Patent Application
20240335706
The present disclosure relates to golf club head assemblies that allow for golf club shafts to be interchanged with a golf club head.
Various golf swing and ball flight characteristics can vary from person to person and can be affected by the golf club head and the golf club shaft of a golf club being used. A golfer can improve his or her performance by testing various combinations of golf club heads and golf club shafts to determine which combination he or she prefers or performs best with. This process can involve either building a plurality of different golf clubs with different the combinations or interchanging multiple golf club shafts with a golf club head. However, building each golf club, and available systems for interchanging golf club shafts, can be cumbersome and time consuming. It is therefore desirable to provide a system that enables different shafts to be quickly and easily interchanged with a golf club head.
In an aspect, the technology relates to a golf club head assembly, including: a golf club head including a sole and a hosel portion, wherein the golf club head has: a hosel opening extending at least partially through the hosel portion from a terminal end of the hosel portion to a divider wall, and a fastener opening extending from the sole to the divider wall; a fastener including a head and a threaded portion extending from the head; and a hosel insert including an upper portion having a shaft opening shaped and sized to receive part of a golf club shaft, and a lower portion protruding from the upper portion and having a threaded fastener opening shaped and sized to receive at least part of the threaded portion, wherein the fastener and the hosel insert are configured such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled: the lower portion extends at least partially into the hosel opening; the shaft opening is positioned entirely outside of the hosel opening; the head is positioned in the fastener opening; and the threaded portion extends through a hole in the divider wall, at least partially through the hosel opening, and at least partially into the threaded fastener opening such that the hosel insert is coupled to the golf club head by the fastener.
In an example, the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head. In an example, the hosel insert includes a plurality of locking teeth protruding from an exterior of the hosel insert, and the hosel portion has a corresponding plurality of grooves formed in the terminal end and arranged circumferentially around the hosel opening, and the plurality of grooves are shaped and sized to respectively receive at least part of the plurality of locking teeth when the golf club head assembly is assembled such that the hosel insert is blocked from rotational movement relative to the golf club head. In an example, the plurality of locking teeth includes at least three locking teeth. In an example, a golf club includes: the golf club head assembly in an assembled state; and a golf club shaft fitted into the shaft opening. In an example, a longitudinal axis of the shaft is fixedly substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hosel opening.
In an aspect, the technology relates to a golf club head assembly, including: a golf club head including a sole and a hosel portion, wherein the hosel portion has a hosel opening extending at least partially through the hosel portion from a terminal end of the hosel portion toward the sole, and wherein a sidewall of the hosel portion that defines at least part of the hosel opening tapers outwardly along a tapering direction from the terminal end of the hosel portion toward the sole to define an expanded space within the hosel opening; a fastener including a head and a tapered, threaded portion extending from the head; and a hosel insert including an upper portion having a shaft opening shaped and sized to receive part of a golf club shaft, and a lower portion protruding from the upper portion and having a threaded fastener opening, wherein the fastener and the hosel insert are configured such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled: the lower portion extends at least partially into the hosel opening; the fastener is positioned and oriented in the hosel opening such that the tapered, threaded portion extends from the head in a direction opposite to the tapering direction and at least partially into the threaded fastener opening; and the tapered, threaded portion tapers outwardly along the tapering direction such that at least part of the lower portion is expanded outwardly into the expanded space within the hosel opening in response to the tapered, threaded portion of the fastener extending at least partially into the threaded fastener opening.
In an example, the lower portion has one or more slits extending from an end of the lower portion distal to the upper portion toward the upper portion. In an example, the head has a tool indent shaped and sized to receive a tool configured to controllably move the threaded portion at least partially through the threaded fastener opening when the golf club head assembly is assembled, the golf club head has a fastener opening extending from the sole to the hosel opening, and the fastener opening is less in breadth than the head along a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hosel opening such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled, the tool indent is at least partially exposed through the fastener opening, and the head is blocked from moving through the fastener opening. In an example, the hosel insert is configured such that the shaft opening is positioned entirely outside the hosel opening when the golf club head assembly is assembled. In an example, the hosel insert includes a plurality of locking teeth protruding outwardly from the hosel insert, and the hosel portion has a corresponding plurality of grooves arranged in the terminal end and circumferentially around the hosel opening, and the grooves are shaped and sized to respectively receive at least part of the plurality of locking teeth when the golf club head assembly is assembled. In an example, the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head. In an example, a golf club head includes: the golf club head assembly in an assembled state; and a golf club shaft having an end fitted into the shaft opening, wherein a longitudinal axis of the shaft is fixedly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hosel opening.
In an aspect, the technology relates to a golf club head assembly, including: a golf club head including a sole and a hosel portion, wherein the golf club head has: a hosel opening extending at least partially through the hosel portion from a terminal end of the hosel portion to a divider wall, and a fastener opening extending from the sole to the divider wall; a fastener including a head and a threaded portion extending from the head; and a threaded insert shaped and sized to be fitted at least partially into an interior of an end of a golf club shaft, wherein the fastener and the threaded insert are configured such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled: the threaded insert is fitted into, and secured within, the end of the golf club shaft; the end of the golf club shaft extends at least partially through the hosel opening; the head of the fastener is positioned in the fastener opening; and the threaded portion of the fastener extends through a hole in the divider wall, at least partially through the hosel opening, and at least partially through the threaded insert such that the golf club shaft is coupled to the golf club head by the fastener.
In an example, the hosel opening is defined at least partially by a sidewall of the hosel portion, and the hosel opening is shaped and sized such that the golf club shaft contacts the sidewall when the golf club head assembly is assembled. In an example, a locking indent, formed in a surface of the divider wall facing the hosel opening, is shaped and sized to receive at least part of an end portion of the threaded insert, and to block rotational movement of the threaded insert relative to the golf club head, when the golf club head assembly is assembled. In an example, the golf club head assembly further includes a hosel insert having a shaft opening shaped and sized to receive the end of the golf club shaft, and a fastener hole, wherein the hosel insert is configured such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled, the hosel insert is fitted into the hosel opening, and the fastener extends sequentially through the hole in the divider wall, through the fastener hole in the hosel insert, and at least partially into the threaded insert. In an example, the hosel insert includes a plurality of locking teeth protruding outwardly from the hosel insert, and the hosel portion has a corresponding plurality of grooves arranged in the terminal end and circumferentially around the hosel opening, and the grooves are shaped and sized to respectively receive at least part of the plurality of locking teeth when the golf club head assembly is assembled. In an example, the golf club head is an iron-type golf club head including a striking face, the sole, and a back portion positioned rearward to the striking face and coupled between the sole and the striking face, and the golf club head assembly further includes a flat weight configured to be coupled at least partially to the back portion by a fastening screw. In an example, the threaded insert is adapted to be secured within the interior of the golf club shaft via a glue when the golf club head assembly is assembled.
Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples are described with reference to the following figures.
The present disclosure is directed to golf club head assemblies that allow for golf club shafts to be interchangeably used with a golf club head. In some examples, the golf club assemblies are for iron golf clubs.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head 1100 may include a heel 1102, a toe 1104, a striking face (not shown in the back view of
A hosel opening 1152 may be defined at least partially in the hosel portion 1150. The hosel opening 1152 may extend from a terminal end 1154 of the hosel portion 1150 through at least part of the hosel portion 1150, toward the sole 1108, and to a divider wall 1170. The divider wall 1170 may define at least part of a bottom 1153 of the hosel opening 1152. The hosel opening 1152 may define a hosel axis 1158 that extends longitudinally through the hosel opening 1152 between the terminal end 1154 and the bottom 1153. In some examples, the hosel opening 1152 is generally cylindrical in shape.
A fastener opening 1160 may extend into the golf club head 1100 from the sole 1108 to the divider wall 1170. The divider wall 1170 may define at least part of a bottom of the fastener opening 1160 and may be positioned between the hosel opening 1152 and the fastener opening 1160. A divider wall hole 1172 may be defined in the divider wall 1170 to couple the fastener opening 1160 to the hosel opening 1152.
The fastener 1300 may have a head 1310 and a threaded portion 1320 extending from the head 1310. In some examples, the fastener 1300 is a 1024 DASF type screw. The head 1310 may be greater in breadth (e.g., diameter or cross-sectional area) than the threaded portion 1320. The divider wall hole 1172 may be shaped and sized such that at least part of the threaded portion 1320 is able to extend through the divider wall hole 1172 while the head 1310 is blocked from moving through the divider wall hole 1172. For example, the fastener 1300 may be shaped and sized such that the head 1310 is positionable in the fastener opening 1160 while the threaded portion 1320 extends from the head 1310, through the divider wall hole 1172, and at least partially through the hosel opening 1152. A tool indent 1312 may be defined in the head 1310 and shaped and sized to at least partially receive a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) configured to controllably engage with the fastener 1300 via the tool indent 1312. The fastener 1300 may define a fastener axis 1308 extending longitudinally through the fastener 1300.
The hosel insert 1200 may include an upper portion 1210 and a lower portion 1220 that protrudes from the upper portion 1210. In some examples, the hosel insert 1200 includes a metal, such as aluminum (e.g., 7075 aluminum). In some examples, the upper portion 1210 has a shaft opening 1212 defined therein that is shaped and sized to receive part of an end of a golf club shaft, and the lower portion 1220 has a threaded fastener opening 1222 defined therein that is shaped and sized to receive part of the threaded portion 1320 of the fastener 1300.
The shaft opening 1212 may be configured such that the end of the golf club shaft can be fitted into the shaft opening 1212 with a friction fit such that the golf club shaft cannot be easily removed from the shaft opening 1212 without a sufficient force. Because the golf club shaft may be coupled to the hosel insert 1200 via a friction fit, the hosel insert 1200 can remain coupled to the golf club shaft during a golf club swing. The shaft opening 1212 may define a shaft opening axis 1218 that extends longitudinally through the shaft opening 1212. The hosel insert 1200 may be configured such that, when the golf club shaft is fitted into the shaft opening 1212, the shaft opening axis 1218 is substantially parallel (and, in some examples, substantially colinear) with a shaft axis that extends longitudinally through the golf club shaft. For example, the shaft axis may be fixedly substantially parallel to (e.g., fixedly substantially colinear with) the shaft opening axis 1218. As used herein, “substantially parallel” may include being within 0.5 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 5 degrees, or 10 degrees from being exactly parallel.
The threaded fastener opening 1222 may have a threading corresponding to a threading of the threaded portion 1320 of the fastener such that the fastener 1300 can engage with the hosel insert 1200 via the threaded portion 1320. In some examples, the threaded fastener opening 1222 is separated from the shaft opening 1212 (e.g., by a divider portion of the hosel insert 1200). In some other examples, the threaded fastener opening 1222 is connected to the shaft opening 1212 such that the threaded fastener opening 1222 and the shaft opening 1212 form an integral opening within the hosel insert 1200.
The hosel opening 1152 may be shaped and sized such that at least part of the lower portion 1220 can be received into the hosel opening 1152 and such that the upper portion 1210 is blocked from being received into the hosel opening 1152 when the at least part of the lower portion 1220 is received in the hosel opening 1152. For example, the upper portion 1210 may be greater in breadth (e.g., cross sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the shaft opening axis 1218) than the lower portion 1220 such that the upper portion 1210 is blocked from moving into the hosel opening 1152. In some examples, the hosel insert 1200 is configured such that, when the lower portion 1220 is at least partially (e.g., fully) fitted into the hosel opening 1152, the upper portion 1210 and/or the shaft opening 1212 are entirely outside of the hosel opening 1152.
The hosel insert 1200 and the fastener 1300 may be configured such that, when the golf club head assembly is assembled (e.g., as shown in
The golf club head assembly 1000 may be assembled, for example, by inserting at least part of the lower portion 1220 into the hosel opening 1152, inserting the fastener 1300 into the fastener opening 1160 such that the threaded portion 1320 contacts the threaded fastener opening 1222, and utilizing a tool to controllably engage the fastener 1300 (via the tool indent 1312) and move the threaded portion 1320 into the threaded fastener opening 1222. In the assembled state, a plurality of golf club shafts can be interchanged with the golf club head 1100 by removing (e.g., forcibly removing) a first shaft of the plurality of shafts from the shaft opening 1212 to decouple the first shaft from the golf club head assembly 1000 and fitting a second shaft of the plurality of shafts into the shaft opening to couple the second shaft to the golf club head 1100. Thus, a golfer may easily and quickly make golf swings with each of the plurality of golf club shafts coupled to the golf club head assembly to determine which of the plurality of shafts most improves his or her performance. For example, the golf club head assembly may be utilized by a fitter at a golf store to assist the golfer find a suitable or desirable golf club shaft. Additionally, a plurality of different golf club heads may be tested in a similar manner, for example, with a same golf club shaft, in order for the golfer to determine which golf club head is most desirable.
The hosel insert 1200 may have one or more locking teeth 1230 on an outer surface 1210 of the of the hosel insert 1200. For example, the one or more locking teeth 1230 may protrude outwardly from the lower portion 1220 and/or may protrude from the upper portion 1210 over part of the lower portion 1220. The hosel portion 1150 may have one or more grooves 1156 formed in the terminal end 1154 of the hosel portion 1150 that are shaped and sized to respectively receive at least part of the corresponding locking teeth 1230 when the golf club head assembly 1000 is assembled. The one or more locking teeth 1230 may be circumferentially arranged around the hosel insert 1200, and the one or more grooves 1156 may be arranged circumferentially around the hosel opening 1152 in positions respectively corresponding to positions of the one or more locking teeth 1230 so that all of the one or more locking teeth 1230 can engage with all of the grooves 1156. The locking teeth 1230 may be configured to engage with the grooves 1156 such that rotation movement of the hosel insert 1200 (and of a golf club shaft coupled to the hosel insert 1200) relative to the golf club head 1100 is restrained (e.g., blocked or prevented).
In the illustrated example, there are two locking teeth positioned 180 degrees relative to each other around the hosel insert 1200, and there are two corresponding grooves 1156 positioned 180 degrees relative to each other around the hosel opening 1152. However, the number of locking teeth 1230 and their positions relative to each other, are not limited thereto. For example, the hosel insert may include two locking teeth that are positioned 90 degrees relative to each other. In some other examples, the hosel insert includes three locking teeth that are mutually positioned 120 degrees relative to each other.
In some examples, the fastener opening plug 1500 is configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to be securely fitted into the fastener opening 1160, for example, via a snap fit. In some examples, the fastener opening plug 1500 includes a plastic material. The fastener opening 1160 may be drilled into the sole 1108 of the golf club head 1100 to accommodate the fastener 1300. Therefore, the fastener opening plug 1500, when secured in the fastener opening 1160, may block dirt and debris from entering into the fastener opening 1160 and/or may visually conceal the fastener opening 1160 to improve the aesthetics of the golf club head 1100.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head 2100 may include a heel 2102; a toe 2104; a striking face 2106 having a lower leading edge 2120, an upper topline edge 2122, and a plurality of grooves (or score lines); a sole 2108 extending rearward from the lower leading edge 2120 to a rearward portion 2126; a back portion 2110 positioned rearward to the striking face 2106 and coupled between the rearward portion 2126 of the sole 2108 and the upper topline edge 2122 of the striking face 2106; and a hosel portion 2150 disposed at the heel 2102.
A hosel opening 2152 may extend at least partially through the hosel portion 2150 from a terminal end 2154 of the hosel portion 2150 toward the sole 2108. The hosel opening 2152 may define a hosel axis 2158 that extends longitudinally through the hosel opening 2152 between the terminal end 2154 of the hosel portion 2150 and a bottom 2153 of the hosel opening 2152 opposite to the terminal end 2154. A fastener opening 2160 may extend from the sole 2108, through part of the golf club head 2100, and to the hosel opening 2152. In some examples, the hosel opening 2152 and the fastener opening 2160 form an integral opening from the terminal end 2154 of the hosel portion 2150 to the sole 2108.
One or more sidewalls 2155 that at least partially define the hosel opening 2152 may taper outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) along a hosel tapering direction that extends parallel to the hosel axis 2158 and from the terminal end 2154 toward the bottom 2153 of the hosel opening 2152. In some examples, only part of the one or more sidewalls 2155 between the terminal end 2154 and the bottom 2153 are tapered, while the remainder of the one or more sidewalls 2155 are not tapered. The outward taper of the one or more sidewalls 2155 may cause a breadth (e.g., cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the hosel axis 2158) of the hosel opening 2152 to increase along the hosel tapering direction such that an expanded space 2157 is formed in the hosel opening 2152.
The hosel insert 2200 may have an upper portion 2210 and a lower portion 2220 protruding from the upper portion 2210. In some examples, the hosel insert 2200 includes a metal, such as aluminum (e.g., 7075 aluminum). The upper portion 2210 may have a shaft opening 2212 shaped and sized to receive part of a golf club shaft (e.g., forcibly receive the part of the golf club shaft to provide a friction fit between the golf club shaft and the hosel insert 2200), and the lower portion 2220 may have a threaded fastener opening 2222 shaped and sized to receive part of the fastener 2300. The lower portion 2220 may be shaped and sized to extend at least partially through the hosel opening 2152. The shaft opening 2212 may define a shaft opening axis 2218 that extends longitudinally through the shaft opening 2212.
The fastener 2300 may include a head 2310 and a tapered, threaded portion 2320 extending from the head 2310. In some examples, the fastener 2300 includes a metal, such as titanium. For example, the fastener 2300 may be a 10-24 titanium tapered screw. The fastener 2300 may define a fastener axis 2308 that extends longitudinally through the fastener 2300. The tapered, threaded portion 2320 may include a tapered portion 2322 extending from the head 2310, and a threaded portion 2324 extending from the tapered portion 2322. The tapered portion 2322 may taper inwardly (e.g., radially inwardly) along a fastener tapering direction extending parallel to the fastener axis 2308 and away from the head 2310 toward the threaded portion 2324. For example, a breadth (e.g., cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the fastener axis 2308) of the tapered portion 2322 may decrease along the fastener tapering direction. In some examples, the tapered portion 2322 does not have a threading. The threaded portion 2324 may have a threading corresponding to a threading of the threaded fastener opening 2222, and it may be shaped and sized to extend at least partially into the threaded fastener opening 2222 so that the threaded portion 2324 can engage with the hosel insert 2200 via the threaded fastener opening 2222. In some examples, the threaded portion 2324 has a substantially constant diameter. For example, the threaded portion 2324 does not have a taper in some examples.
The fastener 2300 may be shaped and sized to be positionable in the hosel opening 2152. In some examples, the head 2310 and the fastener opening 2160 are shaped and sized such that at least part of the head 2310 cannot be moved through the fastener opening 2160. For example, a breadth (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the head 2310 may be greater than a breadth (e.g., cross-sectional area) of the fastener opening 2160 such that the head 2310 is blocked from moving from the hosel opening 2152 through the fastener opening 2160. In some examples, the fastener 2300 is shaped and sized such that the head 2310 is positionable at the bottom 2153 of the hosel opening 2152 adjacent to the fastener opening 2160 with the tapered, threaded portion 2320 extending from the head 2310 along the hosel axis 2158 toward the terminal end 2154 of the hosel portion 2150. When so positioned, the tapered, threaded portion 2320 may extend from the head 2310 in a direction opposite to the hosel tapering direction such that the tapered portion 2322 tapers outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) along the hosel tapering direction.
The fastener 2300 and the hosel insert 2200 may be configured such that, when the golf club head assembly 2000 is assembled, the lower portion 2220 of the hosel insert 2200 extends at least partially into the hosel opening 2152; the fastener 2300 is positioned and oriented in the hosel opening 2152 such that the tapered, threaded portion 2320 extends from the head 2310 in a direction opposite to the hosel tapering direction, and the tapered portion 2322 tapers outwardly along the hosel tapering direction; and the tapered, threaded portion 2320 extends at least partially into the threaded fastener opening 2222 such that the thread of the threaded portion 2324 engages with the thread of the threaded fastener opening 2222 and at least part of the lower portion 2220 is expanded outwardly into the expanded space 2157 of the hosel opening 2152 by the tapered portion 2322. The lower portion 2220 may have one or more slits 2224 extending longitudinally along at least part of the lower portion 2220 to accommodate or allow the lower portion 2220 to be expanded outwardly in response to the tapered portion 2322 being inserted at least partially into the threaded fastener opening 2222. By expanding the lower portion 2220 into the expanded space 2157 of the hosel opening 2152, the expanded portion of the lower portion 2220 can resist movement (e.g., via frictional forces) of the lower portion 2220 out of the hosel opening 2152. Accordingly, the hosel insert 2200 (and thus a golf club shaft that may be coupled to the hosel insert 2200) may be prevented from detaching from golf club head 2100 during a golf swing.
The head 2310 may have a tool indent 2312 shaped and sized to receive at least part of a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) such that the tool can controllably engage with the fastener 2300 via the tool indent 2312. The fastener opening 2160 may be shaped and sized to expose at least part of the tool indent 2312 and to allow the tool to extend through the fastener opening 2160 to controllably engage the fastener 2300 via the tool indent 2312.
During assembly of the golf club head assembly 1000, the threaded portion 2324 of the fastener 2300 may be at least partially inserted into the threaded fastener opening 2222, without the tapered portion 2322 being inserted into the threaded fastener opening 2222. The fastener 2300 and at least part of the lower portion 2220 may then be inserted into the hosel opening 2152 such that the head 2310 is adjacent to the fastener opening 2160, and the tool indent 2312 is at least partially exposed through the fastener opening 2160. The tool, configured to controllably engage with the fastener 2300 via the tool indent 2312, can then be inserted through the fastener opening 2160 to engage with the fastener 2300 and further move the tapered, threaded portion 2320 into the threaded fastener opening 2222 until the at least part of the tapered portion 2322 is inserted into the threaded fastener opening 2222 and causes the lower portion 2220 to expand outwardly into the expanded space 2157 of the hosel opening 2152. In some other examples of assembly, the fastener 2300 may be positioned and oriented in the hosel opening 2152 without the threaded portion 2324 first being inserted into the threaded fastener opening 2222. The lower portion 2220 may then be inserted into the hosel opening 2152 until the threaded fastener opening 2222 makes contact with the threaded portion 2324, and the tool may then be used to move the tapered, threaded portion 2320 into the threaded fastener opening 2222 until the tapered portion 2322 causes the lower portion 2220 to expand outwardly into the expanded space 2157.
In some examples, the hosel insert 2200 may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that, when the golf club head assembly 2000 is assembled, the upper portion 2210 and/or the shaft opening 2212 are positioned entirely outside of the hosel opening 2152.
The hosel insert 2200 may include one or more locking teeth 2230, and the hosel portion 2150 may have one or more corresponding grooves 2156 in the terminal end 2154 of the hosel portion 2150. The one or more locking teeth 2230 may be configured to engage with the one or more grooves 2156 such that rotational movement of the hosel insert 2200 relative to the golf club head 2100 is restrained. The one or more locking teeth 2230 and the one or more grooves 2156 may respectively have features similar to, or the same as, features that other locking teeth and grooves disclosed herein may have, including, without limitation, the features that the locking teeth 1230 and the grooves 1156 of the golf club head assembly 1000 may have.
In some examples, the golf club head assembly 2000 may include a fastener opening plug configured to be fitted (e.g., snap fitted) into the fastener opening 2160 in order to block dirt and/or debris from entering the fastener opening 2160 and/or to improve the aesthetics of the golf club head 2100.
The golf club head 2100 may include a weight 2180 (e.g., a flat weight) that is coupled to the golf club head 2100 (e.g., to the back portion 2110) via a weight fastener 2182. Because the golf club head 2100 may be modified (e.g., by drilling the fastener opening 2160 into the sole 2108) in a manner that changes the weight of the golf club head 2100, the weight 2180 may be included, and the mass of the weight 2180 may be set to at least partially offset a change in golf swing dynamics resulting from the modifications to the golf club head 2100. For examples, the mass of the weight 2180 may be substantially equal to a reduction in mass resulting from the modifications to the golf club head 2100. As used herein, “substantially equal” may include being within 0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, or 10% of being exactly equal.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head assembly 3000 may include a golf club head 3100, a fastener 3300, a hosel insert 3200, and a fastener opening plug (not shown). The golf club head may include a heel 3102; a toe 3104; a striking face 3106 having a lower leading edge 3120, an upper topline edge 3122, and a plurality of grooves 3126 (or score lines); a sole 3108; a back portion 3110; a hosel portion 3150; and a flat weight 3180 coupled to the golf club head 3100 via a weight fastener 3182. The golf club head 3100 may have a hosel opening 3152 extending from a terminal end 3154 of the hosel portion 3150 toward the sole 3108 and to a bottom 3153 of the hosel opening 3152, a fastener opening 3160 extending from the sole 3108 to the hosel opening 3152, and one or more grooves 3156. One or more sidewalls 3155 defining at least part of the hosel opening 3152 may be tapered to define an expanded space 3157 in the hosel opening 3152.
The fastener 3300 may include a head 3310 and a tapered, threaded portion 3320 extending from the head 3310. The tapered, threaded portion 3320 may include a tapered portion 3322 extending from the head 3310 and a threaded portion 3324 extending from the tapered portion 3322. A tool indent 3312 may be defined in the head 3310.
The hosel insert 3200 may include an upper portion 3210, a lower portion 3220 protruding from the upper portion 3210 and having one or more slits 3224 defined therein, and one or more locking teeth 3230 shaped and sized to respectively engage with the one or more grooves 3156 in the terminal end 3154 of the hosel portion 3150. A shaft opening 3212 may be defined in the upper portion 3210, and a threaded fastener opening 3222 may be defined in the lower portion 3220.
The golf club head assembly 3000 may be assembled in a similar or same manner as the golf club head assembly 2000 may be assembled. The golf club head assembly 3000 is depicted, according to a non-limiting example, as including three locking teeth 3230 mutually positioned 120 degrees from one another around the hosel insert 3200, and as having three corresponding grooves 3156 in the hosel portion 3150. In contrast, the golf club head assembly 2000 is depicted, according to another non-limiting example, as having two locking teeth 2230 positioned 180 degrees from one another around the hosel insert 2200, and as having two corresponding grooves 2156 in the hosel portion 2150.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head assembly 4000 may include a golf club head 4100, a fastener 4300, a threaded insert 4700, and a fastener opening plug 4500. The golf club head may include a heel 4102; a toe 4104; a striking face (not shown in
The fastener 4300 may include a head 4310 and a threaded portion 4320 extending from the head 4310 and having a threading. In some examples, the fastener 4300 is an 8-32 screw. A tool indent 4312 may be defined in the head 4310. The fastener 4300 may be shaped and sized such that the head 4310 is positionable in the fastener opening 4160 while the threaded portion 4320 extends from the head 4310, through the divider wall hole 4172, and at least partially through the hosel opening 4152.
The threaded insert 4700 may be shaped and sized to be fitted at least partially into an interior 4420 of an end 4430 of a golf club shaft 4400. In some examples, the threaded insert 4700 includes a metal, such as aluminum or steel. The interior 4420 of the golf club shaft 4400 may be opposite to an exterior surface 4410 of the golf club shaft 4400. The threaded insert 4700 may be configured to be securely fitted in the interior 4420 of the golf club shaft 4400. For example, the threaded insert 4700 may be fixed inside the interior 4420 via a glue or adhesive, and an exterior surface 4710 of the threaded insert 4700 may have a threading to accommodate the glue or adhesive between the exterior surface 4710 of the threaded insert 4700 and an interior surface of the golf club shaft 4400 facing the interior 4420 of the golf club shaft 4400. In some other examples, the interior surface of the golf club shaft 4400 may have a threading corresponding to the threading of the exterior surface 4710 of the threaded insert 4700 such the threaded insert can engage with the interior surface of the golf club shaft 4400.
The threaded insert 4700 may have a collar 4732 protruding outwardly (e.g., radially outwardly) from the exterior surface 4710 such that a collared portion of the threaded insert 4700 surrounded by the collar 4732 is configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to be blocked from being moved into the interior 4420 of the golf club shaft 4400. When the golf club head assembly 4000 is being assembled, the threaded insert 4700 may be inserted partially into the golf club shaft 4400 until the collar 4732 blocks the threaded insert 4700 from being further inserted into the golf club shaft 4400. An end portion 4730 may extend from the collared portion of the threaded insert 4700 such that the collar 4732 is between the end portion 4730 and a portion of the threaded insert 4700 configured to engage with the interior surface of the golf club shaft 4400. The collar 4732 and the end portion 4730 may be configured to be outside of the golf club shaft 4400 when the threaded insert 4700 is securely fitted into the interior 4420 of the golf club shaft 4400.
The threaded insert 4700 may have an interior surface 4720 opposite to the exterior surface 4710 and facing an interior of the threaded insert 4700. The interior of the threaded insert 4700 may be shaped and sized to receive at least part of the threaded portion 4320 of the fastener 4300, and the interior surface 4720 of the threaded insert 4700 may have a threading corresponding to a threading of the threaded portion 4320 of the fastener 4300 such that the threaded portion 4320 of the fastener 4300 can engage with the interior surface 4720 of the threaded insert 4700.
A locking indent 4180 may be formed in the bottom 4153 of the hosel opening 4152 (e.g., in a surface of the divider wall 4170 facing the hosel opening 4152) and may be shaped and sized to receive at least part of the end portion 4730 of the threaded insert 4700. In some examples, a shape of the end portion 4730 of the threaded insert 4700 corresponds to (e.g., is similar to, or the same as) a shape of the locking indent 4180. The locking indent 4180 may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that, when the end portion 4730 of the threaded insert 4700 is at least partially inserted into the locking indent 4180, rotational movement of the threaded insert 4700 (and, thus, also of the golf club shaft 4400, if the threaded insert 4700 is securely fitted into the golf club shaft 4400) relative to the golf club head 4100 may be restrained (e.g., blocked or prevented). For example, the locking indent 4180 may have a non-circular shape such that, when the end portion 4730 of the threaded insert 4700 is at least partially inserted into the locking indent 4180, the end portion 4730 is blocked from rotating within the locking indent 4180. In some examples, the locking indent 4180 has a shape that is circular except for two opposing straight sidewalls 4182. In some other examples, the locking indent 4180 may have an oval shape or some other shape. Because rotational movement of the threaded insert 4700 relative to the golf club head 4100 may be blocked, the golf club head 4100 can be prevented from spinning about the golf club shaft 4400 during a golf swing.
The fastener 4300 and the threaded insert 4700 may be configured such that, when the golf club head assembly 4000 is assembled, the threaded insert 4700 is securely fitted into the end 4430 of the golf club shaft 4400 with the collar 4732 and the end portion 4730 being positioned outside of the end 4430 of the golf club shaft 4400, the end 4430 of the golf club shaft 4400 is inserted at least partially through the hosel opening 4152 such that the end portion 4730 of the threaded insert 4700 is at least partially inserted into the locking indent 4180, the head 4310 of the fastener 4300 is positioned in the fastener opening 4160, and the threaded portion 4320 of the fastener 4300 extends through the divider wall 4170, at least partially through the hosel opening 4152, and at least partially through the threaded insert 4700. When assembled, the golf shaft 4400 can be coupled to the golf club head 4100 by the fastener 4300.
During assembly of the golf club head assembly 4000, the threaded insert 4700 may be securely fitted into the golf club shaft 4400, and the end 4430 of the golf club shaft 4400 may be inserted into the hosel opening 4152. The fastener 4300 may then be inserted into the fastener opening 4160 such that the threaded portion 4320 extends through the divider wall hole 4172 and contacts the interior surface 4720 of the threaded insert 4700. A tool may then be utilized to controllably engage the fastener 4300, via the tool indent 4312, to cause the threaded portion 4320 to be moved into, and to engage with, the threaded insert 4700. The assembled golf club head assembly 4000 may be disassembled via a reverse process.
In some examples, the hosel opening 4152 is shaped and sized such that, when the golf club shaft 4400 is inserted into the hosel opening 4152, the golf club shaft 4400 directly contacts a sidewall of the hosel portion 4150 that defines at least part of the hosel opening 4152.
The fastener opening plug 4500 may be configured to be fitted (e.g., snap fitted) into the fastener opening 4160 to prevent dirt and debris from entering into the fastener opening 4160 and/or to improve the aesthetic appearance of the golf club head 4100. The golf club head 4100 may have a snap-fit opening 4162 coupled between the fastener opening 4160 and an outside of the golf club head 4100. The snap-fit opening 4162 may be positioned such that, as the fastener opening plug 4500 is moved into the fastener opening 4160, a portion of the fastener opening plug 4500 snaps into the snap-fit opening 4162. When the portion of the fastener opening plug 4500 extends into the snap-fit opening 4162 from the fastener opening 4160, movement of the fastener opening plug 4500 out of the fastener opening 4160 may be restrained (e.g., blocked or prevented). The snap-fit opening 4162 may be shaped and sized such that a tool can be inserted at least partially through the snap-fit opening 4162 from the outside to push the portion of the fastener opening plug 4500 out from snap opening 4162 so that the fastener opening plug 4500 can be removed (e.g., pulled out) from the fastener opening 4160.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head 5100 may include a heel 5102; a toe 5104; a striking face 5106 having a lower leading edge 5120, an upper topline edge 5122, and a plurality of grooves 5124 (or score lines); a sole 5108; a back portion 5110; and a hosel portion 5150. The golf club head 5100 may have a hosel opening 5152 extending from a terminal end 5154 of the hosel portion 5150 toward the sole 5108 and to a divider wall 5170, and a fastener opening 5160 extending from the sole 5108 to the divider wall 5170. The divider wall 5170 may have a divider wall hole 5172 defined therein to couple the fastener opening 5160 to the hosel opening 5152.
The fastener 5300 may have a head 5310 and a threaded portion 5320 extending from the head 5310. The fastener 5300 may be shaped and sized such that the head 5310 is positionable in the fastener opening 5160 while the threaded portion 5320 extends through the divider wall hole 5172 and at least partially through the hosel opening 5152. The fastener 5300 may have a tool indent 5312 defined in the head 5310 and shaped and sized to receive at least part of a tool configured to controllably engage with the fastener 5300 via the tool indent 5312.
The hosel opening 5152 may be shaped and sized to receive at least part of the hosel insert 5200. The hosel insert 5200 may have a shaft opening 5212 shaped and sized to receive part of a golf club shaft 5400. The hosel insert 5200 may have a fastener hole 5240 at a bottom of the shaft opening 5212 that is shaped and sized to receive at least part of the threaded portion 5320 of the fastener 5300, and that is positioned to be aligned with the divider wall hole 5172 when the hosel insert 5200 is inserted into the hosel opening 5152. In some examples, the hosel insert 5200 has one or more locking teeth 5230 protruding from an outer surface of the hosel insert 5200, and the hosel portion 5150 may have one or more corresponding grooves 5156 shaped and sized to respectively receive at least part of the one or more locking teeth 5230 when the hosel insert 5200 is inserted into the hosel opening 5152.
The threaded insert 5700 may have an exterior surface 5710 and a threaded interior surface 5720 opposite to the exterior surface 5710. A threading of the threaded interior surface 5720 may correspond to a threading of the threaded portion 5320 of the fastener 5300 such that the fastener 5300 can engage with the threaded interior surface 5720 of the threaded insert 5700. In some examples, the threaded insert 5700 includes a collar 5732 at or near to an end of the threaded insert 5700. The collar 5732 may protrude from the exterior surface 5710 of the threaded insert 5700 and may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) to be blocked from being moved into the interior of the golf club shaft 4400.
The fastener 5300, the hosel insert 5200, and the threaded insert 5700 may be configured such that, when the golf club head assembly 5000 is assembled, the hosel insert 5200 is at least partially inserted into the hosel opening 5152 such that fastener hole 5240 is aligned with the divider wall hole 5172; the threaded insert 5700 is securely fitted into the interior 5420 of the end 5430 of the golf club shaft 5400; the end 5430 of the golf club shaft 5400 is inserted into the hosel insert 5200; the head 5310 of the fastener 5300 is positioned in the fastener opening 5160; and the threaded portion 5320 extends through the divider wall hole 5172, through the fastener hole 5240 of the hosel insert 5200, and at least partially through the threaded insert 5700. The threaded portion 5320 may engage with the threaded insert 5700 such that the golf club shaft 5400 is coupled to the golf club head 5100.
The ferrule 5600 may be coupled to the golf club shaft 5400, and it may have a tapered shape. Because the terminal end 5154 of the hosel portion 5150 may be wider than the golf club shaft 5400, a step change in thickness may be visible between the terminal end 5154 and the golf club shaft 5400, which may be aesthetically undesirable to some. The ferrule 5600 may be positionable and orientable along the golf club shaft 5400 such that thick and thin ends of the ferrule 5600 are respectively positioned proximal and distal to the terminal end 5154 of the hosel portion 5150 to provide the appearance of a gradual change in thickness from the terminal end 5154 of the hosel portion 5150 to the golf club shaft 5400. The ferrule 5600 may therefore improve the aesthetic appearance of a golf club. In some examples, the ferrule 5600 is configured to cover at least part of the hosel portion 5150 so that the locking teeth 5230 may be at least partially concealed. In some other examples, the ferrule 5600 is configured to not cover the hosel portion 5150.
The fastener opening plug 5500 may be configured to be fitted (e.g., snap fitted) into the fastener opening 5160 to block dirt and debris from entering the fastener opening 5160 and/or to improve aesthetics of the golf club head 5100.
Referring concurrently to
The golf club head 6100 may include a heel 6102; a toe 6104; a striking face 6106 having a lower leading edge 6120, an upper top line edge 6122, and a plurality of grooves 6124 (or score lines); a sole 6108; a back portion 6110; a hosel portion 6150; and a flat weight 3180 coupled to the golf club head 6100 via a weight screw 6128. The golf club head 6100 may have a hosel opening 6152 extending from a terminal and 6154 of the hosel portion 6150 toward the sole 6108 and to a divider wall 6170, and a fastener opening 6160 extending from the sole 6108 to the divider wall 6170. The divider wall 6170 may have a divider wall hole 6172 define therein to couple the fastener opening 6160 to the hosel opening 6152.
The fastener 6300 may include a head 6310 and a threaded portion 6320 extending from the head 6310. The fastener 6300 may be shaped and sized such that the head 6310 is positionable in the fastener opening 6160 with the threaded portion 6320 extending through the divider wall hole 6172 and at least partially through the hosel opening 6152. The fastener 6300 may have a tool indent 6312 defined in the head 6310 that is shaped and sized to receive at least part of a tool configured to controllably engage with the fastener 6300 via the tool indent 6312.
The hosel insert 6200 may have an upper portion 6210 and a lower portion 6220 protruding from the upper portion 6210. In some examples, the hosel insert 6200 includes a metal, such as steel. A shaft opening 6212 may extend through the upper portion 6210 and through part of the lower portion 6220. The lower portion 6220 may be shaped and sized to be at least partially inserted into the hosel opening 6152. The hosel insert 6200 may be configured (e.g., shaped and sized) such that, when the lower portion 6220 is at least partially inserted into the hosel opening 6152, the shaft opening 6212 is positioned at least partially in the hosel opening 6152.
The hosel insert 6200 may have a threaded fastener hole 6240 that is shaped and sized to receive at least part of the threaded portion 6320 of the fastener 6300. In some examples, the threaded fastener hole 6240 is joined to the shaft opening 6212 such that the threaded fastener hole 6240 and the shaft opening 6212 form an integral hole through the hosel insert 6200. The threaded fastener hole 6240 may be positioned such that, when the hosel insert 6200 is inserted into the hosel opening 6152, the threaded fastener hole 6240 is aligned with the divider wall hole 6172. The threaded fastener hole 6240 may have a threading that corresponds to a threading of the threaded portion 6320 of the fastener 6300 such that the fastener 6300 can engage with the threaded fastener hole 6240.
The hosel insert 6200 may include one or more locking teeth 6230, and the hosel portion 6150 may have one or more corresponding grooves 6156 formed in the terminal and 6154 and shaped in size to respectively receive at least part of the corresponding one or more locking teeth 6230. The one or more locking teeth 6230 may be configured to engage with the corresponding one or more grooves 6156 to restrain rotational movement of the hosel insert 6200 relative to the golf club head 6100. In the depicted example, the hosel insert 6200 includes three locking teeth 6230 that are mutually positioned 120 degrees relative to one another, and the hosel portion 6150 has three corresponding grooves 6156 in the terminal end 6154 of the hosel portion 6150. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
The fastener 6300 and the hosel insert 6200 may be configured such that, when the golf club head assembly 6000 is assembled, the hosel insert 6200 is inserted into the hosel opening 6152 with the fastener hole 6240 aligned with the divider wall hole 6172, the head 6310 of the fastener 6300 is positioned in the fastener opening 6160, and the threaded portion 6320 of the fastener 6300 extends through the divider wall hole 6172 and at least partially through the fastener hole 6240 of the hosel insert 6200. The fastener 6300 can couple the hosel insert 6200 to the golf club head 6100. When the golf club head assembly 6000 is assembled, a plurality of golf club shafts can be interchangeably coupled to the golf club head 6100 by fitting the golf club shafts into the shaft opening 6212 of the hosel insert 6200.
The ferrule 6600 may be couplable to the golf club shaft 6400 and may have a tapered shape. Because the upper portion 6210 of the hosel insert 6200 may be wider than the golf club shaft 6400, a step change in thickness may be visible between the upper portion 6210 and the golf club shaft 6400, which may be undesirable to some. The ferrule 6600 may be positionable and orientable such that a gradual change in thickness is provided from the upper portion 6210 of the hosel insert 6200 to the golf club shaft 6400.
The fastener opening plug 6500 may be configured to be fitted (e.g., snap fitted) into the fastener opening 6160 to block dirt and debris from entering into the fastener opening 6160 and/or to improve aesthetics of the golf club head 6100.
Although specific devices and features have been recited throughout the disclosure as performing specific functions, one of skill in the art will appreciate that these devices and features are provided for illustrative purposes, and other devices and features may be employed to perform the functionality disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the disclosure. This disclosure describes some embodiments of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible embodiments were shown. Other aspects may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fully conveyed the scope of the possible embodiments to those skilled in the art.
Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “A and/or B” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, and elements A and B.
Although specific embodiments are described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific embodiments. Moreover, while different examples and embodiments may be described separately, such embodiments and examples may be combined with one another in implementing the technology described herein. One skilled in the art will recognize other embodiments or improvements that are within the scope and spirit of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or media are disclosed only as illustrative embodiments. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.
