U.S. patent number RE38,983 [Application Number 09/545,111] was granted by the patent office on 2006-02-14 for golf club shaft and insert therefor.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Adams Golf IP, LP. Invention is credited to Anthony J. Antonious.
United States Patent |
RE38,983 |
Antonious |
February 14, 2006 |
Golf club shaft and insert therefor
Abstract
Golf clubs, golf shafts, and inserts for golf club shafts have a
coil or coil-type insert for enhancing swing weight control,
stiffness and flex control, shock absorption and vibration
elimination or reduction. The insert has a central section and a
pair of couplers integrally formed on opposite ends of the central
section to attach to the shaft or club head.
Inventors: |
Antonious; Anthony J.
(Sarasota, FL) |
Assignee: |
Adams Golf IP, LP (Plano,
TX)
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Family
ID: |
23934963 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/545,111 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
08487247 |
Jun 13, 1995 |
05735752 |
Apr 7, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/317;
473/318 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B
60/54 (20151001); A63B 60/10 (20151001); A63B
60/0081 (20200801); A63B 60/08 (20151001); A63B
60/06 (20151001); A63B 53/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A63B
53/12 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;473/316,317,318,319,320,321,322,323,305,307,314,219,223,310,232,226,457 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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532592 |
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Nov 1956 |
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CA |
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22968 |
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1903 |
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GB |
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1819 |
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1915 |
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GB |
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451584 |
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Aug 1936 |
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GB |
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452584 |
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Aug 1936 |
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GB |
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471020 |
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Nov 1956 |
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GB |
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Primary Examiner: Passaniti; Sebastiano
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Welsh & Flaxman
Claims
I claim:
1. A golf club shaft comprising: at least one tubular section; and
a unitary insert attached to said at least one tubular section for
regulating the flex point of said shaft, said insert being shorter
than said tubular section and having a central section and a pair
of couplers integrally formed on opposite ends of said central
section, at least one of said couplers being attached to an end of
said tubular section of the shaft and the central section extending
axially outwardly away from the end of said tubular section, said
insert being at least as rigid as said tubular section.
2. The shaft of claim 1 being further defined by two tubular
sections, a first lower tubular section forming a tip end of said
shaft for attachment to the golf club head and an upper tubular
section forming a butt end for attachment of a grip; wherein one of
said couplers is attached to said lower section and the other said
couplers is attached to said upper section.
3. The shaft of claim 2 wherein said couplers are female
connectors.
4. The shaft of claim 3 wherein said couplers are male shank
connectors.
5. The shaft of claim 3 wherein said couplers include one male
shank connector and one female connector.
6. The shaft of claim 2 wherein a grip is attached to said upper
section and said insert is located within 5 inches of said
grip.
7. The shaft of claim 6 wherein a grip is attached to said upper
section and said insert is located within 2 inches of said
grip.
8. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said central coil is formed in a
series of annular rings.
9. The shaft of claim 1 wherein one of said couplers is connectable
directly to the golf club head.
10. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said central section of the insert
includes a plurality of helically shaped coils.
11. The shaft of claim 10 wherein said plurality of coils are
surface coils formed on the surface of said central section.
12. The shaft of claim 10 wherein said plurality of coils are
formed by a continuous elongated member, forming a spring-like
element.
13. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert is made from
titanium.
14. The shaft of claim 13 wherein said central section includes a
plurality of helically shaped coils.
15. The shaft of claim 14 wherein said central section includes no
more than 5 coils.
16. The shaft of claim 15 wherein said insert includes a hollow
central bore extending along its length.
17. The shaft of claim 16 wherein said central section is no more
than 1.00 inches long and said couplers are no more than 1.5 inches
long.
18. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert includes a means for
absorbing shock and cushioning vibration when a shot is
executed.
19. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert includes a means for
controlled turning about its axis in response to the torque
developed by the club as it is swung.
20. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert includes a means for
absorbing shock and cushioning vibration when a shot is executed,
and for controlling turning about its axis in response to the
torque developed by the shaft as it is swung.
21. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert includes physical
alterations that allow the insert to twist or turn slightly about
its axis when the club head is swung.
22. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert is more rigid than
said tubular section of the shaft.
23. The shaft of claim 1 wherein said insert includes physical
alterations in its configuration which allow the insert to absorb
shock and cushion vibration when a shot is executed.
24. The shaft of claim 23 wherein said physical alterations include
a hollow, central bore throughout the length of said insert.
25. The shaft of claim 23 wherein said physical configurations
comprise a coil structure formed on the surface of at least a
portion of said insert.
26. The golf club shaft of claim 25 wherein said insert is more
rigid than said tubular section of the shaft.
27. The shaft of claim 25 wherein said coils are in the form of an
arcuate bead formed on the surface of at least the central portion
of said insert.
28. A golf club shaft comprising: at least one tubular section; and
a unitary insert attached to said at least one tubular section for
regulating the flex point of said shaft; said insert being shorter
than said tubular section and having a central section and a pair
of couplers integrally formed on opposite ends of said central
section, at least one of said couplers being attached to an end of
said tubular section of the shaft and the central section extending
axially outwardly away from the end of said tubular section, said
insert including physical alterations that allow the insert to
twist or turn slightly about its axis when the club head is
swung.
29. The golf club of claim 28 wherein said insert is attached to
the club head at one end and to the shaft at the other end.
30. A golf club comprising: a golf club head; a shaft having upper
and lower tubular sections, one tubular section connected to the
golf club head and the other tubular section connected to a grip;
and means for regulating the swing weight, flex point, and
stiffness of the club, said means including a unitary insert having
a central section and a pair of couplers integrally formed on
opposite ends of said central section, one coupler attached to the
upper tubular section of the shaft and the other coupler attached
to the lower tubular section of the shaft, said insert being at
least as rigid as said tubular sections.
31. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert includes a means
for controlling turning about its axis in response to the torque
developed by the club as it is swung.
32. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is located within
3 inches of the club head.
33. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is located in the
upper half of the shaft.
34. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is located in the
upper third of the shaft.
35. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is located
adjacent the grip of said clubs.
36. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said central section of said
insert includes a plurality of coils.
37. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is configured to
absorb shock.
38. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert has physical
alterations along at least a portion of its surface, said
alterations suppressing vibration along the shaft.
39. The golf club of claim 38 wherein said insert includes a bore
throughout its length to enhance the vibration-suppression of the
insert.
40. The golf club of claim 39 wherein said insert is more rigid
than the shaft.
41. The golf club of claim 30 wherein said insert is shorter than
said tubular section and the central section of said insert extends
outwardly away from opposite ends of said tubular sections.
.Iadd.42. A golf club shaft having a distal end and butt end,
comprising: a tubular section including a first end located at the
butt end of the golf club shaft and a second end positioned
slightly short of the distal end of the golf club shaft; an unitary
insert secured to the second end of the tubular section, the insert
being shorter than the tubular section, the insert extends from the
second end of the tubular section to the distal end of the golf
club shaft and includes a tubular first end securely coupled to the
second end of the first member and a tubular second end shaped and
dimensioned for secure attachment within a hosel of a golf club
head; the insert being formed from a vibration absorbing material
which absorbs undesirable vibrations resulting from an individual
striking a golf ball. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The golf club shaft according to claim 42, wherein the
tubular section is made from a material chosen from the group
consisting of steel, graphite and fiberglass. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The golf club shaft according to claim 42, wherein the
insert is made from a lexan or fiberglass composite. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The golf club shaft according to claim 42, wherein the
insert is made from titanium. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The golf club shaft according to claim 42, wherein the
insert includes a central section and a pair of couplers formed on
opposite ends of the central section, the central section being
approximately 0.5 inch in length. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. A golf club shaft having a distal end and butt end,
comprising: a tubular section including a first end located at the
butt end of the golf club shaft and a second end positioned
slightly short of the distal end of the golf club shaft; a unitary
semi-rigid insert secured to the second end of the tubular section,
the insert being shorter than the tubular section, the insert
extends from the second end of the tubular section to the distal
end of the golf club shaft and includes a tubular first end
securely coupled to the second end of the first member and a
tubular second end shaped and dimensioned for secure attachment
within a hosel of a golf club head; the insert being formed from a
material controlling the stiffness at the distal end of the golf
club shaft upon striking a golf ball to thereby stabilize a golf
club head secured to the distal end of the golf club shaft.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The golf club shaft according to claim 47, wherein the
tubular section is made from a material chosen from the group
consisting of steel, graphite and fiberglass. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The golf club shaft according to claim 47, wherein the
insert is made from a lexan or fiberglass composite. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. The golf club shaft according to claim 47, wherein the
insert is made from titanium. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The golf club shaft according to claim 47, wherein the
insert includes a central section and a pair of couplers formed on
opposite ends of the central section, the central section being
approximately 0.5 inch in length. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to golf clubs, golf shafts, and
inserts for golf club shafts, and, in particular, to an improved
golf club shaft having a coil or coil-type insert for enhanced
swing weight control, stiffness and flex control, shock absorption,
vibration elimination or reduction, and other club
improvements.
Conventional golf club shafts are made of steel, metal alloys, or
composite materials. Shafts have a tapered shape starting from the
smaller tip end to the larger butt end and are normally formed with
a continuous variable dimensional difference along the entire
length of the shaft.
When a golfer hits a shot, the shaft is subjected to a number of
complex forces during the swing, at impact, and during the follow
through. Generally, conventional shafts have limited control over
the swing weight of the club or the control of the torsion applied
to the shaft during the swing. Similarly, conventional shafts do
not control or adequately eliminate shock and vibration that
transfer through the shaft to the golfer's hands, particularly at
impact. Furthermore, conventional shafts have limited means to
properly control the stiffness and the flexing of the shaft during
the swing and therefore do not provide optimum shot control, power
transfer, and accuracy.
It is known that the stiffness and/or flexibility of the shaft as
well as the flex points thereon can be varied to at least some
degree to better fit the shaft to the physical parameters and swing
characteristics of a particular golfer. However, the physical
characteristics of conventional shafts and the costs associated
with producing a properly "fitted" shaft obviously limits the
degree to which a particular golfer can obtain or afford the best
possible shaft for his or her swing.
There are a number of prior art patents dealing with shaft
flexibility and variations in flex point. Some prior art patents of
interest relating to golf shafts are shown in Design Pat. No.
236,735 to Bush, U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,652 to Fenton, British Patent
No. 471,020, to TRI-ON, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,299 to Feshe et al.
In the inventor's opinion, these patents and the described
inventions have not satisfied the need for a shaft or the
combination of a shaft and club head which provides the most
optimum characteristics, at an affordable price range for the
majority of golfers worldwide.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a golf
club shaft which performs better at a relatively similar cost to
conventional golf club shafts. Another object of the present
invention is to provide a golf club shaft having a visible coil or
coil-type insert, the combined shaft and insert allowing the
selective location of the flex-point along the length of the shaft
and the selective control of the stiffness of the shaft. Another
object is to provide a shaft insert which can be used to more
precisely alter the swing weight of a club. Yet another object is
to provide a shaft insert which absorbs shock and greatly reduces
or eliminates vibration caused by ground contact or impact with the
ball. Still another object of the present invention is the
provision of a golf club shaft having an insert which controls and
generates torsional forces which combine with centrifugal forces to
increase club head speed as the club head is swung to strike a golf
ball.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain
embodiments of the invention. The objects and advantages of the
invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention
comprises a golf club shaft for a golf club head comprising at
least one tubular section and an insert attached to at least one
tubular section for regulating the flexibility of said shaft, the
insert having a central section and a pair of couplers integrally
formed on opposite ends of the central section, at least one of the
couplers being attached to the shaft.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purposes of the
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention
also comprises a golf club comprising a golf club head, a shaft
interconnected at one end to the golf club head and at the opposite
end to a grip and means for regulating the swing weight and flex
point of club, said means including an insert having a central
section and at least one coupler attached to the shaft.
As explained more thoroughly below, the present invention provides
an improved shaft configuration suitable for all types of clubs
used to play the game of golf. The addition of the visible insert
regulates swing weight and maximizes specific desired flex and
stiffness of the shaft. The improved shaft and insert preferably
also cooperate to absorb shock at impact and control the torquing
and proper uncoiling of the shaft during the shot. These inserts
preferably include a coil or coil-like structure which acts as a
buffer and/or vibrational dampener or suppressor, thereby providing
greater cushioning to reduce or eliminate undesirable vibrations
and shock, especially when off-center ball contact is made or "fat
shots" occur.
Further, the proper application of the insert promotes greater club
head stability at impact because of a quicker recovery capability
of the shaft, facilitating the return of the club face to its
original "square position." The desired flexing and precision
control are accomplished by selecting the materials and physical
characteristics of the insert (such as the proper number of coils,
and the thickness of the coils) and properly locating the insert
along the shaft. The insert of the present invention can also be
varied in mass, size, shape, and location, to optimize the swing
weight, flex point, and stiffness of a set of clubs. By varying
these parameters, the shaft and resultant club may be fitted to
individual golfers or types of golfers of a wide variety of
ability.
The shaft of the present invention includes an upper butt portion,
an intermediate portion, a lower tip or club head portion, and an
intermediate coil insert. The insert is provided with connectors on
opposite ends of the coil. The connectors may be shank-type male or
a receptor-type female in structure. A shank-type insert fits into
the hosel socket of the club head or an adjoining shaft section,
while a receptor-type connector fits over an adjoining shaft
section.
The insert can either be placed in new shafts of new clubs, or can
be added to existing shafts in old sets of clubs, thereby improving
the old set. For example, sets of inserts of the present invention
can be readily produced in standardized sets, to be sold as kits to
alter an old set of clubs into an improved set of clubs having
better performance. For example, the shafts of the old set can be
cut at the desired location of the inserts, a short section of the
shaft approximately equal to the length of the central section of
the insert can be removed, and the insert can then be fixed to the
remaining tip and butt portions of the shaft.
Preliminary tests conducted with iron and metal wood-type golf
clubs using shafts having the coil or coil-type inserts of the
present invention have produced results that were superior in feel,
control, distance, and accuracy over that of conventional clubs
using the same composite material or metal shafts. Golf clubs with
the present invention were easier to swing and control.
The insert of the present invention is preferably formed with
surface or complete coils which serve to control and develop
torsion forces as the golf club is swung. For example, on the back
swing, left to right rotational movement of the club creates a
coiling action within the coil-type insert to create a
torsion-force. On the downswing, the built up torsion-force is
uncoiled in a right to left direction to develop an additional
propulsion force. This additional force increases the club head
speed developed by the centrifugal force of the golf swing,
particularly when the flex point of the shaft is optimumly
regulated by the insert.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and
explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as
claimed.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the
invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golf club using a shaft in
accordance with the present invention with the insert located
adjacent the grip.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shaft and coil insert of FIGS. 1
and 2.
FIG. 4 is an end view of the insert of FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the coil
insert of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is perspective view of a golf club using the shaft of the
present invention with the coil insert of FIG. 6 located adjacent
the club head.
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of the insert of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is an end elevational view taken from the opposite end of
FIG. 8.
FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a golf club using the insert of FIG.
6.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an insert
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the insert of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the insert of FIG. 13.
FIG. 15a is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of an
insert in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a golf club shaft using the insert
of FIG. 13.
FIG. 17 is a view of a golf club using a shaft having an insert
located approximately midway between the grip and club head
end.
FIG. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 19 shows a seventh embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a view of a partial golf club shaft with the coil insert
of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 shows a eighth embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 22 shows a ninth embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 23 shows a tenth embodiment of a golf club shaft insert in
accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of
the invention, and examples which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts. It should be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be
embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein
are not to be interpreted as limited, but merely as the basis for
the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how
to make and/or use the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1-5 of the drawings, a first embodiment of the
invention is illustrated. As shown insert 12 is fixed to a
conventional shaft 10 of a golf club, which in turn is attached at
one end to a golf club head 24 and at the other end to a
conventional grip 26. The shaft 10 itself can be formed of a
variety of materials such as steel, graphite, fiberglass, and
various alloys and composites, as is known in the art. The insert
12 forms a coupling means between an upper grip portion 14 of the
shaft 10 and a lower club head or tip portion 16 of the shaft
10.
The insert 12 can be formed of a variety of materials and in a
variety of shapes and sizes, although certain materials, shapes,
and sizes are preferred, as will be explained below. In all
embodiments, the insert has a central section 18 connected at its
opposite end to couplers 20 and 22. These couplers fit into or over
the shaft 10 or the club head 24, in a manner such that a tight fit
and strong connection can be made between the insert and the shaft
or club head. Preferably, the insert and shaft or club head are
permanently fixed to one another through the use of epoxy or a
similar adhesive, although any acceptable connection technique is
within the scope of the invention. It is also possible that the
insert could be incorporated into an extended hosel of a club head.
The central section of the insert 12 in each preferred embodiment
is positioned either between the club head and the shaft or between
two portions of the shaft, adds to the length of the club, and is
visible when installed on the shaft. The insert preferably has a
boss on a male shank connector and a recessed opening on a female
receptor, against which the shaft abuts thereby ensuring that the
central section of the insert is properly joined and is of the
desired length.
Regardless of the particular size, shape, and mass of the insert,
the addition of the insert to the shaft regulates both the swing
weight and the shaft flex point and stiffness of the resultant golf
club. Thus, the characteristics and location of the insert can be
varied, along with the other conventional elements of the club, to
provide the most optimum flex point and swing weight of a given set
of clubs.
Preferably, the insert 12 is constructed in a manner which allows
the insert to affect the manner in which the shaft and the entire
club responds to torsional forces as the club head is swung and to
shocks and vibrations when the ground or ball is hit. The central
section of the insert preferably includes physical alterations in
its configuration that allow the insert to absorb the shock forces
generated when the ball is hit. An insert with such alterations
acts as a buffer and/or vibrational dampener or suppressor, thereby
reducing or eliminating the transfer of undesirable vibrations and
shocks to a golfer's hands. Inserts made of certain materials may
be sufficiently resilient to act as a buffer and/or vibrational
dampener or suppressor, without physical alteration.
Similarly, the insert preferably includes physical alterations or
configurations that allow the insert to twist or turn slightly
about its axis when the club head is swung. For example, the insert
can include coils or a coil-like configuration providing a feature
to control torsion. Thus, on the back swing, the insert undergoes a
controlled coiling action that in effect produces stored energy in
the insert at or about the top of the swing. On the downswing, the
built up torsion-force in the insert is uncoiled to develop and
impart an additional torsion, propulsion force to the golf ball at
impact. Again, inserts made of certain resilient materials may
provide this feature and function, without the need for physical
alterations to the insert.
The first embodiment of an insert, shown in FIGS. 1-5, includes a
centrally located coil or coil-type section 18 and an upper
coupling member 20 and lower coupling member 22 disposed on either
side of the central section 18. The coupling members 20 and 22 are
integral with the central section of the insert and are structured
to be connected to the upper portion 14 and lower portion 16 of the
shaft 10, respectively. In this embodiment, the connectors 20 and
22 are male shank type connectors which are structured to be
inserted into the shaft opening of the respective upper and lower
portions of the shaft 10. The coil 18 is designed in a helical
configuration formed between the connectors 20 and 22. In this
embodiment a bore 21 extends through the entire length of the
insert.
The insert 12 shown in FIG. 1 can be formed of a variety of metal
and non-metallic materials and can be produced through a variety of
machining or molding techniques. Presently, the preferred
embodiment is an insert made of metal, preferably a steel, and most
preferably a lighter and at least equally strong material, such as
titanium. Titanium inserts are presently most preferred, since such
inserts are significantly lighter than steel and nevertheless have
the necessary strength and semi-rigidity required.
As an example, an insert of the type shown in FIG. 1 can be
produced from a solid cylinder of titanium. The cylinder is
machined to include a plurality of helically wound partial surface
coils in the central section of the insert and two male shank
couplers having a lesser outside diameter than that of the central
section. The coils are in the form of a continuous arcuate bead
formed on the surface of the central section, which still has a
common, inner cylindrical wall along its length. The insert
preferably is further machined to include a bore 21 throughout its
length, thereby enhancing the coil-like characteristics of the
central section while also reducing the total mass of the insert.
As a result, the central section absorbs shocks and also will turn
slightly about its axis when subjected to torsion.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5 the helical surface coils are
not cut through the entire cross section of the insert. The
invention also contemplates, however, inserts in which the coils
are made from a continuous, elongated member, so that the coils are
separated from one another and form an actual helical spring. Such
an embodiment is shown, by means of example only, in FIGS. 19 and
20. In that embodiment, the coils are actually spaced from one
another. However, the invention also contemplates the use of a
spring like insert in which the respective adjacent coils are in a
touching relationship with each other.
As an example of a titanium insert made according to the first
embodiment of the present invention, the insert has a plurality of
partial surface coils, preferably at least four, having an outside
diameter at the central section of 0.530 to 0.660 inches, a
thickness (from inside diameter of the central section to outside
diameter of surface coil) of 0.125 to 0.170, and a coil spacing of
8 coils per inch. The coils in this embodiment have a width of
approximately 0.100 to 0.125. The central section 18 preferably has
a length of at least one-half inch, and the couplers 20 and 22 have
a length of one to one and one half inches. The male-type shank
couplers at the ends of the insert having outside diameters
generally within the range of 0.370 to 0.435 inches, one coupler
being slightly larger than the other. Preferably the couplers are
frustroconical in shape to match the taper of the shaft into which
the are inserted. For irons, the male shanks have a length of 1.250
inches and an outside diameter of 0.370 inches. For woods, the male
shanks have a length of 1.250 inches and an outside diameter in the
range of 0.408 to 0.435 inches. The insert preferably has a bore 24
throughout its length, preferably so that the thickness of the
couplers (inside diameter to outside diameter) is approximately
0.150 to 0.170 inches. The resultant insert has a weight of 15 to
30 grams. The resultant insert can absorb shock and turn slightly
relative to torque forces, and yet is sufficiently strong and
semi-rigid to alter the flex point and stiffness of the shaft and
allow improved club head control throughout the swing of the
club.
The insert of the present invention contemplates a number of
alternate materials and configurations that can provide the desired
objects of the invention and meet the elements and features
presented in the claims. For example, it is believed that a wide
variety of sizes and shapes of inserts, including a relatively
simple cylindrical central section, will provide the features of
the invention regarding the regulation of the desired flex point
and swing weight of a golf club. It is believed that more complex
designing is necessary to achieve the preferred combined features
of swing weight regulation, shock cushioning, torsion control, and
flex and stiffness regulation. By means of example, the central
section 18 can be machined to include a plurality of spaced coils
or bands, rather than a helical configuration. Such an insert can
be either machined or molded. It is further possible that an insert
can be formed of special materials that provide the desired
absorption and torsion characteristics through a cylindrical
central section, with or without a bore. The invention thus
includes all inserts that produce the claimed features provided by
the specific embodiments and illustrations disclosed herein, as
well as variations readily understood by the application of the
principles of the invention disclosed herein.
As shown, the insert 12 in FIGS. 1-5 is located directly below the
grip of the golf club. At this location, the insert adds mass to
the total club, but tends to reduce, rather than increase, the
swing weight of the club. As a result, the club feels lighter and
is easier to swing and control. In this embodiment, it is believed
that the flex point of a given shaft is moved slightly downward, as
long as the insert is as rigid or more rigid than the shaft, which
is preferred. The insert's location and the type of shaft can
therefore be altered to produce the most optimum characteristics in
flex point, stiffness, and club control. It is believed that the
added feature of torque control will be essentially the same,
regardless of where the insert is located along the shaft. It is
believed that the shock absorbing characteristics of the invention
will be more effective when the insert is located closer to the
club head. These and all aspects of the invention are the subject
of further embodiments and testing, with the result that the
description of the specific characteristics of the invention
represent the applicant's best present understandings, based upon
testing to date. Those tests have shown that golf clubs with the
insert of the present invention provide repeatable benefits in
feel, control, and performance over conventionally shafted
clubs.
FIGS. 6-11 show a golf club shaft 100 including a second embodiment
of an insert 112. The insert 112 includes a coil 118, an upper
female connector 120, and a lower male shank connector 122. As
shown in FIG. 7, the insert 112 is positioned directly adjacent the
hosel of a club head 124. The insert is preferably machined from
titanium, in the manner previously taught, with the exception that
the female connector has an outside diameter of approximately 0.360
and an inside bore of approximately 0.330. The diameter of the
female connector will obviously vary to match the diameter, the
shaft to which it will be connected. This embodiment has proven to
provide excellent shock absorption characteristics, particularly
for irons. While the placement of the insert at or near the club
head adds to the swing weight of a given club, it also places more
mass close to the ball, for greater force for a given acceleration
at impact.
The present preferred placement of the insert for wood-type club
heads is in the upper half of the shaft, more preferably the upper
third of the shaft, and most preferably proximate (within three
inches of) the bottom of the grip of a club. This placement also
will work well with irons, but the inclusion of inserts at or near
the club head is believed to be best for irons, particularly for a
golfer having the ability to use and control clubs of a greater
swing weight. For golfer having less control, the preferable
position of the insert for irons will be in the upper half of the
shaft.
FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of an insert 212 including a
centrally disposed coil 218, an lower male shank connector 22 and
upper female connector 220.
FIGS. 13-17 show a fifth embodiment of a golf club shaft 300
including an insert 312 having a coil 318 and an upper female
connector 320 and lower female connector 322. The embodiment of
FIG. 15a is similar to that of FIG. 15 except that the centrally
disposed coil 319 increases in diameter from each of the female
connectors to a maximum at the center of coil 324. This embodiment
provides an additional manner to vary the stiffness and flexibility
of the shaft.
In each of these embodiments, the outside diameter of the central
section can be larger for a given shaft size, since the female
connector fits over the shaft. For example, as seen in FIGS. 16 and
17, an upper portion 314 of the shaft 300 fits into female
connector 320, whereas a lower portion 316 of the shaft 300 fits
into connector 322. In those figures, the insert 312 is placed
approximately midway between the grip G and club head 324
positioning the flex point of the shaft 300 at this point.
FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention
wherein a shaft insert 412 includes a solid central section 418.
Such insert can be made of a variety of materials and can be either
a one-piece construction or a multi-piece construction. For
example, an insert having this configuration and made of a
relatively rigid material such as steel or titanium would produce
the swing weight and flex control features of the invention but
would likely not absorb shock or control or generate torsion
forces. On the other hand, an insert having this configuration but
made in whole or in part from a material having certain resilient
qualities, could possibly provide each of these four features and
still provide the necessary strength, semi-rigidity, and control.
For example, this embodiment may be made from a Lexan or fiberglass
composite.
FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate another embodiment of the invention
wherein a shaft insert 512 is formed by a stiff, coil spring with a
male shank at each end of the stiff spring for connection to a
shaft. Such an embodiment is particularly well suited to provide
the shock absorption and torque control aspects of the
invention.
FIG. 21 illustrates another embodiment of an insert 612 including a
centrally disposed coil 618, a lower male shank connector 622 and
upper female connector 620. This embodiment is similar in shape and
construction to the titanium insert previously described, except
that only four (4) coils are included in the central section. It
has been found that such an insert provides the torsion control and
absorption features of the invention and yet is particularly light
in weight. Insert 612 may also include a boss 624 on the male shank
side of insert 612. Although the other embodiments shown do not
depict a boss, they may also include such a boss as shown in FIG.
21.
FIG. 22 shows a ninth embodiment .[.of .]. according to the present
invention. Insert 712 is similar to the embodiment of the insert
shown in FIG. 21, except that insert 712 has an upper female
connector 720 and lower female connector 722. Both inserts are
similar to the insert illustrated in FIGS. 5, 10, and 13, but
include only 4 coils.
FIG. 23 shows a tenth embodiment of an insert according to the
present invention. Insert 812 has a wide, single coil 816, a lower
male shank connector 822 and upper female connector 820 as shown
for the insert FIG. 21.
It will be appreciated that any combination of male shank and
female connectors may be used with a shaft in accordance with the
present invention depending upon a variety of parameters including
shaft material and the strengths thereof as well as the desired
location of the insert.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the golf club shaft of
the present invention and in construction of this golf club shaft
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.
* * * * *