U.S. patent application number 14/791583 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for butt-mounted shaft extension device.
This patent application is currently assigned to ACUSHNET COMPANY. The applicant listed for this patent is ACUSHNET COMPANY. Invention is credited to Thomas Orrin Bennett, Christopher D. Harvell, Scott A. Knutson.
Application Number | 20150306481 14/791583 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50233813 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150306481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knutson; Scott A. ; et
al. |
October 29, 2015 |
BUTT-MOUNTED SHAFT EXTENSION DEVICE
Abstract
A device designed for modifying the length of a golf club shaft.
The device is a three-piece mechanism with a bottom part bonded
into the top end of a tubular golf club shaft, a top part provided
within the grip, a threaded screw provided within the top part and
threadably connected to the bottom part such that movement of the
screw will adjust the distance between the top part and bottom part
thereby adjusting the club length. The extension device is hidden
within the shaft and grip and does not require a custom grip or
shaft.
Inventors: |
Knutson; Scott A.;
(Escondido, CA) ; Bennett; Thomas Orrin;
(Carlsbad, CA) ; Harvell; Christopher D.;
(Escondido, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ACUSHNET COMPANY |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ACUSHNET COMPANY
Fairhaven
MA
|
Family ID: |
50233813 |
Appl. No.: |
14/791583 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13609313 |
Sep 11, 2012 |
9089750 |
|
|
14791583 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/296 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/00 20151001;
A63B 53/14 20130101; A63B 60/24 20151001; A63B 60/0085 20200801;
A63B 60/22 20151001; A63B 53/12 20130101; A63B 53/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/16 20060101
A63B053/16 |
Claims
1. An extension device for use on a butt-end of a golf club shaft,
comprising: a grip secured to an upper end of a golf club shaft,
the top end of the grip having a threaded cavity; and a plurality
of grip inserts having different lengths, the inserts having
threaded protrusions, wherein the grip insert having the desired
length may be selected, whereby the threaded protrusion of the grip
insert engages the threaded cavity of the grip such that the grip
insert is secured to the grip resulting in a club that has a
desired length.
2. The extension device of claim 1, wherein the grip inserts have
lengths such that the resulting club length may be varied by about
0 to about 5 inches.
3. The extension device of claim 2, wherein the grip inserts have
lengths such that the resulting club length may be varied by about
0 to about 2 inches.
4. The extension device of claim 3, wherein the grip inserts have
lengths such that the resulting club length may be varied by about
0 to about 1 inch.
5. The extension device of claim 1, wherein at least three grip
inserts are provided having different lengths.
6. The extension device of claim 5, wherein one of the grip inserts
results in a desired club length that is a standard club
length.
7. The extension device of claim 5, wherein one of the grip inserts
results in a desired club length that is a shorter than standard
club length by 0.5 to 2 inches.
8. The extension device of claim 5, wherein one of the grip inserts
results in a desired club length that is a longer than standard
club length by 0.5 to 2 inches.
9. The extension device of claim 1, wherein the grip inserts have
different weights to alter the weight of the grip by 1 to 60
grams.
10. The extension device of claim 9, wherein the grip inserts have
different weights to alter the weight of the grip by 5 to 40
grams.
11. An extension device for use on a butt-end of a golf club shaft,
comprising: a grip secured to an upper end of a golf club shaft,
the top end of the grip having an attachment mechanism; and a
plurality of grip inserts having different lengths, the inserts
having a reciprocating attachment mechanism, wherein the grip
insert having the desired length may be selected, whereby the
reciprocating attachment mechanism of the grip insert engages the
attachment mechanism of the grip such that the grip insert is
secured to the grip resulting in a club that has a desired
length.
12. The extension device of claim 11, wherein the attachment
mechanism and reciprocating attachment mechanism include a snap-fit
attachment mechanism for attaching the grip inserts to the top end
of the grip.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/609,313, to Knutson, et al., Butt-Mounted
Shaft Extension Device, filed on Sep. 11, 2012, currently pending,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device for
adjusting the length of a golf shaft. In particular, the invention
concerns modifying the length of the shaft by utilizing the device
at the gripping end of the club that is not visible and does not
require a special grip or shaft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One of the more important factors in golf club equipment is
the club shaft. The shaft transfers the golfer's power to the club
head. Golf club shafts are available in various types of materials
and structures. Steel shafts are stronger, last longer, more
durable and generally less expensive than graphite or carbon fiber
shafts, and are usually made from carbon steel, although stainless
steel is sometimes used. The steel shafts are available in stepped
or rifle designs. The graphite shafts are more expensive and less
durable; however, the lighter weight creates greater swing speed
for more power. Also available are multi-material and titanium
shafts.
[0004] When installing a shaft, the proper length must be
accurately determined. The length can be as important to a golf
shaft as is the flex or torque. Most measurements of the correct
shaft length for the player involve a determination of a particular
player's height and distance of his hands to the floor. Shaft
length will impact whereon the clubface the ball will be
consistently struck, and often, an incorrect shaft length is the
main cause of a golfer to alter his natural swing arc in order to
make optimum impact. According to most research, if ball impact is
but one inch off-center this can equate to a 14% loss of carry
distance, so it is vitally important that the length of the club be
accurately fitted for each particular player.
[0005] If it is seen in the fitting process that a player needs to
adjust his club length, such as adding or removing a half inch,
inch or two inches to the length of the club, it would be highly
desirable to lengthen his present club(s) rather buy and install
new shafts. Typical driver shaft lengths are from 43 to 47
inches.
[0006] Prior art shafts having adjustable lengths have been used
for many years for a wide variety of applications. Each of these
applications has its own functional and aesthetic requirements for
the shaft construction which is employed. As a consequence, a
number of different mechanisms and devices have been developed to
satisfy the particular application requirements. A majority of golf
club shaft extension patents are directed to use mainly as putters,
or to extending shafts of an existing set of clubs to accommodate
growing children. While the teachings of the present invention may
be adapted to these types of applications, the focus is rather to
make a club adjustment that is rigid, secure, and easily fastened.
Additionally, the ability to adjust the shaft length without the
need for a custom grip or a custom made shaft is desirable along
with the device being hidden within the shaft and grip such that it
is not distracting to the player.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides for an extension device for
use on the butt-end of a golf club shaft. The device consists of
three basic parts: an upper part; a lower part; and a connecting
device. The bottom part is secured into the tubular opening in the
top of the club shaft. A connecting device is provided within the
upper part and extending from a second end of the upper part, a
distal portion of the connecting device is threadably connected to
the lower part. The connecting device is engageable to adjust the
position of the lower part relative to the upper part.
[0008] In another embodiment, an extension device is provided for
use on a butt-end of a golf club shaft. The extension device
comprises a grip secured to an upper end of a golf club shaft where
the top end of the grip has a threaded cavity. A plurality of grip
inserts having different lengths is provided. The inserts have
threaded protrusions. The grip insert having the desired length may
be selected, whereby the threaded protrusion of the grip insert
engages the threaded cavity of the grip such that the grip insert
is secured to the grip resulting in a club that has a desired
length.
[0009] The invention can be used to extend or shorten any of the
golf clubs in a set, but preferably is designed for use with a
driver.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following drawings, description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following description of the
invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a
part of the specification, further serve to explain the principles
of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent
art to make and use the invention.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf club grip, shaft and
shaft extension device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention and showing all of the assembled internal
parts;
[0013] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an end of the golf club
grip according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective three-dimensional cross-sectional
view of the grip, shaft and shaft extension device according to the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the grip, shaft and the
shaft extension device according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 4 is perspective view of a portion of the grip, shaft
and the shaft extension device showing all of the assembled parts
according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is perspective view of the upper part and lower part
of the shaft extension device according to the embodiment of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a grip according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 6A is a plan view of a grip insert according to the
embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0020] FIG. 6B is a plan view of another grip insert according to
the embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0021] FIG. 6C is a plan view of another grip insert according to
the embodiment of FIG. 6;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a grip according to the embodiment
of FIGS. 6 and 6A;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a grip according to the embodiment
of FIGS. 6 and 6B; and
[0024] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a grip according to the embodiment
of FIGS. 6 and 6C.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The following detailed description is of the best currently
contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. The description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention,
since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
[0026] Various inventive features are described below that can each
be used independently of one another or in combination with other
features. However, any single inventive feature may not address any
or all of the problems discussed above or may only address one of
the problems discussed above. Further, one or more of the problems
discussed above may not be fully addressed by any of the features
described below.
[0027] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a golf club shaft
100 and grip 102 having an extension device 104 provided on a golf
club head (not shown) according to the present invention. The
extension device 104 allows the shaft to be telescopically inserted
further under the grip 102 to shorten the overall length of the
golf club by shortening the length of exposed shaft 100 extending
from the grip 102. It will be appreciated that the extension device
104 also allows the shaft's 100 length to be lengthened by sliding
the shaft 100 further out from the grip 102 to lengthen the exposed
shaft 100 extending from the grip 102. No special custom grip or
shaft is required to operate or use the extension device 104.
[0028] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the extension device 104 provided
within the grip 102 and shaft 100. The extension device 104 is for
use on a butt-end of the golf club shaft 100 and comprises an upper
part 106 provided in the grip 102 and a lower part 108 provided in
an upper tubular opening 110 of the golf club shaft 100. A
connecting device 112 is provided within the upper part 106 and
extends from a second end 114 of the upper part 106, and has a
distal portion 116 of the connecting device 112 threadably
connected to the lower part 108. The connecting device 112 is
engageable to adjust the position of the lower part 108 relative to
the upper part 106.
[0029] The upper part 106 has a first portion 118 with a first
cavity 120 extending from an opening 122 at a first end 124 and a
second portion 126 with a second cavity 128 that extends along the
length of the upper part 106 from the first cavity 120 through the
second portion 126 to an opening 130 at the second end 114 of the
upper part 106. The first portion 118 has an outer surface 132 that
is connected to an inner surface 134 of the grip 102. Preferably
the outer surface 132 of the upper part 106 is secured within a
second shaft portion 136 provided within the grip 102. This second
shaft portion 136 is then secured to the inner surface 134 of the
grip 102. As will be appreciated, adhesive, glue or other means may
be used to secure the upper part 106 to either the grip 102 or
second shaft portion 136 and the second shaft portion 136 to the
grip 102. The second portion 136 126 of the upper part 106 remains
unconnected to the grip 102, and when a second shaft portion 136 is
provided, the second portion 126 extends beyond the second shaft
portion 136.
[0030] The lower part 108 has an upper cavity 138 extending along
its length that receives the second portion 126 of the upper part
106 and a lower threaded cavity 140 that extends along the length
of the lower part 108 from the upper cavity 138. The lower part 108
is provided within the upper tubular opening 110 of the golf club
shaft 100. Preferably the lower part 108 is secured within the golf
club shaft 100 using adhesive or glue or other suitable means. The
second portion 126 of the upper part 106 is at least partially
slidably inserted into the upper cavity 138 of the lower part
108.
[0031] The connecting device 112 is provided in the first cavity
120 of the first portion 118 of the upper part 106 and extends
through the second cavity 128 of the second portion 126 of the
upper part 106, through the upper cavity 138 of the lower part 108
and into the threaded lower cavity 140 of the lower part 108.
Preferably, the connecting device 112 is a threaded screw 142
having a head 144 and a body 146, the body 146 at least partially
having threads 148 to engage with threads 150 of the threaded lower
cavity 140 of the lower part 108. The head 144 fits within the
cavity 120 of the first portion 118 of the upper part 106 and is
prevented from exiting the upper part 106 by a threaded member 152
that engages threads 154 on sidewalls 156 of the cavity 120 to
prevent movement of the screw 142 out of the upper part 106. A wave
washer, nylon or delrin spacer 158 may be provided between the
threaded member 152 and the head 144 of the screw 142. The threaded
member 152 has an opening 160, such that a tool (not shown) may be
engaged with the head 144 of the screw 142 for turning the screw
142 to engage it with the threads 150 in the threaded lower cavity
140 of the lower part 108.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the second portion 126 of
upper part 106 preferably includes at least one protrusion 162
provided along its length. This protrusion 162 is matingly received
by a reciprocal slot 164 provided on an inner surface 166 of the
upper cavity 138 of the lower part 108. The engagement of the
protrusion 162 in the slot 164 prevents rotation between the upper
part 106 and the lower part 108. It will be understood that more
than one set of mating protrusions 162 and slots 164 may be
provided on the extension device 104.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, by tightening or loosening
the screw 142, the distance between a first end 168 of the lower
part 108 and the second end 170 of the first portion 118 of the
upper part 106 may be adjusted. Engaging the screw 142 further into
the threaded cavity 140 of the lower part 108 will slide the shaft
100 and lower part 108 further under the grip 102 to shorten the
overall golf club shaft 100 length. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
second portion 126 of the upper part 106 has a distance L1 and the
upper cavity 138 of the lower part 108 has a length L2, preferably
L1 and L2 are substantially the same, such that substantially the
whole of the second portion 126 of the upper part 106 may be fit
within the upper cavity 128 138 of the lower part 108. By moving
the lower part 108 slidably over the upper part 106 the distance D1
between the lower end 170 of the first portion 118 of the upper
part 106 and first end 168 of the lower portion 108 may be
shortened or lengthened. Preferably, the distance D1 may be from 0
to 5 inches, more preferably it may be adjusted from 0 to 3 inches,
still more preferably from 0 to 2 inches and most preferably from 0
to 1 inch. It will be appreciated that the distance may be
adjustable in increments or continuously adjustable.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the upper end 106 of the grip
102 may have an opening 172, such that a tool, such as a screw
driver, may be used to engage with the screw head 146 to turn the
screw 142 in the desired direction to either move the lower part
108, and thus the shaft 100, further under or out of a lower end
174 of the grip 102. This allows the length of the shaft 100 to be
adjusted without having to modify the grip 102. This allows for
easy adjustment of shaft 100 length without having to change the
grip 102 or use a specialized grip to adjust for a change of
length. As shown in FIG. 1A, the opening 172 in the upper end of
the grip 102 may include a cap 176 to cover the opening 172 when
adjustment of the club length is not needed. It will be appreciated
that a traditional grip may use the desired cap 176. It will be
appreciated that the present shaft extension device 104 may be used
on any type of club, including drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons,
wedges and putters.
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates another shaft extension device 216 design
for lengthening or shortening a golf club. In this embodiment, a
shaft 200 is engaged with a grip 202 in a traditional manner. The
grip 202 features a cavity 204 at an upper end 206. Preferably, the
cavity 204 features threaded sidewalls 208. A plurality of grip
extenders or inserts 210, 212, 214 may be provided for attachment
to the upper end 206 of the grip 202. For example, as shown in
FIGS. 6A through 6C, three different sized grip inserts 210, 212
and 214 are provided. The first grip insert 210 has a length L2,
the second grip insert 212 has a length L3 and the third grip
insert 214 has a length L4. The grip 202 has a length L1. A grip
insert 210, 212 and 214 may be selected to be attached to the grip
202 to provide a desired length golf club. For example, as shown in
FIG. 7, the length L1 of the grip 202 with the grip insert 210
having a length L2 may together form a desired length club. As
illustrated in FIG. 8, the length L1 of the grip 202 with the grip
insert 212 having a length L3 may together form a shorter length
club. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the length L1 of the grip
202 with the grip insert 214 having a length L4 may together form a
longer length club. It will be appreciated that more than three
shaft grip inserts 210, 212 and 214 may be provided to modify the
overall length of the club. It will be appreciated that the lengths
L1, L2, L3 and L4 may be any desired lengths. In a preferred
embodiment, the length L2 brings the club to a standard length
club, while the length L3 shortens the club length by 0.5 to 2
inches and the length L4 lengthens the club length by 0.5 to 2
inches. Most preferably, the grip insert 212 with a length L3
shortens the club length by 0.5 inches, while the grip insert 214
with a length L4 lengthens the club by 0.5 inches. It will be
appreciated that the present grip extension device 216 may be used
on any type of clubs, including drivers, fairways, hybrids, irons,
wedges and putters.
[0036] It will be appreciated that any means of attachment may be
used to secure the grip inserts 210, 212 and 214 to the upper end
206 of the grip 202. In a preferred embodiment, the cavity 204 in
the grip 202 features threaded sidewalls 218 and the grip inserts
210, 212 and 214 have extensions 220 with reciprocating threads 222
that engage with the sidewall threads 218 to removably secure the
grip insert 210, 212 and 214 to the grip 202. Alternatively, the
grip inserts 210, 212 and 214 and grip cavity 204 may feature a
snap-fit feature or other mechanism to secure the grip inserts 210,
212 and 214 to the grip 202. It will be appreciated that a change
in swing weight with the different grip inserts 210, 212 and 214
may be accounted for by having the grip inserts 210, 212 and 214 be
different weights by using different materials of different
densities or by the construction of the grip inserts 210, 212 and
214 by making them hollow or filled. Additionally, the grip inserts
210, 212 and 214 may accommodate different weight mechanisms so
that the grip inserts 210, 212 and 214 may additionally add or
remove weight from the grip 202. Generally the mass of the inserts
may alter the weight of the grip by 1 to 60 grams, preferably
between 5 and 40 grams. Additionally or alternatively, the club
head itself may be designed such that it has adjustable
weights.
[0037] Unless otherwise expressly specified, all of the numerical
ranges, amounts, values and percentages may be read as if prefaced
by the word "about" even though the term "about" may not expressly
appear in the value, amount, or range. Accordingly, unless
indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in
the following specification and attached claims are approximations
that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be
obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an
attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to
the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least
be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits
and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
[0038] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters
setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations,
the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are
reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however,
inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the
standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Furthermore, when numerical ranges of varying scope are set forth
herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values
inclusive of the recited values may be used.
[0039] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing
relates to exemplary embodiments of the present invention and that
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *