JP2012525218A - Angle adjustment cut for golf clubs - Google Patents

Abstract

A golf club having a golf club shaft and a golf club head is provided. The shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A golf club head attached to the distal end of the golf club shaft extends from the heel region to the toe region. The golf club head includes an angle adjustment cut located below the distal end of the golf club shaft. The angle adjustment cut includes a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents. The first elongate groove does not go around the longitudinal axis.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of priority of US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 432,118, filed Apr. 29, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates generally to golf clubs and golf club heads. More specifically, the aspect of the present invention relates to a golf club having a cut for angle adjustment.

Background Golf is enjoyed by a wide variety of players, i.e. players of different genders and players of very different ages and / or proficiency levels. Golfers attempt to improve performance, reduce golf scores, and reach the next performance “level” at all proficiency levels. One way to improve performance is to use more technically advanced tools. A further way to improve performance is to select a tool that matches the style of the individual golfer.

  Golf clubs have been the subject of particular technical research and progress in recent years. Certain technical advances have been made to better match the various elements and / or characteristics of golf clubs and the characteristics of golf balls to the swing characteristics of a particular user (eg, club fitting techniques, ball launching, etc. Angle measurement technology, ball spin speed, etc.). There are currently a myriad of golf club component parts available to golfers. For example, individual club head models may include variations such as loft angle, lie angle, offset characteristics, weighting characteristics, and the like. These various club heads may be combined with a variety of shafts having, for example, any of various stiffnesses, flex points, kick points, or other bending characteristics. There are literally hundreds of different club head / shaft combinations available to golfers among the available variations in shafts and club heads.

  Club fitters and golf professionals can assist in fitting the golfer with a golf club head / shaft combination that meets the golfer's swing characteristics and needs. In addition to selecting individual golf heads and shafts based on the swing characteristics of a particular golfer, the angle at which the shaft fits the head, i.e. the lie angle, must also be adapted to the body characteristics of the individual golfer. .

  The lie angle is an angle between the hosel centerline and the club head sole when the club head sole contacts the ground at the center of the face score area. When the golfer stands for the address and the center of the score area of the club head face is on the ground and the club lie is considered to be generally optimal, this is referred to as a “standard” lie. If the club head toe points to the air and the club head heel is on the ground, the golfer's lie is "upright" and must be flatter. In contrast, if the club head heel is in the air and the tow is on the ground, the golfer's lie is too “flat” and must be more upright. The shorter player uses a flat lie angle than usual, and the taller player uses a more upright lie angle.

  Club lies can have a significant impact on the flight of the ball. If the lie is too flat for a particular golfer, the club head tow may hit the ground first and the ball may tend to fly inside out. If the club lie is too upright for the golfer, the ball may tend to fly outside-in.

  Conventionally, the shaft is attached to the golf club head using a hosel. In some examples, custom fitting golf clubs to individual golfers involved bending the hosel to provide the correct lie angle for the golfer / club combination. However, the hosel, which is the structural connection between the shaft and the club head, may have material properties that are not suitable for bending. Thus, applying force to bend can cause wrinkles, bumps, stress concentrations, cracks, or other defects, for example. Furthermore, bending can lead to a concomitant loss of strength and / or stiffness.

  The disadvantages associated with conventional structures associated with adjusting the club lie angle may limit the range of adjustment and / or reduce the technical performance of the golf club.

Overview In order to provide a basic understanding of the present invention and its various features, a brief overview of aspects of the present disclosure is presented below. This summary is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, but merely provides an overview and background for the following more detailed description.

  In accordance with an illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, a golf club head may include an angle adjustment cut located below the distal end of the attached golf club shaft. The angle adjustment cut may include a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents. According to a particular aspect, the first elongate groove does not go around the longitudinal axis.

  In accordance with another illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, the angled cut includes a first elongate groove that extends both laterally and longitudinally, and extends both laterally and longitudinally. And a second elongate groove extending at the top.

  In accordance with a further illustrative aspect of the present disclosure, a golf club may include a golf club shaft attached to a golf club head as provided above.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certain advantages thereof may be obtained by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
1 schematically illustrates a front view of a portion of an exemplary golf club according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club according to the present disclosure and the aspects of FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a rear view of a portion of an exemplary golf club in accordance with the present disclosure and the aspects of FIG. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view from section IV-IV of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present disclosure and aspects of FIG. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a portion of FIG. 4 cut and enlarged in section AA of a club according to the present disclosure and the aspects of FIG. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view from section IV-IV of FIG. 2 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure and the aspect of FIG. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club head according to another aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club head according to a further aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club head according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure. 1 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club head according to aspects of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a side view from the heel side of a portion of an exemplary golf club head according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure.

  The reader should note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features are exaggerated or omitted in the drawings for consideration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following description of various exemplary structures in accordance with the present disclosure, various exemplary connection assemblies, golf club heads, and golf club structures in accordance with the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it will be understood that other specific arrangements of parts and structures can be used and structural and functional changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Also, herein, to describe various exemplary features and elements of the present disclosure, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “back”, “side”, “bottom” ”,“ Overhead ”and the like may be used, but these terms are used herein for convenience based on, for example, the exemplary orientation shown in the figures and / or orientation in normal use. Any statement in this specification should not be construed as requiring a specific three-dimensional or spatial orientation of the structure in order to be within the scope of the invention.

A. Golf Club Overview Including Golf Club Angle Adjustment Cuts and Such Features In Accordance with the Examples of the Present Disclosure As described above, in general, aspects of the present disclosure can position the club head and shaft at various angles relative to each other. Thus, the present invention relates to a feature for adjusting the lie angle and / or loft angle of a golf club. Aspects of the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

  An illustrative aspect of the present disclosure is a golf club head that facilitates achieving any of a variety of lie angles and / or loft angles of a golf club shaft relative to a club head body (and its ball striking face). Relating to the features provided. The angle of the golf club shaft may be adjusted relative to the golf club head body by deforming a portion of the club head. Typically, deformation occurs as a result of bending stress experienced in the bend line or bending region between the distal end of the golf club shaft and the body of the golf club head. Aspects of the present disclosure provide a means for relieving distortion and / or stress in a bending region caused by changing the angle of the club shaft relative to the club head. It relates to reducing by providing. Means for mitigating these distortions may include providing angle adjustment cuts on the surface of the club head. Angle cuts may include one or more groove-like elements, crack-like elements, score-like elements, or other gap-forming elements that locally interrupt the continuity of the surface of the golf club head. Good. Angle cuts can mitigate or improve distortion in the bending region in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. In addition, angle adjustment cuts can alleviate stress concentrations and reduce the likelihood that wrinkles and / or cracks will occur in the bending region.

1． Exemplary Angle Adjustment Cuts and Golf Club Structure A golf club having a golf club shaft and a golf club head is provided. The shaft includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. A golf club head attached to the distal end of the golf club shaft extends from the heel region to the toe region. The golf club head may include an angle adjustment cut located under the distal end of the golf club shaft. The angle cut may include a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents. The first elongate groove does not go around the longitudinal axis. In some aspects, the first groove extends around the longitudinal axis only up to 180 degrees.

  The angle adjustment cut provides a groove extending in both the transverse and longitudinal directions relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the golf club shaft. When the angle between the shaft and the club head body is adjusted, it is bent in the bending area below the distal end of the shaft in the neck and / or heel area of the club head. On one side of the bending area, the club head material is stretched (ie, placed in tension), and on the other side of the bending area, the club head material is crushed (ie, compressed). ). When the material is compressed in the first direction, it tends to spread in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Similarly, when a material is stretched in a first direction, it tends to shrink in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. Thus, biaxial stress and distortion occur in the bending region when the lie angle and / or loft angle is adjusted. These biaxial stresses and distortions are better accommodated than grooves that extend only in the lateral direction, for example, by providing an angled cut with one or more grooves extending in both the longitudinal and lateral directions. obtain.

  In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a second elongate groove may be provided as well. The second elongate groove may extend over both the lateral extent and the longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the second elongate groove does not go around the longitudinal axis. The first and second grooves may be formed as a series of concentric circles. More generally, the first groove and / or the second groove may form a closed ring extending substantially parallel to each other. The cut for angle adjustment may include two or more grooves.

  Angle cuts may be provided at least partially in the neck region of the club head. Optionally, an angular cut may be provided at least partially in the heel of the club head. In some aspects, the angle adjustment cut may be symmetric with respect to an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. In another aspect, the angle adjustment cut may be symmetric with respect to an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

  While the angled cuts relieve the biaxial bending stresses and distortions that occur during bending, very little material is removed from the neck and / or heel region cross-section. Therefore, the properties of the club head that affect the bending and rotational stiffness of the club (ie moment of inertia and center of gravity) are hardly affected.

  In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, a golf club includes a golf club shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween and defining a longitudinal direction. The golf club head is attached to the distal end of the golf club shaft. The head includes means for mitigating distortion, located on the underside of the distal end of the golf club shaft. Means for mitigating distortion include a first elongate gap-forming element that extends over both a lateral spread and a vertical spread. The first elongate gap forming element does not go around the longitudinal axis.

  In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf club includes a golf club shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween and defining a longitudinal direction. The golf club further includes a golf club head attached to the distal end of the golf club shaft. The golf club head includes an angle adjustment cut located below the distal end of the golf club shaft. Angle adjustment cuts include a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents and a second elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents as well. May be.

  The first and second grooves can have a synergistic effect. For example, each groove may relieve some of the biaxial bending stress and distortion. Furthermore, the plurality of grooves can provide more distributed relaxation properties. Still further, the plurality of grooves may better provide possible variations in the direction of the angle to be adjusted. Unpleasant wrinkles or other undesirable deformations in the bending region can be avoided.

  The angle adjustment cuts described herein can help to make the overall connection assembly relatively compact and lightweight while facilitating lie angle and loft angle adjustment and maintaining rotational and bending stiffness. it can.

  Aspects of the present disclosure regarding angle adjustment cuts and golf club structures incorporating angle adjustment cuts are described in more detail below.

  Specific examples of the present disclosure are described in more detail below. The reader should understand that these specific examples are set forth merely to illustrate examples of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

B. Embodiments of the Present Disclosure FIGS. 1-3 generally illustrate an exemplary golf club 100 in accordance with at least certain aspects of the present disclosure. 4-9 generally illustrate various embodiments of angle adjustment cuts in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a club 100 includes a club head 102 and a club shaft 106. The club shaft 106 includes a proximal end (not shown) where the golfer grips the shaft, a distal end where the club head 102 is attached to the shaft 106, and a proximal to distal end of the shaft. A longitudinal axis (L) extending along the length.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the club head 102 includes a main body 120, a neck 130, and a club head-shaft connection region 140. The club head 102 may be attached to the distal end of the club shaft 106 at the club head-shaft connection region 140. Club head-shaft connection region 140 may be provided by hosel 142. Club head-shaft connection region 140 may be defined as the region where shaft 106 and club head 102 overlap. In certain embodiments, the club head-shaft connection region 140 is the region where the distal end of the club shaft 106 and the hosel 142 overlap.

  Club head 102 includes a body 120 that extends from a heel region 122 to a toe region 124. The ball striking face member 126 may be provided on the front surface of the main body 120. The neck region 130 extends between the body 120 and the club head-shaft connection region 140. The neck region 130 typically includes an elongated structure that extends generally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L of the club shaft 106. The body 120 extends from the neck region 130 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the direction of extension of the neck region 130. However, it will be appreciated that the boundary between the heel region 122 and the neck region 130 of the body 120 cannot be clearly defined. Accordingly, the transition region 132 is defined as the location where the neck region 130 and the heel region 122 merge. Transition region 132 may include portions of both neck region 130 and heel region 122.

  An angle cut 150 is provided in the club head 102. The angle adjustment cut 150 is disposed under the club head-shaft connection region 140. In other words, the angle adjustment cut 150 is disposed distally beyond the distal end of the golf club shaft. In certain aspects, the angle adjustment cut 150 may be disposed within the neck region 130. In other aspects, the angle adjustment cut 150 may be disposed within the transition region 132. In yet another aspect, the angle adjustment cut 150 may be disposed within the heel region 122.

  The angle adjustment cut 150 facilitates adjustment of the angle (lie and / or loft) of the club shaft 106 relative to the club head 102. This angle of the club shaft 106 relative to the club head 102 may be adjusted by deforming (eg, bending) the club head 102 at the bend line 125. The bend line 125 is located below the head-shaft connection region 140 and may be disposed in the neck region 130, the heel region 122, or the transition region 132. In accordance with certain aspects, the angled cut 150 may reduce bending stress and reduce or eliminate undesirable deformation when the angle of the club shaft 106 is changed. In accordance with other aspects, the angle cut 150 can help define the position of the bend line 125.

  A desired range of angular adjustment may be provided without departing from the present disclosure. By way of non-limiting example, adjustments of at least 0.25 °, at least 0.5 °, at least 1 °, at least 2 °, at least 4 °, or even at least 8 ° can be provided by angle adjustment cuts. In some exemplary structures, the desired adjustment is 0.25-25 °, 0.5-15 °, 1-10 °, or even 1-5 °.

  Angle adjustment cuts 150 according to some aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4-10.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the angle adjustment cut 150 includes a plurality of grooves 152 located in the transition region 132. The groove is a relatively long and narrow channel, i.e. has an elongated length compared to its width. According to certain aspects, the grooves may be defined as having an aspect ratio of 5 or greater. More typically, the grooves may have an aspect ratio of 10 or more, 15 or more, or even 20 or more.

In FIG. 2, a series of three circular grooves 152a-152c that are concentric are illustrated. Each of these grooves 152 extends at least two-dimensionally across a lateral extent and a longitudinal extent. The lateral spread is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the club shaft 106. The longitudinal spread is measured in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis L of the club shaft 106. In other words, the groove 152 is not on a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the club shaft 106. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the outermost groove 152c extends in a lateral extent D _T and a longitudinal extent D _L.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the groove 152 forms a closed ring. However, these grooves are not circumferential grooves, that is, the closed ring of grooves 152 does not go around the longitudinal axis L. Rather, the closed ring of grooves 152 goes around an axis that extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis. Groove 152b extends around groove 152a; groove 152c extends around both groove 152b and groove 152a. Furthermore, the grooves 152a-152c extend substantially parallel to each other when viewed perpendicular to the surface of the transition region 132. For purposes of this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize when the grooves are substantially parallel. As a non-limiting example, grooves that deviate from the parallel state by 5 ° or even 10 ° are considered substantially parallel.

  Typically, when the angle of the longitudinal axis L of the club shaft 106 is adjusted relative to the body 120, the bend line 125 material undergoes permanent deformation. If the club shaft angle is adjusted, the grooves 152 may provide distortion mitigating properties in that the sides of the groove channels 154 may be deformed toward or away from each other. Grooves 152 that extend in both the lateral and longitudinal extents on the surface of the club head 102 may provide distortion relief in both the lateral and longitudinal extents. The groove 152 may be formed by any conventional method including, for example, integral molding, forging, molding, machining, etching, notching, abrasion, and the like.

  The cross-sectional shape of the groove channel 154 may be substantially rectangular, circular, triangular, or any other suitable shape. For example, in FIGS. 4 and 4A, grooves 152a-152c have groove channels 154a-154c with a substantially triangular cross-section. The depth (d) of the groove channel may range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. Depths greater than 0.5 mm, or greater than 1 mm, or even 1.5 mm would be most desirable. Further, the groove channel width (w) measured on the surface can range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm. A width greater than 0.5 mm, or greater than 1 mm, or even greater than 1.5 mm would be most desirable.

  Usually, the groove channel can vary from very shallow to very deep. Thus, for example, a groove channel may have a width to depth ratio of 0.5, or 0.2, or even 0.1, or less, for a groove that is considered deep. For shallow trenches, a width to depth ratio of 1.5 or more, including, for example, a ratio of 2, or 5, or even 10 or more would be suitable. This width to depth ratio need not be constant for any given groove.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the depth dimension (d) of the groove channels 154a-154c is oriented substantially perpendicular to its surface (S). Slight deviations from vertical, for example, 5, 10, or even 15 °, are considered substantially vertical. Further, the depth of the groove channels 154a-154c for each of the grooves 152a-152c is substantially equal. FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the grooves 152a-152c of FIGS. In this alternative embodiment, the grooves 152a'-154c 'have groove channels 154a'-154c' having a substantially rectangular cross section. The depth dimensions of the groove channels 154a ′ to 154c ′ are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the depths d _a , d _b , d _c of the groove channels 154a′-154c ′ are changed for different grooves.

  Thus, it can be seen that the plurality of grooves 152 need not have the same cross-sectional shape and the same dimensions. As a non-limiting example, the first groove may have a depth (and / or width) that is different from the depth (and / or width) of the second groove. Further, each individual groove need not have the same cross-sectional shape or the same dimensions along its length. Thus, as another non-limiting example, the depth of any one groove may vary along the length of the groove and / or the width of any one groove may be It may vary along the length. Furthermore, it is not necessary that the plurality of grooves 152 be arranged at equal intervals.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the angle α defines the degree to which the angle adjustment cut 150 extends around the vertical axis L. In this particular embodiment, the angle α also defines the extent to which the groove 152c extends around the longitudinal axis L.

  In the aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 6, the adjustment feature includes two grooves 152d and 152e, each extending both laterally and longitudinally on the surface of the club head 102 at the transition region 132. These grooves are generally elliptical. Furthermore, these grooves are shown in the transition region 132 as being substantially parallel to each other when viewed perpendicular to its surface. Still further, grooves 152d and 152e are positioned relative to substantially the same center.

  In another aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustment feature 150 includes three grooves 152f, 152g, and 152h, each both laterally and longitudinally on the surface of the club head 102 at the transition region 132. Extend. The groove 152f is rectangular, the groove 152g is elliptical, and the groove 152h is circular. The grooves 152f to 152h have a common center.

  In yet another aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 8, the adjustment feature 150 includes six grooves 152i-152n, each extending both laterally and longitudinally on the surface of the club head 102 at the transition region 132. Grooves 152i and 152j are circular segments having a first radius, and these segments are arranged in mirror images of each other on opposite sides. Grooves 152k and 152n are segments of a circle with a second radius and are equally spaced on a circle with a second radius. Thus, it can be seen that the groove 152k extends substantially in the vertical direction but extends in the horizontal direction as well, and the groove 152l extends substantially in the horizontal direction but extends in the vertical direction as well.

  In certain other aspects of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 9, the adjustment feature 150 includes a groove 152o that describes a single circular helix extending both laterally and longitudinally on the surface of the club head. The axis of this helix is not aligned with the vertical axis L. Indeed, the axis of the helix is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L. The number of spiral turns is not important. Furthermore, the convolution need not be evenly spaced from the center of the helix. Still further, the helix need not be based on a circle, but can be based on an ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle, or other regular or irregular shape.

  In yet another aspect of the present disclosure illustrated in FIG. 10, the adjustment feature 150 includes at least one V-shaped groove 152p that extends both laterally and longitudinally on the surface of the club head. This particular groove embodiment further includes a second V-shaped groove 152q. The tips of the V-shaped grooves 152p, 152q are shown to face outward relative to each other in the embodiment of FIG. Alternatively, the V-shaped tips may face each other, may point in the same direction, or may point in any direction. V-shaped grooves can have a relatively small ratio of groove length and width. The length of the V-shaped groove (l) may be obtained as the sum of the lengths of each V-shaped leg, and the width of the V-shaped groove (w) is the maximum of the V-shaped leg. It is a dimension across the intersecting groove. As a non-limiting example, the ratio of groove length to width may range from approximately 3 to approximately 30.

  Club head 102 may be formed as a single piece (ie, a single piece) or may be assembled from multiple pieces. The various parts of the club head 102 may be made from conventional materials, in conventional configurations, and in conventional manner, as known and used in the art, and are optionally described herein. Can be modified (for example, in size, shape, etc.) to provide a lie angle adjustment cut. For example, one or more of the various parts including the club head 102 may include metal materials including light metals conventionally used in golf club head configurations, such as aluminum, titanium, magnesium, nickel, alloys of these materials, It may be made of an anodized material such as steel or stainless steel. Alternatively, if desired, one or more of the various parts of the club head 102 may be made of a rigid polymer material, such as a polymer material conventionally known and used in the golf club industry. Various parts of the club head 102 may be made of the same material or different materials without departing from this disclosure. These parts may be made in a conventional manner, as is known and used in metalworking and / or polymer manufacturing techniques. In addition, the shaft 106 may use any desired material, including conventional materials known and used in the art, such as steel, graphite, polymers, composites, combinations of these materials, and the like. Still further, the club head 102 may be attached to the club shaft 106 in any known manner using conventional fittings and materials. For example, the club head 102 may be permanently attached to the club shaft 106 via bonds, brazing, welding, cement, adhesives, etc., or the club head 102 may be attached to the club shaft by screws, mechanical fasteners, etc. It may be removably attached. Optionally, a grip member (not shown) may be provided at the proximal end of shaft 106.

  Many variations in the overall structure of the shaft, club head, and club head / shaft connection assembly are possible without departing from this disclosure. For example, a plurality of angle adjustment cuts may be provided on the club head. The first and second angle adjustment cuts may be arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. Iron type golf club heads are illustrated in these drawings, but can be applied to any type of club head including, for example, fairway wood club heads, driver / wood type golf club heads, hybrid golf club heads, putter heads, etc. The aspects of the present disclosure may be applied.

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

Claims (21)

A golf club shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween to define a longitudinal direction;
A first elongate groove comprising a first elongate groove extending across both a lateral extension and a longitudinal extension, the angle-adjusting cut disposed below the distal end of the golf club shaft. A golf club comprising: a golf club head attached to a distal end of a golf club shaft, wherein the golf club shaft includes a cut for angle adjustment that does not go around the longitudinal axis.   2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the first groove forms a closed ring.   The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a second elongate groove extending across both the lateral spread and the vertical spread, wherein the second elongate groove does not go around the longitudinal axis.   4. The golf club of claim 3, wherein the second elongate groove extends substantially parallel to the first elongate groove.   2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the angle adjustment cut line is symmetric with respect to an axis parallel to the vertical axis.   2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the angle adjustment cut line is symmetric with respect to an axis perpendicular to the vertical axis.   2. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the first elongated groove extends up to 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the head includes a neck region and the first elongate groove is at least partially disposed within the neck region.   The golf club of claim 1, wherein the head includes a heel region and the first elongate groove is at least partially disposed within the heel region.   The golf club of claim 1, further comprising at least a third elongated groove. A golf club shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween to define a longitudinal direction;
A means for mitigating distortion, comprising a first elongate gap forming element extending across both a lateral extent and a longitudinal extent, and disposed on the underside of a distal end of a golf club shaft, comprising: A golf club comprising: a golf club head attached to a distal end of a golf club shaft, wherein the elongated gap forming element does not go around the longitudinal axis and includes means for mitigating distortion.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the second elongate gap forming element extends substantially parallel to the first elongate gap forming element.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the first elongated gap forming element forms a closed ring that does not go around the longitudinal axis.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the means for mitigating distortion is symmetric about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the means for mitigating distortion is symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the first elongate gap forming element extends no more than 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the head includes a neck region and the first elongate gap forming element is at least partially disposed within the neck region.   12. A golf club according to claim 11, wherein the head includes a heel region and the first elongate gap forming element is at least partially disposed within the heel region.   The golf club of claim 11, further comprising at least a third elongated gap forming element. A body that spreads from the heel area to the toe area,
A neck region extending from the heel region to the connection region and defining a longitudinal axis, the neck region configured to be attached to the distal end of the golf club shaft;
An angle adjustment cut comprising a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents and disposed below the connection region, wherein the first elongate groove goes around the longitudinal axis. A golf club head having a notch for angle adjustment. A golf club shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween to define a longitudinal direction;
Including a first elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents and a second elongate groove extending across both the lateral and longitudinal extents and under the distal end of the golf club shaft A golf club comprising: a golf club head mounted on a distal end of a golf club shaft including an angle adjustment cut disposed on a side.

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