JP2009148560A - Interchangeable shaft and club head connection system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a releasable connection system for assembling a golf club. <P>SOLUTION: The golf club includes: a shaft 14; a club head 12; and a connection system 10 for releasably connecting the shaft to the club head. The system includes a two-part hosel, wherein a first hosel part is connected to the shaft and a second hosel part is connected to the club head, wherein an anti-rotation device is disposed at the first and second hosel parts, and the anti-rotation device is located above the club head, and wherein the two hosel parts are rotatable relative to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to golf clubs, and more particularly to golf clubs with an improved hosel connection that provides interchangeability between the shaft and club head.

  This application is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 734,819 filed Apr. 13, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  Golfers adapt their equipment to individual swings in order to successfully play the game. Since there is no easy way to interchange heads and shafts, stores and merchants offering custom-fit products will either have a large number of clubs with individual features or will be individually involved in complex disassembly and assembly processes Must change the club. For example, if a golfer wants to try a golf club shaft with different bending characteristics or wants to use a club head with a different weight, center of gravity, or moment of inertia, such a change has not been practical until now. Golf equipment manufacturers have increased the types of clubs available to golfers. For example, specific driver-type golf clubs are offered in a number of different loft and lie angles to meet the needs of individual golfers. In addition, golfers can choose a metal or graphite shaft and adapt its length to suit their swing. Recently, golf clubs have emerged that allow replacement of shaft and club head components, such as adjustable weights, to facilitate the customization process.

  One example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,524,646 relating to Wheeler's golf club assembly. The Wheeler patent discloses a putter that includes a grip and a putter head, both of which are removable from the shaft. The fastening members provided at the upper and lower ends of the shaft have thread grooves on the inside, and these parts engage with the outer thread grooves provided at both the lower end of the grip and the upper end of the handle portion of the putter head. And the shaft are fixed. The lower end of the shaft further has a flange that contacts the upper end of the handle of the putter head when the putter head is coupled to the shaft. This design creates an undulating ridge at the top of the shaft and another undulating ridge at the bottom of the shaft.

  Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,059 for a golf club with a detachable head from Morell. The Morell patent discloses a putter golf club having an openable golf club head and an extendable shaft. The club head hosel includes a plug that encloses the shaft hole of the thread groove. A threaded rod is held in the connector portion of the shaft and threaded into the shaft groove in the club head plug to operably couple the shaft to the head.

  Another example is US Pat. No. 5,433,442 for a golf club with a Walker's readily removable head. The Walker patent discloses a golf club in which the club head is coupled to the shaft by a coupling rod and a quick release pin. The upper end of the connecting rod has an external thread that engages an inner thread formed in the lower portion of the shaft. The lower end of the connecting rod is inserted into the hosel of the club head and has a radially facing opening that is aligned with a radially facing opening in the hosel to accommodate the quick release pin.

  Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 5,722,901 relating to a detachable clamping structure for a trial golf club shaft and head such as Barron et al. The Baron patent discloses a bayonet style removable clamping structure for golf clubs and shafts. The club head hosel has a clamping pin extending radially in its hole. The head portion of the shaft has two facing “U” or “J” shaped grooves. The head end of the shaft is clamped to the hosel pin by a shaft and rotational movement. The springs in the hosel maintain a tightenable interconnection, but allow manual movement of the hosel to move axially inward to allow for instantaneous assembly and disassembly.

  Another example is US Pat. No. 5,951,411 relating to Wood et al. Hosel coupling assemblies and methods of use thereof. The Wood patent includes a club head, a replaceable shaft, and a hosel with an anti-rotation device. The hosel includes an alignment member having an angular surface that is secured by a fastener within the hosel hole. A sleeve affixed to the shaft end constitutes another alignment element and engages with an alignment element disposed within the hosel hole. A capture mechanism disposed on the shaft side engages with the hosel to removably secure the shaft relative to the club head.

  Another example is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2001 / 0007835A1 relating to Baron's modular golf club system and method. The Baron publication discloses a modular golf club that includes a club head, a hosel, and a shaft. The hosel is coupled to the shaft and is prevented from rotating by a complementary interaction surface, adhesive bond or mechanism fit. The club head and shaft are detachably integrated with a collet-type connection configuration.

  Another example is U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0105855A1 relating to a golf club having interchangeable head shaft coupling members such as Cockett et al. The Cockett publication discloses a golf club that replaces the traditional hosel and employs a sleeve / tube structure to couple an interchangeable shaft to the club head to reduce material weight and quickly assemble. Yes. The shaft is fixed to the club head using a mechanical fastener (screw) inserted through the sole plate into the club head.

  Yet another example is US Pat. No. 6,547,673 to Roark's interchangeable golf club head and adjustable handle system. The Rork patent discloses a golf club with a quick release that removes the club head from the shaft. The quick release is a two-piece connector that includes a lower connector and an upper connector, where the lower connector is secured to the hosel of the club head and the upper connector is secured to the lower portion of the shaft. The upper connector has a pin and a ball catch that both protrude radially outward from the lower end of the upper connector. The upper end of the lower connector has a corresponding slot formed therein for receiving the upper connector pin and a separate hole for receiving the ball catch. When the shaft is coupled to the club head, the hole in the lower connector catches on the ball catch and secures the shaft to the club head.

  Other issued patent documents, for example, U.S. Patent No. 7,083,529 (Patent Document 9), and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2006/0287125, 2006/0293115, and 2006/0293116. No. 2006/0281575 (Patent Documents 10 to 13) disclose an interchangeable shaft and club head with an anti-rotation device disposed therebetween.

  There is a need in the golf industry for a golf club with an improved coupling structure that provides a technique that allows shafts, removable weights, and other attachments to be interchanged with the club head quickly and conveniently. .

U.S. Pat. No. 3,524,646 U.S. Pat. No. 4,943,059 US Pat. No. 5,433,442 US Pat. No. 5,722,901 US Pat. No. 5,951,411 US Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0007835 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0105855 US Pat. No. 6,547,673 US Patent No. 7,083,529 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0287125 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0293115 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0293116 US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0281575

  The present invention is directed to a removable coupling system for assembling a golf club. The coupling system of the present invention provides interchangeability between the shaft and club head that minimizes visual loss and club mass variation when optimizing customization.

  In one embodiment, the present invention includes a coupling system having a two-part (two-point) hosel, wherein a first hosel part is coupled to the shaft, a second hosel part is coupled to the club head, and anti-rotation Devices are disposed in the first hosel portion and the second hosel portion, and the anti-rotation device is disposed above the club head. The anti-rotation device may have a first serrated surface disposed in the first hosel portion and a corresponding second serrated surface disposed in the second hosel portion. The first serrated surface and the second serrated surface engage to minimize relative rotation between the shaft and the club head.

  In another embodiment, the coupling system has a hollow sole insert that is fixedly mounted in a hosel hole near the club head sole, and the first key is threaded on the inside of the shaft. A second corresponding key is disposed on the sole insert. When the fastener is inserted through the sole insert into the threaded base end of the shaft to couple the shaft to the club head, the first and second keys engage each other and Relative rotation between the shaft and the club head is minimized.

  In another embodiment, the coupling system includes a spring loaded bayonet mount, the spring constant k of the spring is about 5 to about 100 weight pounds, and the spring loaded bayonet mount is the club. It is arranged above the head. The bayonet mount has at least one column portion disposed on the shaft and at least one corresponding groove portion disposed on the club head, and the bayonet mount further includes a spring disposed in the hosel. . The groove may have a small diameter section of a size and shape that holds the column.

  In another embodiment, the connection system includes a hosel rotatable connection having a first hosel sheath, a second hosel portion, and an anti-rotation device. The first hosel sheath is coupled to the shaft, the second hosel portion is preferably integral with the club head, and the anti-rotation device is preferably located above the club head. The anti-rotation device may include a first serrated surface disposed on the first hosel sheath side and a second serrated surface disposed on the second hosel portion side. The first and second serrated surfaces engage to minimize rotation between the shaft and club head. The hosel sheath has a distal internal thread which is threadedly engaged with the outer thread of the second hosel connected to the club head to conceal the anti-rotation device and maintain the club head's aesthetics. In other embodiments, a first hosel sheath is coupled to the hosel.

  In another embodiment, the connection system has two or more legs that are not equal in length coupled to the shaft. One of the legs is a fixed leg and the other leg is a non-fixed leg. A corresponding storage area is formed in the hosel. Two or more legs cooperate to minimize rotation between the shaft and club head. The anchoring legs are preferably screwed to the hosel.

  Preferably, the threaded coupling member of the embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of parallel thread grooves to maintain the number of thread grooves of the coupling to improve the strength of the coupling, and yet to couple the connectors together. Minimize the time required for

  In another embodiment, the coupling system includes a wedge hosel coupled to the shaft, a club head insert disposed within the club head, and a wedge screw threadably coupled to the wedge hosel through the heel of the club head. A wedge hosel is held on the club head and club head insert. The anti-rotation device has a first serrated surface disposed on the wedge hosel side and a second corresponding serrated surface disposed on the club head insert side. The wedge screw also minimizes rotation of the club head relative to the shaft.

  In other embodiments, the coupling system includes a bendable hosel, club head insert, and anti-rotation device. The bendable hosel is connected to a shaft, and the shaft-hosel assembly is connected to the club head by screws. The connection system further includes a cap below the screw head to hold the screw in the club head when connected and disconnected. An anti-rotation device is also provided.

  A hosel insert is also provided that is adjusted to change the loft and / or lie angle of the club. Absorbers or springs may be placed in the coupling system to minimize vibrations upon impact.

  In another embodiment, the anti-rotation device has a plurality of first tapered protrusions operatively connected to the shaft and a plurality of second tapered protrusions operatively connected to the club head; The shape and dimensions of the first and second tapered protrusions are such that a gap is formed between at least some of the tapered protrusions and the shaft or club head when the shaft is coupled to the club head. Is done. The gap makes it easier for the two protrusions to be flush with each other during assembly.

  The connection system of the present invention may have a threaded connection, the threaded connection being operatively connected to a first threaded surface that is selectively connected to the shaft, the club head. A second threaded surface and a helical coil spring adapted to fit between the first and second threaded surfaces.

  The accompanying drawings constitute a part of the specification and are to be understood in connection with the specification, wherein like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like parts.

1 is an exploded view of an example driver club showing a shaft, club head, and coupling system of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the two-point hosel of the connection system of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view of the assembled shaft. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection system of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembled driver club of FIG. 1. It is a perspective view of 2nd Example of the connection system of this invention. It is a perspective view of 2nd Example of the connection system of this invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an example driver club and a coupling system of a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8A is an alternative to the third embodiment. 9 is an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an alternative to the embodiment of FIG. 8, shown as an iron club. It is an exploded view of other Examples of the connection system of this invention. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the assembled club head, sheath, shaft, and insert of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the inner shaft insert, sheath, and outer shaft insert of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10B is an exploded view of the shaft insert, sheath, and assembled shaft and club head of FIG. 10A. It is an exploded view of other Examples of the connection system of this invention. FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the assembled club head, reverse sheath, shaft and insert of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the shaft insert and shaft of FIG. 11A. FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the iron insert, reverse sheath, and club head of FIG. 11A. It is an exploded view of other Examples of the connection system of this invention. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the shaft insert of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B is a partial rear exploded view of the hosel and club head of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B is an exploded view of the shaft and shaft insert of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12B is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembled iron club of FIG. 12A. It is a figure which shows the flow of the force by a fastener with a thread groove. It is a figure which shows the right-handed fastener with a single thread groove, and the left-handed fastener with a double thread groove. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a club head adapted for use with another embodiment of the coupling system of the present invention. FIG. 14B is an enlarged perspective view of the wedge hosel of FIG. 14A. It is an exploded view of a shaft and a wedge hosel. FIG. 14B is a perspective view of the assembled shaft and wedge hosel of FIG. 14A. It is an expansion perspective view of a wedge screw. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the assembled club of this Example. It is sectional drawing of the other Example of a wedge hosel. FIG. 14B is a plan view of an alternative to the wedge head shown in FIG. 14G. FIG. 14B is a plan view of an alternative to the wedge head shown in FIG. 14G. 14B is a cross-sectional view of an alternative to the wedge body shown in FIG. 14G. FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the club head used together with the other Example of the connection system of this invention. It is a perspective view of the bezel which can be bent. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a shaft, a bendable hosel, and a shaft insert. FIG. 15C is an exploded view of the club head of FIG. 15A and the assembled shaft and hosel of FIG. 15C. FIG. 15D is an exploded view of a system for retaining screws in the club head, along with FIG. 15D. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the assembled golf club. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of a holding system. FIG. 16D is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a hole in the club head adapted to accommodate the retainer of FIG. 16C. It is an expansion perspective view of other examples of a holding part. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the club head used together with the other Example of the connection system of this invention. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembled golf club with a translucent window. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the club head of FIG. 5 with a hosel insert. It is an expansion perspective view of a hosel insert. It is a perspective view of the alternative example with respect to the anti-rotation part of this invention. It is a perspective view of the alternative example with respect to the anti-rotation part of this invention. It is a perspective view of the alternative example with respect to the anti-rotation part of this invention. It is a perspective view of the alternative example with respect to the anti-rotation part of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the other Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the Example shown by FIG. 20A. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the Example shown by FIG. 20A. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a damper / spring that can be used with the present invention.

  The present invention is directed to a fast operating coupling system for coupling a shaft to a club head and replacing the shaft or club head to optimize the golfer's physical strength to the playing environment. While such a system can be employed and customized for a variety of applications, such applications include, but are not limited to, shaft-club head coupling, attachment of adjustable weights to club heads, and sole plate club heads. Including concatenation. Several embodiments of the invention are described below.

  The coupling system 10 of the present invention is designed for a club fitter that repeatedly changes the combination of shafts or club heads during a fitting session. The coupling system 10 of the present invention is designed to give the fitting account maximum fitting options using a quick and easy to use system.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupling system 10 removably couples the club head 12 to the shaft 14 so that different shafts 14 can be coupled to different club heads 12. The coupling system 10 has a two-point hosel, i.e., a shaft-side serrated hosel 16 and a driver-side serrated hosel 18 and a shaft insert 20 with an internal thread. The serrated surface 17 of the shaft-side hosel 16 and the serrated surface 19 of the driver-side hosel 18 engage with each other to minimize or prevent relative rotation between the shaft-side hosel 16 and the driver-side hosel 18. Have such dimensions. Preferably, each serrated surface has a plurality of corresponding teeth. The coupling system 10 further includes a driver sole insert 22 and a screw 24 that are coupled to the club head 12 on the sole side as shown.

  As best shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 14 is at least partially hollow and has a size and shape that accommodates and retains a shaft insert 20 with an internally threaded groove therein. Preferably, shaft insert 20 is fixedly coupled to shaft 14 with an adhesive, epoxy, or similar material. The sawtooth hosel 16 on the shaft side has a size and shape that fits the outside of the shaft 14. A predetermined length portion 26 of the shaft 14 is positioned below the shaft side sawtooth hosel 16 for insertion into the club head 12. The inner thread groove of the shaft insert 20 is adapted to receive the outer thread groove of the fastener 24, for example, the screw 24.

  As best shown in FIG. 4, the driver-side serrated hosel 18 is threaded into the top of the hole 28 in the club head 12 with an outer thread as shown. Driver side serrated hosel 18 may be secured to hole 28 using an adhesive or epoxy. At the bottom of the hole 28, the driver sole insert 22 is inserted into the hole 28 and secured. Preferably, the driver sole insert 22 is serrated or threaded on its outer surface so as to increase exposure to adhesive or epoxy. The shaft 14 assembled as shown in FIG. 3 using the shaft insert 20 and the shaft side hosel 16 is inserted into the hole 28 through the driver side hosel 18. Screws 24 are inserted into the driver sole insert 22 and screwed into the shaft insert 20 to secure the shaft 14 to the club head 12. Preferably, the base end 30 of the shaft 14 is spaced from the top of the driver sole insert 22 and the shaft 14 and the driver sole insert 22 are separated by a gap 32. The gap 32 ensures that the screw 24 pulls the shaft 14 downward enough toward the sole side of the club head 12 to fully engage the serrated surfaces 17 and 19 and the relative relationship between the two hosel 16 and 18. The rotation can be minimized so that the relative rotation between the shaft 14 and the club head 12 can be minimized. In other words, the gap 32 prevents the screw 24 from “striking” inside the threaded shaft insert 20 so that the serrated hosel 16 and 18 are fully engaged with each other. .

  Optionally, the hole 28 comprises a shelf 34 formed integrally with the hole 28 adjacent to the driver sole insert 22 formed, for example, through a casting process as shown in FIG. Additional structural reinforcement for the screw 24 is achieved. Alternatively, the driver sole insert 22 may be integrally formed on the hole 28. These alternative configurations are applicable to all embodiments described herein.

  Referring to FIG. 5, a fully assembled golf club is shown. Serrated hosel 16 and 18 form a single hosel, and serrated lines 17 and 19 separating the two hosel are preferably located on the top of club head 12. The advantage associated with placing anti-rotation devices, i.e., shaft-side serrated hosel 16 and driver-side serrated hosel 18 on the club head is that no additional weight is added, thereby reducing the mass characteristics of the club head. It is maintained and the protrusion can be removed from the intersection between the shaft / hosel. The anti-rotation device uses a standard hosel to produce both a shaft-side serrated hosel and a driver-side serrated hosel. This means that there is no weight increase or decrease in the device, and therefore no change in the moment of inertia or center of gravity. Further, the serrated lines 17 and 19 provide a visual distinction to the golf club, making the golf club easily recognizable as an interchangeable golf club.

  The driver sole insert 22 and the insert 20 with the shaft-side thread may be made from aluminum, stainless steel, or titanium. The screw 24 may be any threaded screw, preferably a TORX ™ drive flat head screw, and the sole insert 22 is tapered so that the head of the screw 24 is flush with the sole insert 22. This is best shown in FIG.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 is shown. In this embodiment, the two-point hosel of the first embodiment is replaced with a keyed anti-rotation device. This keyed anti-rotation device has an angled notch 36 at the base end of the shaft 14. The shaft 14 is also hollow and has a threaded shaft insert 20 inserted therein and a conventional hosel 40 disposed thereon. The driver sole insert 22 ′ has an angled surface 38 that is sized and shaped to match the notch 36. In this embodiment, the shaft 14 is inserted into the driver sole insert 22 ′ and the angled notch 36 is keyed to the angled surface 38 when the screw 24 is screwed into the shaft insert 20. Relative rotation between 22 '/ club head 12 is prevented or minimized. The advantage of this example is that an anti-rotation device can be added without adding substantial weight to the club head, thus minimizing the impact on the club swing weight.

  Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 is shown. In this embodiment, hole 28 does not extend through club head 12. The club head 12 has a hosel 42 which has at least one, preferably two or more grooves 44. The groove 44 has an inlet leg 46 and a fixed leg 48. The leg portion 46 is adapted to receive the column portion 50 of the shaft 14. After the column 50 passes through the entrance leg 46, the column 50 passes across the leg 47 and is then housed and held in the fixed leg 48. A spring 52 is disposed in the hosel 42, which applies an upward force to the shaft 14 to fix and hold the column 50 to the fixed leg 48. The spring 52 is selected to hold the column 50 in the fixed leg 48 with sufficient force. Preferably, the spring constant of spring 52 is from about 5 to about 100 pounds per inch. More preferably, the spring constant may range from about 20 to about 75 pounds per inch, most preferably about 33 pounds per inch. The golfer can easily insert the shaft 14 into the hosel 42 after aligning the post 50 with the leg 46. After this, the shaft 14 is rotated along the transverse leg 47 and the spring 52 pushes the shaft 14 up to the leg 48. Column 50 and groove 44 are known as a bayonet mount or coupling.

  Although the groove 44 is shown as a “J-shaped” groove, it may be any shape, for example, a “U”, “L”, “S”, “V”, or “W” shape. . Also, the legs 46 are preferably deep so that more portions of the shaft 14 overlap the hosel 42 and increase mechanical stability when the column 50 moves downward in the hosel 42. . Alternatively, the diameter section of the top of the fixed leg 48 may be reduced to hold the column 50 with a press fit or a large frictional force. As shown in FIG. 8A, the small diameter cross section may be a triangular cross section. The small diameter cross section may be a figure 8 or waist cross section.

  FIG. 9 shows another variation of the embodiment of FIG. 8, wherein the hosel 42 includes two or more grooves 44. FIG. The groove 44 may have the shape or structure described in FIGS. 8 and 8A. This embodiment has the advantage that two or more fixed legs 48 avoid twisting at the lower end of the legs and provide backup if one of the fixed legs 48 fails.

  Referring to FIGS. 10A-10D, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 includes a first rotatable hosel sheath 70 with an internal thread, a hollow hosel portion 72 that is fixed to the club head 74. Attached to. Preferably, the second threaded hosel portion 72 is integrally formed with the club head 74 and has a dimension and shape such that the hosel sheath 70 and the hosel portion 72 are threaded together to allow the shaft 14 to move to the club head. 74 is attached. The coupling system 10 further includes an anti-rotation device, which includes a first serrated surface 76 disposed on the inner shaft insert 80 and a second serrated surface disposed on the second threaded hosel portion 72. It is composed of a surface 78.

  To assemble the club, the upper end 82 of the inner shaft insert 80 is inserted into the threaded end of the rotatable hosel sheath 70, as shown in FIG. 10C. Although the end 82 is sized and shaped to pass through the opening 84 in the hosel sheath 70, the top of the serrated surface 76 is retained within the hosel sheath 70. The end 82 is then inserted into the opening 86 and finally attached to the outer shaft insert 88. Even after the end 82 of the inner shaft insert 80 is fixedly attached to the outer shaft insert 88, there is sufficient clearance to allow the first hosel sheath 70 to rotate freely and be coupled to the second hosel portion 72. Provided. Preferably, the length of the end portion 82 is adjusted so that even if the end portion 82 is fully inserted into the opening 86, a sufficient gap remains between the outer shaft insert 88 and the hosel sheath 70 so that the hosel sheath 70 is free. Allow rotation. The outer shaft insert 88 is then inserted into the shaft 14. Alternatively, the inner sheath insert 80 may be inserted and attached directly to the shaft 14 and the outer sheath insert 88 may be omitted.

  Although this embodiment of the invention is specifically adapted to a metal hosel sheath 70, the hosel sheath 70 may be made from a high impact, transparent or translucent material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, polymethacrylate, cellulose acetate butyrate, polycarbonate (Lexan ™), and glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10D, the shaft 14 is assembled to the club head 74 along with the decorative base 90, the hosel sheath 70, and both shaft inserts 80 and 88. More specifically, the lower end portion 83 of the inner shaft 80 is inserted into the second hosel portion 72 so that the corresponding threaded grooves of the hosel sheath 70 and the hosel portion 72 can be engaged, and the shaft 14 is attached to the club head 74. Install. End 83 may extend partially or fully to club head 74. Serrated surfaces 76 and 78 are also engaged to minimize relative rotation between the shaft and club head.

  Referring to FIGS. 11A through 11D, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 includes a rotatable hosel reverse sheath 92 with an internal thread, a threaded and hollow shaft insert 94 that attaches to the shaft 14. Fixed and attached. The hosel reverse sheath 92 and the shaft insert 94 are sized and shaped to be screwed together to attach the shaft 14 to the club head 98. The coupling system 10 further includes an anti-rotation device that is comprised of a first serrated surface 100 disposed on the club insert 102 and a second serrated surface 104 disposed on the shaft insert 94.

  To assemble the club, the upper end 96 of the shaft insert 94 is inserted into the shaft 14 and secured with, for example, adhesive or epoxy, as shown in FIG. 11C. Preferably, the length of the end 96 is adjusted so that the shaft insert 94 and the shaft 14 are sufficiently secured. The thread groove 106 and the second serrated surface 104 need to be held outside the shaft 14 adjacent to the decorative base 108.

  The lower end 110 of the club insert 102 is inserted into the reverse sheath 92 as shown in FIG. 11D. Although the end 110 is sized and shaped to pass through the opening 112 of the reverse sheath 92, the bottom of the serrated surface 100 is retained within the rotatable reverse sheath 92. The end 110 is then inserted into the hosel 114 and attached thereto. End 110 may extend partially or fully within club head 98. However, there must be sufficient clearance for the reverse sheath 92 to rotate freely. To assemble the club, insert the assembly of FIG. 11C into the assembly of FIG. 11D. The serrated surfaces 100 and 104 engage to minimize relative rotation between the shaft and club head, and the reverse hosel sheath 92 is rotated so that its inner thread engages the thread 106 in the shaft insert 94. Then, the club head 98 is attached to the shaft 14.

  With reference to FIGS. 12A-12E, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 includes a hollow shaft insert 54 for coupling the shaft 14 to the club head 56. The shaft insert 54 has anchoring legs 57 and non-sticking legs 58, the lengths of which are not uniform as best shown in FIG. 12B. The hosel 55 includes a storage area 59 that is adapted to receive the shaft insert 54.

  To assemble the club, the shaft tip 60 is held below the decorative base disposed on the shaft 14, as shown in FIG. 12D. The upper end 62 of the shaft insert 54 is inserted into the shaft tip 60, and the shaft insert 54 is fixedly attached to the shaft 14.

  As shown in FIG. 12E, the shaft 14 is then assembled to the club head 56 with the decorative base 61 and the shaft insert 54. Specifically, the lower end 63 of the shaft insert 54 is inserted into the storage area 59 to couple the shaft 14 to the club head 56. More specifically, the fixing leg 57 is inserted into the opening 64 and screwed to the single nut 65 in the hole 66 of the club head 56, while the non-fixing leg 58 is engaged with the storage area. To minimize relative rotation between the shaft and the club head. Preferably, the non-stick legs 58 are cones, wedges, or other key shapes.

  With reference to FIGS. 1 to 12E and 14A to 15G, embodiments of the present invention with various single threaded fasteners are shown. These fasteners may be right-handed or left-handed and may comprise a single thread or multiple threads. These fasteners must be strong enough to withstand repeated impacts between the golf club and the ball. The impact generates a force up to 2000 lbs, which depends on the impact location on the striking face, and the coupling system 10 receives a torque of 2000 · x. Here, x is the distance between the impact position and the neutral axis of the club. For example, a toe impact produces a greater torque than a center impact. The impact on the heel produces a greater torque (reverse direction) than the impact on the center. The thread density and thread dimensions are designed to withstand the torque generated by toe and heel impacts.

FIG. 13A shows a force flow line 120 through a set of threaded fasteners for clamping two members together (for further details, see Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, Robert C. Juvinall, copyright 1983, See John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). Direct compressive stress is often referred to as a bearing and exists between the threaded fastener 122 and the corresponding fastener 124. Stress (σ) is defined as the load (P) 128 divided by the cross-sectional area (A) 130 that exists when the load is applied. That is, σ = P / A. In this specific situation, the area used for the P / A stress ruled line is the projected area 132, π (d ² -d _i ² ) / 4 for each thread, and d134 is the outer diameter of the fastener cylinder. Yes, d _i 136 is the inner diameter of the fastener 122, which contacts the nut 124. The number of contacting threads is t / p, where t is the fastener length of engagement 138, p is the thread pitch of the fastener, and is typically reported in inches per thread turn. (In practice, the thread pitch is known as the repetition of thread per inch). When replaced, σ = (4P / π (d ² −d _i ² )) · p / t. This formula shows that it is advantageous in this invention to have a lot of threaded contact, which proportionally increases the strength of a set of threaded fasteners by increasing the contact of threaded fasteners. Is to do. Preferably the fastener thread per inch is 12 to 36 threads / inch. More preferably, the threads per inch is 18 to 30 threads / inch, and most preferably 24 threads / inch.

  Greater fastener contact increases the time it takes for the golfer to tighten and loosen the fastener, which is not desirable as a quick and easy way to replace the shaft, removable weight, and other attachments with the club head. Typically, a threaded fastener has a single helical groove 140 that is disposed on a cylindrical rod and extends from the distal threaded groove 142, but if the helical angle 146 is increased, the other threaded groove is replaced by the first threaded thread. Cut out between the grooves, so that the fastener may comprise two (146) or more parallel thread grooves, as shown in FIG. 13B. (For further details, see Fundamentals of Machine Component Design, Robert C. Juvinall, copyright 1983, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). Unless otherwise stated, the fastener thread is assumed to be a single thread. The lead is a distance that the threaded fastener advances in the axial direction in one turn. In the single threaded fastener 140, the leads 148 and pitch 150 are the same. In the double threaded fastener 146, the lead 152 is double the pitch 154. The same applies hereinafter. As a result, threaded fasteners travel twice as much in a single rotation for double fasteners as they do for single threaded fasteners, and so on, resulting in double, triple, or The above thread groove is used when it is desired to advance quickly. The advantage of multiple parallel thread grooves is that the number of thread threads in the fastener joint can be increased to increase the strength of the fastener joint while minimizing the time required for the golfer to join the threaded fastener. Preferably, the fastener is multi-threaded and has the same direction. More preferably, the fastener is a double thread groove and is in the same direction.

  Referring to FIG. 13B, the thread may be right-handed 140 or left-handed 146. When rotated clockwise, almost all threaded fasteners tighten or move out of the observer's field of view. The left-handed thread advances when it is rotated counterclockwise. Unless otherwise stated, the fastener thread is right-handed. While using the assembled golf club, when the golf club is swung and hits the ball, depending on whether the club is right-handed or left-handed and depending on whether the thread groove is right-handed or left-handed, The threaded connection is tightened or loosened. If a left-handed golf club is a left-handed screw groove in a right-handed golf club, tightening is performed when the ball is hit. If a left-handed golf club is a right-handed screw groove, tightening is performed when the ball is hit. Preferably the thread of the fastener should meet the needs of loosening and tightening so that the club can be easily assembled or disassembled before or after use.

  14A-14E, another embodiment of the coupling system 10 includes a wedge hosel 160 with a tapered storage area 162, a hollow club head insert 164 fixedly attached to the club head 166, and , A wedge screw 168 with a first smooth tapered end 170 and a second threaded cylindrical end 172. The tapered storage area 162 of the wedge hosel 160 is adapted to receive the tapered end 170 of the wedge screw 168. The coupling system 10 further includes an anti-rotation device, which comprises a first serrated surface 174 disposed on the wedge hosel 160 and a corresponding second serrated surface 176 disposed on the club head insert 164. Further, when the tapered end 170 is inserted into the storage area 162, the tapered end 170 minimizes relative rotation between the club head 166 and the shaft 14. The wedge screw 168 is preferably substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the shaft.

  To assemble the club, the shaft tip 178 is maintained below the decorative base 180 disposed on the shaft 14, as shown in FIG. 14C. The size and shape of the upper end 182 of the wedge hosel 160 is such that it fits outside the shaft 14 and the wedge hosel 160 is fixedly attached to the shaft 14 with an adhesive, epoxy, or similar material. The shaft tip 178 is retained in the wedge hosel 160 as shown in FIG. 14D. Preferably, the upper end 182 of the wedge hosel 160 is flush with the decorative base 180.

  The club head insert 164 is inserted and fixedly attached to the top of the hole 184 in the club head 166 so that the radial opening 186 of the club head insert 164 is aligned with the threaded side opening 188 of the club head 166. . Preferably, the club head insert 164 is serrated or threaded on its outer surface to increase the exposed surface of the adhesive or epoxy. Alternatively, the club head insert 164 is manufactured integrally with the club head 166.

  Thereafter, the shaft 14 and wedge hosel 160 assembly is inserted into the top of the hole 184 in the club head 166 as shown in FIG. 14F. The interaction of the serrated surfaces 174 and 176 of the wedge hosel 160 and club head insert 164 guides the shaft 14 into the hole 184 so that the tapered storage area of the wedge hosel 160 aligns with the side opening 188 of the club head 166. It becomes like this. The tapered end 170 of the wedge screw 168 is inserted into the storage area 162 of the wedge hosel 160 through the side opening 188 of the club head 166, and the threaded end 172 of the wedge screw 168 is threaded of the club head 166. Removably tightened in the side openings 188 of the

  The wedge 168 may have two parts: a wedge shell 169 and a threaded fastener 171, which are shown in FIGS. A fastener 171 fits within the wedge shell 169 and rotatably connects the hosel 160 to the club head 12. A two-point wedge is similar to a one-point wedge. However, the thread groove is disposed on the inner threaded fastener 171 and the outer surface of the wedge shell 169 is substantially smooth and fits snugly with the storage area 162. The end of the wedge shell 169 is conical as shown in FIG. 14H and tapers as shown at 14I without waiting. The end of the cone has the advantage that automatic centering can be performed when the two-point wedge 168 is inserted into the hosel 160. The tapered end has the advantage that an anti-rotation tendency between the wedge 168 and the hosel 160 can be realized. Alternatively, the wedge housing 169 may have a cylindrical outer shape as shown in FIG. 14J. In the cylindrical embodiment, all outer surfaces 173 contact the hosel 160 to provide good contact between these two parts. An optional cover 175 can be provided to keep the wedge 168 from getting dust.

  FIGS. 15A-15D show another embodiment of the coupling system 10 with a bendable hosel 190. The hosel 190 is preferably designed to bend at the section 192, where the outer diameter of the hosel 190 has changed substantially. The hosel 190 can be bent about the section 192 to change the loft and / or lie angle of the golf club. Any bendable hosel with a predetermined curve or any hosel with weakened portions may be employed. The hosel 190 is an automated / motor-driven or hydraulic bending tool widely used in golf pro shops, such as Steelclub Angle Machine sold by Mitchell Golf Equipment, or a tool used to bend pipes in piping technology. And bendable. A suitable bendable hosel is disclosed in commonly-assigned US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 621,754, filed Jan. 10, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The hosel 190 must be bendable only by devices manufactured to bend the hosel and must not bend upon impact with the golf ball.

  Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 14A-14F, the coupling system also includes an anti-rotation device, which corresponds to a first serrated surface 194 on the hosel side and a corresponding second serrated side on the hollow club head insert 198 side. It has a surface 196. To assemble a golf club, an internally threaded shaft insert 200 is first inserted into the shaft 14 and then a bendable hosel 190 is attached to the outside of the shaft 14 as shown in FIGS. 15C-15D. The shaft and hosel assembly is then inserted into the club head 202. A screw 204 is inserted into the heel opening 206 of the club head 202 and screwed into the shaft insert 200 to hold the shaft 14 to the club head 202, which is similar to the holding mechanism shown in FIGS. 1-4 and described above.

  FIGS. 16A-16E illustrate a system for retaining screws 204 in the club head 202 when changing the hosel or club head. The connection system shown in FIG. 16A is similar to that shown in FIG. 15D. However, the hollow screw cap 208 is different. After the screw 204 is inserted into the heel opening 206 as described in the previous paragraph, a screw cap is inserted into the heel opening 206 and adjusted in size and shape to a predetermined distance below the top of the screw 204. It is arranged at the position of l. This is best shown in FIG. 16B. The distance l is preferably greater than the tooth depth of the serrated surfaces 194 and 196. When the user wants to change the hosel or club head, a screw driver similar to a tool is inserted through the hollow screw cap 208 into the heel opening 206 until it hits the top of the screw 204. The user then removes the screw 204 and moves the screw 204 a distance l, or removes the screw 204 until the top of the screw 204 contacts the screw cap 208. At this point, the user can lift the shaft 14 to disengage the first serrated surface 194 of the hosel 190 from the corresponding second serrated surface 196 of the club head insert 198. The user can then freely rotate the shaft 14 relative to the club head 202 to separate the shaft 14 from the club head 202. When the screw cap 208 is used, the screw 204 is held in the club head and the screw 204 is not mistakenly placed.

  The screw cap 208 has a waist 210 as shown in FIG. 16C, and the heel opening 206 may include at least one leg 212 as shown in FIG. 16D, which is received within the waist 210 to hold the screw cap 208. It is securely held in the club head. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16E, one or more protrusions 214 may be provided to provide a sentimental fit between the screw cap 208 and the wall of the heel opening 206.

  In other embodiments, the club head may include an opening 216 formed on its heel side as shown in FIG. 17A. The opening 216 is configured to accommodate a high impact transparent or translucent cap 218, which allows the user to see the mechanism of the coupling system 10, which is best shown in FIG. 17B. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, cellulose acetate butyrate (Lexan ™), and glycol modified polyethylene terephthalate, as described above.

Another technique for changing the lie and / or loft angle of a golf club is shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the golf club including the club head 12, the shaft 14, and the hosel portions 16 and 17 has the hosel insert 220 disposed between the hosel portions 16 and 17. The hosel insert 220 has serrated surfaces at the top and bottom to engage the serrated surfaces of the hosel portions 16 and 17 such that the hosel insert 220 fits flush between them. To change the loft / lie angle of the club 10, the first side 222 and the second side 224 of the hosel insert 220 are different from each other, or the top line 226 is not parallel to the bottom line 228. Indicated by 'and 228'. In other words, the hosel insert 220 is angled. In one example, if the first side 222 is shorter than the second side 224, then angle α> angle β, α = 91 °, and β = 90 °, the shaft angle is 1 °. It was. If the shaft is identical to the vertical axis, the shaft
| 90 ° -β | + | 90 ° -α |
Would have shifted to the first side 222 side by an amount equal to. In this example, the hosel insert 220 changes the lie angle when the first side 222 and the second side 224 are oriented in the toe-heel direction. When the first side 222 and the second side 224 are oriented in the front-rear direction, the hosel insert 220 changes the loft angle.

  Note that hosel insert 220 need not have serrated top and bottom surfaces as shown. However, these surfaces must conform to the corresponding surfaces of hosel portions 16 and 17. For example, if the corresponding surfaces of hosel portions 16 and 17 are straight or curved, the top and bottom surfaces of hosel insert 220 must take the same shape. Further, the hosel insert 220 can be positioned above the club head 12 as shown, but may be disposed within the club head.

  Further, one of the hosel portions may be formed integrally with the club head 12 as shown in FIG. 20A. The hosel portion is preferably manufactured from low density aluminum and distributes more mass elsewhere to improve inertia and center of gravity characteristics. FIG. 20A is similar to FIG. 5 and will be described using similar reference numbers. As shown, the hosel portion 18 is integral with the club head 12, and the matching serrated surfaces 17 and 19 are located above the club head 12, as in FIG. Further, hosel insert 220 may be employed in this embodiment as shown in FIGS. 18A-B to allow lie and loft angles to be changed without bending the hosel. Alternatively, the matching serrated surfaces 17 and 19 may be positioned within the club head 12, as shown in FIG. 20B. In this embodiment, the serrated surface 19 may be formed directly on the club head 12 side during the casting process, and the hosel portion 18 may be omitted. Also, if the hosel insert 16 has a threaded inner surface 238 that is sized and shaped to receive the screw 24 and attach the hosel 14 to the club head 12, the threaded shaft insert 20 is also omitted. This is shown in FIG. 20C. The advantage of this embodiment is that fewer parts are required than the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, and instead of a small contact area between the shaft insert 20 and the hosel 14, a large contact between the hosel 14 and the hosel 16. And can be integrated with epoxy so as to withstand the impact force between the club and the golf ball.

  To minimize vibration caused by ball-club impact, a damper or pre-loaded spring may be added, for example, between the shaft and club head or parts thereof, as shown in FIG. 20D. FIG. 20D is an enlarged portion of FIG. 20C and shows a damper / spring 240. The damper / spring 240 may be employed with any embodiment discussed herein and within the scope of the claims. The component 240 may be an elastic or viscoelastic member designed to absorb vibrations caused by impact and may be compressed between the hosel and club head as shown. Alternatively, component 240 may be one or more spring washers that are compressed between the hosel and club head to absorb vibrations. Suitable spring washers include, but are not limited to, Belleville or cup spring washers, star spring washers, wave spring washers, curved spring washers, and locking washers.

  Also, any of the threaded connections described herein can be reinforced by a threaded spiral coil, which is available as Helicoil ™ from a number of manufacturers, including Emhart Technologies. These coils are high precision threaded coils made from stainless steel, titanium or other durable metals and have a diamond-shaped cross section. The coil is inserted into the threaded hole to accommodate the threaded fastener. These coils are designed to fit closely between threaded fasteners and threaded holes and are designed to spread the load evenly between the threads. Typically, these coils are harder than the holes and fasteners and minimize disengagement.

  Typically, the shaft 14 is long and thin, and its geometry affects the number of teeth that can be present in the serrated surfaces 17 and 19 as shown in FIG. The tooth size must be strong enough to withstand the stress and torque applied to the shaft. Cutting tools have constraints on how small sawtooth teeth can be cut. The inventor of the present invention has found that in one preferred embodiment, the anti-rotation function can be sufficiently realized by forming three teeth on each of the hosel inserts 16,18. This is as shown in FIGS. 19A-C. As shown, the hosel portion 16 includes three thick tapered teeth 230 and the hosel portion 18 has three corresponding thin tapered teeth 232. Alternatively, the thickly tapered teeth 230 may be associated with the hosel portion 18 and vice versa. The slopes of the tapered teeth 230 and the tapered teeth 232 are substantially the same, from about 20 ° to about 40 °, preferably from about 25 ° to about 35 °, more preferably about 30. °. Such an angle can increase tooth wear and allow fragments and debris to escape. The height of teeth 232 is about 0.07 inches to 0.25 inches, preferably between about 0.09 inches and about 0.20 inches, and more preferably about 0.10 inches to about 0.00. It may be between 15 inches.

  According to another aspect of the invention, the tapered teeth (or protrusions) of the serrated surfaces 17 and 19, for example, the teeth 230 and 232, are not in contact with the facing hosel portion, and are tapered teeth or protrusions. Does not hit or contact the bottom of the hosel part facing. In other words, the gap 236 shown in FIG. 19A exists when the hosel portions 16 and 18 are assembled. This allows manufacturing tolerances to be achieved and fits hosel portions 16 and 18 flush. For example, if there is no gap 236 and one of the teeth is longer than the other, the longer tooth will tension the two hosel sections when assembled. FIG. 19D shows another example of gap 236 where tapered teeth 230 and 232 are substantially sized in the same position.

  Although embodiments of the present invention are shown in connection with driver-type clubs, it will be understood that any type of golf club may employ the coupling system 10 of the present invention. Furthermore, the coupling system 10 may be used with non-golf equipment, such as fishing equipment, firearm sights, piping, and the like.

  Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein accomplish the objectives of the present invention, it is apparent that many modifications and other embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and embodiments, which are within the spirit and scope of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Connection system 12 Club head 14 Shaft 16 Shaft side hosel 17 Serrated surface 18 Driver side hosel 19 Serrated surface 20 Shaft insert 22 Driver sole insert 24 Screw 28 Hole 40 Hosel 42 Hosel 44 Groove 50 Pillar part 52 Spring 54 Shaft insert 55 Hosel 56 Club head 57 Adhering leg 58 Non-adhering leg 59 Storage area 61 Decorative base 62 Upper end 63 Lower end 64 Opening 65 Nut 66 Hole 70 Hosel sheath 72 Hosel part 74 Club head 76 Serrated surface 78 Serrated surface 80 Inner shaft insert 88 Outer shaft insert 90 Decorative base 92 Hosel reverse sheath 94 Shaft insert 98 Club head 100 Serrated surface 102 Club insert 104 Serrated surface 106 Thread groove 108 Decorative port 112 opening 114 hosel 122 fastener 124 fastener 140 fastener 146 fastener 160 wedge hosel 162 storage region 164 club head insert 166 club head 168 wedge screw 169 wedge shell 170 end 171 fastener 172 cylindrical end 175 cover 190 hosel 198 club head insert 200 shaft Insert 202 club head 204 screw 206 heel opening 208 screw cap 218 translucent cap 220 hosel insert 240 spring

Claims (11)

  A shaft, a club head, and a coupling system that removably couples the shaft to the club head, the coupling system having a two-part hosel, a first hosel portion coupled to the shaft, and a second A hosel portion is coupled to the club head, an anti-rotation device is disposed on the first hosel portion and the second hosel portion, the anti-rotation device is disposed above the club head, and the two hosel portions are mutually connected. A golf club that is rotatable.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the rotatable hosel portion is attached to the shaft.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the rotatable hosel portion is attached to the club head.   The anti-rotation device has a first serrated surface disposed in the first hosel portion and a corresponding second serrated surface disposed in the second hosel portion, and the first serrated surface. The golf club of claim 1, wherein a surface and the second serrated surface engage to minimize relative rotation between the shaft and the club head.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the connection system has a threaded connection.   6. The golf club according to claim 5, wherein the threaded connecting portion further includes a hosel sheath having an inner thread groove that engages with a corresponding thread groove on the first hosel portion side or the second hosel portion side.   The golf club according to claim 6, wherein the second hosel portion passes just through the hosel sheath.   The golf club according to claim 7, wherein the inner thread groove of the hosel sheath engages with an outer thread groove of the first hosel portion.   The golf club according to claim 5, wherein the threaded connecting portion has a plurality of threaded grooves.   6. The golf club according to claim 5, wherein the thread groove has a density of 12 to 36 thread grooves per inch.   6. The golf club according to claim 5, wherein the density of the thread groove is 18 to 30 thread grooves per inch.

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