Patent Grant
10022597
The present application generally relates to golf clubs, and more particularly, to adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs.
Golf clubs may be fitted to an individual based on the type of golf club, the individual's physical characteristics and/or the individual's play style. For example, an individual may wish to play with a regular putter, a long putter or a belly putter. Depending on the individual's physical characteristics and play style, an appropriate fixed length for the putter may be determined to provide optimum performance for the individual. Accordingly, a putter may be selected by an individual in the appropriate fixed length.
Referring to
The first shaft 112 may be hollow and have a portion with a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of a portion of the second shaft 124 to moveably accommodate the second shaft 124 therein. Alternatively, the second shaft 124 may be hollow and have a portion with a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of a portion of the first shaft 112 to moveably accommodate the first shaft 112 therein. As shown in the example of
Referring to
L≈L1+L2LH−LI
Where L1 denotes the first length 118, L2 denotes the second length 130, LH is the length of the club head 120 including the hosel 122, and LI is the length of the first shaft 112 that is inserted into the second shaft 124. LI can be defined as:
LImax≥LI≥LImin
Where LImax is the largest portion of the first shaft 112 that can be inserted into the second shaft 124, and is the smallest portion of the first shaft 112 that can be inserted into the second shaft 124. Thus, LImax may correspond to the shortest total length of the entire golf club 100, 102 or 104, and LImin may correspond to the longest total length of the entire golf club 100, 102 or 104.
According to one example shown in
According to another example shown in
According to another example shown in
Referring to
The first shaft 112 may include markings (not shown) to visually assist the player during the length adjustment process. For example, the first shaft 112 may include lines, dots, tick marks or the like that are equally spaced apart along the length of the first shaft 112. Some or all of the lines may include numbers that represent actual distance from the line to the second shaft 124 or represent the overall length of the golf club 100, the golf club 102 and/or the golf club 104.
Because the inner surfaces of the second shaft 124 rub against the outer surfaces of the first shaft 112 during the above-described length adjustment, the outer surface of the first shaft 112 may be cosmetically damaged. The second shaft 124 may include a bushing or other type of reduced-friction pad (not shown) along the inner surface of the end portion 138 to prevent cosmetic damage to the outer surface of the first shaft 112. The bushing may also facilitate smoother and easier sliding of the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124 during a length adjustment. For example, the bushing may be manufactured from a low friction material such as Teflon® to facilitate a more effortless sliding motion between the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 during adjustment of the putter length. However, any material can be used for the bushing. Alternatively, the outer surface of the second shaft 124 may have a rough or blasted finish so as to hide any cosmetic damages that may be caused by the sliding motion between the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124. In one example, to reduce or prevent abrasion and cosmetic damage, the material from which at least a portion of the first shaft 112 that is in contact with the second shaft 124 is constructed may have a different hardness than the material from which at least a portion of the second shaft 124 that is in contact with the first shaft 112 is constructed. For example, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from a metal and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from graphite. Accordingly, slidable movement of the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may not cosmetically damage the first shaft 112 and/or the second shaft 124.
Any of the golf clubs 100, 102 or 104 may include a locking mechanism to prevent movement between the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 or to fix the length of the golf club 100 after the length is adjusted by an individual. In the following, several locking mechanism examples are described with respect to the golf club 100. However, the disclosed locking mechanisms are similarly applicable to golf clubs 102 and/or 104. Furthermore, a locking mechanism according to the disclosure is not limited to the following examples. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Referring to
Moving the flanges 206 and 208 toward each other shrinks the gap 210, thereby compressing the collar 202 to reduce the inner diameter of the collar 202. To compress the collar 202, the bolt 216 may be tightened, which causes the shaft 217 of the bolt 216 to advance through the threaded aperture 214, thereby causing the flanges 206 and 208 to move toward each other. Compressing the collar 202 causes the leaves 142 to press against the first shaft 112 (i.e., moves the leaves 142 toward the center axis 144) to frictionally lock the first shaft 112 to the second shaft 124. The outer diameter 113 and the inner diameter 125 are such that the first shaft 112 slides within the second shaft 124. In other words, the outer surfaces of the first shaft 112 may contact the inner surface of the second shaft 124. Accordingly, tightening of the bolt 216 to frictionally lock the first shaft 112 inside the second shaft 124 may be accomplished rapidly as the bolt 216 may not require a large number of turns to sufficiently compress the collar 202 around the leaves 142. According to the disclosure, frictional lock may be defined as the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 remaining secured to each other during normal operating use of the golf club 100, i.e., playing golf. Accordingly, when the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 are frictionally locked, applying forces on the golf club 100 that fall beyond a range of forces encountered by the golf club 100 during play may cause the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 to slip relative to each other and change the length of the golf club 100.
When the bolt 216 is loosened, the elastic restoring force of the collar 202 biases the collar 202 toward the generally uncompressed configuration of the collar 202 to widen the gap 210. Accordingly, when the bolt 216 is sufficiently loosened, an individual can move the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 relative to each other to adjust the length of the golf club. However, the collar 202 may exert a compressive force on the leaves 142, thereby causing sufficient frictional engagement between the leaves 142 and the first shaft 112 to prevent free movement of the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124. As a result, the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may maintain their relative translational and rotational positions until an individual physically adjusts the length of the golf club 100.
Referring to
Referring to
The collar 302 may be cylindrical, partially tapered and/or fully tapered. Referring to
Referring to
To allow the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 to move relative to each other, i.e., to unlock the locking mechanism 300, an individual can expand the collar 302 to increase the inner diameter 330. Thus, the collar 302 provides a default locking of the first shaft 112 to the second shaft 124 when located at the first and 126 of the second shaft 124 and over the leaves 142. Sufficient expansion of the collar 302 can relieve the compression force on the leaves 142 to allow the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 to move relative to each other to provide adjustability of the length of the golf club 100. To expand the collar 302 from an unexpanded state, a fastener may be used, such as the bolt 216 or the exemplary bolts described in detail below may be used.
Referring to
Referring to
The tool 400 includes two opposing handles 406 and 408 that are connected to the body 402. The handles 406 and 408 allow an individual to grab and hold the tool 400. Furthermore, because the handles 406 and 408 extend outwardly from the body 402, each handle 406 or 408 creates a moment arm to allow the individual to turn the bolt 350 with less effort than the effort required turning the bolt 350 without the tool 400. Each handle may include a recess 410 (shown in
The bolt 350 and the tool 400 represent an exemplary embodiment of a bolt and a tool. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. For example, a bolt similar to the bolt 216 of
Assembling the locking mechanism 300 with the collar 302 will now be described. To assemble the first shaft 112, the second shaft 124 and the locking mechanism 300, the collar 302 may be placed over the first shaft 112. The second end 116 of the first shaft 112 is then inserted into the second shaft 124 as shown in
To adjust the length of the golf club 100 by moving the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124, the collar 302 may be expanded. As described above, the bolt 350 is placed in the bore 312 as shown in
The first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 are frictionally locked by default with the locking mechanism 300 since the collar 302 is biased toward an unexpanded position unless expanded with the bolt 350 and the tool 400. Thus, the golf club 100 remains in the locked position by default with the locking mechanism 300. The use of a tool may not be required to adjust the length of the golf club 100. For example, the collar 302 may include a quick-release mechanism, which may be a mechanism by which the collar 302 is quickly moved to the expanded configuration to adjust the length of the golf club 100. A quick-release mechanism is only one example of a tool-less locking mechanisms and the use of other tool-less locking mechanisms are possible. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Assembling the collar 500 with a golf club, such as the golf club 100 and operating the locking mechanism 300 with the collar 500, the bolt 450 and the tool 600 is similar to assembly and operation of the locking mechanism 300 with the collar 302. Operation of the collar 500 with the bolt 450 is similar in certain respects to the operation of the collar 302 with the bolt 350. Accordingly, similar assembly procedures and operations are not repeated herein for brevity. The bolt 450 may be advanced into the bore 502 such that the tip portion 452 contacts and pushes the second inner surface 308 to expand the collar 500. As the first shaft 454 is inserted into the first bore section 504 and screwed therein, the second shaft 455 is also advanced toward or into the second bore section 506. The first shaft 454 may be advanced into the first bore section 504 until the annular shoulder 457 of the bolt 450 engages the annular ledge 508 of the collar 500. Accordingly, the first shaft 454 is prevented from further insertion into the first bore section 504. Therefore, damage to the threads in the first bore section 504 may be prevented, over insertion of the first shaft 454 into the first bore section 504 may be prevented, and/or the depth of insertion of the first shaft 454 into the first bore section 504 may be controlled. Controlling the depth of insertion of the first shaft 454 into the first bore section 504 may also provide control of the amount by which the collar 500 is expanded due to contact between the tip portion 452 and the second inner surface 308.
Referring to
Assembling the locking mechanism 300 with the collar 700 will now be described. To assemble the first shaft 112, the second shaft 124, and the locking mechanism 300, the collar 700 is placed over the first shaft 112. The second end 116 of the first shaft 112 is then inserted into the second shaft 124 as shown in
Referring to
The golf club 100 and the tool 750 may be provided as a package or a kit. The tool 750 may have features that provide easier unlocking and locking operation of the locking mechanism. For example, the tool 750 may have springs or the like between the handles and/or the first jaw 758 and the second jaw 760 to assist in operating the tool 750. The tool 750 may have a locking/release mechanism between the handles, between the jaws and/or at the fulcrum to allow the position of the jaws and/or the handles to be locked/released in any preferred position of the handles and/or the jaws. The tool 750 may be configured so that it operates in an opposite manner to the operation described above. For example, moving the handles toward each other may cause the jaws to move toward each other, and moving the handles away from each other may cause the jaws to move apart. The tool may have a configuration that is very dissimilar to the tool 750 described above. Therefore, the tools described herein represent only examples and any tool that can engage the first bore 712 and the second bore 714 to operate the locking mechanism 300 can be used.
Referring to
The locking of the collar upon reaching a certain collar compression level, a certain level of reduction in the gap 810, or a certain level of reduction in the collar inner diameter 820 may be achieved by any type of fastening, latching and/or locking mechanism that may be self-engaging or engaged by the individual who is adjusting the length of the golf club 100. An example of such a fastening, latching and/or locking mechanism is described below. However, any type of fastening, latching and/or locking mechanism that is separate from the collar 800 or integrally formed on the collar 800 can be used to provide the locking functionality described herein and illustrated in
The fastening mechanism 904 includes a rivet 911, which is configured to be received in the bores 906 and 908. The fastening mechanism 900 may also include a tool (not shown) for locking and unlocking the collar 902. The rivet 911 includes a head 912, a shaft 914 and a tip portion 916. At least a portion of the head 912 has a diameter that is greater than the inner diameters of the bores 906 and 908. Accordingly, the head 912 may not be entirely inserted into the bores 906 and 908 so as to pass through the bores 906 and 908. The tip portion 916 includes two prongs 920 that are connected to the shaft 914 and extend coaxially with the shaft 914. Each prong 920 has a wedge portion 922. At the location where the wedge portions 922 meet the shaft 914, the width of the tip portion 916 is greater than the inner diameter of the bores 906 and 908. However, the prongs 920 function similar to leaf springs, in that moving the prongs 920 toward each other creates an elastic restoring force in the prongs 920. Accordingly, inserting the prongs 920 into any one of the bores 906 or 908 causes the inclined edges of each wedge portion 922 to engage the bore 906 or 908 to thereby elastically deflect the prongs 920 toward each other. Thus, by pushing the prongs 920 into any one of the bores 906 or 908, the prongs 920 can be inserted in the bore 906 or 908. However, as soon as the prongs 920 pass through the bore 906 or 908, the prongs 920 snap back to prevent the wedge portions 922 from re-entering the same bore. To re-enter the same bore, the prongs 920 have to be compressed so that the wedge portions 922 move toward each other, thereby allowing the prongs 920 to traverse back through the same bore.
To move the collar 902 to the locked position, a tool (not shown) may be used to compress the collar 902 so as to reduce the gap 910. The tool may be a separate tool or a part of the locking mechanism 902. The rivet 911 is then inserted into the bores 906 and 908 from any one of the first bore 906 or the second bore 908. Assuming that the prongs 920 are first inserted into the first bore 906 and then into the second bore 908, as soon as the prongs 920 traverse through the second bore 908 and exit the second bore 908, the prongs 920 snap back from the deflected position. The wedge portions 922 of the prongs 920 engage the outer surfaces of the collar 800 outside the second bore 908 thereby preventing the prongs 920 from re-entering the bore 908. Accordingly, the collar 902 is maintained in a compressed position by the rivet 911, which corresponds to the locked position of the collar 902. To move the collar 902 to the unlocked position, the wedge portions 922 can be deflected toward each other by hand or with another tool (not shown) or the same tool and pushed through the second bore 908. Once the wedge portions 922 enter the second bore 908, the collar 902 is released from the locked position under the collar's elastic restoring force. Accordingly, the collar 902 moves into the unlocked position. If preferred, the rivet 911 can be removed from the bore 906 similar to the removal from the bore 908 as described above. The tool that is used to compress the collar 902 to move the collar 902 into the locked position may also serve the function of unlocking the collar 902. For example, the tool may have a section for deflecting the wedge portions 922 of the rivet 911 toward each other to allow the wedge portions 922 to pass through any of the bores 906 and 908. The golf club 100 and the tool to move the collar 902 to the locked position and/or the unlocked position may be provided as a package or a kit. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The collar 902 may be located or can be placed on the first end 126 of the second shaft 124 such that is surrounds the leaves 142. When the collar 902 is in the unlocked configuration, the inner diameter 930 may be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first end 126 of the second shaft 124 defined by the leaves 142. The collar 902 may include a beveled inner edge 931 to assist in sliding the collar 902 over the leaves 142. When the collar 902 is mounted over the first end 126 of the second shaft 124, (i.e., the leaves 142) the elasticity of the collar 902 to causes the collar 902 to slightly compress the leaves 142 against the first shaft 112. However, the frictional engagement between the leaves 142 and the first shaft 112 may not be sufficient in the unlocked position of the collar 902 to prevent the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 from moving relative to each other. After an individual adjusts the length of the golf club 100 by moving the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 relative to each other, the collar 902 can be moved to the locked position as described in detail above. Accordingly, the individual can compress the collar until the rivet 911 locks the collar, i.e., a certain reduction in the gap 910 is reached according to the example of
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The second section 2006 is generally cylindrical and includes a first tapered portion 2020 and the second tapered portion 2022. Both the first tapered portion 2020 and the second tapered portion 2022 may outwardly taper to a large diameter portion 2024, which may define a larger outer diameter 2026 of the second section 2006. The larger outer diameter 2026 may be greater than the inner diameter 113 of the first end 126 of the second shaft 124. Accordingly, the large diameter portion 2024 provides an interference fit with the first section 126 of the second shaft 124. The outer diameter of the second tapered portion 2022 is greater than the outer diameter of the first section 2004 where the second tapered portion 2022 meets the first section 2004 and is greater than the inner diameter of the second end 116 of the first shaft 112. Accordingly, the transition area between the second tapered portion 2022 and the first section 2004 defines a shoulder 2028.
Referring to
The second shaft 124 may be assembled with the first shaft 112 by inserting the second section 2006 into the first end 126 of the second shaft 124. During insertion of the second section 2006 into the second shaft 124, the first tapered portion 2020 of the second section 2006 assists in guiding the second section 2006 into the second shaft 124 and further assists in compressing the second section 2006 for insertion into the second shaft 124. During assembly, the large diameter portion 2024 engages the inner wall of the second shaft 124 to provide an interference fit with the second shaft 124. In the assembled configuration of the insert 2002 with the second shaft 124, the insert 2002 and the second shaft 124 may be concentric. The interference fit between the second section 2006 and the second shaft 124 compresses the large diameter portion 2024 so that the large diameter portion 2024 exerts a force on the second shaft 124 to maintain the concentricity of the second shaft 124 with respect to the first shaft 112. Accordingly the insert 2002 provide concentric assembly of the first shaft 112 with the second shaft 124. Furthermore, because the large diameter portion 2024 is compressed by an engagement the first section 126 of the second shaft 124, the large diameter portion 2024 is constantly engaged with the first section 126 of the second shaft 124. Therefore, movement and/or vibration between the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may be prevented by the insert 2002 during use of the golf club 100 by an individual (i.e., impact of the golf club 100 with a golf ball).
The second section 2006 of the insert 2050 may further include a plurality of longitudinal ribs 2054. Referring to
The inserts 2002 and 2050 may be constructed from any material such as plastics, metals, composite materials, wood and/or any artificial or natural materials. According to one example, the inserts 2002 and 2050 may be constructed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The inserts 2002 and/or 2050 may be formed by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal, plastic and/or composite parts.
The inserts 2002 and 2050 are described above with respect to the golf club 100, which is configured such that the first shaft 112 is inserted in the second shaft 124. As described above however, the second shaft 124 may be inserted into the first shaft 112 as may be the case with the long putter 104. Accordingly, the order of insertion of the insert 2002 or 2050 into the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 112 may be reversed. In other words, the first section 2004 of the inserts 2002 or 2050 may be inserted in the second shaft 124 and the second section 2006 may be inserted into the first shaft 112. Therefore, depending on the type of golf club used, the inserts 2002 or 2050 may be accordingly used to perform the disclosed functions.
According to one example, the length of a golf club may relate to the headweight of the club. A headweight may be defined as the inertia of the head encountered by an individual when swinging the golf club. Referring to Table 1, adjustment lengths for a standard putter, a belly putter, and a long putter are shown according to ranges of headweights. Thus, an individual may adjust the length of a putter according to its headweight based on the Table 1 or a mathematical equation by which the values in the table of Table 1 are derived. The apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
The exemplary locking mechanisms having the collars according to the disclosure may increase the overall weight of a golf club as compared to a similar club without a locking mechanism. The noted increase in weight may be due to addition of the collar and any additional length for the first shaft and/or the second shaft to provide for insertion of one of the shafts into the other shaft. For example, if a collar according to the examples described herein weighs 35 grams, then the weight of a golf club having such a collar may be at least 35 grams greater than a similar non-adjustable golf club. Furthermore, because the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 have a telescoping feature as described in detail herein (i.e., one shaft partly nested inside the other shaft), the extra lengths in the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 to facilitate the noted telescoping feature may further increase the weight of the golf club in comparison to a similar non-adjustable golf club. Referring to the second shaft 124 as an upper shaft and to the first shaft 112 as a lower shaft, a lower/upper mass ratio may be determined for a golf club according to the disclosure. The lower/upper mass ratio may be referred to herein as mass ratio. To increase the mass ratio of an adjustable length golf club to thereby reduce the overall weight of the golf club and/or to provide an overall weight balance for the golf club, the second shaft 124 and the first shaft 112 may be constructed from the same materials or different materials having different densities or other physical properties as discussed below.
To increase the mass ratio, the mass of the first shaft 112 may be increased and/or the mass of the second shaft 124 may be reduced without affecting the structural and/or functional properties of the golf club. According to one example, both the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from the same material. However, the first shaft 112 may have more mass than the second shaft 124. For example, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from a certain type of steel tube having a certain wall section thickness, while the second shaft 124 may be constructed from the same type of steel tube having a thinner wall section. Thus, the mass/length of the first shaft 112 may be greater than the mass/length of the second shaft 124, thereby providing an increase in the mass ratio. In another example, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from a certain type of steel tube having a certain wall section thickness, while the second shaft 124 may be constructed from the same type of steel tube having the generally same wall section thickness, except for a few areas of reduced wall thickness to reduce the mass/length of the second shaft 124 as compared to the first shaft 112. Further, the density and/or volume of the first shaft 112 may be greater than the density and/or volume of the second shaft 124 to increase the mass ratio as well.
According to another example, the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from different materials having different masses or overall densities. However, the first shaft 112 may have more mass or have a greater overall density than the second shaft 124. For example, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from steel and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from graphite. Alternatively, the second shaft 124 may be constructed from aluminum, titanium, graphite based or other types of composite materials, metal alloys, wood, a variety of plastic materials and/or a combination of these materials that have a lower density than steel while providing sufficient structural strength. In another example, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from titanium and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from graphite. For example, the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 may have a greater mass when constructed from steel than when constructed from graphite. Accordingly, the first shaft 112 may be constructed from steel and the second shaft 124 may be constructed from graphite to increase the mass ratio while possibly also reducing the overall weight of the golf club. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
According to one example, a collar according to the disclosure may be constructed from the same or different materials to increase the mass ratio. For example, a lower part of the collar may be formed from denser materials than an upper part of the collar. According to another example, the mass of the collar may be increased or decreased depending on the physical properties (i.e., material of construction, dimensions, density, etc.) of the first shaft 112 or the second shaft 124 to increase the mass ratio. For example, based on the position of a collar on an adjustable length golf club according to the disclosure, increasing the mass of the collar may lead to an increased mass ratio and/or a better overall weight balance for the golf club. In contrast, depending on the type of golf club, reducing the mass of the collar may lead to an increased mass ratio and/or a better overall weight balance for the golf club.
Table 2 illustrates examples of mass ratio when constructing the first shaft 112 and/or the second shaft 124 from graphite and/or steel. As shown, when the first shaft 112 is constructed from steel and the second shaft 124 is constructed from graphite, the greatest mass ratio is achieved among the examples shown in Table 2. A putter having both the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 constructed from graphite has a lower mass ratio. However, such a putter may have a lower overall weight than the steel/graphite putter. Accordingly, if increasing the mass ratio is more important than reducing the overall weight of the putter, then the first shaft 112 can be constructed from steel and the second shaft 124 can be constructed from graphite. Conversely, if reducing the overall weight of the putter is more important than increasing the mass ratio, then both the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 can be constructed from graphite. Alternatively, the first shaft 112 and the second shaft may be constructed from steel to provide the mass ratio illustrated in Table 2. Table 2 shows examples of the effects of material properties on the mass ratio and is not limited to the materials or physical properties shown.
Referring to
The first shaft 112 and/or the second shaft 124 may be constructed from any type of material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, various other metals or metal alloys, composite materials, natural materials such as wood or stone or artificial materials such as plastic. The first shaft 112 and/or the second shaft 124 may be constructed by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal, composite, plastic or wood parts. For example, a shaft constructed from graphite may be formed by a sheet lamination process, filament winding process or resin transfer molding process. The slits 140 may be cut into the first end 126 of the second shaft 124 after manufacturing the second shaft 124. Alternatively, the end portion 138 may be a separately manufactured part that is attached to the first end 126 of the second shaft 124. The leaves 142 may be manufactured from spring steel, plastic, composite materials, or other materials. Each of the leaves 142 may be a separate piece that is attached to the second shaft 124 or may be co-manufactured with the second shaft 124.
A collar, bolt and/or tool according to the disclosure may be constructed from any metal or metal alloys, plastic, composite materials, wood or a combination thereof. For example, a collar, bolt and/or tool may be constructed from aluminum, steel or titanium. A collar according to the disclosure may include one or more steel helicoils and/or washers in each collar's respective bore for receiving a bolt for prevent loosening of the bolt during use of the golf club 100 by an individual. A collar, bolt and/or tool according to the disclosure may be constructed by stamping (i.e., punching using a machine press or a stamping press, blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, or coining, casting), injection molding, forging, machining or a combination thereof, or other processes used for manufacturing metal, composite, plastic or wood parts. A collar according to the disclosure may be in any size or configuration that corresponds to the dimensions and configurations of the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 such that the above-described locking function may be performed. The bore of a collar according to the disclosure may have a size 8-32 thread. Accordingly, a bolt according to the disclosure may also be a size 8-32 bolt. A bolt according to the disclosure may have any cross sectional shape such as a hex shape or a Torx shape. In one example, the head of a bolt may be a T20 Torx® head.
Golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may require certain procedures for adjusting the length of a putter or a golf club during tournament play. For example, some golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies may require that a tool be used to adjust the length of a putter for tournament play. Accordingly, an individual may have to use a tool to adjust the length of a golf club as described above. However, for non-tournament play or if golf standard organizations do not require a tool for length adjustment for tournament play, a collar according to the disclosure may include a quick-release mechanism, which may include an arm having a cam at one end that causes the collar to compress when the arm is rotated from an open position to a closed position. A portion of the arm may be removable from the cam end of the arm so as to function as a tool. Accordingly, the quick-release mechanism may not be locked and/or released without using the removable portion of the arm. Alternatively, the arm may be lockable to the collar 202 in the close position of the arm. According to another example, a locking mechanism may include a threaded compression ring that screws onto the first end 126 of the second shaft 124 to compress the end portion 138 onto the first shaft 112. Other tool-less locking mechanisms that are used to lock two telescoping shafts can be used. Such tool-less mechanisms may also be used during practice on non-tournament play when strict adherence to the rules of golf standard organizations may not be required. The locking mechanism according to the disclosure may include other types of collars, pins, or strapping devices.
The grip of a golf club (e.g., one shown as 100 in
Referring to
As illustrated in
Turning to
Referring to
While the above examples describe circular or elliptical-shaped grip cross sections, the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein may have other types of grip cross sections. In another embodiment, golf club 5500 has grip 5510, collar 5520, and second shaft 5530 and may be similar in construction to the golf club 5000. As illustrated in
Referring to
In the above equation, b1 may be the length of the base 5820, b2 may be the length of the top 5830, and h may be the height 5810.
As with the elliptical grip cross section 5300 and the circular grip cross section 5400, “grip outside diameter” may refer to the largest distance between two points on the cross-section of a grip regardless of the cross-sectional shape of the grip. “Grip outside diameter” may refer to the largest distance between two points of any polygon, circle, ellipse or closed curve configured as the grip cross section of a grip of a golf club. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
In the example of
The second grip end 5940 of the grip 5910 may have a relatively longer diameter than the first grip end 5950 (i.e., the second grip outside diameter is greater than the first grip outside diameter). The grip 5910 may include an outer surface 5960 extending between the first grip end 5950 and the second grip end 5940. The outer surface 5960 may taper along its length to provide a generally smooth and continuous transition from the first grip outside diameter 5950 to the second grip outside diameter 5940. In another embodiment, the outer surface 5960 may include a lock step change in grip outside diameter resulting in a relatively less continuous and smooth transition from the first grip outer diameter 5950 and the second grip outer diameter 5940. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.
In other embodiments, the second grip outside diameter of the second grip end 5940 may be equal to or less than the first grip outside diameter of the first grip end 5950. Additionally, both the second grip end 5940 and the first grip end 5950 may not have the same grip cross sectional shape. For example, the second grip end 5940 may have a circular grip cross section similar to the grip cross section 5400 whereas the first grip end 5950 may have an elliptical grip cross section similar to the grip cross section 5300. Either the second grip end 5940 or the first grip end 5950 may have a circular, elliptical, polygonal, or closed curve grip cross section.
As illustrated in
In particular, the grip 6010 may include two or more textures on the outer surface 6050. In one example, the outer surface 6050 may include one or more first textured portions 6040 and/or one or more second textured portions 6045. The first textured portion 6040 may have any shape and/or consistency that contrast with the second textured portion 6045. The first textured portions 6040 may include a design, a logo, a particular golf grip indicia, and/or a light or heavy textured pattern.
Referring to
In another example as shown in
Referring to
In another example as shown in
In another example (not shown), the first collar outside diameter 6750 may be relatively longer than the second collar outside diameter 6760 and relatively longer than third collar outside diameter 6740. While the second collar outside diameter 6760 is relatively longer than the third collar outside diameter 6740. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard.
As mentioned above, the first collar end 6510 may be associated with a first collar cross sectional area (e.g.,
The collar 6500 may be coupled to the second shaft by various devices and/or methods. For example, the collar 6500 may be welded to the second shaft. In another embodiment, the collar 6500 may be formed integrally with the second shaft. In yet another embodiment, the collar 6500 may be coupled to the second shaft by frictional forces. In yet another embodiment, the collar 6500 may be coupled to the second shaft with one or more fasteners. All of the above mentioned coupling devices and/or methods may be used to couple the collar 6500 to first shaft (not shown). The collar 6500 may be constructed from a metallic material (e.g., stainless steel or titanium), a nonmetallic (plastic or composite) material, or a combination thereof.
Turning to
The first collar end 6810 may be in direct contact with the first grip end 6820 to facilitate a smooth transition portion 6815. In other embodiments, the first collar end 6810 and the first grip end 6820 may be in indirect contact, leaving a gap of less than two inches to facilitate the transition portion 6815. Alternatively, the first grip end 6820 may overlap and substantially conceal a portion of the first collar end 6810. Alternatively yet, the collar 6810 may overlap and conceal a portion of the first grip end 6820. The first grip end 6820 may facilitate the transition from the first collar end 6810 to the first grip end 6820 in the transition portion 6815 by any of the above, or any other methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture.
Individuals may prefer a more symmetrical and uniform view of the grip area to avoid visual distractions when the individual is in the address position, and to facilitate a higher level of concentration during the use of the golf club. If the first grip outside diameter is shorter than the first collar outside diameter, the collar 6850 (or a portion of the collar 6850) may be visible to an individual at the address position. If the first collar end 6810 is visible to an individual at the address position, the collar may render the grip area of the golf club nonsymmetrical or not generally similar. With the first grip outside diameter associated with the first grip end 6820 being substantially equal to the first collar outside diameter associated with the first collar end 6810, and the first grip end 6820 being in direct contact with the first collar end 6810, the transition portion 6815 between the collar 6850 and the grip 6830 may form a seamless transition. A seamless transition between the collar 6850 and the grip 6830 may create less visual distractions from collar 6850 when the golf club is held at the address position (e.g., position to strike a golf ball with a golf club), and when swinging the golf club.
To further make the transition portion 6815 more seamless, the outer surface of the grip 6830 may have the same or similar color, material, and/or texture as the outer surface of the collar 6850. Any of these methods would further reduce the visibility of the collar 6850 from an individual's view when he or she is in the address position.
As illustrated in
Alternatively, the first grip end 6920 may be in direct contact with the first collar end 6910. The first grip end 6910 may be hollow to receive and at least partially conceal a portion of the first collar end 6910. If the first grip end 6910 receives and at least partially conceals a portion of the first collar end 6910, the golf club may appear to have a more seamless transition from the collar 6950 to the grip 6930. When the golf club 6900 is held at an address position by an individual, the larger first grip outside diameter 6980 may appear to the individual to conceal at least the first collar end 6910 from view. This may mitigate the potential for distraction from the collar 6950. Also, with the collar 6950 partially concealed by the first grip end 6920 the grip area on the golf club may appear more uniform in appearance and symmetrical.
The grips (e.g., one shown as 5010 in
Referring back to
Referring now to
Disposed on the inner surface 7214 of the collar 7202 is an internal annular rib 7222 and an internal annular slot 7224. The collar 7202 generally has an upper section 7226 above the internal rib 7222 and a lower section 7228 below the internal rib 7222.
In the area of the gap 7210, the locking mechanism 7200 includes a shifting device 7230 for shifting the locking mechanism 7200 between an expanded position to a contracted position. The locking mechanism 7200 can be positioned below the grip and/or adjacent to the grip. The locking mechanism 7200 is not positioned within the grip. In this example of a shifting device 7230, the collar 7202 includes a generally circular opening 7232 sized and shaped to receive a cam 7234 having an eccentric profile 7236. In this example, the eccentric profile 7236 includes a flat surface 7238. The opening 7232 has a surface 7240 that functions as a cam follower. The internal surface 7214 of the collar 7202 also includes also includes a recess 7242, and the cam 7234 includes a shoulder 7244, such that the cam 7234 is rotatable within the opening 7232, and the shoulder 7244 maintains the cam 7234 within the opening 7232.
In the illustrated embodiment, the eccentric profile of the cam 7234 allows adjustment of the locking mechanism 7200 only in a clockwise direction. In other embodiments, the eccentric profile can be varied such that the cam 7234 is only rotatable in a counterclockwise direction to adjust the locking mechanism 7200. Further, in other embodiments, the cam 7234 can have a symmetric profile such that the locking mechanism 7200 can be adjusted by rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
The frictional sleeve 7204 includes an upper flange 7246, a body portion 7248, a lower flange 7250, and an inner surface 7252. The upper flange 7246 is disposed within the annular slot 7224 of the collar 7202, and the body portion 7248 is coupled to the inner surface 7214 of the collar 7202. The lower flange 7250 extends radially outwardly and is disposed on the lower surface 7218 of the collar 7202.
In the illustrated embodiment, the frictional sleeve 7204 extends along the entire length and circumference of the lower section 7228 of the collar 7202. In other embodiments, the frictional sleeve 7204 can extend along a portion of the length of the lower section 7228 of the collar 7202. Further, in other embodiments, the frictional sleeve 7204 can extend along a portion of the circumference of the lower section 7228 of the collar 7202.
Referring to
The locking mechanism 7200 is positionable in a contracted position or an expanded position. In the contracted position, the gap 7210 is minimized and the locking mechanism 7200 compresses the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124, thereby locking the first shaft 112 and the second shaft 124 relative to each other. The frictional sleeve 7204 creates a high level of static frictional force on the first shaft 112 when the locking mechanism 7200 is positioned in the contracted position. Further, in the contracted position, the first end 126 of the second shaft 124 also compresses the first shaft 112. In the expanded position, the gap 7210 is maximized to release the frictional force between the frictional sleeve 7204 and the first shaft 112, and between the second shaft 124 and first shaft 112. In the expanded position, the first shaft 112 is slidable relative to the frictional sleeve 7204 and the second shaft 124 to allow for shaft length adjustability.
To allow relative movement between the first shaft and second shaft, e.g., to lengthen or shorten the club, the user can shift the locking mechanism 7200 from a contracted position to an expanded position by rotating the cam 7234. In some embodiments, shifting the locking mechanism 7200 to the expanded position can be achieved with the use of a tool. Rotation of the cam 7234 and its eccentric profile 7236 will push against the follower surface 7240 and expand the gap 7210, thereby relieving the compression force of the collar 7202 and frictional sleeve 7204 on the first shaft 112. Moreover, flat surface 7238 of the cam 7234 can lock the cam 7234 in place relative to the opening 7232 and maintain the locking mechanism 7200 in the expanded position.
The cam 7234 can be maintained in the contracted or expanded position with or without the tool in place. Accordingly, the shaft length can be adjusted with or without the tool in place. Further, the cam 7234 is biased to the contracted position such that removal of the tool from the cam 7234 in an intermediate position (i.e. between the contracted and expanded positions) will cause the cam 7234 to shift to the contracted position. In other embodiments, the cam 7234 can be biased to either the contracted or expanded position. Further, in other embodiment, adjustment of the shaft length can require the tool to be positioned in the cam 7234.
Although in this example a cam with an eccentric profile is shown, other devices and means can be employed, including but not limited to fasteners, screws, and levers that can shift the locking mechanism from the contracted position to the expanded position. Furthermore, the tool can comprise a torque wrench, which may be used in conjunction with the shifting device 7230 to ensure that only the proper amount of torque is applied to the shifting device 7230. To lock the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124, the user can simply rotate the cam 7234 back to the contracted position shown in
The frictional sleeve 7204 is held in place relative to the collar 7202 by the upper flange 7246 and lower flange 7250 while the first shaft 112 is moved relative to the second shaft 124. In other words, the upper flange 7246 and lower flange 7250 prevent the frictional sleeve 7204 from sliding along with the first shaft 112 as it is moved. In this example, the frictional sleeve 7204 is made from rubber, but other materials known by one of ordinary skill, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, or a polyurethane that can frictionally lock the first and second shafts 112, 124 while the locking mechanism 7200 is in the contracted position can be used.
The frictional sleeve 7204 of the locking mechanism 7200 provides increased friction on the first shaft 112 compared to a locking mechanism without a frictional sleeve (e.g. a locking mechanism having a collar directly adjacent to the shaft). In many embodiments, the locking mechanism 7200 with the frictional sleeve has as great as 8 times, 7.5 times, 7 times, 6.5 times, 6 times, 5.5 times, 5 times, 4.5 times, or 4 times more friction than a similar locking mechanism without the frictional sleeve 7204. Increased friction reduces the force required by the locking mechanism to secure the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 7200 having the frictional sleeve can have reduced outer diameter, reduced length, and/or reduced weight compared to a locking mechanism without a frictional sleeve, while maintaining the ability to secure and release the first shaft 112 relative to the second shaft 124. Reduced outer diameter, length, and/or weight of the locking mechanism 7200 can beneficially affect club head parameters such as overall weight, swing weight and balance point.
For example, an exemplary locking mechanism 7200 having the frictional sleeve 7204, a collar 7202 made of titanium, a collar outer diameter of approximately 0.75 inches, a collar length of approximately 0.85 inches, and a collar weight of approximately 8.4 grams required 130 lbf to move the cam from the contracted to the expanded position. Conversely, a similar locking mechanism without a frictional sleeve, with a collar made of steel, a collar outer diameter of approximately 0.991 inches, a collar length of approximately 0.625 inches, and a collar weight of approximately 32 grams required 1600 lbf to move the cam from the contracted to the expanded position. Accordingly, the exemplary locking mechanism 7200 required approximately 12.3 times less force to move the cam from the contracted to the expanded position, while reducing the collar outer diameter by approximately 24.3%, and reducing the collar weight by approximately 73.8% compared to a similar locking mechanism without the frictional sleeve.
Referring now to
In this example, the underlisting 7600 includes a first end 7608, a second end 7610, and an extension 7602 extending outwardly at the first end 7608. The shaftless grip can be used with a locking mechanism similar to locking mechanism 7200 to form an adjustable length golf club without the need for the second shaft 124. Specifically, the extension 7602 of the underlisting 7600 is positionable within the upper section 7226 of the collar 7202, and functions similarly to the second shaft 124 in the embodiment of
The underlisting 7600 can also include a hollow chamber 7606, and the hollow chamber 7606 can include internal ribs 7612 near the second end 7610, to optimize stiffness and weight. The first shaft 112 can slide through the extension 7602 and into the hollow chamber 7606 up to the location of the internal ribs 7612. The underlisting 7600, including the extension 7602, can be formed as an integral article, by molding or other means. The underlisting can be manufactured from a hard plastic, metal, composite, wood or any other material or combination of materials that provides the necessary stiffness, weight, and moldability characteristics. Manufacturing the underlisting 7600 with an extension 7602 that takes the place of the second shaft 124 can be faster and less expensive than a typical second shaft that is separate from the grip. Moreover, the first shaft 112 can be epoxied or affixed otherwise to the extension 7602 to create a club that is fixed in length, if so desired. The extension 7602 can also be co-molded with one or more layers of other materials such as rubber, or a rubber layer can be epoxied on to the extension 7602, to control and optimize friction.
Clause 1: A golf club comprising a first shaft, a second shaft having a hollow portion configured to movably receive a portion of the first shaft, a head attached to the first shaft, and a grip attached to the second shaft opposite the head, a collar coupled to the second shaft and located over at least a part of the hollow portion of the second shaft, the collar having a first side and a second side, the first side and second side defining a gap, the collar being shiftable from an expanded position to a contracted position, and a frictional sleeve coupled to an interior surface of the collar, wherein when the collar is in the expanded position, the first shaft is axially slidable within the hollow portion of the second shaft, and when the collar is in the contracted position, the first shaft is frictionally locked relative to the second shaft at least in part by the frictional sleeve.
Clause 2: The golf club of clause 1, the collar including an internal circumferential rib, a first end of the second shaft seated on the internal circumferential rib.
Clause 3: The golf club of clause 1, the second shaft including at least one slot in the hollow portion.
Clause 4: The golf club of clause 1, the collar being biased to the contracted position.
Clause 5: The golf club of clause 1, further comprising a shifting device for shifting the collar between the expanded position and contracted position.
Clause 6: The golf club of clause 5, wherein the shifting device includes a cam.
Clause 7: The golf club of clause 6, wherein the cam is adjusted using a torque wrench and the cam is configured such that the collar will either be in the compressed position or the expanded position, but not in an intermediate position, when the torque wrench is removed.
Clause 8: The golf club of clause 1, the frictional sleeve having a gap substantially coextensive with the gap of the collar.
Clause 9: The golf club of clause of claim 1, the collar having an internal circumferential slot, the frictional sleeve having a first annular flange extending outwardly and disposed within the internal circumferential slot.
Clause 10: The golf club of clause 9, the collar having a lower surface, the frictional sleeve having a second annular flange extending outwardly and disposed on the lower surface.
Clause 11: The golf club of clause 1, the collar having a lower surface, the frictional sleeve having an annular flange extending outwardly and disposed on the lower surface.
Clause 12: A golf club grip, comprising an underlisting having a first end and a second end, the underlisting including an extension extending outwardly at the first end, wherein the extension is integral with the underlisting.
Clause 13: The golf club grip of clause 12, further comprising a sleeve disposed over underlisting.
Clause 14: The golf club grip of clause 12, the extension being cylindrical.
Clause 15: The golf club grip of clause 12, the extension including a slot.
Clause 16: The golf club grip of clause 12, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to and disposed about the extension.
Clause 17: The golf club grip of clause 12, at least a portion of the underlisting further being hollow.
Clause 18: The golf club grip of clause 12, wherein a first shaft is slidably disposed within the extension and a locking mechanism is be disposed over the extension and first shaft to frictionally lock the first shaft and the extension relative to one another.
Clause 19: A golf club comprising a first shaft, an underlisting having a first end and a second end, and an extension extending outwardly at the first end, the extension being integral with the underlisting and being hollow to movably receive a portion of the first shaft, a head coupled to the first shaft, a collar coupled to the extension and located over at least a part of the hollow portion of the extension, the collar having a first side and a second side, the first side and second side defining a gap, the collar being shiftable from an expanded position to a contracted position, and a frictional sleeve coupled to an interior surface of the collar, wherein when the collar is in the expanded position, the first shaft is axially slidable within the hollow portion of the extension, and when the collar is in the contracted position, the first shaft is frictionally locked relative to the extension at least in part by the frictional sleeve.
Clause 20: The golf club of clause 18, further comprising a shifting device for shifting the collar between the expanded position and contracted position, the shifting device including a cam wherein the cam is adjusted using a torque wrench and is configured such that the collar will either be in the compressed position or the expanded position, but not in an intermediate position, when the torque wrench is removed.
Although a particular order of actions is described above, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions described above may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more actions may be performed in reversed order. Further, one or more actions described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
While the invention has been described in connection with various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptation of the invention following, in general, the principles of the invention, and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within the known and customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains.
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,738, filed on Oct. 23, 2012, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/604,032, filed on Sep. 5, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/553,817, filed Oct. 31, 2011; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/596,938, filed Feb. 9, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/606,158, filed Mar. 2, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/612,050, filed Mar. 16, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/613,920, filed Mar. 21, 2012; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/615,806, filed Mar. 26, 2012; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/641,208, filed May 1, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/658,738 also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/699,716, filed Sep. 11, 2012. All of the above listed applications are expressly incorporated herein by reference.
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