprise a portion of a second embodiment of an attachment
mechanism for the upper part of the shaft.
[0052] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an upper part of a shaft
that is adapted to cooperate with the nut of FIG. 19 to form a
portion of a detent mechanism.
[0053] FIG. 21A is a bottom view of a second embodiment of a cap
member comprising a portion of a detent mechanism that can be
employed with a threaded nut similar to those illustrated in FIGS.
18B and 19 to comprise a detent mechanism that can be employed in
the invention.
[0054] FIG. 21B is a side view of the embodiment of the cap member
shown in FIG. 21A.
[0055] FIG. 22 is a side view of a portion of a sleeve to which the
cap member of FIGS. 21A and 21B may be attached.
[0056] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
cap member which comprises a portion of a detent mechanism and is
adapted to be attached to the sleeve. This cap member is adapted
for engagement with the threaded nut shown in FIG. 24 or the
threaded nut shown in FIG. 25 to comprise a detent mechanism that
can be employed in the invention.
[0057] FIG. 23B is a bottom view of the embodiment of the cap
member shown in FIG. 23A.
[0058] FIG. 24 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a
portion of an attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft
comprising a threaded nut that includes a portion of a detent
mechanism that is adapted to cooperate with the cap member of FIGS.
23A and 23B.
[0059] FIG. 25 is a perspective view, partially in section, of
another embodiment of an attachment mechanism for the upper part of
the shaft comprising a threaded nut with a portion of a detent
mechanism that is adapted to cooperate with the cap member of FIGS.
23A and 23B, and an extension member.
[0060] FIG. 26 is a perspective view, partially in section, of yet
another embodiment of an attachment mechanism for the upper part of
the shaft comprising a threaded nut with a portion of a detent
mechanism, and an associated cap member with a cooperating portion
of a detent mechanism.
[0061] FIG. 27 is a bottom view of the cap member which comprises a
portion of a detent mechanism that is adapted to be attached to a
sleeve for engagement with the threaded nut shown in FIG. 28 to
form another embodiment of an attachment mechanism.
[0062] FIG. 28 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a
portion of an attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft
comprising a threaded nut with a portion of a detent mechanism that
is adapted to cooperate with the cap member shown in FIG. 27.
[0063] FIG. 29 is a partially exploded view of a portion of an
attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft comprising a
threaded nut with a portion of a detent mechanism that is adapted
to cooperate with a grip portion having an integral sleeve and
detent mechanism.
[0064] FIG. 30 is a partial sectional view of another embodiment of
the grip assembly.
[0065] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of the reinforcing cap that
is shown in FIG. 30.
[0066] FIG. 31B is a top view of the reinforcing cap of FIG.
31A.
[0067] FIG. 31C is a sectional view of the reinforcing cap of FIGS.
31A and 31B, taken through the line 31C-31C of FIG. 31B.
[0068] FIG. 32A is a top view of a first embodiment of a separate
overcap for use in connection with a grip portion of the grip
assembly.
[0069] FIG. 32B is a side view of the overcap shown in FIG.
32A.
[0070] FIG. 32C is a top view of a second embodiment of a separate
overcap for use in connection with a grip portion of the grip
assembly.
[0071] FIG. 32D is a sectional view of the overcap shown in FIG.
32C, taken through line 32D-32D of FIG. 32C.
[0072] FIG. 32E is a top view of a weight support component for use
in a weighting assembly for a golf club.
[0073] FIG. 32F is an exploded perspective view of the weight
support component shown in FIG. 32E and a weight that is
complementary with the weight support component.
[0074] FIG. 32G is a perspective view of the weight support
component and weight of FIG. 32F showing the complementary nature
of the weight to the weight support component.
[0075] FIG. 32H is a perspective view of a cap that is adapted to
cover the weight and the weight support component of FIG. 32G.
[0076] FIG. 32I is a side view of the cap shown in FIG. 32H.
[0077] FIG. 32J is a top view of an alternative cap that is similar
to the cap shown in FIGS. 32H and 32I.
[0078] FIG. 32K is a sectional view of golf club shaft showing a
preferred embodiment of a weighting assembly that is adapted to be
removably attached to the upper portion of the golf club shaft.
[0079] FIG. 33 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a
sleeve for use in connection with the grip assembly that includes
an internal thread feature.
[0080] FIG. 34 illustrates various sleeve portions showing
alternative embodiments of a slit at the bottom thereof.
[0081] FIG. 35A is a front sectional view of a first embodiment of
a grip portion that is adapted to inherently modify the balance of
the golf club to which it is attached.
[0082] FIG. 35B is a top view of the embodiment of the grip portion
shown in FIG. 35A.
[0083] FIG. 36A is a front sectional view of a second embodiment of
a grip portion that is adapted to inherently modify the balance of
the golf club to which it is attached.
[0084] FIG. 36B is a top view of the embodiment of the grip portion
shown in FIG. 36A.
[0085] FIG. 37 is a front view of a mesh panel that may be employed
in embodiments of the invention in which the grip portion is
provided with anti-slip surface characteristics.
[0086] FIG. 38 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a
mold for forming an embodiment of the invention including a folded
mesh fabric layer that is adapted to provide anti-slip surface
characteristics to the grip portion.
[0087] FIG. 39 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of
a portion of a grip portion that is adapted to include anti-slip
surface characteristics, which grip portion comprises an underlying
sleeve, a pair of spacers and a mesh fabric overlay that may also
be employed in the mold of FIG. 38.
[0088] FIG. 40 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
a folded fabric layer that is placed directly on the mandrel prior
to inserting it in the mold of FIG. 38.
[0089] FIG. 41 illustrates various alternative fabrics that may be
used in connection with the invention for providing anti-slip
surface characteristics to the grip portion.
[0090] FIG. 42 is a schematic view of a of a golf club grip
assembly that is attached to a golf club shaft in such a way that
the grip axis is not coincident with the central axis of the
shaft.
[0091] FIG. 43A is a top view of the reinforcing cap that is shown
in FIG. 42.
[0092] FIG. 43B is a front view of the reinforcing cap of FIG.
43A.
[0093] FIG. 44 is a side view of a golf club grip assembly that is
attached to a golf club shaft in such a way that the grip axis is
not coincident with the central axis of the shaft.
[0094] FIG. 45 illustrates the grip assembly and shaft of FIG. 44
in eight different angular orientations showing the effect that
these orientations have on the lie angle and/or the loft angle of
the club head that is attached to the shaft.
[0095] FIG. 46A illustrates the effect of a first grip assembly
orientation on the loft angle of the club head that is attached to
the shaft.
[0096] FIG. 46B illustrates the effect of a second grip assembly
orientation on the loft angle of the club head that is attached to
the shaft.
[0097] FIG. 46C illustrates the effect of a third grip assembly
orientation on the lie angle of the club head that is attached to
the shaft.
[0098] FIG. 46D illustrates the effect of a fourth grip assembly
orientation on the lie angle of the club head that is attached to
the shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0099] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, grip assembly 20 is adapted to
fit over hollow golf club shaft 22 having an inner surface 24. The
grip assembly includes cap 26 (also shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C),
and generally cylindrical sleeve 28 that has a longitudinal axis 29
which, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is coincident with
the longitudinal axis of shaft 22. Sleeve 28 is provided with a
single slit 30 (not shown in FIG. 1) that extends along its entire
length and tapers so as to be wider at its bottom end (towards the
club head) than at its top end. This slit allows grip assembly 20
to be installed on golf club shafts of various diameters. Sleeve 28
may be made of plastic, preferably acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
("ABS"), or of metal or any other suitable material, and it may be
provided in various lengths to allow the grip assembly to be
located at any of various axial locations along the shaft. Grip
assembly 20 also includes generally hollow grip portion 32 that is
adapted to fit over the sleeve. Grip portion 32 is preferably made
from an elastomeric material and provided with a surface texture
that can easily be gripped by the hands of a golfer. Grip portion
32 can be provided in any suitable configuration and in any
convenient length. Preferably, sleeve 28 is provided with a
plurality of fins 34 that are spaced around the lower portion of
the sleeve. These fins are adapted to engage the inside surface of
grip portion 32 and to prevent the grip portion of the assembly
from rotating with respect to sleeve 28. In other embodiments of
the invention, fins, ribs or other anti-rotation features can be
provided in any of various longitudinal and radial locations on the
sleeve.
[0100] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a mechanism by which a radially
directed or clamping force can be applied to the lower portion of
the grip assembly to hold it securely on golf club shaft 22. As
shown therein, sleeve 28 is provided with external threads 66 on
its lower portion, which threads are adapted to mate with the
internal threads on clamp nut 68. Sleeve 28 is also provided with
lower ledge portion 70 that serves to retain clamp nut 68 on the
sleeve when it is not tightened onto threaded portion 66. When
clamp nut 68 is threaded onto threads 66 on the lower portion of
sleeve 28, a radially directed clamping force is applied to the
sleeve on the shaft.
[0101] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate yet another embodiment of a lower
sleeve clamping mechanism. As shown therein, sleeve 128 is provided
with a single slit 130 that extends along its entire length and
tapers so as to be wider at its bottom end (towards the club head)
than at its top end. This slit allows the grip assembly to be
installed on golf club shafts of various diameters. Preferably,
sleeve 128 is provided with a plurality of fins 134 that are spaced
around the lower portion of the sleeve and are adapted to engage
the inside surface of the grip portion to prevent it from rotating
with respect to the sleeve. This embodiment of the invention also
includes clamp 167 and clamp fastener 168. Clamp 167 is preferably
of rigid plastic or metal and includes gap 169. Clamp 167 is
adapted to encircle a bottom portion of the sleeve above lower
ledge portion 170. Clamp fastener 168 is provided to engage a
threaded hole in the clamp so that when the clamp is positioned on
the bottom portion of sleeve 128, tightening of clamp fastener 168
will close gap 169 to apply a radially directed clamping force to
the sleeve on the golf club shaft. Clamp 167 and fastener 168 are
retained on the sleeve by lower ledge portion 170 when the clamp is
not tightened against the sleeve.
[0102] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the
invention having a grip portion that includes an integral sleeve,
and also includes an integral mechanism by which a radially
directed or clamping force can be applied to the lower portion of
the grip assembly to hold it securely on the golf club shaft. As
shown therein, grip portion 220 includes clamp 267 and clamp
fastener 268. Clamp 267 is integrally formed in grip portion 220
and is adapted to encircle shaft 222 at the bottom of the grip
portion. Clamp 267 is of a type that is adapted to maintain a
clamping force on the shaft, and to release this clamping force by
threading clamp fastener 268 in a threaded hole provided in the
clamp. Threading clamp fastener 268 into the hole provided will
open a gap at intersection 269 of the ends of the clamp so that the
grip portion may be properly positioned on the shaft. Threading
clamp fastener in the opposite direction will close the gap as
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B to create a radially directed or clamping
force on the shaft.
[0103] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an alternative clamp members
comprising elastomeric band 195. In the alternative, a rigid
plastic ring with an expansion slit, or an O-ring could be used as
a clamp member.
[0104] As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, cap 26 is particularly
adapted for use, in grip assembly 20 (see FIG. 1), in connection
with expansion member 46 (also shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C).
Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, cap 26 has an upper lip 36
that is adapted to fit over the top of the sleeve, and a downwardly
depending sidewall 38 that is adapted to fit within the upper part
of the sleeve. Preferably, the upper lip and the downwardly
depending sidewall are adhesively attached to the inside surface of
sleeve 28 above the top of shaft 22, as best shown in FIG. 1. Cap
26 also has an intermediate portion 40 that includes hole 42
through which a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 (also shown in
FIGS. 10A and 10B) may be placed, so that the head 45 of the bolt
will rest on intermediate portion 40 of cap 26. Furthermore, the
portion of sidewall 38 that is located below intermediate portion
40 helps to stabilize and align expansion member 46 within shaft 22
in the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 7A, 7B
and 7C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cap that can
also be used with expansion member 46. As shown therein, cap 126
has a top portion 135 with an upper lip 136 that is adapted to fit
over the top of the sleeve, and a downwardly depending sidewall 138
that is adapted to fit within the upper part of the sleeve.
Preferably, the upper lip and the downwardly depending sidewall are
adhesively attached to the inside surface of the sleeve above the
top of the golf club shaft. Top portion 135 of cap 126 includes
hole 142 through which a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 may be
placed. Furthermore, sidewall 138 helps to stabilize and align an
expansion member (such as expansion member 46) within shaft 22.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 8, generally cylindrical spacer 139 may be
provided to fit atop upper lip 36 of cap 26 or top portion 135 of
cap 126 to allow for a longer grip portion to be attached to sleeve
34 of the grip assembly. Multiple caps 26, caps 126 or spacers 139,
each of which has a different weight, may be provided to allow a
user to modify the balance of the golf club assembly by
interchanging the various caps or spacers.
[0106] As best shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C, expansion member 46
includes upper portion 48 that is preferably adapted to fit within
the sidewalls of a cap, and lower portion 50 that includes a
plurality of expansion ribs 52. Lower portion 50 of expansion
member 46 is sized and configured so that it can fit within the top
end of golf club shaft 22, as shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the
lower portion of the expansion member extends downwardly for at
least % inch from the top of the shaft in its unexpanded state.
Expansion member 46 is provided with central hole 54 that is
adapted to receive a threaded fastener such as bolt 44, and an
integral nut 56 is provided at the lower end of the expansion
member. Nut 56 is threaded so as to mate with threaded bolt 44, and
expansion member 46 is made of compressible material, so that
advancing bolt 44 into nut 56 will compress the expansion member,
thereby expanding it against inside surface 24 of the top portion
of golf club shaft 22. This expansion of expansion member 46 exerts
a radially directed force on the shaft inside the sleeve, which in
turn, exerts a radially directed force against the sleeve 28 and
grip portion 32 of the assembly to hold the grip assembly in place
on the shaft. Preferably, bolt 44 and nut 56 are configured and
arranged so that the bolt cannot be removed from the nut, but it
can be threaded into or partially unthreaded from the nut to apply
or to remove a radially directed force on the inside surface 24 of
the shaft.
[0107] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, grip
portion 32 has an opening 58 at the top which communicates with the
portion of cap 26 above intermediate portion 40 to allow a tool
such as tool 60 (shown in FIGS. 11 and 13) or tool 188 (shown in
FIGS. 12 and 13) to engage a tool engagement feature such as hex
slot 62 in head 45 of bolt 44 (shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B). In
addition, bolt 44 is provided with a central hole 64 which provides
a pressure relief outlet from the interior of the shaft. In
alternative embodiments of the invention, a fastener with a rounded
head may be employed in connection with a grip portion that is open
at the top.
[0108] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate alternative embodiments of the
upper clamping mechanism of the invention. These embodiments
include components that may be substituted for cap 26 (or cap 126),
bolt 44 and expansion member 46 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 14, a threaded fastener such as screw 144 is
provided to mate with internally threaded expansion member 146.
This expansion member is provided with a plurality of expansion
slots, one of which, slot 145, is shown. In this embodiment of the
invention, no nut (such as nut 56 that is associated with expansion
member 46) is needed. Because the diameter of screw 144 is larger
than that of the lower end of expansion member 146, threading of
the screw into the expansion member will cause the expansion member
to expand radially outwardly against the inside surface of the top
portion of the golf club shaft, thereby exerting a radially
directed force against the sleeve and grip to securely hold the
grip assembly on the shaft. In this embodiment of the invention,
the grip portion (not shown) will have an opening (such as opening
58 at the top of grip 32) which communicates with the inside of the
sleeve to allow a tool (such as tool 60 or tool 188) to engage a
tool engagement feature such as hex slot 162 in screw 144. In
addition, screw 144 is provided with a central hole 164 which
provides a pressure relief outlet from the interior of the golf
club shaft. FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in
which internally threaded expansion member 246 is essentially
identical to expansion member 146 of FIG. 14, except that expansion
member 246 is integrally formed with sleeve 228 and provided with
an annular slot into which golf club shaft 22 may be placed.
Expansion member 246 is provided with a plurality of expansion
slots, one of which, slot 245, is shown. In this embodiment of the
invention (as in the embodiment of FIG. 14), no nut (such as nut
56) is needed, and a screw, such as screw 144, may be threaded into
the expansion member to cause the expansion member to expand
radially outwardly against the inside surface of the top portion of
the golf club shaft, thereby exerting a radially directed force
against the integral sleeve and grip portion to securely hold the
grip assembly on the shaft.
[0109] FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
threaded fastener illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, and FIG. 17
illustrates an alternative embodiment of the threaded fastener
illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16, fastener 47 includes
recess 49 in the upper surface of its head, which recess is adapted
to receive ball marker 51. Preferably, ball marker 51 is removably
secured in the recess by magnetic attraction. Similarly, as shown
in FIG. 17, fastener 147 includes recess 149 in the upper surface
of its head, which recess is adapted to receive ball marker 151.
Preferably, ball marker 151 is removably secured in the recess by
magnetic attraction.
[0110] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 19 and 20 illustrate first and second
alternative embodiments of an attachment mechanism for the upper
part of the shaft which comprises a threaded nut and a detent
mechanism. As shown in FIG. 18B, threaded nut 330 includes an upper
ring portion 332 and generally cylindrical nut portion 334 which
includes internally threaded central hole 336. Preferably, nut
portion 334 is sized to fit within the upper part of golf club
shaft 22 and to be glued, bonded, integrally formed with or
otherwise fixed to the inner surface 24 of the upper part of the
shaft. Upper ring portion 332 preferably has an outside diameter
that is essentially the same as that of shaft 22 so that when
threaded nut 330 is affixed to the upper portion of shaft 22,
sleeve 28 may be slid axially along the shaft without interference
from nut portion 334. FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative golf club
shaft 122 that is provided with external (or male) threads 360 on
its upper end. Threaded nut 362, shown in FIG. 19, is provided with
internal (or female) threads 364 that are adapted to threadably
engage threads 360 on the upper end of golf club shaft 122 so that
nut 362 can be secured thereto. Nut 362 also includes internally
threaded central hole 366. In other embodiments of the invention
(not shown in the drawings), the threaded nut may be provided with
external (or male) threads that mate with corresponding internal
(or female) threads in the top portion of the shaft. In the
embodiments described herein which include internal or external
threads on the shaft, such threads may be formed by any known
thread cutting or milling methods, or by other known thread forming
methods.
[0111] As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, cap member 340 is integrally
formed with, glued, welded or otherwise affixed to the inside
surface 29 of sleeve 28. In other embodiments of the invention, the
cap member can be sized and shaped to obtain a friction fit with
the inner surface of the sleeve or with respect to a grip portion
that is integrally combined with at least a portion of the sleeve.
In other embodiments of the invention, the cap member can be
provided with outer surface features that serve to keep the cap
member from rotating with respect to a sleeve or with respect to a
grip portion that is integrally combined with at least a portion of
the sleeve. Preferably, cap member 340 is recessed somewhat from
the top of sleeve 28 and is affixed to the inner surface thereof,
as shown in FIG. 18B. Cap member 340 includes central hole 342 and
a plurality of detent features 344 that are adapted to mate with
detent features 346 on the top of threaded nut 330, or with detent
features 368 on the top of threaded nut 362. The detent features on
the cap member and the threaded nut are complementary so that the
mating of the cap member and the threaded nut will resist rotation
of the cap member with respect to the threaded nut. Preferably,
detent features 344 of cap member 340 comprise a series of adjacent
angled detent surfaces 348 that are arranged to intersect at peak
lines 350 and valley lines 352. In this embodiment of the
invention, peak lines 350 and valley lines 352 are perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 29 of sleeve 28. It is also preferred that the
angle .theta. measured between each pair of adjacent detent
surfaces 348 that intersect at a peak line 350 is within the range
of about 45.degree. to about 150.degree., most preferably about
90.degree.. It is also preferred that the angle .phi. measured
between each pair of adjacent detent surfaces 348 that intersect at
a valley line 352 is equal to 180.degree.-.theta.. Similarly,
detent features 346 of threaded nut 330 comprise a series of
adjacent angled detent surfaces 354 that are arranged to intersect
at peak lines 356 and valley lines 358. In this embodiment of the
invention, peak lines 356 and valley lines 358 are perpendicular to
longitudinal axis 29 of sleeve 28. It is also preferred that the
angle .theta. measured between each pair of adjacent detent
surfaces 354 that intersect at a valley line 358 is within the
range of about 45.degree. to about 150.degree., most preferably
about 120.degree., and that the angle .phi. measured between each
pair of adjacent detent surfaces 354 that intersect at a peak line
356 is equal to 180.degree.-.theta..
[0112] FIG. 18C is a schematic view of the impending mating of
detent features 344 of cap member 340 and detent features 346 of
threaded nut 330. When a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 is
passed through hole 342 of cap member 340 and advanced into
threaded hole 336 of nut 330, detent surfaces 348 on cap member 340
will substantially contact and mate with detent surfaces 354 on
threaded nut 330 to prevent sleeve 28 from rotating with respect to
shaft 22. When cap member 340 is employed with the attachment
mechanism for the upper part of shaft 122 that is illustrated in
FIGS. 19 and 20, and a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 is passed
through hole 342 of cap member 340 and advanced into threaded hole
366, detent features 344 on the cap will mate with corresponding
detent features 368 on the nut to prevent sleeve 28 from rotating
with respect to shaft 122.
[0113] An alternative to cap member 340 is cap member 370 (shown in
FIGS. 21A and 21B). This cap member includes central hole 372 and a
plurality of detent features 374 that are adapted to mate with
corresponding detent features on the top of a threaded nut. These
detent features comprise a series of adjacent angled detent
surfaces that are similar to those of cap member 340, although in
this embodiment of the invention, the adjacent angled detent
surfaces intersect at peak lines and valley lines that are
perpendicular to longitudinal axis 329 of sleeve 328 (shown in FIG.
22) but are closer together than those of cap member 340. Cap
member 370 is also provided with radial projections 376, 378, 380
and 382 that are adapted to slide into and mate with slots on
sleeve 328 (shown in FIG. 22). Thus, radial projection 376 of cap
member 370 fits into slot 384 of sleeve 328, radial projection 378
fits into slot 386, radial projection 380 fits into a slot on the
opposite side of sleeve 328 from slot 384, and radial projection
382 fits into slot 388. This mating of cap member 370 and sleeve
328, which may be enhanced with an adhesive or other bonding means)
will keep the cap member from rotating with respect to the sleeve
or with respect to a grip portion that is integrally attached to or
combined with a sleeve. When sleeve 328 is placed over a shaft with
a threaded nut that is provided with detent features which are
adapted to mate with detent features 374 on the bottom of cap
member 370, and a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 is passed
through hole 372 of cap member 370 and advanced into the threaded
hole of the nut, detent features 374 on cap member 370 will mate
with the corresponding detent features on the threaded nut to
prevent sleeve 328 from rotating with respect to the shaft.
[0114] FIGS. 23A, 23B and 24 illustrate another embodiment of an
attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft which
comprises a threaded nut and a detent mechanism. As shown therein,
threaded nut 446 includes an upper ring portion 448 and generally
cylindrical nut portion 449 which includes internally threaded
central hole 450. Preferably, nut portion 449 is sized to fit
within the upper part of golf club shaft 22 and to be glued,
bonded, integrally formed with or otherwise fixed to the inner
surface 24 of the upper part of the shaft. Upper ring portion 448
preferably has an outside diameter that is essentially the same as
that of shaft 22 so that when threaded nut 446 is affixed to the
upper portion of shaft 22, a sleeve (not shown, but essentially the
same as sleeve 28 in FIG. 18B) may be slid axially along the shaft.
Cap member 452 is integrally formed with, glued, bonded or
otherwise affixed to the inside surface of the sleeve. Preferably,
cap member 452 is recessed somewhat from the top of the sleeve,
similar to the way that cap member 340 is recessed from the top of
sleeve 28 as shown in FIG. 18B. Cap member 452 includes central
hole 454 and a plurality of detent features comprising radially
extending projections 456. Each pair of adjacent projections 456 is
separated by a space 457. Projections 456 are adapted to mate with
corresponding detent features on the top of threaded nut 446. The
detent features on nut 446 comprise radially extending projections
458 that are separated by spaces 459. When a threaded fastener such
as bolt 44 is passed through hole 454 of cap member 452 and
advanced into threaded hole 450, projections 456 will mate with
spaces 459 between projections 458, and correspondingly,
projections 458 will mate with spaces 457 between projections 456
to prevent the sleeve from rotating with respect to shaft 22. Cap
member 452 may also be provided with clocking markings 460 that may
be aligned with similar markings (not shown) on the grip portion
attached to the sleeve so that the proper mating of detent features
on the cap member and the threaded nut can be easily obtained.
[0115] FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which
an attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft is mounted
in an extension member that allows for effective extension of the
shaft length. As shown therein, threaded nut 546 (which is
essentially identical to nut 446 of FIG. 24) includes an upper ring
portion 547 and generally cylindrical nut portion 548 which
includes internally threaded central hole 549. Threaded nut 546 is
glued, bonded, integrally formed with or otherwise affixed to an
extension member which includes upper portion 550 and lower portion
551. In other embodiments of the invention, attachment mechanisms
for the upper part of the shaft with different detent features from
those of threaded nut 546 may be installed in an extension member.
In still other embodiments, extension members may be provided with
upper portions and/or lower portions of various lengths so that the
effective length of shaft 22 may be varied to suit the preferences
of multiple golfers.
[0116] It is also preferred that upper portion 550 of the extension
member has an outside diameter that is essentially the same as the
outside diameter of shaft 22, and that lower portion 551 of the
extension member is sized to fit within the upper portion of the
shaft. Preferably, nut portion 548 is sized to fit within upper
portion 550 of the extension member, and is glued, bonded,
integrally formed with or otherwise fixed to the inner surface 552
of the upper portion 550 of the extension member, and lower portion
551 of the extension member is glued, welded or otherwise fixed to
the inner surface 24 of shaft 22. Upper ring portion 547 preferably
has an outside diameter that is essentially the same as that of the
extension member, so that so that when threaded nut 546 is affixed
to the upper portion 550 of the extension member and lower portion
551 of the extension member is affixed to the upper part of shaft
22, a sleeve (not shown, but essentially the same as sleeve 28 in
FIG. 18B) may be slid axially along the shaft. Cap member 452
(shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B) may be integrally formed with, glued,
welded or otherwise affixed to the inside surface of the sleeve,
and recessed somewhat from the top of the sleeve, similar to the
way that cap member 340 is recessed from the top of sleeve 28 as
shown in FIG. 18B. When a threaded fastener such as bolt 44 is
passed through hole 454 of cap member 452 and advanced into
threaded hole 549 of threaded nut 546, projections 456 will mate
with spaces 559 between projections 558 of nut 546, and
correspondingly, projections 558 will mate with spaces 457 between
projections 456 to prevent the sleeve from rotating with respect to
shaft 22.
[0117] FIG. 26 illustrates another embodiment of an attachment
mechanism for the upper part of the shaft which comprises a
threaded nut and a detent mechanism. As shown therein, threaded nut
646 includes an upper portion 650 that has an outside diameter
which is essentially the same as that of shaft 122, so that when
threaded nut 646 is affixed to the upper portion of shaft 122, a
sleeve (not shown, but essentially the same as sleeve 28 in FIG.
18B) may be slid axially along the shaft. Threaded nut 646 also
includes a lower portion 651 that is similar to lower portion 551
of threaded nut 546 and a plurality of projections 645 (one of
which is shown) on the outer surface of lower portion 651. These
projections are adapted to mate with corresponding slots 123 on
shaft 122 for attachment of nut 646 to the shaft. This method of
attachment can be enhanced by use of an adhesive or other bonding
means between lower portion 651 of threaded nut 646 and shaft 122.
In other embodiments of the invention, the shaft may be provided
with female (or internal) threads and the exterior surface of the
threaded nut with male (or external) threads adapted to mate
therewith. In such an embodiment, the threaded nut may simply be
threaded into engagement with the shaft.
[0118] Threaded nut 646 also includes internally threaded central
hole 650. Cap member 652 is integrally formed with, glued, bonded,
integrally formed or otherwise affixed to the inside surface of the
sleeve. Preferably, cap member 652 is recessed somewhat from the
top of the sleeve, similar to the way that cap member 340 is
recessed from the top of sleeve 28 as shown in FIG. 18B. Cap member
652 includes central hole 654 and a detent feature 655 that is
adapted to mate with any of the detent features on the top of
threaded nut 646. Preferably, the detent feature 655 of cap member
652 comprises a pair of adjacent angled detent surfaces that are
arranged to intersect at peak line 660 and abut inner cylindrical
surface 661 at a pair of valley lines 662. The detent features of
threaded nut 646 comprise a series of adjacent angled detent
surfaces 664 that are arranged to intersect at peak lines 666 and
valley lines 668. These peak lines and valley lines are parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. Preferably, the angle .theta.
measured between each pair of adjacent detent surfaces 664 that
intersect at a valley line 668 is within the range of about
45.degree. to about 150.degree., most preferably about 120.degree.,
and that the angle .phi. measured between each pair of adjacent
detent surfaces 664 that intersect at a peak line 666 is equal to
180.degree.-.theta.. Similarly, the adjacent detent surfaces of
detent feature 655 of cap member 652 are parallel to those of
detent surfaces 664 of nut 646 so that these detent features will
mate in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 18C, when a threaded
fastener such as bolt 44 is passed through hole 654 of cap member
652 and advanced into threaded hole 650, to prevent the sleeve (not
shown) from rotating with respect to shaft 122. In other
embodiments of the invention, the cap member may be provided with
two or more detent features, but fewer than those on the threaded
nut, so long as the detent features on the cap member are spaced
and configured to mate with the detent features on the threaded
nut.
[0119] FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate another embodiment of an
attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft which
comprises a threaded nut and a detent mechanism. As shown therein,
threaded nut 746 is generally hexagonal and includes internally
threaded central hole 750. Preferably, nut 746 is sized to fit
within the upper part of golf club shaft 22 and to be glued, welded
or otherwise fixed to the inner surface of the upper part of the
shaft. Cap member 752 is sized slightly larger than nut 746 and is
adapted to be glued, welded or otherwise affixed to the inside
surface of the sleeve (not shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, but
essentially identical to sleeve 28 shown in FIG. 18B). Preferably,
cap member 752 is recessed somewhat from the top of the sleeve,
similar to the way that cap member 340 is recessed from the top of
sleeve 28 as shown in FIG. 18B. Cap member 752 includes central
hole 754 and at least two detent pins 756 that are adapted to mate
with detent recesses 758 on the top of threaded nut 746. When
detent pins 756 in cap member 752 are aligned with corresponding
detent recesses 758 in threaded nut 746 and a threaded fastener
such as bolt 44 is passed through hole 754 of cap member 752 and
advanced into threaded hole 750, engagement of the detent features
will prevent the sleeve from rotating with respect to shaft 22.
[0120] FIG. 29 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an
attachment mechanism for the upper part of the shaft which
comprises a threaded nut and a detent mechanism. As shown therein,
threaded nut 846 includes a lower portion 848 that is sized to fit
within the upper part of golf club shaft 22 and an upper portion
850 that has an outside diameter that is essentially the same as
the outside diameter of shaft 22. Lower portion 848 may be sized to
create a friction fit or interference fit with shaft 22 and/or
upper portion 850 may be affixed to or integrally formed with the
upper surface of the shaft. Threaded nut 846 also includes
internally threaded central hole 852. Grip portion 832 in this
embodiment of the invention is rigid enough to include an integral
sleeve and to support integral portion 834 of a detent mechanism
that is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding portion of a
detent mechanism in upper portion 850 of threaded nut 846.
Preferably, the portion of the detent mechanism of integral portion
834 of grip portion 832 comprises a series of adjacent angled
detent surfaces that are arranged to intersect at peak lines and
valley lines (similar to other embodiments of the attachment
mechanism described herein). In this embodiment of the invention,
the peak lines and valley lines are perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of grip portion 832 with its integral sleeve
(similar to the peak lines and valley lines in the attachment
mechanism of FIGS. 18B and 19). Similarly, the portion of the
detent mechanism of threaded nut 846 comprises a series of adjacent
angled detent surfaces that are arranged to intersect at peak lines
and valley lines which are also perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of grip portion 832. When a threaded fastener such as bolt 44
is passed through a hole in overcap 854 and through a hole in the
top of grip portion 832 and advanced into threaded hole 852, the
detent surfaces on integral portion 834 of grip portion 832 will
substantially contact and mate with detent surfaces on upper
portion 850 of threaded nut 846 to prevent the grip portion with
integral sleeve from rotating with respect to shaft 22.
[0121] FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
invention that includes an attachment mechanism for the upper part
of the shaft which comprises a threaded nut and a detent mechanism.
As shown therein, grip assembly 900 comprises sleeve 902 that is
adapted to fit over hollow golf club shaft 22. Threaded nut 904
includes a lower portion 906 that is sized to fit within the upper
part of golf club shaft 22, top portion 908 that is provided with
detent surfaces similar to those of threaded nut 846 and an
intermediate ledge portion 910 that has an outside diameter that is
essentially the same as the outside diameter of shaft 22. Lower
portion 906 may be sized to create a friction fit or interference
fit with shaft 22 and/or intermediate ledge portion 910 may be
bonded to or otherwise affixed to the upper surface of the shaft.
Threaded nut 904 also includes internally threaded central hole
912. Grip assembly 900 also includes cap 914 that is provided with
detent surfaces that are adapted to engage with the detent surfaces
on top portion 908 of threaded nut 904 in order to form a detent
mechanism. Cap 914 also includes through hole 915 that may be
threaded. Relatively rigid reinforcing cap 916 (also shown in FIGS.
31A, 31B and 31C) is placed over cap 914 to provide additional
strength to the detent mechanism formed between cap 914 and nut
904. As shown in FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C, reinforcing cap 916
includes hole 918 in its top wall, and the grip assembly includes
overcap 922 that may be provided in any of various weights. The
overcap also is provided with a hole so that a threaded fastener
such as bolt 44 may be placed through the hole in the overcap, and
through hole 918 in the top wall of reinforcing cap 916, and
through hole 915 in cap 916 to be threaded into hole 912 of nut
904. This will cause the portion of the detent mechanism on the cap
member to substantially contact and mate with the portion of the
detent mechanism on the threaded nut to prevent sleeve 902 from
rotating with respect to shaft 22. Grip assembly 900 also includes
generally hollow grip portion 920 that is adapted to fit over the
sleeve. Grip portion 920 can be provided in any suitable
configuration and in any convenient length. Preferably, sleeve 902
is provided with an annular rib 923 at its bottom end that can be
engaged by clamp 924.
[0122] FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate a first embodiment 925 of an
alternative overcap. This overcap is provided with central hole 926
(similar to the central hole in overcap 922) that is adapted to
receive a threaded fastener such as bolt 44, and a cavity 927 that
is adapted to receive a washer of any of various weights to modify
balance of the golf club. FIGS. 32C and 32D illustrate a second
embodiment 930 of an alternative overcap. Overcap 930 is comprised
of first portion 932 having a first density D.sub.1 and second
portion 934 having a second density D.sub.2 that is different from
the first density D.sub.1 in order to modify the balance of the
golf club. Although portions 932 and 934 of overcap 930 are shown
as having essentially the same volume (or occupying equal
180.degree. radial portions of the overcap), one may be larger than
the other, or there may be three or more portions, each of which
has a density that is different from the others. Overcap 930
includes central hole 936 (similar to the central hole in overcap
922) that is adapted to receive a threaded fastener.
[0123] FIGS. 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H, 32I, 32J and 32K illustrate an
alternative weighting assembly for use in modifying the balance of
a golf club. As shown therein, upper shaft component 1002 (shown in
FIG. 32K) is adapted to be secured within the top end of golf club
shaft 1004 having inner surface 1006, and to which is attached grip
portion 1008. Upper shaft component 1002 includes a lower portion
1010 that is sized to fit within the upper part of golf club shaft
1004, top portion 1012 that is provided with detent surfaces
similar to those of threaded nut 846 or threaded nut 904, and an
intermediate ledge portion 1014 that has an outside diameter that
is essentially the same as the outside diameter of shaft 1004.
Lower portion 1010 may be sized to create a friction fit or
interference fit with inner surface 1006 of shaft 1004, or it may
be adhesively attached to the inner surface 1006 of shaft 1004.
Alternatively, or in addition, intermediate ledge portion 1014 may
be bonded to or otherwise affixed to the upper surface of the
shaft, as shown in FIG. 32K. Upper shaft component 1002 also
includes internally threaded central hole 1016. The weighting
assembly also includes weight support component 1018 having a base
1020 that is provided with detent surfaces that are adapted to
engage with the detent surfaces on top portion 1012 of upper shaft
component 1002 in order to form a detent mechanism. Integrally
formed with base 1020 in this embodiment of the invention is
portion 1022 comprising one half of a solid cylinder. Weight 1024
is adapted to complementary engage weight support component 1018 as
shown in FIGS. 32F and 32G. A plurality of interchangeable weights
such as weight 1024 may be provided in this embodiment of the
invention, each having a different density and weight, so long as
each is adapted to be received by or to complementary engage weight
support component 1018. In other embodiments of the invention, the
weighting assembly may include a plurality of interchangeable
weight support components and a plurality of interchangeable
weights, wherein each of the weights is adapted to be received by
or is complementary with at least one of the plurality of
interchangeable weight support components.
[0124] The weighting assembly also includes cap 1026, and threaded
fastener 1028 which may be similar to threaded fastener 44. Cap
1026 is adapted to cover the weight support component and weight
and is shaped so as to conform to the exterior surfaces of the
weight and the weight support component when the weight is received
by the weight support component. Thus, cap 1026 assists in securely
holding the weight in engagement with the weight support component.
When weight 1024 and weight support component 1018 are in
complementary engagement as shown in FIG. 32G, the combination of
weight 1024 and weight support component 1018 comprise a hole
through which threaded fastener 1028 may pass. Cap 1026 includes
through hole 1030 through which threaded fastener 1028 may pass. In
embodiments of the invention in which the combination of the weight
and the weight support component comprises a solid cylinder, the
threaded fastener may be integrally formed with the cap.
[0125] Threaded fastener 1028 is adapted to engage central hole
1016 of upper shaft component 1002 to secure weight support
component 1018, weight 1024 and cap 1026 to golf club shaft 1004.
When the components of the weighting assembly are assembled as
described herein and threaded fastener 1028 is threaded into hole
1016 in upper shaft component 1002, the detent features on weight
support component 1018 will substantially contact and mate with the
detent features on upper shaft component 1002 to prevent weight
support component 1018 (and the entire weighting assembly) from
rotating with respect to golf club shaft 1004.
[0126] In other embodiments of the invention, the weight support
component may comprise a base and any portion of a solid cylinder
generally between one quarter and three quarters or more. In still
other embodiments of the invention, the portion of the weight
support component attached to the base may be a portion of a cone,
a pyramid, a solid structure having a pentagonal, hexagonal or
octagonal cross-section, or any other solid structure of convenient
shape, so long as it is complementary with at least one weight, and
so long as the combination of weight and weight support component
can comprise a through hole and can support a cap similar to cap
1026. In other embodiments of the invention, the weight may be
integrally formed with the cap. In still other embodiments of the
invention, a cap such as cap 1032 may be employed. Cap 1032 is
similar to cap 1026, except that it is provided with clocking
markings 1034 associated with the detent features of the weight
support component, which markings may be aligned with a mark or
feature on the grip portion (not shown) to facilitate removably
securing the weight support component to the golf club shaft in a
desired rotational position. In other embodiments of the invention,
the weight may be attached to or integrally formed with the
threaded fastener and the weight support component provided with a
complementary shape that allows the threaded fastener to be turned
to thread into the threaded hole in the upper shaft component. In
some such embodiments, no cap is required.
[0127] In still other embodiments of the invention, upper shaft
component 1002 and weight support component 1018 can be provided
with any of the several detent features described herein or with
detent features that are otherwise known to those having ordinary
skill in the art, so long as they cooperate to prevent movement of
the weight support component with respect to the golf club shaft
when the threaded fastener is threaded into the hole in the upper
shaft component. For example, the weight support component may
include a detent feature comprising a radially extending
projection, and the upper shaft component may include a detent
feature comprising a slot that is adapted to receive the radially
extending projection in order to prevent movement of the weight
support component with respect to the golf club shaft when the
threaded fastener is threaded into the hole in the upper shaft
component.
[0128] The detent features on each of the weight support component
and the upper shaft component may comprise a series of adjacent
angled detent surfaces that are arranged to intersect at peak lines
and valley lines. In this embodiment of the invention, the peak
lines and valley lines are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the golf club shaft. Furthermore, each pair of adjacent detent
surfaces on the weight support component that intersect at a peak
line form an angle .theta., and each pair of adjacent detent
surfaces on the weight support component that intersect at a valley
line form the angle .phi. that is equal to 180.degree.-.theta..
Each pair of adjacent detent surfaces on the upper shaft component
that intersect at a valley line form an angle .theta., and each
pair of adjacent detent surfaces on the upper shaft component that
intersect at a peak line form the angle .phi. that is equal to
180.degree.-.theta.. In a preferred embodiment of the invention of
this type, the angle .theta. between each pair of adjacent detent
surfaces on the weight support component that intersect at a peak
line is within the range of about 45.degree. to about 150.degree.,
and the angle .theta. between each pair of adjacent detent surfaces
on the upper shaft component that intersect at a valley line is
within the range of about 45.degree. to about 150.degree..
[0129] FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment of a sleeve 1050 that
includes slits 1052, 1054 and 1056 at its lower end that are of
different lengths and is provided with rifling grooves or
projections 1057 that enable the sleeve to be "twisted" onto the
golf club shaft.
[0130] Alternative sleeves 1058, 1060, 1062, 1064, 1066, 1068, 1070
and 1072 are illustrated in FIG. 34, each of which is provided with
a slit that extends only along a portion of the length of the
sleeve. As shown therein, these alternative slits may be provided
with various configurations at the bottom of the sleeve, each of
which includes a cut-out of a different configuration. These
embodiments of the sleeve will accommodate multiple shaft diameters
and shafts having varying diameters.
[0131] FIGS. 35A and 35B illustrate a first embodiment of a grip
portion that is comprised of two materials of different densities,
each of which comprises a different part of the grip portion. As
shown therein, grip portion 1074 comprises a first material of a
first density D.sub.1 that occupies radial portion 1076 comprising
180.degree. of the circumference of the grip portion and a second
material of a second density D.sub.2 that is different from the
first density D.sub.1 that occupies radial portion 1078 also
comprising 180.degree. of the circumference of the grip portion. In
other embodiments of the invention, the materials of different
densities may occupy differently sized radial portions of the grip
assembly. Preferably, however, a first material having a density of
D.sub.1 occupies a radial portion R.sub.1 comprising at least about
90.degree. of the circumference of the grip portion, and a second
material having a density D.sub.2 that is different from density
D.sub.1 occupies a radial portion R.sub.2 comprising
360.degree.-R.sub.1 of the circumference of the grip portion. In
other embodiments of the invention, three or more materials, each
having a different density, may occupy differently sized radial
portions of the grip assembly.
[0132] FIGS. 36A and 36B illustrate a second embodiment of a grip
portion that is comprised of two materials of different densities.
As shown therein, grip portion 1080 comprises a first material of a
first density D.sub.1 that occupies a portion 1082 of the grip
portion that extends for a length L.sub.1 in a direction that is
parallel to the axis of the grip portion, and a second material of
a second density D.sub.2 that is different from the first density
D.sub.1 that occupies the remainder 1084 of the space occupied by
the grip portion. In this embodiment of the invention, the outer
surface of portion 1082 occupies about 50.degree. of the
circumference of grip portion 1080, and the distance L.sub.1
comprises about 18% of the total length of grip portion 1080. In
other embodiments of the invention, the materials of different
densities may occupy differently sized radial portions and/or
portions of different lengths of the grip assembly. In other
embodiments of the invention, three or more materials, each having
a different density, may occupy differently sized radial portions
and/or portions of different lengths of the grip assembly. These
materials of different densities may be made or assembled by
various methods known to those having ordinary skill in the art to
which the invention relates. The embodiments of the invention
illustrated in FIGS. 36A and 36B, along with other embodiments
described herein that are adapted to modify the weight distribution
of the grip assembly, provide a golf club grip that can be
removably located at different rotational positions on the shaft in
order to modify the balance of the golf club.
[0133] The invention provides an easily interchangeable golf club
grip assembly that includes both upper and lower mechanisms for
securing the grip to the shaft of the golf club by applying
attachment forces to the shaft at two separate locations. The
assembly can be easily removed in order to replace the grip or to
change the axial or rotational location of the grip assembly on the
shaft. The invention can also incorporate a grip portion that is
provided with anti-slip surface characteristics.
[0134] FIG. 37 illustrates a layer of mesh fabric 2010 that may be
employed in the invention. Preferably, the fabric is an open mesh
having a surface that is coated with silicon carbide or aluminum
oxide particles having a grit size within the Federation of
European Producers of Abrasives ("FEPA") standard range of P12
(average grain diameter 1815 .mu.m) to P1200 (average grain
diameter 15.3 .mu.m). Such products are commonly sold as "drywall
sandpaper" or "sanding screen". The diameter and spacing of the
threads in mesh fabric 2010 may be of any convenient dimensions.
Preferably, the diameter of such threads is within the range of
0.02-0.125 inches, and the spacing between threads is within the
range of 0.01-0.4 inches. Preferably, the threads intersect at
right angles, as shown in FIG. 37, although they may also intersect
at any convenient angle within the range of
30.degree.-90.degree..
[0135] FIG. 38 illustrates injection mold assembly 2012 comprising
upper section 2014 and lower section 2016. Mold assembly 2012
includes a generally cylindrical cavity 2018 in the center of which
is located mandrel 2020 that has an outer diameter comparable to
that of a golf club shaft. Sleeve 2022 of plastic or other suitable
material is placed on the mandrel, and around the sleeve is placed
a mesh fabric 2010 that has been folded so as to comprise two
layers that extend generally around the sleeve. Because the
preferred fabric is somewhat stiff, the outer of the two layers
will tend to abut the inner surface of cavity 2018 of the mold
assembly, as shown in FIG. 38.
[0136] Upper section 2014 of mold assembly 2012 has a pair of
risers 2024 and 2026 that communicate with cavity 2018 by way of
cross-passages 2028 and 2030. When the sleeve and fabric are placed
over the mandrel in the mold assembly, as shown in FIG. 38, uncured
elastomer is injected through risers 2024 and 2026 and flows
through the cross-passages and into cavity 2018. The elastomer will
generally encapsulate the fabric, although at least a portion of
the outer surface thereof will be exposed adjacent the inner
surface of cavity 2018. When the elastomer is cured with heat, the
finished grip is removed from the mold assembly.
[0137] FIG. 39 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
components of a grip sub-assembly that is adapted to be placed over
a mandrel such as mandrel 2020. As shown therein, a pair of spacers
2032 are placed over sleeve 2022 and a single-layer of fabric that
has been formed into a cylinder 2034 is placed over the spacers.
Any number of spacers may be used, and they may have any convenient
dimensions, so long as they are adapted to fit over sleeve 2022 and
within fabric cylinder 2034. This sub-assembly may then be placed
into cavity 2018 of mold assembly 2012 and uncured elastomer
injected into risers 2024 and 2026. The injected elastomer will
flow through cross-passages 2028 and 2030 into cavity 2018. The
elastomer will generally encapsulate the fabric, although at least
a portion of the outer surface thereof will be exposed adjacent the
inner surface of cavity 2018. When the elastomer is cured with
heat, the finished grip is removed from the mold assembly.
[0138] In an alternative to the arrangement of FIG. 39 (not shown),
the sub-assembly that is placed over mandrel 2020 may comprise one
or more layers formed of strips of fabric that are spirally wound
around the sleeve or around a plurality of spacers that have been
placed over the sleeve. In another embodiment of the invention,
fabric 2036 is formed into a double-walled cylindrical
configuration for placement directly onto mandrel 2038, as shown in
FIG. 40.
[0139] FIG. 41 illustrates various fabric surface textures that may
be employed in connection with the invention. Although all of the
fabrics shown therein extend generally the entire length of the
grip, they may be of any convenient length and may be interrupted
along the length of the grip.
[0140] Although FIGS. 1, 2, and 29 illustrate grip assemblies
having a circular cross-section and a grip axis (i.e., the axis
through the center of the grip portion) that is coincident with the
central axis of the shaft, it is within the scope of the invention
to include grip assemblies that are installed on the shaft in such
a way that the grip axis is not coincident with the central axis of
the shaft, in order to modify the loft and/or lie angles of the
golf club. For example, the standard putter has a built-in
4.degree. loft angle and a built-in 15.degree. lie angle. By
providing the grip portion of the grip assembly with a bore that is
angled with respect to the shaft axis, the grip assembly can be
placed on the shaft at an angle that will modify either or both of
the built-in loft angle and the built-in lie angle of the club.
Depending on the diameter of the grip portion and the angle of its
bore with respect to the grip axis, the built-in loft and lie
angles can be varied by up to about 8.degree., although a variation
of 2.degree.-3.degree. from the standard angles would be useful for
most golfers.
[0141] The Rules of Golf allow for grips to be installed on a golf
club shaft in such a way that the grip axis is offset from the
shaft axis. FIG. 42 illustrates a grip assembly 920 having a grip
portion 940 with a bore axis that is not coincident with the
central axis of the sleeve. Thus, as shown therein, shaft 22
includes threaded nut (not shown), which is covered by reinforcing
cap 946 (also shown in FIGS. 43A and 43B) that is shaped and sized
to create a friction fit or interference fit with the top portion
of the shaft. The threaded nut includes a portion of a detent
mechanism such as is described in other embodiments of the
invention. Cap member 970 includes a corresponding or mating
portion of a detent mechanism and is attached to the inner surface
of sleeve 928. The sleeve is placed over shaft 22 until the portion
of the detent mechanism of cap member 970 mates with the portion of
the detent mechanism on the threaded nut. Cap member 970 also
includes a central hole (not shown) that is aligned with a threaded
hole in the threaded nut, so that a threaded fastener such as bolt
44 may be passed through hole 950 in overcap 954, through a hole in
cap member 970 and through a hole in reinforcing cap 946, and
advanced into the threaded hole in the threaded nut. This will
cause the portion of the detent mechanism on the cap member to
substantially contact and mate with the portion of the detent
mechanism on the threaded nut to prevent sleeve 928 from rotating
with respect to shaft 22.
[0142] FIG. 44 illustrates another golf club grip assembly, namely
grip assembly 100, that is attached to golf club shaft 102 in such
a way that grip axis 104 is not coincident with central axis 106 of
the shaft. Depending on the orientation of the grip on the shaft,
an offset grip will modify either or both of the built-in loft
angle and the built-in lie angle. Grips that may be installed in
such a way that the grip axis is offset from the shaft axis must be
at least ten inches long, and they cannot provide a loft angle of
more than 10.degree. or a lie angle of less than 10.degree.. If it
is assumed that: (a) grip length is 10'', and (b) the golf club
shaft has a wall thickness of 0.6 inches, and (c) the shaft should
not come any closer to either side of the grip than 0.125'', and
(d) the shaft should not come any closer to the top of the grip
than 0.5'', the maximum offset angle A.degree. for a grip having a
circular cross-section of diameter D can be determined as
follows:
A.degree. = 100 ( D - 0.85 ) 10.55 ##EQU00001##
[0143] Thus, the maximum offset angle A.degree. for a grip having a
circular cross-section of diameter 1.0'' is:
A.degree. = 100 ( 0.15 ) 10.55 = 1.42 .degree. . ##EQU00002##
[0144] The maximum offset angle A.degree. for a grip having a
circular cross-section of diameter 1.25'' is:
A.degree. = 100 ( 0.4 ) 10.55 = 3.79 .degree. . ##EQU00003##
[0145] The maximum offset angle A.degree. for a grip having a
circular cross-section of diameter 1.5'' is:
A.degree. = 100 ( 0.65 ) 10.55 = 6.16 .degree. . ##EQU00004##
[0146] The maximum offset angle A.degree. for a grip having a
circular cross-section of diameter 1.75'' is:
A.degree. = 100 ( 0.9 ) 10.55 = 8.53 .degree. . ##EQU00005##
[0147] This same formula can be used to determine the maximum
offset angle for grips having a non-circular cross-section, if the
longest dimension across the width of the grip is substituted for
"D" in the formula.
[0148] FIG. 45 illustrates the grip assembly and shaft of FIG. 44
in eight different angular orientations showing the effect that
these orientations have on the lie angle and/or the loft angle of
the club head that is attached to the shaft. These orientations are
viewed from the top of the grip assembly and include opening 158,
which is similar to opening 58 in assembly 20. On the top row of
FIG. 45, on the right side is illustrated a grip orientation that
provides a positive offset A.sub.F to the loft angle. This positive
offset A.sub.F to the loft angle is also illustrated in FIG. 46B.
On the top row of FIG. 45, the illustration second to the right
side illustration shows a grip orientation that provides a negative
offset A.sub.F to the loft angle. This negative offset A.sub.F to
the loft angle is also illustrated in FIG. 46A. On the top row of
FIG. 45, on the left side is illustrated a grip orientation that
provides a positive offset A.sub.E to the lie angle. This positive
offset A.sub.F to the lie angle is also illustrated in FIG. 46C. On
the top row of FIG. 45, the illustration second to the left side
illustration shows a grip orientation that provides a negative
offset A.sub.E to the lie angle. This negative offset A.sub.E to
the lie angle is also illustrated in FIG. 46D. On the bottom row of
FIG. 45, from left to right, are illustrated combination offsets to
the loft and lie angles, respectively (a) a positive lie offset and
a positive loft offset, (b) a positive lie offset and a negative
loft offset, (c) a negative lie offset and a negative loft offset,
and (d) a negative lie offset and a positive loft offset.
[0149] Although this description contains many specifics, these
should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but
as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred
embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the
inventor of carrying out the invention. The invention, as described
herein, is susceptible to various modifications and adaptations, as
would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to
which the invention relates.
* * * * *