Patent Application
20240091599
This invention generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to ferrules used to join iron-type golf club heads to shafts.
A ferrule connects a hosel of an iron-type club head to a shaft to provide a seamless transition between the two. The shaft and the hosel typically have different sized outside diameters, and therefore an exterior of the ferrule may include a transition area that smoothly tapers from the shaft to the hosel to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Additionally, surfaces on the ferrule contact portions of both the hosel and the shaft to provide areas for securing the club head to the shaft. As a player executes a swing, the connection point between the iron-type club head and the shaft can experience significant stresses, and therefore it is important for the ferrule to reliably couple the iron-type club head to the shaft. The overall length of a ferrule is typically short for aesthetics, and therefore there is only a limited amount of area available on the ferrule to bond to the shaft and hosel. Limited bonding area can result in an unreliable connection and can increase the possibility of the club head detaching from the shaft. Therefore, there is a need in the art for a ferrule that more securely joins the club head to the shaft while still maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.
The terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise.
The term “bonding strength” as used herein can be the strength of epoxy material at the head-shaft connection or grip-shaft connection. The bonding strength can be quantified by the energy required to break the bonds between the bonding surface and the hosel inner surface or between the bonding surface and the hosel exterior surface or between the bonding surface and the shaft exterior surface.
The term “epoxy” as used herein can be any adhesive or resin mixture used to bond the shaft to the club head or grip. The epoxy may be applied to the shaft-bonding area and used as means to secure the connection. The epoxy may form bonds between the shaft-bonding area and the hosel inner surface or between the shaft-bonding area and the hosel exterior surface or between the shaft-bonding area and the shaft exterior surface.
The term “hosel connection juncture” as used herein can be the connection between the hosel and the ferrule. The connection can be used interchangeably with the “connection juncture”.
The term “tip weight” as used herein can be a cylindrical weighting component that can be inserted into the hosel and held into place with an epoxy material. The tip weight can be formed from a high-density material.
“Longitudinal axis” as used herein can be the axis extending from a geometric center of the shaft top end to a geometric center of the shaft bottom end. The shaft can be a symmetrical cylinder that is bisected by the longitudinal axis.
“Normal force” as used herein can be a pulling force applied normal or perpendicular to the cross-sectional area of the shaft. In other words, the normal force can be applied parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The normal force may be used interchangeably with the “pushing force” or “pulling force”. The normal force may be applied to a shaft and cause a uniform normal stress over the object's cross-sectional area.
“Torsional force” as used herein can be a twisting force applied parallel or tangent to the cross-sectional area of the shaft. In other words, the torsional force can be applied perpendicular to the shaft longitudinal axis. The torsional force may mean be used interchangeably with the torque or twisting force. The torsional force may be applied to a shaft and cause a distribution of shear stress over the shaft's cross-sectional area.
The term “iron,” as used herein, can, in some embodiments, refer to an iron-type golf club head having a loft angle that is less than approximately 62 degrees, less than approximately 61 degrees, less than approximately 60 degrees, less than approximately 59 degrees, less than approximately 58 degrees, less than approximately 57 degrees, less than approximately 56 degrees, less than approximately 55 degrees, less than approximately 54 degrees, less than approximately 53 degrees, or less than approximately 52 degrees. Further, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head is greater than approximately 16 degrees, greater than approximately 17 degrees, greater than approximately 18 degrees, greater than approximately 19 degrees, greater than approximately 20 degrees, greater than approximately 21 degrees, greater than approximately 22 degrees, greater than approximately 23 degrees, greater than approximately 24 degrees, or greater than approximately 25 degrees.
The volume of the iron can be greater than or equal to 20 cubic centimeters (cc) and less than or equal to 80 cubic centimeters (cc). In some embodiments, the volume of the iron can range from 20 to 50 cc, or 50 to 80 cc. In other embodiments, the volume of the iron can range from 20 to 60 cc, 30 to 70 cc, or 40 to 80 cc. For example, the volume of the iron can be 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 cc.
In some embodiments, the iron can comprise a total mass ranging between 180 grams and 260 grams, 190 grams and 240 grams, 200 grams and 230 grams, 210 grams and 220 grams, or 215 grams and 220 grams. In some embodiments, the total mass of the club head is 215 grams, 216 grams, 217 grams, 218 grams, 219 grams, or 220 grams.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Described herein are various embodiments of a ferrule for an iron-type golf club which can increase the bonding strength between the hosel, the iron-type golf club head (hereafter also known as “golf club head”), and the shaft. More specifically, the ferrules described herein have increased bonding areas for joining the hosel to the shaft to provide a durable, longer lasting golf club while still maintaining a pleasing sight line.
The durable connection of the iron-type golf club head is achieved by providing a combination of interacting surfaces between the hosel and the ferrule. These surfaces of the hosel and the ferrule are complementary and provide greater bonding surface interaction, as described below. The ferrule comprises a collar that reaches over and interacts with the surface of the hosel to provide a strong, durable connection.
An exemplary iron-type golf club 200 is illustrated in
The hosel can be positioned at the heel of the golf club head and located near the hosel connection juncture. The hosel can comprise an hosel interior surface and a hosel exterior surface. Further, the hosel can comprise a hosel connection section, located on the hosel exterior surface near the top of the hosel, which can provide a first hosel-bonding area between the hosel and the ferrule. A second hosel-bonding area can be provided between the hosel interior surface and an exterior surface of a ferrule inner wall. Additionally, there is a shaft-bonding area between the shaft and the ferrule. A shaft exterior surface and an interior surface of a ferrule inner wall provide the shaft-bonding area. As described in greater detail below, these surfaces are complimentary to one another and can be used to strengthen the bond between the hosel and the ferrule. The seamless transition between the ferrule 230 and the hosel 210 improves aesthetics of the club and reduces air drag around the hosel connection juncture 206 during use.
Referring to
The outer wall 235 of the ferrule can extend straight down from a notch 250 and is sufficiently spaced from the inner wall 234 so that the receptacle 233 is large enough to receive the hosel connection section 219. The notch 250 acts as a stress reliever to allow the insertion section 232 of the ferrule 230 to flex as it is inserted over the hosel connection section 219. Reducing the flexural stress on the ferrule 230 allows the ferrule 230 and hosel 210 to have a more durable connection. Referring to
The connection of the ferrule 230 to the hosel connection section 219 can provide extra surface area for bonding the ferrule 230 to the hosel 210. The outer wall 235 can comprise an outer wall length 265. In some embodiments, the outer wall length 265 can be between 0.30 inch to 1.00 inch. In some embodiments, the outer wall length 265 can be between 0.30 inch to 0.40 inch, 0.40 inch to 0.50 inch, 0.50 inch to 0.60 inch, 0.60 inch to 0.70 inch, 0.70 inch to 0.80 inch, 0.80 inch to 0.90 inch or 0.90 inch to 1.00 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer wall length 265 is 0.46 inch. As the outer wall length increase so does the available surface area for bonding.
The outer wall 235 can comprise an outer wall diameter 270. The outer wall diameter 270 can be larger than the first hosel connection section diameter 268 to ensure that the outer wall 235 can smoothly slide over the hosel connection section 219. In some embodiments, the outer wall diameter 270 can be between 0.40 inch and 0.60 inch. In some embodiments, the outer wall diameter 270 can be between 0.40 inch to 0.42 inch, 0.42 inch to 0.44 inch, 0.44 inch to 0.46 inch, 0.46 inch to 0.48 inch, 0.48 inch to 050 inch, 0.50 inch to 0.52 inch, 0.52 inch to 0.54 inch, 0.54 inch to 0.56 inch, 0.56 inch to 0.58 inch, or 0.58 inch to 0.60 inch. The outer wall diameter 270 is designed to complement the second hosel connection section diameter 269 to provide a seamless connection and an aesthetically pleasing golf club.
The transition section 231 extends away from the ferrule insertion section 232 to provide a seamless and aesthetically pleasing transition between the shaft 220, ferrule 230, and the hosel 210. The transition section 231 can comprise a transition section length 261. In some embodiments, the transition section length 261 can be between 0.5 inch to 1.0 inch. In some embodiments, the transition section length 261 may be between 0.5 inch to 0.6 inch, 0.6 inch to 0.7 inch, 0.7 inch to 0.8 inch, 0.8 inch to 0.9 inch, or 0.9 inch to 1.0 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the transition section length 261 is 0.7 inch.
Further to
The transition section 231 can comprise a transition angle 242 that extends the transition section length 261. In some embodiments, the transition angle 242 can be between 4 degrees and 24 degrees. In some embodiments, the transition angle 242 can be between 4 degrees to 7 degrees, 7 degrees to 10 degrees, 10 degrees to 13 degrees, 13 degrees to 16 degrees, 16 degrees to 19 degrees, 19 degrees to 21 degrees, or 21 degrees to 24 degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the transition angle 242 is 9 degrees. The transition angle 242 can be constant along the transition section 231 or varying. The transition angle 242 can provide a visually seamless transition between the shaft 220 and the hosel 210.
A ferrule bore 243 extends through the transition section 231 and into the insertion section 232 for receiving the connection end 221 of the shaft 220. In some embodiments, the ferrule bore 243 stops before the bottom of the insertion section 232 and is not a through hole, but instead a cap extends across the end of the inner wall 234. Further, the ferrule bore 243 can comprise a ferrule bore diameter. In some embodiments, the ferrule bore diameter 244 can be between 0.20 inch and 0.60 inch. In some embodiments, the ferrule bore diameter 244 can be between 0.20 inch to 0.30 inch, 0.30 inch to 0.40 inch, 0.40 inch to 0.50 inch, or 0.50 inch to 0.60 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the ferrule bore diameter 244 is 0.30 inches.
With continued reference to
The hosel bore 216 can extend along the hosel axis 215 and is configured to receive the ferrule 230 and the shaft 220. The hosel bore 216 can be recessed into the hosel 210, starting at the hosel connection section 219 and continuing downwards towards the hosel base end 224. A diameter of the hosel bore 216 can be constant from the hosel connection section 219 to the hosel base end 224, or, alternatively, the diameter can vary. The hosel bore 216 can comprise a bore top end 217 and a bore bottom end 218. The bore top end 217 can comprise an open end and the bore bottom end 218 can comprise a closed end. The hosel bore 216 can provide a means of joining the golf club head to the shaft 220 and ferrule 230. Additionally, the hosel bore 216 can comprise the key juncture where the epoxy, the tip weight, and the ferrule all interact.
The hosel bore 216 can further comprise a hosel bore length, defined herein as the distance from the top end 217 to the bottom end 218 of the bore. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length can be between 0.80 inch to 1.60 inches. In some embodiments, the hosel bore length can be between 0.80 inch to 0.90 inch, 0.90 inch to 1.00 inch, 1.00 inch to 1.10 inches, 1.10 inches to 1.20 inches, 1.20 inches to 1.30 inches, 1.30 inches to 1.40 inches, 1.40 inches to 1.50 inches, or 1.50 inches to 1.60 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the hosel bore length is 1.07 inches. The length of the hosel bore 216 can determine how much of the ferrule inner wall exterior surface 236 surface can act as a bonding area. A long hosel bore can allow for greater bonding area, however, it should be balanced with the overall mass of the club head as creating too long of a hosel bore generates more mass which can affect performance characteristics of the club head, such as center of gravity and moment of inertia of the club head.
As illustrated in
The hosel 210 further can comprise a first hosel thickness, which is the distance between the external surface 214 and the internal surface 213 of the hosel. In some embodiments, the first hosel thickness can be between 0.01 inch and 0.20 inch. In some embodiments, the first hosel thickness can be between 0.01 inch to 0.04 inch, 0.04 inch to 0.07 inch, 0.07 inch to 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch to 0.13 inch, 0.13 inch to 0.16 inch, or 0.16 inch to 0.20 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the first hosel thickness is 0.06. The first hosel thickness may be constant.
Additionally, the hosel connection section outer surface can define a second hosel thickness that is less than the first hosel thickness. In some embodiments, the second hosel thickness can be between 0.01 inch to 0.20 inch. In some embodiments, the second hosel thickness can be between 0.01 inch to 0.04 inch, 0.04 inch to 0.07 inch, 0.07 inch to 0.10 inch, 0.10 inch to 0.13 inch, 0.13 inch to 0.16 inch, or 0.16 inch to 0.20 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the second hosel thickness is 0.02 inches. The hosel connection section thickness is complimentary to the receptacle thickness to ensure a seamless transition between the ferrule and the hosel. The hosel connection section thickness must be thick enough to ensure that the hosel can withstand impact stresses, but also thin enough to ensure the receptacle can be placed over the hosel connection section. As described above, the hosel connection section 219 is thinner than the rest of the hosel 210 due to a reduction in material to fit the receptacle 233. The reduction of material at the hosel connection section 219 can increase discretionary mass.
This discretionary mass can either be redistributed to another area of the golf club body or can be used to create the ferrule 230 out of a stronger material. In some embodiments, the hosel connection section 219 can have mass savings of between 2.50 grams to 5.50 grams of weight. In some embodiments, the hosel connection section region mass savings can be between 2.50 grams to 2.75 grams, 2.75 grams to 3.00 grams, 3.25 grams to 3.50 grams, 3.50 grams to 3.75 grams, 3.75 grams to 4.00 grams, 4.00 grams to 4.25 grams, 4.25 grams to 4.50 grams, 4.50 grams to 4.75 grams, 4.75 grams to 5.00 grams, 5.00 grams to 5.25 grams, 5.25 grams to 5.75 grams, or between 3.75 grams to 4.00 grams. In one exemplary embodiment, the hosel connection section mass savings can be 4.00 grams. The mass savings can lead to a more durable club through the use of a different material, or could be placed back into the club head to alter performance characteristics such as center of gravity and moment of inertia.
The hosel 210, the ferrule 230, and the shaft 220 can comprise three separate bonding surfaces to increase the bonding area and strength between the hosel 210 and the shaft 220. A first hosel-bonding area 246 is formed between the inner wall exterior surface 236 and the hosel inner surface 213. A second hosel-bonding area 248 is formed between the outer wall interior surface 239 and the hosel connection section 219. A shaft-bonding area 247 is formed between the inner wall interior surface 237 and the shaft 220. The ferrule 230 with two bonding areas for the hosel increases the bonding strength, thereby providing a longer lasting and more durable hosel/ferrule connection. Additionally, the longer inner wall 234 increases the bonding area between the ferrule 230 and the shaft 220. Still further, the ferrule 230 engages both the shaft 220 with the hosel 210. Specifically, the inner and outer walls 234, 235 are complementary to the hosel connection section 219, thereby to more positively position the ferrule 230 within the hosel 210. Additionally, the extended length of the ferrule inner wall 234 better aligns the ferrule 230 with the shaft 220. Further, the addition of an extra bonding area can give a visually pleasing appearance of a seamless transition between the shaft, ferrule, and hosel. The bonding areas decrease the likelihood of an offset arising between the shaft and the ferrule, as well as decreasing the likelihood that the shaft and/or hosel will detach from the ferrule during a golf swing.
The shaft-bonding area 247 can define a shaft-bonding area length 277 from the top of shaft-bonding area to the bottom of shaft-bonding area. In some embodiments, shaft-bonding area length 277 can be between 1.02 inches to 1.12 inches. In some embodiments, the shaft-bonding area length 277 can be between 1.02 inches and 1.03 inches, 1.03 inches and 1.04 inches, 1.04 inches and 1.05 inches, 1.05 inches and 1.06 inches, 1.06 inches and 1.07 inches, 1.07 inches and 1.08 inches, 1.08 inches and 1.09 inches, 1.09 inches and 1.10 inches, 1.10 inches and 1.11 inches or between 1.11 inches and 1.12 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the shaft-bonding area length 277 is 1.07 inches.
The first hosel-bonding area 246 can define a first hosel-bonding area length 276 from the top of the first hosel-bonding area to the bottom of first hosel-bonding area. In some embodiments, the first hosel-bonding area length 276 can be between 0.45 inch to 1.25 inch. In some embodiments, the first hosel-bonding area length 276 can be between 0.45 inch and 0.55 inch, 0.55 inch and 0.65 inch, 0.65 inch and 0.75 inch, 0.75 inch and 0.85 inch, 0.85 inch and 0.95 inch, 0.95 inch and 1.05 inch, 1.05 inch and 1.15 inch, or between 1.15 inch and 1.25 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the first hosel-bonding area length 276 is 0.75 inch. Increased surface area for the epoxy provides a stronger bond between the golf club head 200 and the ferrule 230 and shaft 220 combination to reduce the chance of the club head coming loose through typical use.
The second hosel-bonding area 248 can define a second hosel-bonding area length 278 from the top of the second hosel-bonding area to the bottom of the second hosel-bonding area. In some embodiments, the second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be between 0.30 inch to 1.00 inch. In some embodiments, the second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be between 0.30 inch to 0.40 inch, 0.40 inch to 0.50 inch, 0.50 inch to 0.60 inch, 0.60 inch to 0.70 inch, 0.70 inch to 0.80 inch, 0.80 inch to 0.90 inch or 0.90 inch to 1.00 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the second hosel-bonding area length 278 is 0.47 inch. The second hosel-bonding area 248 is an additional area of adhesion that is not utilized in other ferrules. Increased surface area for the epoxy provides a stronger bond between the golf club head 200 and the ferrule 230 and shaft 220 combination to reduce the chance of the club head coming loose through typical use.
The second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be approximately half the first hosel-bonding area length 276. In one embodiment, the second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be the same as the first hosel-bonding area length 276. In other embodiments, the second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be longer than the first hosel-bonding area length 276. The second hosel-bonding area length 278 can be constant or varying around the circumference of the ferrule 230. The first hosel-bonding area length 276 can be constant or varying around the circumference of the ferrule 230. Varying the first hosel-bonding area length and second hosel-bonding area length allows for different hosel designs and concentrating the bonding effects of the epoxy.
Combining the first hosel-bonding area length with the second hosel-bonding area length can lead to the total hosel bonding area length. The total hosel bonding area length can be greater than 0.5 inch. In some embodiments, the total hosel bonding area length can be greater than 0.5 inch, greater than 0.6 inch, greater than 0.7 inch, greater than 0.8 inch, greater than 0.9 inch, greater than 1.0 inch, greater than 1.1 inches, or greater than 1.2 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the total hosel bonding area length can be greater than 1.1 inches.
Epoxy is used to bond the hosel to the ferrule, and the shaft to the ferrule. Epoxy can be applied to the first hosel-bonding area 246, shaft-bonding area 247, and second hosel-bonding area 248 to secure the ferrule 230, the hosel 210, and the shaft 220 together. Small gaps are formed between the ferrule 230 and hosel 210, and the ferrule 230 and shaft 220. The gaps ensure that each bond surface has enough room for epoxy to be applied. The ferrule bore diameter and the hosel bore diameter are slightly larger than the shaft diameter and the ferrule inner wall diameter, respectively, to ensure that a small gap is left for epoxy to be applied.
In some embodiments, the shaft-bonding area 247 can create a shaft bond gap 252, comprising a shaft bond gap width that can be between 0.0070 inch to 0.0100 inch. A shaft bond gap width is provided to ensure that epoxy can be applied between the shaft exterior surface and the ferrule inner wall interior surface. In some embodiments, the shaft bond gap width can be between 0.0070 inch and 0.0075 inch, 0.0075 inch and 0.0080 inch, 0.0080 inch and 0.0085 inch, 0.0085 inch and 0.0090 inch, 0.0090 inch and 0.0095 inch, or 0.0095 inch and 0.0100 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the shaft bond gap width is 0.0085 inch. The ability for epoxy to be applied between the external surface of the shaft and the ferrule inner wall interior surface can provide a stronger bond through a larger bonding surface. The ability to have a stronger bond can provide a more durable club.
In some embodiments, the first hosel-bonding area can create a first hosel bond gap 251, comprising a first hosel bond gap width that can be between 0.0070 inch to 0.0100 inch. A first hosel bond gap width is provided to ensure that epoxy can be applied between the hosel interior surface and the ferrule inner wall exterior surface. In some embodiments, the first hosel bond gap width can be between 0.0070 inch and 0.0075 inch, 0.0075 inch and 0.0080 inch, 0.0080 inch and 0.0085 inch, 0.0085 inch and 0.0090 inch, 0.0090 inch and 0.0095 inch, or 0.0095 inch and 0.0100 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the first hosel bond gap width is 0.0085 inch. The ability to bond the interior surface of the hosel with the ferrule inner wall exterior surface can provide a stronger bond through a larger bonding surface. The ability to have a stronger bond can provide a more durable connection of the ferrule 230, to the hosel 210, to the club head 200.
In some embodiments, the second hosel-bonding area 248 can create a second hosel bond gap 253, comprising a second hosel bond gap width that can be between 0.0070 inch to 0.0100 inch. A second hosel bond gap width is provided to ensure that epoxy can be applied between the hosel connection section and the ferrule outer wall interior surface. In some embodiments, the second hosel bond gap width can be between 0.0070 inch and 0.0075 inch, 0.0075 inch and 0.0080 inch, 0.0080 inch and 0.0085 inch, 0.0085 inch and 0.0090 inch, 0.0090 inch and 0.0095 inch, or 0.0095 inch and 0.0100 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the second hosel bond gap width is 0.0085 inch. Second hosel bond gap 253 provides an additional bonding option for the ferrule, allowing for a stronger connection and decreasing the likelihood that the ferrule and hosel will separate from impact stresses.
First hosel bond gap 251, shaft bond gap 252, and second hosel bond gap 253 can comprise the same width. In one embodiment, the first hosel bond gap 251 can comprise a larger width than shaft bond gap 252 and second hosel bond gap 253. In other embodiments, shaft bond gap 252 can comprise a larger width than first hosel bond gap 251 and second hosel bond gap 253. In other embodiments, first hosel bond gap 251 can comprise a constant or varying width around the circumference of the ferrule 230. Shaft bond gap 252 can comprise a constant or varying width around the circumference of the ferrule 230. Second hosel bond gap 253 can comprise a constant or varying width around the circumference of the ferrule 230.
Referring to
Additionally, the first hosel bonding area can comprise a first surface area, the second hosel bonding area can comprise a second surface area, and the shaft bonding area can comprise a third surface area. Combining all three surface areas can create a total surface area. The total surface area can be between 1.35 in2 and 1.70 in2. In some embodiments, the total surface area can be between 1.35 in2 to 1.40 in2, 1.40 in2 to 1.45 in2, 1.45 in2 to 1.50 in2, 1.50 in2 to 1.55 in2, 1.55 in2 to 1.60 in2, 1.60 in2 to 1.65 in2, or 1.65 in2 to 1.70 in2.
Further, the first hosel bonding area and the second hosel bonding area can comprise a yield force, wherein the hosel and the ferrule bond is disconnected. This yield is related to the strength of the epoxy bonding the ferrule and hosel. This yield force can be between 3,500 lbs and 5,500 lbs. In some embodiments, the yield force can be between 3,500 lbs to 3,700 lbs, 3,700 lbs to 3,900 lbs, 3,900 lbs to 4,100 lbs, 4,100 lbs to 4,300 lbs, 4,300 lbs to 4,500 lbs, 4,500 lbs to 4,700 lbs, 4,700 lbs to 4,900 lbs, 4,900 lbs to 5,100 lbs, 5,100 lbs to 5,300 lbs, or 5,300 lbs to 5,500 lbs.
The ferrule 230 can be made from various materials. In one embodiment, the material is a lightweight plastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. A lightweight material enables moving weight to other optimal positions for improved swing weighting, moment of inertia, and center of gravity location. Another embodiment utilizes aluminum, which is a lightweight metal. By utilizing the hosel connection section 219, the small amount of mass saved can be redistributed into either the body 201 or the ferrule 230. Should it be redistributed into the ferrule 230, then a different material, such as aluminum, can be used. The aluminum embodiment provides a stronger structure and thereby a stronger joint for the overall golf club. Further, the ferrule 230 may be fabricated using other metallic or plastic materials. In other embodiments, the ferrule 230 may consist of multiple materials.
The embodiments described above can be combined with other features to further increase the surface area available for bonding, the bonding strength, or help adjust the overall performance of the club head.
The ferrule 230 can further comprise one or more relief ports 254. A relief port 254 provides a passageway for air and adhesive to flow through, as the ferrule 230 is inserted on the hosel connection end 219. The relief port 254 can extend from the receptacle 233 to the outer wall exterior surface and/or the transition section exterior surface. The one or more relief ports 254 can comprise a generally circular shape. In other embodiments, the one or more relief ports 254 can comprise a triangular, rectangular, polygonal or any other suitable shape.
The one or more relief ports 254 can comprise a relief port diameter. In some embodiments, the relief port diameter can be between 0.01 inch and 0.10 inch. In some embodiments, the relief port diameter can be between 0.01 inch to 0.02 inch, 0.02 inch to 0.03 inch, 0.03 inch to 0.04 inch, 0.04 inch to 0.05 inch, 0.05 inch to 0.06 inch, 0.06 inch to 0.07 inch, 0.07 inch to 0.08 inch, 0.08 inch to 0.09 inch, or 0.09 inch to 0.10 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the relief port diameter is 0.05 inch. The relief port diameter can allow excess epoxy and air to escape in order to be fully set within the hosel bore 216. The one or more relief ports 254 serve as a pressure relief to ensure that the ferrule 230 fully seats onto the hosel 210. A complete ferrule/hosel connection results in a stronger bond.
In some embodiments, a tip weight 290 can be disposed within the hosel bore 216, between the ferrule 230 and the club head 210. The tip weight 290 can have a mass that can range between 0 grams to 18 grams. In some embodiments, the tip weight 290 mass can be 0 grams (in the embodiment where there is no tip weight), 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, 9 grams, 10 grams, 11 grams, 12 grams, 13 grams, 14 grams, 15 grams, 16 grams, 17 grams, or 18 grams.
The tip weight 290 can comprise a material that is different from the material of the club head body 200, the shaft 220, and the ferrule 230. The tip weight 290 may comprise a high-density material, such as tungsten or any other suitable metal or metal alloy material. In some embodiments, the density of the material of the tip weight 290 can be between 1.1 g/cc and 19.6 g/cc. In some embodiments, the density of the tip weight 290 material can be 1.1 g/cc, 1.5 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.5 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.5 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.5 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc, 5.5 g/cc, 6.0 g/cc, 6.5 g/cc, 7.0 g/cc, 7.5 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc, 8.5 g/cc, 9.0 g/cc, 9.5 g/cc, 10.0 g/cc, 10.5 g/cc, 11.0 g/cc, 11.5 g/cc, 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc, 13.0 g/cc, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc, 14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 15.8 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.2 g/cc, 16.4 g/cc, 16.6 g/cc, 16.8 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.2 g/cc, 17.4 g/cc, 17.6 g/cc, 17.8 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.2 g/cc, 18.4 g/cc, 18.6 g/cc, 18.8 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.2 g/cc, 19.4 g/cc, or 19.6 g/cc.
In other embodiments that include the shorter hosel 210, a tip weight 290 may not be inserted to allow for the shaft 220 to be pushed further into the hosel 210, thereby maximizing the surface area available for bonding. Further, removing the tip weight 290 can also lead to a redistribution of mass to either perimeter weighting on the club head 200 or to the ferrule 230. If the mass if redistributed to the ferrule 230, this can lead to a heavier, stronger material being used, which can further strengthen the bond at the hosel connection juncture 206.
Referring to
The microgrooves 255 can be recessed into the shaft 220 to define a plurality of side walls. In some embodiments, the microgrooves can be discrete lines, discrete shapes, intersecting lines, or intersecting shapes. The microgrooves 255 can create pathways to distribute stress more evenly throughout the connection. The microgrooves 255 can extend circumferentially around the shaft 210, or they can be formed in groups. The microgroove side walls can be smooth or jagged. The microgroove 255 side walls can be orientated in different directions to provide more surface area to increase the bond strength.
The microgroove 255 depth is between 0.0010 inch to 0.0050 inch. In some embodiments, the microgroove 255 depth is less than approximately 0.0010 inch, 0.0015 inch, 0.0020 inch, 0.0025, 0.0030 inch, 0.0035 inch, or 0.0040 inch. In some embodiments, the microgroove depth is between 0.0010 inch to 0.0025 inch, 0.0010 inch to 0.0050 inch, 0.0015 inch to 0.0030 inch, 0.0025 inch to 0.0040 inch, or 0.0035 inch to 0.0050 inch. In one exemplary embodiment, the microgroove 255 depth is 0.0030 inch. The microgrooves 255 can be applied to both graphite and steel shafts. In some graphite shafts, the microgrooves 255 are recessed into an outer resin layer of the shaft, but do not penetrate an inner composite layer.
In some embodiments, the microgroove 255 depth is constant throughout the microgrooves 255, while in other embodiments, the microgroove 255 depth varies throughout the microgrooves 255. In some embodiments, the microgroove 255 depth varies such that the microgrooves 255 are deeper near the shaft bottom end, and the microgrooves 255 become shallower towards the shaft top end. Conversely, in other embodiments, the microgroove 255 depth varies such that the microgrooves 255 are deeper near the shaft top end, and the microgrooves 255 become shallower towards the shaft bottom end. The microgroove 255 depth can vary in any pattern, or the microgroove 255 depth can vary randomly. Further, the depth can also vary within each individual microgroove 255 in any direction.
Each microgroove 255 defines a shape that can be the same or different than the rest of the microgrooves 255. The microgrooves 255 can be any combination of circles, lines, triangles, squares, rectangles, polygons, or any suitable shape. The microgrooves 255 can intersect, overlap, or be a discrete shape. The microgrooves 255 can be formed in groups of at least two microgrooves 255. However, each group can comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more microgrooves 255. Further, the microgrooves 255 can be formed in one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten or more groups of microgrooves 255. The microgrooves 255 can include other features such as ridges, cutouts, roughness zones, or any other feature that can increase the bond strength of the shaft 220.
In an additional embodiment, the ferrule can be comprised of individual components that are assembled to provide a complete ferrule similar to that described above. The transition section, the insertion section, and/or the outer wall of the ferrule can be comprised of one or more components. Referring to
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.
Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.
As the rules to golf may change (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be deemed conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
While the above examples may be described in connection with a iron-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as a driver wood-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, a wedge-type golf club, or a putter-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.
A finite element analysis (FEA) program was run to compare the force needed to disconnect a golf club head from a shaft/ferrule assembly. The FEA examined two different models, a control sample, similar to golf club head 100, being an industry standard hosel 110, ferrule 130, and shaft 120 connection assembly and another test sample using a hosel 210, ferrule 230, and shaft 220 connection assembly similar to golf club head 200. The FEA models studied a situation where the control sample and test sample were connected without epoxy. The connection was held together through a frictional force to study how the increased surface area improves the connection strength.
Table 1 above reveals the increased strength of the test sample compared to the control sample. The FEA results showed the test sample requiring 84.0 lbf of force to disconnect the ferrule 130 and shaft 120 connection from the hosel 110, while the control required 70.1 lbf. This equates to a 19.8% increase in connection strength using solely friction. The addition of epoxy in the hosel connection juncture could further increase this connection strength. The FEA test showed that the test sample does provide a stronger hosel 210, ferrule 230, and shaft 220 connection when compared to the control sample.
In another example, a pull test is conducted to study the strength of the hosel connection juncture. In this example, a hosel 210, ferrule 230, shaft 220 connection consistent with the test sample of Example 1 and the control sample of Example 1 are physically constructed, using an epoxy as a bonding agent. Both samples are placed in a pull test machine to compare the force necessary to break the bond and disconnect the hosel 210 from the shaft 220 and ferrule 230. In this test, using an epoxy with a bond strength of 3,300 lbs/in2 and assuming a pull force of 3,300 lbs/in2, the control sample was expected to yield between 3,500 lbs and 3,800 lbs of force, while the test sample was expected to yield between 4,500 lbs and 5,100 lbs of force. Therefore, the test sample is expected to provide between 25% and 40% increase in bond strength. This increase could be attributed to the increased surface area that the test sample provides and the increased surface for epoxy to interact and bond. The control sample has a connection surface area of between 1.10 in2 and 1.20 in2, wherein the test sample has a connection surface area of between 1.45 in2 and 1.58 in2. The increased connection surface area is attributed to the three bond areas in the test sample, compared to the two bond areas in the control sample.
The two samples are placed in a pull test machine and pulled until bond failure. The results show a 20% to 40% increase with the test sample over the control sample, depending on the epoxy used for bonding. The additional strength translates to a better bond for a golf club, further reducing the risk of a golf club head disconnecting through use.
Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following clauses and claims.
This claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/376,251 filed Sep. 19, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63376251 | Sep 2022 | US |
