Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
  • A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
  • A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
  • A45F3/04—Sacks or packs carried on the body by means of two straps passing over the two shoulders
• • 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
  • A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B55/00—Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
  • A63B2209/10—Characteristics of used materials with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2210/00—Space saving
  • A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
  • A63B2225/68—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders
  • A63B2225/685—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment with article holders for electronic devices, e.g. phone, PDA, GPS device, notebook
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B55/00—Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
  • A63B55/30—Bags with wheels
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
  • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
  • A63B55/00—Bags for golf clubs; Stands for golf clubs for use on the course; Wheeled carriers specially adapted for golf bags
  • A63B55/408—Releasably mounted accessories fitted outside the bag, e.g. straps or holders

Definitions

• Embodiments can allow all club heads to be matched to the best shaft for the playing situation at hand.
• a golf bag according to such embodiment is constructed to stand on legs and contains a pouch to hold a computing device such as a tablet computer for display of images, video, and audio.
• the display device can be used to provide instruction and/or support gamification.
• the golf bag and components allow for placing and positioning a camera in the bag to record swing motion for storage and analysis.
• coupling is achieved with a for mating a golf club shaft handle to a golf club head comprising a first pin adapted to fit into a handle end of a golf club shaft, a second pin adapted to fit into a club head end of a golf club shaft, and a coupling sleeve fixedly attached to one of the first pin and the second pin, the coupling sleeve further being reversibly attachable to the other of the first pin and the second pin to allow for mating of the golf club shaft handle to the golf club head when the coupler is in use on a golf club.
• FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view through line 3-3 of the coupler of FIG. 2.
• embodiment of the present invention showing a locking mechanism to limit rotational motion of the club head with respect to the shaft when the head is assembled to the shaft.
• FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary storage for a detachable golf club head in a golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a golf bag with a duffle and a rigid frame structure for the golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9A illustrates another rigid frame structure for use a golf bag according to an embodiment according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of a golf bag according to an
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the Duffle of FIG 9.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of a golf bag with duffle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 15 illustrates additional detail of a loop sizing strap 1402 and a slash pocket inside a course bag 1301 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 16 illustrates interior rigidity panels that can be used to add structure to a course bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 17 illustrates details of a clip assembly to anchor clip used to hold club shaft segments in place according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 17A-17F illustrate a clip assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 19A and 19B illustrate detail of a threaded coupler used to reduce shaft length in unassembled form according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 20A-20G illustrate a coupler according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 20H1-20H9 illustrate a grip end fitting according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 2011-2015 illustrate a coupler body according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 20J1-20J3 illustrate an anti-rotation pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 20K1-20K10 illustrate an anti-rotation pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 20L1-20L5 illustrate an anti-rotation pin according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 24A and 24B illustrate detail of the three fold panel insert according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 25A and 25B illustrate the rear view and close up of the stiffener sleeve of the three fold panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 27 illustrates a standard golf bag with a sleeve support for a putter shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 32 illustrates a system for collecting data related to using a golf club according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for collecting golf- related data for use in play, practice, and/or gamification according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGs. 35A-35C illustrate a telescoping leg option that provides a support stand for a golf bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 38A-38C illustrate expandable side panels according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 40 illustrates straps configured to store one or more golf tees according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Golf club head portion 501 comprises a golf club head 500, a golf club head insert sheath 504, a head shaft segment 102, a coupler hilt ring 114, and a head coupler pin 106. As illustrated in FIG. 1 , golf club head portion 501 is detachable from golf club shaft portion 103.
• An exemplary coupler comprising a coupler housing, such as coupler housing 200, and a coupler header pin, such as coupler head pin 106, for use in embodiments is described in U.S. Patent App. No. 14/083,253, filed November 18, 2013, U.S. Patent No. 8,585,512, filed December 23, 2011, U.S. Patent No. 8,083,606, filed November 16, 2009, and U.S. Patent No. 7,618,329, filed September 29, 2005, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
• the length of handle shaft segment 100 can vary from club to club.
• the length of handle shaft segment 100 can be set to optimize the length for each particular golf club in the golf club set. For example, longer golf clubs such as woods or long irons usually have longer overall shafts than short irons, wedges, and or putters (although some golfers prefer putters having long shaft length).
• coupler 200 comprises an inner housing and a pull-back sleeve, whereby the pull-back sleeve is movable with respect to the inner housing to allow for movement of one or more first ball bearings within the coupler such that in a first pull-back sleeve position, the ball bearings allow insertion of an insertion pin during mating of the first and second shaft segments, and in a second pull-back sleeve position, the ball bearings hold the insertion pin axially in place to reversibly secure the first shaft segment to the second shaft segment.
• insert pin 108 includes a threaded end 108a to accept a fixed coupler housing 200.
• This thread is preferably counterclockwise for right handed players and clockwise for left handed players.
• the desire for different threading direction based on handedness is due, in part, to the opposing torque/twists generated by left- and right-handed golfers about the shaft. That is, in use, this directional threading will tend to tighten the coupling of insert pin 108 with coupler housing 200 when a player strikes a golf ball.
• Coupler housing 200 has internal threads to appropriately match threaded end 108a of pin 108.
• Coupler housing 200 may also be affixed to shaft 100 in other ways known in the art, for example, using epoxy.
• pull back sleeve 202 has a knurled surface 230, which facilitates gripping for hand operation. Although this is shown as a knurled surface, it may be of any surface texture, including being smooth, so long as the sleeve is movable by a user gripping coupler housing 200 by hand.
• pull back sleeve 202 is pulled and rotated at various times during operation. Pull back sleeve 202 has several surfaces which help make the coupler hold without "play”.
• the conical, or rounded, surface of the end of coupler pin 106 is slowly sloping to allow easy insertion. This rounded end surface presses on ball bearing(s) 300 during insertion. Ball bearing(s) 300 alternately push on a surface 216 of pull back sleeve 202. The force of insertion is translated by the angles and rotation of the ball bearings into a motion of pull back sleeve 202 against spring 400.
• the twist locking mechanism described above using pin 110 is employed.
• the locking mechanism is not necessary for the operation or manufacture of a golf club with interchangeable heads according to embodiments of the present invention.
• other locking mechanisms for example, the use of a ball bearing for locking pin 110 can be used in embodiments of the present invention to assure adequate locking during operation.
• the mechanism described here is preferred to simplify the manual operation of the coupler.
• Bearings 1350 are held in coupler 1202 by holes 1226. There are three bearings 1350 oriented 120 degrees apart (similar bearings 1300). When these bearings are between surfaces 1140 of pin 1 106 and surfaces 1240 of the pull back sleeve 1202, coupler 1200 will be locked and can only be released by manual operation. To visualize this, one can imagine ball bearings 1300 climbing surface 1206 and thus causing pull back sleeve 1202 to move towards the shaft 100 (not shown in FIG. 7). This would allow pin 1106 to begin to uncouple. Ball bearings 1350 will then wedge against surface 1 142, which is perpendicular to this direction of motion. The combination of surfaces 1 140, 1142, and 1240 form a sort of box, which is filled by ball bearing 1350, thus preventing uncoupling.
• the coupler has two points of contact and three near points of contact are designed into the coupler to give the pin a more solid fit.
• the areas of contact are the ball bearing race and the conic section.
• the areas of near contact are the end of the pin, the base of the pin and the anti-rotation pin and slot. Incorporating the three areas of near contact yield the features of tight perceptual fit and the ability to still remove and reinsert the pin to connector.
• These near fit areas are designed to be regions that are not held firm by spring tension. Fit in these areas, in an embodiment, contains an approximate .001" gap. The gap may be greater depending on implementation. The combination of these areas and the fitting design described yield a low cost manufacturable product with acceptable perceptual feel.
• a golf club system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• An exemplary golf bag comprises a cloth loop and elastic strap for holding the one or more shafts and a compartment having a plurality of fitted compartments for housing each of the plurality of club heads. Versions of the golf bag may vary depending on the physical space requirements and the performance required by the golfer.
• One embodiment of the golf bag may be the size of checked luggage. This embodiment favors the best performance since the shaft handle has only one coupler.
• This bag may be carried inside a duffle that protects it from baggage handling distress as well as supplying ample space for gear and clothing for short trips.
• Another embodiment of the bag may be the size of carry-on luggage. In an embodiment, this bag contains a folding panel that unfolds and attaches via straps to the support bar in the back of a golf cart.
• golf bags according to embodiments are considerably less than standard golf bags. Moreover, embodiments of golf bags according to embodiments appeal to different users and function in different playing or practice environments.
• FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary storage for a detachable golf club head 802 in a golf bag according to an embodiment.
• a strap pouch 806 is sewn into a lining of the golf bag to hold detachable golf club head 802 at sewing anchors 808.
• the lining covers a rigid backing panel 1602 described below with respect to Figure 16.
• golf head shaft segment 102 is held in position by a clip 804.
• Clip 804 and strap pouch 740 work together to hold detachable golf club head 802 in place.
• this configuration allows for single hand operation, that is removal and replacement of detachable golf club head 802 into its stored position.
• Other materials may be used to store the clubs.
• other physical orientations can be selected to optimize space usage and/or ease of club access.
• another orientation of clubs in the bag could leave the each detachable club head 802 in foam with the coupler pin 106 end exposed. Such an orientation would allow the user to press the coupler housing 200 onto the coupler pin 106 to perform the coupling while the head is held by the bag. Once coupled, the assembled club can then be extracted by the user.
• the bag holding the clubs is paired with a duffle bag to form a golf bag 902.
• golf bag 902 is made to meet the specifications of standard luggage.
• the duffle bag adds a protective layer over the golf bag 902.
• Golf bag 902 can also have wheels 904, a rigid frame 901, feet 906 and 908 for standing support and straps 910 for lifting and carrying.
• rigid frame structure 901 has holes or slots 912 for wheels 904.
• FIG. 9A illustrates another embodiment of rigid frame structure 901 having cutouts for wheels 904.
• rigid frame structure 901 is made of plastic, such as polyethylene.
• Rigid frame structure 901 may also be made using any other suitable materials, such as graphite, carbon fiber, titanium, steel, or aluminum.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of golf bag 902 according to an embodiment.
• golf bag 902 can include straps 1002 for dragging, such as in a rolling operation. Additional features of golf bag 902 outside the bag include one or more shoulder strap rings 1004, a water bottle pocket 1006, and a storage pocket 1008.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the Duffle of FIG 9.
• inside of golf bag 902 also includes storage pockets 1 102 and 1 104, and elastic shoe holders 1108. These features are exemplary and serve to illustrate additional features of a golf bag embodiment. Other features can be included in golf bag 902 according to an embodiment.
• course bag 1301 includes an extending leg system 1302, which in an embodiment is operated by a foot 1304 in a well-known manner, a containment flap 1306 to protect extending leg system 1302, conical loops 1308 and 1310 that can serve as an umbrella holder, and straps 1312 and 1314 for cinching the bag bar on a golf cart.
• Other features of course bag 1301 include a handle 1315, a shoulder strap rings 1316, a shoulder strap 1318, a pocket 1320, a moisture protection covering 1322, and a zipper 1324.
• FIG. 14 illustrates the interior structure of course bag 1301 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• course bag 1301 includes a number of exemplary features in an embodiment.
• a plurality of club head strap pouches 806 and clips 804 accommodate a plurality of club heads as described above with respect to FIG. 8 for a single club head.
• course bag 1301 further includes a plurality of adjustable club head strap pouches such as head strap pouch 1402 and a ring 1404, an accessory pocket 1406, and a ball caddie pocket 1408.
• ball caddie pocket 1408 holds a plurality of golf balls for single hand dispensing at a stiff cloth aperture 1410 at the bottom of ball caddie pocket 1408.
• a clear plastic cover 1412 allows the golfer to assess the number of remaining balls.
• a stiff cloth top aperture at the top of ball caddie pocket 1408 is used to input new balls into ball caddie pocket 1408.
• clear pocket cover 1414 holds a score card.
• elastic strapping 1416 is stitched to hold pens or pencils.
• Course bag 1301 can also includes a pocket 1422.
• pocket 1422 is a slash pocket.
• Elastic strapping 1418 and cloth 1420 hold one or two golf club shaft portions, such as golf club shaft portion 103. These golf club shaft portions would have different lengths. Additional golf club shaft portions can be stored in golf bag 1301 if desired.
• the height of the golf bag 1301 can be less than a conventional golf bag.
• the longest club the driver, or one wood, for instance
• the height of golf bag 1301 can be 36 inches, almost a full 14 inches less than the height of a conventional golf bag for conventional golf clubs.
• FIG. 15 illustrates additional detail of loop sizing strap 1402 (also called a head strap pouch herein) and slash pocket 1422 inside course bag 1301 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• loop sizing strap 1402 comprises a Velcro loop portion 1502 and a Velcro hook portion 1504 bound to loop sizing strap 1402 using binding 1506.
• adjustable Velcro loop sizing strap 1402 and ring 1404 allow sizing a pocket in which to fit a detachable golf club head securely. In operation a golf club head head is inserted into the pocket formed by golf club head strap 1402, which is then inserted through ring 1404, and the Velcro loop is cinched to secure the head by securing Velcro loop portion 1502 to Velcro hook portion 1504.
• course bag 1301 may also include a slash pocket 1422 and an additional slash pocket 1506 located on the outside of accessory pocket 1406.
• FIG. 17 illustrates details of a clip assembly 1700 to anchor clip 804 used to hold club shaft segments in place as described, for example, above with respect to FIG. 8.
• Backing panel 1604 is drilled where clip assembly 1700 is to be located. Rivets 1702 anchor clip base 1704 to backing panel 1604.
• Clip base 1704 contains a clocking dimple 1706 to coordinate proper placement and alignment of clip base 1704 on backing panel 1604. Clocking dimple 1706 fits within a hole or indentation 1712 appropriately located in backing panel 1604 to ensure proper location of clip base 1704.
• Clip base 1704 is covered by a material, such as cloth, 1710. A small slit in material 1710 allows a clip base post 1708 to be exposed.
• Base post 1708 includes holes 1714 for attaching clip 804.
• the top of the clip 804 is removable so that it can slide vertically along base post 1708 between an open position (center and top seating hole) and a closed position (center and bottom seating hole) using seating holes 1714.
• FIGs. 17A-17F illustrate a clip assembly 1700 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• a clip assembly 1700A includes a clip 804 A, a clocking dimple 1706A, a clip base 1704 A, a clip base post 1706A, and seating holes 1714A, each having a function similar to that described above for similarly named elements in FIG. 17 above.
• FIG. 17C illustrates clip 804 in a closed position.
• FIGs. 17A and 17D illustrate clip 804 in an open position.
• carry-on bags for air travel are limited to a maximum height of 22 inches.
• the foregoing golf set embodiments may not necessarily meet the carry on height requirement.
• a second coupler is incorporated into a golf club to further reduce the size of the bag and golf club set in unassembled form.
• the second coupler is located to allow golf club shaft portion 103 to be split into two portions.
• the portions do not have to be equal length.
• golf club shaft portion 103 is split just below grip 101.
• Exemplary applications for dual-coupler embodiments include air travel, travel to and from driving range or electronic range practice sites, and travel by motorcycle or scooter. In an embodiment, both portions are less than 22 inches in length.
• FIGs. 19A and 19B illustrate a coupler 1900 that allows golf club shaft portion 103 to be split into an upper shaft segment 1904 that includes the golf club grip and a lower shaft segment 1902.
• a threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 is inserted into lower shaft segment 1902.
• Threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 includes a threaded portion 1908 and a notch 1910.
• Threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 can be fixed to lower shaft segment 1902 by any appropriate technique including, for example, gluing.
• Threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 provides a receptacle 1912 for a coupler body 1914.
• receptacle 1912 has a cavity that matches the shape of coupler body 1914.
• the cavity is such to allow insertion of a coupler body 1914 with a conical shape.
• upper shaft segment 1904 and lower shaft segment 1902 are less than 22 inches in length.
• Coupler body 1914 is affixed to upper shaft segment 805 by, for example, gluing.
• a threaded coupler ring 1980 is placed in position at the end of upper shaft segment 1904 opposite the grip. In operation threaded coupler ring 1980 threads into threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 to hold upper shaft segment 1904 and lower shaft segment 1902 tightly together.
• An anti-rotation pin 1924 fits into notch 1910 through a hole 1925 to prevent upper shaft segment 1904 and lower shaft segment 1902 from rotating with respect to one another when a golf club according to an embodiment is used. Further anti- rotation can be achieved by using directional threading as described above. In particular, threading is preferably counterclockwise for right handed players and clockwise for left handed players. In use, this directional threading will tend to tighten the coupling between upper shaft segment 1904 and lower shaft segment 1902 when a player strikes a golf ball.
• FIG. 20 illustrates a cross section view of coupler 1900 with coupler body 1914 inserted into threaded coupler shaft insert 1906 to couple upper shaft segment 1904 with lower shaft segment 1902.
• upper shaft segment 1904 need be coupled with lower shaft segment 1902 only once prior to the start of play. That is, once coupled, there is no need to uncouple the shaft segments until the clubs are put away for transport. All that needs to be changed is the desired golf club head for a particular situation (e.g., golf lie).
• Figure 20A illustrates glue channels (or scoring) 1951 and 1950 in the interior of upper shaft segment 1904 according to an embodiment.
• glue channels 1951 and 1950 are glue channels (or scoring) 1951 and 1950 in the interior of upper shaft segment 1904 according to an embodiment.
• Glue channels 1950 and 1952 are necessary for proper bonding of coupler and shaft. Golf club operation involves a variety of impulsive forces and stresses on parts. Glue channels 1950 and
• glue channels 1950 and 1951 are cut into graphite shaft sections with high speed grinding bits: for example, circular channels (1951) and linear channels 1950.
• Channel depths may vary and are determined in part by engineering analysis and verified by field and automated testing. One embodiment uses depths of .010". In another embodiment .008" depth channels are cut using a left handed tap tool for threading. Threads provide both the axial and linear channels required for managing club forces.
• axial or threaded channels may be formed in graphite shafts as part of the manufacturing process by placing axial or threaded protruding features on the mandrel.
• FIG. 20L5, 20M1-20M5, 20N1-20N5, and 2001-2003 illustrate a coupler 1900 according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 20C illustrates a coupler 1900 according to an embodiment with its primary component pieces separated to illustrate how they fit together.
• coupler 1900 comprises a grip end fitting 1974, a coupler body 1914, an anti-rotation pin 1924, a head end fitting 1978, a collar 1980, a grip end hosel ring 1972, a head end hosel ring 1970, and a lock washer 1976.
• grip end fitting 1974 and head end fitting 1978 can have scoring as described above. This scoring can be on these parts rather than coupler body 1914.
• FIG. 20E illustrates coupler 1900 put together according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 20F is a cross section view of coupler 1900 taken through coupler 1900 at A- A' as shown in FIG. 20E.
• FIG. 20G is a perspective view of coupler 1900 looking down through the grip end to the head end.
• FIG. 20H is a cross section view of coupler 1900 taken at BF-BF' as shown in FIG. 20G.
• FIGs. 20H1-20H9 illustrate a grip end fitting 1978 according to an
• Grip end fitting 1978 is inserted in upper shaft segment 1904 and serves to attached coupler body 1914 to upper shaft segment 1904.
• grip end fitting 1978 has scoring 1952 and 1953, as described above, which serves as glue channels to strengthen adhesion to a golf shaft.
• FIG. 20H4 is a cross section view of grip end fitting 1978 taken at BG-BG' as shown in FIG. 20H3.
• FIG. 20H9 is a cross section view of grip end fitting 1978 taken at BH-BH' as shown in FIG. 20H3.
• FIG. 20H6 is a perspective view showing detail CA as shown in FIG. 20H4.
• FIG. 20H5 is a perspective view showing detail CC as shown in FIG. 20H4.
• FIG. 20H7 is a perspective view of grip end fitting 1978 looking up from the bottom.
• FIG. 20H8 is a perspective view of grip end fitting 1978 looking down from the top.
• coupler body 1914 includes a hole 1925 in which to insert an anti- rotation pin 1924.
• FIG. 2013 is a cross section of coupler body 1914 taken at E-E' as shown in FIG. 2012.
• FIG. 2014 is a perspective view of coupler body 1914 looking up from the bottom.
• FIG. 2015 is a perspective view of coupler body 1914 looking down from the top.
• coupler body 1914 to aid in assembly, a portion of the exterior of coupler body 1914 is threaded. In addition, a portion of the interior of grip end fitting 1978 is threaded to match the threaded portion of coupler body 1914. In this way, coupler body 1914 can be screwed into grip end fitting 1978 for easier assembly. In an embodiment, coupler body 1914 and grip end fitting 1978 are manufactured as a single part.
• FIGs. 20J1-20J3 illustrate an anti-rotation pin 1924 according to an
• FIG. 20K4 is a cross section view of head end fitting 1906 taken at C-C as shown in FIG. 20K2.
• FIG. 20K5 is a cross section view of head end fitting 1906 taken at D-D' as shown in FIG. 20K2.
• FIG. 20K6 is a cross section view of head end fitting 1906 taken at CD-CD' as shown in FIG. 20K3.
• FIG. 20K9 is a perspective view showing detail CG as shown in FIG. 20K4.
• FIG. 20K10 is a perspective view showing detail CE as shown in FIG. 20K4.
• FIG. 20K7 is a perspective view of head end fitting 1906 looking up from the bottom.
• FIG. 20K8 is a perspective view of head end fitting 1906 looking down from the top.
• FIGs. 20L1-20L5 illustrate a collar 1980 according to an embodiment.
• collar 1980 is used for decorative purposes, such as for placing a logo.
• FIG. 20L3 is a cross section of collar 1980 taken at CF-CF' as shown in FIG. 20L2.
• FIG. 20L4 is a perspective view of collar 1980 looking up from the bottom.
• FIG. 20L5 is a perspective view of collar 1980 looking down from the top.
• FIGs. 20M1-20M5 illustrate a head end hosel 1970 according to an
• head end hosel 1970 is used to prevent fiber separation in club shafts as described above.
• FIG. 20M3 is a cross section of head end hosel 1970 taken at DA-DA' as shown in FIG. 20M2.
• FIG. 20M4 is a perspective view of head end hosel 1970 looking up from the bottom.
• FIG. 20M5 is a perspective view of head end hosel 1970 looking down from the top.
• FIGs. 20N1-20N5 illustrate a grip end hosel 1972 according to an
• FIGs. 2001-2003 illustrate a lock washer 1976 according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 20O3 is a perspective view looking toward a side of lock washer 1976 shown in FIG. 20O2.
• FIG. 21 illustrates a fully assembled golf club using two couplers, coupler
• Second coupler 1900 to couple an upper shaft segment to a lower shaft segment, and coupler 200 to couple a golf club head assembly to the lower shaft segment according to an embodiment.
• second coupler 1900 unassembled shaft segments can be reduced to less than 22" overall length. This sizing allows for a golf club system according to an embodiment to fit in overhead storage for air travel, to fit in a car, and to fit in smaller storage areas, such as a backpack or panniers of a motorcycle.
• the tip area of 1106 requires Rockwell C54 - C60 while it is more important for the portion of 1 106 outside that region to be more malleable.
• "Fatigue Proof 1144 steel was used for all coupler components with selective inductive hardening as described.
• 7068 aluminum was used for couplers designed for putter applications where stresses are minimal. Other materials may be used in other embodiments for coupler components.
• coupler components in one embodiment are coated with Nickel, however, other coatings may be substituted by those skilled in the art.
• FIG. 22 illustrates a front perspective view of an exemplary golf bag 2200 that is sized to fit within an overhead compartment of an airplane, also called a carry on bag.
• golf bag 2200 uses a dual- coupler golf club system described above.
• golf bag 2200 includes wheels 2202, a water pocket 2204, a zipper 2208, and an extendable handle 2206.
• FIG. 23 illustrates a side perspective view of golf bag 2200 with handle 2206 in an extended position.
• three-fold panel structure 2400 comprises one or more strap pouches 1402 and rings 1404 as described above with respect to FIG. 14 to store golf club heads.
• three-fold panel structure 2400 can include one or more clips 804 and loops 806 as described above with respect to FIG. 8 to store golf club heads.
• Three-fold panel structure 2400 comprises a plurality of head strap pouches
• FIGs. 25A and 25B illustrate sleeves and rods that provide a foldable stiff structure 2400 to golf bag 2200. As shown in FIGs. 25A and 25B, folded sections are stiffened and held in place by sleeves 2406 and rods 2408. In alternative embodiments, other methods may be utilized to facilitate the unfolding and need for rigidity during play.
• foldable stiff structure 2400 comprises straps 2410 on the back for encompassing and cinching foldable stiff structure 2400 to a golf cart. For example, in an embodiment, foldable stiff structure 2400 is cinched to the top bag bar of a golf cart using straps 2410.
• FIG. 25A illustrate sleeves and rods that provide a foldable stiff structure 2400 to golf bag 2200. As shown in FIGs. 25A and 25B, folded sections are stiffened and held in place by sleeves 2406 and rods 2408. In alternative embodiments, other methods may be utilized to facilitate the unfolding and need for rigidity during play.
• foldable stiff structure 2400 comprises straps 2410 on the back for encompassing and cinch
• FIG. 26 illustrates a cross sectional view of a carry on golf bag 2200 with foldable stiff structure 2400 in folded position.
• a single coupler embodiment may be used in a number of other supportive applications to the traditional golf set.
• a coupler housing is placed in a shaft or a putter, and a coupling pin is inserted into short shaft segments of putters. This allows players to select putter heads as desired in the course of play and may be an addition to a standard set of clubs.
• FIG. 27 illustrates a standard golf bag 2700 configured with a sleeve support 2701 for a putter shaft or golf club shaft.
• sleeve support 2801 comprises or is a tube, such as for example, a plastic tube.
• a golf club shaft portion 2703 such as golf club shaft portion 103, can be placed in sleeve support 2701.
• the length (height) of sleeve support 2701 is such that a grip 2702 of golf club shaft portion 2703 is accessible from the top of bag 2700.
• sleeve support 2701 is attached to golf bag 2700 using an over grip 2704.
• over grip 2704 fits over a lip at the top of golf bag 2700.
• over grip 2704 is secured to bag 2700, for example, by using Velcro.
• FIG. 28 illustrates a standard golf bag 2800 configured with a dual- sleeve 2804 design that supports a long-shafted putter.
• the putter is stored in separate sleeves as its component golf club shaft portion 2806 and golf club head portion 2808.
• golf club head portion 2808 includes a putter head 2802.
• Golf club shaft portion 2806 includes a grip 2801.
• each sleeve comprises or is a tube, such as a plastic tube.
• dual sleeve 2804 is attached to golf bag 2800 using an over grip 2803.
• over grip 2803 fits over a lip at the top of golf bag 2800. In an embodiment, over grip 2803 is secured to golf bag 2800 using Velcro. Both golf club shaft portion 2806 and golf club head portion 2808 are stored for easy travel in dual sleeve 2804. Any desired club can be stored in sleeve 2804.
• An alternative method for modification of long-shafted putters is to insert coupler 200 into the shaft 2801 such that the length of the shaft is somewhat less than 45" (the length of a driver). Golf club head portion 2808 can then be put in a golf bag pocket, as described above, and shaft 2801 placed directly in the bag.
• the coupler housing is placed in a shaft and coupling pins are inserted into the short shaft segments of wedges and putter heads. This facilitates the creation of travel extension sets that augment rented clubs and typically have poor short game clubs.
• Putter fitting is another exemplary application of embodiments of the present invention.
• putters present the greatest choice of designs in terms of head styles and shaft lengths.
• golf retail stores typically have dozens of putters on their floor for trial by customers.
• Each putter style comes in a variety of shaft lengths to accommodate players of differing height.
• the matrix of permutations of combinations of putter head styles and shaft lengths is very large, and would require a store to carry hundreds of putters to provide a complete array of options for testing by customers.
• Use of coupler housing 200 and head coupler pin 106 in putter fitting applications can reduce significantly the number of required floor sample putters because a small number of shafts can be shared across the various putter head styles.
• the quick disconnect and reconnect features of coupler housing 200, and head coupler pin 106 into a fitting system have distinct business advantages. For example, being able to snap in any head to any shaft handle combination allows significant reduction in the number of clubs required in a fitting kit.
• FIG. 29 illustrates a side or travel bag 2900 for carrying additional golf club heads.
• Travel bag 2900 attaches to a golf bag 2909 using an over grip 2906.
• over grip 2906 includes a Velcro lining 2910 to more securely attach small travel bag 2900 to golf bag 2909.
• golf bag 2909 includes a tie 2902 and/or a Velcro patch 2911 on golf bag 2909.
• Golf club heads are stored as described above with respect to other golf bag embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, club heads are stored using club strap pouches 2904 and 2905, and clips 2903.
• FIG 29 illustrates an exemplary travel bag 2900 open with only one side of the bag secured to golf bag 2909 using both Velcro patch 291 1 and tie 2902.
• a putter head 2907 is stored in a strap that has a Velcro opening through which the golf head shaft segment of putter head 2907 coupler pin of putter head 2907 fit when stored.
• FIG. 30 shows a side perspective view and a back perspective view of golf bag 3000.
• golf bag 3000 comprises shoulder straps 3003 with adjustments 3004, and a zipper 3002.
• FIG. 31 illustrates the inside of golf bag 3000 according to an embodiment.
• golf bag 3000 comprises a plurality of club strap pouches 3109 and clips 3108, shaft securing sleeves 31 15 and 3118, and shaft securing elastic straps 3116 and 3117 to secure golf club shaft portions 3104 and 3105.
• Sewn pouches and/or clips 3108 as described above with respect to FIGs. 8 andl4 hold golf club heads such as golf club head 3120.
• only clips 3108 are used to hold golf club heads.
• foam cutouts may be used in place of the sewn pouches and clips.
• the back 31 10 of the golf bag 3000 rotates down (as
• a computer tablet can be inserted into computer tablet pouch 3103 via a slot 3102 and is held in position by a material 3119.
• Three legs 3101 are extended from the bottom of the bag and secured into their operational position as shown.
• legs 3101 are telescoping and comprise sections 3113 and 3114.
• protective feet 31 12 are included at the ends of legs 3101, which provide additional stability to golf bag 3000 when it is in an standing configuration as well as protection to underlying surfaces. Exemplary designs for legs 3101 are available in the public domain and would be known to those skilled in the art.
• Swing motion sensing device 3201 collects swing motion information (for example, swing parameters) for presentation to either a belt computing device (or other computing device such as a smart phone) 3204, or a tablet computer 3205 in tablet computer pouch 3103 of a golf bag 3000 (or other golf bag embodiment with a computer tablet pouch).
• club identification information (such as identification of club head 3207) is sent by RFID tag 3203 to any or all of these devices.
• golf club head 3207 is a detachable golf club head and RFID tag 3203 is affixed to the head shaft segment of golf club head 3207, and configured particularly for the type of detachable golf club head 3207 (driver, 3- wood, 7-iron, putter, etc.).
• FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system 3300 for collecting golf-related data for use in play, practice, and/or gamification.
• a golfer 3301 uses a golf club 3303.
• Golf club 3303 is configured with an RFID tag 3306 and a swing motion sensing device 3308.
• RFID tag 3306 contains information concerning a club head 3307 of golf club 3303.
• Swing motion sensing device 3308 collects swing motion data, such as swing parameters.
• Golfer 3301 has a belt computing device (or other computing device such as a smart phone) 3302.
• computing device 3042 is configured to collect data from RFID tag 3306 and/or swing motion sensing device 3308.
• Data collection device 3310 can be computing device 3302.
• data collection device 3310 is a computer tablet, such as computer tablet 3305 shown in FIG. 33.
• Data collection device can also collect video that may have been captured related to golfer 3301 's golf swing.
• Data collection device forwards collected data to a local application process
• Local application process 3312 can be executing on computing device 3312 or a computer tablet such as computer tablet 3305 shown in FIG. 33. Local application process provides a user interface 3314 to golfer 3301.
• user interface 3312 may provide information to golfer 3301 as to various parameters concerning his or her golf swing that golfer 3301 uses to improve his or her golf swing.
• user interface 3312 may provide views of a simulated golf course upon which a ball is shown whose location is dependent upon the data collected pertaining to golfer 3301 's golf swing and the type of club head indicated by RFID 3306 data. [0151] Collected data can be sent to a central location for storage.
• local application process 3312 communicates with a cloud network 3316.
• Cloud network 3316 can be any combination of gateways, routers, servers, or other devices that provide communication from one node to another in a network.
• Cloud network 3316 can be any network architecture including a local area network (LAN), a wide area network, (WAN), can be any combination of a public and/or private network, and can include any number of devices.
• An exemplary cloud network is the Internet.
• an application server process 3312 executing on a server in cloud network 3316 accepts the data transmitted by local application process 3312 through cloud network 3316.
• Application server process 3318 can store the data in a user data base 330.
• Additional data may be stored along with identification information for golfer 3301 , such as name, account number, and/or other identifying information so golfer-specific data can be retrieved. Other information, such as date, time, location, hole number, or other information also can be stored.
• Application server process 3318 can also store video data that may have been collected by data collection device 3310 in a video store 3322.
• Application server process 3318 can also provide information to local
• application process 3312 to be used in processing data received from data collection device 3310 and/or provided to golfer 3301.
• application server process 3318 can obtain instructional video from video store 3322 to send to local application process 3312 to put on user interface 3314.
• Local application process 3312 can analyze data received from data collection device 3310 and make recommendations to golfer 3301 to correct his or her swing on user interface 3314.
• application server process may access library 3324 to obtain course map information pertaining to a golf course selected by golfer 3301 to play a simulated round on. That course map data (either a whole course or a portion thereof, for example, one hole on the course) may be downloaded to local application process 3312 through cloud network 3316.
• Local application process 3312 can use this information along with data collected from data collection device 3310 to simulate a golf shot on the chosen golf course, which is displayed on user interface 3314.
• FIGs 34A-34F illustrate an embodiment of a golf bag 3400 for storing and transporting a golf club set according to another embodiment.
• golf bag 3400 includes a foam insert 3402 in which are stored golf club heads 3404a, 3404b, 3404c, 3404d, and 3404e.
• lower shaft segment 1902 and upper shaft segment 1904 are stored in foam insert.
• a lap belt 3403 is provided to facilitate carrying golf bag 3400 on one's back.
• FIG. 34B is a side perspective view of golf bag 3400 showing straps 3414 for use when carrying golf bag 3400 on one's back.
• FIG. 34C is a top perspective view of golf bag 3400.
• FIG. 34D and 34F illustrate a top panel 3412 that can be opened and/or removed to provide access to club heads 3404a, 3404b, and 3404c as well as lower shaft segment 1902 and upper shaft segment 1904.
• golf bag 3400 also includes a removable computer tablet pouch 3414.
• FIG. 34E illustrates an extendable leg 3502 option that provides support for golf bag 3400 when in use, for example, while playing a round of golf.
• FIGs. 34G-34J provide additional views of foam insert 3402.
• FIG. 34G illustrates slots, such as slot 3408, in foam insert 3402 into which club heads are inserted for storage. In an embodiment the slots are labeled according to the club head stored in the slot.
• FIG. 341 shows how the different length head shaft segments fit.
• FIGs 35A-35C illustrates a telescoping leg option that provides a support stand for bag 3400 in use.
• extendible leg 3502 is attached to a backing support 3504 by brackets 3510a and 3510b.
• Backer support 3504 provides structure to the back and bottom of golf bag 3400.
• extendible leg 3502 is extended by opening a press clamp 3506.
• a screw 3512 can be used to tighten press clamp 3506 as required.
• FIG. 35C illustrates a foot support 3508 that provides support for the golf bag assembly to prevent movement in a golf cart.
• FIG. 40 illustrates straps 3418 in an embodiment used to store one or more golf tees 3420.

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• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
• Golf Clubs (AREA)

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• 2013
  • 2013-12-27 JP JP2015550824A patent/JP2016509496A/ja active Pending
  • 2013-12-27 EP EP13867298.5A patent/EP2941304A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2013-12-27 WO PCT/US2013/078141 patent/WO2014106133A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2013-12-27 KR KR1020157020517A patent/KR20150118115A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 2013-12-27 US US14/142,739 patent/US20140187342A1/en not_active Abandoned

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