JP2024071786A - Golf clubs and golf club inserts - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] A golf club and an insert for a golf club, which improves the feel of the impact. [Solution] The disclosed golf club 1 comprises a head 3 having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, a shaft 5 formed in an axial shape, a hosel 4 connecting one end of the shaft 5 to the head 3, and a grip 6 provided on the other end of the shaft 5 and held by a user. The hosel 4 is formed integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in a non-replaceable manner. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a golf club for hitting a golf ball and a golf club insert that is removably attached to the golf club.

Conventionally, there are known golf clubs such as woods, irons, hybrids, utilities, and putters in which a shaft provided with a grip and a head are connected by a hosel. The hosel is removably fixed to, for example, the shaft or the head. This structure makes it easy to replace the shaft or the head (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Further, golf clubs that do not have a hosel, that is, golf clubs in which a shaft with a grip is connected to a head, have also been generally known.

Patent Publication No. 2021-058337 JP 2014-036894 A

In the case of a golf club with a hosel, the vibration generated in the head when hitting a golf ball is transmitted to the palm of the user (golfer) holding the grip via the shaft, and is recognized as part of the hitting feeling of the golf club. On the other hand, the hosel interposed between the shaft and the head may act to hinder the transmission of such vibration. Therefore, a golf club with a hosel has a problem that it is difficult to obtain a good hitting feeling compared to a golf club without a hosel. The hitting feeling means the feeling or shot feeling that the user has when hitting a golf ball. A general hitting feeling includes not only physical vibration but also the comfortableness (feeling) of the sensory operation such as the hitting feeling, the feeling of moderation, and the feeling of accomplishment.
Furthermore, even with golf clubs that do not have a hosel, it is difficult to obtain a good hitting feel unless some kind of ingenuity is used.

One of the objectives of this case was devised in light of the above-mentioned problems, and is to provide a golf club and a golf club insert that improves the feel of the impact. In addition to this objective, another objective of this case is to achieve effects that cannot be obtained with conventional technology, which are derived from the configurations shown in the "Mode for carrying out the invention" described below.

The present invention can be realized as the following disclosed aspects or application examples: The disclosed golf club and golf club insert solve at least a part of the above problems.
(1) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, a hosel connecting one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided on the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, wherein the hosel is formed integrally with the head and the shaft in a non-replaceable manner.

(2) It is preferable that the hosel be formed in a plate shape having a constant thickness and extending in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface.
(3) It is preferable that the hosel is formed in a rectangular plate shape.
(4) It is preferable that the hosel be formed in a bent plate shape that is curved so that the side closer to the striking surface is on the inside in a longitudinal cross section perpendicular to the striking surface.

(5) It is preferable that the hosel has a built-in vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface.
(6) It is preferable that the hosel has a first cavity formed therein to be hollow. It is preferable that an opening is formed to transmit reverberation sound from within the hosel to the outside of the hosel.

(7) It is preferable that the shaft has therein a second hollow portion formed in a hollow space and communicating with the first hollow portion.
(8) It is preferable that the grip has therein a third hollow portion formed in a hollow space and communicating with the second hollow portion.
(9) It is preferable that the grip is formed integrally with the shaft.

(10) It is preferable that the grip has a built-in vibration device that vibrates or a speaker that emits sound based on information detected by the vibration sensor.
(11) It is preferable that the golf club is provided with a vibration transmission member that is formed in a long shape, has one end fixed to the head, is incorporated in the second hollow portion and the third hollow portion, and transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member that is provided inside the third hollow portion and connects the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip.

(12) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip.
(13) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member is made of any one of a wire, a string, a rod member, and a linear elastic member.
(14) It is preferable that the mounting member is formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip.

(15) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration.
(16) It is preferable that the head has therein a fourth cavity portion formed hollow and communicating with the first cavity portion.
(17) It is preferable to further include an auxiliary vibration transmission member provided inside the fourth hollow portion and configured to transmit vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member.

(18) It is preferable that the head has a weight member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head.
(19) It is preferable that the head has a driving source for moving the weight member, the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in an upper surface of the head, and the driving source rotates the weight member along the inner circumferential surface of the recess.

(20) The disclosed golf club is a golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, the shaft having a hollow shaft cavity therein, the grip having a hollow grip cavity therein that communicates with the shaft cavity, a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head, which is built into the shaft cavity and the grip cavity, and which transmits vibrations generated at the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member provided inside the grip cavity that connects the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip.

(21) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip.
(22) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member is made of any one of a wire, a string, a rod member, and a linear elastic member.
(23) It is preferable that the mounting member is formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip.
(24) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration.

(25) It is preferable that the head has a hollow head cavity therein which communicates with the shaft cavity, and that it further comprises an auxiliary vibration transmission member provided inside the head cavity for transmitting vibrations generated at the striking surface to the vibration transmission member.
(26) The disclosed golf club includes a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, wherein the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity therein, and the grip has a hollow grip cavity therein that communicates with the shaft cavity, and further includes a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape and one end fixed to the head, which is built into the shaft cavity and the grip cavity and transmits vibrations generated at the striking surface to the grip, and an attachment member provided inside the grip cavity and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip, wherein the vibration transmission member contains a magnetic material, and a first pickup is provided in the vicinity of the vibration transmission member for detecting vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmission member and converting them into electrical signals.

(27) It is preferable that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extending direction of the grip.
(28) It is preferable that the mounting member is formed in a film shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip.
(29) It is preferable that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration.

(30) It is preferable that the head has a hollow head cavity inside that communicates with the shaft cavity, and is provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member disposed inside the head cavity for transmitting vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member, the auxiliary vibration transmission member being configured to contain a magnetic material, and a second pickup that detects vibrations transmitted by the auxiliary vibration transmission member and converts them into an electrical signal is disposed adjacent to the auxiliary vibration transmission member.

(31) It is preferable that a first amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal detected by the first pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club.
(32) It is preferable that a second amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal detected by the second pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club.

(33) The disclosed golf club is a golf club having a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a striking surface for a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft, and is provided with an insert comprising a surface vibration member formed in a planar shape that is provided on the striking surface and vibrates when colliding with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball.

(34) It is preferable that the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame.
(35) It is preferable that the string contains at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers.
(36) It is preferable that the surface vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface.

(37) It is preferable that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film.
(38) It is preferable that the planar vibration member is detachably provided on the head.
(39) It is preferable that the head has a head cavity formed so as to have a hollow interior.
(40) It is preferable that the head has an internal head wire that is stretched inside the head cavity and connected to the planar vibration member via a connecting wire.

(41) It is preferable that the shaft has a hollow shaft portion formed therein.
(42) It is preferable that the head has a wire in the shaft that is stretched inside the shaft hollow portion and connected to the wire in the head.
(43) It is preferable that the wire in the shaft is tensioned so as to connect the grip and the wire in the head, and transmits vibrations of the planar vibration member to the grip.

(44) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, a hosel connecting one end of the shaft to the head, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user, and a fin or plate member between the head and the hosel.
(45) The disclosed golf club comprises a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball, a shaft formed in an axial shape, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft to be held by a user, and further comprises a fin or plate member between the head and one end of the shaft.

(46) It is preferable that the illumination members are arranged in a planar or chain-like manner on the top surface of the fin or plate member.
(47) It is preferable that a fin is provided on the upper surface of the head.
(48) It is preferable that the fin has a top surface on which an illumination member is disposed in a planar or chain-like manner.

(49) It is preferable that an electric display member is provided on the upper surface of the head.
(50) It is preferable that the display member is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying at least one piece of information of the launch direction of the golf ball and impact data when the golf ball hits the striking surface in response to an external instruction.
(51) It is preferable to provide a controller having a rhythm box function for informing the player of the rhythm when the golf ball is hit, and a speaker for outputting one of a rhythm sound and a synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller.
(52) It is preferable that an adapter suited to the user's physique and hitting form be removably attached to the underside of the head.

(53) The disclosed insert for a golf club is an insert that is removably attached to a striking surface of a golf club having a shaft, a head having a striking surface for a golf ball attached to one end of the shaft, and a grip attached to the other end of the shaft, and has a surface vibration member formed in a planar shape that vibrates upon impact with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball.
(54) It is preferable that the planar vibration member of this insert has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame.

(55) It is preferable that the string of this insert contains at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers.
(56) It is preferable that the surface vibration member of this insert has a film member attached to the striking surface.
(57) It is preferable that the film member of this insert includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film.
(58) It is preferable that the surface vibration member of this insert is configured as a vibration member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure.

According to the disclosed golf club, the hosel is integrally provided between the head and shaft in a non-replaceable manner, so that the vibrations generated in the head when hitting a golf ball can be efficiently transmitted to the shaft, improving the feel of the impact.

In addition, with the disclosed golf club, even without providing a hosel, various improvements can be made to the golf club to efficiently transmit the vibrations generated in the head when hitting a golf ball to the shaft, improving the feel of the hit.

In addition, according to the disclosed golf club insert, by providing this insert on the head striking surface of a golf club that does not have a hosel, the vibrations generated in the head when striking can be efficiently transmitted to the shaft, improving the feel of the impact.

1A is a perspective view illustrating a golf club as a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 1A to 1C are perspective views for explaining types of golf club heads according to a first embodiment. 11A to 11F are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the hosel of the golf club according to the first embodiment. 11A to 11D are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the hosel of the golf club according to the first embodiment. 13A to 13E are side views illustrating modified examples of the hosel of the golf club according to the first embodiment. 1A and 1B are cross-sectional views illustrating an internal structure of a golf club according to a first embodiment. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 13A and 13B are perspective views for explaining a modified example of the golf club head according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 11A to 11E are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the golf club as the first embodiment. 13A to 13H are top views for explaining modified examples of the golf club as the first embodiment. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the first embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a golf club as a second embodiment. FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a golf club according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a net member of a golf club according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a golf club according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a golf club as a fourth embodiment. 13A and 13B are perspective views for explaining a modified example of a golf club as the fourth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a golf club as a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a modified example of the golf club as the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a processing block diagram applied to a golf club as a fifth embodiment. 13A is a partial perspective view showing a golf club as a sixth embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a partial perspective view showing a modified example of the golf club as the sixth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a processing block diagram applied to a golf club as a sixth embodiment. 13A and 13B are side views for explaining golf clubs as modifications of the first to sixth embodiments.

[I. Description of the First Embodiment]
[1. Basic structure]
Fig. 1(A) is a perspective view illustrating a golf club 1 (putter) according to a first embodiment. This golf club 1 includes a head 3, a hosel 4, a shaft 5, and a grip 6. A striking surface 2 (face) for striking a golf ball is provided on the side of the head 3. As shown in Fig. 1(B), the hosel 4 and the head 3 may be provided so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 (to form the same plane). In the following examples of various ways of providing the hosel 4 and the head 3, it goes without saying that the hosel 4 and the head 3 may also be provided so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in Fig. 1(B).
2(A) to (C) are perspective views illustrating various types of putter heads 3. The shape of the head 3 may be a pin type as shown in Fig. 2(A), a mallet type as shown in Fig. 2(B), or a neo-mallet type as shown in Fig. 2(C).

The shaft 5 is formed in an axial shape (a long, thin rod shape), and one end (the lower end in FIG. 1) of the shaft 5 is connected to the head 3 via the hosel 4. The cross-sectional shape of the shaft 5 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The grip 6, which is the part held by the user, is provided at the other end (the upper end in FIG. 1) of the shaft 5. Like the shaft 5, the cross-sectional shape of the grip 6 may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

The hosel 4 extends in a plane direction parallel to the striking surface 2 and is formed in a plate shape having a certain thickness. The hosel 4 is formed integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in a state where it cannot be replaced, for example. The shaft 5 may be connected to the end face of the hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 3(A), or may be connected to the plate surface of the hosel 4 as shown in FIG. 3(B). The thickness of the hosel 4 (dimension in the plate thickness direction) can be set regardless of the thickness of the shaft 5. If the shaft 5 is thicker than the thickness of the hosel 4, the cross-sectional area of the lower end of the shaft 5 may be reduced as shown in FIG. 3(C).

The width of the hosel 4 when viewed from the front can also be set independently of the thickness of the shaft 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(D), the width of the hosel 4 may be set to approximately the same as the thickness of the shaft 5. Also, the hosel 4 may be formed so that the width is smaller only at the upper end connected to the shaft 5. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(E), the width of the upper end of the hosel 4 may be set to approximately the same as the thickness of the shaft 5. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3(F), the upper end of the hosel 4 may be made thinner than the shaft 5.

The direction of the hosel 4 fixed to the head 3 is set so that it extends in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the hosel 4 may be arranged parallel to the striking surface 2. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(B), the flat hosel 4 may be arranged tilted at an angle (for example, with the upper part tilted toward the striking surface 2). In addition, the shape of the lower end of the shaft 5 fixed to the hosel 4 may be crank-shaped, as shown in FIG. 4(A), or straight, or bent (curved) in shape.

The hosel 4 may be formed into a flat plate shape or a curved plate shape. If it is formed into a flat plate shape, it may be formed into a rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. 4(A), or a polygonal (triangular or pentagonal) plate shape. If it is formed into a curved plate shape, it may be curved so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the inside in a vertical cross section perpendicular to the striking surface 2, as shown in FIG. 4(C), or it may be curved so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the outside. An example of a side view of the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 4(C) is shown in FIG. 5(A).

The hosel 4 may be formed into a flat irregular quadrilateral shape. Figures 4(D) and 5(B) are diagrams showing a hosel 4 formed into a flat irregular quadrilateral shape that imitates the side shape of a horseshoe. The irregular quadrilateral shape of the hosel 4 shown in Figure 5(B) has a lower side 51 that contacts the upper surface of the head 3, a first side side 52, a second side side 53, and an upper side 54 that is not parallel to the lower side 51. The first side side 52 is formed to form an angle A with the lower side 51 that is 40 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees. The second side side 53 is formed to form an angle B with the lower side 51 that is 120 degrees or more and less than 130 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the shaft 5 may have built-in telescopic mechanisms 55 and 56. One telescopic mechanism 55 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in the extension direction of the shaft 5 (the vertical direction in the figure) and is a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the head 3 with the grip 6 as a reference. Similarly, the other telescopic mechanism 56 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in a direction perpendicular to the telescopic mechanism 55 (the horizontal direction in the figure) and is a mechanism for adjusting the horizontal position of the head 3. Also, the hosel 4 may have built-in telescopic mechanism 57. The telescopic mechanism 57 is a mechanism that can expand and contract in the vertical direction in the figure and is a mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the head 3.

Furthermore, a slide mechanism 58 may be built into the connection between the hosel 4 and the head 3. The slide mechanism 58 is a mechanism for adjusting the horizontal position of the hosel 4 relative to the head 3 (or the horizontal position of the head 3 relative to the hosel 4). The sliding direction by the slide mechanism 58 may be the left-right direction in the figure, or may be a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. Of course, as described above, the positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 can be adjusted so as to be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in FIG. 5(D). The positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 can also be adjusted so as to be flush with the surface 2' (this surface 2' can also be the striking surface 2) on the opposite side to the striking surface 2 as shown in FIG. 5(E). Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the surface on the opposite side to the striking surface 2 can also be used as a striking surface.

As described above, by extending the flat hosel 4 with a constant thickness parallel to the striking surface 2, the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into the surface vibration (membrane vibration) of the hosel 4. This allows the vibration to be efficiently transmitted to the shaft 5 and grip 6, allowing the user to feel accurate and delicate vibration. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

The head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 may be formed as a single unit. The grip 6 may be formed separately from the other components 3 to 5. Figures 6(A) and 6(B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 are formed as a single unit. Such a golf club 1 may be formed, for example, by casting, or by seamlessly joining the individual parts formed as separate units by welding or deposition. In other words, the hosel 4 may be formed as a single unit with the head 3 and shaft 5 in a non-replaceable state.

The head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6 may each be hollow (having a cavity inside) or solid (having no cavity inside). FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the head 3, hosel 4, and shaft 5 are hollow. Here, the hosel 4 has a hosel cavity 8 (first cavity) formed therein. Similarly, the shaft 5 has a shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) formed therein, and the head 3 has a head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) formed therein. Each of the head cavity 7 and the shaft cavity 9 is connected to the hosel cavity 8.

Figures 8(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the hosel 4 is hollow and the head 3 and shaft 5 are solid. Also, Figures 9(A) and (B) are cross-sectional views of a golf club 1 in which the hosel 4 and shaft 5 are hollow and the head 3 is solid. The cavity can be formed in any of the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, and grip 6.

By providing a cavity inside the head 3, hosel 4, shaft 5, grip 6, etc., the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into the vibration of the air inside the cavity. This allows the vibration of the striking surface 2 to be transmitted to the user not only as a physical vibration but also as sound. In other words, the user can confirm the vibration of the striking surface as sound, and the hitting feeling can be improved. In addition, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 7 (B), 8 (B), and 9 (B), an opening 11 may be formed that connects the internal space of the hosel cavity 8 to the outside of the hosel 4, or a head opening 12 may be formed that connects the internal space of the head 3 to the outside. This makes it possible to increase the sound that reaches the user's ears, and further improve the hitting feeling. The opening 11 and the head opening 12 may be located on the side where the striking surface 2 is formed (front side), on the opposite side (back side), or on the side. Note that only one of the openings 11 and 12 may be provided, or the openings 11 and 12 may not exist (the openings 11 and 12 may not be formed).

[2. Vibration transmission member]
A vibration transmission member 20 may be built into the golf club 1. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the internal structure of the golf club 1 with the vibration transmission member 20 built in. The golf club 1 has not only a hosel cavity 8 and a shaft cavity 9, but also a grip cavity 10 inside. The grip cavity 10 is a hollow (third hollow portion) formed inside the grip 6 and communicates with the shaft cavity 9. The upper end of the grip 6 is closed by a grip upper end plate 21.

The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in a long shape and is provided inside the hosel cavity 8, the shaft cavity 9, and the grip cavity 10. Specific examples of the vibration transmission member 20 include wires (e.g., steel wires and piano wires), strings (e.g., strings made by weaving together various fibers), rod members (e.g., rod members made of rod-shaped metal or wood), linear elastic members (e.g., linear elastic members made of rubber or resin), and long coil springs.

One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the lower end in FIG. 10) is fixed to the head 3 via a fixing device 22. Meanwhile, the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the upper end in FIG. 10) is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the grip 6 via an inner-grip plate 23 and an inner-grip fixing device 24 (attaching member). As shown in FIG. 10, a mass member 26 that acts as a weight to amplify the vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20. The position of the mass member 26 may be fixed relative to the vibration transmission member 20, or may be movable (the fixed position may be adjustable). In addition, it may be possible to add a mass member 26 according to the user's preference, for example.

Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and shaft 5, but also to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 into the shaft 5, the vibration transmission path can be increased, and the vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

The grip inner plate 23 and grip inner fixture 24 (mounting member) provided at the other end (upper end in FIG. 10) of the vibration transmission member 20 may be provided so that their positions in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an electric or manual adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the tension of the vibration transmission member 20 to be adjusted, and vibrations can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently. The grip inner plate 23 may also be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6 (for example, a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip 6). By forming the grip inner plate 23 in a membrane shape, the grip inner plate 23 can be subjected to planar vibration (membrane vibration), improving the vibration transmission efficiency.

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 incorporating a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. A head cavity 7 is provided inside the head 3 of this golf club 1, and the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached inside the head cavity 7. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. Specific examples of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 include, like the vibration transmission member 20, a wire, a string, a rod member, a linear elastic member, and a long coil spring.

The end of the head tip 31 (left side in FIG. 11) of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head tip side fixture 33. The end of the head base end 32 (right side in FIG. 11) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head base side fixture 34. The middle part of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head inner plate 35 and a head inner fixture 36. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the head inner fixture 36 are tied together with a tie 37. A hole is drilled in the head inner plate 35, into which the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is loosely inserted. The position of the head inner plate 35 is set, for example, near the striking surface 2.

One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the lower end in FIG. 11) is fixed to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 via a connecting fitting 27. The other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the upper end in FIG. 11) may be structured as shown in FIG. 10, or may be fixed to the grip upper end plate 21 via a grip upper end side fixing device 28. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the middle part of the vibration transmission member 20 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the grip 6 via a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixing device 24. In addition, the vibration transmission member 20 and the grip inner fixing device 24 are tied together with a binding part 25. The grip inner plate 23 has a hole through which the vibration transmission member 20 is loosely inserted. Two pairs of the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixing device 24 are provided.

Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and shaft 5, but also via the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the vibration transmission member 20 to the grip 6. In this way, by incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 in the head 3, the vibrations transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 can be amplified, and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 in which three pairs of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 are provided. By providing multiple vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 in this way, vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. This provides the user with a good hitting feel, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an example structure for making it possible to adjust the position of the other end (upper end in Figure 13) of the vibration transmission member 20 in the extension direction of the grip 6. Here, the vibration transmission member 20 is composed of any of a wire, a string, a linear elastic member, and a long coil spring. A motor 43 and a winding device 44 are provided at the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. A pinion 42 is rotatably attached to the motor 43.

A rack 41 that meshes with the pinion 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the grip cavity 10. The pinion 42 is urged upward against the rack 41 by a urging member (e.g., a spring or rubber) not shown. The pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by rotating the motor 43 and winding up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 with the winding device 44. The pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by rewinding the motor 43. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently.

In addition, instead of the motor 43, a manually operated winding device 44 may be used. The winding device 44 may be provided so that it can be rotated from the outside using a tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver or a flat head screwdriver. In this case, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by manually rotating the winding device 44 to wind up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. Also, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by rewinding the winding device 44 in the opposite direction. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted manually in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6.

[3. Head]
14A and 14B are perspective views for explaining modified examples of the head 3. As shown in these figures, the head 3 may incorporate a weight member 61 for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head 3. In this case, the position of the center of gravity may be changed by making the attachment state (position and angle) of the weight member 61 adjustable. In addition, the attachment state of the weight member 61 may be manually adjustable by the user, or a weight motor 62 (drive source) for moving the weight member 61 may be provided.

Figure 14 (A) is a perspective view showing two sets of weight members 61 and a weight motor 62 built into the top surface of the head 3. The weight members 61 are made of a material with a different density from the material constituting the head 3, and are provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head 3. The weight motor 62 moves the weight members 61 in the rotational direction along the inner circumferential surface of the recess, thereby changing the position of each weight member 61. With this configuration, the position of the weight members 61 can be easily changed to move the center of gravity of the head 3, providing a good hitting feel.

Figure 14 (B) is a perspective view showing weight members 61 provided inside a linear recess formed in the top surface of the head 3. The weight motor 62 changes the position of each weight member 61 by sliding the weight members 61 along the inner peripheral surface of the recess. Even with this configuration, the position of the weight members 61 can be easily changed to move the center of gravity of the head 3, providing a good hitting feel.

[4. Effects]
(1) The golf club 1 of the present invention comprises a head 3, a shaft 5, a hosel 4, and a grip 6. The head 3 has a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball. The shaft 5 is formed in an axial shape. The hosel 4 integrally connects one end of the shaft 5 to the head 3 in a non-replaceable manner. The grip 6 is provided on the other end of the shaft 5 and is held by a user. By forming the hosel 4 integrally with the head 3 and the shaft 5 in this manner and in a non-replaceable manner, it is possible to suppress attenuation of vibrations passing through the hosel 4, and to efficiently transmit the vibrations to the grip 6. This further improves the feel of the impact.

(2) The hosel 4 is formed in a plate shape with a constant thickness that extends in a planar direction parallel to the striking surface 2. In this way, by extending the planar hosel 4 with a constant thickness parallel to the striking surface 2, the vibration of the striking surface 2 is converted into planar vibration (membrane vibration) of the hosel 4. This allows the vibration to be efficiently transmitted to the shaft 5 and grip 6, allowing the user to feel accurate and delicate vibration. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

(3) The hosel 4 of the present invention can be formed into a rectangular flat plate shape, for example, as shown in Figures 2(A)-(C), 3(A)-(F), and 4(A)-(B). By forming the hosel 4 into a rectangular flat plate shape in this way, the vibration transmission efficiency can be improved with a simple configuration. Therefore, the hitting feel can be further improved.

(4) The hosel 4 of the present invention can be formed into a bent plate shape, for example as shown in Figures 4(C) and 5(A), so that the side closer to the striking surface 2 is on the inside in a longitudinal section perpendicular to the striking surface 2. This shape improves the vibration transmission efficiency while bringing the connection position between the shaft 5 and the hosel 4 closer to the striking surface when viewed from above. This makes it possible to provide a good hitting feel. It is also possible to position the golf ball on an extension of the shaft 5 when it contacts the striking surface 2.

The hosel 4 of the present invention may also be formed in the shape of a planar irregular quadrangle imitating the side shape of a horseshoe, as shown in, for example, FIG. 4(D) and FIG. 5(B). This irregular quadrangle has a lower side 51 that contacts the upper surface of the head 3, a first side 52 that forms an angle of 40 degrees or more and less than 50 degrees with the lower side 51, a second side 53 that forms an angle of 120 degrees or more and less than 130 degrees with the lower side 51, and an upper side 54 that connects the first side 52 and the second side 53 and is not parallel to the lower side 51. In this way, by adopting a planar irregular quadrangle imitating the side shape of a horseshoe as the shape of the hosel 4, it is possible to provide a good hitting feel while ensuring the strength and rigidity of the hosel 4.

(5) The hosel 4 of the present invention may have a hollow hosel cavity 8 (first cavity) inside, as shown in, for example, Figures 7 to 9. By forming such a hosel cavity 8 inside the hosel 4, sound can be generated in the hosel cavity 8. This allows the user to confirm the vibration of the striking surface 2 as sound, further improving the feel of the impact. In addition, by forming an opening 11 for transmitting the reverberation of the hosel cavity 8 to the outside of the hosel 4, the sound heard by the user can be amplified, further improving the feel of the impact and allowing the impact sound to be fully confirmed.

(6) The shaft 5 of the present invention may have a hollow shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) formed therein that communicates with the hosel cavity 8 (first cavity), as shown in, for example, Figures 7 and 9. By forming such a shaft cavity 9 inside the shaft 5, vibrations can also be reverberated in the shaft cavity 9, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the feel and sound of the impact.

(7) The grip 6 of the present invention may have a grip cavity 10 (third cavity) formed in a hollow space that communicates with the shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) as shown in, for example, Figures 10 to 13. By forming such a grip cavity 10 inside the grip 6, vibrations can also be reflected in the grip cavity 10, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the feel and sound of the impact.

(8) The grip 6 of this invention can be formed integrally with the shaft 5, for example, as shown in Figures 10 to 13. If the shaft 5 and the grip 6 were separate members, the vibrations would be attenuated as they passed through the joint between them, and there is a risk that the vibrations transmitted to the grip 6 would decrease. To address this issue, the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are formed integrally, making it possible to transmit the vibrations to the grip 6 more efficiently. This further improves the feel of the impact.

(9) As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the golf club 1 of the present invention may be provided with a vibration transmission member 20 that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head 3, and is built into the shaft cavity 9 (second cavity) and the grip cavity 10 (third cavity). In addition, a grip inner plate 23 and a grip inner fixing device 24 (mounting member) that connect the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 to the grip 6 may be applied inside the grip cavity 10 (third cavity). In this way, by building the vibration transmission member 20 into the shaft 5 and the grip 6, the vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation, and the hitting feeling can be further improved.

(10) For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the attachment member (pinion 42, motor 43, winding device 44 or manually operated winding device 44 in Fig. 13) that connects the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 to the grip 6 may be provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extension direction of the grip 6. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 is transmitted can be adjusted, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, the hitting feel can be further improved.
10 may be provided so that the position in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible to adjust the tension of the vibration transmission member 20, and the vibration can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently.

(11) The vibration transmission member 20 of the present invention can be configured as a wire, a string, a rod member, or a linear elastic member. This allows the vibration transmission member 20 to be realized with a simple configuration, and the vibration transmission efficiency can be easily improved. Therefore, the hitting feel can be further improved.

(12) In addition, the grip inner plate 23 (attachment member) of the present invention can be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6. By forming the grip inner plate 23 (attachment member) in a membrane shape, it is possible to cause surface vibration (membrane vibration), and the vibration transmission efficiency can be improved. Therefore, the hitting feel can be further improved.

(13) As shown in Figs. 10 and 11, a mass member 26 that acts as a weight to amplify vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20 of the present invention. By providing the mass member 26, the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 can be easily amplified, or the damping of the vibration can be suppressed, thereby improving the vibration transmission efficiency. Therefore, the hitting feeling can be further improved.

(14) The head 3 of the present invention may have a hollow head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) inside that is connected to the hosel cavity 8 (first cavity). By forming such a head cavity 7 inside the head 3, vibrations can also be reverberated in the head cavity 7, and the sound heard by the user can be amplified. This can further improve the feel of the impact.

(15) As shown in Figures 11 and 12, for example, the golf club 1 of this invention can be provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is provided inside the head cavity 7 (fourth cavity). In this way, by incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 into the head 3, the vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 without attenuation, further improving the feel of the impact.

(16) As shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B), a weight member 61 for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head 3 can be applied to the head 3 of this invention. By changing the mounting position and mounting angle of such a weight member 61, the center of gravity of the head 3 can be easily moved, providing a good hitting feel.

(17) As shown in FIG. 14(A), a weight motor 62 may be provided as a drive source for moving the weight member 61. In this case, the weight member 61 is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in the top surface of the head 3, for example. The weight motor 62 also drives and rotates the weight member 61 along the inner peripheral surface of the recess. With this configuration, the center of gravity of the head 3 can be easily adjusted using the weight motor 62. This can further improve the feel of the hit.

5. Modifications
The above-mentioned examples according to the first embodiment are merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in these examples. Each configuration of the examples according to the first embodiment can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, they can be selected or combined as necessary.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a vibration sensor 81 that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 may be built into the hosel 4. The vibration sensor 81 may be attached to the outer surface of the hosel 4 or may be built into it. If a hosel cavity 8 is formed inside the hosel 4, the vibration sensor 81 may be placed inside it. By detecting vibrations with the vibration sensor 81, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations in the vicinity of the vibration source (striking surface 2) can be objectively captured, and the feel of the impact can be further improved. In addition, the magnitude and waveform of vibrations can be analyzed, and the analytical results can be used to improve the effectiveness of golf practice. Information detected by the vibration sensor 81 may be transmitted to a computer (not shown), for example, via a wireless or wired connection.

The grip 6 may also be equipped with a vibration device 82 that vibrates based on vibration information detected by the vibration sensor 81. If a grip cavity 10 is formed inside the grip 6, the vibration device 82 may be disposed inside the grip. The vibration device 82 may function to directly amplify and output the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 81, for example. By amplifying the vibration with the vibration device 82, the vibration actually transmitted to the user can be increased, further improving the feel of the hit.

Also, a speaker 82A that emits a sound based on information on the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 81 may be built into the grip 6. If the grip cavity 10 is formed inside the grip 6, the speaker 82A including an amplifier may be disposed inside the grip cavity 10. The speaker 82A may function to amplify and output the vibration detected by the vibration sensor 81 as sound, for example. In this way, when a golf ball is hit with one of the striking surfaces of the golf club, the vibration at that time is detected by the vibration sensor 81 and can be heard as sound from the speaker 82A. At this time, the hollow shaft 5 functions as a speaker box, amplifying and outputting the sound related to the vibration. As a result, the golf club 1 can function as a kind of electronic musical instrument.
Of course, both the vibration device 82 and the speaker 82A may be attached to the grip 6.

Also, as shown in Figures 16(A) and (B), thin plate-like fins 13 may be provided on the top surface of the head 3. The fins 13 are thin or hollow plate-like parts that function to amplify vibrations generated in the head 3 or the hosel 4. The number of fins 13 may be set appropriately according to the size of the head 3 or the hosel 4, and may be one or more. Furthermore, based on the position of the hosel 4 to which the shaft 5 is connected, the fins 13 may be arranged closer to the striking surface 2 or further away from the striking surface 2.

As shown in Figures 16(A) and (B), the height of the fin 13 may be set to the same (or approximately the same) height as the hosel 4. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 16(C), (D), and (E), the height of the fin 13 may be different from that of the hosel 4, and may be set to, for example, about half that of the hosel 4. In this way, the size relationship (thickness, height, depth) between the hosel 4 and the fin 13 can be set appropriately. Furthermore, the fin 13 arranged near the hosel 4 may be formed integrally with the hosel 4 or may be formed separately.

Also, an illumination member 13B, which may include, for example, an LED or fluorescent material, may be disposed on the top surface 13A of the fin 13. Alternatively, an illumination member 4B similar to illumination member 13B may be disposed on the top surface 4A of the hosel 4. The illumination members 4B, 13B may be, for example, one or more, and may be disposed in a planar shape, or in a row or chain shape. In this way, the trajectory of the head 3 can be adequately confirmed even when practicing in the dark. Note that the illumination member 4B may be omitted.

Fin 13 may be shaped as shown in Figs. 17(A), (B), and (C) in a curved (crescent) shape when viewed from above, or as shown in Figs. 17(D), (E), and (F) in a wave shape when viewed from above. Of course, fin 13 may be shaped in a combination of curved and wave shapes, and other shapes when viewed from above may also be used. When using fin 13 of such a shape, hosel 4 may also be curved or wave shaped at the same time. By using a curved or wave shaped fin when viewed from above, a fluctuation effect is created, giving the user a sense of balance.

Also, as shown in Figures 17(G) and (H), the longitudinal direction of the head 3 may be formed so as to coincide with the swing direction of the head 3 (see solid or dashed arrow) when viewed from above, and a U-shaped fin 13 may be provided on the upper surface of the head 3. The number of fins 13 may be one or more. It is preferable that the orientation of the fin 13 is set so that the U-shape opens toward the striking surface 2 when viewed from above. The positions of the hosel 4 and the head 3 may be flush with the striking surface 2 as shown in Figures 17(C), (F), and (H).

Figures 18 (A) and (B) are cross-sectional views illustrating the internal structure of the golf club 1 shown in Figure 16 (A). By providing fins 13 on the top surface of the head 3, vibrations can be easily amplified. Furthermore, when multiple fins 13 (these fins 13 can be linear, curved, or wavy when viewed from above) are provided, vibrations can resonate between them and be further amplified. Therefore, a structure can be provided that provides the user with a good hitting feel and sound, and has the same effect as the above embodiment.

[II. Description of the Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it relates to a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4. In the golf club 1 of the second embodiment, the shaft 5 and the grip 6 are formed to be hollow, and a vibration transmission member 20 is provided in these hollow portions.

That is, the vibration transmission member 20 is built into the golf club 1, which does not have a hosel 4. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 with a built-in vibration transmission member 20. Inside this golf club 1, not only a shaft cavity 9 (second hollow portion) but also a grip cavity 10 (third hollow portion) is provided. The grip cavity 10 is a hollow formed inside the grip 6 and communicates with the shaft cavity 9. The upper end of the grip 6 is closed by a grip upper end plate 21.

The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in a long shape and is provided inside the shaft cavity 9 and the grip cavity 10. Specific examples of the vibration transmission member 20 include wires (e.g., steel wires and piano wires), strings (e.g., strings made by weaving various fibers), rod members (e.g., rod members made of rod-shaped metal or wood), linear elastic members (e.g., linear elastic members made of rubber or resin), and long coil springs.

One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the lower end in FIG. 19) is fixed to the head 3 via a fixing device 22. Meanwhile, the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the upper end in FIG. 19) is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the grip 6 via an inner-grip plate 23 and an inner-grip fixing device 24 (attaching member). As shown in FIG. 19, a mass member 26 that acts as a weight to amplify the vibration may be attached to the vibration transmission member 20. The position of the mass member 26 may be fixed relative to the vibration transmission member 20, or may be movable (the fixed position may be adjustable). In addition, the mass member 26 may be able to be added, changed, or replaced, for example, according to the user's preference.

Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the shaft 5, but also to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 into the shaft 5, the vibration transmission path can be increased, and the vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

The grip inner plate 23 and grip inner fixture 24 (mounting member) provided at the other end (upper end in FIG. 19) of the vibration transmission member 20 may be provided so that their positions in the extension direction of the grip 6 can be adjusted by an electric or manual adjustment mechanism (not shown). This allows the tension of the vibration transmission member 20 to be adjusted, and vibrations can be transmitted to the grip 6 efficiently. The grip inner plate 23 may also be formed in a membrane shape that is deployed in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip 6 (for example, a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the grip 6). By forming the grip inner plate 23 in a membrane shape, the grip inner plate 23 can be subjected to planar vibration (membrane vibration), improving the vibration transmission efficiency.

Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 incorporating a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. Inside the head 3 of this golf club 1, a head cavity 7 (fourth cavity) is provided, and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached inside the head cavity 7. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20. Specific examples of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 include, like the vibration transmission member 20, a wire, a string, a rod member, a linear elastic member, a long coil spring, etc.

The end of the head tip 31 (left side in FIG. 20) of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head tip side fixture 33. The end of the head base 32 (right side in FIG. 20) is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head base side fixture 34. The middle part of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is attached to the inner circumferential surface of the head 3 via a head inner plate 35 and a head inner fixture 36. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the head inner fixture 36 are tied together with a tie 37. A hole is drilled in the head inner plate 35, into which the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is loosely inserted. The position of the head inner plate 35 is set, for example, near the striking surface 2.

One end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the lower end in FIG. 20) is fixed to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 via a connecting metal fitting 27. The other end of the vibration transmission member 20 (the upper end in FIG. 20) may be structured as shown in FIG. 19 or as shown in FIG. 20, and may be fixed to the grip upper end plate 21 via a grip upper end side fixing device 28. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the middle part of the vibration transmission member 20 is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the grip 6 via the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixing device 24. In addition, the vibration transmission member 20 and the grip inner fixing device 24 are tied together with a binding part 25. The grip inner plate 23 has a hole through which the vibration transmission member 20 is loosely inserted. Two pairs of the grip inner plate 23 and the grip inner fixing device 24 are provided.

Vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the shaft 5, but also to the grip 6 via the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and the vibration transmission member 20. In this way, by incorporating the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 in the head 3, the vibrations transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 can be amplified, and the vibrations can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. Therefore, a good hitting feel can be provided to the user, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of a golf club 1 in which three pairs of vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 are provided. By providing multiple vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 in this way, vibrations generated on the striking surface of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6. This provides the user with a good hitting feel, and the hitting feel can be improved compared to existing golf clubs.

Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing an example structure for making it possible to adjust the position of the other end (upper end in Figure 22) of the vibration transmission member 20 in the extension direction of the grip 6. Here, the vibration transmission member 20 is composed of either a wire, a string, or a linear elastic member. A motor 43 and a winding device 44 are provided at the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. A pinion 42 is rotatably attached to the motor 43.

A rack 41 that meshes with the pinion 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the grip cavity 10. The pinion 42 is biased upward against the rack 41 by a biasing member (e.g., a spring or rubber) not shown. By rotating the motor 43 and winding up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20 with the winding device 44, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41. By rewinding the motor 43, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41.

In addition, instead of the motor 43, a manually operated winding device 44 may be used. The winding device 44 may be provided so that it can be rotated from the outside using a tool such as a Phillips head screwdriver or a flat head screwdriver. In this case, the pinion 42 moves downward along the rack 41 by manually rotating the winding device 44 to wind up the other end of the vibration transmission member 20. Also, the pinion 42 moves upward along the rack 41 by rewinding the winding device 44 in the opposite direction. With this configuration, the position to which the vibration is transmitted can be easily adjusted manually in the extension direction of the grip 6, and the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6.

[III. Description of the Third Embodiment]
The third embodiment relates to a golf club 1 characterized by an insert provided on the striking surface 2 of the head 3. As shown in FIG.

The side of the head 3 is provided with a striking surface (face) 2 that strikes the golf ball. The striking surface 2 is equipped with an insert consisting of a planar vibration member 15 that is formed in a planar shape and vibrates when it collides with the golf ball, and applies a reaction force to the golf ball. This makes it possible to efficiently apply a reaction force to the ball with a small force, thereby increasing the flight distance. The face vibration improves the feel of the impact.

As shown in FIG. 24, for example, the surface vibration member 15 has a net member 16 formed by weaving strings 19 into a net shape inside a frame 18, and a membrane member 17 that covers the entire surface of the net member 16 and is attached to the striking surface 2. This net member 16 has a structure similar to that of a tennis racket, for example. This allows for efficient application of a reaction force to the ball. It is preferable that each of the net member 16 and membrane member 17 be individually detachable from the striking surface 2 of the head 3.

The strings 19 constituting the net member 16 include at least one of natural fibers (gut (cow or sheep intestines)), synthetic fibers (nylon or polyester fibers), or elastic fibers (natural or synthetic rubber fibers), and the membrane member 17 includes at least one of metal plates, resin plates, rubber membranes, and leather membranes. This allows the net member to be produced inexpensively by reusing existing strings (tennis strings or rubber belts, etc.), and allows the membrane member to be produced inexpensively by reusing existing membrane products (drum membranes or rubber membranes of table tennis rackets, etc.). Furthermore, the net member 16 and the membrane member 17 can be formed integrally to have a structure similar to the striking surface structure of a table tennis racket, or the net member 16 can be made by stretching the skin of a drum across a frame material. The insert can also be made of metal. In this case, the insert can be formed in a lattice shape like the cover of a grating.

The insert may have a structure similar to that of a gong, i.e., the striking surface 2 of the insert is made of a raised structure, so that when a golf ball strikes the striking surface 2 of the gong structure, a sound similar to that of a gong is produced.
In the case where a drum skin is stretched across a frame material as the net member 16, or the insert striking surface 2 is made into a gong structure, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the drum skin or the vibration of the gong-structured insert can be provided, for example, inside the golf club head or integral with or adjacent to the insert, and the vibration of the drum skin or the vibration of the gong-structured insert can be amplified and output as sound from a speaker.

The surface vibration member 15 is detachably attached to the head 3. This allows it to be removed or attached according to the user's preference. The surface vibration member 15 can also be attached to an existing golf club. Similar to the head cavity 7 in the first embodiment, the head 3 may be provided with a hollow head cavity 7. For example, as shown in Figures 23 and 25, the head cavity 7 may be formed inside the head main body 14, and an opening may be provided on the side of the head cavity 7. The surface vibration member 15 (net member 16, membrane member 17) is attached so as to cover the opening of the head main body 14. This allows the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 to reverberate inside the head cavity 7, improving the feel of the impact.

In addition, an internal head wire (auxiliary vibration transmission member) 30 may be attached inside the head cavity 7. The internal head wire 30 is stretched inside the head cavity 7 and connected to the planar vibration member 15 via a connection wire 40. This makes it possible to amplify the planar vibration of the planar vibration member 15 as vibration of the internal head wire 30, improving the feel of the impact.

As shown in FIG. 25, a shaft hollow section 9 may be provided by forming the inside of the shaft 5 hollow, similar to the shaft hollow section 9 in the first embodiment. With this configuration, the surface vibration can be reverberated inside the shaft hollow section 9, improving the feel on impact. As shown in FIG. 25, a wire 20 may be provided inside the shaft hollow section 9. The wire 20 is stretched inside the shaft hollow section 9 and connected to the wire 30 inside the head. With this configuration, the surface vibration of the surface vibration member 15 can be amplified as vibration of the wire 20 inside the shaft, improving the feel on impact.

Also, as shown in FIG. 26, the wire 20 in the shaft may be tensioned so as to connect the grip 6 and the wire 30 in the head. In other words, the upper end of the wire 20 in the shaft may be fixed to the inside of the grip 6 so as to transmit the vibration of the surface vibration member 15 to the grip 6. With this configuration, the vibration can be efficiently transmitted to the grip, further improving the feel of the impact.

When hitting a ball with a golf club, if the golf ball hits the striking surface 2 of the insert and hits the sweet spot on the striking surface 2, a chime, gong or buzzer may sound as an electronic sound, or a sound may be used to notify the player, or the tone of the chime, gong or buzzer may be different or the sound may be changed depending on whether the sweet spot is hit or not. In this case, a sensor is provided to detect when the golf ball hits the sweet spot, or a sensor is provided to detect when the golf ball has left the sweet spot, and based on the detection information from this sensor (or these sensors), the chime, gong or buzzer sound is output from a speaker via an amplifier, or as sound.

Of course, it is also possible to apply a golf club having an insert head according to this third embodiment to a golf club having a hosel as in the first embodiment. That is, an insert as shown in Figures 23 and 24 can be attached to the head of a golf club with a hosel on the striking surface. Also, as shown in Figure 25, the inner surface of the insert can be directly connected to the auxiliary vibration transmission member (wire 30 inside the head), in which case the vibrations in the insert are directly transmitted to the wire 30 inside the head, improving transmission efficiency and contributing to an improved feel.

[IV. Description of the Fourth Embodiment]
The fourth embodiment relates to a golf club 1 having a fin or plate member 86. The golf club 1 shown in Fig. 27 includes a head 3 having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, a shaft 5 formed in an axial shape, a hosel 4 connecting one end of the shaft 5 to the head 3, and a grip 6 provided at the other end of the shaft 5 and held by a user. In addition, a fin or plate member 86 is provided between the head 3 and the hosel 4.

The fin or plate member 86 is a flat member that is fixed so as to connect the head 3 and the hosel 4 in a direction that is approximately parallel to the striking surface 2. The fin or plate member 86 shown in FIG. 27 is formed in a triangular flat plate shape and is stretched between the top surface of the head 3 and the end surface of the hosel 4. Although FIG. 27 shows only one fin or plate member 86, the number of fins or plate members 86 is not important, and multiple fins or plate members 86 may be provided.

28(A) and (B) show golf clubs 1 that do not have a hosel 4. That is, these golf clubs 1 include a head 3 having a striking surface 2 for striking a golf ball, a shaft 5 formed in an axial shape, and a grip 6 that is provided at the other end of the shaft 5 and is held by the user. The head 3 is connected to one end of the shaft 5. In addition, one (or more) fins or plate members 86 are provided between the head 3 and the shaft 5. With this configuration, the fin or plate member 86 vibrates when striking a golf ball, improving the hitting feel, and also reinforcing the attachment strength of the head 3 to the shaft 5 or hosel 4. As shown in FIGS. 27, 28(A), and (B), an illumination member 86B containing an LED or fluorescent material may be disposed on the top surface 86A of the fin or plate member 86. In this way, the trajectory of the head 3 can be sufficiently confirmed even when practicing in the dark.

[V. Description of the Fifth Embodiment]
In the fifth embodiment, pickups 20A, 30A (first pickup 20A, second pickup 30A) are built into a golf club 1 equipped with a vibration transmission member 20 and an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 to detect the vibrations of the vibration transmission member 20. The first pickup 20A is a sensor that detects the vibration of the vibration transmission member 20 and converts it into an electric signal, and is provided in a position close to the vibration transmission member 20. Similarly, the second pickup 30A is a sensor that detects the vibration of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 and converts it into an electric signal, and is provided in a position close to the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. These pickups 20A, 30A generate electric signals corresponding to the vibrations of the vibration transmission members 20, 30, like an electric guitar, for example.

The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 29 includes a hosel cavity 8, a shaft cavity 9, a grip cavity 10, a vibration transmission member 20, and a first pickup 20A. The vibration transmission member 20 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the grip 6. The vibration transmission member 20 is formed in an elongated shape and is provided inside the hosel cavity 8, the shaft cavity 9, and the grip cavity 10. A specific example of the vibration transmission member 20 is a wire (for example, a linear member containing a magnetic material such as a steel wire or a piano wire). The installation method of the vibration transmission member 20 is as described in the above embodiment.

The golf club 1 shown in FIG. 30 includes a hosel cavity 8, a shaft cavity 9, a grip cavity 10, a vibration transmission member 20, an auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, a first pickup 20A, and a second pickup 30A. The auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a member that transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 to the vibration transmission member 20, and is provided inside the head cavity 7. A specific example of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is a wire similar to the vibration transmission member 20 (for example, a linear member containing a magnetic material such as a steel wire or piano wire). The vibration transmission members 20 and 30 are attached in the same manner as described in the previous embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 36, the electrical signal detected by the first pickup 20A is amplified by an amplifier 90A built into the golf club 1 and transmitted to a speaker 91A. The electrical signal detected by the second pickup 30A may be amplified by the same amplifier 90A and transmitted to the speaker 91A. Alternatively, the electrical signal may be amplified by an amplifier 90B separate from the amplifier 90A, or the amplified electrical signal may be transmitted to a speaker 91B separate from the speaker 91A. The speakers 91A and 91B output the input electrical signal as sound. As a result, a striking sound is output from the speakers 91A and 91B. This striking sound can be adjusted by changing the amplification characteristics of the amplifiers 90A and 90B. If necessary, a filter may be inserted before and after the amplifiers 90A and 90B to remove noise and unnecessary frequency components from the electrical signal.

In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 29, the vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 are not only transmitted to the grip 6 via the hosel 4 and shaft 5, but also transmitted to the grip 6 via the vibration transmission member 20. By incorporating the vibration transmission member 20 in the golf club 1, the vibrations of the striking surface 2 can be efficiently transmitted to the grip 6 without attenuation. Therefore, a good hitting feeling can be provided to the user, and the hitting feeling can be improved compared to existing golf clubs. In addition, the vibrations of the vibration transmission member 20 are detected by the first pickup 20A, and the vibrations are converted into an electrical signal, amplified by the amplifier 90A, and output as sound from the speaker 91A. As a result, the hitting sound is output along with the above-mentioned hitting feeling, and the synergistic effect provides the user with a good hitting feeling.

In the golf club 1 shown in FIG. 30, not only is the vibration transmission member 20 built into the hosel cavity 8 and the shaft cavity 9, but the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 is built into the head cavity 7 (fourth cavity). By building the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 into the head 3 in this way, the vibrations generated on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 can be efficiently transmitted to the vibration transmission member 20 without attenuation, further improving the hitting feeling. In addition, the vibrations of the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 are detected by the second pickup 30A, and sounds corresponding to these vibrations are output from the speakers 91A, 91B. As a result, the hitting sound is output along with the above-mentioned hitting feeling, and the synergistic effect provides the user with a good hitting feeling.

In particular, when the vibration transmission member 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 are provided, the vibrations transmitted through the vibration transmission member 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission member 30 are detected by the pickups 20A and 30A, and the electrical signals resulting from the respective vibrations are amplified by the amplifiers 90A and 90B, appropriately filtered, and emitted as striking sounds from the speakers 91A and 91B. This provides the user with an even better striking feeling.

The speakers 91A, 91B can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A, 90B can also be shared if necessary. As shown in FIG. 31, in a golf club 1 having multiple vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30, the pickups 20A, 30A may be provided separately for each vibration transmission member 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, or may be shared.

32, in a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4, a first pickup 20A may be provided near the vibration transmission member 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 33 and Fig. 35, in a golf club 1 that does not have a hosel 4, a first pickup 20A may be provided near the vibration transmission member 20 and a second pickup 30A may be provided near the auxiliary vibration transmission member 30. Also, as shown in Fig. 34, in a golf club 1 that has a planar vibration member 15, the planar vibration member 15 and the head internal wire 30 (auxiliary vibration transmission member) may be connected by a connecting wire 40 and a third pickup 40A may be provided near the connecting wire 40. The third pickup 40A is a sensor having the same function as the other pickups 20A and 30A.
That is, the electrical signal detected by the third pickup 40A is amplified by an amplifier 90C built into the golf club 1, as shown in FIG. 36, and is transmitted to a speaker 91C.
In this case, the speakers 91A to 91C can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A to 90C can also be shared if necessary. As shown in Figure 34, in a golf club 1 having a plurality of connection wires 40, a pickup 40A may be provided separately for each connection wire 40, or a pickup 40A may be shared.

In these golf clubs 1, the same actions and effects as those described for the golf club 1 having the hosel 4 described above can be obtained. Of course, in these examples, the speakers 91A-91C can be shared, and the amplifiers 90A-90C can also be shared if necessary. In addition, in those that have multiple vibration transmission members 20, auxiliary vibration transmission members 30, and connecting wires 40, each pickup 20A, 30A, 40A may be provided separately for each vibration transmission member 20, auxiliary vibration transmission member 30, and connecting wire 40, or they may be shared.

In this embodiment, the amplifiers 90A-90C and the speakers 91A-91C may be replaced by a smartphone or a computer (information terminal, etc.). In this case, the speakers 91A-91C may be in the form of earphones or headphones that are worn by the user's ears. The connections between the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A and the amplifiers 90A-90C may be wired or wireless. Similarly, the connections between the amplifiers 90A-90C and the speakers 91A-91C may be wired or wireless.

[VI. Description of the Sixth Embodiment]
In the sixth embodiment, a liquid crystal display 100 is provided on the top surface of the head 3 of the golf club 1 as an electric display member capable of indicating the direction in which the golf ball is to be launched. The liquid crystal display 100 is configured as, for example, a color liquid crystal display and is capable of displaying color images. The liquid crystal display 100 can also be applied to a golf club 1 with a hosel 4 as shown in Fig. 37(A), or can also be applied to a golf club 1 without a hosel 4 as shown in Fig. 37(B).

As shown in FIG. 38, the liquid crystal display 100 is connected to an indicator 102 (input device) via a controller 101. When an instruction for display is given using the indicator 102, this instruction is transmitted to the liquid crystal display 100 via the controller 101, and the launch direction of the golf ball is displayed on the liquid crystal display 100. In this embodiment, the other components are almost the same as those in the previously described embodiment, so detailed description will be omitted.

The display on the LCD 100 may be an arrow indicating the direction in which the golf ball will be launched, or a series of multiple circles. In this case, the circles may be made smaller as they approach the tip indicating the direction. This configuration not only improves the feel of the shot, but also allows the LCD 100 to freely display the direction in which the golf ball will be launched, improving convenience.

The indicator 102 and controller 101 can also be replaced by a smartphone. In this case, it is preferable to use a wireless line for connecting the controller 101 and the liquid crystal display 100. The instructions input to the indicator 102 may be input by, for example, the user of the golf club 1, an instructor (trainer), or an assistant (caddie).

In this embodiment, in addition to displaying the direction in which the golf ball is launched on the liquid crystal display 100, a rhythm box function that notifies the player of the rhythm at the time of launching the golf ball can also be installed. In this case, a controller 101 having either a rhythm box function that notifies the player of the rhythm at the time of launching the golf ball or a synthetic voice generation function, and a speaker 100A that outputs either the rhythm sound or the synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of this controller 101 are provided (see FIG. 38).

In addition, one or more impact sensors 103 can be provided in the head 3, and when a golf ball hits the striking surface 2, the impact data can be detected by the impact sensors 103 and collected by the controller 101, and the impact data can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 100 as numerical values, graphs, etc. (see Figure 38).

In addition, if it is possible to detect the difference in impact data between the sweet spot and other places on the striking surface 2, the impact data when the golf ball hits the sweet spot and when it does not can also be displayed as numerical values or graphs on the liquid crystal display 100 via the controller 101. In this case, it is preferable that the numerically converted or graphed impact data is displayed after the launch direction of the golf ball is displayed. Alternatively, the launch direction and impact data may be displayed alternately at a specified cycle.

[VII. Other]
39(A) and (B) are side views for explaining modified examples of the golf club 1 described in the first to sixth embodiments. One of a plurality of adapters 3A and 3B is detachably attached to the underside of the head 3 of the golf club 1. A plurality of types of these adapters 3A and 3B, which differ, for example, in shape, mass, center of gravity, etc., are prepared. For example, the adapter 3A shown in FIG. 39(B) is used when it is desired to increase the lie angle L more than the adapter 3B shown in FIG. 39(A). Although FIGS. 39(A) and (B) show an example of the golf club 1 without a hosel 4, the presence or absence of the hosel 4 is not important.

It is assumed that the user of the golf club 1 or an instructor (trainer) selects one of the adapters 3A and 3B and attaches it to the underside of the head 3. The adapters 3A and 3B are preferably attached to the underside of the head 3 via an easily detachable locking structure (clip) or fastening structure (screw). By using the adapters 3A and 3B suitable for the physique and hitting form of the user of the golf club 1, it becomes easier to optimize the swing trajectory of the golf club 1, and it becomes possible to improve the effect of practice. The lie angle L means the angle of the shaft 5 relative to the horizontal plane when the hitting surface 2 of the head 3 is viewed horizontally from the front, and is the angle on the user side of the shaft 5.
As mentioned above, the examples of Figures 39(A) and (B) can be applied to any of the golf clubs described in the first to sixth embodiments, and in that case, it goes without saying that the configuration other than the adapters 3A, 3B and their attachment method is the same as that of each embodiment.

The vibration sensor 81, vibration device 82, and speaker 82A described in the first embodiment using FIG. 15 can be applied to any of the second to sixth embodiments. In addition, the various vibration transmission members 20 and auxiliary vibration transmission members 30 shown in the first and second embodiments can of course also be applied to the golf clubs of the third, fourth, and sixth embodiments. In addition, it is of course possible to provide the insert described in the third embodiment on the striking surface 2 of the head 3 of the first, second, and fourth to sixth embodiments.

Also, like the fourth embodiment, it goes without saying that in the first to third, fifth and sixth embodiments, one or more fins or plate members 86 can be provided between the head 3 and one end of the shaft 5 or the hosel 4. Furthermore, in each of the first to sixth embodiments, a putter is illustrated as an example of the golf club 1, but the present invention can also be applied to other golf clubs (wood, hybrid, utility, etc.). In each of the first to sixth embodiments, the members denoted by the same reference numerals indicate the same members.
Furthermore, although a battery for a circuit for amplifying the signals detected by the sensor or pickup and outputting them through a speaker is not shown, it may be provided inside or outside the golf club as necessary.
When part of the above circuit is used in a smartphone, the battery for the smartphone also serves as the battery for the above circuit.

The circuit shown in FIG. 36 may include a switch SW1 (shown by a broken line in FIG. 36). The switch SW1 may be located, for example, between the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A and the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C, or between the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C and the speakers 91A, 91B, 91C. When the switch is on, the sound based on the information detected by the pickups 20A, 30A, 40A or the sensor is amplified by the amplifiers 90A, 90B, 90C and output from the speakers 91A, 91B, 91C. On the other hand, when the switch is off, such sound is not output. The on/off state of the switch SW1 can be appropriately selected by the user. For example, the switch SW1 is located so that it can be operated from the outer surface of the golf club 1. Alternatively, a switch SW1 that can be switched on/off by wireless communication is used.

In addition, a changeover switch SW2 is interposed in the circuit shown in FIG. 38. When this switch SW2 is switched to connect to the liquid crystal display 100, the liquid crystal display 100 displays the hitting direction and the impact data converted into numerical values and graphs. When the switch SW2 is switched to connect to the speaker 100A, the speaker 100A outputs one of the rhythm sounds and the synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generation function of the controller 101. When the switch SW2 is switched to connect to both the liquid crystal display 100 and the speaker 100A, the liquid crystal display 100 displays the hitting direction and the impact data converted into numerical values and graphs, and the speaker 100A outputs one of the rhythm sounds and the synthetic voice.

Of course, when the switch SW2 is set to the so-called off state, that is, when the liquid crystal display 100 and the speaker 100A are not connected, the display on the liquid crystal display 100 and the rhythmic sound and synthesized voice from the speaker 100A are not output.
In FIG. 38, when only the liquid crystal display 100 is provided, the switch SW2 may be an on-off switch.
Furthermore, the golf club 1 can be manufactured using a variety of techniques in addition to or in place of the usual golf club manufacturing techniques.
For example, the component can be manufactured using a 3D printer, a seamless welding method, a casting method, or an appropriate combination of these methods.

1. Golf club (putter)
2, 2' Striking surface (face)
3 Head 3A, 3B Adapter 4 Hosel 4A Top surface 4B Illumination member 5 Shaft 6 Grip 7 Head cavity (fourth cavity)
8 Hosel cavity (first cavity)
9 Shaft hollow portion (second hollow portion)
10 Grip cavity (third cavity)
11 Opening 12 Head opening 13 Fin 13A Top surface 13B Illumination member 14 Head body 15 Planar vibration member 16 Net member 17 Film member 18 Frame 19 String 20 Vibration transmission member (wire in shaft)
20A First pickup 21 Grip upper end plate 22 Fixing device 23 Grip inner plate (mounting member)
24 Grip internal fixing device (mounting member)
25 Binding portion 26 Mass member 27 Connection metal fitting 28 Grip upper end side fixing device 30 Auxiliary vibration transmission member (wire inside head)
30A Second pickup 31 Head tip 32 Head base 33 Head tip side fixing device 34 Head base side fixing device 35 Head inner plate 36 Head inner fixing device 37 Binding part 40 Connection wire 40A Third pickup 41 Rack 42 Pinion 43 Motor 44 Winding device (mounting member)
51 Lower side 52 First side 53 Second side 54 Upper side 55 Telescopic mechanism 56 Telescopic mechanism 57 Telescopic mechanism 58 Slide mechanism 61 Weight member 62 Weight motor (driving source)
81 Vibration sensor 82 Vibration device 82A Speaker 86 Fin or plate member 86A Top surface 86B Illumination member 90A, 90B, 90C Amplifier 91A, 91B, 90C Speaker 100 Liquid crystal display 100A Speaker 101 Controller 102 Indicator 103 Impact sensor SW1, SW2 Switch

Claims (58)

a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball;
A shaft formed in an axial shape;
a hosel connecting one end of the shaft and the head;
a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user;
A golf club, wherein the hosel is integrally formed with the head and the shaft in a non-replaceable manner. The golf club according to claim 1, characterized in that the hosel is formed in a plate shape that extends in a plane parallel to the striking surface and has a constant thickness. The golf club according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hosel is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The golf club according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hosel is formed in a bent plate shape that is curved so that the side closer to the striking surface is on the inside in a longitudinal cross section perpendicular to the striking surface. The golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hosel has a built-in vibration sensor that detects vibrations generated on the striking surface. The golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the hosel has a first hollow cavity formed therein. The golf club according to claim 6, characterized in that the shaft has a second hollow portion formed therein that communicates with the first hollow portion. The golf club according to claim 7, characterized in that the grip has a third hollow cavity formed therein that communicates with the second hollow cavity. A golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the grip is integrally formed with the shaft. A golf club according to claim 5 or any one of claims 6 to 9 that cites at least claim 5, characterized in that the grip incorporates a vibration device that vibrates or a speaker that emits sound based on information detected by the vibration sensor. a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head, which is housed in the second cavity and the third cavity, and which transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the grip;
A golf club as described in claim 8 or any one of claims 9 to 10 that cites at least claim 8, characterized in that it is provided with an attachment member provided inside the third hollow portion and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member and the grip. The golf club according to claim 11, characterized in that the position of the mounting member is adjustable in the extension direction of the grip. The golf club according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the vibration transmission member is composed of a wire, a string, a rod member, or a linear elastic member. The golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the mounting member is formed in a membrane shape that unfolds in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip. A golf club according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration. The golf club according to claim 6 or any one of claims 7 to 15 that cites at least claim 6, characterized in that the head has a hollow fourth cavity formed therein that communicates with the first cavity. The golf club according to claim 16, which cites at least claim 11, is characterized in that it is provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member disposed inside the fourth cavity and transmitting vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member. The golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the head has a weight member for changing the position of the center of gravity of the head. A drive source for moving the weight member is provided,
the weight member is provided inside a hollow cylindrical recess formed in an upper surface of the head,
19. The golf club according to claim 18, wherein the drive source rotates the weight member along an inner circumferential surface of the recess. A golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a hitting surface for hitting a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft,
The shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed therein,
The grip has a grip cavity formed therein and communicating with the shaft cavity,
a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head, which is housed in the shaft cavity and the grip cavity, and which transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the grip;
a mounting member provided inside the grip hollow portion and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip, The golf club according to claim 20, characterized in that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extension direction of the grip. A golf club according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the vibration transmission member is composed of a wire, a string, a rod member, or a linear elastic member. The golf club according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the mounting member is formed in a membrane shape that unfolds in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip. A golf club according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration. A golf club according to at least any one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the head has a hollow head cavity inside that communicates with the shaft cavity, and is provided with an auxiliary vibration transmission member that is provided inside the head cavity and transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member. A golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a hitting surface for hitting a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft,
The shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed therein,
The grip has a grip cavity formed therein and communicating with the shaft cavity,
a vibration transmission member formed in an elongated shape, one end of which is fixed to the head, which is housed in the shaft cavity and the grip cavity, and which transmits vibrations generated on the striking surface to the grip;
a mounting member provided inside the grip hollow portion and connecting the other end of the vibration transmission member to the grip,
The vibration transmission member is configured to contain a magnetic material,
a first pickup that detects vibrations transmitted by the vibration transmitting member and converts the detected vibrations electrically is provided adjacent to the vibration transmitting member. The golf club according to claim 26, characterized in that the mounting member is provided so that its position can be adjusted in the extension direction of the grip. The golf club according to claim 27, characterized in that the attachment member is formed in a membrane shape that unfolds in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the grip. A golf club according to any one of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the vibration transmission member has a mass member for amplifying vibration. The head has a hollow head cavity formed therein and communicating with the shaft cavity,
an auxiliary vibration transmission member provided inside the head cavity and configured to transmit vibrations generated on the striking surface to the vibration transmission member;
The auxiliary vibration transmission member is configured to contain a magnetic material,
A golf club according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized in that a second pickup that detects vibrations transmitted by the auxiliary vibration transmission member and converts them into an electrical signal is provided in close proximity to the auxiliary vibration transmission member. The golf club according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized in that a first amplifier that amplifies the electrical signal detected by the first pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club. The golf club according to any one of claims 26 to 31, characterized in that a second amplifier that amplifies the electrical signal detected by the second pickup is provided inside or outside the golf club. A golf club comprising a shaft, a head provided at one end of the shaft and having a hitting surface for hitting a golf ball, and a grip provided at the other end of the shaft,
13. A golf club comprising: an insert provided on said striking surface, said insert being made of a surface vibration member formed in a plane that vibrates upon impact with said golf ball and applies a reaction force to said golf ball. The golf club according to claim 33, characterized in that the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame. The golf club according to claim 34, characterized in that the string contains at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers. A golf club according to any one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the surface vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface. The golf club according to claim 36, characterized in that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. The golf club according to any one of claims 33 to 37, characterized in that the surface vibration member is detachably attached to the head. A golf club according to any one of claims 33 to 38, characterized in that the head has a head cavity formed to be hollow inside. The golf club according to claim 39, characterized in that the head has an internal head wire that is stretched inside the head cavity and connected to the planar vibration member via a connecting wire. The golf club according to claim 40, characterized in that the shaft has a hollow shaft cavity formed inside. The golf club according to claim 41, characterized in that the head has a wire in the shaft that is stretched inside the shaft cavity and connected to the wire in the head. The golf club according to claim 42, characterized in that the wire in the shaft is stretched so as to connect the grip and the wire in the head, and transmits the vibration of the surface vibration member to the grip. a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball;
A shaft formed in an axial shape;
a hosel connecting one end of the shaft and the head;
a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user;
A golf club comprising a fin or a plate member between the head and the hosel. a head having a striking surface for striking a golf ball;
A shaft formed in an axial shape;
a grip provided at the other end of the shaft and held by a user;
A golf club comprising a fin or plate member between the head and one end of the shaft. A golf club according to claim 44 or 45, characterized in that the lighting members are arranged in a planar or chain-like manner on the top surface of the fin or plate member. A golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 43, characterized in that a fin is provided on the upper surface of the head. The golf club according to claim 47, characterized in that the lighting members are arranged in a planar or chain-like manner on the top surface of the fin. The golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 48, characterized in that an electric display member is provided on the top surface of the head. The golf club according to claim 49, characterized in that the display member is a liquid crystal display capable of displaying at least one piece of information on the launch direction of the golf ball and impact data when the golf ball hits the striking surface in response to an external command. A golf club as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 50, comprising a controller having a rhythm box function that notifies the player of the rhythm when the golf ball is launched, and a speaker that outputs either a rhythmic sound or a synthetic voice generated by either the rhythm box function or the synthetic voice generating function of the controller. A golf club according to any one of claims 1 to 51, characterized in that an adapter suited to the user's physique and hitting form is detachably attached to the underside of the head. An insert is removably provided on a hitting surface of a golf club including a shaft, a head having a hitting surface for hitting a golf ball, the head being provided on one end of the shaft, and a grip being provided on the other end of the shaft,
A golf club insert comprising a surface vibration member formed in a plane that vibrates when colliding with the golf ball and applies a reaction force to the golf ball. The golf club insert according to claim 53, characterized in that the planar vibration member has a net member formed by weaving strings into a net shape on the inside of the frame. The golf club insert according to claim 54, characterized in that the string includes at least one of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and elastic fibers. The golf club insert according to any one of claims 53 to 55, characterized in that the surface vibration member has a film member attached to the striking surface. The golf club insert according to claim 56, characterized in that the film member includes at least one of a metal plate, a resin plate, a rubber film, and a leather film. The golf club insert according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the surface vibration member is configured as a vibration member having a gong structure attached to the head by a hanging structure.

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