JP5645936B2 - Detachable and interchangeable multi-directional connection for golf club head and shaft - Google Patents

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This invention is a continuation-in-part of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 366,484, filed on Feb. 5, 2009, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads. More specifically, aspects of the present invention provide for removal between the golf club head and the shaft to allow easy exchange of the shaft and head and to allow easy modification of the head / shaft positioning characteristics. Golf club having possible connection and head / shaft positioning features. Furthermore, the features of the present invention are described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 774,513 filed on Jul. 6, 2007 in the name of Gary G. Tavares et al., In structure and function, for example, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This is similar to the feature of the invention described in the issue.

Background Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players: players of different genders and dramatically different ages and / or proficiency levels. Golf plays together with such a diverse set of players competing directly at each other in a golf event (eg, handicapped scores, using different tee boxes, in team format, etc.) and still playing golf It is somewhat unique in the sports world in that you can enjoy rounds or competitions. These factors, coupled with the increase in golf programs on television (eg, golf tournaments, golf news, golf history and / or other golf programs) and the emergence of prominent golf superstars, at least in part, in recent years Golf popularity increased both sides of the world.

  Golfers attempt to improve performance, reduce golf scores, and reach the next performance “level” at all proficiency levels. Manufacturers of all types of golf equipment have responded to these demands, and in recent years the industry has witnessed dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, a wide range of different golf ball models are now available, and the balls are designed to compensate for specific swing speeds and / or other player characteristics or preferences, for example, Designed to fly farther and / or straighter, some balls are designed to provide a higher or flatter trajectory, some balls have more spin, Designed to provide control and / or feel (especially around the green), some balls are designed for faster or slower swing speeds, etc. There are also many commercially available swing aids and / or assistive tools that promise to help reduce golf scores.

  Golf clubs have also been the subject of significant technical research and progress in recent years, as they are the only tool for moving a golf ball during play. For example, the market has recently seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter designs, golf club head designs, shafts and grips. In addition, other technical advances have been achieved (eg, club fitting) in an attempt to better match the various elements and / or characteristics of the golf club and the characteristics of the golf ball to the swing characteristics or characteristics of a particular user. Technology, ball launch angle measurement technology, ball spin speed, etc.).

  Thanks to recent advances, there are a myriad of golf club components available to golfers. For example, club heads are manufactured as various models by various manufacturers. In addition, each club head model has many variations, such as loft angles, lie angles, offset features, weighting characteristics (eg, draw bias club head, fade bias club head, naturally weighted club head, etc.) Can be included. In addition, the club head can be combined with a variety of different shafts made of different materials, such as having different stiffness, flex points, kick points, or other flex characteristics, eg, from different manufacturers. There are literally hundreds of different club head / shaft combinations available to golfers between the available shaft and club head variants.

  Club fitters and golf professionals can assist a golfer in fitting a golf club head / shaft combination that fits the golfer's swing characteristics and needs. Conventionally, however, golf club heads are permanently attached to the shaft using cement or adhesive. Thus, in order to allow golfers to experiment with a variety of head / shaft combinations, a club fitter or professional must possess a wide assortment of permanently mounted golf club head / shaft combinations. Or a club fitter or specialist must build a new club for the customer as the fitting process continues (substantial amount of time) And inventory management costs). The disadvantages associated with these conventional options limit the choices available to golfers during a fitting session and / or significantly increase the cost and length of the session.

Overview The following presents an overview of aspects of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and its various features. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but only provides an overview and background for the following more detailed description.

  Aspects of the present invention are such that the club head and shaft can be easily replaced and / or the angle and / or position of the shaft relative to the club head body (and its ball striking surface) can be easily changed. It relates to a system and method for removably connecting a golf club head to a shaft. A golf club head / shaft connection assembly according to an example of the present invention may include a shaft adapter having an outer surface with a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape or a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline. The shaft adapter further comprises an internal lumen provided along an axis that is offset from the axis of the outer surface. The shaft adapter is configured to be attached to the shaft member. The shaft adapter according to some examples of the present invention is also configured to securely and removably engage the head adapter.

  The head adapter includes a lumen having a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a regular polygonal shape or spline along an axis that is offset relative to the outer surface of the head adapter. The head adapter is configured to receive the shaft adapter in a plurality of different orientations. For example, the lumen of the head adapter may have a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline, and the spline is adapted to mate with a spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter to prevent rotational movement about the axis. ing. In a further aspect, the present invention includes a golf club with a club head having a hosel region that can receive the head adapter in a plurality of different orientations. In yet another aspect, the head adapter may be formed integrally (as a single, one-piece structure) with the hosel region of the club head. In a further aspect, a head adapter may be inserted into the hosel region along the same axis as the hosel region through the space under the golf club head and further secured in place by bolts or other known techniques. . In yet a further aspect, the golf club may further include a shaft member, and the shaft adapter may be integral with the shaft member (as a single, one-piece structure).

  A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for assembling a golf club. According to one exemplary method, the shaft member is attached to a shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, the shaft member being along a second axis. It is inserted into the provided lumen. The method may further include the step of inserting the second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter, the head adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis. The lumen includes a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape along the second axis that is configured to receive the second end of the shaft adapter in a plurality of different orientations. Alternatively, the lumen of the head adapter may be defined by a spline and may have a cross-sectional shape for receiving the second end of the shaft adapter, and its sheath may also be defined by the spline.

  Other methods in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention may further include inserting a head adapter into the hosel region of the club head. In selected embodiments, the head adapter may be inserted into the hosel region in one of a plurality of different orientations. Further methods include removing the shaft adapter from the head adapter and reinserting the second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter in a different orientation and / or removing the head adapter from the hosel region of the club head. Removing the head adapter and reinserting the head adapter into the hosel region of the club head in a different orientation.

A further aspect of the invention relates to market buying, selling, manufacturing, or utilizing one or more components of a golf club as a kit. A kit including at least the above shaft adapter and head adapter is accompanied by a handling instruction for constructing a golf club by selecting from one or more heads, shafts, shaft adapters, grips, head adapters, etc. It may be. Further, the shaft and / or shaft adapter may be relative to the axial direction of the club head hosel or club head engagement member to allow adjustment of the angle or position of the shaft relative to the club head (eg, relative to its ball striking face). It may be diagonal. Also, handling instructions for making adjustments and / or information detailing the club's characteristics for adjustments may be provided as part of one or more kits of embodiments of the invention.
[Invention 1001]
shaft;
A shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis and engaged with a shaft, the shaft adapter further including a lumen extending along the second axis A shaft adapter, wherein one end of the shaft extends into a shaft adapter on a second axis, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape;
A head adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, the portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, in a non-rotating manner and in a plurality of different orientations A head adapter further configured to receive and engage with and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape along the second axis; and
Golf club head having a hosel region that engages the outer surface of the head adapter
A golf club comprising:
[Invention 1002]
The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the lumen of the head adapter is defined by the spline along the second axis of the head adapter. And the golf club of the present invention 1001 adapted to receive and engage a spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter.
[Invention 1003]
At least a portion of the inner chamber of the hosel region of the club head has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the head adapter is non-rotatable and in a plurality of different orientations to the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the hosel region The golf club of the present invention 1001 having a non-circular cross-sectional shape received and engaged at.
[Invention 1004]
The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the head adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the inner chamber of the hosel region receives and engages the spline on the outer surface of the head adapter. The golf club of the present invention 1003, defined by a spline adapted to do so.
[Invention 1005]
The golf club of the present invention 1001, wherein the second axis of the shaft adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 1 degree.
[Invention 1006]
The golf club of the present invention 1001, wherein the second axis of the head adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 2 degrees.
[Invention 1007]
Attaching a shaft member to a shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, the shaft member being defined within the shaft adapter along a second axis; Inserted into the lumen, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape; and
Inserting the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter, the head adapter comprising a first end and a second end along a first axis, and the lumen non-rotating Having a non-circular cross-sectional shape along the second axis configured to receive and engage an outer surface portion having a non-circular cross-section of the shaft adapter in a plurality of different orientations
A method for assembling a golf club, comprising:
[Invention 1008]
The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the lumen of the head adapter is defined by the spline along the second axis of the head adapter. And the method of the present invention 1007 adapted to receive and engage a spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter.
[Invention 1009]
At least a portion of the outer surface of the head adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along the first axis, and at least a portion of the inner chamber of the hosel region of the club head is on the outer surface of the head adapter. Has a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline adapted to receive and engage the spline, and the spline on the outer surface of the head adapter is engaged in a non-rotating manner with the spline in the interior chamber of the hosel region. The method of the present invention 1007, wherein the method further comprises the step of inserting a head adapter into the hosel region of the club head to match.
[Invention 1010]
The method of the present invention 1007, wherein the head adapter is integrally formed as part of the hosel region of the club head.
[Invention 1011]
The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the hosel region of the club head is adapted to receive and engage the spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter. The method of the present invention 1010 having a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline.
[Invention 1012]
The method of the present invention 1007, further comprising removing the shaft adapter from the head adapter and re-inserting the second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter in a different orientation.
[Invention 1013]
The method of the present invention 1009, further comprising removing the head adapter from the hosel region of the club head and reinserting the head adapter into the hosel region of the club head in a different orientation.
[Invention 1014]
The method of the present invention 1009, wherein the second axis of the shaft adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 1 degree.
[Invention 1015]
The method of the present invention 1009, wherein the second axis of the head adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 2 degrees.
[Invention 1016]
A shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, wherein the shaft adapter is configured to be attached to a shaft member on the second axis. A shaft adapter further comprising a lumen extending along the shaft, wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is configured to engage the head adapter and has a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along the first axis ;and
A head adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, the head adapter receiving a spline provided on the outer surface of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations. Further comprising a lumen shaped to engage and having a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along a second axis, and the outer surface of the second end of the head adapter engages the hosel region of the club head The head adapter is configured to
A golf club head and shaft connection system comprising:
[Invention 1017]
A method of inserting a shaft member into a lumen of a first end of a shaft adapter and inserting a second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of a head adapter in one of a plurality of different orientations Instructions for instructing people to implement
The golf club head / shaft connection system of the present invention 1016 further comprising:
[Invention 1018]
A golf club head and shaft connection system further comprising a club head having a hosel region having a cross-sectional shape region defined by a spline adapted to receive and engage a second end of the head adapter. And
The golf club head / shaft connection system of the present invention 1017, wherein the handling instructions further instruct a person to perform a method of inserting the head adapter into the hosel region of the club head in one of a plurality of different orientations.
[Invention 1019]
With respect to club head face angle, lie angle, and loft angle associated with at least one of various orientations of shaft adapter and head adapter relative to each other, or various orientations of shaft adapter and head adapter relative to the hosel region of the club head information
The golf club head / shaft connection system of the present invention 1018 further comprising:
[Invention 1020]
shaft;
A shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis and engaged with a shaft, the shaft adapter further including a lumen extending along the second axis A shaft adapter, wherein one end of the shaft extends into a shaft adapter on a second axis, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape;
A portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter having a non-circular cross-sectional shape is formed to receive and engage with it in a non-rotating manner and in a plurality of different orientations and has a non-circular cross-sectional shape extending along the first axis. Golf club head having a hosel region formed integrally with a cavity
A golf club comprising:

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be obtained by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 schematically shows a front view of an exemplary golf club of an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter of certain aspects of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary head adapter that engages a shaft adapter of certain aspects of the present invention. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary golf club having a shaft adapter and a head adapter of one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate rotation of an exemplary shaft adapter relative to a club head according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate an exemplary shaft adapter and a club head according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates rotation of an exemplary head adapter. FIG. 6 illustrates a table containing exemplary information regarding adjustment of a shaft adapter for a club head according to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter according to another example structure of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary head adapter engaging a shaft adapter according to another example structure of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an exemplary golf club having a shaft adapter and a head adapter according to another structural example of the present invention. 10A and 10B illustrate exemplary shaft adapter rotation relative to a club head according to one example of the present invention, and FIGS. 10C and 10D illustrate exemplary club heads according to another example of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates rotation of a shaft adapter and an exemplary head adapter. FIGS. 11A and 11B show exemplary shaft adapter and head adapter interconnections in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter / head adapter assembly according to another example structure of the present invention. 12B is an exploded view of an exemplary golf club having a shaft adapter and a head adapter according to the example structure shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter / head adapter assembly in accordance with a further structural example of the present invention. FIG. 13B is an exploded view of an exemplary golf club having a shaft adapter and a head adapter according to the example structure shown in FIG. 13A.

  The reader should note that the attached drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various exemplary structures of the present invention, the accompanying drawings that form part of this specification and that illustrate various exemplary connection assemblies, golf club heads, and golf club structures of the present invention. Reference is made to the drawings. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be used and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Also herein, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “back”, “side”, “bottom” are used to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention. , "Overhead", etc., may be used, but these terms are used herein for convenience based on, for example, the exemplary orientation shown in the figures and / or orientation in normal use. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure in order to fall within the scope of the invention.

  As noted above, aspects of the present invention generally provide a manner in which a golf club head can be removed from a shaft so that the club head and shaft can be easily replaced and / or repositioned relative to each other. The present invention relates to a system and a method for connecting with a network. Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention will be described in more detail. The reader should understand that these examples are set forth only to illustrate examples of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

A. Examples of specific aspects
1． Exemplary Club Structure FIG. 1 generally illustrates an exemplary golf club 100 of at least some aspects of the present invention. The exemplary club 100 includes a club head 102, a removable club head / shaft connection system 104 that connects the club head 102 to a shaft member 106 (described in further detail below), and a grip member engaged with the shaft member 106. Including 108. Although a driver / wood type golf club head 102 is shown in FIG. 1, aspects of the present invention may include, for example, fairway wood club heads, iron type golf club heads (of any desired loft angle, such as No. 0 irons). Or from any iron to wedge), any type of club head including wood or iron type hybrid golf club head, putter head, etc. The club head is made of a suitable material, as known and used in the art, in a suitable configuration, in a suitable manner, and modified to accept a removable club head / shaft connection part. (If necessary, for example in size, shape, etc.).

  Various parts of the club head / shaft connection system 104 may be made of any desired or suitable material without departing from the invention. For example, one or more of the various parts may be metal materials including lightweight metals conventionally used in golf club head configurations, such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium, nickel, alloys of these materials, steel, stainless steel, etc. In some cases, it may be made of an anodized material. Or, if desired, one or more of the various parts of the connection system 104 may be made of a rigid polymer material, such as a polymer material conventionally known and used in the golf club industry. These various parts may be made of the same or different materials without departing from the invention. In one embodiment, each of the various parts is made of a hard anodized 7075 aluminum alloy material. The parts may be made in any suitable manner as known and used in metalworking and / or polymer manufacturing techniques.

  The shaft member 106 may also use any desired material including suitable materials known and used in the art, such as steel, graphite, polymers, composite materials, combinations of these materials, and the like. Can do. In some cases, if necessary or desired, the shaft can be modified to accept a removable club head / shaft connection part 104 (eg, in size, shape, etc.). The grip member 108 is engaged with the shaft 106 in any desired manner (eg, by cement or adhesive, mechanical connection, etc.), including any suitable manner known and used in the art. be able to. The gripping member 108 may be any desired material, including any suitable material known and used in the art, such as rubber, polymer material, cork, cord or other fabric element embedded therein. Alternatively, a polymer material, cloth or cloth, tape, or the like may be used. Optionally, if necessary, the grip member 108 (or any suitable handle member) can be removably connected to the shaft 106 using a removable connection, such as the removable connection 104. (Examples are described in more detail below).

  The removable connection 104 between the golf club head and the shaft of some examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

2． Exemplary Shaft Adapter FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter 202 of one embodiment of the present invention. The shaft adapter 202 may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above, and may be composed of a material that is different from the material that makes up the remaining sections of the golf club. For example, the shaft adapter 202 can increase surface tension and / or rubber or other compressibility that can reduce movement between the shaft adapter 202, the shaft member 106, and / or the head adapter (302, described below). Or may comprise it. In still other embodiments, rubber and / or other materials may be used to increase shock absorption and / or reduce noise during hitting. In still other embodiments, the shaft adapter 202 may be constructed from a lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the shaft adapter 202 has a first end 204 and a second end 206, the first end 204 being along the same axis 208 as the second end 206. . The shaft adapter 202 further includes a lumen 210 along the second axis 212 configured to mount the shaft member 106 on the second axis 212. Thus, the cylindrical exterior of the shaft adapter 202 extends in one axial direction (along the axis 208) from the first end 204 to the second end 206, while receiving the shaft member 106. The lumens 210 extend in different axial directions (axis 212). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the general overview of the present disclosure with various combinations of structural elements and / or processes that can be used to implement the two axes 208, 212 of the shaft adapter 202. The angular difference between the first axis 208 and the second axis 212 can be any angle without departing from the invention, for example at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees. , At least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the lumen 210 has a circular cross-sectional shape to receive, for example, a generally shaped round shaft. Desirably, however, the cross-sectional shape of the lumen 210 can be, for example, any number of sides, 12 or fewer sides, 10 or fewer sides, 8 or fewer sides, 6 or fewer sides, or even 4 Alternatively, it may be a polygon having fewer sides. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 210 may be configured to have a size and shape adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft member 106 relative to the shaft adapter 202. This may be due to the shaft adapter lumen 210 having the same polygonal shape as the shaft member 106. In yet another aspect, only a portion of the lumen 210 engages or mates with the shaft member 106, but the mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 202 within the shaft member 106. In some more specific exemplary structures according to the present invention, a portion of the shaft member 106 has a square or rectangular cross section, and the lumen 210 of the shaft adapter 202 has a plurality of sides that receive the shaft member 106. Includes an opening in the shape of a polygon (eg, having 4, 6, 8, 12, or 16 sides). Alternatively, if desired, fusion techniques (eg, welding, brazing, or soldering) may be used, particularly in exemplary structures where the lumen 210 and shaft member 106 have a circular cross-section, such as with cement or adhesive. The shaft adapter 202 may be permanently engaged with the shaft member 106, such as by use.

  In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the lumen 210 and / or shaft member 106 may have a different number of “sides” or protrusions than others, but the cross-sectional shapes of the various structures are The shaft member 106 is securely inserted into the lumen 210 of the shaft adapter without freely rotating the shaft member 106 in the lumen 210. In one such embodiment, the number of “sides” in either the lumen 210 or the shaft member 106 is a multiple of the number of the other side. Other such structures and arrangements that prevent rotation are also possible without departing from the invention. For example, either or both of shaft adapter 202 and / or shaft member 106 may include a mechanical structure, such as a spring loaded pin, or other extension structure that extends into an opening, slot, or ridge (eg, hydraulic As well as attaching the hose to its hydraulic oil supply connection element). Detent mechanisms and other physical (and optionally hydrostatic) locking structures that fit into openings, slots, or ridges are also available as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. It may be used.

  Referring briefly to FIG. 4 (details are described below), the shaft adapter 202 is configured to be securely attached to the shaft member 106. The exemplary shaft adapter 202 may be hollow and may be sized to receive a free end portion of a golf club shaft, such as the shaft member 106. In yet other aspects, the exemplary shaft adapter 202 may be sized to be received in a hollow portion at the free end of a golf club shaft, such as the shaft member 106. The shaft adapter 202 need not be hollow, for example, via cement or adhesive; via welding, brazing, soldering, or other fusion techniques; via mechanical connectors; via friction fit Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the club shaft may be securely attached by any suitable method and mechanism, including and the like. In some aspects, the connection of the shaft adapter 202 to the shaft member 106 may be removable so that the shaft can be easily and quickly switched. In still other aspects, the shaft adapter 202 may be integral with the shaft member 106 or may be permanently attached to the shaft member 106 in other ways. As further illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 202 may have a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape has, for example, 16 or fewer sides, 12 or fewer sides, 10 or fewer sides, 8 or fewer sides, 6 or fewer sides, or even 4 or fewer sides It may be a polygon. In another aspect, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter may be circular. The cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is configured to have a size and shape adapted to match the head adapter (described below) and prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 202 relative to the head adapter 302.

  In some aspects, the outside of the shaft adapter 202, the shaft member 106, and / or the head adapter (described below) may taper axially so that the component diameter increases along the axial direction. Either to decrease or to decrease. This feature can help the shaft adapter 202 to be easily adapted and pulled out of the head adapter and / or avoid the need to maintain extremely tight tolerances in the manufacturing means. .

3． Exemplary Head Adapter The exemplary connection 104 may further include a head adapter 302. Referring to FIG. 3, the head adapter 302 has a first end 304 and a second end 306. As such, the first end 304 is along the same axis (not shown) as the second end 306. The head adapter 302 further includes a lumen 310 along the second axis 312 configured to receive the shaft adapter 202 on the second axis 312 (also the shaft adapter 202 receives the shaft member 106). Accordingly, the exterior of the head adapter 302 may extend in one axial direction from the first end 304 to the second end 306, and the lumen 310 that receives the shaft adapter 202 has a different axial direction ( Extending to axis 312). Those skilled in the art will readily understand the overview of the present disclosure with various combinations of structural elements and / or processes that may be used to implement the two axes of the head adapter 302 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Will do. The difference in angle between the first axis (not shown) and the second axis 312 can be any angle, for example at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, without departing from the scope of the present invention. , At least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lumen 310 of the head adapter 302 has a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape. The cross-sectional shape may be, for example, a polygon with 12 or fewer sides, 10 or fewer sides, 8 or fewer sides, 6 or fewer sides, or even 4 or fewer sides . The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 310 is configured to have a size and shape that is adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 202 relative to the head adapter 302. This may be due to the head adapter lumen 310 having the same regular polygonal shape as the outer surface of the shaft adapter 202 as described above. In yet another aspect, only a portion of the lumen 310 engages or mates with the shaft adapter 202, but the mating prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 202 within the head adapter 302. In some more specific exemplary structures according to the present invention, the shaft adapter 202 has a square or rectangular cross section, and the lumen 310 of the head adapter 302 has a plurality of sides that receive the shaft adapter 202 (eg, 4 , 8, 12, or 16 sides (including polygonal openings).

  Accordingly, at least one of the lumen 310 and / or the outer surface of the shaft adapter 202 may have a different number of “sides” or protrusions than the others, but the cross-sectional shape of the various structures still remains. The shaft adapter 202 is securely inserted into the lumen 310 of the head adapter without freely rotating the shaft adapter 202 therein. In one such embodiment, the number of “sides” of either lumen 310 or shaft adapter 202 is a multiple of the number of the other side. In yet another aspect, the lumen 310 of the head adapter 302 may have a circular cross-sectional shape; that is, it is also shaped to receive a shaft adapter 202 having an outer surface that has a circular cross-sectional shape. Also good. Other such structures and arrangements that prevent rotation are also possible without departing from the invention. For example, either or both of the head adapter 302 or the shaft adapter 202 may include a mechanical structure such as a spring loaded pin, or other extension structure that extends into an opening, slot, or ridge (eg, a hydraulic hose). As well as attached to its hydraulic oil supply connection element). Detent mechanisms and other physical (and optionally hydrostatic) locking structures that fit into openings, slots, or ridges are also available as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. It may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft adapter 202 may be configured to fit perfectly within the head adapter 302. In yet other embodiments, the shaft adapter 202 extends to less than 50% of the total axis length of the head adapter 302, which is less than 35%, less than 25%, or even 15% of the total axis length of the head adapter 302. It may extend to less than. This feature can help make the entire connection assembly relatively short, compact and lightweight. Alternatively, if desired, a portion of the shaft adapter 202 may remain outside the head adapter 302 (and optionally the external shape of the shaft adapter 202 outside the head adapter is located within the head adapter. It may be different from the external shape of the shaft adapter 202). As described below with respect to FIG. 6, the configuration of the shaft adapter 202 and its placement relative to the club head body can vary the position and / or angle (eg, lie angle, loft angle, face angle, etc.) of the ball striking surface of the golf club head 102. ) May be used to adjust.

  In other aspects, the exemplary head adapter 302 is within a hollow portion, such as the lumen 210 of the shaft adapter 202, as described, for example, with respect to the particular aspect above in which the shaft member 106 fits within the shaft adapter 202. It may be sized to receive. Further, in other embodiments, the head adapter 302 may be integral with the club head 402, such as received in the hosel region 404, or otherwise permanently attached to the club head 402. Good.

B. Assembling Method FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary golf club 400 in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. The exploded view of golf club 400 also highlights one of several methods that may be used to construct a golf club according to certain aspects of the present invention. According to one exemplary method, the shaft member 106 is attached to a shaft adapter 202 having a first end 204 and a second end 206 along a first axis 208, the shaft member 106 being Is inserted into a lumen 210 extending along the axis 212 (axis 212 is shown in FIG. 2). The shaft member 106 may be permanently affixed to the shaft adapter 202 (eg, via cement or adhesive, via a fusion technique (eg, welding, soldering, or brazing), or the like) 106 and 202 may be removably connected to each other. The method may further include inserting the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 202 into the lumen 310 of the head adapter 302, the head adapter 302 being a first end along the first axis 308. A lumen 304 having a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape formed to receive the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 202 in a plurality of different orientations. Along the axis 312. The method may further include the step of inserting the head adapter 302 into the hosel region 404 of the club head 402 (the hosel region 404 is a polygon formed to receive the outer surface of the second end of the shaft adapter 302. May have openings inside the shape). In selected embodiments, insertion of the head adapter 302 into the hosel region 404 may be selected from a plurality of different orientations, eg, as described below with respect to FIGS. 5A-5D and FIG. Thus, further methods include removing the shaft adapter 202 from the head adapter 302 and reinserting the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 202 into the lumen 310 of the head adapter 302 in a different orientation, and / or Removing the head adapter 302 from the hosel region 404 of the club head 402 and reinserting the head adapter 302 into the hosel region 404 of the club head 402 in a different orientation may be included.

  The exemplary hosel region 404 may include an internal chamber or lumen for receiving the head adapter 302. The lumen may be machined into the golf club head 402 during the head manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the hosel region 404 is created by drilling or otherwise digging a portion of the golf club head 402. In this regard, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the hosel region 404 includes the same material as the golf club head 402. The shaft member 106 may be secured to the club head 402 (through the shaft adapter 202 and head adapter 302) by any desired means including removable connection systems known and used in the art. For example, a threaded nut provided on the shaft member 106 may engage a threaded portion provided on the hosel. As another example, through the opening provided in the club head (eg, in the club head sole) that engages the threaded portion provided on the bottom of the shaft member 106, the shaft adapter 202, and / or the head adapter 302. Then, a threaded bolt may extend. Other removable connection systems such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,890,269 (Bruce D. Burrows) and US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0018886 (Bruce D. Burrows) may also be used without departing from the present invention. It's okay. Each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The connection system may also be removably engaged in any of the ways described below.

C. Head Adapter and Shaft Adapter Adjustment Because the axis of the lumen 210 in the shaft adapter 202 is offset from the axis of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 202, the axis of the lumen in the head adapter 302 is offset from the axis of the outer surface. Thus, rotation of any of these adapters relative to the club head 402 changes the position of the shaft member 106 relative to the ball striking face of the club head. 5A-5D each illustrate a golf club according to various aspects of the present invention, in which both the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302 may be arranged in one of several rotational directions relative to the club head 402. A partial top view is shown. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5A, the shaft member 106 is securely held in the shaft adapter 202. Thus, the shaft adapter 202 has an octagonal outer shape that engages and mates with a head adapter 302 having an inner edge that receives the shaft adapter 202 with an octagonally shaped lumen. As noted above, the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302 need not be the same shape, but rather have several rotational directions, for example with respect to each other and / or with respect to the club head 402 as described below as well. One of them needs to be fitted together.

  The exemplary shaft adapter 202 of FIGS. 5A-5D includes indicia 502 and the exemplary head adapter 302 includes indicia 504. A mark 502 on the shaft adapter 202 indicates the rotational position of the shaft adapter 202 relative to the head adapter 302 and subsequent club head 402. A mark 504 on the head adapter 302 indicates the rotational position of the head adapter 302 relative to the club head 402 and also the shaft adapter 202. Marks 502, 504 ensure that the user returns to the previous position for better recording the club head / shaft orientation and / or after one or more of the components have rotated relative to the shaft member 106. Is advantageous. Since both the exemplary shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302 are generally octagonal in this exemplary structure, there are 64 rotational directions that can be engaged and securely fitted by removable means. is there. Accordingly, the following description refers to the position of the head adapter 202 and shaft adapter 302 as being in a rotational position ranging from 1 to 8, where position 1 refers to the marks 502 and 504 at the 12 o'clock position in FIG. 5A. The following positions are numbered consecutively in the clockwise direction. In still further embodiments, the club head 106 may be marked as needed.

  Depending on how the shaft adapter 202 and / or head adapter 302 is positioned relative to the “face” of the club head 102, the play characteristics of the club may be altered. This feature, along with the removable connection system 104, allows the club fitter (or others) to have various angles and / or positions (eg, varying lie angle, loft angle, and face angle) of the shaft member 106 relative to the club head 102 ) Can be adjusted freely and easily, at which time the same shaft 106 and / or head 102 can still be used so that users can more easily find the optimal club head / shaft combination and arrangement It can be decided to follow. Referring to FIG. 5A, indicia 502 indicates that shaft adapter 202 is in position 1, and indicia 504 indicates that head adapter 302 is also in position 1. Looking at FIG. 5B, the shaft adapter 202 (and thus the shaft 106) has rotated to position 2, while the head adapter 302 remains in position 1.

  Repositioning the shaft adapter 202 relative to the head adapter 302 may be advantageous to adjust the club head / shaft orientation by known factors. For example, the information may relate to the shaft adapter 202 and the head adapter 302 regarding the angle of the offset axis of the lumens 210, 310. The information may be provided to the adapter 202, 302, printed, engraved, or otherwise marked on the adapter 202, 302 itself, or otherwise May be used.

  FIG. 6 provides a table 600, which shows exemplary information regarding adjusting the shaft adapter 202 relative to the club head 402 (while the head adapter 302 is in a fixed position relative to the club head 402). Stay on). That information relates to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 where both shaft adapter 202 and head adapter 302 are typically octagonal in shape. In certain embodiments, the shaft adapter lumen 210 is offset from the center by about 2 degrees and the head adapter lumen 310 is offset from the center by about 1 degree, but the offset angle is in the range of 0.25 to 4 degrees. It may be in the range of 0.5 to 2 degrees in some examples. Table 600 shows changes in face angle (column 604) and lie angle due to one-eighth (or about 45 degrees) rotation of shaft adapter 202 with respect to head adapter 302. (Column 606) and the change in loft angle (column 608). Looking at the first row of column 602, shaft adapter 202 is set to position 1 (thus, as shown in FIG. 5A, indicia 502 is at the 12 o'clock position). When shaft adapter 202 and head adapter 302 are set to position 1 (as shown in FIG. 5A), the face angle and loft angle do not change, but the lie angle is positioned at +3 degrees (see column 610 in FIG. 6). I want to be)

  However, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the shaft adapter 202 is set to position 2 (or rotated approximately 45 degrees clockwise) and the head adapter 302 remains in position 1, the face angle is −0.7 degrees. Adjusted, the lie angle changes +2.4 degrees and the loft angle increases 1.2 degrees (see column 612 in FIG. 6). As shown in the remainder of the table 600, the face angle, lie angle, and loft angle may be adjusted to known amounts by repositioning the shaft adapter 202 relative to the head adapter 302. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5C-5D, the head adapter 302 may be similarly adjusted, either independently or in combination with a shaft adapter relocation.

  In a further aspect, the “side” of the shaft adapter 202 and / or the head adapter 302 can also include protrusions around it. For example, the component may have a generally circular shape, but protrusions may be placed around the structure or otherwise provided to produce substantially the same effect as a “wall”. Indeed, any structure, shape, extension, or the like having features that mimic traditional sides is within the scope of the present invention and is encompassed by the term “side” as used herein. In a more specific exemplary structure of the present invention, the internal chamber anti-rotation structure has a square or rectangular cross section. In yet another aspect, the internal chamber may have an irregular shape such that the “sides” are not equal. This can be useful, for example, where it is desirable that the shaft not be inserted in a manner that does not provide good club properties. In one embodiment, there are a number of possible arrangements in which the shaft adapter can be received within the golf club head, with at least one arrangement providing different club characteristics than another arrangement.

D. Additional aspects of the invention
1． Overview The removable connection assembly may be provided in any desired structure and / or used in any desired manner without departing from the invention. A club having such a connection assembly can be designed for use by a golfer during play (and optionally, the golfer is free to change the shaft, head, and / or their arrangement relative to each other. You may). As another example, if desired, a club that includes the removable connection of the present invention can be used as a club fitting tool to determine the desired combination of head, shaft, and positioning for a particular golfer. If so, the club builder uses the determined information to produce the final desired golf club product using a suitable (and permanent) attachment technique (eg, cement or adhesive). May be. Other variations of the club / shaft connection assembly part and process are possible without departing from the invention.

2． Kits As a further exemplary aspect of the present invention, one or more elements or components of a golf club and / or connecting assemblies thereof may be marketed, sold, or utilized as a kit. One such aspect may include a kit that includes a golf club head having an internal chamber configured to receive a pluggable head adapter 302. In yet other aspects, the head adapter 302 may be permanently attached to the golf club head or otherwise formed as part of the golf club head. Additionally or alternatively, the kit may further include a shaft adapter 202 and / or a shaft member 106.

  Handling instructions for selecting a golf club with the head and selecting one or more shafts, shaft adapters, and / or other elements for configuring the golf club may be included with the kit Good. In certain embodiments, the handling instructions include a method for inserting the shaft member 106 into the lumen 210 at the first end 204 of the shaft adapter 202; the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 202 is connected to the head adapter 302. A method of inserting the head adapter 302 into the hosel region of the club head 402 in a plurality of different orientations; and / or a head adapter 302 that can be adapted to the hosel region in a plurality of different orientations. The method is described. In a still further aspect, the kit may include information regarding the club head 402 face angle, lie angle, and loft angle associated with various orientations of the shaft adapter 202 and / or head adapter 302 within the hosel region of the club head 402. Good.

  The kit can include one or more shafts, shaft adapters, heads, and / or handling instructions, depending on various aspects. The kit may further include information regarding the face angle, lie angle, and loft angle of the club head associated with the orientation of the particular shaft adapter and / or head adapter in the interior chamber of the particular club head. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the handling instructions need not be printed and physically present with the other components of the kit, but rather may be provided on a computer readable medium. Such handling instructions may reside on a server that the user can access. In accordance with certain aspects, the user may be provided with information including handling instructions, such as a link to an address on the Internet, that falls within the scope of providing the handling instructions. Thus, the provision of handling instructions used herein is not limited to printed materials that can be delivered with the physical elements of the golf club.

3． Axial Variation Region Other structures of the golf club 100 can be used with the connection system 104 described above in connection with FIGS. 2-6 to further increase the benefits of the disclosed golf club. For example, the further structure can further include an axially changing region. An exemplary shaft having one or more direction change regions is disclosed and described in US patent application Ser. No. 11 / 774,522, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Further, the shaft adapters and / or head adapters described above can be found in U.S. Patent No. 6,890,269 (Bruce D. Burrows) and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0018886 (Bruce D., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It can also be used with other removable golf club head / shaft connection devices, such as those described in Burrows). Moreover, various aspects of the above invention can also be used with other removable golf club shaft assemblies that are patented, patent pending, and / or commercially available.

  Many modifications in the overall structure of the shaft, club head, and club head / shaft connection assembly are possible without departing from the invention. Furthermore, various steps of the described assembly process may be changed, reordered, combined, and / or omitted without departing from the invention. Additionally or alternatively, as needed, in such a construction, the club head can be quickly and easily replaced with a different club head (eg, club head of different loft, lie angle, size, brand, etc.) on the shaft. And / or the shaft can be quickly and easily exchanged with a different shaft (eg, different materials, different mobility, different kick point characteristics, etc.) on the club head.

E. Further features and examples of the invention The aspects of the invention described herein may be further defined by the following additional structural examples. The following example structure will be described with respect to the exemplary club structure described above and shown in FIG. Exemplary elements of these structures (discussed separately below) are collectively shown in FIG. 9, which is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary golf club 900 (also described below).

1． Exemplary Shaft Adapter FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter 702 according to this example of the invention. The exemplary shaft adapter 702 is similar to the exemplary shaft adapter 202 described above, however, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 is entirely by a spline 716 (also shown in FIG. 9) extending along the longitudinal axis 708. Or it may be partially defined. The shaft adapter 702 may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above, and may include a material that is different from that included in the remainder of the golf club. For example, the shaft adapter 702 can be constructed of a light metal, alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material).

  Shaft adapter 702 is generally circular and has a first end 704 and a second end 706 along the same axis 708. The shaft adapter 702 further includes a lumen 710 along the second axis 712 that is configured to attach to the shaft member 106 on the second axis 712. The outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 extends in one axial direction (along the axis 708) from the first end 704 to the second end 706, whereas the circular lumen 710 that receives the shaft member 106 is different. It may extend in the axial direction (axis 712). 7-9, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 may be further defined by a flange 714 that is received and adapted to mate with the opening 816 of the head adapter 802 (FIG. 8). As shown). Alternatively, the lower surface of the flange 714 may simply be placed on the upper surface of the head adapter 802. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various combinations of example structures and / or processes for use in the implementation of the two axes 708 and 712 of the shaft adapter 702. Similar to structural example 202 above, the angle difference between the first axis 708 and the second axis 712 of the shaft adapter 702 can be any angle that does not depart from the invention, for example, at least 0.25 degrees. , At least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees or even at least 8 degrees.

  In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the lumen 710 has a circular cross-sectional shape, for example, to receive a round shaft of normal shape. However, if desired, the cross-sectional shape of the lumen 710 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable to prevent rotation of the shaft member 106 relative to the shaft adapter 702. For example, the lumen shape itself may be defined by a vertical spline that is shaped to receive and engage a shaft member that includes a sheath having a partial spline. As described above with respect to shaft adapter 202, shaft adapter 702 is such that lumen 710 engages or mates with shaft member 106, and the mating prevents rotation of shaft adapter 702 within shaft member 106. It may be configured by a number of methods. In yet another structure, particularly in the example where the lumen 710 and the shaft member 106 have a circular cross-section, the shaft adapter 702 may be permanently engaged with the shaft member 106 (eg, cement or adhesive). Via welding, brazing, soldering, or other fusion techniques; via mechanical connectors; via friction fit; etc.). Those skilled in the art will readily understand a number of different ways of splicing the shaft adapter 702 and the shaft member 106.

  Other such structures and arrangements that prevent rotation are also possible without departing from the invention. For example, one or both of the shaft adapter 702 and / or the shaft member 106 may comprise a mechanical structure such as a spring loaded pin or other extension structure extending into an opening, slot or ridge (eg, hydraulic Similar to mounting the hose on the hydraulic oil supply connection element). Openings, detent structures that fit into slots or ridges, and other physical (and optionally static) locking structures are also used as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. Also good.

  Referring briefly to FIG. 9 (details are described below), the shaft adapter 702 is configured to be securely attached to the shaft member 106. Exemplary shaft adapter 702 may be hollow and may be sized to receive a free end portion of a golf club shaft, such as shaft member 106. Thus, in some construction examples, the connection of the shaft adapter 702 to the shaft member 106 may be removable so that the shaft can be easily and quickly replaced. In yet other constructions, the shaft adapter 702 may be integral with the shaft member 106 or otherwise permanently attached thereto.

  As further illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 at the second end 706 may have a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline extending along the axis 708 of the shaft adapter. Like the inner surface of the head adapter 802 shown in FIG. 8, the spline may create a ridge along the surface that is made to fit and engage in a fixed position with another surface spline. . The spline may consist of ridges in the surface of the material comprising the shaft adapter 702 and may be of various known manufacturing techniques such as, for example, extrusion, casting, casting or other known manufacturing techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. It can be machined according to known techniques. In the structure shown in FIG. 7, the spline may extend to the flange 714. Further, in the example structure shown, the flange 714 is adapted to rest on the top 816 of the head adapter 802 shown in FIG. 8 (the head adapter 802 of FIG. 8 is described in more detail below). Accordingly, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 is sized and shaped to fit within the head adapter 802 (as described below) and prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 702 relative to the head adapter 802. It is configured as follows.

  According to aspects of the invention described herein, splines 716, 820 and 906 (each described further below) are alternatives whose shape is triangular, round, square or generally trapezoidal It may consist of ridges and grooves. Without departing from the present invention, the spline 716 (or regular polygonal cross-sectional area) is located at any portion of the longitudinal length of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 (or the head adapter 802 or the lumen of the hosel area 904). It may extend along. For example, the spline 716 may extend from 10-100% of the overall longitudinal length of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702, and in some construction examples, the spline is 15-80% of the entire longitudinal length. Or even from 20 to 60% of the total longitudinal length. The portion of the outer surface that includes the spline 716 may also be extended from any desired location along the longitudinal length, such as the flange region 714 extending upward from the second end 706, without departing from the invention. It may be arranged so as to extend toward the end portion 706. Spline 716 may also extend partially around the outer surface of shaft adapter 702. For example, the outer surface of shaft adapter 702 may be defined by a band of splines 716 extending along the longitudinal length or axis 708 of shaft adapter 702 and spaced evenly around the outer surface.

  In some structural examples, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702, shaft member 106, and / or head adapter 802 has a slight component diameter from the first end to the second end at a non-circular cross-sectional location. It may be gradually reduced in the axial direction so as to decrease. This feature helps the shaft adapter 702 to be easily fitted and removed from the head adapter 802 and / or eliminates the need to maintain extremely tight durability in the manufacturing process.

2． Exemplary Head Adapter The exemplary connection of FIG. 9 may further comprise a head adapter 802 according to additional examples of the present invention. The head adapter 802 may be made of one or more suitable materials as described above, and may include a material that is different from the material included in the remainder of the golf club. For example, the head adapter 802 may be constructed from a lightweight metal, metal alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material). Referring to FIG. 8, the head adapter 802 has a first end 804 and a second end 806. As described, the first end 804 is along the same axis (not shown) as the second end 806. The head adapter 802 further includes a lumen 810 configured to receive the shaft adapter 702 on the second axis 812 along the second end 812 (also the shaft adapter 702 receives the shaft member 106). Thus, the outside of the head adapter 802 may extend from the first end 804 in one axial direction of the second end 806, while the lumen 810 receiving the shaft adapter 702 has a different axial direction (axis 812 ). Reference is made to the present disclosure that there are various combinations of structural elements and / or processes that can be used by those skilled in the art to implement the two axes of the head adapter 802 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Will be easily understood. The angular difference between the first axis (not shown) and the second axis 812 can be any angle without departing from the invention, for example, at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, It can be at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  The bore 810 of the head adapter 802 is shaped to receive a spline 716 on the exterior of the shaft adapter 702 in place and engage the spline 716 and is defined by a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline 820 extending along the transverse axis 812 You may have. The spline may consist of ridges in the surface of the material comprising the head adapter 802, and various such as, for example, extrusion, casting, casting, or other known manufacturing techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. Can be machined according to known techniques. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 810 may therefore be configured to have a size and shape that is adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 702 relative to the head adapter 802. In other structural examples, only a portion of the lumen 810 engages or mates with the shaft adapter 702, but the mating or other engagement prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 702 within the head adapter 802. In the particular structural example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first end 804 of the head adapter 802 may cause the flange 714 of the shaft adapter 702 when the shaft adapter 702 is fitted into the lumen 810 of the head adapter 802. It may be defined by a slight recess 816 shaped to receive.

  Other anti-rotation structures and arrangements are also possible without departing from the invention. For example, one or both of the head adapter 802 or the shaft adapter 702 may comprise a mechanical structure such as a spring loaded pin or other extension structure that extends into an opening, slot or ridge (eg, of a hydraulic hose). Similar to installation on hydraulic oil supply connection element). Openings, detent structures that fit into slots or ridges, and other physical (and optionally static) locking structures are also used as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the shaft adapter 702 may be configured to fit the head adapter 802 only partially. In other constructions, the shaft adapter 702 may extend longer or shorter than the length of the axis of the head adapter 802. As described further below in connection with FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D, the configuration of the shaft adapter 702 and its placement relative to the club head body may vary the position and / or angle of the ball striking surface of the golf club head 102. (E.g., lie angle, loft angle, face angle, etc.) can be used to adjust.

  In other structural examples related to the present invention, the head adapter 802 may be integral with the club head 902 to be received within the hosel region 904 or integrally formed as part thereof, It may be permanently attached to the club head 902 in another manner. In such a structure (if an external hosel is present in the club head structure, the hosel lumen may extend from the outer surface of the hosel in an “off-axis” manner) but the outer surface of the head adapter 802 is not present There is also.

3． FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of an exemplary golf club 900 according to the example of the invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and described above. The exploded view of golf club 900 also reveals one of several methods that can be used to construct a golf club according to certain aspects of the present invention. According to one exemplary method, the shaft member 106 is attached to a shaft adapter 702 having a first end 704 and a second end 706 along a first axis 708, where the shaft member 106 is inserted into lumen 710 extending along second axis 712 (axis 712 is shown in FIG. 7). The shaft member 106 may be permanently affixed to the shaft adapter 702 (eg, via cement or adhesive, via a fusion technique (eg, welding, soldering, or brazing), etc.) or these Parts 106 and 702 may be removably connected to each other. The method may further include the step of inserting the second end 706 of the shaft adapter 702 into the lumen 810 of the head adapter 802, the head adapter 802 having a first end along the first axis 808. Spline 716 of second end 706 of shaft adapter 702 in a plurality of different orientations, and includes a portion 804 and a second end 806, and lumen 810 has a cross-sectional shape defined by spline 820. Is shaped to receive. The method may further include inserting the head adapter 802 into the hosel region 904 of the club head 902. The hosel region 904 may have an internal opening with a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline 906 that is shaped to receive the spline 818 at the second end 806 of the head adapter 802 in a plurality of different orientations. . Depending on the choice of structure, insertion of head adapter 802 into hosel region 904 may be selected from a plurality of different orientations, eg, as described below in connection with FIGS. Accordingly, further methods according to the present invention may include: removing the shaft adapter 702 from the head adapter 802 and different orientations of the second end 706 of the shaft adapter 702 to the lumen 810 of the head adapter 802 (eg, Re-inserting the head adapter 802 from the lumen area 904 of the club head 902 and / or removing the head adapter 802 to the hosel area 904 of the club head 902 (eg, different rotational positions). The process of reinserting into

  The exemplary hosel region 904 may include an internal chamber or lumen for receiving the head adapter 802. The lumen may be machined in the golf club head 902 according to machining techniques known to those skilled in the art during the head manufacturing process. In one example structure, the hosel region 904 is created by drilling or otherwise digging a portion of the golf club head 902. In this regard, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the hosel region 904 includes the same material as the golf club head 902. Further, the shape of the lumen may be defined by the spline such that a head adapter 802 having an outline defined by the spline is engagably received. The shaft member 106 may be secured to the club head 902 (through the shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802) by any desired means including removable connection systems known and used in the art. As can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 9, the outer portion of the hosel region 904 may have a thread 910. Thread 910 secures the entire interconnect assembly by engaging thread 910 on the outer surface of hosel region 904 and threaded nut 908 on shaft adapter first end 704. It may be used. As another example, a threaded bolt that engages a threaded portion provided on the bottom of shaft member 106, shaft adapter 702, and / or head adapter 802 is provided in a club head (eg, in a club head sole). It may extend through the opening.

Four. Head Adapter and Shaft Adapter Adjustment Since the axis of lumen 710 in shaft adapter 702 may be offset from the axis of the outer surface of shaft adapter 702, and the axis of lumen in head adapter 802 is the axis of its outer surface Therefore, rotation of either of these adapters relative to the club head 902 changes the position of the shaft member 106 relative to the club head striking face. The bias may be an angle in the range of 0.25 to 4 degrees, and in some examples, the bias may be an angle in the range of 0.5 to 2 degrees. FIGS. 10A-10D each follow an alternative structural example of the present invention in which both shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802 may be arranged in one of several rotational directions relative to club head 902. FIG. 2 shows a top view of a part of a golf club. In contrast to the rotation of the structure shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, where the rotation needs to be equivalent to at least one side of the polygon, the alternative structure shown in FIGS. 7-9 is a smaller, increasing rotation. Is acceptable. Specifically, referring to FIG. 10A, the shaft member 106 is securely held in the shaft adapter 702. As seen in FIGS. 10A-10D, shaft adapter 702 has an external shape defined by a spline extending along axis 708 of shaft adapter 702. The outer surface of shaft adapter 702 engages and mates with head adapter 802 having an inner edge lumen shape defined by a spline extending along axis 812 of head adapter 802 for receiving shaft adapter 702. . 10A-10D, the head adapter 802 splines receive and engage the shaft adapter 702 splines in a number of different rotational directions relative to each other, but in a manner that simultaneously prevents rotation and movement. In addition, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 702 and the lumen of the head adapter 802 are similarly shaped.

  The example shaft adapter 702 of FIGS. 10A-10D may include indicia 1002, and the example head adapter 802 may include indicia 1004. A mark 1002 on the shaft adapter 702 indicates the rotational position of the shaft adapter 702 relative to the head adapter 802 and thus the club head 902. A mark 1004 on the head adapter 802 indicates the rotational position of the head adapter 802 with respect to the club head 902 and also with respect to the shaft adapter 702. The indicia 1002, 1004 ensure that the user is in the previous position after one or more of the components have rotated relative to the shaft member 106 to better record the club head / shaft orientation and / or It is advantageous to return. Both exemplary shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802 are shaped as defined by splines 716, 818, and 820 so that multiple rotations engage in a removable manner and fit tightly There is a direction. Accordingly, the following description refers to the position of the head adapter 702 and shaft adapter 802 as being in progressive rotation positions. Position 1 refers to the case where the indicia 1002, 1004 is at the 12 o'clock position in FIG. 10A, and the subsequent position is described as a gradual rotation increasing clockwise. In further examples, the club head 902 may be marked as required.

  Depending on how the shaft adapter 702 and / or the head adapter 802 are positioned relative to the “face” of the club head 102, the play characteristics of the club may be altered. This feature, along with the removable connection system 104, allows the club fitter (or other) to have various angles and / or positions (eg, varying lie angle, loft angle, and face angle) of the shaft member 106 relative to the club head 102. ) Can be freely and easily adjusted using the same shaft 106 and / or head 102 so that the user can more easily determine the optimal club head / shaft combination and arrangement to meet their needs be able to. Referring to FIG. 10A, indicia 1002 indicates that shaft adapter 702 is in position 1, and indicia 1004 indicates that head adapter 802 is also in position 1. Referring to FIG. 10B, the shaft adapter 702 (and thus the shaft 106) is being progressively rotated clockwise while the head adapter 802 remains in position 1. On the other hand, in FIG. 10C, the head adapter 802 (and hence the club head 102) is being progressively rotated clockwise while the shaft adapter 702 remains in position 1. In FIG. 10D, both shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802 are progressively rotated clockwise and shaft 106 and club head 102 are effectively rotated relative to each other.

  Repositioning the shaft adapter 702 relative to the head adapter 802 as described may be advantageous for adjusting the club head / shaft orientation by known factors. For example, the information may relate to the shaft adapter 702 and the head adapter 802 regarding the angle of the offset axis of the lumens 710, 810. That information may be provided with adapters 702 and 802, printed, engraved, or otherwise marked on adapters 702 and 802 itself, or otherwise obtained. May be. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that FIGS. 10A-10D are only four of a number of rotational directions in which shaft adapter 702 and head adapter 802 are removably engaged and can be tightly fitted. You will understand.

  FIGS. 11A and 11B show top views of a portion of a club head according to yet another example of the invention described herein. FIG. 11A shows a head adapter 1104 having a regular polygonal external cross-sectional shape and an internal lumen having a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline extending along the longitudinal axis of the head adapter 1104. The shaft adapter 1102 shown in FIG. 11A has an external cross-sectional shape defined by a spline extending along the longitudinal axis of the shaft adapter 1102 and is received by a vertical spline on the internal lumen of the head adapter 1104 and Shaped to engage with it. FIG. 11B shows an arrangement similar to FIG. 11A, except that FIG. 11B shows an external cross-sectional shape defined by a spline extending along the longitudinal axis of the head adapter 1108 and an internal lumen of a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape. A head adapter 1108 is shown. The shaft adapter 1106 shown in FIG. 11B has a regular polygonal external cross-sectional shape and is shaped to receive and engage a regular polygonal shape of the internal lumen of the head adapter 1108. The further embodiments shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B reflect only two of the many different combinations of embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention and are so understood by those skilled in the art. As a more specific example, any desired polygonal cross-sectional shape can be used without departing from the present invention, for example, 3 to 20 polygons.

F. Additional Structural Examples of the Invention Aspects of the invention described herein may be further defined by the following additional structural examples. The following example structures are described with respect to the exemplary club structure described above and shown in FIG.

1． Exemplary Shaft Adapter / Head Adapter Assembly with Bottom Feed Head Adapter FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an adjustable shaft adapter / head adapter assembly according to another example structure of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional perspective view of an exemplary shaft adapter 1202 and head adapter 1224, according to an example of the present invention. 12B is an exploded view of the shaft adapter / head adapter assembly shown in FIG. 12A.

  The exemplary shaft adapter 1202 is described above in that the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202 may be completely or partially defined by a spline 1204 (shown in FIG. 12B) that extends along the transverse axis of the shaft adapter 1202. Similar to the exemplary shaft adapter 702 of FIG. The shaft adapter 1202 may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above, and may include a material that is different from the material included in the remainder of the golf club. For example, the shaft adapter 1202 can be constructed from a lightweight metal, alloy or polymer material (eg, a rigid polymer material).

  Shaft adapter 1202 is typically cylindrically shaped and has a first end 1206, an intermediate portion 1208, and a second end 1210 along the same axis. In the example structure shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the first end 1206, the intermediate portion 1208, and the second end 1210 may each exhibit a gradually decreasing diameter. First end 1206 may include an edge 1212 adapted to rest on bearing region 1214 of hosel region 1216. The shaft adapter 1202 further includes a lumen 1218 configured to be attached to the shaft member 106 along the offset axis 1220. The offset axis 1220 may be offset from the central hosel axis 1222 by about 2 degrees, however, without departing from the present invention, any angle, for example, at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 Degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  In addition, the second end 1210 has a securing structure that assists in firmly engaging the shaft adapter 1202 to the club head body (eg, threaded hole 1211 in this example structure), as will be described in more detail below. May be provided. In this example structure, the lumen 1218 is not open to the threaded hole 1211 as shown in FIG. 12A, but the threaded hole extends to the inner chamber 1218 in certain structures according to the present invention if desired. And you may open there.

  In the example structure shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the lumen 1218 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, for example, to receive a generally shaped round shaft. However, if desired, the cross-sectional shape of the lumen 1218 may be configured to have a size and shape suitable to prevent rotation of the shaft member 106 relative to the shaft adapter 1202. For example, the shape of the lumen 1218 itself may be defined by a spline that is shaped to receive and engage a shaft member having a partially splined outer surface. As described above with respect to the shaft adapter 202, the shaft adapter 1202 is configured such that the lumen 1218 engages or mates with the shaft member 106 and this engagement prevents rotation of the shaft adapter 1202 within the shaft member 106. It may be configured in a number of ways, such as In yet another construction, the shaft adapter 1202 can be permanently engaged with the shaft member 106 (eg, via cement or adhesive), particularly in the construction example where the lumen 1218 and the shaft member 106 have a circular cross-section. Through welding, brazing, soldering, or other fusion techniques; through mechanical connectors; through friction fits; etc.). Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate a number of different ways to splice shaft adapter 1202 and shaft member 106.

  Other such anti-rotation structures and arrangements for receiving the shaft 106 within the shaft adapter 1202 are possible without departing from the invention. For example, one or both of the shaft adapter 1202 and / or shaft member 106 may comprise a mechanical structure such as a spring loaded pin or other extension structure extending into an opening, slot or ridge (eg, hydraulic Similar to mounting the hose on the hydraulic oil supply connection element). Openings, detent structures that fit into slots or ridges, and other physical (and optionally static) locking structures are also used as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. Also good. Thus, in some construction examples, the connection of shaft adapter 1202 to shaft member 106 may be removable so that the shaft can be easily and quickly replaced. In yet other constructions, the shaft adapter 1202 may be integral with the shaft member 106 or otherwise permanently attached thereto.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202 may have a cross-sectional shape that is fully or partially defined by a spline 1204 extending along the axis 1220 of the shaft adapter. Spline 1204 may create a ridge along the surface that is sized to fit and engage in a fixed position with another surface spline, such as spline 1232 inside head adapter 1224. . The spline 1204 may consist of ridges in the surface of the material comprising the shaft adapter 1202 and may be various, such as, for example, extrusion, casting, casting or other known manufacturing techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. Can be machined according to known techniques. According to the example structure shown in FIG. 12B, the spline 1204 may extend along the second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202 is adapted to fit into the hosel region 1216 (shown in FIG. 12B) and the head adapter 1224 (inserted into the bottom of the club head 1200 as described below). And is configured to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 1202 relative to the head adapter 1224.

  According to aspects of the invention described herein, splines 1204, splines 1241, and splines 1230 and 1232 (each described further below) in the bottom of internal chamber 1242 are triangular in shape. Can consist of alternating ridges and grooves, circular, square or generally trapezoidal. The spline 1204 (or polygonal cross-sectional area) can extend along any portion of the longitudinal length of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202 (or the lumen of the head adapter 1224 or hosel area 1216) without departing from the invention. It may extend. For example, the spline 1204 may extend from 10 to 100% of the entire longitudinal length of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202, and in some construction examples, the spline is 15 to 80 of the entire longitudinal length. %, Or even 20-60% of the entire longitudinal length. The portion of the outer surface that includes the spline 1204 also extends longitudinally from the second end 1210, extends from the edge region 1212 toward the second end 1210, etc. without departing from the invention. May be located at any desired location along the line. Spline 1204 may also extend from only a portion of the outer surface of shaft adapter 1202. For example, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202 may be defined by a spline band that extends along the longitudinal length of the shaft adapter 1202 or along the axis 1220 and is evenly disposed around the outer surface. Further, the spline regions 1204, 1241, 1230 and 1232 may alternatively have regular polygonal cross-sectional shapes from 3 to 20 surfaces without departing from the present invention.

  In one example structure, the outer surface of shaft adapter 1202, shaft member 106 and / or head adapter 1224 in a non-circular cross-sectional position has a component diameter of first end 1206, intermediate portion 1208, and second end. It may be gradually reduced in the axial direction so as to slightly decrease across the portion 1210. This feature helps the shaft adapter 1202 to be easily fitted and removed from the head adapter 1224 and / or eliminates the need to maintain extremely strict durability in the manufacturing process.

  The exemplary connection 104 may further comprise a head adapter 1224 according to a further example of the present invention shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The head adapter 1224 may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above and may include a material that is different from the materials included in the rest of the golf club. For example, the head adapter 1224 can be constructed of a lightweight metal, alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material). With reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, an exemplary head adapter 1224 has a first end 1226 and a second end 1228. Thus, the first end 1226 is along the same axis as the second end 1228 (shown as the axis 1220 in FIG. 12A). Head adapter 1224 further includes a lumen 1231 along second axis 1234 configured to receive shaft adapter 1202 on second axis 1234 (also shaft adapter 1202 receives shaft member 106). Thus, the outside of the head adapter 1224 may extend from the first end 1226 in one axial direction of the second end 1228 (axis 1220) and the lumen 1231 that receives the shaft adapter 1202 has a different axial direction ( Extending to the axis 1234). Those skilled in the art should refer to the present disclosure that there are various combinations of structural elements and / or processes that can be used to implement the two axes of the head adapter 1224 without departing from the scope of the present invention. This will make it easier to understand. The angular difference between the first axis 1220 and the second axis 1234 may be any angle without departing from the present invention, for example, at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees. , At least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  The lumen 1231 of the head adapter 1224 is also defined by a spline 1232 extending longitudinally within the lumen 1231 that is shaped to receive and engage the spline 1204 on the outside of the shaft adapter 1202 in a fixed position. It may have a cross-sectional shape. The spline 1232 may consist of ridges in the surface of the material comprising the head adapter 1224 and may be various, such as, for example, extrusion, casting, casting or other known manufacturing techniques familiar to those skilled in the art. Can be machined according to known techniques. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 1231 may thus be configured to have a size and shape that is adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 1202 relative to the head adapter 1224. According to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12A, only a portion of the lumen 1231 engages or fits with the shaft adapter 1202. In other embodiments, the head adapter 1224 may be sized to accommodate the shaft adapter within the entire length of the head adapter 1224.

  In the particular structural example shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the club head 1200 provides an opening along the axis 1220 for receiving the head adapter 1224 and has an internal chamber 1242 defined at the bottom of the club head 1200. You may do it. 12A, the second end 1228 of the head adapter 1224 is received by the second end 1228 of the shaft adapter 1202 in the hosel region 1216 of the club head 1200 in a manner that prevents rotation. The head adapter 1224 is adapted for insertion into the internal chamber 1242 to engage. Inner chamber 1242 may be defined by an insertion interface 1236 as shown in FIG. 12A. In the structural example shown in FIG. 12A, the head adapter 1224 further includes a flange 1244 that may rest on the insertion interface 1236. The outer surface of the head adapter 1224 may also be defined by a spline 1230 that may be configured to be received and engaged by a spline 1241 in the bottom of the inner chamber 1242 in a manner that prevents rotation.

  The shaft adapter 1202 / head adapter 1224 assembly may be secured to the club head by washers 1240 and bolts 1238 as shown. One skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to secure the device of FIGS. 12A and 12B. For example, instead of the bolt 1238, the head adapter 1224 can be permanently secured to the internal chamber 1242 in the hosel region by known techniques.

  Other anti-rotation structures and arrangements are also possible without departing from the invention. For example, one or both of the head adapter 1224 or the shaft adapter 1202 may comprise a mechanical structure such as a spring loaded pin or other extension structure that extends into an opening, slot or ridge (eg, a hydraulic hose). Similar to installation on hydraulic oil supply connection element). Openings, detent structures that fit into slots or ridges, and other physical (and optionally static) locking structures are also used as removable anti-rotation connections without departing from the invention. Also good.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the shaft adapter 1202 may be configured so that only a part thereof fits in the head adapter 1224. In other structures, the shaft adapter 1202 may extend longer or shorter than the axial length of the head adapter 1224. In further structural examples in accordance with the present invention, the head adapter 1224 may or may not be integral with the club head 1200, such as being received within the hosel region 1236 or integrally formed as part thereof. It may be permanently attached to it. In such a configuration, the outer surface of the head adapter 1224 is not present (although the external hosel may be present in the club head structure, the hosel lumen may extend from the outer surface of the hosel in an “off-axis” manner). There is also.

  The exploded view of the shaft adapter 1202 / head adapter 1224 assembly of FIG. 12B further reveals one of several methods that can be used to construct a golf club according to certain aspects of the present invention. According to an exemplary method, shaft member 106 is attached to shaft adapter 1202, where shaft member 106 is inserted into lumen 1218 that extends along second axis 1220. The method may further comprise inserting the second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202 into the lumen 1231 of the head adapter 1224, where the lumen 1231 has a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline 1232. And is configured to receive and engage the spline 1204 of the second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202 in a plurality of different orientations. The method may further include inserting a head adapter 1224 into the bottom of the club head 1200 in the region 1242 defined by the insert 1236. The bottom of this hosel region or the bottom of the interior chamber 1242 is an interior having a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline 1241 that is shaped to receive the spline 1230 of the second end 1228 of the head adapter 1224 in a plurality of different orientations. You may have an opening. According to the structure choice, the insertion of the head adapter 1224 into the hosel region defined in the bottom 1236 of the club head is from a plurality of different orientations, for example, as indicated by marks 1-8 in 1236 of FIG. Can be selected. Accordingly, further methods according to the present invention may include: removing the shaft adapter 1202 from the head adapter 1224 and different orientations of the second end 1210 of the shaft adapter 1202 into the lumen 1231 of the head adapter 1224 ( Reinserting the head adapter 1224 from the bottom of the hosel region 1236 and / or reinserting the head adapter 1224 into the bottom of the hosel region 1236 of the club head 1200 in a different orientation. .

  Once inserted, the shaft adapter is inserted by inserting the locking system 1238 through the internal chamber 1242 in the sole of the club head 1200 and engaging the locking system 1238 with the locking structure 1211 provided within the shaft adapter 1202. 1202 and head adapter 1224 may be fixed to club head 1200. If desired, the position where the head adapter 1224 mates with the club head 1200 (eg, at the mounting ridge 1243 and / or the hosel opening) and / or the locking system 1238 mates with the club head 1200 attenuates noise and / or vibration. Flexible materials (such as washers, gaskets, o-rings, elastomer washers or coatings) may be included to provide the like. The illustrated connection system can be easily removed, for example, by twisting off the bolt member 1238. If desired, the bolt 1238 and the internal chamber 1242 can be configured to prevent the bolt 1238 from completely falling out of the internal chamber 1242 when the bolt 1238 is removed from the shaft adapter 1202 (eg, free of the bolt 1238). By providing an enlarged ring on the edge). Bolt 1238 may include a head portion having a structure for engaging a screwdriver, an Allen wrench or other tool.

  Since the axis of the lumen 1218 in the shaft adapter 1202 may be offset from the axis of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1202, and the axis of the lumen 1231 in the head adapter 1224 may be offset from the axis of the outer surface, Rotation of any of these adapters relative to the club head 1200 will change the position of the shaft member 106 relative to the club head striking face. This feature, together with the removable connection system 104, as described in more detail above with respect to the foregoing structural example, allows the club fitter (or other) to use the club head 102 while using the same shaft 106 and / or head 102. Various angles and / or positions (eg, varying lie angle, loft angle, and face angle combinations) of the shaft member 106 relative to can be adjusted freely and easily, which allows the user to more easily adjust the optimal club head / Shaft combinations and placements can be determined to meet their needs.

2． Additional Exemplary Shaft Adapter / Head Adapter Assembly FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an adjustable shaft adapter / head adapter assembly according to yet another example structure of the present invention. The shaft adapter / head adapter assembly shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A and the exploded view of FIG. 13B is similar to the example structure shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 12A-12B. Therefore, description will be made with reference to the structural examples of FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIGS. 12A to 12B.

  Exemplary shaft adapter 1302 includes exemplary shaft adapters 702 and 1202 described above and a spline 1304 (shown in FIG. 13B) with the outer surface of shaft adapter 1302 extending along the longitudinal axis of shaft adapter 1302. Similar in that they can be fully or partially defined. The shaft adapter 1302 may be made of one or more suitable materials as described above and may include a material that is different from the material that includes the rest of the golf club. For example, the shaft adapter 1302 can be constructed of a lightweight metal, alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material).

  Shaft adapter 1302 is generally cylindrically shaped and has a first end 1306 and a second end 1310 along the same axis. According to the example structure shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the shaft adapter 1302 may gradually decrease in diameter from the first end 1306 toward the second end 1310. According to FIG. 13B, the first end 1306 may include an outwardly projecting region 1312 that rests on and is adapted to engage the first end 1326 of the head adapter 1324. Shaft adapter 1302 further includes a lumen 1318 configured to be attached to shaft member 106 along an offset axis 1320. The offset axis 1320 may be offset about 2 degrees from the center 1322 of the hosel region, however, the offset angle can be any angle without departing from the invention, for example, at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 Degrees, at least 1 degree, at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  According to the example structure shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the lumen 1318 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, for example, to receive a round shaft of normal shape. As described above with respect to shaft adapter 202 and shaft adapter 1202, shaft adapter 1302 is configured such that lumen 1318 engages or mates with shaft member 106 and the engagement is within the shaft member 106. It may be configured in a number of ways to prevent 1302 rotation. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are many different ways to splice the shaft adapter 1302 and the shaft member 106.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1302 may have a cross-sectional shape that is fully or partially defined by a spline 1304 extending along the axis 1320 of the shaft adapter. The spline may form a ridge along the surface that is sized to fit and engage in a fixed position with a spline on another surface, such as the interior of the head adapter 1324. The splines described with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B can be sized, shaped and machined as described above. In the example structure shown in FIG. 13B, the spline 1304 may extend along the second end 1310 of the shaft adapter 1302. Accordingly, the cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1302 is configured to fit in the head adapter 1324 and have a size and shape that is adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 1302 relative to the head adapter 1324. Spline 1304 (or alternatively, a polygonal cross-sectional shape) may be used for shaft adapter 1302 (or head adapter 1324 or head adapter 1324 or the like) without departing from the invention, as previously described with respect to the example structures of FIGS. It may extend along any portion of the longitudinal length of the outer surface of the hosel region 1316). Further, regions 1304, 1330 and 1332 may alternatively have a regular polygonal cross-sectional shape with any number of surfaces between 3 and 20 without departing from the invention.

  In certain structural examples, at a non-circular cross-sectional position, the outer surface of shaft adapter 1302, shaft member 106, and / or head adapter 1324 each axially decreases in diameter from a first end to a second end. It may be gradually decreased. This feature helps to easily fit and remove the shaft adapter 1302 from the head adapter 1324 and / or eliminates the need to maintain extremely tight durability in the manufacturing process.

  The structural example shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B may further include a head adapter 1324. The head adapter 1324 may be made from one or more suitable materials as described above, and may include a different material than that contained in the rest of the golf club, as described above. . For example, the head adapter 1324 can be constructed of a lightweight metal, alloy, or polymer material (eg, a hard polymer material). With reference to FIGS. 13A and 13B, an exemplary head adapter 1324 has a first end 1326 and a second end 1328. Thus, the first end 1326 is along the same axis as the second end 1328 (shown as the axis 1320 in FIG. 13A). The head adapter 1324 further includes a lumen 1331 configured to receive a shaft adapter 1302 on the second axis 1334 along the second axis 1334 (also the shaft adapter 1302 receives the shaft member 106). Accordingly, the outer side of the head adapter 1324 may extend from the first end 1326 toward one axial direction of the second end 1328 (axis 1320), and the lumen 1331 that receives the shaft adapter 1302 has a different axis. Extends in the direction (axis 1334). One skilled in the art, given this disclosure, will readily understand that there are various combinations of structural elements and / or steps that can be used to implement the two axes of the head adapter 1324 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Will understand. The angular difference between the first axis 1320 and the second axis 1334 can be any angle without departing from the present invention, for example, at least 0.25 degrees, at least 0.5 degrees, at least 1 degree, It can be at least 2 degrees, at least 2.5 degrees, at least 4 degrees, or even at least 8 degrees.

  The lumen 1331 of the head adapter 1324 is formed by a spline 1332 extending longitudinally into the lumen 1331 that is shaped to receive and engage the spline 1304 on the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1302 in a fixed position. It may have a cross-sectional shape that is at least partially defined. Spline 1332 may also be sized, shaped and machined as described above. The cross-sectional shape of the lumen 1331 can thus be configured to have a size and shape that is adapted to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 1302 relative to the head adapter 1324. According to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13A, the shaft adapter 1302 can be inserted to mate with the entire portion of the lumen 1331. In other embodiments, the head adapter 1324 can be sized such that the shaft adapter is received by only a portion of the length of the head adapter 1324.

  In the particular example structure shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the club head 1300 has a space 1342 defined at the bottom of the club head that provides an opening for receiving the head adapter 1324 along the axis 1320. Also good. When viewed in FIG. 13A, the space 1342 may be defined by an insertion interface 1336. According to the example structure shown in FIG. 13A, the shaft adapter 1302 / head adapter 1324 assembly may be secured to the club head by washers 1340 and bolts 1338 at the bottom of the club head 1300 as shown. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to secure the device of FIGS. 13A and 13B.

  In a further example structure according to the present invention, the head adapter 1324 may or may not be integral with the club head 1300 such that it is received within the hosel region 1316 or formed integrally therewith. Otherwise it may be permanently fixed to it. In such a structure, the outer surface of the head adapter 1324 does not exist (although if the outer hosel is present in the club head structure, the hosel lumen may extend from the outer surface of the hosel in a “off-axis” manner) There is also.

  The exploded view of the shaft adapter 1302 / head adapter 1324 assembly of FIG. 13B further highlights one of several methods that can be used to construct a golf club according to certain aspects of the present invention. According to an exemplary method, shaft member 106 is attached to shaft adapter 1302, and shaft member 106 is inserted into lumen 1318 that extends along second axis 1320. The method may include inserting the second end 1310 of the shaft adapter 1302 into the lumen 1331 of the head adapter 1324, the lumen 1331 having a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline 1332; And is shaped to receive the spline 1304 of the second end 1310 of the shaft adapter 1302 in a plurality of different orientations. The method may further include inserting the head adapter 1324 into the hosel region 1316 of the club head 1300. The hosel region 1316 is shaped to receive the spline 1330 at the second end 1328 of the head adapter 1324 in a number of different ways and may have an internal opening of a cross-sectional shape defined by the spline. In accordance with aspects described herein, the head adapter 1324 can be inserted into the hosel region 1316 in a plurality of different orientations, for example, by rotating the head adapter 1324 clockwise or counterclockwise. Thus, a further method according to the present invention is to remove the shaft adapter 1302 from the head adapter 1324 and to place the second end 1310 of the shaft adapter 1302 in a different orientation (eg, different rotational positions) in the lumen 1331 of the head adapter 1324. Re-inserting.

  The axis of the lumen 1318 in the shaft adapter 1302 may be offset from the axis of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1302, and the axis of the lumen 1331 in the head adapter 1324 may be offset from the axis of the outer surface Thus, rotation of either of these adapters relative to the club head 1300 will change the position of the shaft member 106 relative to the ball striking face of the club head. As described in more detail above with respect to the previous structural example, the club fitter (or other), along with the removable connection system 104, uses the same shaft 106 and / or head 102 while using the shaft relative to the club head 102. Various angles and / or positions (eg, varying lie angle, loft angle, and face angle combinations) of the member 106 can be freely and easily adjusted so that the user can more easily adjust the optimal club head / shaft. Combinations and placements can be determined to meet their needs.

  The additional structural examples shown in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B show only two of many different combinations of embodiments that fall within the scope of the present invention and are understood as such by those skilled in the art. Will. As a more specific example, the surface shown and described as defined by the splines in FIGS. 12A-12B and 13A-13B also has a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a 3-20 polygon May be.

CONCLUSION Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific examples, including presently preferred forms of practicing the present invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous modifications and variations of the above systems and methods. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

shaft;
A shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis and engaging a shaft, wherein the shaft adapter is offset from the first axis A shaft adapter further comprising a lumen extending along the shaft, wherein one end of the shaft extends into the shaft adapter on the second axis, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape;
A head adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, the portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, in a non-rotating manner and in a plurality of different orientations And a lumen formed along the second axis with a non-circular cross-sectional shape offset from the first axis , wherein the first end of the shaft adapter is formed on the head adapter. received by the opening, and is defined by adapted flange to mate the head adapter; have a and hosel region outer surface engaging the head adapter, the outer portion of the hosel region, the outer portion of the hosel region The shaft adapter and head adapter to the golf club head by engaging the threaded nut and threaded nut beyond the flange on the first end of the shaft adapter A golf club comprising a golf club head including a thread for securing .   The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the lumen of the head adapter is defined by the spline along the second axis of the head adapter. The golf club of claim 1, and adapted to receive and engage a spline on an outer surface of the shaft adapter. At least a portion of the inner chamber of the hosel region of the club head has a non-circular cross-sectional shape, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the head adapter is non-rotatable and in a plurality of different orientations to the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the hosel region received at and has a non-circular cross-sectional shape that obtained engaged, golf club according to claim 1, wherein.   The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the head adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the inner chamber of the hosel region receives and engages the spline on the outer surface of the head adapter. 4. A golf club according to claim 3, defined by a spline adapted to do.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the second axis of the shaft adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 1 degree.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the second axis of the head adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 2 degrees. Attaching the shaft member to a shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, wherein the shaft member has a second axis offset from the first axis ; is inserted into the lumen defined within the shaft adapter along, at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, a first end of the shaft adapter is received by the opening of the head adapter And defined by a flange adapted to mate ;
Inserting the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter, the head adapter comprising a first end and a second end along a first axis, and the lumen non-rotating The outer surface of the shaft adapter having a non-circular cross-section in a different manner and in a different orientation is formed to receive and engage with the non-circular cross-sectional shape along a second axis offset from the first axis. And at least a portion of the outer surface of the head adapter has a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along the first axis, and at least a portion of the inner chamber of the hosel region of the club head is Having a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline adapted to receive and engage the upper spline;
Inserting the head adapter into the hosel region of the club head such that the splines on the outer surface of the head adapter engage non-rotatably with the splines in the interior chamber of the hosel region; and
Securing the shaft adapter and the head adapter to the club head by engaging a threaded nut beyond the flange on the outer end of the hosel region and a flange on the first end of the shaft adapter. How to assemble a club.   The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the lumen of the head adapter is defined by the spline along the second axis of the head adapter. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the method is adapted to receive and engage a spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the head adapter is integrally formed as part of the hosel region of the club head. The non-circular cross-sectional shape of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is defined by a spline along the first axis, and the hosel region of the club head is adapted to receive and engage the spline on the outer surface of the shaft adapter. 10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the method has a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline.   8. The method of claim 7, further comprising removing the shaft adapter from the head adapter and reinserting the second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of the head adapter in a different orientation. 8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising removing the head adapter from the hosel region of the club head and reinserting the head adapter into the hosel region of the club head in a different orientation. 8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second axis of the shaft adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 1 degree. 8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second axis of the head adapter is offset from the first axis of the shaft adapter by about 2 degrees. A shaft adapter having a first end and a second end along a first axis, wherein the shaft adapter is configured to be attached to a shaft member on the second axis. further comprising a lumen extending along a second axis that is biased from, at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft adapter is configured to engage a head adapter, and is defined by a spline along a first axis have a cross section, a first end of the shaft adapter is received by the opening of the head adapter, and is defined by the adapted flange to mate the shaft adapter; first along and the first shaft A head adapter having one end and a second end, the head adapter receiving and engaging with a spline provided on the outer surface of the shaft adapter in a plurality of orientations And a lumen having a cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along a second axis that is offset from the first axis , and the outer surface of the second end of the head adapter is the first axis A golf club comprising a head adapter having a non-circular cross-sectional shape defined by a spline along and wherein an outer surface of the second end of the head adapter is configured to engage a hosel region of a club head Head and shaft connection system. A method of inserting a shaft member into a lumen of a first end of a shaft adapter and inserting a second end of the shaft adapter into the lumen of a head adapter in one of a plurality of different orientations 16. The golf club head and shaft connection system according to claim 15 , further comprising a handling instruction for instructing a person to perform the operation. A golf club head and shaft connection system further comprising a club head having a hosel region having a cross-sectional shape region defined by a spline adapted to receive and engage a second end of the head adapter. And
The handling instructions further instruct a person to perform a method of inserting the head adapter into the hosel area of the club head in one of a plurality of different orientations;
17. The golf club head / shaft connection system according to claim 16 . With respect to club head face angle, lie angle, and loft angle associated with at least one of various orientations of shaft adapter and head adapter relative to each other, or various orientations of shaft adapter and head adapter relative to the hosel region of the club head 18. The golf club head and shaft connection system according to claim 17 , further comprising information.

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