KR101630750B1 - Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a golf club head, wherein the golf club head (102) is releasably attached to the shaft (106) such that the club head and shaft can be easily exchanged and / or the shaft position relative to the club head Lt; / RTI > The assembly connecting the club head and shaft includes a shaft adapter 200, a hosel adapter 300, indicators 220 and 320 on each adapter, and a fastening system 408. The golf club head may further include a hosel ring (500). You can change the club head and shaft by releasing the retention system and replacing the original part with another.

Description

≪ Desc / Clms Page number 1 > RELEASABLE AND INTERCHANGEABLE CONNECTIONS FOR GOLF CLUB HEADS AND SHAFTS FOR GOLF CLUB HEADS &

[Cross reference of related application]

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 665,493, filed October 31, 2012.

[TECHNICAL FIELD]

The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads. More specifically, various aspects of the present invention include a head / shaft assembly that facilitates the exchange of a releasable connection between a golf club head and a shaft and / or a shaft and / or head and / The present invention relates to a golf club having a positioning feature.

Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of athletes, ie, athletes of different gender and dramatically different ages and / or proficiency. Golf can be played at a variety of golfers in different golf events, even in games in which they face each other directly (eg, scoring with handicaps, using other tee boxes, team formats, etc.) It is somewhat unusual in the sport world in that it can enjoy golf play or confrontation. These factors have increased the chances of getting access to golf programs on the television (eg, golf championships, golf news, golf history, and / or other golf programs) and, at least in part, It has increased the popularity of golf in the US and around the world.

Golfers of all proficiency levels want to improve their performance to lower the golf score and reach the next level of performance "level". All types of golf equipment manufacturers have responded to this demand and, in recent years, the industry is witnessing dramatic changes and improvements in golf equipment. For example, balls may be designed to supplement a particular swing speed and / or other player's features or preferences, for example, some balls may be designed to fly farther and / or more straight, Some balls are designed to provide more rotation, control, and / or sensation (especially around the green), and some balls are designed to provide a faster or slower swing speed Designed together, now you can get a wide range of different golf ball models. Many swing and / or teaching aids that promise to help lower the golf score are also available on the market.

Golf clubs, which are the only devices to bring golf balls during a race, have also been subject to much research and advancement over the last few years. For example, the market has seen dramatic changes and improvements in putter design, golf club head design, shaft and grip in recent years. Additionally, depending on the various factors and / or characteristics of the golf club and the effort to better match the characteristics of the golf ball to the particular user ' s swing characteristics or characteristics, other technical advances (e.g., Measurement technology, ball rotation speed, etc.).

In recent technological advances, there are a wide variety of golf club components available to golfers. For example, clubheads are produced in a variety of different models by a wide variety of manufacturers. In addition, each of their club head models includes a number of modifications such as changes in loft angle, lie angle, face angle, offset feature, weight characteristics, etc. (e.g., draw deflection club head, fade deflection club head, Heads, etc.). In addition, the club head may be manufactured from a variety of different shafts, such as those made from different manufacturers, having different stiffnesses, flex points, kick points, or other bending properties, Lt; / RTI > Many different grip modifications and models are also available on the market today. There are literally hundreds of club head / shaft combinations available to the golfer, among the available variations on the grip, shaft, and club head.

Club fitters and golf professionals can help tailor the golfer with a golf club head / shaft combination that matches the golfer's swing characteristics and needs. Traditionally, however, the golf club head is permanently mounted to the shaft using a bonding agent or adhesive. Thus, in order for a golfer to test various head / shaft combinations, a club fit technician or specialist must have a choice of permanently mounted golf club head / shaft combinations (which can be a substantial amount of storage space and inventory ), Or as the customization process continues, you need to build a new club for your customers (which can save you a significant amount of time and inventory). Disadvantages associated with these traditional options serve to limit the choices a golfer can take during a fitting period and / or to significantly increase the length and cost of such fitting periods.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome any of the above-mentioned limitations and other disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide new features that could not be obtained until now.

The following presents a broad summary of the various aspects of the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention and various features of the invention. These summaries are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but merely provide a comprehensive overview and background to the following detailed description.

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to a golf club head / shaft connection assembly including a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, a hosel ring, and a fastening system. The shaft adapter may be of a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end may include a second opening that allows access to a cylindrical inner chamber that receives the golf club shaft. The outer surface of the cylindrical structure may include a first antirotational structure. The second end may comprise a stationary structure. The hosel adapter has an internal bore at a first end of the hosel adapter that includes a second antirotational structure in engagement with the first antirotational structure and at a second end of the hosel adapter that includes a third aperture to receive the anchoring member And may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the hosel adapter may include a third anti-rotation structure. The hosel ring may be generally cylindrical in shape. The inner bore of the hosel ring may include a fourth anti-rotation structure coupled with the third anti-rotation structure. The fastening system may releasably couple the fastening structure. Also, the engagement between the first anti-rotation structure and the second anti-rotation structure may limit the adjustment of either the face angle or the loft angle of the club head. The engagement between the third anti-rotation structure and the fourth anti-rotation structure may limit the adjustment of the other of the face angle and the loft angle of the club head.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club comprising a golf club head, a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, a hosel ring, and a fastening system. The golf club head may have a hosel region that allows access to the club head chamber formed in the club head. The club head chamber may extend completely through the club head and includes a first opening to receive the locking member. The shaft adapter may be of a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end may include a second opening that allows access to the cylindrical inner chamber. The outer surface of the cylindrical structure may include a first antirotational structure, and in this case, the second end comprises a securing structure. The hosel adapter has an internal bore at a first end of the hosel adapter that includes a second antirotational structure in engagement with the first antirotational structure and at a second end of the hosel adapter that includes a third aperture to receive the anchoring member And may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the hosel adapter may include a third anti-rotation structure. The hosel ring can be generally cylindrical in shape and can be positioned within the club head chamber. The inner bore of the hosel ring may include a fourth anti-rotation structure coupled with the third anti-rotation structure. The shaft may be coupled to the cylindrical inner chamber of the shaft adapter. The fastening system may releasably couple the fastening structure. The engagement between the first anti-rotation structure and the second anti-rotation structure can limit the adjustment of either the face angle or the loft angle of the club head. The engagement between the third anti-rotation structure and the fourth anti-rotation structure may limit the adjustment of the other of the face angle and the loft angle of the club head.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club head / shaft connection assembly including a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, a hosel ring, and a fastening system. The shaft adapter may be of a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end may include a second opening that allows access to a cylindrical inner chamber that receives the golf club shaft. The outer surface of the cylindrical structure may include a first antirotational structure. The second end may include a stationary structure and a stop ring extending radially from the second end of the shaft adapter. The hosel adapter has an internal bore at a first end of the hosel adapter that includes a second antirotational structure in engagement with the first antirotational structure and at a second end of the hosel adapter that includes a third aperture to receive the anchoring member And may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the hosel adapter may include a third anti-rotation structure. The stop ring can maintain a continuous connection between the Hosel adapter and the shaft adapter. The hosel ring may be generally cylindrical in shape. The inner bore of the hosel ring may include a fourth anti-rotation structure coupled with the third anti-rotation structure. The fastening system may releasably couple the fastening structure. The engagement between the first anti-rotation structure and the second anti-rotation structure can limit the adjustment of either the face angle or the loft angle of the club head. The engagement between the third anti-rotation structure and the fourth anti-rotation structure may limit the adjustment of the other of the face angle and the loft angle of the club head.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club comprising a golf club head, a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, a hosel ring, and a fastening system. The golf club head may have a hosel region that allows access to the club head chamber formed in the club head. The club head chamber may extend completely through the club head and includes a first opening to receive the locking member. The shaft adapter may be of a generally cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end may include a second opening that allows access to a cylindrical inner chamber that receives the golf club shaft. The outer surface of the cylindrical structure may include a first antirotational structure. The second end may include a stationary structure and a stop ring extending radially from the second end of the shaft adapter. The hosel adapter has an internal bore at a first end of the hosel adapter that includes a second antirotational structure in engagement with the first antirotational structure and at a second end of the hosel adapter that includes a third aperture to receive the anchoring member And may have a generally cylindrical shape. The outer surface of the hosel adapter may include a third anti-rotation structure. The stop ring can maintain a continuous connection between the Hosel adapter and the shaft adapter. The hosel ring can be generally cylindrical in shape and can be positioned within the club head chamber. The inner bore of the hosel ring may include a fourth anti-rotation structure coupled with the third anti-rotation structure. The shaft may be coupled to the cylindrical inner chamber of the shaft adapter. The fastening system may releasably couple the fastening structure. The engagement between the first anti-rotation structure and the second anti-rotation structure can limit the adjustment of either the face angle or the loft angle of the club head. The engagement between the third anti-rotation structure and the fourth anti-rotation structure may limit the adjustment of the other of the face angle and the loft angle of the club head.

Another aspect of the invention may include a golf club having a shaft including a coupling head for coupling the head to the shaft. The connecting mechanism may include a hosel adapter which can be inserted into the hosel of the head and has an outer wall rotatable within the hosel within a first plurality of rotational positions. The hosel adapter may have a first internal inclined bore. The shaft adapter may be coupled to the shaft at the distal end and may have an outer wall configured to fit in the first inner inclined bore. The shaft adapter may rotate between a second plurality of rotational positions within the first internal tilted bore. The shaft adapter may have a second internal inclined bore that receives the distal end of the shaft. The first plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a first spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the head hosel. The second plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a second spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club having a shaft having a combined head and including a coupling mechanism for coupling the head to the shaft. The connecting mechanism may comprise a pair of independently rotatable members radially superimposed on each other. One of the members having an outer wall configured to fit inside the club head and the other member having a bore that receives the shaft. All of the members can have inclined bores, whereby two angle-related parameters between the head and the shaft can be adjusted independently of each other. The rotation of the first member and the head may be limited by the first spline configuration between the first member and the head. The rotation of the second member and the first member may be limited by the second spline configuration between the first member and the second member.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club having a releasably engaged head and a coupling mechanism for coupling the head to the shaft. The connection mechanism may include a hosel adapter which may be inserted into the hosel of the head and has an outer wall rotatable within a first plurality of rotational positions within the hosel. The hosel adapter may have a first internal inclined bore that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the hosel adapter. The shaft adapter may be coupled to the shaft at the distal end and may have an exterior wall configured to fit within a first internal inclined bore that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the shaft adapter of interest. The shaft adapter may rotate between a second plurality of rotational positions within the first internal tilted bore. The shaft adapter may have a second internal inclined bore that receives the distal end of the shaft. At least one of the hosel adapter or the shaft adapter may be releasably connected to the shaft or head. The first plurality of rotational positions may change a first angular relationship between the head and the shaft and the second plurality of rotational positions may change a second angular relationship between the head and the shaft. The second angle relationship is independent of the first angle relationship. The first plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a first spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the head hosel. The second plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a second spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club having a shaft including a releasably engaged head and a coupling mechanism for coupling the head to the shaft. The connecting mechanism may include a hosel adapter that is insertable into the hosel of the head and is rotatable between a first plurality of rotational positions relative to the loft angle of the head within the hosel. The first component may have a first internal inclined bore that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the hosel adapter. The shaft adapter may be coupled to the shaft at the distal end, may be inserted into the hosel adapter, and may rotate between a second plurality of rotational positions relative to the face angle of the head within the hosel adapter. The shaft adapter may have a second internal inclined bore that receives the distal end of the shaft. At least one of the hosel adapter or the shaft adapter may be releasably connected to the shaft or head. The first plurality of rotational positions may vary the head's loft angle and the second plurality of rotational positions may vary the head and shaft face angles wherein the change in face angle is independent of changes in the loft angle to be. The first plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a first spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the head hosel. The second plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a second spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club having a shaft having a combined head and including a coupling mechanism for coupling the head to the shaft. The connecting mechanism may include a hosel adapter which can be inserted into the hosel of the head and has an outer wall rotatable within a first plurality of rotational positions within the hosel. The hosel adapter may have a first internal inclined bore. The shaft adapter may be coupled to the shaft at the distal end and may have an outer wall configured to fit in the first inner inclined bore. The shaft adapter may rotate between a second plurality of rotational positions within the first internal tilted bore. The shaft adapter may have a second internal inclined bore that receives the distal end of the shaft. The shaft adapter may include a stop ring that extends radially from the second end of the shaft adapter and maintains a continuous engagement between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a golf club having a shaft having a combined head and including a coupling mechanism for coupling the head to the shaft. The connecting mechanism may include a hosel adapter which can be inserted into the hosel of the head and has an outer wall rotatable within a first plurality of rotational positions within the hosel. The hosel adapter may have a first internal inclined bore. The shaft adapter may be coupled to the shaft at the distal end and may have an outer wall configured to fit in the first inner inclined bore. The shaft adapter may rotate between a second plurality of rotational positions within the first internal tilted bore. The shaft adapter may have a second internal inclined bore that receives the distal end of the shaft. The first plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a first spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the head hosel. The second plurality of rotational positions may be limited by a second spline configuration between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter. The first spline configuration engagement between the hosel adapter and the shaft adapter may limit the adjustment functionality of adjusting the loft angle to five different loft angles, where the five loft angles are 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12.5 degrees. The first spline configuration coupling between the hosel adapter and the hosel of the head can limit the regulating functionality of adjusting the face angle to three different face angles, where the three different face angular configurations are open, neutral and closed.

1 is a diagram generally illustrating a perspective view of an exemplary golf club according to the present invention.
Figure 2 is an enlarged view of an exemplary golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with an example of the present invention.
Figures 3a and 3b are views showing various views of an exemplary shaft adapter that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary hosel adapter that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary hosel ring that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
6A is a perspective view of an exemplary assembled golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
6B is a cutaway view of an exemplary assembled golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figures 7A and 7B are views showing various views of yet another exemplary shaft adapter that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
8A and 8B are views showing various views of another exemplary hosel adapter that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
9 is a perspective view of another exemplary hosel ring that may be used in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary assembled golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
11 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary assembled golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
11B is a cutaway view of another exemplary assembled golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a golf club head according to various embodiments of the invention.
13A and 13B are a perspective view and an enlarged view of another position indicator on a golf club head / shaft connection system according to various examples of the invention.
14A and 14B are perspective and enlarged views of another position indicator on a golf club head / shaft connection system according to various examples of the invention.
15 is an enlarged view of another position indicator on a golf club head / shaft connection system according to various examples of the invention.
16 is a perspective view and an enlarged view of another position indicator on a golf club head / shaft connection system according to various examples of the invention.
17A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hosel adapter of a golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary shaft adapter of a golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
Figs. 18A-E are cross-sectional views of different rotational configurations according to various embodiments of the present invention of the exemplary shaft adapter of Fig. 17B combined with the exemplary hosel adapter of Fig. 17A.
Figs. 19A-19E illustrate various club head configurations in accordance with various examples of the present invention associated with the different rotational configurations of Figs. 18A-18E.
20A is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hosel adapter of a golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
20B is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary hosel ring of a golf club head / shaft connection system in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
Figs. 21A-21C are cross-sectional views of different rotational configurations according to various examples of the present invention of the exemplary hosel adapter of Fig. 20A combined with the exemplary hosel ring of Fig.
Figures 22A-22C illustrate various club head configurations in accordance with various examples of the present invention associated with the different rotational configurations of Figures 21A-21C.
Figure 23 is a schematic summary chart of cross-sectional views of releasable connections and forms of rotation for each of the different club head configurations in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
24A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
FIG. 24B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation form in accordance with various examples of the present invention. FIG.
24C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
25A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention. FIG.
25C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
26A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
26B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
26C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 27A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
27B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 27c is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
28A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
FIG. 28B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention. FIG.
28C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
29A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
29B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotational configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
29C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
30A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
30B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
30C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
31A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
FIG. 31B is a diagram illustrating exemplary face angles of a club head for an exemplary rotation form in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
31C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
32A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration according to various examples of the present invention.
32B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotational configuration according to various examples of the present invention.
32C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
33A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 33B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
33C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotational configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
34A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration according to various examples of the present invention.
Figure 34B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
34C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
35A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
35B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
35C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
36A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
FIG. 36B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotational configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 36c is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
37A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
37B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
37C is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
38A is a cross-sectional view of a releasable connection for an exemplary rotation configuration according to various examples of the present invention.
38B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary face angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figure 38c is a diagram illustrating an exemplary loft angle of a club head for an exemplary rotation configuration in accordance with various examples of the present invention.
Figures 39A-44 illustrate further embodiments of releasable connections according to various examples of the present invention.
45 is a perspective view of a portion of a golf club shaft and grip according to various examples of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG.

It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

In the following description of various exemplary structures according to the present invention, there are shown various exemplary coupling assemblies, golf club heads, and golf club structures in accordance with the invention forming part of the specification for purposes of illustration Please refer to the attached drawings. In addition, it should be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures may be utilized, and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms "top," " bottom, "" front," " back, "" rear," " side, "&Quot;, "overhead ", and the like, may be used in the specification to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present invention, although they may be used, for example, in the exemplary deployment directions shown in the figures and / Is used herein for convenience in reference to the placement direction. Nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specified three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure to be within the scope of the present invention.

A. A general description of a golf club head / shaft connecting assembly and a golf club comprising the assembly, according to various examples of the present invention.

In general, as described above, various aspects of the present invention provide a system for connecting a golf club head to a shaft in a releasable manner that allows for easy exchange and / or easy repositioning of the club head and shaft, and ≪ / RTI > A more detailed description of various aspects of the present invention follows.

1. Exemplary golf club head / shaft connection assembly and golf club structure according to the present invention

One aspect of the invention relates to a golf club head / shaft connection assembly for rigid but releasably coupling a golf club head and shaft. (A) a generally cylindrical shaft adapter having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end being accessible to a cylindrical inner chamber housing a golf club shaft (E.g., closer to the first end than the second end) of the cylindrical structure includes a first antirotational structure and the second end comprises a fixed structure A shaft adapter; (b) a generally cylindrical shaped hosel adapter, the inner bore of the first end of the hosel adapter including a second anti-rotation structure coupled with the first anti-rotation structure, A hosel adapter having a configuration comprising an outer surface of the hosel adapter including a third anti-rotation structure; (c) a hosel ring having a generally cylindrical shape, wherein the inner bore of the hosel ring includes a fourth rotation restraining structure joined to the third rotation restraining structure; And (d) a fastening system releasably coupling the fastening structure. In some exemplary constructions according to the present invention, a variety of different anchoring structures and anchoring systems may be used without departing from the invention, such an anchoring structure including a threaded hole formed in the second end of the shaft adapter And such a fastening system would also include a threaded bolt element that engages the threaded hole.

Various anti-rotation structures and systems may be used without departing from the invention. In some exemplary constructions according to the present invention, the anti-rotation structure may comprise a spline and / or a toothed member.

The outer surface of the shaft adapter and the cylindrical inner chamber of the shaft adapter may be coaxial. On the other hand, these cylindrical structures need not be coaxial (e.g., the cylindrical structures may extend in different directions, extend in parallel, extend in non-coaxial directions, etc.). The various characteristics, positions, angles, etc. of the shaft relative to the club head striking surface may be determined by providing a non-coaxial cylindrical inner and outer surfaces (or other features such as club heads, shafts, etc.) Through the Department). If desired, a rotational position indicator may be included on the outer surface of the shaft adapter (e.g., the first end of the shaft adapter) to enable the user to easily grasp the position of the shaft / club head connecting member relative to the club head in use .

In addition, the outer surface of the hosel adapter and the inner bore of the hosel adapter can be coaxially configured. On the other hand, these cylindrical structures need not be coaxial (e.g., cylindrical structures may extend in different directions, extend in parallel, be coaxial, extend in a direction, etc.). Various features, positions, angles, etc., of the shaft relative to the club head striking surface may be achieved by providing non-coaxial internal bores and external surfaces (or other features such as club heads, shafts, etc.) Through the Department). If desired, a rotational position indicator may be included on the outer surface of the hosel adapter (e.g., the first end of the hosel adapter) to enable the user to easily grasp the position of the shaft / club head connection member relative to the club head in use .

Aspects of the present invention also relate to golf clubs in which a shaft is coupled to a golf club using a shaft / club head connecting assembly of the type described above. The golf club includes: (a) a golf club head having a club head chamber including a first opening for receiving a holding member; (b) a hosel ring having a generally cylindrical configuration fixed within the club head chamber, the hosel ring having a configuration in which the inner bore of the hosel ring includes a fourth anti-rotation structure; (c) a generally cylindrical shaped shaft adapter having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the shaft adapter including a second opening defining a cylindrical inner chamber for receiving a golf club shaft, The outer surface of the shaft adapter comprising a first antirotational structure and the second end comprises a fastening structure; (d) a generally cylindrical shaped hosel adapter extending into the club head chamber of the golf club head, the first end of the hosel adapter including a second anti-rotation structure coupled with the first anti-rotation structure, Wherein the second end of the hosel adapter includes a third aperture for receiving a fixation member and the outer surface of the hosel adapter is coupled to a fourth rotation inhibition structure of the hosel ring , Hosel adapter; (e) a shaft coupled into the cylindrical inner chamber of the shaft adapter; (f) a securing member extending into the club head chamber of the golf club head and releasably engaging the securing structure of the shaft adapter to releasably engage the shaft connecting member with the golf club head; And / or (g) a grip member engaged with the free end of the shaft. The fixing member may be inserted into the club head chamber of the club head through an opening provided in the sole of the club head.

2. An exemplary method of making and using a golf club head / shaft connecting assembly and a golf club comprising the assembly according to the present invention

Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a shaft / club head connecting assembly (e.g., of the type described above) in accordance with several examples of the present invention. Such a method may include, for example, (a) fabricating a shaft adapter in a cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposite second end (e.g., through a casting or molding process, through injection molding, etc.); (b) manufacturing a cylindrical inner chamber (e.g., through a drilling or machining process, through a casting or molding process, etc.) that receives a golf club shaft at a first end of the shaft adapter; (c) forming (e.g., grinding, machining, forming, casting, etc.) as part of the outer surface of the shaft adapter, with the anti-rotation structure being closer to the first end than, for example, to the second end; (d) forming (e.g., casting, forming, drilling, tapping, or machining processes, etc.) a securing structure at the second end of the shaft adapter; (e) manufacturing a hosel adapter having a cylindrical shape with a first end and an opposite second end (e.g., through a casting or molding process, through injection molding, etc.); (f) forming (e.g., grinding, machining, forming, casting, etc.) a second anti-rotation structure associated with the first anti-rotation structure as part of the first end of the hosel adapter; (g) fabricating a hosel ring generally cylindrical in shape and secured within the club head chamber; (h) forming (e.g., grinding, machining, forming, casting, etc.) a third anti-rotation structure as part of the outer surface of the hosel adapter, the third anti-rotation structure being in engagement with a fourth anti-rotation structure that is part of the inner bore of the hosel ring; (i) providing (eg, by making, receiving from a third party, etc.) a fixing member for engaging the stationary structure. If desired, the fastening structure may be formed as a threaded hole formed in the second end of the shaft adapter, and the fastening member may be formed as a threaded bolt element engageable with the threaded hole. The assembly may include any of a variety of structures and / or configurations, such as those described above (and described in greater detail below).

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of assembling a golf club using a shaft / club head connecting assembly in accordance with various examples of the present invention. The method includes (a) providing a golf club head having a club head chamber including a first opening for receiving a fastening member (e.g., by manufacturing, being supplied by a third supplier, etc.); (b) fabricating a generally cylindrical shaped hosel ring secured within the club head chamber; (c) forming (e.g., grinding, machining, forming, casting, etc.) a third anti-rotation structure as part of the outer surface of the hosel adapter, the third anti-rotation structure being in engagement with a fourth anti-rotation structure that is part of the inner bore of the hosel ring; (d) attaching the shaft to a shaft adapter having a cylindrical shape with a first end and an opposing second end (e.g., releasable manner, by a bonding agent or adhesive, by other fusing techniques, etc.); (e) a hosel adapter having a first end comprising a second rotation inhibiting structure and a second end comprising a third opening, is disposed in the club head chamber of the golf club head, and the fourth rotation (E.g., by using a rotatable restraining structure, by bonding agents, adhesives, other fusing techniques, mechanical connections, etc.); (f) at least a portion of the shaft adapter is connected to a hosel adapter, such that the first anti-rotation structure can be coupled to the second anti-rotation structure provided on the hosel adapter to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter relative to the hosel adapter and the golf club head, Placed in; (g) disposing a fixation member within the second end of the club head chamber; (h) releasably engaging the securing member to the securing structure provided on the shaft adapter to releasably engage the shaft adapter with the golf club head.

If desired, in order to be able to change the loft angle, lie angle, face angle, offset, inset, or other parameters of the club head, for example, by changing the position of the shaft relative to the club head , By rotating the shaft and shaft adapter relative to the club head when the cylindrical inner shaft that houses the chamber of the shaft adapter is not coaxial to the outer cylindrical surface), the various characteristics or parameters of the club head may be altered. This method comprises: (a) releasing or disengaging the shaft adapter relative to the golf club head; (b) altering the position of the shaft relative to the golf club head (e.g., by rotating them relative to each other) so as to change the position of the free end of the shaft relative to the ball striking surface of the club head; (c) releasably engaging the securing member to the securing structure of the shaft adapter to releasably engage the shaft adapter to the golf club head in the altered position.

The position of the hosel adapter can be altered relative to the club head, for example by rotating the hosel adapter against the club head. The method includes: (a) releasing or disengaging the shaft adapter relative to the hosel adapter and the golf club head; (b) at least partially releasing or disengaging the hosel adapter relative to the golf club head; (c) altering the rotational position or other orientation of the hosel adapter relative to the golf club head; (d) at least a portion of the shaft adapter is disposed within the hosel adapter so that the anti-rotation structure of the hosel adapter can be coupled to the anti-rotation structure provided on the shaft adapter to prevent rotation of the shaft adapter relative to the hosel adapter and the golf club head and; (e) disposing a securing member within the second end of the club head chamber; (f) releasably coupling the fastening member to a fastening structure provided on the shaft adapter for releasably coupling the shaft adapter to the hosel adapter and the golf club head.

Various specific examples of the present invention will be described below. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that these specific examples are set forth to illustrate but not limit the scope of the invention.

C. Various specific examples of the present invention

Figure 1 generally illustrates an exemplary golf club 100 according to at least some examples of the present invention. The club 100 includes a club head 102, a releasable club head / shaft connection region 104 (described in more detail below) that connects the club head to the shaft 106, As shown in Fig. Although the driver / wood-type golf club head 102 is shown in the figures, various aspects of the present invention may include, for example, a fairway wood club head (e.g., 3 wood with a loft angle in the range of 13 to 17 degrees, 5 wood with a loft angle ranging from 15 degrees to 19 degrees); An iron type golf club head (with any desired loft angle, e.g., from 0 iron or 1 iron to wedge); Wood or iron type hybrid golf club head (having any desired loft angle, e.g., a loft angle of generally 15 to 25 degrees); A putter head, and the like. The club heads may be made of any desired material, any desired structure, and / or in any desired manner, including conventional materials, conventional structures, conventional methods as are known in the art and / (Optionally, for example, a change in size, shape, sealing, etc., of the structure) to accommodate the club head / shaft connecting part, examples of which are described in more detail below Will be explained.

Any suitable materials may be used for the shaft 106, including conventional materials known and / or used in the art, such as steel, graphite materials, polymers, composites, combinations of these materials, and the like. Optionally, if necessary or desirable, shaft 106 may be altered (e.g., to change size, shape, etc.) to accommodate releasable club head / shaft connecting components. The grip member 108 may be coupled to the shaft 106 in any desired manner, including in a conventional manner known and used in the art (e.g., via a bonding agent or adhesive, via mechanical connection, etc.). Including any conventional materials known and / or used in the art, such as rubber or polymeric materials impregnated with rubber, polymeric materials, cork, cord or other fiber elements, cloth or fabric, tape, A material may be used for the grip member 108. Optionally, if desired, the grip member 108 may be releasably connected to the shaft 106 using a releasable connection similar to the releasable connection 104 (an example of which is described in more detail below) .

The releasable connection 104 between the golf club head and the shaft according to various examples of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 12. [ Figure 2 is an exploded view of the releasable connection 104. 2, this releasable connection 104 between the golf club head 102 and the shaft 106 includes a shaft adapter 200, a hosel adapter 300, and a hosel ring 500 . The hosel ring 500 is configured to engage the club head chamber 404 within the golf club head 102 and the hosel adapter 300 is configured to engage the hosel ring 500 and the golf club head 102 And the shaft adapter 200 is configured to be coupled within the hosel adapter 300 and the shaft 106 is configured to be coupled to the shaft adapter 200. The details of the combination of these exemplary components / components will be described in more detail below.

As noted above, the releasable connection portion 104 may include an exemplary shaft adapter 200 in accordance with the present invention. 3A and 3B, this exemplary shaft adapter 200 includes a generally cylindrical body 202 having a first end 204 and an opposing second end 206. As shown in FIG. The first end 204 defines an opening into the inner cylindrical chamber 208 for receiving the end of the golf club shaft 106. The second end portion 206 may include a fastening structure that helps securely couple the shaft adapter 200 to the club head body 102, as described in more detail below (e.g., , Screw hole 210). In this exemplary structure, the inner chamber 208 is not open towards the threaded bore 210 (i.e., a blind hole), as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, but in some configurations according to the present invention, The threaded bore 210 may extend into the inner chamber 208 and open into its inner chamber.

At least a portion of the first end 204 of the shaft adapter 200 includes a first antirotational structure 212, as shown. In this exemplary structure, the anti-rotation structure 212 includes a spline 212a extending along a longitudinal axis 226 of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 200, although various anti-rotation structures may be provided without departing from the invention. . The splines 212a of the shaft adapter 200 may inhibit the shaft adapter 200 from rotating relative to a member into which it is fitted (e.g., a hosel adapter as described in more detail below).

In the illustrated example, a portion of the first end 204 of the cylindrical body 202 may have a set of splines 212a, although various anti-rotation structures may be used without departing from the invention. 3A and 3B, the rotation restraining structure 212 on the shaft adapter 200 includes a set of two splines 212a1 positioned on a cylindrical body 202, A set of two splines 212a1 positioned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body 202 and a set of three splines 212a2 positioned on opposite sides of the cylindrical body 202 Together. The interaction between these splines and the interior of the cylindrical hosel adapter will be further described below. Other configurations of the spline may be used without departing from the invention.

The first anti-rotation structure 212 may extend along any desired portion of the overall longitudinal length of the shaft adapter 200. For example, the length of the first anti-rotation structure 212 may be less than 65% of the total length of the shaft adapter 200, and in some examples, it may be less than 50%, less than 35% Or even less than 25%. On the other hand, the first anti-rotation structure 212 may extend along any desired portion of the overall longitudinal length of the shaft adapter 200. For example, the antirotational structure 212 should be of sufficient length to allow the hosel adapter 300 and the club head 102 to be strong and rigidly coupled without rotation. As a more specific example, the length may be at least 2% of the overall length of the shaft adapter 200 and, in some instances, at least 5%, at least 10% or even at least 20% of the total axial length have. If desired, the anti-rotation structure 212 may extend from 2% to 65% of the overall axial length of the shaft adapter 200, or 5% to 50% or 10% to 35% of the total length. If desired, the anti-rotation structure 212 may extend the full length or substantially the entire length of the overall longitudinal length L. [

In addition, the shaft adapter 200 may have a shaft adapter of a length greater than the total longitudinal length L. [ The overall length L may be longer to add stability to the coupling mechanism between the club head body 102 and the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300.

Figures 3A and 3B further illustrate that the first end 204 of the shaft adapter 200 includes an extension 214. [ 4A and 4B, this extension 214 provides a stop that prevents the shaft adapter 200 from extending into the hosel adapter 300 and into the club head body 102, A strong base for securing the adapter 200 to the hosel adapter 300 and the club head body 102 is provided. In addition, the contour of the first end 204 can be tapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 106, the hosel adapter 300, and the club head 102 and the conventional aesthetic appearance.

Other features of this exemplary shaft adapter 200 include an "off-axis" or angled borehole or inner chamber (not shown) in which the shaft 106 is received, for example, as shown in Figures 6b and 11b 208 may be included. More specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft adapter 200 extends in a first axial direction, and the inner cylindrical surface of the bore hole 208 extends in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction Thereby creating a shaft adapter offset angle. In this way, with the exterior of the shaft adapter 200 retaining a constant axial direction corresponding to the axial direction of the interior of the hosel adapter 300 and the openings, the shaft 106 is rotatably supported by the club head 102, the hosel adapter 300 and the club head 102 and the hosel adapter 300 at different and adjustable angles relative to the ball striking surface of the club head. In such a given example, the shaft position and / or angle corresponds to a given face angle of the golf club head 102. One rotational position may be a neutral face, one rotational position may be an open face, and one rotational position may be a closed face. Other rotational positions may also be used without departing from the invention. The shaft position and / or face angle may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the shaft adapter 200 relative to the hosel adapter 300 and the club head hosel.

Although any preferred shaft adapter eccentric angle may be maintained between the first and second axial directions, according to some examples of the present invention, such shaft adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, In some instances, from 0.5 degrees to 8 degrees, from 0.75 degrees to 6 degrees, or even from 1 degree to 4 degrees. In more specific examples of the invention, the shaft adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be approximately 1.5 degrees eccentric or 2.0 degrees eccentric.

In addition, the outer surface of the shaft adapter may include a rotational position indicator 220 that, in use, allows the golfer to easily determine the position of the shaft / club connecting member relative to the club head 102. This rotational position indicator 220 may be located at the first end 204 of the shaft adapter. The rotational position indicator 220 may include a face angle adjustment setting. The rotational position indicator 220 may include an open face angle "O", a neutral face angle "N", and a closed face angle "C", as shown in FIGS. 13A-15. 16, the rotational position indicator may include a left face angle "L", a neutral face angle "N", and a right face angle "R". Any number of other display and adjustment arrangements may be used for the rotational position indicator 220 without departing from the invention. Other tins or labels may be used for the rotational position indicator 220 without departing from the invention. For example, instead of using the traditional face annotations of "ONC" or "LNR", the face angles can be visually shown using arrows or lines, straight lines, curves, or angled shapes. Other visual indicators may be used without departing from the invention.

The shaft adapter 200 can be made of any desired number of independent components, without departing from the invention. In this illustrated example, the entire shaft adapter 200 is made of a single piece of construction with conventional materials such as metal or metal alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least some exemplary configurations according to the present invention, the shaft adapter 200 may be made of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or any other metal or metal alloy material. Additionally, the shaft adapter 200 may be made of self-reinforced polypropylene (SRP), such as PrimoSpire® SRP. A variety of holes (e.g., chamber 208 and threaded opening 210) and / or surface structure (e.g., spline 212a, extended portion) may be used for drilling, tapping, machining, In any desired manner, without deviating from the present invention, including by production methods commonly known and used in the art, such as by grinding, casting, molding, and the like.

Exemplary releasable connection 104 may also include a hosel adapter 300. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary hosel adapter 300 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the hosel adapter 300 is generally cylindrical in shape. The hosel adapter 300 has a first end 304 and an opposite second end 306. The first end 304 defines an opening into the bore hole 308 that receives the shaft adapter 200. The first end 304 is positioned within the first end 304 along a medial side of the bore hole 308 with a first rotation restraining structure 212 on the shaft adapter 200 (e.g., Rotation restraining structure (312) configured to engage the first rotation restraining structure (312). The inner portion of the borehole 308, as shown in FIG. 4, includes a second anti-rotation structure 312 as shown in FIG. 8A.

At least a portion of the interior of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes a second anti-rotation structure 312, as shown in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 8A). In this exemplary structure, the second anti-rotation structure 312 constitutes a spline 312a extending along an inner longitudinal axis, although various anti-rotation structures may be provided without departing from the invention. The splines 312a of the hosel adapter 300 may prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 200 (ultimately to the golf club head) relative to the hosel adapter 300 to which the shaft adapter is fitted. The splines 312a of the hosel adapter 300 and the splines 212a of the shaft adapter 200 may be configured to interact with each other to limit the number of times the shaft adapter 200 rotates within the hosel adapter 300 have. This will be discussed further below.

Other features of this exemplary hosel adapter 300 include an "off-axis" or angled bore hole or inner chamber 308 in which the shaft adapter 200 is received, for example, as shown in Figures 6b and 11b . More specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical surface of the hosel adapter 300 extends in a first axial direction, and the inner cylindrical surface of the bore hole 308 extends in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction Thereby creating a hosel adapter eccentric angle. In this way, with the exterior of the hosel adapter 300 maintaining a constant axial direction corresponding to the axial direction of the interior of the club head chamber 404 and the hosel ring 500 and openings, the shaft adapter 200 Whereby the shaft 106 extends away from the club head 102 at a different and adjustable angle relative to the ball striking surface of the club head 102, the hosel adapter 300, and the club head. In such a given example, the shaft position and / or angle corresponds to a given loft angle. The rotational positions for the loft angle can be formed by a loft angle from about 7.5 degrees to about 12.5 degrees. A similar configuration with a loft angle ranging from a value lower than the above to a higher value can be used without deviating from the present invention. The club head position and / or the loft angle may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the hosel adapter 300 relative to the hosel ring 500 and the club head 102.

Although any desired hosel adapter eccentric angle may be maintained between the first axial direction and the second axial direction, according to some embodiments of the present invention, such hosel adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, In embodiments from 0.5 degrees to 8 degrees, 0.75 degrees to 6 degrees, or even 1 degree to 4 degrees. In more specific examples of the present invention, the eccentric adapter angle or face angle adjustment may be approximately 1 degree or 0.5 degree eccentric.

The second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 defines a third opening 310 for receiving the securing member 408. The third opening 310 is sized to allow the securing member 408 to freely pass through the third opening 310 to engage the threaded hole 210 in the shaft adapter 200. [ Alternatively, if desired, the securing member 408 may also be coupled to the hosel adapter 300 at the third opening 310 (e.g., the third opening 310 may be formed on the securing member 408) And may include a screw coupled to the provided screw).

As shown in FIG. 4, the second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 may define one or more notches or grooves 314. The groove 314 causes the second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 to extend outward from the center of the bore hole 308. The second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 may be inserted into the bottom of the club head chamber 404 in a situation where the hosel adapter 300 is inserted into the club head 102 and the club head chamber 404, The groove 314 helps to allow any tolerance within the hosel adapter bore hole 308 to be taken. The groove 314 may be formed by cooperating with the club head 102 (e.g., widening within the borehole 308 to take the tolerance within the club head chamber 404), connecting the hosel adapter 300 to the club head 102, . The notches or grooves 314 may extend axially along the exterior of the hosel adapter 300 along any desired portion of the overall longitudinal length L2 of the hosel adapter 300. [ In general, the groove 314 is dimensioned to allow the hosel adapter 300 to be optimally fitted within the club head 102 to maintain stability.

The hosel adapter 300 may also be rendered non-rotatable relative to the golf club head 102. 4, the exterior of the first end 304 along the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300 is configured to be coupled to the fourth rotation restraining structure 512 on the hosel ring 500 And a third anti-rotation structure 322 constructed in such a manner as to interlock with rotation. At least a portion of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes a third anti-rotation structure 322 on the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter. In this exemplary structure, the anti-rotation structure 322 comprises a spline 322a extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface of the hosel adapter 300, although various anti-rotation structures may be provided without departing from the invention. do. The splines 322a on the outer surface of the hosel adapter 300 are connected to the hosel adapter 300 for members to which the hosel adapter is fitted (e.g., a club head or hosel ring 500, as described in more detail below) Can be prevented.

4, the rotation restraining structure 322 on the outer surface of the hosel adapter 300 includes a set of three splines 322a1 positioned on the outer surface 302 (a set of three The spline 322a1 may be aligned with or below the rotation indicator 320 as described below), a set of two splines 322a2 located in the quarter region around the outer surface 302 ), A set of two splines 322a3 (not shown in Fig. 4) located in the other quarter region around the outer surface 302 or on the opposite side of the set of three splines 322a1, And a last set of two splines 322a4 located in another quarter of the area around the outer surface 302 or on the opposite side of the set of two splines 322a2. The interaction between such a spline and the hosel ring 500 will be further described below. Other configurations of the spline may be used without departing from the invention.

The third anti-rotation structure 322 may extend along any desired portion of the overall longitudinal length of the hosel adapter 300. For example, the length of the third anti-rotation structure 322 may be less than 65% of the total length of the hosel adapter 300, and in some examples, it may be less than 50%, less than 35% Or even less than 25%. On the other hand, the third anti-rotation structure 322 may extend along any desired portion of the overall longitudinal length of the hosel adapter 300. For example, the anti-rotation structure 322 should be of sufficient length to allow the hosel ring 500 and the club head 102 to be strong and rigidly coupled without rotation. As a more specific example, the length may be at least 2% of the overall length of the hosel adapter 300 and, in some instances, at least 5%, at least 10% or even at least 20% of the total axial length have. If desired, the anti-rotation structure 322 may extend from 2% to 65% of the overall axial length of the hosel adapter 300, or 5% to 50% or 10% to 35% of the overall length. If desired, the anti-rotation structure 322 may extend the full length or substantially the entire length of the entire longitudinal length.

FIG. 4 also illustrates that the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes an extension 318. 2 and 6A, the extension 318 provides a stop that prevents the hosel adapter 300 from extending into the club head body and also provides a hosel adapter 300 to the club head body < RTI ID = 0.0 > 102. The base 102 is provided with a base for fixing the base 102 to the base 102. In addition, the contour of the first end 304 can be tapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 106 and the club head 102 and conventional aesthetic appearance.

The outer surface of the hosel adapter 300 may also include a rotational position indicator 320 that allows the user to easily determine the position of the hosel adapter 300 relative to the club head 102 in use. This rotational position indicator 320 may be located at the first end 304 of the shaft adapter. The rotational position indicator 320 may include a loft angle adjustment setting. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4 there can be three different loft angle adjustments. There may be five different loft angle adjustments (i.e., 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees) in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 13a-b. There may be five different loft angle adjustments (i.e., 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, 12.5 degrees) in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. There may be seven different loft angle adjustments (i.e., 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11 degrees, 12 degrees) in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. Any number of other display and adjustment arrangements may be used for the rotational position indicator 320 without departing from the invention. Other tins or labels may be used for the rotational position indicator 320 without departing from the invention. Instead of using traditional loft angles such as 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, etc., the loft angle can be visually shown using small upward arrows, large upward arrows, small downward arrows, and large downward arrows. In another exemplary embodiment, the loft angle can be visually shown by an angled arrow. Other visual indicators may be used without departing from the invention.

The hosel adapter 300 can be made of any desired material without departing from the invention, and can be made of any desired number of independent parts. In this illustrated example, the entire hosel adapter 300 is made as a single piece structure with conventional materials such as metal or metal alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least some exemplary structures according to the present invention, the hosel adapter 300 may be made of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or other metal or metal alloy material. In addition, the hosel adapter 300 may be made of self-reinforced polypropylene (SRP), for example, PrimoSpire® SRP. The bore and / or surface structure (e.g., splines 312a, splines 322a, and extensions 318) may be formed by any suitable method, such as drilling, tapping, machining, turning, extrusion, grinding, casting, In any desired manner without departing from the invention, including by means of production methods commonly known and used in the art, such as, for example, in the art. The shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 and any of the other components may be metal or plastic, or any other suitable material, optionally in combination. For example, the hosel adapter 300 may be a high strength plastic, while the shaft adapter 200 is made of metal. Other combinations may be utilized without departing from the invention.

Exemplary releasable connection 104 may also include a hosel ring 500. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary hosel ring 500 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the hosel ring 500 is generally cylindrical in shape. The hosel ring 500 defines an opening into the bore hole 508 for receiving the hosel adapter 300. Along the interior side portions of the borehole 508, the hosel ring 500 is secured to the third anti-rotation structure 322 on the hosel adapter 300 by a fourth (e.g., Rotation restraining structure (512).

The hosel ring 500 may be of a different shape without departing from the present invention. For example, the hosel ring 500 may be elliptical. Yet another embodiment may include a half-cut oval-shaped hosel ring 500 having half-cut elliptical circles, i.e., two straight-line portions connecting two circles. In an elliptical hosel ring 500, the hosel ring 500 can rotate between a first position and a second position so that the club head parameters can be changed as it rotates, and also the off-axis (or off-axis) Bore. ≪ / RTI > The elliptical hosel ring 500 may change the lie angle of the club head independently from the downward lie angle to the upward lie angle. The elliptical hosel ring 500 may independently modify other club head parameters without departing from the present invention.

At least a portion of the interior of the hosel ring 500 includes a fourth antirotational structure 512, as shown in FIG. In this exemplary structure, the fourth anti-rotation structure 512 constitutes a spline 512a extending along the inner longitudinal axis, although various anti-rotation structures may be provided without departing from the invention. The splines 512a of the hosel ring 500 may prevent rotation of the hosel adapter 300 relative to the club head 102 into which the hosel adapter is inserted. The splines 512a of the hosel ring 500 and the external splines 322a of the hosel adapter 300 may be configured to interact with each other so that the hosel adapter 300 rotates within the hosel ring 500 The number of revolutions is limited. These interactions will be further explained below.

The hosel ring 500 may also be rendered non-rotatable relative to the golf club head 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the hosel ring 500 is secured to the club head chamber (not shown) by any means known and used in the art, such as adhesive, glue, epoxy, bonding agent, welding, brazing, 404, respectively. Figure 12 shows a hosel ring 500 secured to the club head 102 in the club head chamber 404. In addition, the hosel ring 500 may be an integral part of the club head 102, in which case the hosel ring 500 may be molded into the club head chamber 404.

The hosel ring 500 also includes a rotatable or indexable position relative to the golf club head 102 to further alter the configuration of the club head and / or to allow modification of the club head parameters without departing from the present invention. . In an exemplary embodiment, the outer portion of the hosel ring 500 may include a tab or a separate spline, which may allow a tab or a separate spline of the hosel ring 500 to pass through the club head 102 or the club head chamber 404 so that the hosel ring 500 can be indexed or rotated within the club head 102 so that the hosel ring 500 can be engaged cooperatively with the mating tap or spline on the shaft. According to the indexable hosel ring 500, an outer structure, such as a tab or spline, can have only a certain number of rotational positions of the hosel ring 500 within the club head chamber 404. For example, there may be two rotatable or indexable positions of the hosel ring 500 within the club head chamber 404. In another example, there may be three or four indexable positions of the hosel ring 500 in the club head chamber 404. In another example that does not deviate from the present invention, there may be five or more indexable positions of the hosel ring 500 in the club head chamber 404.

As described above, the hosel ring 500 may further include an off-axis bore such that the club head parameters can be changed as it rotates. The indexable hosel ring 500 can change the lie angle of the club head independently from the downward lie angle to the upward lie angle. Indexable hosel ring 500 may independently alter other club head parameters without departing from the present invention.

The hosel ring 500 can be made of any desired material without departing from the invention, and can be made of any desired number of independent parts. In this illustrated example, the entire hosel ring 500 is made as a single piece structure with conventional materials such as metal or metal alloys, plastics, and the like. In at least some examples in accordance with the present invention, the hosel ring 500 may be made of titanium, aluminum, magnesium, steel, or any other metal or metal alloy material. The bore and / or surface structure (e.g., spline 512a) is commonly known and used in the art, such as by drilling, tapping, machining, turning, extruding, grinding, casting, In any desired manner without deviating from the present invention, including by the production methods described herein.

7A-11B illustrate another exemplary embodiment similar to the releasable connection as described above. In these drawings, the same reference numerals as those used in the previous drawings are used for simplicity and understanding. In this embodiment, the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 are shown in off-axis bores.

The adjustment of the rotational position of the shaft adapter 200 (and the attached shaft 106) and the hosel adapter 300 is described in more detail with respect to FIG. One or more various parameters such as a loft angle, a face angle, or a lie angle of the entire golf club can be adjusted by changing the rotational position of the shaft adapter 200 relative to the hosel adapter 300. In an exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 2-12, the angle of the face can be adjusted by changing the rotational position of the shaft adapter 200 relative to the hosel adapter 300. Other parameters of the club head such as inset distance and eccentric distance can be designed to be adjusted for fading bias, drawing bias, and the like . In addition, one or more various parameters of the entire golf club can be adjusted by changing the rotational position of the hosel ring 300 relative to the hosel ring 500 and the club head 102. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-12, the loft angle can be adjusted by changing the rotational position of the hosel ring 500 and the hosel adapter 300 relative to the club head 102. In this particular embodiment, the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 are designed to be independent of each other to enable them to independently adjust the face angle (shaft adapter 200) and the loft angle (hosel adapter 300) It has an off-axis bore.

Shaft 106, shaft adapter 200, and so on can be readily positioned so that the user can easily identify the "setting" (eg, position and / or orientation of the club head body 102 relative to the shaft 106) Any or all of the hosel adapter 300, and / or the club head 102 may include a marking or indicator. 3A and 3B show an indicator 220 (e.g., a second indicator) on the shaft adapter 200 (e.g., on the extension 214). 4 shows an indicator 320 (e.g., a first indicator) on the hosel adapter 300 (e.g., on the extension 318). By knowing the relative positions of the various indicators, a club fit technician or other user can easily determine and determine the position of the shaft 106 relative to the club head body 102 and its ball striking surface. If desired, the indicator (e.g., indicator 220 or 320) may be associated with and / or contain certain quantitative information such as specifically identified loft angle and face angle.

In another example that does not depart from the invention, a first parameter, such as a loft angle, may be set based on the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300. In addition, a second parameter, such as a face angle, can be set by aligning the indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200 with the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300, and based on the initial setting. Whereby the second parameter is set based on the indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200 such that the first setting and the first parameter constitute the basis of the second setting and the second parameter. Other parameters besides the face angle and the loft angle may also be used without departing from the invention. Also, as will be described later, other parameters and indicator positions may be used without departing from the invention.

In another example that does not depart from the invention, a first parameter, such as a face angle, may be set based on the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300. In addition, a second parameter, such as a loft angle, can be set by aligning the indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200 to the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300, and based on the initial setting.

In another example that does not depart from the invention, a first parameter, such as a loft angle, may be set based on the indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200. In addition, a second parameter, such as a face angle, can be set by aligning the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300 to the indicator 220 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300, and based on the initial setting.

In another example that does not depart from the present invention, a first parameter, such as a face angle, may be set based on the indicator 220 on the shaft adapter 200. In addition, a second parameter, such as a face angle, can be set by aligning the indicator 320 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300 to the indicator 220 on the hosel or hosel adapter 300, and based on the initial setting.

The golf club control functionality design generally includes mating parts and cooperating mating surfaces to enable specific control functionality of the golf club head 102. However, this current design provides many possible adjustable combinations of loft angle, face angle, and lie angle. While this control functionality provides some advantages for the golfer, a large number of options for the golfer can be confusing and cumbersome for the golfer. In certain exemplary embodiments, the design of the present invention and particularly the spline construction of various anti-rotation structures provides a limited set of control functionality options that are more user friendly to the golfer. For example, the adjustment functionality may be limited to only three different adjustable loft angles and three adjustable face angles. The loft angle may vary from 7.5 degrees to 12.5 degrees. The face angle can be generally referred to as neutral, open and closed. Therefore, each club head has a limited number of rotatable positions, such as a total of nine different face angles and loft angle configurations. The configuration of the anti-rotation structure limits the rotational position of the shaft adapter and the hosel adapter and provides a simpler and streamlined adjustment feature for the golfer. Thus, as can be seen from the drawings and the description herein, the various spline arrangements with engagement surfaces are constructed in such a way that certain positions can provide the desired adjustment, And is constructed in such a way that additional positions are prevented (e.g., each spline can not fit together).

Another exemplary option set is to use four different adjustable loft angles and three different adjustable face angles, thereby creating a club head with a total of twelve different face angles and loft angle configurations. Another exemplary option is to use five different adjustable loft angles and three different adjustable face angles, thereby creating a club head with a total of fifteen different face angles and a loft angle configuration. Another exemplary option is to use seven different adjustable loft angles and three different adjustable face angles, thereby creating a club head with a total of twenty-one different face angles and a loft angle configuration. Adjustable face angles and other configurations of the loft angle may be utilized without departing from the invention.

The exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 13A and 13B shows a spline configuration that allows adjustment functionality of five loft angles and three face angles. The adjustable loft angle may include 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 10 degrees, 11 degrees, and 12 degrees. The adjustable face angle may include open ("O"), neutral ("N") and closed ("C"). The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 16 illustrates a spline configuration that allows adjustment functionality of five loft angles and three face angles. This spline configuration allows the control functionality of the loft angle to include 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, and 12.5 degrees. The adjustable face angle may include open or left ("L"), neutral ("N"), and closed or right ("R"). The exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 15 shows a spline configuration with controllability of seven loft angles and three face angles. This spline configuration includes an adjustable loft angle that can include 8 degrees, 9 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11 degrees, and 12 degrees (not shown). The adjustable face angle may include open ("O"), neutral ("N") and closed ("C").

It should be understood that the "neutral" face angle may be the reference point / reference face angle but not the actual "neutral" face angle of the face or club head. For example, "Neutral" may represent a 1 degree closed face angle of the face. By using the 2-degree face angle control, "closed" has a 3-degree closed face and "open" has a 1-degree open face. In another example, "Neutral" may represent the third degree open face angle of the face. By using the 2-degree face angle control, "closed" has 1 degree open face and "open" has 5 degree open face.

To illustrate how the present invention provides and limits rotational motion and adjustable face angle and loft angle positions of the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 as described above, An example spline configuration will be described. The embodiment of Figs. 2A-B shows three loft angles and three face angle control functional spline configurations. The spline 212a (e.g., the first spline) of the shaft adapter 200 and the internal spline 312a (e.g., the second spline) of the hosel adapter 300 are connected to the shaft adapter 200 May be configured to interlock with each other to limit the number of turns. Additionally, the splines (e.g., the fourth spline) of the hosel ring 500 and the outer splines 322 (e.g., the third spline) of the hosel adapter 300 may also be disposed within the hosel ring 500, May be configured to interlock with each other so as to limit the number of rotations of the rotor 300. For example, the spline configuration of the hosel ring 500 and the outer splines 322 of the hosel adapter 300 shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be adapted to be rotated at three different rotational positions (e.g., three different loft angles) Lt; / RTI > Likewise, the spline configuration of the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 shown in Figures 3A-4 can be rotated (rotated) at nine different rotational positions (e.g., three different face angles at each of three different loft angles) . Figs. 17A-E and Figs. 20A-C illustrate exemplary spline configurations, spline engagement, and spline interaction in the shaft adapter 200, hosel adapter 300 and hosel ring 500 described above with cross- .

17A shows a cross-sectional view of a first end 304 of an exemplary hosel adapter 300. FIG. The first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes an extension 318. The first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 also includes a bore 308 (and through the hosel adapter 300). The first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes an inner rotation restraining structure 312 positioned within the bore 308. The inner rotation restraining structure 312 is shown in FIG. The inner rotation restraining structure 312 includes an inner spline 312a positioned within the bore 308 of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300. The inner spline 312a configuration includes five sets of two splines on one end of the bore 304 and one set of fifteen splines on the opposite end of the bore 304. [ The internal spline 312a configuration may include different configurations without departing from the invention.

17B shows a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical body 202 of an exemplary shaft adapter 200. Fig. The cylindrical body 202 of the shaft adapter 200 includes an outer rotation restraining structure 212. The outer anti-rotation structure 212 includes an inner spline 212a positioned along the outside of the cylindrical body 202 of the shaft adapter 200. The inner spline 212a includes a set of two splines 212a1 positioned on the cylindrical body 202 and a set of three splines 212a2 located on the opposite side of the cylindrical body 202. [ The interaction between these splines and the bore 308 at the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 will be discussed further below. Other configurations of splines may be used without departing from the invention.

18A-18E illustrate the interaction and possible rotation forms between the outer rotation restraining structure 212 on the shaft adapter 200 and the inner rotation restraining structure 312 on the hosel adapter 300. FIG. 19A-19E illustrate the configuration and loft angle of the corresponding club head when the shaft adapter 200 rotates within the hosel adapter 300. As discussed above and discussed below, the shaft adapter 200 rotates and engages the hosel adapter 300 by sliding the shaft adapter 200 into the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300. In this exemplary embodiment, when the shaft adapter 200 is coupled to the hosel adapter 300, the different rotational configurations in which the shaft adapter 200 is engaged and mated in the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300, Five. Figures 18a-e show five different rotational configurations, and Figures 19a-e show five corresponding club head configurations and loft angles.

18a shows a set of two splines 212a1 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to two intermediate splines 312a on the first side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300, With a set of three splines 212a2 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to three middle splines 312a of the fifteen splines 312a on the second side of the bore 308 of the bore 308 . In this configuration, the shaft adapter 200 is positioned in an intermediate rotational configuration and position within the hosel adapter 300. Further, in this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19A, the club head 102 may be at "neutral", "standard", or intermediate loft angle. In this exemplary illustration, the club head 102 may have a loft angle of 10 degrees.

18B shows a set of two splines 212a1 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to two splines 312a counterclockwise among the intermediate splines on the first side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300 Of the three splines 212a2 on the shaft adapter 200 coupled to the three splines counterclockwise among the fifteen splines 312a on the second side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300, It is shown together with a set. In this configuration, the shaft adapter 200 is in a rotational configuration and position that is rotated once in the counterclockwise direction in the middle of the hosel adapter 300. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 19B, the club head 102 may be at a low loft angle. In this exemplary illustration, the club head 102 may have a loft angle of 9 degrees.

Figure 18c shows a schematic view of two splines 212a1 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to two splines 312a two turns in the counterclockwise direction halfway on the first side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300 Set is rotated counterclockwise twice in the middle of fifteen splines 312a on the second side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300 to form three splines on the shaft adapter 200 coupled to the three splines, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > 212a2. ≪ / RTI > In this configuration, the shaft adapter 200 is in a rotational configuration and position located two turns in the counterclockwise direction in the middle of the hosel adapter 300. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 19C, the club head 102 may be at the second low loft angle. In this exemplary illustration, the club head 102 may have a loft angle of 8 degrees. It is understood that the splines 212a1 and / or 212as are subject to the surface of the hosel adapter 300 when any additional rotational motion is applied, thereby preventing additional options associated with the hosel.

18d shows a set of two splines 212a1 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to two splines 312a in a clockwise direction among the intermediate splines on the first side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300, A set of three splines 212a2 on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to three splines in a clockwise direction among the mid-splines among the fifteen splines 312a on the second side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300 Together. In this configuration, the shaft adapter 200 is in a rotational configuration and position located one turn clockwise from the middle in the hosel adapter 300. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 19D, the club head 102 may be at a high loft angle. In this exemplary illustration, the club head 102 may have a loft angle of 11 degrees.

18E shows two splines 212a1 on the shaft adapter 200 coupled to two splines 312a in two clockwise rotational positions from the middle on the first side of the bore 308 of the hosel adapter 300, (3) on a shaft adapter (200) coupled to three splines at two rotational positions clockwise in the middle of fifteen splines (312a) on the second side of the bore (308) of the hosel adapter (300) Together with a set of twelve splines 212a2. In this configuration, the shaft adapter 200 is in a rotational configuration and position located twice in the clockwise direction in the middle of the hosel adapter 300. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 19E, the club head 102 may be at the second high loft angle. In this exemplary illustration, the club head 102 may have a loft angle of 12 degrees.

The mode of rotation of the shaft adapter 200 within the hosel adapter 300 may include more than or less than five different shapes without departing from the present invention. For example, there may be three forms of rotation of the shaft adapter 200 within the hosel adapter 300. In addition, there may be four rotational shapes of the shaft adapter 200 in the hosel adapter 300. There may be more than five rotational shapes of the shaft adapter 200 in the hosel adapter 300, such as six, seven, or eight. In addition, the rotation of the shaft adapter 200 within the hosel adapter 300 may independently affect other characteristics of the club head, such as the face angle or the lie angle, instead of the loft angle, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

20A shows a cross-sectional view of the exterior of the first end 304 along the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300. FIG. The outer portion of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300 includes an outer rotation restraining structure 322 located along the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300. The outer anti-rotation structure 322 includes an outer spline 322a positioned along the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300. The outer spline 312a includes a set of three splines 322a1 positioned on the outer surface 302, a set of two splines 322a2 positioned on the outer quarter 302 around the outer surface 302, A set of two splines 322a3 located on the other quarter of the circumference of the outer surface 302 or on the opposite side of the set of three splines 322a1, And a last set of two splines 322a4 located on opposite sides of the set of two splines 322a2. The outer spline 322a configuration can include different configurations without departing from the invention.

20B shows a cross-sectional view of the hosel ring 500. FIG. The hosel ring (500) includes an inner rotation restraining structure (512). The inner rotation restraining structure 512 includes an inner spline 512a positioned within the bore 508 of the hosel ring 500. The inner spline 512a is configured to engage the outer spline 322a of the hosel adapter. The interaction between these splines and the outer surface 302 of the hosel adapter 300 will be discussed further below. Other configurations of splines may be used without departing from the invention.

21A-21C illustrate the interaction and possible rotational shapes between the outer rotation restraining structure 322 on the hosel adapter 300 and the inner rotation restraining structure 512 on the hosel ring 500. FIG. 22A-22C illustrate the configuration and face angle of the corresponding club head when the hosel adapter 300 is rotated within the hosel ring 500. FIG. The hosel adapter 300 is rotated and engaged with the hosel ring 500 by sliding the hosel adapter 300 into the bore 508 of the hosel ring 500 as discussed above and discussed below. In this exemplary embodiment, when the hosel adapter 300 is engaged with the hosel ring 500, the different rotational configurations in which the hosel adapter 300 is engaged and mated in the bore 508 of the hosel ring 500, Three. Figures 21a-21c illustrate three different rotational configurations, and Figures 22a-22c illustrate three corresponding club head configurations and face angles.

Specifically, Figure 21a illustrates a set of two splines 322a2, 322a3, 322a4 on a hosel adapter 300 coupled to a set of two splines 512a in a bore 508 of the hosel ring 500, Together with the set of three splines 322a1 on the hosel adapter 300 coupled to the middle three splines among the 13 splines 512a in the bore 508 of the spline 500 of FIG. In this configuration, the hosel adapter 300 is positioned in an intermediate rotational configuration and position within the hosel ring 500. Also in this configuration, as shown in Figure 22A, the club head 102 may be at a "neutral" face angle.

Specifically, FIG. 21B shows two splines 322a2, 322a3, and 322a3 on a hosel adapter 300 coupled to a set of two splines 512a in the form of a single counterclockwise rotation in the neutral configuration of the hosel ring 500, 322a4 is mounted on a shaft adapter 200 coupled to three splines in the form of a single rotation counterclockwise from the middle spline of the 13 splines 512a in the bore 508 of the hosel ring 500, Together with a set of three splines 212a2. In this configuration, the hosel adapter 300 is in a rotational configuration and position located one rotation counterclockwise in the middle of the hosel ring 500. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 22B, the club head 102 may be at a closed face angle or a negative face angle.

Figure 21c shows a set of two splines 322a2, 322a3, 322a4 on a hosel adapter 300 coupled to a set of two splines 512a in the form of a single clockwise rotation in the neutral form of the hosel ring 500 Of the spline 512a of the hosel ring 500 in the clockwise direction from the middle spline of the spline 512a in the bore 508 of the hosel ring 500. The three splines 312a1 ). ≪ / RTI > In this configuration, the hosel adapter 300 is in a rotational configuration and position located one rotation clockwise from the middle in the hosel ring 500. Further, in this configuration, as shown in Fig. 22C, the club head 102 may be at an open face angle or a positive face angle.

The shape of rotation of the shaft adapter 300 within the hosel ring 500 may include more than five or less than two different shapes without departing from the invention. The rotation of the shaft adapter 300 in the hosel ring 500 may be two, four, five, six, eight, or more. In addition, rotation of the shaft adapter 300 within the hosel ring 500 can independently affect other characteristics of the club head, such as a loft angle or a lie angle, instead of a face angle, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

An example of coupling the golf club shaft 106 to the club head 102 using the shaft adapter 200, the hosel adapter 300 and the hosel ring 500 is shown in more detail in conjunction with Figures 2 to 6b. . At some time during the head / shaft connection process, the shaft 106 is coupled to the cylindrical inner chamber 208 of the shaft adapter 200. In the exemplary structure depicted herein, the shaft 106 will be permanently coupled to the chamber 208, for example, by an adhesive or bond binder. Other methods of coupling the shaft 106 with the shaft adapter 200 are also possible without deviating from the present invention, including, for example, mechanical connection (e.g., Joining), welding, brazing, soldering, or other welding techniques. Once the shaft 106 is connected to the shaft adapter 200, it is in a ready state for engagement with the hosel adapter 300 and mounting to the golf club head 102. Alternatively, if desired, the shaft 106 may be connected later to the shaft adapter 200 during the coupling process and may even be connected as late as possible at the end of the coupling process.

The exemplary club head structure 102 will now be described in more detail, particularly with reference to FIG. 2, which provides an exploded cross-sectional view of the releasable connection. In this exemplary structure, the club head 102 includes a hosel region 402 that allows access to the club head chamber 404 formed in the club head 102. The club head chamber 404 in this exemplary structure extends fully through the club head body 102 and creates an opening 406 in the sole or bottom of the club head 102. The aperture 406 may include a fastening system 408 (e. G., A fastening system) that helps secure the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 to the club head body 102, , Screw bolt member). The fastening member 408 may also include a spherical washer 408A and a screw retainer 408B. Details of the spherical washer 408A will be described below together with a description of the spherical washer 1408A of Fig. 42B.

In this exemplary configuration, the club head chamber 404 provides a support surface for securing the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 within the club head body 102, as will be described in more detail below. And a mounting plate 410 having a bore 410a formed therein. Optionally, the mounting plate 410 may be integrally formed as part of the club head structure and may be disposed at any location along the club head chamber 404, i. E., At any location including the right of or near the opening 406 As shown in FIG. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a plug member (optionally a removable plug member) may be provided proximate the opening 406 and the bolt member 408 may be provided flush with, The bristle member may include a counter-sync area to be coplanar.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixation system may also include a screw retainer 408B. The screw retainer 408B may be positioned within the club head chamber 404. In addition, the screw retainer 408B may be of a size larger than the mounting plate 410. [ The screw retainer 408B holds the threaded bolt member 408 to prevent the threaded bolt member 408 from falling out of the club head 102.

The connection of the shaft adapter 200 (optionally with the shaft 106 already coupled) to the club head 102 will now be described in more detail with respect to Figures 2 to 6b. As shown, the hosel adapter 300 may be inserted into the club head chamber 404 of the club head body 102 in a suitable manner, such that the third rotation restraining structure 322 of the hosel adapter 300 engages the club head May be inserted so as to be aligned with the fourth rotation restraining structure 522 of the hosel ring 500 located in the chamber 404. The cylindrical body 202 of the shaft adapter 200 may also be inserted into the first end 304 of the bore hole 308 of the hosel adapter 300 in a suitable manner such that the first rotation of the shaft adapter 200 Restraining structure 212 may be inserted into engagement with the second anti-rotation structure 312 of the hosel adapter 300. As the hosel adapter 300 is inserted into the hosel ring 500 and into the club head chamber 404 of the club head body 102, the second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 engages the club head chamber 404, An arbitrary tolerance is taken between the hosel adapter 300 and the club head chamber 404. In this position and arrangement, the second end 206 of the shaft adapter 200 and the second end 306 of the hosel adapter 300 are seated on the mounting plate 410. In addition, an extension 318 of the hosel adapter 300 is positioned adjacent to and / or seated on the upper surface of the hosel 402. The extension 214 of the first end 204 of the shaft adapter 200 is also seated on the upper surface of the first end 304 of the hosel adapter 300.

The shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 may be inserted through the opening 406 in the sole of the club head 102 and through the opening 406 of the hosel adapter 300 once the locking member or bolt member 408 has been inserted. The club head body 102 can be inserted and fixed through the third opening 310 by engaging the fixing member 408 with the fixing structure 210 provided on the shaft adapter 200. [ The hosel adapter 300 may be positioned at a location where the hosel adapter 300 meets the club head 102 (e.g., at the mounting plate 410 and / or the hosel opening) and / or at the location where the fastening member 408 meets the club head 102 (E.g., washers, gaskets, O-rings, resilient washers, or coatings) to provide any extra space and provide noise and / or vibration damping, Etc.) may be provided. The connection system shown here can be easily released, for example, by turning the bolt member 408 so that the user can replace the other shaft 106 with a given golf club head 102 and / Allowing the user to replace the other golf club head 102 with the desired shaft / link member assembly. The releasable connection system also allows the user to replace the golf club head 102 with a different shaft adapter 200 and / or other hosel adapter 300, and / Or the relative position of the shaft adapter 200 and / or the hosel adapter 300 relative to the shaft adapter 200. [

The bolts 408 and the mounting plate openings 410a may be configured such that when the bolts 408 are released from the shaft adapter 200 and the hosel adapter 300 the bolts 408 completely disengage from the openings 406 (For example, by providing an enlarged ring at the free end of the bolt 408). Bolt 408 may include a head having a structure for engaging a screwdriver, hexagonal wrench, or other tool.

In another embodiment that does not depart from the present invention, Figures 23 to 38c illustrate another releasable connection assembly having a correspondingly different club head configuration with different loft angle and face angle configurations. These drawings include a cross-sectional view showing the spline interaction of an exemplary shaft adapter 200, hosel adapter 300, and hosel ring 500. Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of releasable connection and rotation forms for each of the different club head configurations in a comprehensive summary chart. Face angles of the club head such as open, neutral, and closed along the top of the summary chart are indicated. Along the left side of the summary chart, the loft angles of the club head such as 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees, and 12.5 degrees are shown. A releasable connection assembly using different rotational spline configurations can achieve any of the fifteen different club head configurations enumerated to produce a combination of various face angles and loft angles.

Figures 24A-C illustrate in detail a respective splice assembly and a rotating spline configuration with an applicable club head configuration. The various drawings illustrate the interaction and possible rotation of the anti-rotation structures on the shaft adapter, the hosel, the adapter and the hosel ring. The figure with the letter "a" shows an exemplary shaft adapter 200 coupled to a shaft 106, a hosel adapter 300, and a hosel ring 500 inserted into the hosel portion 402 of the club head 102. [ In a cross-sectional view. The figure with the letter "b " shows an exemplary face angle 160 of the club head 102. The drawing with the letter "c" shows an exemplary loft angle 170 of the club head 102.

Figures 39A-44 illustrate another exemplary embodiment similar to the releasable connection as described above. In these drawings, reference numerals similar to those used in the previous drawings are used for simplicity and understanding. The spline configurations discussed and shown with respect to Figures 23-38 can be used with this exemplary embodiment. Other spline configurations may be used without departing from the invention. In this exemplary embodiment, none of the shaft adapter 1200 or the hosel adapter 1300 is removed from the club head 1102 to rotate the shaft adapter 1200 and / or the hosel adapter 1300 in various forms no need. Shaft adapter 1200 and hosel adapter 1300 are retained within releasable connection 1104. In an exemplary embodiment to achieve this detention feature, the shaft adapter 1300 may include a stop ring 1205. [ The stop ring 205 can be configured in the form of a compressed O-ring. The stop ring 205 may be constructed with other mechanical features, such as a c-clip, without departing from the invention. This stop ring 1205 enables separation of the hosel adapter 1300 from the shaft adapter 1200 without removing it from the club head 1102 thereby permitting the hosel adapter 1300 and / Can be rotated without being removed from the club head 1102.

Figures 39A and 39B show an exploded view of the releasable connection 1104. 39A, this releasable connection 104 between the golf club head 1102 and the shaft 1106 includes a shaft adapter 1200, a hosel adapter 1300, and a hosel ring 500 . The hosel ring 500 is configured to engage the club head chamber 1404 within the golf club head 1102 and the hosel adapter 1300 is configured to engage the hosel ring 500 and the golf club head 1102 And the shaft adapter 1200 is configured to be coupled within the hosel adapter 1300 and the shaft 1106 is configured to be coupled to the shaft adapter 1200. [ The details of the combination of these exemplary components / components will be described in more detail below.

As noted above, the releasable connection 1104 may include an exemplary shaft adapter 1200 in accordance with the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 40A-40D, this exemplary shaft adapter 1200 includes a generally cylindrical body 1202 having a first end 1204 and an opposing second end 1206. The first end 1204 defines an opening into the inner cylindrical chamber 1208 for receiving the end of the golf club shaft 1106. The second end portion 1206 may include a securing structure that helps securely secure the shaft adapter 1200 to the club head body 1102, as will be described in greater detail below (e.g., Screw holes 1210). In addition, the second end 1206 includes a stop ring 1205. The stop ring 1205 may extend radially from the second end 1206 of the shaft adapter 1200. The stop ring 1205 can stop and maintain the hosel adapter 1300 associated with the shaft adapter 1200 so that adjustment and rotation of the hosel adapter 1300 and / It is not necessary to remove it. The stop ring 1205 may be integrally formed with the shaft adapter 1200 or may form a portion of the shaft adapter 1200 that extends radially from the second end 1206 of the shaft adapter 1200 And / or as part thereof. In addition, the stop ring 1205 can be a separate compressed O-ring that fits into the channel 1207 that extends radially about the second end 1206 of the shaft adapter 1200. The material of the separate stop ring 1205 (compressed O-ring) may be a rubber or metal material.

At least a portion of the first end 1204 of the shaft adapter 1200 includes a first antirotational structure 1212, as shown. In this exemplary structure, the anti-rotation structure 1212 includes a spline (not shown) extending along a portion of the longitudinal axis 1226 of the outer surface of the shaft adapter 1200 1212a. The splines 1212a of the shaft adapter 1200 can inhibit rotation of the shaft adapter 1200 relative to a member into which it is fitted (e.g., a hosel adapter as described in more detail below). Various anti-rotation structures can be used without departing from the present invention. The interaction between these splines and the interior of the cylindrical hosel adapter will be further described below. Other configurations of splines may be used without departing from the invention.

The first anti-rotation structure 1212 includes a shaft adapter 1200 (not shown) so that the hosel adapter 1300 can be detached from the first anti-rotation structure 1212 and rotated while the hosel adapter 1300 is continuously being retained on the shaft adapter 1200. [ As shown in FIG.

Figs. 40A and 40B further illustrate that the first end 1204 of the shaft adapter 1200 includes an extension 1214. Fig. The extension 1214 provides a stop that prevents the shaft adapter 1200 from extending into the hosel adapter 1300 and into the club head body 1102 and also provides the shaft adapter 1200 with a hosel adapter 1300 and a club head A strong base for fixing to the body 1102 is provided. In addition, the contour of the first end 1204 can be tapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 1106, the hosel adapter 1300, and the club head 1102 and the conventional aesthetic appearance.

Other features of this exemplary shaft adapter 1200 include an " off-axis "or angled bore hole or inner chamber 1208 in which the shaft 1106 is received, for example, as shown in Figure 40C. can do. More specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical surface of the shaft adapter 1200 extends in a first axial direction, and the inner cylindrical surface of the bore hole 1208 extends in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction Thereby creating a shaft adapter offset angle. In this way the shaft 1106 can be coupled to the club head 1102, the hosel adapter (not shown) and the hosel adapter < RTI ID = 0.0 > 1300) and from the club head 1102 and hosel adapter 1300 at a different, adjustable angle relative to the ball striking surface of the club head. In such a given example, the shaft position and / or angle corresponds to a given face angle of the golf club head 1102. One rotational position may be a neutral face, one rotational position may be an open face, and one rotational position may be a closed face. Other rotational positions may also be used without departing from the invention. The shaft position and / or the face angle can be adjusted, for example, by rotating the shaft adapter 1200 relative to the hosel adapter 1300 and the club head hosel.

Although any preferred shaft adapter eccentric angle may be maintained between the first and second axial directions, according to some examples of the present invention, such shaft adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, In some instances, from 0.5 degrees to 8 degrees, from 0.75 degrees to 6 degrees, or even from 1 degree to 4 degrees. In more specific examples of the invention, the shaft adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be approximately 1.5 degrees eccentric or 2.0 degrees eccentric.

Exemplary releasable connection 1104 may also include a hosel adapter 1300. [ Figures 41A-41E illustrate an example of a hosel adapter 1300 in accordance with the present invention. As shown, the hosel adapter 1300 is generally cylindrical in shape. The hosel adapter 1300 has a first end 1304 and a second end 1306 opposite. The first end 1304 defines an opening into the bore hole 1308 that receives the shaft adapter 1200. The first end 1304 is disposed within the first end 1304 along a medial side of the bore hole 1308 with a first rotation restraining structure 1212 on the shaft adapter 1200 Rotation restraining structure 1312, which is configured to engage (e.g.

At least a portion of the interior of the first end 1304 of the hosel adapter 1300 includes a second anti-rotation structure 1312, as shown in Figure 41C. In this exemplary structure, the second anti-rotation structure 1312 constitutes a spline 1312a extending along the inner longitudinal axis, although various anti-rotation structures can be provided without departing from the invention. The splines 1312a of the hosel adapter 1300 can prevent rotation of the shaft adapter 1200 (ultimately to the golf club head) relative to the hosel adapter 1300 into which the shaft adapter is fitted. The splines 1312a of the hosel adapter 1300 and the splines 1212a of the shaft adapter 1200 may be configured to interact with each other to limit the number of times the shaft adapter 1200 rotates within the hosel adapter 1300 have. This will be discussed further below.

Other features of this exemplary hosel adapter 1300 may include an "off-axis" or angled bore hole or inner chamber 1308 in which the shaft adapter 1200 is received, for example, as shown in Figure 41C . More specifically, in this illustrated example, the outer cylindrical surface of the hosel adapter 1300 extends in a first axial direction, and the inner cylindrical surface of the borehole 1308 extends in a second axial direction different from the first axial direction Thereby creating a hosel adapter eccentric angle. In this way, with the outside of the hosel adapter 1300 maintaining a constant axial direction corresponding to the axial direction of the inside of the club head chamber 1404 and the hosel ring 500 and the openings, the shaft adapter 1200 Thereby causing the club head 1102, the hosel adapter 1300, and the club head 1102 to extend away from the club head 1102 at a different, adjustable angle relative to the ball striking surface of the club head. In such a given example, the shaft position and / or angle corresponds to a given loft angle. The rotational positions for the loft angle can be formed by a loft angle from about 7.5 degrees to about 12.5 degrees. A similar configuration with a loft angle ranging from a value lower than the above to a higher value can be used without deviating from the present invention. The club head position and / or the loft angle may be adjusted, for example, by rotating the hosel adapter 1300 relative to the hosel ring 500 and the club head 1102.

Although any desired hosel adapter eccentric angle may be maintained between the first axial direction and the second axial direction, according to some embodiments of the present invention, such hosel adapter eccentric angle or face angle adjustment may be between 0.25 degrees and 10 degrees, In embodiments from 0.5 degrees to 8 degrees, 0.75 degrees to 6 degrees, or even 1 degree to 4 degrees. In more specific examples of the present invention, the eccentric adapter angle or face angle adjustment may be approximately 1 degree or 0.5 degree eccentric.

The second end 1306 of the hosel adapter 1300 defines a third aperture 1310 for receiving the securing member 1408. The third aperture 1310 is sized to allow the fixation member 1408 to freely pass through the third aperture 1310 to engage the threaded hole 1210 in the shaft adapter 1200. [ Alternatively, if desired, the securing member 1408 may also be coupled to the hosel adapter 1300 in the third aperture 1310 (e.g., the third aperture 1310 may be on the securing member 1408) And may include a screw coupled to the provided screw). Fixing member 1408 may also include a spherical washer 1408A and a screw retainer 1408B.

As shown in FIG. 42B, the spherical washer 1408A may have a convex surface 1430 on the side that mates or engages the head of the threaded bolt member 1408. As shown in FIG. In addition, the head of the threaded bolt member 1408 may have a concave surface 1432 that mates with the convex surface 1430 of the spherical washer 1408A. This convex surface 1430-concave surface 1432 registration assists and enables misalignment by rotation of the off-axis sleeves that can be caused to the rest of the threaded bolt member 1408 and the releasable connection 1104 .

As shown in Figure 39A, the fastening system may also include a screw retainer 1408B. The screw retainer may be disposed in the club head chamber 1404. [ In addition, the screw retainer 1408B can have a larger size than the mounting plate 1410. [ The screw retainer 1408B holds the screw bolt member 1408 to prevent the screw bolt member 1408 from falling out of the club head 1102. [

The hosel adapter 1300 may also be rendered non-rotatable relative to the golf club head 1102. The outer surface of the first end 1304 along the outer surface 1302 of the hosel adapter 1300 is adapted to be coupled to the fourth rotation restraining structure 1512 on the hosel ring 500 as shown in Figures 41A and 41B. And a third anti-rotation structure 1322 configured in a manner (e.g., in a manner that interlocks with rotation). At least a portion of the first end 1304 of the hosel adapter 1300 includes a third anti-rotation structure 1322 on the outer surface 1302 of the hosel adapter. In this exemplary structure, the anti-rotation structure 1322 constitutes a spline 1322a extending along the longitudinal axis of the outer surface of the hosel adapter 1300, although various anti-rotation structures can be provided without departing from the invention . The splines 1322a on the outer surface of the hosel adapter 1300 are connected to the hosel adapter 1300 for a member into which the hosel adapter is fitted (e.g., a club head or hosel ring 500, as will be described in more detail below) Can be prevented. The third anti-rotation structure 1322 may extend along the entire longitudinal length of the hosel adapter 1300.

FIGS. 41A and 41B further illustrate that the first end 1304 of the hosel adapter 1300 includes an extension 1318. FIG. The extension portion 1318 provides a stop to prevent the hosel adapter 1300 from extending into the club head body and also has a strong base for securing the hosel adapter 1300 to the club head body 1102 . In addition, the contour of the first end 1304 can be tapered to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 1106 and the club head 1102 and conventional aesthetic appearance.

Exemplary releasable connection 1104 may also include a hosel ring 500. An exemplary hosel ring 500 is shown in Figs. 5 and 9 and is also shown in Figs. 39A and 39B. As shown, the hosel ring 500 is generally cylindrical in shape. The hosel ring 500 is configured to be coupled to the third anti-rotation structure 1322 on the hosel adapter 1300 along the inner sides of the borehole 508, Rotation restraining structure (512). At least a portion of the interior of the hosel ring 500 includes a fourth anti-rotation structure 512. In this exemplary structure, the fourth anti-rotation structure 512 constitutes a spline 512a extending along the inner longitudinal axis, although various anti-rotation structures may be provided without departing from the invention. The splines 512a of the hosel ring 500 may prevent rotation of the hosel adapter 1300 relative to the club head 1102 into which the hosel adapter is inserted. The splines 512a of the hosel ring 500 and the outer splines 1322a of the hosel adapter 1300 may be configured to interact with each other so that the hosel adapter 500 The number of revolutions is limited. These interactions will be further explained below.

The hosel ring 500 may also be rendered non-rotatable relative to the golf club head 1102. In an exemplary embodiment, the hosel ring 500 is secured to the club head chamber (not shown) by any means known and used in the art, such as adhesive, glue, epoxy, bonding agent, welding, brazing, 1404, respectively.

Figures 42A-44 illustrate a releasable connection 1104 showing all the components that fit together. Additionally, as shown in Figs. 39A, 39B, 42A, 43 and 44, the releasable connection 1104 may also include a shaft ring 1107. Fig. The shaft ring 1107 may provide additional smooth transition from the shaft 1106 to the shaft adapter 1200.

Figure 45 also shows another method of rotating position indicator. The rotational position indicator 120 may be positioned on the grip 108 of the shaft 106. [ The grip rotational position indicator 120 may display an open face angle "O", a neutral face angle "N", and a closed face angle "C", as shown in FIG. Other number increments, such as more than three face angles, multiple loft angles, and / or combinations of both, may be used without departing from the invention.

Also, releasable connection assemblies can be used in any desired manner without departing from the present invention. A club having such a coupling assembly can be designed so that the golfer can use it during a competition (and optionally, if desired, the golfer can freely change the shaft and head and / have). As another example, if desired, a club comprising a releasable connection according to the present invention may be used as a club fitting tool, and when the desired combination of head, shaft, and position adjustment is determined for a particular golfer, Using the determined information, the final desired golf club product can be manufactured using conventional (and permanent) mounting techniques (e.g., adhesives or adhesives). Other modifications to the club / shaft coupling assembly components and processes are possible without departing from the invention.

conclusion

While the foregoing description of the invention has been set forth in detail in connection with the specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and methods described above . Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the invention should be construed broadly as described in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

delete delete delete delete delete delete As a golf club,
CLAIMS 1. A golf club head having a hosel region for access to a club head chamber formed in the golf club head, the club head chamber extending completely through the golf club head and having a first opening A golf club head,
A shaft adapter of a cylindrical shape having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end including a second opening allowing access to the cylindrical inner chamber, the outer surface of the cylindrical structure having a first end, Wherein the second end comprises a securing structure;
A hosel adapter in the form of a cylinder, the inner bore of the first end of the hosel adapter comprising a second anti-rotation structure engaging the first anti-rotation structure, the second end of the hosel adapter And a third opening, the outer surface of the hosel adapter comprising a third anti-rotation structure;
A cylindrical hosel ring positioned within the club head chamber, the inner bore of the hosel ring including a fourth rotation restraining structure associated with the third rotation restraining structure;
A shaft coupled to the cylindrical inner chamber of the shaft adapter,
And a securing system for releasably engaging the securing structure,
Wherein adjustment of either the face angle or the loft angle of the golf club head is based on a first indicator on the hosel adapter and the other of the face angle and the loft angle is adjusted by aligning a second indicator on the shaft adapter with respect to the first indicator Wherein the adjustment of the face angle is effectively independent of the adjustment of the loft angle and the adjustment of the loft angle is effectively independent of the adjustment of the face angle. 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first anti-rotation structure comprises a first spline configuration, the second anti-rotation structure comprises a second spline configuration, and the third anti-rotation structure comprises a third spline configuration And the fourth anti-rotation structure includes a fourth spline configuration. 9. The golf club of claim 8, wherein the combination of the first spline configuration and the second spline configuration limits the adjustment function of the loft angle to five different loft angles. 10. The golf club of claim 9, wherein the five loft angles are 8.5 degrees, 9.5 degrees, 10.5 degrees, 11.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees. 9. The golf club of claim 8, wherein the combination of the third spline configuration and the fourth spline configuration limits the adjustment of the face angle to three different face angle configurations. 12. The golf club of claim 11, wherein the three face angular configurations are open, neutral and closed. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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