EP2891508A1 - Golfschlägerschaft - Google Patents

Golfschlägerschaft Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2891508A1
EP2891508A1 EP13833534.4A EP13833534A EP2891508A1 EP 2891508 A1 EP2891508 A1 EP 2891508A1 EP 13833534 A EP13833534 A EP 13833534A EP 2891508 A1 EP2891508 A1 EP 2891508A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shaft
diameter
layer
weight
golf club
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP13833534.4A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2891508B1 (de
EP2891508A4 (de
Inventor
Satoshi Shimono
Takashi Kaneko
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd filed Critical Mitsubishi Rayon Co Ltd
Publication of EP2891508A1 publication Critical patent/EP2891508A1/de
Publication of EP2891508A4 publication Critical patent/EP2891508A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2891508B1 publication Critical patent/EP2891508B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/10—Non-metallic shafts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/42—Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/0081—Substantially flexible shafts; Hinged shafts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a shaft used for a golf club.
  • Patent publication 1 describes a shaft designed to increase the clubhead weight to the extent allowable by making the portion closer to the grip heavier so that even with the heavy head, a "heavy" feel during a swing motion is prevented. More specifically, patent publication 1 discloses a shaft where the balance point of the shaft, namely, the percentage of the distance from the tip end to the gravity center, is 56.5% or greater of the entire length of the shaft.
  • Patent publication 2 describes a specific method for manufacturing a so-called high-balance point shaft, where the portion closer to the grip is made heavier.
  • the tip side of a high-balance point shaft is thinner.
  • the publication discloses a technology so that strength is increased while the tip-side thickness is decreased to the extent allowable.
  • the shaft is designed to have the gravity center positioned at a balance point of 53.0% or higher.
  • ball speed (carry distance) is expected to increase by a heavier head on a high-balance-point shaft as described in aforementioned publications.
  • ball speed does not always increase as theoretically predicted.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide a high-balance-point shaft capable of increasing ball speed.
  • the inventors of the present invention have carried out intensive studies and found that the above problems are solved by designing a shaft to have both a high balance point and a high kickpoint. Namely, the embodiments of the present invention are described in the following [1] ⁇ [11].
  • a golf club shaft according to one aspect of the present invention and a golf club made of such a golf club shaft are capable of lowering the rate of reduction in head speed relative to a gain in head weight.
  • the widest end of a shaft is referred to as the butt end, and the narrowest end as the tip end.
  • the butt-end side or the butt side may be referred to as the grip side, and the tip-end side or the tip side as the tip side.
  • a golf shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention is manufactured by a sheet wrapping method.
  • a fiber-reinforced resin layer made by impregnating resin into a reinforcing fiber sheet having a unidirectional fiber orientation, is wrapped around a mandrel (core member) multiple times (usually 2 ⁇ 4 times, depending on the size of the resin layer), which is then thermoset to be shaped.
  • examples of the fiber used in a fiber-reinforced resin layer are glass fiber, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, silicon carbide fiber, alumina fiber, steel fiber and the like.
  • a polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber is the most preferred, since it forms a fiber-reinforced plastic layer that exhibits excellent mechanical characteristics.
  • Such reinforcing fibers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.
  • a matrix resin of a fiber-reinforced resin layer is not limited to any specific kind, but epoxy resin is generally used.
  • epoxy resin examples include bisphenol-A epoxy resin, bisphenol-F epoxy resin, bisphenol-S epoxy resin, phenol novolac epoxy resin, cresol novolac epoxy resin, glycidylamine epoxy resin, isocyanate-modified epoxy resin, alicyclic epoxy resin and the like.
  • epoxy resins may be liquid or solid, and in addition, may be used alone or in combination thereof. Also, a curing agent is often mixed into epoxy resin.
  • the fiber weight, resin content and the like in a fiber-reinforced resin layer are not limited specifically, and are determined properly from the thickness, wrap-around diameter and the like required for each layer.
  • a golf club shaft according to the present embodiment requires a balance point of 53% or higher and a kickpoint of 44% or higher. By so setting, when a ball is hit by a golf club made of such a shaft, the ball speed effectively increases. The details are described later. The effect on the increase in ball speed cannot be sufficiently achieved when the balance point and kickpoint are low.
  • a balance point allows the position of the gravity center to be determined quantitatively.
  • a shaft with a balance point lower than 50% is referred to as a low-balance shaft, a shaft with a balance point of 50% or higher but lower than 53% as a mid-balance shaft, and a shaft with a balance point of 53% or higher as a high-balance shaft.
  • the tip end 61 side of shaft 60 is made thinner and the butt end 62 side of shaft 60 is made thicker, the value of the balance point increases; that is, a high-balance shaft is achieved.
  • a kickpoint is defined as follows. Shaft 60 is curved by being compressed from both of its ends. At that time, compression load (P) exerted on both ends differs depending on the bending rigidity of the shaft; compression load (P) is exerted so that the linear distance between both ends is 98.5 ⁇ 99.5% of the shaft length prior to exerting compression load on shaft 60. More specifically, both ends of shaft 60 are fixed by rotatable fixing jigs 81 , and the distance between both ends of the shaft is reduced to the above range by moving a fixing jig on one side so as to set fixing jigs 81 closer to each other.
  • Length (L D ) which is the contraction amount of the length of shaft 60 when compression load (P) is exerted, is approximately 10 mm in an example shown in FIG. 8 .
  • values are obtained by using a shaft kickpoint gauge "FG-105RM,” made by Fourteen Corporation.
  • FG-105RM shaft kickpoint gauge
  • a shaft with a kickpoint of lower than 43.5% is classified as a low kickpoint shaft, a shaft with a kickpoint of 43.5% or higher but lower than 44.0% as a mid kickpoint shaft, and a shaft with a kickpoint of 44% or higher as a high kickpoint shaft.
  • the tip end 61 side of shaft 60 is made harder and the butt end 62 side of shaft 60 is made softer, the value of the kickpoint increases. Namely, a high kickpoint shaft is achieved.
  • (L K ) and (L B ) are defined precisely as follows.
  • L K when a shaft is curved by a compression load exerted on both ends of the shaft so that the linear distance between both ends is 98.5 ⁇ 99.5% of the shaft length, the distance from the tip end of the shaft to the point where the straight line connecting both ends of the shaft intersects with a perpendicular line drawn from the apex of the curve
  • L B when a shaft is curved by a compression load exerted on both ends of the shaft so that the linear distance between both ends of the shaft is 98.5 ⁇ 99.5% of the shaft length, the linear distance between both ends of the shaft
  • a balance point of 54% or higher and a kickpoint of 44.5% or higher are preferred; more preferably a balance point of 55% or higher and a kickpoint of 45% or higher, even more preferably a balance point of 56% or higher and a kickpoint of 45.5% or higher, and especially preferably a balance point of 57% or higher and a kickpoint of 46% or higher.
  • the balance point is preferred to be 63% or lower, more preferably 61% or lower.
  • the kickpoint is preferred to be 48% or lower, more preferably 47.5% or lower.
  • a golf club shaft 60 of the present embodiment is preferred to include a weight layer (W) whose weight is 10 ⁇ 30% of the shaft weight.
  • the material for forming a weight layer (W) may be selected from the above listed fiber-reinforced resins, but a weight layer needs to be designed in consideration of physical properties related to the design of the shaft 60 . If the weight layer (W) is too light, the weight on the grip side cannot be increased sufficiently, and a high balance point is not achieved. If the weight layer (W) is too heavy, the golf shaft will be too heavy, failing to satisfy the intended functions of the shaft 60 .
  • the weight layer (W) is preferred to weigh 13% or greater but no greater than 27% of the entire shaft weight, more preferably 15% or greater but no greater than 25% of the entire shaft weight.
  • the average thickness of a weight layer (W) is preferred to be 0.5 mm or less.
  • the average thickness is defined precisely as follows: the entire longitudinal length of a weight layer (W) is divided by 5 and its circumference is divided by 4, the thickness at the middle point of each divided portion is measured, and their average value is calculated. If a weight layer (W) is too thick, it is hard to achieve a high kickpoint. That is because the outer diameter increases only where a weight layer (W) is disposed, and only the portion with a weight layer (W) disposed underneath will be emphasized because of the enlarged outer diameter due to the weight layer (W). As described earlier, a high kickpoint is likely to be achieved if the butt end 62 side is softer.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be thinner. It is preferred to be 0.4 mm or less, more preferably 0.3 mm or less, even more preferably 0.2 mm or less, especially preferably 0.1 mm or less.
  • the lower limit of the average thickness of a weight layer (W) is preferred to be the smallest value allowable for a shaft design, but the targeted value is 0.02 mm.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be set at 0.02 ⁇ 0.5 mm, more preferably 0.02 ⁇ 0.3 mm, even more preferably 0.02 ⁇ 0.2 mm, and especially preferably 0.02 ⁇ 0.10 mm.
  • a weight layer (W) when shaft 60 is formed by wrapping multiple layers of fiber-reinforced resin into a tube shape, it is preferred to be disposed on the outer layer of the tube shape.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be disposed on the sixth layer from the outermost layer or closer. If a weight layer (W) is positioned closer to the center, it is hard to achieve a high kickpoint as described above. If a weight layer (W) is positioned on a layer even closer to the outermost layer, the weight layer (W) could be shaved off during a polishing process.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be positioned on the fourth layer from the outermost layer or closer, more preferably on the second layer or closer, counted from the outermost layer. If it is located on the first layer from the outermost layer or closer, the weight layer (W) is shaved off during a polishing process, causing the weight or shape of the weight layer (W) to be changed. Accordingly, the balance of the weight in the shaft is changed and the club may not perform well.
  • both ends of a golf club shaft are cut off after a wrapping process is done so as to minimize production errors during the wrapping process.
  • the shaft length (L S ) is defined as a full length of the shaft after such cutting process.
  • the shaft weight, the weight of a weight layer (W), a kickpoint, a balance point and the like are defined as their respective values obtained in a shaft as a product, namely, the values obtained in a shaft that is cut as above to avoid production errors.
  • the shaft is further cut.
  • a shaft after it is assembled into a golf club namely, a shaft that is further cut from the shaft having a full length (L S )
  • a shaft is also within a scope of the present invention as long as it is within the scope of patent claims.
  • the fiber orientation angle including that in a later-described straight layer is set at approximately zero degrees to the shaft axis direction unless otherwise specified.
  • the fiber orientation angles indicate those with respect to the shaft axis.
  • the number of layers is one unless otherwise specified.
  • a weight layer (W) is wrapped on a partial portion of the butt side, it is shaped to be trapezoidal, and the tip side end is cut off to be triangular so as to prevent the concentration of stress on its end portion ( FIG. 1 ).
  • the length of the trapezoidal layer does not include the cut-off portion.
  • a triangular reinforcement layer 50 FIG. 1
  • its length is measured from one end to the other.
  • the length of a weight layer (W) is also measured from one end to the other.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be positioned at least 800 mm away from tip end 61 of shaft 60. If a weight layer (W) is located too close to the tip end 61 side, gravity center 70 of shaft 60 is shifted to the tip end 61 side. As a result, a high balance point will not be achieved.
  • a weight layer (W) is preferred to be located at least 850 mm from tip end 61 , more preferably at least 900 mm from tip end 61.
  • a weight layer (W) is located at least 850 mm from tip end 61 of the shaft
  • a weight layer (W) is disposed in such a way that of both ends of the weight layer (W), one end on the tip end 61 side is located at least 800 mm from tip end 61.
  • the dimensions of a weight layer (W), namely, the dimensions in the longitudinal direction and radial direction of shaft 60 when the weight layer (W) is assembled into the shaft are preferred to be 200 ⁇ 400 mm in the longitudinal direction and 0.02 ⁇ 0.5 mm in the radial direction, although they may vary depending on the weight of a weight layer (W) and the targeted balance in shaft 60 .
  • the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) in the longitudinal direction of the shaft is preferred to be 70 GPa or lower in the present embodiment. If the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) is too high, the butt end side hardens even if its aforementioned weight and position are satisfied. As a result, a high kickpoint will not be achieved.
  • the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) is preferred to be 50 GPa or lower, more preferably 20 GPa or lower. On the other hand, if the flexural modulus is too low, adhesiveness to prepreg decreases and the weight layer may be peeled off.
  • the flexural modulus of a resin used for adhesion purposes is usually 3 GPa or higher
  • the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) of the present embodiment is at least 3 GPa.
  • the flexural modulus in one direction is set at 70 GPa or lower for a material to form a weight layer (W).
  • the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) in the longitudinal direction indicates a value measured according to JIS K7017; more specifically, a value obtained when a three-point bending test is conducted on a test piece of a predetermined size by setting the distance at 80 mm between supporting pins, and the size of a test piece is 100 mm long, 15 mm wide and 2 mm thick.
  • Examples of material having a flexural modulus of 70 GPa in a longitudinal direction are as follows: prepreg formed with low elastic pitch-based fibers laminated to have a fiber orientation of approximately zero degrees to the longitudinal direction of shaft 60 ; prepreg made of glass fiber or prepreg with dispersed metal powder such as tungsten; prepreg formed with carbon fibers having a higher strength and a mid-range elasticity which are laminated to have a fiber orientation of approximately ⁇ 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 ; prepreg formed with carbon fibers having a higher elasticity which are laminated to have a fiber orientation of approximately 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 ; and the like. However, those are not the only options. Specific product names and properties are shown in Table 2.
  • a shaft of the present embodiment is formed to have a weight of 60 grams, frequency of 250 cpm and a full shaft length (L S ) of 1168 mm. Depending on the functions intended for the club, the weight, frequency and length of a shaft may be determined properly by the engineer who designs the club. A frequency measuring device made by Fujikura Ltd. is used to measure the frequency. The grip portion is located at 180 mm from the butt end, and the tip weight is set at 196 grams.
  • FIG. 1 An example of a golf club shaft according to the present embodiment is described below with reference to FIG. 1 .
  • fiber reinforced resin layers such as an angle layer 20, a weight layer (W), a first straight layer 30, a second straight layer 40, and a tip reinforcement layer 50 are wrapped in that order.
  • any conventional material for a golf club may be used.
  • the mandrel 10 is pulled out. Then, sections 10 mm from the tip end 61 and 12 mm from the butt end 62 are respectively cut off and the remaining portion is polished. Accordingly, a tube-shaped shaft 60 is obtained.
  • a shaft 60 for a wood is structured to have a full shaft length (L S ) of 1092-1220 mm, a narrow-end outer diameter of 7.50 ⁇ 9.00 mm, and a wide-end outer diameter of 15.0 ⁇ 15.8 mm.
  • An example shown in FIG. 1 is a shaft 60 with a full shaft length (L S ) of 1168 mm, and a narrow-end outer diameter of 8.50 mm.
  • the fiber orientation of the angle layer 20 is set diagonal to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • a diagonal direction means that a fiber orientation is in any direction but excludes an orientation perpendicular or parallel to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • the angle layer 20 is made of fiber reinforced resin where a first fiber material 20A and a second fiber material 20B are adjacent to each other.
  • the fiber orientation of the first fiber material is set at angle (D1), inclining counterclockwise at greater than zero but less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • the fiber orientation of the second fiber material 20B is set at angle (D2), inclining clockwise at greater than zero but less than 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • the materials for an angle layer 20 are carbon fiber or the like, and may be selected properly from the above-listed materials for fiber reinforced resin layers that have a fiber orientation angle of 30 ⁇ 60 degrees. However, since angles (D1, D2) are preferred to be close to 45 degrees, those having a fiber orientation of 40 ⁇ 50 degrees are especially preferable.
  • the most preferable material is one having an orientation angle of 45 degrees. In the example of FIG. 1 , angle (D1) is approximately 45 degrees, and angle (D2) and angle (D1) are the same at approximately 45 degrees (in other words, fiber orientations are set at +45 degrees and -45 degrees respectively to the longitudinal direction of a shaft).
  • the dimensions of an angle layer 20 may vary depending on the weight of the angle layer 20 and on the targeted balances of a shaft 60 , and thus are selected according to the balances to be set in the shaft 60 .
  • a straight layer means a layer with a fiber orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • fibers with a fiber orientation parallel to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 indicate that the fiber orientation is set at -5 to +5 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 . It is especially preferable if the fiber orientation is set at zero degrees in a measurable range to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • the material for a straight layer may be carbon fiber or the like, and selected properly from the above-listed materials for fiber reinforced resin layers. It is an option to form multiple straight layers. It is especially preferable if there are two or three straight layers. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , there are a first straight layer 30 and a second straight layer 40 . Dimensions of first and second straight layers 30 and 40 are determined properly in consideration of the balances set for a shaft 60 .
  • a tip reinforcement layer 50 is set to adjust the outer diameter and shape on the tip end side of a shaft 60.
  • the material for a tip reinforcement layer 50 may be carbon fiber or the like and may be selected properly from the above-listed materials for fiber reinforced resin layers. The shape and dimensions of a tip reinforcement layer 50 are described later.
  • the outer diameter of a tip end 61 is preferred to be 8.5 mm ⁇ 9.3 mm. If the tip diameter is too small, it may cause insufficient strength, and if the tip diameter is too wide, it is difficult to achieve a high balance point.
  • the outer diameter is more preferable if it is 8.5 mm ⁇ 9.1 mm.
  • the outer diameter of a butt end is preferred to be 14.0 mm ⁇ 16.5 mm. The grip may feel strange if the outer diameter of the butt end is too narrow or too wide. It is more preferable if the outer diameter is 14.5 mm ⁇ 16.0 mm, even more preferable if it is 15.0 mm ⁇ 15.5 mm.
  • the butt end side of a shaft 60 is cut off.
  • 48 mm of the butt end side of a shaft 60 with a full shaft length (L S ) of 1168 mm is cut so that the full length of the assembled shaft is 1120 mm, which is the regular club size of 46 inches.
  • "R9” made by TaylorMade Golf Company, Inc. (Loft 9.5°) is used as a head. But that is not the only option.
  • the shaft length of a golf club shaft differs depending on purposes such as shafts for drivers, fairway woods, utilities, irons or the like.
  • the full shaft length (L S ) for such a club is usually set at 1092 mm ⁇ 1220 mm as described above.
  • the weight of the shaft changes, making it difficult to define.
  • a shaft weight is defined as shown in the following formula by converting its full shaft length (L S ) to 1168 mm.
  • L S full shaft length
  • the shaft is further cut as described above.
  • the length to be cut differs depending on the type of a head, since the length inserted into the head is different. Since the exact weight at that time is also difficult to define, the same conversion as in the above formula is employed.
  • a shaft 60 in the present embodiment is preferred to have a shaft weight in the range of 30 ⁇ M ⁇ (L S / 1168) ⁇ 80. If the shaft weight is too light, the feel may be strange during a swing motion and performance of the shaft decreases. Also, the risk of breakage may increase. If the shaft weight is too great, an intended increase in carry distance will not be achieved. A weight in the range of 35 ⁇ M ⁇ (L S / 1168) ⁇ 75 is more preferable, and a weight in the range of 38 ⁇ M ⁇ (L S / 1168) ⁇ 70 is even more preferable.
  • the golf shaft of the present embodiment is formed to have a balance point of 53% or higher and a kickpoint of 44% or higher.
  • the inventors of the present invention have found the following two issues from multiple test results.
  • a large reinforcement member needs to be disposed on the tip side.
  • the weight of the reinforcement member causes the balance to be shifted to the tip side. Accordingly, the method shown in FIG. 2 is preferred for forming a shaft.
  • FIG. 2 is a half-sectional view of a shaft 60 and a mandrel 10 .
  • a shaft 60 is obtained when predetermined materials are wrapped around a mandrel 10 and then the mandrel 10 is pulled out toward the butt end (butt end 62 side).
  • the shaft 60 has a shaft inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the mandrel.
  • the description would be complex.
  • the shape of the shaft will be described using the inner diameter of the shaft.
  • the inner surface of tube-shaped shaft 60 is set so that the inner diameter of the tube-shaped shaft tapers, increasing from the tip end 61 of the shaft toward the butt end 62.
  • an inner-diameter taper bending point (Pm) is formed so that the tapering degree of the inner diameter reduces on the butt end 62 side.
  • the inner-diameter taper bending point (Pm) is set to be positioned 550 mm ⁇ 750 mm from the tip end 61 .
  • the shaft is formed so that the inner diameter increases from the tip end 61 toward the butt end 62 .
  • the inner diameter increases from the tip so as to flare out toward the butt, and at the point (Pm) the diameter further enlarges toward the periphery with respect to a virtual line (Th) that connects the tip and the butt end (namely, a shaft is formed to satisfy Tm>Tb).
  • Tm/Tb 1.5 ⁇ Tm/Tb ⁇ 5.5 is preferred.
  • Tm/Tb the effect of moving a kickpoint toward the grip side is reduced, making it harder to achieve a high kickpoint.
  • Tm/Tb is too great, the kickpoint is shifted toward the tip side, making it harder to achieve a high kickpoint.
  • the range is more preferred to be 2.5 ⁇ Tm/Tb ⁇ 3.5.
  • FIG. 3 shows an example with such a third method employed therein.
  • the portion 40 ⁇ 140 mm from the tip side is said to sustain the greatest deformation when striking a ball and thus is the portion most likely to break.
  • Tt the position of a point (Pt), namely, any portion located 40 ⁇ 140 mm from the tip side, is locally made thicker, and breakage is thus prevented.
  • the thickness of the portion on the tip side of a point (Pt) is maintained. Thus, both a high balance point and a high kickpoint are more likely to be achieved.
  • the position of a point (Pt) is more preferred to be 70 ⁇ 110 mm from the tip side.
  • the value (Tt) is more preferred to be 1/1000 ⁇ Tt ⁇ 4/1000, even more preferred to be 2/1000 ⁇ Tt ⁇ 3/1000.
  • the above structure is preferred to be employed from the viewpoint of preventing breakage during actual use.
  • a shaft 60A of the present embodiment may have multiple inner-diameter taper bending points.
  • inner-diameter taper bending points are arranged from the tip side in the order of P1, P2, ⁇ Pn (n is a whole number).
  • Pm point closer to the 550 mm side
  • Pt point closer to the 40 mm side
  • (Tb) is set as the inner-diameter tapering gradient made when a point (Pm) and the butt end are connected;
  • (Tm) is set as the inner-diameter tapering gradient made when the tip end and a point (Pm) are connected;
  • (Tt) is set as the inner-diameter tapering gradient made when the tip end and a point (Pt) are connected;
  • (Tm') is set as the inner-diameter tapering gradient made when (Tt) and (Pm) are connected.
  • a shaft 60A of the present embodiment has a tip reinforcement layer 50 ( FIG. 1 ) which is also used for adjusting the outer diameter.
  • One end of the tip reinforcement layer 50 is preferred to be positioned at the tip end, and the other is preferred to be positioned 50 ⁇ 400 mm away from the tip end 61 toward the butt end 62 .
  • reinforcement of the tip is insufficient, and the risk of breakage increases when striking a ball.
  • the weight concentrates on the tip end 61 side, making it harder to achieve a high balance point.
  • a shaft 60A may have a hoop layer 90 laminated with a fiber orientation angle set to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 .
  • set to be perpendicular means a fiber orientation of approximately 90 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 . It may be approximately 85 ⁇ 95 degrees, but it is preferred to be 90 degrees in a measurable range.
  • the arrangement of a hoop layer 90 may be patterns A-C shown in FIG. 5 , for example. Patterns A ⁇ C are defined as follows. A: at least one hoop layer 90 is arranged on the entire length of a shaft 60 .
  • a hoop layer 90 is arranged in such a way that one end of a hoop layer 90 is positioned at least 300 mm away from the tip end 61 and on the tip end 61 side of the center of the shaft 60 , while the other end is positioned at the butt end 62 .
  • C a hoop layer 90 is arranged in such a way that one end of a hoop layer 90 is positioned at least 300 mm away from the tip end 61 and on the tip end 61 side of the center of the shaft 60 , while the other end is positioned at least 700 mm away from the tip end 61.
  • the size and position of the hoop layer 90 are preferred to be A, B or C, since the risk of breakage is reduced when actually striking a ball.
  • the effects of reducing breakage by the hoop layer 90 are high on the butt end side of the 300-mm point, but low on the tip end side of the 300-mm point. Accordingly, from the viewpoint of achieving both breakage reduction and a high balance, a structure where one end of a hoop layer 90 is positioned at least 300 mm away from the tip end 61 and on the tip end 61 side of the center of the shaft 60 , while the other end is positioned at the butt end 62 , namely, the structure of B, is most preferred. Such a structure is especially effective to be employed on a shaft 60 with a weight of 60 grams or lower. Such a structure may also be employed in a shaft 60A as well.
  • Flexural moduli in Table 2 are measured according to JIS K7107 as described above.
  • the orientation angle is required to be changed when a test piece is formed so that the relationship of the fiber orientation angle in the fiber-reinforced resin to the longitudinal direction of a shaft 60 corresponds to that described above.
  • measuring methods and the size of test pieces are the same.
  • the orientation angle is closer to zero degrees, the flexural modulus is higher, whereas when the orientation angle is closer to 90 degrees, the flexural modulus is lower.
  • Example 1 of the present invention is described with reference to FIG. 1 .
  • the following layers were wrapped in that order: an angle layer 20 (prepreg K: two sheets of prepreg K were laminated with fiber orientation angles of ⁇ 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft), a weight layer (W) (prepreg W1: laminated with a fiber orientation angle of zero degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft), a first straight layer 30 (prepreg D), a second straight layer 40 (prepreg D), and a tip reinforcement layer 50 (preg H: wrapped from the tip end to a point 250 mm upward).
  • an angle layer 20 prepreg K: two sheets of prepreg K were laminated with fiber orientation angles of ⁇ 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft
  • W weight layer
  • prepreg W1 laminated with a fiber orientation angle of zero degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft
  • a first straight layer 30 prepreg D
  • a second straight layer 40 prepreg D
  • a tip reinforcement layer 50 prepreg H
  • a shaft was obtained to have a full length (L S ) of 1168 mm, a narrow-end outer diameter of 8.50 mm, and a wide-end outer diameter of 15.1 ⁇ 15.3 mm.
  • the weight of the shaft was 60 grams and the frequency was 250 cpm.
  • a weight layer (W) prepreg W1: laminated with a fiber orientation angle of zero degrees to the longitudinal direction of a shaft
  • the flexural modulus of the weight layer (W) in the longitudinal direction of a shaft is "0° laminate: flexural modulus” in Table 2.
  • a suitable orientation angle is selected from Table 2, and the value in the column is set as "the flexural modulus of a weight layer (W) in the longitudinal direction of a shaft.”
  • a weight layer (W) was disposed to be positioned 800 mm from the tip end of the shaft to the butt end. Also, the number of wrappings in the weight layer (W) was adjusted so that its weight is 10% of the total weight of the shaft.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except that the number of wrappings in the angle layer was changed and the following modification was made to adjust the total weight of the shaft.
  • the number of wrappings in the angle layer was adjusted not only in the present example but in each example. However, that description is omitted.
  • the weight percentage of the weight layer (W) was set at 13.5%.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • the weight percentage of the weight layer (W) was set at 17.0%.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 3 except for the following change.
  • weight layer As a weight layer (W), two sheets of prepreg (W5) were laminated to have fiber orientation angles of ⁇ 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the shaft.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 3 except for the following change.
  • the weight layer (W) was switched to prepreg (W3).
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • the weight layer (W) is disposed to be positioned 900 mm from the tip end of the shaft to the butt end.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • weight layer As a weight layer (W), two sheets of prepreg (W8) were laminated to have fiber orientation angles of ⁇ 45 degrees to the longitudinal direction of the shaft.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • Prepreg (W5) was laminated as the weight layer (W).
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • the weight percentage of the weight layer (W) was set at 6.5%.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • the weight percentage of the weight layer (W) was set at 3.0%.
  • the shaft was produced the same as in Example 1 except for the following change.
  • the weight layer (W) is disposed to be positioned 700 mm from the tip end of the shaft to the butt end.
  • the club length was set at 46 inches, and the club balance was set at D0.
  • "R9 Loft: 9.5°” made by TaylorMade was used as a head.
  • club balance When a golf club is assembled, club balance is measured. By measuring club balance, the moment of inertia in the direction of swing can be estimated by approximation. Since the moment of inertia in the direction of swinging the club is "weight" that is felt during a swing motion, the weight felt during a swing motion is the same if the club balance is the same. In the present test, the head weight was adjusted to have a club balance of D1. Club balance was measured using the "Golf Club Scale," a swing weight scale made by the Kenneth Smith Golf Company.
  • Head weight is increased when it is a high balance shaft; however, in mid-kickpoint and low-kickpoint shafts as seen in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, head speed is significantly reduced and ball speed cannot be increased. In the same manner, in the case of mid-balance point shafts as seen in Comparative Examples 3 and 4, even when they are set to have a high kickpoint, head weight is not increased sufficiently. Thus, the ball speed cannot be increased.
  • the inner-diameter taper bending point (Pm) was set at 650 mm from the tip side.
  • the rest of the structure was the same as in Example 1.
  • the structure is shown in Table 5, but the same components as those in Example 1 were omitted.
  • the shaft in Example 8 was prepared the same as in Example 7 except that the position of the inner-diameter taper bending point (Pm) was set at 550 mm from the tip side.
  • Example 9 The shaft in Example 9 was prepared the same as in Example 7 except that the position of the inner-diameter taper bending point (Pm) was set at 750 mm from the tip side.
  • Example 10 The shaft in Example 10 was prepared the same as in Example 7 except that Tm/Tb was set at 1.5.
  • Example 11 The shaft in Example 11 was prepared the same as in Example 7 except that Tm/Tb was set at 5.5.
  • Example 13 The shaft in Example 13 was prepared the same as in Example 12 except that the position of (Pt) was set at 40 mm.
  • Example 14 The shaft in Example 14 was prepared the same as in Example 12 except that the position of (Pt) was set at 140 mm.
  • Example 17 The shaft in Example 17 was prepared the same as in Example 12 except that a hoop layer (prepreg P) was added along the entire length. By so setting, the breakage risk factor is reduced.
  • Example 18 The shaft in Example 18 was prepared the same as in Example 12 except that a tip reinforcement layer was formed from the tip end to a point 400 mm upward. By so setting, the breakage risk factor is reduced.
  • Example 19 The shaft in Example 19 was prepared the same as in Example 1 except that prepreg (W1) was used for the weight layer (W) and its average thickness was set at 0.45 mm. The balance point was 53.2% and the kickpoint was 44.2%.
  • Example 20 The shaft in Example 20 was prepared the same as in Example 1 except that prepreg (W2) was used for the weight layer (W) and its average thickness was set at 0.25 mm. The balance point was 53.2% and the kickpoint was 44.6%.
  • Example 21 The shaft in Example 21 was prepared the same as in Example 1 except that prepreg (W3) was used for the weight layer (W) and its average thickness was set at 0.15 mm. The balance point was 53.2% and the kickpoint was 45.0%.
  • the shaft in Comparative Example 6 was prepared the same as in Example 1 except that prepreg (W5) was used for the weight layer (W) and its average thickness was set at 0.55 mm. The balance point was 53.2% and the kickpoint was 43.8%.
  • Table 5 a list of production conditions for Examples 7-16 is shown. By so setting, both high balance point and high kickpoint are more likely to be achieved. In addition, in Examples 19 ⁇ 21, both high balance point and high kickpoint are more likely to be achieved, although they are not shown in the table.
  • the golf shaft related to the present invention is capable of lowering the rate of reduction in head speed when head weight is gained. As a result, the effect on the increase in ball speed derived from a gain in head weight is maximized, and carry distance of the ball increases.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)
EP13833534.4A 2012-08-31 2013-08-29 Golfschlägerschaft Active EP2891508B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2012191090 2012-08-31
PCT/JP2013/073212 WO2014034803A1 (ja) 2012-08-31 2013-08-29 ゴルフクラブ用シャフト

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2891508A1 true EP2891508A1 (de) 2015-07-08
EP2891508A4 EP2891508A4 (de) 2015-08-05
EP2891508B1 EP2891508B1 (de) 2018-04-25

Family

ID=50183608

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP13833534.4A Active EP2891508B1 (de) 2012-08-31 2013-08-29 Golfschlägerschaft

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (2) US20150297963A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2891508B1 (de)
JP (1) JP5633654B2 (de)
KR (1) KR101557615B1 (de)
CN (1) CN104582800B (de)
WO (1) WO2014034803A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105873647A (zh) * 2014-01-08 2016-08-17 三菱丽阳株式会社 高尔夫球杆杆身和高尔夫球杆
JP6375704B2 (ja) * 2014-06-09 2018-08-22 ブリヂストンスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフクラブ及びシャフト
US10384104B2 (en) * 2014-10-08 2019-08-20 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Golf club shaft
JP6786801B2 (ja) * 2016-01-12 2020-11-18 三菱ケミカル株式会社 ゴルフクラブ用シャフトの製造方法
JP6729075B2 (ja) * 2016-06-30 2020-07-22 住友ゴム工業株式会社 ゴルフクラブ
JP6822023B2 (ja) * 2016-09-09 2021-01-27 住友ゴム工業株式会社 ゴルフクラブシャフト
US10272304B2 (en) 2016-10-28 2019-04-30 Karsten Manufacturing Corporation Diameter profiled golf club shaft to reduce drag
CN113195063B (zh) * 2018-12-17 2022-07-19 藤仓复合材料科技株式会社 高尔夫球杆杆身以及高尔夫球杆

Family Cites Families (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH0261537A (ja) * 1988-08-29 1990-03-01 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The ゴルフシャフトの試験装置
US5018735A (en) * 1989-11-09 1991-05-28 Sandvik Special Metals Corporation Low kick point golf club shaft
JP2576013B2 (ja) * 1993-03-31 1997-01-29 ソマール株式会社 ゴルフクラブ及びゴルフクラブセット
JPH0898906A (ja) * 1994-09-29 1996-04-16 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The 繊維強化樹脂製ゴルフクラブ用シャフト及びその製造方法
JPH08126724A (ja) * 1994-10-28 1996-05-21 Fujikura Rubber Ltd ゴルフクラブシャフトおよびその製造方法
US5551691A (en) * 1995-06-07 1996-09-03 Somar Corporation Golf club shaft
JPH09206413A (ja) * 1996-01-31 1997-08-12 Daiwa Seiko Inc ゴルフクラブシャフト
JPH09239082A (ja) 1996-03-04 1997-09-16 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The 繊維強化樹脂製ゴルフクラブ用シャフト及びその製造方法
US6273830B1 (en) * 1996-04-19 2001-08-14 Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corporation Tapered hollow shaft
US5820480A (en) * 1997-01-22 1998-10-13 Harrison Sports Inc. Golf club shaft and method of making the same
JP4142181B2 (ja) * 1997-11-26 2008-08-27 三菱レイヨン株式会社 ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JPH11319170A (ja) * 1998-03-20 1999-11-24 Fujikura Rubber Ltd ゴルフクラブ用シャフトおよびゴルフクラブ
JP2946331B1 (ja) * 1998-09-07 1999-09-06 日本シャフト株式会社 ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP2001137404A (ja) * 1999-11-17 2001-05-22 Honma Golf Co Ltd ゴルフクラブ用シャフト及びその製造方法
JP4402784B2 (ja) * 1999-12-10 2010-01-20 三菱レイヨン株式会社 ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP2002052103A (ja) * 2000-08-08 2002-02-19 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP2001346925A (ja) * 2001-04-20 2001-12-18 Daiwa Seiko Inc ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP2003190341A (ja) * 2001-12-25 2003-07-08 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd ゴルフクラブシャフト
US20040142760A1 (en) * 2003-01-22 2004-07-22 Neal Haas Low torque composite golf shaft
JP4330977B2 (ja) * 2003-10-28 2009-09-16 Ｓｒｉスポーツ株式会社 管状体の製造方法
JP2009219652A (ja) * 2008-03-17 2009-10-01 Daiwa Seiko Inc ゴルフクラブのシャフト
US8066583B2 (en) 2008-08-12 2011-11-29 Acushnet Company Golf club shaft with high balance point and golf club including same
JP5457231B2 (ja) * 2010-03-09 2014-04-02 ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフクラブシャフトの製造方法
US20120149490A1 (en) * 2010-12-08 2012-06-14 Jason Swist Golf club shaft
JP5199421B2 (ja) * 2011-05-18 2013-05-15 ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフクラブシャフト

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2891508B1 (de) 2018-04-25
US20180015339A1 (en) 2018-01-18
EP2891508A4 (de) 2015-08-05
JPWO2014034803A1 (ja) 2016-08-08
JP5633654B2 (ja) 2014-12-03
KR101557615B1 (ko) 2015-10-05
US20150297963A1 (en) 2015-10-22
WO2014034803A1 (ja) 2014-03-06
CN104582800B (zh) 2016-05-11
CN104582800A (zh) 2015-04-29
KR20150034295A (ko) 2015-04-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2891508B1 (de) Golfschlägerschaft
EP3075420B1 (de) Golfschlägerschaft für holzschläger
JP2017000266A (ja) ゴルフクラブ
JP2008212340A (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JPH11197277A (ja) 軽量ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
US7404771B2 (en) Golf club shaft
JP2010063778A (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフトおよびその製造方法
JP5356265B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフトおよびその製造方法
JP2012143515A (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト、および、ゴルフクラブ
JP2015231426A (ja) ゴルフクラブ及びシャフト
JP6682927B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP5291356B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
WO2016056624A1 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP6798321B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP4249998B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP2006334305A (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP4583563B2 (ja) 繊維強化樹脂製管状体
JP6786801B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフトの製造方法
JP2023031935A (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP3627378B2 (ja) ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP2004202124A (ja) テーパ付き中空シャフト
JPH1015129A (ja) 繊維強化プラスチック製ゴルフクラブ用シャフト
JP2022068723A (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト
JP2004208930A (ja) 繊維強化樹脂製の管状体
JP2010220667A (ja) ゴルフクラブシャフト

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20150225

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RA4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched (corrected)

Effective date: 20150708

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: A63B 59/00 20150101ALI20150702BHEP

Ipc: A63B 53/10 20150101AFI20150702BHEP

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20160426

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20171123

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 992266

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180515

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602013036644

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20180425

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180725

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180725

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180726

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 992266

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180827

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602013036644

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20190128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180831

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180829

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180831

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180829

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180425

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20130829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20180825

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230522

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240702

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240701

Year of fee payment: 12