JP2011136093A - Golf club - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a golf club facilitating adjustment of a club length and capable of suppressing disadvantages caused by the adjustment of the club length. <P>SOLUTION: A golf club 2 is provided with a head 4, a shaft 6, a grip body 8a, and an extending member 8b. The extending member 8b is detachably mounted to a back end of the grip body 8a. A length of a grip holding surface 8m can be adjusted by mounting and dismounting the extending member 8b. Preferably, the grip body 8a has a hard base body h1. Preferably, the extending member 8b has a hard connector h2. Preferably, the extending member 8b can be mounted to the back end of the grip body 8a by connecting the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 to each other. The number of the extending member 8b may be 1 or equal to or greater than 2. Preferably, the extending members are detachably mounted to each other. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a golf club capable of adjusting a club length.

  The optimal length of a golf club varies from golfer to golfer. In general, a golfer selects and purchases a golf club having a length suitable for him. However, in the commercial product, the club length options are limited. It would be beneficial if the club length could be adjusted easily.

  The club length can be adjusted by changing the shaft. In a normal golf club, the head and the shaft are bonded with an adhesive. For this reason, in a normal golf club, it is not easy to replace the shaft. Therefore, it is not easy to adjust the club length.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-42951 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-533626 disclose a golf club in which a head and a shaft are coupled by screw coupling. In these golf clubs, the shaft can be easily attached and detached. By replacing the shaft with a different length, the length of the golf club can be changed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-29691 discloses a golf club in which a collar member capable of adjusting a relative position of a shaft hole in a shaft axial direction is mounted on the outer periphery of a tip portion of a shaft. In this golf club, the club length can be adjusted by changing the insertion length of the shaft into the head.

  Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-160689 discloses a golf putter in which the length of a shaft inserted into a grip can be adjusted. In this golf club, the club length can be adjusted by changing the insertion length of the shaft into the grip.

  The registered utility model No. 3052104 discloses a club for hitting a ball having a shaft overlapping portion in which two shafts having different diameters are stacked. In this hitting club, a union coupling is used. In this golf club, the length of the shaft itself can be adjusted by a slide mechanism.

JP 2006-42951 A JP 2005-533626 A JP 2008-29691 A JP 2005-160689 A Registered Utility Model No. 3052104

  When the shaft is replaced with another shaft having a different length, a new shaft for the replacement is required. Generally, the shaft is expensive, and the cost increases with the use of the replacement shaft. When the insertion length of the shaft to the head is changed, the swing weight (swing balance) may fluctuate and the shaft strength may be insufficient. When the length of the shaft inserted into the grip is adjusted, the swing weight tends to fluctuate. Further, the grip rigidity of the portion where the shaft is not inserted is likely to be insufficient. This lack of rigidity can make swing and club behavior unstable.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club in which the adjustment of the club length is easy and the disadvantages associated with the adjustment of the club length can be suppressed.

  A golf club according to the present invention includes a head, a shaft, a grip body, and an extension member. The extension member is detachable from the rear end of the grip body. The length of the grip holding surface can be adjusted by attaching and detaching the extension member.

  A preferred golf club further includes a hard base. Preferably, the extension member has a hard connector. Preferably, the extension member can be attached to the rear end of the grip body by connecting the hard base and the hard connector.

  Preferably, the extension member has a hard connector. Preferably, the grip body has a cavity portion having an undercut structure. Preferably, the cavity portion is formed of rubber. Preferably, the hard connector is attached to the cavity portion by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber. Preferably, due to the undercut structure, the hard connector is hardly removed from the cavity portion.

  Preferably, the hard base is separated from the shaft. Preferably, rubber exists between the hard base and the shaft.

  Preferably, in a state where the extension member is attached to the grip body, the hard base and the hard connector are separated from each other. Preferably, rubber exists between the hard base and the hard connector.

  A preferred golf club includes a plurality of the extending members. Preferably, these extension members are detachable. Preferably, the length of the grip can be adjusted by the number of connected extension members.

  Preferably, in a state where the extension members are connected to each other, the hard connectors are separated from each other. Preferably, rubber exists between these hard connectors.

  Preferably, each of the plurality of extending members has a cavity portion having an undercut structure. Preferably, the cavity portion is formed of rubber. Preferably, the hard connector in the first extension member is attached to the cavity portion in the second extension member by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber. Preferably, due to the undercut structure, the second extension member is difficult to come off from the first extension member.

  A preferred golf club includes a plurality of the extending members having different lengths. Preferably, the length of the grip can be adjusted by selecting or combining these extension members.

  The club length can be adjusted without using a replacement shaft. Inconveniences associated with adjusting the club length can be suppressed.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a golf club according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the golf club of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the golf club of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of FIG. FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the golf club of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the golf club according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of measuring the out-of-plane primary attenuation rate. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method of calculating the out-of-plane primary attenuation rate. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the golf club of the second embodiment. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of FIG. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 16 is a side view in which the hard connector used in the embodiment of FIG. 13 is shown alone. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the golf club of Example 4. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of FIG. FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 20 is a side view showing the hard connector used in the embodiment of FIG. 17 alone.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with appropriate reference to the drawings.

  Unless otherwise specified, the “axial direction” in the present application means the direction of the central axis of the shaft.

  FIG. 1 is an overall view of a golf club 2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The golf club 2 includes a golf club head 4, a golf club shaft 6, and a golf club grip 8. The head 4 is attached to one end of the shaft 6. The grip 8 is attached to the other end of the shaft 6.

  The head 4 is not limited. Examples of the head 4 include a wood-type head, an iron-type head, and a putter head. Shown in FIG. 1 is a wood-type head. The shaft 6 is not limited. Examples of the shaft 6 include so-called steel shafts and so-called carbon shafts.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the grip end of FIG. In addition, although the groove | channel is formed in the outer surface (grip grip surface) of the grip 8, description of this groove | channel is abbreviate | omitted in drawing of this application. The grip gripping surface is a surface that can come into contact with a golfer's hand when the golf club 2 is used. A side surface of the grip 8 is a grip holding surface. In the present application, the grip gripping surface is also simply referred to as a gripping surface.

  Although not shown, the shaft 6 is cylindrical. Although not shown, the grip 8 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The grip surface 8m of the grip 8 is a substantially circumferential curved surface.

  The grip 8 may have a so-called back line. In this case, in the grip 8 after the shaft 6 is inserted, the cross-sectional shape of the gripping surface 8m is not a perfect circle. The grip 8 may not have a so-called back line.

  The grip 8 has a grip body 8a and two extending members 8b. Two extending members 8b are attached to the rear end of the grip body 8a.

  The grip body 8a is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft 6 by a double-sided tape. The method of bonding with a double-sided tape is the same as the method of bonding a normal grip.

  A first extension member 8b is attached to the rear end of the grip body 8a. A second extension member 8b is attached to the rear end of the first extension member 8b.

  A part of the gripping surface 8m of the grip 8 is formed by the grip body 8a. A part of the gripping surface 8m is formed by the extending member 8b.

  The outer surface 8a1 of the grip body 8a and the outer surface 8b1 of the extension member 8b are substantially continuous without a step. A gripping surface 8m is formed by the outer surface 8a1 and the outer surface 8b1.

  3 is a sectional view of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view of FIG. The cross-sectional position in the cross-sectional view of the present application is a position including the shaft axis.

  As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the grip 8 includes a connecting member 8c in addition to the grip body 8a and the extending member 8b. In the present embodiment, the connecting member 8c is a screw. The connecting member 8c has a head portion 8c1 and a screw portion 8c2.

  The grip body 8a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body h1. The rubber part g1 and the hard base body h1 may be separated from each other.

  The material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part g1 has a cavity part cv1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

  The hard base body h1 is provided inside the rubber part g1. An outer surface 8a1 of the grip body 8a is an outer surface of the rubber part g1.

  The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarged part e1 having an inner diameter d2 larger than the opening diameter d1 (see FIG. 5). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure. The undercut structure is not limited to the form shown in FIG.

  The hard base body h1 has a screw hole sc1 (see FIG. 5). A lower portion of the hard base body h1 is disposed inside the shaft 6. The hard base body h1 may be bonded to the shaft 6.

  The rubber part g1 and the hard base body h1 may be separable. When the grip body 8a is attached to the shaft 6, the hard base h1 may be first attached to the shaft 6, and then the rubber part g1 may be attached to the shaft 6 with the hard base h1.

  The first extension member 8b is located between the grip body 8a and the second extension member 8b.

  The first extending member 8b has a rubber part g2 and a hard connector h2.

  The material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The rubber part g2 has a cavity part cv2.

  The hard connector h2 is provided inside the rubber part g2. The rubber part g2 covers a part of the hard connector h2. An outer surface 8b1 of the extending member 8b is an outer surface of the rubber part g2.

  The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarged part e2 having an inner diameter d2 larger than the opening diameter d1 (see FIG. 5). The cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure. The undercut structure is not limited to the form shown in FIG.

  The hard connector h2 has a screw hole sc2 (see FIG. 5). The hard connector h2 is attached to the cavity part cv1 described above. The hard connector h2 is fitted into the cavity part cv1 of the grip body 8a.

  The hard connector h2 has a small diameter part h21 and a large diameter part h22 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The hard connector h2 has an exposed part ex1 (see FIG. 4). The exposed part ex1 is not covered with the rubber part g2. The exposed part ex1 protrudes from the rubber part g2.

  The outer diameter of the small diameter part h21 corresponds to the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv1. The outer diameter of the small-diameter portion h21 is the same as the opening diameter d1 of the cavity portion cv1 or smaller than the opening diameter d1 of the cavity portion cv1.

  The outer diameter of the large diameter portion h22 corresponds to the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarged portion e1. The outer diameter of the large diameter part h22 is substantially the same as the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarged part e1.

  The second extension member 8b is located closer to the grip rear end than the first extension member 8b. The second extension member 8b is the extension member 8b on the most rear end side.

  The second extending member 8b is the same as the first extending member 8b described above. Therefore, the description of the second extending member 8b is omitted.

  It is also possible to change the mounting order between the second extending member 8b and the first extending member 8b. That is, the second extension member 8b can be attached to the rear end of the grip body 8a, and the first extension member 8b can be attached to the rear end of the second extension member 8b.

  In the second extension member 8b, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion h21 corresponds to the opening diameter d1 of the cavity portion cv2 of the first extension member 8b. The outer diameter of the small diameter part h21 is the same as the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv2, or is equal to or smaller than the opening diameter d1 of the cavity part cv2.

  In the second extending member 8b, the outer diameter of the large diameter portion h22 corresponds to the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarged portion e2 of the first extending member 8b. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion h22 is substantially the same as the inner diameter d2 of the inner diameter enlarged portion e2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the hard connector h2 of the extension member 8b (first extension member 8b) is fitted into the cavity portion cv1 of the grip body 8a. Further, the hard connector h2 of the second extension member 8b is fitted into the cavity part cv2 of the first extension member 8b.

  Thus, the grip body 8a has the cavity portion cv1 having an undercut structure. Each of the extending members 8b has a cavity portion cv2 having an undercut structure. The exposed part ex1 of the hard connector h2 is fitted into the cavity part cv1 and the cavity part cv2.

  Since the opening diameter d1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter part h22, the hard connector h2 (exposed part ex1) cannot be fitted into the cavity part cv1 unless the cavity part cv1 is deformed. Since the cavity part cv1 is made of rubber, it can be elastically deformed. The hard connector h2 is attached to the cavity part cv1 by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber. In the state where the attachment is completed (the state shown in FIG. 3), the hard connector h2 (exposed part ex1) is unlikely to come out of the cavity part cv1 due to the undercut structure. Thus, the hard connector h2 is difficult to come off from the cavity part cv1.

  The undercut structure is also used to connect the extending members 8b.

  Since the opening diameter d1 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion h22, the hard connector h2 (exposed portion ex1) of the second extension member 8b is cavityd unless the cavity portion cv2 of the first extension member 8b is deformed. It cannot be fitted into the part cv2. Since the cavity part cv2 is formed of rubber, it can be elastically deformed. The hard connector h2 of the second extension member 8b is attached to the cavity portion cv2 of the first extension member 8b by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber. In the state where the attachment is completed (the state shown in FIG. 3), the hard connector h2 (exposed portion ex1) is unlikely to come out of the cavity portion cv2 due to the undercut structure. Thus, the hard connector h2 is difficult to come off from the cavity part cv2.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the connection between the cavity portions cv1 and cv2 and the hard connector h2, the connection by the connecting member 8c is used. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting member 8c passes through the extending member 8b and reaches the hard base body h1. The connecting member 8c is screwed into the screw holes sc2 of all the extending members 8b. Further, the connecting member 8c is screwed into the screw hole sc1 of the hard base body h1. The connecting member 8c connects the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2. The connection is further strengthened by the connecting member 8c.

  The head portion 8c1 of the connecting member 8c is accommodated in the cavity portion cv2 of the rearmost extension member 8b (second extension member 8b) (see FIG. 3). That is, the extension member 8b does not protrude to the outside. The connecting member 8c does not get in the way when using the golf club.

  In the first embodiment, the connection between the hard connector h2 and the cavity portion and the connection by the connecting member 8c are used in combination. This combination makes the connection more reliable. Only one of the connection between the hard connector h2 and the cavity portion or the connection by the connecting member 8c may be used.

  In the first embodiment, the extension member 8b is detachable. When the extension member 8b is removed, the connecting member 8c is first removed, and then the hard connector h2 is removed from the cavity portions (cv1, cv2) by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber. The length Lg (see FIG. 1) of the grip holding portion can be adjusted by attaching and detaching the extension member 8b.

  In this embodiment, the case where the number of the extending members 8b is two is shown. By changing the number of the extending members 8b, the length Lg of the grip holding part can be changed. When the number of the extending members 8b is zero, the length Lg can be shortened. One extension member 8b may be provided. The length Lg is measured along the axial direction.

  There may be three or more extending members 8b. Since the connection structures of the extension members 8b are the same, the number of extension members 8b to be connected can be freely selected. Preferably, the length of the connecting member 8c varies depending on the number of the extending members 8b to be connected.

  FIG. 6 is an enlarged view in the vicinity of the grip end of the grip 10 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the grip 10 of FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the grip 10 of FIG.

  The grip 10 includes a grip body 10a and two extending members 10b. Two extending members 10b are attached to the rear end of the grip body 10a.

  The grip body 10a is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft 6 by a double-sided tape. The method of bonding with a double-sided tape is the same as the method of bonding a normal grip.

  A first extension member 10b is attached to the rear end of the grip body 10a. A second extension member 10b is attached to the rear end of the first extension member 10b.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a part of the grip surface 10m of the grip 10 is formed by a grip body 10a. A part of the gripping surface 10m is formed by the extending member 10b.

  The outer surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a and the outer surface 10b1 of the extending member 10b are substantially continuous without a step. Furthermore, the outer surfaces 10b1 of the extending member 10b are substantially continuous without steps. A gripping surface 10m is formed by the outer surface 10a1 and the two outer surfaces 10b1.

  The grip body 10a has a rubber part g3 and a hard base body h3. The material of the rubber part g3 is rubber.

  The hard base body h3 is provided inside the rubber part g3. The rubber part g3 covers the hard base body h3. An outer surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a is an outer surface of the rubber part g3.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hard base body h3 has a screw hole sc3. The hard base body h3 has a cylindrical portion h31 and a bottom surface portion h32. The inner surface of the cylindrical portion h31 is a screw hole sc3. The screw hole sc3 is opened upward.

  The hard base body h3 is fixed to the rubber part g3. This fixing method is not limited, for example, adhesion by an adhesive.

  The first extension member 10b is located between the grip body 10a and the second extension member 10b. The first extending member 10b has a rubber part g4 and a hard connector h4. The material of the rubber part g4 is rubber. The rubber part g4 covers the upper part of the hard connector h4.

  The hard connector h4 is provided inside the rubber part g4. An outer surface 10b1 of the extending member 10b is an outer surface of the rubber part g4.

  The hard connector h4 has a cylindrical part h41 and a columnar part h42 (see FIG. 7). The inner surface of the cylindrical portion h41 is a screw hole sc4 (female screw). The outer surface of the cylindrical part h42 is a male screw. The cylindrical part h41 and the columnar part h42 are arranged coaxially. The cylindrical part h42 has an exposed part ex2 exposed from the rubber part g4 (see FIG. 8). At least a part of the cylindrical portion h42 is the exposed portion ex. The exposed part ex protrudes downward.

  In the connection between the first extension member 10b and the grip body 10a, the cylindrical portion h42 (male thread) is screwed into the screw hole sc3 (female thread) of the grip body 10a. In the connection between the extension members 10b, the cylindrical portion h42 of the second extension member 10b is screwed into the screw hole sc4 of the first extension member 10b.

  All the extending members 10b are common. The screw hole sc3 and the screw hole sc4 are the same type.

  The axial length of the exposed part ex2 is shorter than the axial length of the screw hole sc3. Therefore, in a state where the grip body 10a and the extension member 10b are connected, a gap k1 exists between the bottom surface portion h32 and the columnar portion h42 (see FIG. 7). The gap k1 prevents a gap from occurring at the boundary between the outer surface 10a1 of the grip body 10a and the outer surface 10b1 of the extension member 10b.

  The axial length of the exposed part ex2 is shorter than the axial length of the screw hole sc4. Therefore, in a state where the extending members 10b are connected to each other, a gap k2 exists between the end surface of the columnar part h42 and the bottom surface of the cylindrical part h41 (see FIG. 7). The gap k2 prevents a gap from occurring at the boundary between the outer surfaces 10b1 of the extension member 10b.

  The second extending member 10b is located closer to the grip rear end than the first extending member 10b. The second extending member 10b is the most rearward extending member 10b.

  The second extending member 10b is the same as the first extending member 10b described above. Therefore, the description of the second extending member 10b is omitted.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the grip body 10a and the extending member 10b can be connected by screw connection. Further, the extending members 10b can be connected to each other by screw connection.

  In the second embodiment, the extension member 10b is detachable. The extension member 10b is removed by rotating the extension member 10b to release the screw connection. The length Lg of the grip holding part can be adjusted by attaching and detaching the extension member 10b.

  In this embodiment, the case where the number of the extending members 10b is two is shown. By changing the number of the extending members 10b, the length Lg of the grip holding part can be changed. When the number of the extending members 10b is zero, the length Lg can be shortened. One extension member 10b may be provided.

  There may be three or more extending members 10b. Since the connection structure of the extension members 10b is the same, the number of extension members 10b to be connected can be freely selected.

  FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the grip 12 according to the third embodiment. The grip 12 includes a grip body 10a, an extension member 10b, and an extension member 12b. The grip body 10a is the same as that of the second embodiment described above. The extension member 10b is the same as that of the second embodiment described above.

  The extending member 12b has a rubber part g5 and a hard connector h4. The hard connector h4 of the extension member 12b is the same as that of the extension member 10b described above. The difference between the extension member 10b and the extension member 12b is only the length of the rubber part.

  In FIG. 9, what is indicated by a double arrow L1 is the length of the rubber part g4 of the extending member 10b. In FIG. 9, what is indicated by a double arrow L2 is the length of the rubber part g5 of the extending member 12b. The length L1 is different from the length L2. In the present embodiment, the length of the grip 12 can be adjusted by selecting one of the extending members 10b and 12b. Preferably, the ratio (L2 / L1) is a non-integer. In this case, a length Lg that cannot be achieved by connecting the extension members 10b can be achieved by connecting the extension members 12b.

  The material of the hard base is harder than the material of the gripping surface. By using a hard base, connection reliability and rigidity inside the grip can be improved. A preferable material for the hard substrate is a metal or a resin, and a more preferable material is a metal. Examples of the resin include thermoplastic resins and carbon fiber reinforced resins. From the viewpoint of processability, examples of preferable resins include nylon, PEBAX (polyether block copolymer), and polycarbonate. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy and the like. From the viewpoint of swing balance, high specific gravity metals (specific gravity of 12 or more) such as tungsten and tungsten alloys can also be used.

  The material of the hard connector is harder than the material of the grip grip surface. By using a hard connector, connection reliability and rigidity inside the grip can be improved. A preferable material for the hard connector is a metal or a resin, and a more preferable material is a metal. Examples of the resin include thermoplastic resins and carbon fiber reinforced resins. From the viewpoint of processability, examples of preferable resins include nylon, PEBAX (polyether block copolymer), and polycarbonate. Examples of the metal include stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy and the like. From the viewpoint of swing balance, high specific gravity metals (specific gravity of 12 or more) such as tungsten and tungsten alloys can also be used.

  The rubber that is the material of the rubber part is not limited. A preferred rubber is a rubber elastic body such as vulcanized rubber. Of course, thermoplastic elastomers are also included in the rubber. From the viewpoint of difficulty in sliding, natural rubber (specific gravity 0.91 to 0.93), styrene butadiene rubber (specific gravity 0.92 to 0.97), EPDM (specific gravity 0.86 to 0.87), isoprene rubber ( Specific gravity 0.92-0.93) and mixtures thereof are preferred.

  The rubber is usually a composition. This rubber composition may contain oil. As this oil, for example, aromatic oil, naphthenic oil, paraffin oil and the like can be used.

  In addition to the rubber, sulfur, and oil, for example, a reinforcing agent, a filler, a vulcanization accelerator, a vulcanization aid, and the like may be appropriately blended in the grip rubber composition. Furthermore, anti-aging agents, processing aids and the like may be blended.

  As the reinforcing agent, for example, carbon, silica or the like can be used. As the filler, for example, hard clay, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, clay and the like are used, and as the vulcanization aid, for example, zinc oxide and stearic acid are used. The vulcanization accelerator can be appropriately selected according to the rubber used in accordance with a known method.

  The rubber may be a resin composition. A thermoplastic resin is mentioned as resin contained in this resin composition. This thermoplastic resin can be used for injection molding. As this thermoplastic resin, a thermoplastic elastomer is preferable, and a thermoplastic elastomer including a soft segment and a hard segment is more preferable. From the viewpoint of achieving both grip and wear resistance, urethane thermoplastic elastomers are more preferable.

  The preferred blending ratio with respect to 100 parts by weight of rubber is 5 to 70 parts by weight of the reinforcing agent, 10 to 70 parts by weight of the filler, 0.1 to 3 parts by weight of the vulcanization accelerator, and 1 to 10 parts by weight of the vulcanization aid. Part. However, it is not limited to these ratios.

  The manufacturing method of the grip body is not limited. The grip body can be manufactured by a known manufacturing method. Examples of this production method include press molding and injection molding. A manufacturing method including a step in which a separately molded hard base is set in a mold for the grip main body and a step in which the grip main body is molded with the mold and the hard base is fixed to the grip main body at the same time is employed. sell.

  In press molding, a rubber composition is filled in a mold, and pressurization and heating are performed. Although heating temperature shall be 130-200 degreeC normally, it is not limited to this. The heating time is usually 3 to 15 minutes, but is not limited thereto.

  The manufacturing method of an extending member is not limited. Examples of the method for producing the extension member include press molding and injection molding. A step in which a separately molded hard connector is set in a mold for the rubber part, and a step in which the rubber part of the extension member is molded with the mold and at the same time the hard connector is fixed to the rubber part. Including manufacturing methods may be employed.

  As the club length is extended, the swing balance increases. In the present invention, the mass of the hard connector offsets an increase in swing balance as the club length increases. That is, an increase in swing balance due to the mass of the hard connector is suppressed. From this viewpoint, the specific gravity of the hard connector is preferably larger than the specific gravity of the rubber part. More preferably, the specific gravity of the hard connector is 1.5 or more, further 2.0 or more, and further 2.5 or more. From the viewpoint of reducing the club weight, the specific gravity of the hard connector is preferably 20 or less.

  The extending member of the above embodiment is considered to act as a dynamic vibration absorber. The shape in which the hard connector is disposed inside the rubber member is considered to cause an action as a dynamic vibration absorber. As a result, it has been found that the extension member can improve the vibration absorption of the grip.

  In the grip 10 of the second embodiment, the hard base body h3 and the shaft 6 are separated from each other, and rubber exists between the hard base body h3 and the shaft 6 (see FIG. 7). This rubber can improve the function as a dynamic vibration absorber. This rubber can improve the vibration absorption of the grip 10.

  In FIG. 7, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow A <b> 1 is the thickness of the rubber existing between the hard base body h <b> 3 and the shaft 6. From the viewpoint of vibration absorption, the thickness A1 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and still more preferably 2 mm or more. If the center of the grip is deformed, the grip is not stable. In this respect, the thickness A1 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and still more preferably 3 mm or less.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 are separated from each other. Rubber exists between the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2. This rubber can improve the function as a dynamic vibration absorber. This rubber can improve the vibration absorption of the grip 8.

  In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the hard connectors h2 are separated from each other. Rubber exists between these hard connectors h2. This rubber can improve the function as a dynamic vibration absorber. This rubber can improve the vibration absorption of the grip 8.

  In FIG. 3, what is indicated by a double arrow A2 is the thickness of the rubber existing between the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2. From the viewpoint of vibration absorption, the thickness A2 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and still more preferably 2 mm or more. If the center of the grip is deformed, the grip is not stable. In this respect, the thickness A2 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and still more preferably 3 mm or less.

  In FIG. 3, what is indicated by a double-headed arrow A3 is the thickness of the rubber existing between the adjacent hard connectors h2. From the viewpoint of vibration absorption, the thickness A3 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and still more preferably 2 mm or more. If the center of the grip is deformed, the grip is not stable. In this respect, the thickness A3 is preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less, and still more preferably 3 mm or less.

  The thickness A1, the thickness A2, and the thickness A3 are measured with the extension member attached.

The total rubber thickness At is calculated by the following equation. That is, the total rubber thickness At (mm) is the sum of the thickness A1 (mm), the thickness A2 (mm), and the thickness A3 (mm). In the calculation of the total At, the thickness A1, the thickness A2, or the thickness A3 may be zero.
At = A1 + A2 + A3

  From the viewpoint of vibration absorption, the thickness At is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and still more preferably 3 mm or more. If the center of the grip is deformed, the grip is not stable. In this respect, the thickness At is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, and still more preferably 8 mm or less.

  As in all the embodiments described above, the connection structure between the grip body and the extension member is preferably the same as the connection structure between the extension members. In addition, when there are a plurality of extending members, their connecting structure is preferably the same. These structures can increase the degree of freedom of connection. These structures can increase the degree of freedom regarding the connection order and the number of connections of the extension members.

  In the above-described embodiment, there are a plurality of extending members, and all the extending members are the same. In this case, since the extension members are the same, the order of attachment of the extension members is free, and the degree of freedom of grip adjustment is high.

  On the other hand, there may be a plurality of extending members, and the extending members may have different outer diameters. An example of this is the grip 14 shown in FIG.

  The grip 14 includes a grip body 14a, a first extension member 14b, and a second extension member 14c. In the grip 14, the first extending member 14b and the second extending member 14c have different outer diameters. The internal structures of the grip body 14a and the extending members 14b and 14c are the same as those of the grip 8 or the grip 10.

  A gripping surface 14m is formed by the grip body 14a and all the extending members 14b and 14c. The gripping surface 14m is substantially continuous without a step. The outer surface 14a1 of the grip body 14a and the outer surface 14b1 of the extension member 14b adjacent to the grip body 14a are substantially continuous without a step. In the extension members adjacent to each other, the outer surface 14b1 and the outer surface 14c1 are substantially continuous without a step.

  In the grip 14, the grip outer diameter increases as the grip end is approached in a state where the extension members 14 b and 14 c are mounted. This shape can contribute to ease of gripping. Preferably, this difference in outer diameter is achieved by the thickness of the rubber part. The difference in outer shape between the extension members is achieved only by the rubber part. In this case, the hard connection body can be shared by the first extension member 14b and the second extension member 14c.

  Hereinafter, the effects of the present invention will be clarified by examples. However, the present invention should not be construed in a limited manner based on the description of the examples.

[Evaluation]
The evaluation method is as follows.

[Swing weight measurement]
It measured using the brand name "BANCER-14" by DAININ. This swing weight is a 14-inch system. The measured values are shown in Table 1 below.

[Measurement of out-of-plane primary vibration damping ratio]
FIG. 11 shows how the out-of-plane primary vibration attenuation rate is measured. In this measurement, a gripped shaft 51 in which a grip 48 is attached to the shaft 6 is used. A string 50 is attached to the grip side end of the shaft 51 with grip. An acceleration pickup meter 52 is attached at a point 370 mm from the grip end. Using the string 50, the gripped shaft 51 is suspended. In the suspended state, the opposite side (back side) of the acceleration pickup meter 52 is hit with an impact hammer 54 to be excited. The input vibration F is measured by a force pickup meter 56 attached to the impact hammer 54. The response vibration α is measured by the acceleration pickup meter 52. The response vibration α is input to the frequency analysis device 62 via the amplifier 58. The input vibration F is input to the frequency analysis device 62 via the amplifier 60. As the frequency analysis device 62, a dynamic single analyzer HP3562A manufactured by Hewlett-Packard Company was used. The transfer function in the frequency domain obtained by the analysis was obtained, and the frequency of the gripped shaft 51 was obtained. The vibration attenuation rate (ζ) obtained by the following equation is the out-of-plane primary vibration attenuation rate.
ζ = (1/2) × (Δω / ωn)
To = Tn × √2
However, as shown in the graph of FIG. 12, ωn is the frequency of the primary maximum value, and the meanings of Δω, Tn, and T0 are as shown in the graph of FIG.

[Sensory evaluation of vibration absorption by actual hitting]
Twenty-five middle and advanced players (golf golfers who have been in golf for over 10 years and still meet the requirements to play at least once a month) hit the clubs equipped with the grips of the examples and comparative examples. Five balls were hit in each club, and sensory evaluation was performed in five stages from 1 point to 5 points for vibration absorption. The higher the vibration absorption, the higher the score. The average score is shown in Table 1 below.

[Grip 70 according to Examples 1 and 2]
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the grip 70 according to the embodiment. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the grip 70.

  The grip 70 has a structure similar to the grip 8 according to the first embodiment described above.

  The grip 70 includes a grip body 70a and two extension members 70b. Two extension members 70b are attached to the rear end of the grip body 70a.

  The grip body 70a is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft 6 by a double-sided tape. The method of bonding with a double-sided tape is the same as the method of bonding a normal grip.

  The grip 70 includes a connecting member 70c in addition to the grip body 70a and the extension member 70b. The connecting member 70c is a screw.

  The grip body 70a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body h1. The material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part g1 has a cavity part cv1 (see FIG. 15). The hard base body h1 is provided inside the rubber part g1. The hard base body h <b> 1 is provided inside the shaft 6.

  The manufacturing method of the rubber part g1 is as follows. Natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) were blended in a mass ratio of 65:35, and sulfur, carbon black and inorganic components were blended as appropriate to obtain a rubber composition. This rubber composition was filled into a press die and pressed at a temperature of 150 degrees for 10 minutes to obtain a vulcanized rubber part g1.

  The length extended by one extending member 70b was 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). As shown in FIG. 13, when the two extending members 70b are attached, the club length is extended by 1.0 inch (25.4 mm).

  The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarged part e1 having an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter (see FIG. 15). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure.

  The first extending member 70b has a rubber part g2 and a hard connector h2. The material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The rubber part g2 has a cavity part cv2. The hard connector h2 is provided inside the rubber part g2. The rubber part g2 covers a part of the hard connector h2.

  The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarged part e2 having an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter. The cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure.

  The manufacturing method of the rubber part g2 is as follows. Natural rubber (NR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) were blended in a mass ratio of 65:35, and sulfur, carbon black and inorganic components were blended as appropriate to obtain a rubber composition. This rubber composition was filled in a press die and pressed at a temperature of 150 ° C. for 10 minutes to obtain a vulcanized rubber part g2.

  The difference between the above-described grip 8 and the grip 70 according to the first embodiment is the shape of the rubber part g1, the shape of the hard connector h2, and the shape of the rubber part g2. In the grip 70, the rubber thickness A2 (see FIG. 3) is 0 mm, and the rubber thickness A3 (see FIG. 3) is 0 mm. That is, in the grip 70, the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 are in contact with each other, and the hard connectors h2 are also in contact with each other. In other respects, the grip 70 and the grip 8 are the same. The grip 70 also employs a screw connection and a connection using an undercut structure.

  The material of the hard base body h1 was metal. This metal was an aluminum alloy.

  The material of the hard connector h2 was a metal. This metal was an aluminum alloy. An adhesive was used for joining the hard connector h2 and the rubber part g2.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the hard connector h2 used in the extending member 70b alone. The hard connector h2 includes a large diameter part h21, an inclined part h22, a medium diameter part h23, and a small diameter part h24. The large diameter portion h21 is cylindrical. The inclined part h22 is conical. The medium diameter part h23 is cylindrical. The small diameter part h24 is cylindrical. The large diameter part h21, the inclined part h22, the medium diameter part h23 and the small diameter part h24 are arranged coaxially. Although not shown, a screw hole is provided at the center of the hard connector h2.

  The length d21 of the large diameter part h21 is 1.0 mm, the length d22 of the inclined part h22 is 1.0 mm, the length d23 of the medium diameter part h23 is 1.5 mm, and the length of the small diameter part h24. d24 was set to 9.2 mm. The length d21, the length d22, the length d23, and the length d24 were measured along the central axis of the hard connector h2. The drawings such as FIG. 16 do not reflect the ratio of these lengths.

[Example 1]
The trade name “SRIXON ZR-700 Driver” manufactured by SRI Sports Co., Ltd. was used. The grip of the “SRIXON ZR-700 driver” was removed, and the grip body 70a was attached instead. A golf club of Example 1 was obtained by attaching one of the extending members 70b to the grip body 70a. The evaluation of Example 1 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Example 2]
Another extension member 70b was attached to the grip of Example 1 to obtain a golf club of Example 2. In the grip according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, two extending members 70b are attached. The evaluation of Example 2 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Grip 80 according to Examples 3 and 4]
FIG. 17 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the grip end of the grip 80 according to the embodiment. 18 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the grip 80.

  The grip 80 is the same type as the grip 8 according to the first embodiment described above.

  The grip 80 includes a grip body 80a and two extending members 80b. Two extension members 80b are attached to the rear end of the grip body 80a.

  The grip body 80a is fixed to the rear end portion of the shaft 6 with a double-sided tape. The method of bonding with a double-sided tape is the same as the method of bonding a normal grip.

  The grip 80 includes a connecting member 80c in addition to the grip body 80a and the extension member 80b. The connecting member 80c is a screw.

  The grip body 80a has a rubber part g1 and a hard base body h1. The material of the rubber part g1 is rubber. The rubber part g1 has a cavity part cv1 (see FIG. 19). The rubber part g1 was manufactured in the same manner as the rubber part g1 of the grip body 70a.

  The hard base body h1 is provided inside the rubber part g1. The axial length A4 (see FIG. 19) of the hard base body h1 was 5.0 mm.

  The length extended by one extending member 80b was 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). As shown in FIG. 17, when the two extending members 80b are attached, the club length is extended by 1.0 inch.

  The cavity part cv1 has an inner diameter enlarged part e1 having an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter (see FIG. 19). The cavity part cv1 has an undercut structure.

  The first extending member 80b has a rubber part g2 and a hard connector h2. The material of the rubber part g2 is rubber. The rubber part g2 has a cavity part cv2. The hard connector h2 is provided inside the rubber part g2. The rubber part g2 covers a part of the hard connector h2.

  The cavity part cv2 has an inner diameter enlarged part e2 having an inner diameter larger than the opening diameter. The cavity part cv2 has an undercut structure.

  The rubber part g2 was manufactured in the same manner as the rubber part g2 of the extension member 70b.

  The difference between the grip 8 described above and the grip 80 according to the first embodiment is the shape of the rubber part g1, the shape of the hard connector h2, and the shape of the rubber part g2. In the grip 80, the rubber thickness A2 (see FIGS. 3 and 18) is 0 mm, and the rubber thickness A3 (see FIGS. 3 and 18) is 4 mm. That is, in the grip 80, the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 are in contact, but the hard connectors h2 are not in contact with each other. A rubber having a thickness A3 of 4 mm is interposed between the hard connectors h2. In other respects, the grip 80 and the grip 8 are the same. The grip 80 also uses a screw connection and a connection using an undercut structure.

  The material of the hard base body h1 was metal. This metal was an aluminum alloy.

  The material of the hard connector h2 was a metal. This metal was an aluminum alloy. An adhesive was used for joining the hard connector h2 and the rubber part g2.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the hard connector h2 used for the extending member 80b alone. The hard connector h2 includes a large diameter part h25, an inclined part h26, a medium diameter part h27, and a small diameter part h28. The large diameter portion h25 is cylindrical. The inclined part h26 is conical. The medium diameter part h27 is cylindrical. The small diameter part h28 is cylindrical. The large diameter part h25, the inclined part h26, the medium diameter part h27, and the small diameter part h28 are arranged coaxially. Although not shown, a screw hole is provided at the center of the hard connector h2.

  The length d25 of the large diameter portion h25 is 1.0 mm, the length d26 of the inclined portion h26 is 1.0 mm, the length d27 of the medium diameter portion h27 is 1.5 mm, and the length of the small diameter portion h28. d28 was set to 5.2 mm. The length d25, the length d26, the length d27, and the length d28 were measured along the central axis of the hard connector h2. The drawings such as FIG. 20 do not reflect the ratio of these lengths.

[Example 3]
The trade name “SRIXON ZR-700 Driver” manufactured by SRI Sports Co., Ltd. was used. The grip of the “SRIXON ZR-700 driver” was removed, and the grip body 80a was attached instead. One extending member 80b was attached to the grip body 80a to obtain a golf club of Example 3. The evaluation of Example 3 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Example 4]
Another extension member 80b was attached to the grip of Example 3 to obtain a golf club of Example 4. In the grip according to the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, two extending members 80b are attached. The evaluation of Example 4 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Example 5]
Example 5 is the same as Example 5 except that a rubber part is provided between the hard base body h1 and the hard connector h2 so that the rubber thickness A2 (see FIG. 18) is 4.0 mm. Got a golf club. The evaluation of Example 5 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Example 6]
A golf club of Example 6 was obtained in the same manner as in Example 4 except that the thickness of the rubber part g2 was adjusted so that the rubber thickness A3 (see FIG. 18) was 1.0 mm. The evaluation of Example 6 is shown in Table 1 below.

[Comparative Example 1]
The trade name “SRIXON ZR-700 Driver” manufactured by SRI Sports Co., Ltd. was used as it was on the market. The grip of Comparative Example 1 is a grip that is mounted as a standard on the “SRIXON ZR-700 driver”. The evaluation of Comparative Example 1 is shown in Table 1 below.

  As shown in Table 1, the examples have higher evaluations than the comparative examples. From this evaluation result, the superiority of the present invention is clear.

  The invention described above can be applied to any golf club. The present invention can be used for wood type golf clubs, iron type golf clubs, putter clubs and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Golf club 4 ... Golf club head 6 ... Shaft 8 ... Grip 8m ... Grip surface 8a ... Grip main body 8b ... Extension member 10 ... Grip 10a ... Grip body 10b ... Extension member 10m ... Grip surface 12 ... Grip 12b ... Extension member 12m ... Grip surface 14 ... Grip 14a ... Grip body 14b ... Extension member One extension member)
14c ... Extension member (second extension member)
14m ... gripping surface h1 ... hard substrate h2 ... hard connector h3 ... hard substrate h4 ... hard connector

Claims (9)

It has a head, shaft, grip body and extension member.
The extension member is detachable from the rear end of the grip body,
A golf club in which a length of a grip holding surface can be adjusted by attaching and detaching the extension member. A hard base further,
The extension member has a hard connector,
The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the extension member can be attached to a rear end of the grip body by connecting the hard base and the hard connector. The extension member has a hard connector,
The grip body has a cavity portion with an undercut structure,
The cavity is formed of rubber,
The hard connector is attached to the cavity by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber,
3. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the hard connector is hardly pulled out of the cavity portion due to the undercut structure. The hard base is separated from the shaft;
The golf club according to claim 1, wherein rubber is present between the hard base and the shaft. In the state where the extension member is attached to the grip body, the hard base and the hard connector are separated from each other,
The golf club according to claim 1, wherein rubber is present between the hard base and the hard connector. A plurality of the extension members,
These extension members are detachable,
The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the length of the grip can be adjusted by the number of connected extension members. In the state where the extension members are connected to each other, the hard connectors are separated from each other,
The golf club according to claim 6, wherein rubber is present between the hard connectors. Each of the plurality of extending members has a cavity portion with an undercut structure,
This cavity is made of rubber,
The hard connector in the first extension member is attached to the cavity portion in the second extension member by utilizing elastic deformation of rubber,
8. The golf club according to claim 6, wherein the second extension member is difficult to be removed from the first extension member due to the undercut structure. 9. A plurality of extension members having different lengths from each other;
The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the length of the grip can be adjusted by selecting or combining these extending members.

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