KR102424406B1 - Golf clubs with hosel inserts and related methods - Google Patents

Abstract

An embodiment of a golf coupling mechanism is provided herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Description

GOLF CLUBS WITH HOSEL INSERTS AND RELATED METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,240, filed on January 23, 2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/254,081, filed on November 11, 2015, as of May 20, 2014 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/282,786, which is a continuation-in-part of filed U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/282,786, includes (i) U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/795,653, filed March 12, 2013; (ii) US Patent Application Serial No. 13/429,319, filed March 24, 2012; (iii) US Patent Application Serial No. 13/468,663, filed May 10, 2012; (iv) US Patent Application Serial No. 13/468,675, filed on May 10, 2012; and (v) continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/735,123, filed January 7, 2013.

U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319 claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/590,232, filed on January 24, 2012, and Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 61/529,880, filed on August 31, 2011. Also, U.S. Patent No. 13/468,663 and U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,675 are continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/429,319, respectively. Likewise, U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/468,677 is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319.

Meanwhile, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/735,123 is US Patent Application No. 13/468,663, filed on May 10, 2012, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,675, filed on May 10, 2012, and 5, 2015 It is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/468,677, filed on Oct. 10.

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,240, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/254,081, U.S. Patent Application No. 14/282,786, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/795,653, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/429,319, U.S. Patent Application No. 13 /468,663, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,675, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/735,123, U.S. Patent Application No. 13/468,677, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/590,232, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/529,880 Each is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

BACKGROUND This disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and more particularly to golf coupling mechanisms and related methods.

Many sports, such as golf, require equipment with features that can be selected or customized to suit individual characteristics or preferences. For example, the recommended type of club shaft, type of club head, and/or the loft angle or lie angle of the club head may vary based on individual characteristics such as skill, age or height. However, once assembled, golf clubs generally have a fixed, immutable coupling mechanism between the golf club shaft and the golf club head. Accordingly, when determining suitable equipment for an individual, one must use an unnecessarily large number of golf clubs having such a fixed coupling mechanism to test various combinations of club shaft, club head, loft angle and/or lie angle. . Moreover, even if an individual's characteristics or preferences change, golf equipment cannot be adapted to cope with such changes. The adjustable coupling mechanism can be configured to provide such flexibility in variably setting different features of a golf club, but introduces instabilities resulting in a lack of cohesive force or stress concentration in the golf club head and golf club shaft coupling. can do. In view of the above, further developments in golf coupling mechanisms and related methods will enhance the utility and maneuverability features of golf clubs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure may be better understood by reading the following detailed description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
1 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club having a golf coupling mechanism according to an example of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club having the golf coupling mechanism of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the golf club head along section line III-III of FIG. 2, showing the golf coupling mechanism having the shaft sleeve inserted within the shaft receptacle;
FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a golf club head and golf coupling mechanism along section line IV-IV of FIG. 2 ;
5 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve separated from the golf club head;
6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve along section line VI-VI of FIG. 5 .
7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve along section line VII-VII of FIG. 5 .
8 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 with the shaft sleeve removed, showing the shaft receptacle from above;
9 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the golf club head of FIG. 1 taken along section III-III of FIG. 2 with the shaft sleeve removed;
10 illustrates a side view of a portion of a set of sleeve couplers of a shaft sleeve.
11 illustrates a side x-ray view of a portion of a receptacle coupler set of a shaft receptacle.
12 illustrates a side view of a portion of a set of sleeve couplers of a shaft sleeve similar to the shaft sleeve of FIGS. 1-7 and 10 ;
12 illustrates a side x-ray view of a portion of a sleeve coupler set of a shaft receiver similar to the shaft receiver of FIGS. 1-4, 8-9 and 11;
FIG. 14 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a golf coupling mechanism in a first configuration with respect to a perspective view along section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 ;
FIG. 15 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of a golf coupling mechanism in a second configuration with respect to a perspective view along section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 ;
FIG. 16 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism in a third configuration with respect to the perspective of section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 with the shaft sleeve removed;
FIG. 17 illustrates a top cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism in a fourth configuration with respect to the perspective of section line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 with the shaft sleeve removed;
18 illustrates a flow diagram of a method that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf coupler mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.
19 shows a comparison of stagnant drag wake areas for each hosel of different golf club heads 1910 and 1920 .
20 is a chart of drag as a function of open face angle versus hosel diameter of the golf club head of FIG. 19 ;
21 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club having a golf coupling mechanism according to an embodiment.
22 illustrates a side view of a shaft sleeve of a golf coupling mechanism of a golf club head separated from the golf club head, according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;
23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve along section line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 , according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;
FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve body of the shaft sleeve separated from the shaft sleeve cap of the shaft sleeve, according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;
FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve cap removed from the shaft sleeve body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;
FIG. 26 illustrates an elevation view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 ;
27 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.
28 illustrates exemplary steps of providing a shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 27 .
29 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head with a golf coupling mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment.
30 illustrates a side view of a shaft sleeve of a golf coupling mechanism of a golf club head separated from the golf club head, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve along section line XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 30 , according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve body of the shaft sleeve separated from the shaft sleeve cap of the shaft sleeve, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
33A illustrates a side view of a shaft sleeve cap removed from the shaft sleeve body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ; FIG. 33B illustrates an upper slope of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
FIG. 34 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve cap along section line XLVV-XLVV of FIG. 33B , according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
35A illustrates a top view of the shaft sleeve cap separated from the shaft sleeve body, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ; 35B illustrates a top view of the shaft sleeve body separated from the golf head, according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 ;
36 illustrates a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.
37 illustrates exemplary steps of providing a shaft sleeve according to the embodiment of FIG. 35 ;
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawings show configurations in a general manner, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. In addition, components are not necessarily drawn to scale in the drawings. For example, dimensions of some of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to other components in order to facilitate understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout different drawings.
The terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc. used in the detailed description and claims are used to distinguish similar elements from each other, and must necessarily indicate a specific order or order of occurrence. It's not meant to explain. The terms so used may be substituted for other terms under appropriate circumstances, such that the embodiments described herein may operate, for example, in a different order as shown in the drawings or in other manners as described herein. It should be understood that there is Also, the terms "comprises" and "comprises" and any variations thereof are intended to indicate a non-exclusive meaning of inclusion, whereby a process, method, system, article, apparatus or Components used in a device are not to be limited to those listed above, but may include other components not expressly enumerated or other components unique to such process, method, system, article, apparatus, or device. may be
The terms “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “top”, “bottom”, etc. in the specification and claims, if used, are used for descriptive purposes. As such, it should not be used to describe a permanent relative position. The terminology used as such means that the embodiments of the devices, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are suitable for operation, for example, in other orientations as shown in the drawings or in other manners as described herein. It should be understood that other terms may be substituted under circumstances.
The terms “couple”, “coupled”, “coupled”, “coupled” and the like are to be understood in a broad sense and refer to the mechanical or other connection of two or more components. The bonding (which may be mechanically or otherwise) may be made for any amount of time, such as permanently or semi-permanently or only momentarily.
The absence of the words "removably", "removable", etc. in the vicinity of the word "coupled" or the like does not mean that the combination or the like is removable or non-removable.
As defined herein, two or more components are "one-piece" when they are made of the same material. Also, as defined herein, two or more components are "non-integral" when each of them is made of a different material.

Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a golf head body, the golf club head body comprising: a bottom of a sole, an upper portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion containing soul; and hosel. The front portion also includes a striking surface. The golf club head also includes a shaft sleeve insertable within the hosel and configured to engage the golf club shaft with the hosel. The hosel may include a hosel bore configured to receive a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve, on the other hand, includes (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body comprising an outer sleeve body wall and at least one coupler on the sleeve body outer wall; (iii) the shaft sleeve and a shaft sleeve cap configured to engage the body. When the golf club head is in the address position with the shaft sleeve secured in the hosel, the center of gravity of the shaft sleeve may be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance that is approximately 46 millimeters or less relative to the sole bottom.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may include an intermediate region, and the shaft sleeve body may include a sleeve body wall, wherein the sleeve body wall has an intermediate region thickness of approximately 0.020 inches in the intermediate region. may include

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may include a coupler region, and the shaft sleeve body may include a sleeve body wall, wherein the sleeve body wall is from a greatest thickness of the sleeve body wall in the coupler region. a coupler zone thickness varying up to the smallest thickness of the sleeve body wall, the greatest thickness of the sleeve body wall may be less than or equal to approximately 0.75 inches, and the smallest thickness of the sleeve body wall may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.020 inches.

In these or other embodiments, the hosel bore may include at least one receptacle configured to engage at least one coupler, wherein when the hosel bore receives the shaft sleeve, the at least one coupler is configured to engage the shaft to the hosel. It may engage at least one receptacle to limit rotation of the sleeve.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve may be removably coupled with the shaft sleeve body.

In these or other embodiments, the at least one coupler may include a plurality of couplers, and the plurality of couplers may include a first coupler and a second coupler, wherein the coupler length of the first coupler is a second coupler length. It may be different from the coupler length of the coupler.

In these or other embodiments, the at least one coupler may include a coupler length, and the coupler length may be greater than or equal to about 0.260 inches and less than or equal to about 0.38 inches.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may include a receiving groove, and the shaft sleeve may include an extruded portion, the receiving groove configured to receive the extruded portion when the shaft sleeve body is engaged with the shaft sleeve cap. can be configured.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap includes at least one slit and a cap wall, wherein the at least one slit is configured to cause the cap wall to compress in an axial direction.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may include a cap bore and one or more ribs extending into the cap bore, wherein when the shaft bore receives an end of a golf club shaft, the one or more ribs are configured to The club shaft can be centered in the shaft bore.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve may include a shaft sleeve mass of approximately 4.5 grams, the shaft sleeve body may include a shaft sleeve body mass of approximately 4.1 grams or less, and/or the shaft sleeve The cap may comprise a shaft sleeve cap mass of greater than or equal to about 0.3 grams and less than or equal to about 1.0 grams.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may include an engagement portion configured to couple the shaft sleeve to the hosel, wherein when the shaft sleeve cap is engaged with the shaft sleeve body, the engagement portion couples the shaft sleeve to the hosel. When secured against the golf club head, the golf club head may include an assembled club head mass, and the assembled club head mass may be approximately 199 grams or less.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may include an engagement portion configured to couple the shaft sleeve to the hosel, wherein when the shaft sleeve cap is engaged with the shaft sleeve body, and wherein the engagement portion couples the shaft sleeve to the hosel When secured against an assembled golf club head, the golf club head may include an assembled club head mass, the shaft sleeve may include a shaft sleeve mass, and the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the assembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 2.2%. have.

In these or other embodiments, the golf club head may include an assembled club head mass, and the shaft sleeve may include a shaft sleeve mass, wherein the ratio of the shaft sleeve mass to the disassembled club head mass is approximately 2.2% or less.

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be greater than or equal to approximately 45.3 millimeters relative to the sole bottom.

In these or other embodiments, when the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve includes a shaft sleeve height, the shaft sleeve height may be greater than or equal to about 1.78 inches and less than or equal to about 1.82 inches; when the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve includes a shaft sleeve body height, the shaft sleeve body height may be greater than or equal to about 1.529 inches and less than or equal to about 1.569 inches; and/or when the shaft sleeve body is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap, the shaft sleeve includes a shaft sleeve cap height, and the shaft sleeve cap height may be greater than or equal to about 0.46 inches and less than or equal to about 0.50 inches.

Another embodiment includes a golf club head. The golf club head includes a golf head body, the golf club head body comprising: a bottom of a sole, an upper portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a front portion opposite the rear portion containing soul; and hosel. The front portion also includes a striking surface. The golf club head also includes a shaft sleeve insertable within the hosel and configured to engage the golf club shaft with the hosel. On the other hand, the hosel may include a hosel bore configured to receive a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve also includes (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body comprising an outer sleeve body wall and at least one coupler in the sleeve body outer wall; (iii) the shaft sleeve and a shaft sleeve cap configured to engage the body. The shaft sleeve body may further include an intermediate region and a sleeve body wall. Also, the shaft sleeve may comprise a shaft sleeve mass of approximately 4.3 grams. In these embodiments, the shaft sleeve body may include a shaft sleeve body mass of approximately 3.8 grams or less. The shaft sleeve cap may also include a cap bore and one or more ribs extending into the cap bore, wherein when the shaft bore receives an end of the golf club shaft, the one or more ribs will center the golf club shaft within the shaft bore. can In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap may be removably coupled with the shaft sleeve body. Also, when the golf club head is in the address position with the shaft sleeve secured within the hosel, the center of gravity of the shaft sleeve may be positioned at a vertical distance of the shaft sleeve CG that is approximately 43.5 millimeters or more and approximately 47 millimeters or less relative to the sole bottom. .

Another embodiment includes a method. The method may include providing a shaft sleeve. On the other hand, the step of providing the shaft sleeve comprises the steps of providing a shaft sleeve body; and providing a shaft sleeve cap. Further, the shaft sleeve may be configured to be insertable within a hosel of a golf club head and configured to engage a golf club shaft with the hosel. Likewise, a golf club head may include a golf head body and a hosel, the golf club head body comprising: a sole bottom, an upper portion opposite the sole portion, a heel portion, a toe portion opposite the heel portion, a rear portion, a rear portion It may include a front portion opposite to the. The front portion may include a striking surface. The hosel may also include a hosel bore configured to receive a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve also includes (i) a shaft bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft, (ii) a shaft sleeve body comprising an outer sleeve body wall and at least one coupler in the sleeve body outer wall; (iii) the shaft sleeve and a shaft sleeve cap configured to engage the body. When the golf club head is in the address position with the shaft sleeve secured in the hosel, the center of gravity of the shaft sleeve may be located at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance that is approximately 46 millimeters or less relative to the sole bottom.

Other examples and embodiments are also disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the drawings, claims, and/or detailed description of the invention.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a golf club head 101 provided with a golf coupling mechanism 1000 according to an example of the present invention. 2 is a top perspective view showing a golf club head 101 provided with a golf coupling mechanism 1000 . 3 is a cross-sectional view of the golf club head 101 taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 showing the golf coupling mechanism 1000 with the shaft sleeve 1100 inserted into the shaft receiver 3200; to be. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the golf club head 101 and the golf coupling mechanism 1000 taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 2 .

In this embodiment, the golf coupling mechanism 1000 includes a shaft sleeve 1100 configured to be coupled to an end of a golf club shaft, such as the golf club shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ). 5 is a side view showing the shaft sleeve 1100 removed from the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shaft sleeve 1100 taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5 . In this example, the shaft sleeve 1100 includes a shaft bore 3120 configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft 102 . Shaft sleeve 1100 also includes a sleeve axis 5150 that extends along a longitudinal centerline of shaft sleeve 1100 from sleeve top 1191 to sleeve bottom 3192 . In this example, outer sleeve wall 3130 is a right-angled cylinder configured such that at least a portion of outer sleeve wall 3130 is substantially parallel to sleeve axis 5150 and delimits shaft bore 3120 therein. In other words, sleeve axis 5150 is, in this embodiment, the centerline of sleeve outer wall 3130 . In this example, shaft bore 3120 extends coaxially with shaft bore axis 6150 and is formed at an angle with respect to sleeve axis 5150 , thereby being non-coaxial with the sleeve axis. In this example, shaft bore axis 6150 makes an angle of approximately 0.5° with sleeve axis 5150 , although examples in which this angle ranges from approximately 0.2° to approximately 4° with respect to sleeve axis 5150 are possible. Accordingly, in this embodiment the shaft bore 3120 and the sleeve outer wall 3130 are not concentric. However, in other embodiments, shaft bore axis 6150 may be substantially collinear with sleeve axis 5150 such that sleeve outer wall 3130 and shaft bore 3120 may be substantially concentric.

The shaft sleeve 1100 includes a sleeve coupler set 3110 having one or more couplers protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130 . 7 is a cross-sectional view of shaft sleeve 1100 taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 5, across sleeve coupler set 3110. 3 to 7 are different views showing the sleeve coupler set 3110 protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130 . In this example, the sleeve coupler set 3110 includes sleeve couplers 3111 , 3112 , 5116 , 7115 protruding from the sleeve outer wall 3130 , and along the perimeter 7191 of the sleeve outer wall 3130 sleeve couplers ( 3112 is disposed opposite the sleeve coupler 3111 and the sleeve coupler 7115 is disposed opposite the sleeve coupler 5116 . As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the sleeve coupler set 3110 forms a concave surface and a convex surface alternately around a perimeter 7191 .

The sleeve coupler of the sleeve coupler set 3110 is configured to suppress rotation of the shaft sleeve 1100 with respect to the golf club head 101 when the shaft sleeve 1100 is inserted and fixed in the shaft receiving portion 3200. arcuate surfaces. For example, as shown in Figures 3, 5 and 7, (a) the sleeve coupler 3111 includes an arcuate surface 3151 that is curved over the entire outer region of the sleeve coupler 3111, (b) sleeve coupler 3112 includes an arcuate surface 3152 that is curved over the entire outer region of sleeve coupler 3112, and (c) sleeve coupler 5116 is external to sleeve coupler 5116. (d) sleeve coupler 7115 comprising an arcuate surface 7155 curved over an area outside of sleeve coupler 7115; do.

The golf coupling mechanism 1000 also includes a shaft receiver 3200 configured to receive a shaft sleeve 1100 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . 8 is a plan view of the golf club head 101 with the shaft sleeve 1100 removed and the shaft receiving portion 3200 viewed from above. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the golf club head 101 with the shaft sleeve 1100 removed, taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 , showing a side cross-section of the shaft receiving part 3200 .

In this example, the shaft receiving portion 3200 is formed to be integral with the hosel 1015 of the club head 101, but according to an embodiment, the shaft receiving portion 3200 is provided separately from the hosel 1015, adhesive It may be coupled to the hosel through one or more fastening methods, such as through a screw fastening mechanism and/or through bolts or rivets. In the same or other embodiments, the terms hosel and shaft receptacle may be used interchangeably. In addition, according to an embodiment, the head bore of the golf club head 101 may be provided on a crown or an upper portion of the hosel 1015 . In this embodiment, the shaft receptacle 3200 may also form part of or be coupled to the head bore.

The shaft sleeve 1100 is configured to be inserted into the shaft receiving part 3200 and may be divided into several parts. For example, the shaft sleeve 1100 includes a sleeve insert 3160 bounded by a sleeve outer wall 3130 , and when the shaft sleeve 1100 is secured within the shaft receiver 3200 , the sleeve insert includes a shaft receiving portion 3200 . It is configured to be integral with the part 3200 . In this example, the shaft sleeve 1100 also includes a sleeve top 3170 that is configured to remain external of the shaft receiver 3200 when the shaft sleeve 1100 is secured within the shaft receiver 3200 . However, in other examples, the sleeve top 3170 may not be provided and/or a shaft sleeve similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 but configured to be fully inserted into the shaft receptacle 3200 is also possible.

The shaft accommodating part 3200 includes an accommodating part inner wall 3230 configured to define a boundary of the sleeve inserting part 3160, and an outer sleeve wall 3130 of the shaft sleeve 1100 inserted into the shaft accommodating part. . The shaft receptacle 3200 also includes a receptacle coupler set 3210 configured to engage with the coupler set 3110 of the shaft sleeve 1100 to inhibit rotation of the shaft sleeve 1100 relative to the shaft receptacle 3200 . ) is included. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the receptacle coupler set 3210 includes receptacle couplers 3213 , 3214 , 8217 , 8218 that are recessed into the receptacle inner wall 3230 . The coupler 3213 is disposed to face the receptacle coupler 3214 , and the receptacle coupler 8218 is disposed to face the receptacle coupler 8217 .

The receiver coupler of the receiver coupler set 3210 of the shaft receiver 3200 includes an arcuate surface complementary to the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 of the shaft sleeve 1100 . For example, (a) receptacle coupler 3213 includes an arcuate surface 3253 that is curved over the entire interior region of receptacle coupler 3213 ( FIG. 8 ), where the receptacle coupler 3213 is The arcuate surface 3253 is complementary to the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 ( FIG. 7 ), and (b) the receptacle coupler 3214 is curved throughout the interior area of the receptacle coupler 3214. and an arcuate surface 3254 formed ( FIG. 8 ), wherein the arcuate surface 3254 of the receiver coupler 3214 is complementary to the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 ( FIG. 7 ), (c) ) receptacle coupler 8217 includes an arcuate surface 8257 that is curved over the entire interior region of receptacle coupler 8217 (FIG. 8), with arcuate surface 8257 of receptacle coupler 8217 ) is complementary to the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 ( FIG. 7 ), and (d) the receptacle coupler 8218 is an arcuate surface that curves over the entire interior region of the receiver coupler 8218 . 8258 ( FIG. 8 ), wherein the arcuate surface 8258 of the receiver coupler 8218 is complementary to the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 ( FIG. 7 ).

In this embodiment, the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receptacle coupler set 3210 are curved across the individual sleeve coupler and receptacle coupler as a whole. 10 is a side view showing a portion of the shaft sleeve 1100 and the sleeve coupler set 3110 . 11 is an X-ray side view showing a portion of the shaft receiver 3200 and the receiver coupler set 3210 . 7 and 10 , in this example, the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7176 , and the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 is horizontal The arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 has a directional radius of curvature 7171 , the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7172 , and the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 has a horizontal radius of curvature 7175 . has Also in this example, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 includes a vertically tapered portion that decreases in thickness toward the sleeve bottom 3192 of the shaft sleeve 1100 and toward the sleeve axis 5150 (Fig. 5 and 6). For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the arcuate surface 5156 of the sleeve coupler 5116 includes a vertically tapered portion 10186, and the arcuate surface 3151 of the sleeve coupler 3111 includes a vertically tapered portion ( 10181 , the arcuate surface 3152 of the sleeve coupler 3112 includes a vertically tapered portion 10182 . Although not shown in FIG. 10 , the arcuate surface 7155 of the sleeve coupler 7115 also includes a vertically tapered portion similar to the vertically tapered portion 10186 of the sleeve coupler 5116 .

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 , with respect to the receiver coupler set 3210 of the shaft receiver 3200 , in this example, the arcuate surface 8258 of the receiver coupler 8218 is the sleeve coupler 5116 . having a horizontal radius of curvature 8278 complementary to a horizontal radius of curvature 7176 of ( FIGS. 7 and 10 ), the arcuate surface 3253 of the receptacle coupler 3213 is having a horizontal radius of curvature 8273 ( FIG. 7 ) complementary to radius 7171 , the arcuate surface 3254 of receptacle coupler 3214 being complementary to horizontal radius of curvature 7172 of sleeve coupler 3112 . 7 ), the arcuate surface 8257 of the receptacle coupler 8217 has a horizontal radius of curvature 8277 that is complementary to the horizontal radius of curvature 7175 of the sleeve coupler 7115 ( FIG. 7 ). has (Fig. 7).

Also in this example, the arcuate surface of the receiver coupler set 3210 includes a vertically tapered portion complementary to a vertical tapered portion of the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 . For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the arcuate surface 8258 of the receptacle coupler 8218 includes a vertically tapered portion 11288 complementary to the vertically tapered portion 10186 of the sleeve coupler 5116 ( 10), the arcuate surface 3253 of the receptacle coupler 3213 includes a vertically tapered portion 11283 complementary to the vertically tapered portion 10181 of the sleeve coupler 3111 (FIG. 10), the receptacle The arcuate surface 3254 of the coupler 3214 includes a vertically tapered portion 10182 and complementary vertically tapered portion 11284 of the sleeve coupler 3112 ( FIG. 10 ). Although not shown in FIG. 11 , the arcuate surface 8257 of the receptacle coupler 8217 is also similar to the vertically tapered portion 11288 of the receptacle coupler 8218 and the vertically tapered portion of the sleeve coupler 7115 . and a vertically tapered portion that is complementary to

In the present embodiment, the vertically tapered portions of the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 are formed substantially linearly, so that the vertically tapered portions 10181 and 10182 of the sleeve couplers 3111 and 3112 shown in FIG. 10 . ) decreases in a substantially linear form, as can be seen through the profile of . Similarly, the vertical taper of the arcuate surface of the receptacle coupler set 3210, as can be seen through the profiles of the vertically tapered portions 11283, 11284 of the receptacle couplers 3213, 3214 shown in FIG. The portion is formed substantially linearly. In the same or other examples, the substantially linear, vertically tapered portions of the arcuate surfaces of the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receptacle coupler set 3210 may be of substantial size representing a substantially straight line or at infinity. It may be considered to have a near-vertical radius of curvature.

However, in other embodiments, the vertically tapered portion of the sleeve coupler and/or receptacle coupler does not necessarily have to be linear. 12 is a side view of a portion of shaft sleeve 12100 with sleeve coupler set 12110. 13 is an X-ray cross-sectional view of the shaft receiver 13200 together with the receiver coupler set 13210 as viewed from the side.

The shaft sleeve 12100 may be similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 (see FIGS. 1-7 and 10 ), and the shaft receiver 13200 may be similar to the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 10 ). 4, 8 and 10). However, sleeve coupler set 12110 differs from sleeve coupler set 3110 in that the vertically tapered portion is not linear. For example, sleeve coupler set 12110 includes vertically tapered portions 12186 , 12181 , 12182 that are formed to be curved rather than linear in shape and may have respective vertical radii of curvature. Similarly, receptacle coupler set 13210 is curved rather than linear in shape and has respective vertical radii of curvature complementary to that of sleeve coupler set 12110, vertically tapered portions 13288, 13283. , 13284). Accordingly, the sleeve coupler of the sleeve coupler set 12110 and the receiver coupler of the receiver coupler set 13120 are respectively curved horizontally and vertically over their respective entire surface areas. For example, a horizontal line tangential to any point on the entire surface of sleeve coupler 12116 is not tangential to any other point on the entire surface of sleeve coupler 12116 . In the same or other embodiments, the entire surface of each sleeve coupler of the set of sleeve couplers 12110, and the entire surface of each receptacle coupler of the set of receptacle couplers 13120, respectively, are generally generally in all directions. formed in a curved shape.

Different sleeve couplers and receiver couplers of the present invention may have respective radii of curvature within a predetermined range. For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 10 , the horizontal radii of curvature 7171 , 7172 , 7175 , 7176 of the sleeve coupler set 3110 are each approximately 0.175 inches (4.45 mm), but in accordance with an embodiment, approximately 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) to approximately 0.225 inches (5.715 mm). 8 and 11, the horizontal radius of curvature 8273, 8274, 8277, 8278 of the receiver coupler set 3210 is, respectively, the horizontal radius of curvature 7171, 7172, 7175, 7176 (FIGS. 7 and 10) may be complementary to the same or similar to FIG. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13 , the horizontal radius of curvature of the sleeve coupler set 12110 and the receiver coupler set 13210 is also the sleeve coupler set 3110 and/or the receiver coupler set 3210 . ) may be similar to that described above according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11 .

As described above, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 11 , the vertically tapered portion of the sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 10 ) and the receiver coupler set 3210 ( FIG. 11 ) has a vertical curvature close to infinity. By having a radius, it can be formed substantially straight. 12 and 13 , the vertically tapered portions of sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ) and receiver coupler set 13210 ( FIG. 13 ) have a more pronounced vertical radius of curvature. As an example, the vertical radius of curvature (FIG. 12) of the vertically tapered portion 12186 of the sleeve coupler 12116 is approximately 0.8 inches (20.32 mm), although from approximately 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) to 2 inches ( 50.8 mm). The radius of vertical curvature of other similar portions of the sleeve coupler set 12110 may also be in the same range as described above for the vertically tapered portion 12186 . Additionally, the vertical radius of curvature ( FIG. 13 ) of the receiver coupler set 13210 may be complementary to or similar to the vertical radius of curvature described for the sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ).

In some examples, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler and/or receptacle coupler may include a portion of the geometry. For example, the arcuate surface of sleeve coupler 12116 ( FIG. 12 ) may include a secondary curved surface, and the arcuate surface of receiver coupler 13218 ( FIG. 13 ) is a secondary curved surface complementary to the arcuate surface of sleeve coupler 12116 . may include In this example, the secondary curved surface of sleeve coupler 12116 and receptacle coupler 13218 may include, for example, a portion of a parabolic surface or a portion of a hyperbolic surface. Also, in some examples, sleeve couplers and receiver couplers with arcuate quadratic surfaces may include a portion of a degenerate quadric surface, such as a portion of a conical surface. This example may be similar to the example of FIGS. 10 and 11 regarding sleeve coupler set 3110 and receptacle coupler set 3200 .

10 and 11 and 12 and 13, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler and the receiver coupler of the sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 10 ) and/or the sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ). Set 3210 ( FIG. 11 ) and/or receptacle couplers of set 13210 ( FIG. 13 ) may be configured such that the arcuate surfaces of the receiver couplers are continuously curved, such that there are no points of inflection. In the same or other embodiments, such arcuate surfaces may also be configured to be edgeless (excluding individual perimeters). For example, the total surface area of sleeve coupler 5116 (FIG. 10) is edgeless for any portion of the total surface area within the perimeter. Further, the total surface area of receptacle coupler 8218 (FIG. 11) is edgeless for any portion of the total surface area within the perimeter. Similar edgeless configurations can also be seen in both sleeve coupler 12110 ( FIG. 12 ) and receiver coupler 13218 ( FIG. 13 ). Thanks to the features described above, the contact area can be maximized when the sleeve coupler is seated against the receptacle coupler to inhibit rotation of the shaft sleeve relative to the respective shaft receptacle.

3 to 7 and 10 , the sleeve coupler set 3110 protrudes from the upper section of the sleeve outer wall 3130 . Likewise, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , 8 and 9 and 11 , the receiver coupler set 3210 is recessed into the upper section of the receiver inner wall 3230 . However, in other embodiments, the sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 may be disposed at different positions. For example, sleeve coupler set 3110 and receptacle coupler set 3210 may be disposed in or toward the bottom or middle section of shaft sleeve 1100 and shaft receptacle 3200, respectively. can be In the same or other embodiments, the sleeve coupler set 3110 is recessed into the sleeve outer wall 3130 and the sleeve coupler set 3210 protrudes from the receptacle inner wall 3230. The shapes of the set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 may be formed by inverting each other. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture as described herein are not limited to the foregoing.

As shown in cross-sectional view in FIG. 3 , the golf coupling mechanism 1000 also includes a fixed fastener 3400 configured to secure the shaft sleeve 1100 to the shaft receiver 3200 . In this example, the fixed fastening portion 3400 includes a bolt configured to engage the sleeve bottom 3192 of the shaft sleeve 1100 through a passage in the bottom of the shaft receiving portion 3200 . The fixed fastening portion 3400 is configured to engage with the sleeve lower end 3192 through a screw fastening mechanism. As the screw fastening mechanism is tightened, the fixed fastener 3400 is configured to pull the shaft sleeve 1100 toward the lower end of the shaft receiving portion 3200 such that the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler set 3110 is the receiving portion. It rests against the arcuate surface of the coupler set 3210 .

In an example such as this example, the combined total mass of the body of the golf club head 101 , the shaft sleeve 1100 , and the fixed fastener 3400 may be referred to as the assembled club head mass, and the shaft sleeve 1100 . ) and the mass of the body of the golf club head 101 without the fixed fastener 3400 may be referred to as the disassembled club head mass.

In this embodiment, the fixed fastening part 3400 is coupled to the fastening part so as to inhibit or at least inhibit the complete removal from the shaft receiving part 3200 when the fixed fastening part 3400 is separated from the shaft sleeve 1100 . and a retainer element 3450 that is The retainer element 3450 includes a washer disposed within the shaft receptacle 3200 and coupled around the threads of the fixed fastener 3400 . In this embodiment, the retainer element 3450 can be positioned along the threads of the fixed fastener 3400 by, for example, pushing the fixed fastener 3400 through the retainer element 3450 . It may be configured to flexibly engage the threads of the fixed fastening portion 3400 so as to remain substantially in place once placed along the threads of the fixed fastening portion 3400 . Accordingly, the retainer element 3450 can retain the end of the fixed fastener 3400 inside the shaft receiver 3200 after the shaft sleeve 1100 is removed from the shaft receiver 3400 . This allows the end to be inserted into the sleeve bottom 3192 . In some examples, retainer element 3450 may include a material such as a nylon material or other plastic material that is more flexible than the material of fixed fastener 3400 .

In another example, the bore through which the fixed fastening portion 3400 introduced into the shaft receiving portion 3200 passes may be formed with a thread corresponding to the thread of the fixed fastening portion 3400 , so that the thread is used as a retainer element. can play a role. In this other example, retainer element 3450 may be omitted.

The sleeve coupler set 3110 and the receiver coupler set 3210 have at least most of their respective arcuate surfaces against each other when the shaft sleeve 1110 is secured to the shaft receiver 3200 by a fixed fastener 3400 . configured to be seated. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 , when seated against each other, at least a majority of the entire surface of the sleeve coupler 5116 and a majority of the entire surface of the receptacle coupler 8218 contact each other, so that the shaft receptacle Inhibit rotation of shaft sleeve 1100 relative to 3200 . As another example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 , when seated against each other, most of the entire surface of sleeve coupler 12116 and most of the entire surface of receptacle coupler 13218 also contact each other to prevent rotation. will inhibit In the same or other examples, individual sleeve couplers of sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 10 ) or sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ) and receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIG. 11 ) or receiver The contact area defined by the interface between the individual receptacle couplers of the minor coupler set 13210 (FIG. 13) may be between approximately 51% and approximately 95% of the total surface of the individual receptacle coupler or individual sleeve coupler. have. In some embodiments, this contact area may be increased even further, substantially proximate or equal to the overall surface of the individual receptacle coupler and/or individual sleeve coupler. Also, in some examples, the arcuate surface of the sleeve coupler of the sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 10 ) or the sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ) is the receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIG. 11 ) or the receptacle coupler set. When seated against the arcuate surface of the receptacle coupler of 13210 ( FIG. 13 ), a force is applied perpendicular to each other over the respective contact areas.

In this example, when the fixed fastening part 3400 fixes the shaft sleeve 1100 to the shaft receiving part 3200, the sleeve upper part 3170 is maintained outside the shaft receiving part 3200, and in this state, The lower end 3171 of the upper sleeve 3170 is spaced apart from the upper end of the shaft receiver 3200 as the sleeve coupler set 3110 is seated against the receiver coupler set 3210 . This built-in spaced arrangement facilitates manufacturing tolerances and ensures that the sleeve coupler set 3110 can be properly seated against the receiver coupler set 3210 .

In the same example or other examples, some of the one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 may protrude past the upper end of the shaft receiver 3200 . Also in some examples, one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 may extend past the bottom of one or more receptacle couplers of the receptacle coupler set 3210 . In other examples, the one or more receptacle couplers of the receptacle coupler set may extend beyond the lower ends of the one or more sleeve couplers of the sleeve coupler set 3110 . Some of the features described above are useful for facilitating manufacturing within required tolerances while still allowing proper seating of the sleeve coupler set 3110 relative to the receptacle coupler set 3210 . ) may be employed in the design of

14 is a cross-sectional view from above of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of the configuration 1400 as viewed in the direction of the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 . Looking at the configuration 1400 of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and FIG. 14 , the sleeve couplers 3111 , 7115 , 3112 , and 5116 ( FIG. 7 ) of the sleeve coupler set 3110 are respectively , coupled with the receiver couplers 3213 , 8217 , 3214 , 8218 ( FIG. 8 ) of the receiver coupler set 3210 . Because shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ) is not coaxial with sleeve axis 5150 of shaft sleeve 1100 as described above, in configuration 1400 of FIG. 14 , shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ). first lie angle between and shaft receiver 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , 8 and 9 ) and/or between shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ) and golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). and a first loft angle may be defined.

15 is a cross-sectional view from above of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of the configuration 1500 as viewed in the direction of the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 . In this configuration 1500 , the sleeve couplers 3112 , 5116 , 3111 , 7115 ( FIG. 7 ) of the sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 7 ) are, respectively, the receiver couplers 3213 , 8217 , 3214 , and the receiver coupler set 3210 , respectively. 8218) (FIG. 8). Because shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ) is not coaxial with sleeve axis 5150 of shaft sleeve 1100 as described above, in configuration 1500 of FIG. 15 , shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ). and a second lie angle between the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and/or between the shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ) and the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). and a second loft angle may be defined.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view from above of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of configuration 1600 , as viewed in the direction of line XIV-XIV in FIG. 4 . In configuration 1600 , sleeve couplers 7115 , 3112 , 5116 , 3111 ( FIG. 7 ) of sleeve coupler set 3110 are, respectively, receptacle couplers 3213 , 8217 , 3214 , 8218 of receptacle coupler set 3210 , respectively. ) (Fig. 8). Because shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ) is not coaxial with sleeve axis 5150 of shaft sleeve 1100 as described above, in configuration 1600 of FIG. 16 , shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ). and the third lie angle between the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and/or between the shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ) and the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). and a third loft angle may be defined.

17 is a cross-sectional view of the golf coupling mechanism 1000 of the configuration 1700 as viewed from above, as viewed in the direction of the line XIV-XIV of FIG. 4 . In configuration 1700 , sleeve couplers 5116 , 3111 , 7115 , 3112 ( FIG. 7 ) of sleeve coupler set 3110 are, respectively, receptacle couplers 3213 , 8217 , 3214 , 8218 of receptacle coupler set 3210 , respectively. ) (Fig. 8). Because shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ) is not coaxial with sleeve axis 5150 of shaft sleeve 1100 as described above, in configuration 1700 of FIG. 17 , shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ). and the fourth lie angle between the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) and/or between the shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ) and the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). and a fourth loft angle may be defined.

Depending on the angle of the sleeve axis 5150 and the shaft bore axis 6150 with respect to the set of sleeve coupler 3110, different lie and loft angle alignments can be achieved through the configurations shown in FIGS. 14-17. . For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the bottom of the shaft bore 3120 is sharpened toward the sleeve coupler 3111 by the angle between the shaft bore axis 6150 and the sleeve axis 5150 . This causes the shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ) to be tilted towards the sleeve coupler 3112 when inserted into the shaft sleeve 1100 .

Accordingly, in configuration 1400 ( FIG. 14 ), the first lie angle may include a smaller sized lie angle, and the first lofted angle may include a neutral or medium sized loft angle. . As an example, the first lie angle is set such that the gripping end of the shaft 102 is inclined toward the heel of the golf club head 101 (FIG. 1) at an angle of approximately 0.2° to approximately 4°, whereby the configuration ( 1400) may reduce the lie angle of the golf club. The first loft angle, which in this example has a neutral value, does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1400 .

In configuration 1500 ( FIG. 15 ), the second lie angle may include a larger magnitude lie angle, the second loft angle being similar to or equal to the first loft angle of configuration 1400 ( FIG. 14 ). It may also include neutral or medium sized loft angles. As an example, the second lie angle may be set such that the gripping end of the shaft 102 is inclined towards the toe of the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ) at an angle of approximately 0.2° to approximately 4°, whereby the configuration ( 1500) to increase the lie angle of the golf club. The second loft angle, which in this example has a neutral value, does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1500 .

In configuration 1600 ( FIG. 16 ), the third loft angle may include a smaller sized loft angle, and the third lie angle may include a neutral or medium sized lie angle. As an example, the third loft angle may be set such that the gripping end of the shaft 102 is inclined toward the rear of the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ) at an angle of between approximately 0.2° and approximately 4°, such that in configuration 1600 . It is possible to reduce the loft angle of the golf club. The third lie angle, which in this example has a neutral value, does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1600 .

In configuration 1700 ( FIG. 17 ), the fourth loft angle may include a loft angle of a greater magnitude, the fourth lie angle being similar to or equal to the third lie angle of configuration 1600 ( FIG. 16 ). It may also include a neutral or medium lie angle. As an example, the fourth loft angle may be set such that the gripping end of the shaft 102 is inclined toward the front or impact surface of the golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ) at an angle of approximately 0.2° to approximately 4°; At 1700 , the loft angle of the golf club may be increased. The fourth lie angle, which in this example has a neutral value, does not affect the tilt of the shaft 102 in configuration 1700 .

In other embodiments, lie angle and loft in a manner that changes the angle and/or orientation of shaft bore axis 6150 ( FIG. 6 ) relative to sleeve axis 5150 ( FIG. 6 ) of shaft sleeve 1100 . A relationship of angles may be defined. 14 to 17 , the sleeve couplers 3111 , 3112 , 5116 , and 7115 are symmetrical to each other, and the receiving part couplers 3213 , 3214 , 8217 and 8218 are also symmetrical to each other. In one different embodiment, only the oppositely disposed of the sleeve coupler and the receiver coupler may be formed symmetrically with each other so that only two (ie not four) different combinations of lie and loft angles are allowed. may be

The different features as described above for the golf coupler mechanism of FIGS. 1-17 also provide that, when compared to other golf club heads with an adjustable shaft coupling mechanism, this feature also allows for different types of golf clubs in use. It can provide several performance benefits. For example, the hosel diameter of the hosel 1015 ( FIG. 1 ) because the number of parts required is reduced and/or because the receiver coupler set 3210 is only positioned towards the top of the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIG. 3 ). 1031 may be kept at a minimum and/or relatively unchanged from the hosel diameter of a corresponding regular golf club head. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 8 , the hosel diameter 1031 is less than approximately 20 mm, such as approximately 0.55 inches (approximately 14 mm), or such as approximately 0.53 inches (approximately 13.46 mm) at the top of the receiver 1032 . can be Also, the upper wall thickness 9250 ( FIG. 9 ) of the shaft receiver 3200 can be minimized as shown in the receiver top 1032 of the shaft receiver 3200 . For example, the top wall thickness 9250 may be approximately 0.035 inches (approximately 0.89 mm) or less, such as approximately 0.024 inches (approximately 0.61 mm).

8 , the top wall thickness 9250 varies in thickness along the receiver top 1032 in this embodiment, with at least one hosel upper wall narrow section 8252 at the receiver top 1032 and at least One hosel upper wall thick section 8251 . The hosel top wall thick section 8251 may have a thickness of approximately 2.3 mm or less at the receiver top 1032 as measured radially with respect to the midpoint of the hosel diameter 1031 . The hosel upper wall narrow section 8252 may have a thickness of approximately 0.9 mm or less at the receiver top 1032 as measured radially with respect to the midpoint of the hosel diameter 1031 . In this example, the hosel upper wall thick section 8251 may be approximately 1.27 mm or less and the hosel upper wall narrow section 8252 may be 0.64 mm or less, measured radially relative to the midpoint of the hosel diameter 1031 .

Because the hosel diameter 1031 can be minimized as described above, the aerodynamic properties of the golf club head 101 can be improved as a result of reduced aerodynamic drag from the hosel 1015 . 19 is a comparison of stagnant drag wake areas 1911 and 1921 for individual hosels of golf club heads 1910, 1920, wherein the hosel diameter of golf club head 1910 is approximately 0.5 inches, and The hosel diameter of club head 1920 is larger, approximately 0.62 inches. In some examples, golf club head 1910 may be similar to golf club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , 8 and 9 ). As shown in FIG. 19 , a club head 1920 with a larger hosel diameter results in a larger stagnant drag wake area 1921 downstream of the hosel, thereby resulting in a smaller stagnant drag wake area of the club head 1910 . (1911), resulting in higher aerodynamic drag values. 20 is a chart showing the drag of golf club heads 1910 and 1920 as a function of open face angle versus hosel diameter. In some examples, the golf club shaft of club head 1910 may also have a reduced shaft thickness, for example, the shaft thickness may be approximately 0.335 inches (approximately 8.5 mm). In the same or other examples, for open face orientation angles of up to 50°, this difference in hosel diameter provides a golf club head 1910 with less drag resistance compared to a golf club head 1920 with a greater drag. In the case of , it can represent a size of approximately 0.1 lbs. In the same or other examples, the drag of the golf club head 1910 may range from about 1.2 lbs in an approximately square orientation range to about 0.2 lbs in an open face orientation range of about 50°.

In the same or other embodiments, the mass and/or mass ratio of the golf coupler mechanism of FIGS. can be minimized for For example, in an example where golf club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) includes a driver type golf club head, the different components of club head 101 are summarized in Table 1 below. It may also have mass properties similar to those described above.

Exemplary driver head driver head range Mass of Club Head 101 (Unassembled) (approx.)≤192g (Approx.)185-205g mass of sleeve 1100 (approx.)≤5.2g (approx.)≤6g The mass of the sleeve (1100) + the fixed fastener (3400) (approx.)≤6.8g (approx.)≤7.5g Total mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤198.8g (Approx.)188-213g

Sample Mass Characteristics for Driver Type Golf Club Heads

In this example, the mass ratio for the golf coupler mechanism 1000 for the assembled club head 101 can be very low, as summarized in Table 2 below.

Exemplary driver head driver head range mass of sleeve
Mass of unassembled club head (approximately)≤2.7% (approx.)≤3% mass of sleeve
Mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤2.6% (approx.)≤3% ( Sleeve + fixed joint) mass
Mass of unassembled club head (approx.)≤3.5% (approx.)≤4% ( Sleeve + fixed joint) mass
Mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤3.4% (approx.)≤4%

Sample mass ratio for driver type golf club head

In another example, as in the case of a golf club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , 8 and 9 ) comprising a fairway wood type golf club head, the Different components may have similar mass properties as summarized in Table 3 below.

Exemplary 3-FW Head Exemplary 5-FW Head Exemplary 7-FW Head Range of FW head Mass of Club Head 101 (Unassembled) (approx.)≤205g (approx.)≤209g (approx.)≤213g (Approx.)200-225g mass of sleeve 1100 (approx.)≤5.2g (approx.)≤5.2g (approx.)≤5.2g (approx.)≤6g The mass of the sleeve (1100) + the fixed fastening part (3400) (approx.)≤6.8g (approx.)≤6.8g (approx.)≤6.8g (approx.)≤7.5g Total mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤211.8g (approx.)≤215.8g (approx.)≤219.8g (Approx.)203-233g

Sample Mass Characteristics of a Fairway Wood Type Golf Club Head

In this example, the mass ratio for the golf coupler mechanism 1000 relative to the assembled club head 101 can be very low, as summarized in Table 4 below.

Exemplary 3-FW Head Exemplary 5-FW Head Exemplary 7-FW Head Range of FW head mass of sleeve
Mass of unassembled club head (approx.)≤2.54% (approximately)≤2.48% (approx.)≤2.44% (approx.)≤2.8% mass of sleeve
Mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤2.46% (approx.)≤2.41% (approximately)≤2.36% (approx.)≤2.8% ( Sleeve + fixed joint) mass
Mass of unassembled club head (approximately)≤3.32% (approx.)≤3.25% (approx.)≤3.19% (approx.)≤3.5% ( Sleeve + fixed joint) mass
Mass of the assembled club head (approx.)≤3.21% (approximately)≤3.16% (approx.)≤3.10% (approx.)≤3.5%

Sample mass ratio for fairway wood type golf club head

In some examples, the mass, dimensions, and/or positional characteristics described above may provide flexibility and/or benefits regarding the position and/or mass distribution of the center of gravity (CG) of a golf club head. For example, shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 ( FIG. 1 ) of shaft sleeve 1100 may be configured to be disposed at shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 ( FIG. 1 ).

In some examples, for example, in embodiments where club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) comprises a driver type golf club head, shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 ( 1 ) may be configured to be disposed at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 that may be less than approximately 50 mm above the outer sole bottom 10141 of the sole 1014 of the driver type club head 101 . In some examples or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than approximately 46.2 mm above the outer sole bottom 10141 . In some examples or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than approximately 43.7 mm above the outer sole bottom 10141 . In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 of the shaft sleeve 1100 is also approximately 0.59 inches (approximately) above the assembled club head center of gravity 1050 ( FIG. 1 ) of the assembled driver type golf club head 101 . 15 mm) or less of the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1059 ( FIG. 1 ). In the same or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be at least approximately 7.6 mm greater than the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 of the driver type club head 101 .

In other examples, for example, in embodiments where club head 101 ( FIGS. 1-4 , FIGS. 8 and 9 ) comprises a fairway wood type golf club head, the shaft sleeve center of gravity of shaft sleeve 1100 ( 1150 ( FIG. 1 ) may be configured to be disposed at a shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 of less than approximately 35.6 mm above the outer sole bottom of the sole 1014 of the fairway wood type club head 101 . In some examples or other examples, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be less than approximately 1.35 inches (approximately 34.3 mm) above the outer sole bottom 10141 of the sole 1014 of the fairway wood type club head 101 . . In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve center of gravity 1150 of the shaft sleeve 1100 is also less than approximately 19 mm above the assembled club head center of gravity 1050 ( FIG. 1 ) of the assembled fairway wood type golf club head 101 . The shaft sleeve of CG may be configured to be disposed at a vertical distance 1059 ( FIG. 1 ). In the same or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 may be at least approximately 16.5 mm greater than the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 of the fairway wood type club head 101 .

In this example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the hosel 1015 includes a hosel axis 1016 that extends along a longitudinal centerline of the hosel 1015 . The hosel axis 1016 defines a hosel lie angle 1018 with respect to the lower horizontal axis 1019 , the lower horizontal axis 1019 horizontally tangent to the sole bottom 10141 . In some examples, hosel lie angle 1018 may be, for example, approximately 58 degrees. In this embodiment, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 and the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 extend in a vertical direction from the lower horizontal axis 1019 .

The club head 101 also includes a crown height vertical distance 1018 extending perpendicularly to the top of the crown 1017 relative to the sole bottom 10141 . For example, in some embodiments where the club head 101 comprises a driver type golf club head, the crown height vertical distance 1018 may be at least approximately 59.7 mm relative to the sole bottom 10141 . In some or other embodiments, the assembled club head CG vertical distance may be less than approximately 33 mm relative to the sole bottom 10141 .

Also, in some examples, as shown in FIG. 1 , the receiver top 1032 is configured to remain positioned above the hosel 1015 while remaining below the top of the crown 1017 of the golf club head 101 . In the same or other embodiments, the hosel 1015 may be formed in a shape that does not have a cylindrical outer upper section, and the crown 1017 does not form the cylindrical contour of the hosel 1015. It is also possible to form a transition from the top 1032 of the receiving portion of the hosel 1015 to the substantially circular outer perimeter. According to this feature, the position of the center of gravity of the shaft sleeve 1100 can be positioned closer to the center of gravity of the assembled golf club head 101 .

Referring back to the drawings, FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a method 18000 that may be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf coupler mechanism in accordance with the present invention. In some examples, the golf coupler mechanism may be similar to the golf coupler mechanism 1000 of FIGS. 1-11 and 14-16, or the golf coupler mechanism of FIGS. 12 and 13 .

Method 18000 includes block 18100 providing a shaft sleeve coupled to an end of a golf club shaft and comprising a set of arcuate sleeve couplers. In some examples, the shaft sleeve may be similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 ( FIGS. 1-7 , 10 , 14-16 ) and/or the shaft sleeve 12100 ( FIG. 12 ), wherein the golf club shaft is It may be similar to the golf club shaft 102 ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ). In the same or other examples, the arcuate sleeve coupler set includes a sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIGS. 3-7 , 10 , 14-17 ) and/or a sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ) and may be similar.

Block 18200 of method 18000 includes providing a shaft receptacle of a golf club head comprising a set of arcuate receptacle couplers configured to engage with a set of arcuate sleeve couplers of a shaft sleeve. In some examples, the shaft receptacle is similar to the shaft receptacle 3200 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , 8 and 9 , 11 , 14-17 ) and/or the shaft receptacle 13200 ( FIG. 13 ). can do. The arcuate receptacle coupler set includes a receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , 8 and 9 , 11 , 14-17 ) and/or a set of receptacle couplers 13210 ( FIG. 13 ) and may be similar.

Block 18300 of method 18000 includes providing a securing fastener configured to secure the shaft sleeve to the shaft receptacle. In some examples, the fixed fasteners may be similar to the fixed fasteners 3400 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 ). The fixed engagement portion may be configured to pull the shaft sleeve toward the shaft receptacle to seat the arcuate sleeve coupler set against the arcuate receptacle coupler set.

In some examples, one or more different blocks of method 18000 may be combined into a single block or performed concurrently, and/or the order of such blocks may be reversed. For example, in some embodiments, blocks 18200 and 18300 may be combined as needed. In the same or other examples, some blocks of method 18000 may be divided into multiple sub-blocks. As an example, block 18100 includes a sub-block for forming a horizontal radius of curvature of an arcuate surface of a sleeve coupler of a set of arcuate sleeve couplers, and a sub-block for forming a vertically tapered portion of an arcuate surface of a sleeve coupler of a set of arcuate sleeve couplers It can contain sub-blocks. Also, in some examples, method 18000 may include additional or different blocks. As an example, method 18000 may include another block for providing a shaft receptacle of block 18200 to a golf club head, and/or another block for providing a shaft sleeve of block 18100 to a shaft. Also, by way of example, method 18000 may include only some of the steps described above. For example, block 18300 may be optional in some embodiments. Other variations on method 18000 may be practiced without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

slot cap golf coupling mechanism

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 21 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head 21101 having a golf coupling mechanism 211000 according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may include a shaft sleeve 211100 configured to be coupled to an end of a golf club shaft, such as a golf club shaft 211102 . In various embodiments, golf club head 21101 may be similar to golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ); Golf coupling mechanism 211000 may be similar to golf coupling mechanism 1000 ( FIG. 1 ); and/or golf club shaft 21102 may be similar or identical to golf club shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the golf coupling mechanism 211000 may include a shaft sleeve 211100 and a shaft receiving part 213200 . Meanwhile, the shaft sleeve 211100 may be similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ), and/or the shaft receiver 213200 may be similar to the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIG. 3 ).

Turning back to the drawings, FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve 211100 separated from the golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 21 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 . Meanwhile, FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 211100 along the section line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 .

Referring to FIG. 22 , the shaft sleeve 211100 includes a shaft sleeve body 22103 and a shaft sleeve cap 22104 . Further, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a sleeve coupler set 223130 having one or more couplers protruding from the sleeve body outer wall 223130 and the shaft receptacle 213200 (FIG. 21 ). ) may include a set of receiver couplers configured to engage with a set of sleeve couplers 223110 of the shaft sleeve 211100 to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 211100 relative to the shaft receiver 213200 . In these or other embodiments, sleeve coupler set 213110 may be similar to sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 3 ); Sleeve body outer wall 223130 may be similar to sleeve outer wall 3130 ( FIG. 3 ); and/or the receptacle coupler set may be similar to receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIG. 3 ). As will be described in greater detail below, in many embodiments, shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a ferrule and engage sleeve body 22103 with golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). may be operable to do so.

On the other hand, referring now to FIG. 23 , the shaft sleeve 211100 includes (i) a shaft bore 233120 configured to receive the end of the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21), and (ii) a lower sleeve body 233192. fixed fastener bore 23105, (iii) bore bottom 23111; and/or (iv) a shaft sleeve top 231191. The fixed fastener bore 23105 may be configured to receive a fixed fastener (not shown) to secure the shaft sleeve 211100 to the shaft receiver 213200 ( FIG. 21 ). Further, the bore bottom surface 23111 may include a bottom surface (eg, the deepest surface) of the shaft bore 232120 . In many embodiments, shaft bore 233120 may be similar to shaft bore 3120 ( FIG. 3 ); The fixed fastener bore 23105 may be similar to or the same as a bore configured to receive the fixed fastener 3400 (FIG. 3); Sleeve body bottom 233192 may be similar or identical to sleeve bottom 3192 ( FIG. 3 ); The fixed fasteners may be similar or identical to the fixed fasteners 3400 ( FIG. 3 ); and/or shaft sleeve top 231191 may be similar or identical to sleeve top 1191 ( FIG. 3 ).

Further, when the shaft sleeve body 22103 is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap 22104, the shaft sleeve 211100 may have a shaft sleeve height 23119, a shaft sleeve body height 23120, a shaft sleeve cap height 23121, and Shaft sleeve cap upper height 23122 . The shaft sleeve height 23119 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body bottom 233192 to the shaft sleeve top 231191 when measured approximately perpendicular to the sleeve body bottom 233192 . On the other hand, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 233192 to the upper end of the shaft sleeve body 22103 when measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 23119, the shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may refer to the distance from the bottom of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to the top of the shaft sleeve 231191 when measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 23119 . Also, shaft sleeve cap top height 23122 may refer to the difference between shaft sleeve height 23119 and shaft sleeve body height 23120 .

For example, the shaft sleeve height 23119 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.78 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.82 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve height 23119 may be approximately 1.8 inches.

Further, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may be greater than or equal to about 1.527 inches and less than or equal to about 1.567 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 23120 may be approximately 1.547 inches.

Further, the shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may be greater than or equal to about 0.43 inches and less than or equal to about 0.47 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve cap height 23121 may be approximately 0.45 inches.

On the other hand, for example, the shaft sleeve cap top height 23122 may be greater than or equal to about 0.23 inches and less than or equal to about 0.27 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 23122 may be approximately 0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, a fixed fastener (not shown) for insertion into the fixed fastener bore 23105 may comprise titanium over steel. Additionally, the fixed fastener may include a fixed fastener mass. The fixed fastener mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 2.7 grams.

Referring next to the drawings, FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve body 22103 separated from the shaft sleeve cap 22104 ( FIG. 22 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 . Shaft sleeve body 22103 may be associated with one or more zones 24106 . For example, region 24106 may include a fastener region 24107 , an intermediate region 24108 , a coupler region 24109 , and a cap interface region 24110 .

Fastening region 24107 may refer to a portion of shaft sleeve body 22103 disposed between sleeve body bottom 233192 and bore lower surface 23111 ( FIG. 23 ). On the other hand, coupler zone 24109 is from the lowest point of sleeve coupler set 223110 (e.g., the portion of sleeve coupler set 223110 closest to sleeve body bottom 233192 (FIG. 23)) of sleeve coupler set 223110. may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body disposed to the highest point (eg, the portion of the sleeve coupler set 223110 furthest from the sleeve body bottom 233192). On the other hand, the intermediate region 24108 may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body 22103 between the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109 , the cap interface region 24110 being relative to the intermediate region 24108 . may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body 22103 opposite the coupler region 24109 .

When the golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21) is swung and/or actuated to strike a golf ball, the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109 can be subjected to high stress. On the other hand, the intermediate region 24108 and/or the cap interface region 24110 may be subjected to a lower stress than the high stress experienced by the fastener region 24107 and the coupler region 24109 .

Securing the shaft sleeve 211100 ( FIG. 21 ) to the shaft receiver 213200 ( FIG. 21 ) using a fixed fastener may help counteract the high stresses in the fastener region 24107 . Also, due to the high stresses that may be experienced in the coupler region 24109 , the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 are solid lobes configured to provide additional thickness to the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 22103 . ) may be included. Accordingly, the coupler(s) may stiffen the sleeve body wall in the coupler region 24109 to counteract the high stresses in the coupler region 24109 . The coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 are most distant from the end of the coupler region 24109 (eg, where the coupler region 24109 meets the cap interface region 23110) furthest from the sleeve body bottom 233192. have a large thickness and have the smallest thickness at the end of the coupler region 24109 closest to the sleeve body bottom 233192 (FIG. 23) (eg, where the coupler region 24109 meets the intermediate region 24108) (e.g. , linearly or curvedly). For example, the largest thickness may be approximately 0.75 inches thick and the smallest thickness may be approximately 0.020 inches thick. In many embodiments, beveling the coupler(s) of sleeve coupler set 223110 ( FIG. 22 ) provides continuity (eg, a smooth transition in thickness) between intermediate region 24108 and cap interface region 24110 . can be

In some embodiments, the coupler(s) of sleeve coupler set 223110 may be symmetrical in profile. The length of the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (eg, at a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 ), and may be less than or equal to approximately 0.38 inches (eg, the shaft sleeve body 22103 ). at other portions of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of

In some embodiments, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 have a sleeve body outer wall of the shaft sleeve body 22103 that the coupler(s) have more than other portions (eg, portions directly or 180 degrees opposite the first portion). The profile may be asymmetrical so that it is longer in the first portion of 223130 . The length of the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (eg, at a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103 ), and may be less than or equal to approximately 0.38 inches (eg, the shaft sleeve body 22103 ). at other portions of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of In many embodiments, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 ( FIG. 22 ) are at the end of the coupler region 24109 furthest from the sleeve body bottom 233192 (eg, the coupler region 24109 is the cap interface region). 24110 ] at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 223130 of the shaft sleeve body 22103 closest to the sleeve axis of the shaft sleeve body 22103 . The sleeve axis may be similar to or the same as sleeve axis 5150 ( FIG. 5 ). In another manner, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 223110 ( FIG. 22 ) may intersect the sleeve of the shaft sleeve body 22103 with a plane that includes the sleeve axis and extends approximately perpendicular to the sleeve body bottom 233192 . It may be longest at a portion of the body outer wall 223130 .

On the other hand, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body is part of the coupler region 24109 or because the intermediate region 24108 is less stressed when the golf club head 21101 is swinging and/or actuated to strike a golf ball. It may be thinner in the intermediate region 24108 than all, and/or the intermediate region 24108 may have holes or recesses to reduce the weight of the intermediate region 24108. For example, the sleeve body wall of shaft sleeve body 22103 in intermediate region 24108 may include a thickness (eg, average thickness) of approximately 0.020 inches.

Turning now to FIG. 23 , in some embodiments, the shaft bore 233120 may include a width (eg, diameter) of approximately 0.346 inches. In these embodiments, the width may include an average width and/or may be approximately constant throughout the shaft bore 233120 .

In various embodiments, shaft sleeve body 22103 is etched into shaft bore 233120 to provide a better surface area for epoxy bonding golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) to shaft sleeve body 22103. 23112) may be included. Etch channel 23112 may be in some or all of and/or in intermediate region 24108 ( FIG. 24 ), such as, for example, half of intermediate region 24108 ( FIG. 24 ) closer to coupler region 24109 ( FIG. 24 ). coupler zone 24109 (FIG. 24).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a receiving groove 23113 (eg, an undercut notch). As will be described in more detail below, the receiving groove 23113 engages the extruded portion 25114 (FIG. 25) of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to secure the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to the shaft sleeve body 22103. communicate and may be interlocked. Accordingly, in many embodiments, the receiving groove 23113 may supplement the extruded portion 25114 (FIG. 25). In some embodiments, receiving groove 23113 may be disposed in cap interface region 24110 ( FIG. 24 ). In many embodiments, receiving groove 23113 may be disposed at the interface of cap interface region 24110 ( FIG. 24 ) and coupler region 24109 ( FIG. 24 ).

Referring to FIG. 25 , FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 .

In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a cap wall 25115 . The cap wall 22115 may also include an extrusion 25114 and one or more slits 25116 .

Extrusion 25114 may include a lip that extends outwardly from cap wall 25115 , such as at the end of cap wall 25115 . Accordingly, the extrusion 25114 may include a width (eg, diameter) that is greater than the width (eg, diameter) of the remainder of the cap wall 25515 and/or shaft bore 233120 .

On the other hand, the slit(s) 25116 allows the shaft sleeve cap 22104 to be elastically (eg, temporarily) compressed when coupled to and separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). eg in the axial direction). Accordingly, the extruded portion 25114 may be positioned in and out of the receiving groove 23113 ( FIG. 23 ) to engage and disengage the shaft sleeve cap 22104 relative to the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). In these embodiments, the extrusion 25114 may be operable as a locking feature that locks or snaps the shaft sleeve cap 22104 in place.

Shaft sleeve cap 22104 may also be operable to provide damping (eg, vibration and/or stress reduction) between golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) and shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). For example, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 can act as a “shaft pillow” by increasing the concentricity of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) within the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ). In many embodiments, the concentricity of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) within the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ) may correlate strongly with the durability of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). Accordingly, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 can prevent damage to the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) and increase the overall life of the golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Referring to FIG. 26 , FIG. 26 illustrates an elevation view of the shaft sleeve cap 22104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 21 . In many embodiments, shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a cap bore 26116 , a cap bore width 26117 , and one or more centering features 26118 . In some embodiments, shaft bore 233120 ( FIG. 23 ) may also include a cap bore width 26117 . Cap bore width 26117 may refer to the width (eg, diameter) of cap bore 26116 . In these embodiments, the width may include an average width (eg, average diameter).

The cap bore width 26117 may be greater than the width (eg, diameter) of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). The dissimilarity in the width of the cap bore width 26117 and the width of the golf club shaft 21102 (FIG. 21) can result in a mismatch in shaft orientation. Accordingly, to prevent misalignment of the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ), the centering feature(s) 26118 may be extruded from the interior surface of the cap bore 26116 . The distance at which the centering feature(s) 26118 extend from the inner surface of the cap bore 26116 has an effective width (eg, diameter) whose collective size is approximately equal to or less than the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ). ) may be at least sufficient to provide The cap bore width 26117 is greater than the effective width of the cap bore 26116 resulting from the centering feature(s) 26118 . Further, the cap bore width 26117 may be similar to or equal to the width of the shaft bore 233120 ( FIG. 23 ). Thus, when a golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ) is introduced into the shaft sleeve cap 22104 and shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 23 ), the centering feature(s) 26118 may ) ( FIG. 21 ) within the cap bore 26616 and about the sleeve axis, as described above.

Referring again to FIG. 22 , shaft sleeve body 22103 may comprise any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a metal or a metal alloy (eg, an aluminum alloy). In these examples, the aluminum alloy may include at least about 70% aluminum and no more than about 75% aluminum. In more specific examples, the aluminum alloy may comprise approximately 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, or 75% aluminum. Likewise, shaft sleeve cap 22104 may comprise any suitable material configured to elastically compress cap wall 25115 ( FIG. 25 ) as described above. For example, the shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a polymeric material.

In many embodiments, shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a shaft sleeve body mass and shaft sleeve cap 22104 may include a shaft sleeve cap mass. Shaft sleeve 211100 may also include a shaft sleeve mass that includes a shaft sleeve body mass and a shaft sleeve cap mass. The shaft sleeve mass may be similar to the mass of the sleeve described above with respect to sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be approximately 4.3 grams or less. Also, the shaft sleeve body mass may be greater than or equal to about 3.3 grams and less than or equal to about 3.8 grams. Moreover, the shaft sleeve cap mass may be greater than or equal to about 0.5 grams and less than or equal to about 1.0 grams. In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be approximately 0.5 grams less than the mass of sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ). Also, the shaft sleeve mass combined with the fixed fastener mass may be approximately 7 grams or greater. Accordingly, in various embodiments, shaft sleeve 211100 may provide a weight advantage over shaft sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 21 , a golf club head 21101 may include a disassembled club head mass and an assembled club head mass. The disassembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above for golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ), and the assembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above for golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). It can be similar to one assembled club head mass.

In some embodiments, the disintegrated club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 185 grams and less than or equal to about 205 grams. In these or other embodiments, the disintegrated club head mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 192 grams.

In some embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 188 grams and less than or equal to about 213 grams. In these or other embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 199 grams.

Also, the ratio of shaft sleeve mass to disassembled club head may be less than or equal to approximately 2.0%, 2.2%, or 2.4%; The ratio of shaft sleeve mass to assembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 1.95%, 2.16%, or 2.35%; The ratio of shaft sleeve mass and fixed fastener mass to disassembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 3.4%, 3.6%, or 3.8%; and/or the ratio of shaft sleeve mass and fixed fastener mass to assembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 3.3%, 3.5%, or 3.7%.

On the other hand, the golf club head 21101 may include the assembled club head CG related to the vertical distance of the assembled club head CG, and the shaft sleeve 211100 may include the shaft sleeve CG related to the vertical distance of the shaft sleeve CG. . In these embodiments, the assembled club head CG may be similar or identical to the assembled club head CG 1050 ( FIG. 1 ); The assembled club head CG vertical distance may be similar or equal to the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 ( FIG. 1 ); Shaft sleeve CG may be similar or identical to shaft sleeve CG 1032 ( FIG. 1 ); and/or the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be similar to or equal to the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 ( FIG. 1 ). In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be greater than or equal to about 0.010 inches (about 0.254 millimeters) and less than or equal to about 0.050 inches (about 1.27 millimeters) than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 ( FIG. 1 ). For example, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be greater than or equal to about 44.9 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 21101 and less than or equal to about 46 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 21101. In certain instances, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance from the sole bottom of the golf club head 21101 is approximately 44.9 millimeters, 45.0 millimeters, 45.1 millimeters, 45.2 millimeters, 45.3 millimeters, 45.4 millimeters, 45.5 millimeters, 45.6 millimeters, 45.7 millimeters, 45.8 millimeters. , 45.9 millimeters, 46.0 millimeters or more. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 211000 is approximately 44.9 millimeters, 45.0 millimeters, 45.1 millimeters, 45.2 millimeters, 45.3 millimeters, 45.4 millimeters, 45.5 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 , , 45.6 millimeters, 45.7 millimeters, 45.8 millimeters, 45.9 millimeters, or 46.0 millimeters or less. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be 44.9 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 . The bottom of the soul may be similar to or the same as the bottom of the soul 10141 ( FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 27 , FIG. 27 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 27000 according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, method 27000 may include a method of manufacturing a golf club head of one or more parts of a golf club head. The golf club head may be similar or identical to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Method 27000 can include providing a shaft sleeve 27001 . The shaft sleeve may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve 211100 ( FIG. 21 ). 28 illustrates an exemplary step 27001 according to the embodiment of FIG. 27 .

For example, in FIG. 28 , step 27001 may include providing (eg, manufacturing) a shaft sleeve body 28001 . The shaft sleeve may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve body 22103 ( FIG. 22 ).

Step 27002 can also include providing (eg, manufacturing) a shaft sleeve cap 28002. The shaft sleeve cap may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve cap 22104 ( FIG. 22 ).

Referring now to FIG. 27 , method 27000 can include providing (eg, manufacturing) a golf club head 27002 . The golf club head may be similar or identical to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21). In some embodiments, step 27001 may be performed before step 27002 and may be performed after step 27002. In other embodiments, steps 27001 and 27002 may be performed approximately simultaneously.

Method 27000 can also include inserting the shaft sleeve into a hosel bore of a golf club head 27003 . The hosel bore may be similar or identical to the hosel bore described above with respect to golf club head 21101 (FIG. 21).

Method 2700 can also include inserting a golf club shaft into a shaft bore ( 27004 ). The golf club shaft may be similar or identical to the golf club shaft 21102 ( FIG. 21 ), and the shaft bore may be similar or identical to the shaft bore 233120 ( FIG. 23 ).

On the other hand, method 2700 can include inserting a shaft sleeve cap into a shaft bore 27005 . In some embodiments, step 27004 may be performed before step 27005 or may be performed after step 27002. In other embodiments, steps 27004 and 27005 may be performed approximately simultaneously. In further embodiments, step 27003 may be performed before steps 27004 and/or 27005 and may be performed after steps 27004 and/or 27005. In many embodiments, one or more of steps 27001-27003 may be performed before one or more of steps 27004-27005, or may be performed after one or more of steps 27004-27005.

Method 27000 may also include securing 27006 the shaft sleeve to the hosel of the golf club head using a fastener. The hosel may be similar or identical to the hosel described above with respect to golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 21 ), and the fastener may be similar or identical to the fastener described above with respect to golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 21 ). can

Solid Rib Type Cap Coupling Mechanism

Referring to FIG. 29 , FIG. 29 illustrates a front perspective view of a golf club head 41101 having a golf coupling mechanism 411000 according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may include a shaft sleeve 411100 configured to be coupled to an end of a golf club shaft, such as a golf club shaft 211102 . In various embodiments, golf club head 41101 may be similar to golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ); Golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be similar to golf coupling mechanism 1000 ( FIG. 1 ); and/or golf club shaft 41102 may be similar or identical to golf club shaft 102 ( FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may include a shaft sleeve 411100 and a shaft receiving portion 413200 . On the other hand, the shaft sleeve 411100 may be similar to the shaft sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ), and/or the shaft receiver 413200 may be similar to the shaft receiver 3200 ( FIG. 3 ).

Referring to FIG. 30 , FIG. 30 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve 411100 separated from the golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 29 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 . Meanwhile, FIG. 31 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve 411100 along the section line XXXIII-XXXIII of FIG. 30 according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 .

Referring to FIG. 30 , the shaft sleeve 411100 includes a shaft sleeve body 42103 and a shaft sleeve cap 42104 . Further, in many embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a sleeve coupler set 223130 having one or more couplers projecting from the sleeve body outer wall 423130, and the shaft receptacle 413200 (FIG. 29). ) may include a set of receptacle couplers configured to engage with a set of sleeve couplers 423110 of the shaft sleeve 411100 to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve 411100 relative to the shaft receptacle 413200 . In these or other embodiments, sleeve coupler set 413110 may be similar to sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIG. 3 ); Sleeve body outer wall 423130 may be similar to sleeve outer wall 3130 (FIG. 3); and/or the receptacle coupler set may be similar to receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIG. 3 ). As will be described in more detail below, in many embodiments, shaft sleeve cap 42104 may include a ferrule and engage sleeve body 42103 with golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29). may be operable to do so.

On the other hand, referring now to FIG. 31 , shaft sleeve 411100 includes (i) shaft bore 433120 configured to receive the end of golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29), (ii) sleeve body bottom 433192 fixed fastener bore 43105, (iii) bore lower surface 43111; (iv) a cap bore 42110 configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft 41102 and engage the shaft bore 433120 and/or (v) a shaft sleeve top 431191. The fixed fastener bore 43105 may be configured to receive a fixed fastener (not shown) to secure the shaft sleeve 411100 to the shaft receiver 413200 ( FIG. 29 ). Further, the bore bottom surface 43111 may include a bottom surface (eg, the deepest surface) of the shaft bore 432120 . In many embodiments, shaft bore 433120 may be similar to shaft bore 3120 (FIG. 3); The fixed fastener bore 43105 may be similar to or the same as a bore configured to receive the fixed fastener 3400 ( FIG. 3 ); Sleeve body bottom 433192 may be similar or identical to sleeve bottom 3192 ( FIG. 3 ); The fixed fasteners may be similar or identical to the fixed fasteners 3400 ( FIG. 3 ); and/or shaft sleeve top 431191 may be similar or identical to sleeve top 1191 ( FIG. 3 ).

Also, when the shaft sleeve body 42103 is coupled to the shaft sleeve cap 42104, the shaft sleeve 411100 is a shaft sleeve height 43119, a shaft sleeve body height 43120, a shaft sleeve cap height 43121, and Shaft sleeve cap upper height 23122 . Shaft sleeve height 43119 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body bottom 433192 to the shaft sleeve top 431191 when measured approximately perpendicular to the sleeve body bottom 433192 . On the other hand, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may refer to the distance from the sleeve body lower end 433192 to the upper end of the shaft sleeve body 42103 when measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 43119, the shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may refer to the distance from the bottom of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to the top of the shaft sleeve 431191 when measured parallel to the shaft sleeve height 43119 . The shaft sleeve cap top height 43122 may also refer to the difference between the shaft sleeve height 43119 and the shaft sleeve body height 43120 .

For example, the shaft sleeve height 43119 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.78 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.82 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve height 43119 may be approximately 1.8 inches.

Further, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.529 inches and less than or equal to approximately 1.569 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 43120 may be approximately 1.549 inches.

Also, the shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may be greater than or equal to about 0.46 inches and less than or equal to about 0.50 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve cap height 43121 may be approximately 0.48 inches.

On the other hand, for example, the shaft sleeve cap upper height 43122 may be greater than or equal to about 0.23 inches and less than or equal to about 0.27 inches. In a particular example, the shaft sleeve body height 23122 may be approximately 0.25 inches.

In some embodiments, a fixed fastener (not shown) for insertion into the fixed fastener bore 23105 may comprise titanium over steel. Additionally, the fixed fastener may include a fixed fastener mass. The fixed fastener mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 2.7 grams.

Referring next to the drawings, FIG. 32 illustrates a side view of the shaft sleeve body 42103 separated from the shaft sleeve cap 42104 ( FIG. 30 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 . Shaft sleeve body 42103 may be associated with one or more zones 44106 . For example, region 44106 may include a fastener region 44107 , an intermediate region 44108 , a coupler region 44109 , and a cap interface region 44110 .

Fastening region 44107 may refer to a portion of shaft sleeve body 42103 disposed between sleeve body bottom 433192 and bore bottom surface 43111 ( FIG. 31 ). On the other hand, the coupler zone 424109 is from the lowest point of the sleeve coupler set 423110 (e.g., the portion of the sleeve coupler set 423110 closest to the sleeve body bottom 433192 (FIG. 31)) of the sleeve coupler set 423110. may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body disposed to the highest point (eg, the portion of the sleeve coupler set 423110 furthest from the sleeve body bottom 433192). On the other hand, the intermediate region 44108 may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body 42103 between the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109 , the cap interface region 44110 being relative to the intermediate region 44108 . may refer to the portion of the shaft sleeve body 42103 opposite the coupler region 44109 . Referring also to FIG. 32 , the cap interface region 44110 ( FIG. 32 ) may further include an upper ring 44115 ( FIG. 32 ).

When the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29) is swung and/or actuated to strike a golf ball, the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109 can be subjected to high stress. On the other hand, the intermediate region 44108 and/or the cap interface region 44110 may be subjected to a lower stress than the high stress experienced by the fastener region 44107 and the coupler region 44109 .

Securing the shaft sleeve 411100 ( FIG. 29 ) to the shaft receptacle 413200 ( FIG. 29 ) using a fixed fastener may help counteract the high stresses in the fastener region 44107 . Additionally, due to the high stresses that may be experienced in the coupler region 44109 , the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 are solid lobes configured to provide additional thickness to the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body 42103 . ) may be included. Accordingly, the coupler(s) may stiffen the sleeve body wall in the coupler region 44109 to counteract the high stresses in the coupler region 44109 . The coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 are most distant from the end of the coupler region 44109 (eg, where the coupler region 44109 meets the cap interface region 44110) furthest from the sleeve body bottom 433192. have a large thickness and have the smallest thickness at the end of the coupler region 44109 closest to the sleeve body bottom 433192 (FIG. 31) (eg, where the coupler region 44109 meets the intermediate region 44108) (e.g., , linearly or curvedly). For example, the largest thickness may be approximately 0.75 inches thick and the smallest thickness may be approximately 0.020 inches thick. In many embodiments, beveling the coupler(s) of sleeve coupler set 423110 ( FIG. 30 ) provides continuity (eg, a smooth transition in thickness) between intermediate region 44108 and cap interface region 44110 . can be

In some embodiments, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be symmetrical in profile. The length of the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (eg, at a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 ), and may be less than or equal to approximately 0.38 inches (eg, the shaft sleeve body 42103 ). at other portions of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of

In some embodiments, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 have a sleeve body outer wall of the shaft sleeve body 42103 that the coupler(s) have more than the other portion (eg, the portion immediately or 180 degrees opposite the first portion). The profile may be asymmetrical so that it is longer in the first portion of 423130 . The length of the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 may be approximately 0.38 inches or less (eg, at a portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 ), and may be less than or equal to approximately 0.38 inches (eg, the shaft sleeve body 42103 ). at other portions of the outer sleeve body wall 423130 of In many embodiments, the coupler(s) of the sleeve coupler set 423110 ( FIG. 30 ) are at the end of the coupler region 44109 ( FIG. 32 ) furthest from the sleeve body bottom 433192 (eg, the coupler region 44109 ). It may be longest at the portion of the sleeve body outer wall 423130 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 that is closest to the sleeve axis of the shaft sleeve body 42103 at the junction of the cap interface region 44110]. The sleeve axis may be similar to or the same as sleeve axis 5150 ( FIG. 5 ). In another manner, the coupler(s) of the set of sleeve coupler 423110 ( FIG. 30 ) intersect the sleeve of the shaft sleeve body 42103 with a plane that includes the sleeve axis and extends generally perpendicular to the bottom of the sleeve body 433192 . It may be longest in the portion of the body outer wall 423130 .

On the other hand, the sleeve body wall of the shaft sleeve body is part of or in the coupler region 44109 because the intermediate region 44108 is less stressed when the golf club head 41101 is swinging and/or actuated to strike a golf ball. It may be thinner in the intermediate region 44108 than all, and/or the intermediate region 44108 may have holes or recesses to reduce the weight of the intermediate region 44108. For example, the sleeve body wall of shaft sleeve body 42103 in intermediate region 44108 may include a thickness (eg, average thickness) of approximately 0.020 inches.

Turning now to FIG. 31 , in some embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 may include a width (eg, an outer diameter). The outer diameter of the shaft sleeve body 42103 may be greater than or equal to about 0.405 inches and less than or equal to about 0.445 inches. In a particular example, the outer diameter of the shaft sleeve body may be 0.425 inches.

In some embodiments, the shaft bore may include a width (eg, diameter) ( FIG. 31 ). The diameter of the shaft bore 433120 may decrease from the middle of the shaft bore to the lower bore 43111 . The diameter of the bore cap may be similar to or equal to the diameter of the intermediate shaft bore 433130 . The diameter of the bore bottom 43150 may be greater than or equal to about 0.320 inches and less than or equal to about 0.360 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the bottom of the bore may be 0.340 inches. The diameter of the intermediate shaft bore 433130 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.326 inches and less than or equal to 0.366 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the intermediate shaft bore 433130 may be 0.346 inches. The diameter of the cap bore 42115 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.326 inches and less than or equal to 0.366 inches. In a particular example, the diameter of the cap bore 42115 may be 0.346 inches.

In various embodiments, shaft sleeve body 42103 is etched into shaft bore 433120 to provide a better surface area for epoxy bonding golf club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) to shaft sleeve body 42103. 43112). Etch channel 43112 may be in part or all of and/or in intermediate region 44108 ( FIG. 32 ), such as, for example, half of intermediate region 44108 ( FIG. 32 ) closer to coupler region 44109 ( FIG. 32 ). coupler zone 44109 ( FIG. 32 ).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve body 42103 may include a receiving groove 43113 (eg, an undercut notch). As will be described in greater detail below, the receiving groove 43113 (FIG. 31) provides an extruded portion 45114 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to secure the shaft sleeve cap 42104 to the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( 33) and may be interlocked. Accordingly, in many embodiments, the receiving groove 43113 ( FIG. 34 ) of the shaft sleeve body 42103 may supplement the extruded portion 45114 ( FIG. 33 ). In some embodiments, receiving groove 43113 may be disposed in cap interface region 44110 ( FIG. 32 ). In many embodiments, receiving groove 43113 ( FIG. 35B ) may be disposed at the interface of cap interface region 44110 ( FIG. 32 ) and coupler region 32 ( FIG. 32 ) (see also FIG. 31 ). .

Referring to FIG. 33A , FIG. 33A illustrates an upright side view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 30 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 . FIG. 33B illustrates an inclined top view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 separated from the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 30 ) according to the embodiment of FIG. 29 . FIG. 34 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 along section line XLV-XLV of FIG. 33A , in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 29 . The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may further include a cap wall 45040 ( FIG. 33A ). The cap wall may include an outer cap wall 45115 at one end of the cap wall and an inner cap wall 45120 opposite the outer cap wall.

Referring to FIG. 33A , shaft sleeve cap 42104 may include an upper cap region 45050 and a lower cap region 45060 . The upper cap region 45050 may include an upper ring 45045 at the top of the upper cap region 45050 and a lower edge shelf 45055 at the bottom of the upper cap region 45050 . The upper cap section 45050 increases in diameter from top to bottom towards the lower edge shelf 45055 . The lower cap region 45060 has a smaller outer diameter than the upper cap region 45050 .

The lower cap region 45060 may include an extrusion 45114 that protrudes from the outer cap wall 45115 . Extrusion 45114 may include a lip that extends outwardly from outer cap wall 45115 ( FIG. 34 ). Accordingly, the extrusion 45114 has a width (eg, diameter) 45300 that is greater than the width 45200 of the remaining cap wall of the lower cap region 45060 and/or the diameter of the shaft bore 43120 ( FIGS. 33A and 34 ). ) may be included. The width 45400 of the bottom shelf 45055 of the upper cap region 45050 is greater than the width 45300 of the extruded portion 45114 of the lower cap region 45060 ( FIG. 34 ).

The lower cap section 45060 of the shaft sleeve cap 41204 fits within the cap interface section 44110 and the coupler section 44109 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 (FIG. 32). In one embodiment, the extruded portion 45114 of the lower cap region 45060 of the shaft sleeve cap 41204 is a receiving groove 43113 to engage and disengage the shaft sleeve cap 41204 relative to the shaft sleeve body 42103. ) (FIG. 34) may be located inside or outside. Receiving groove 43113 ( FIG. 34 ) may supplement extrusion 45114 ( FIG. 33 ) of lower cap region 45060 . In these embodiments, the extrusion 45115 may be operable as a locking feature or snap in place between the receiving groove 43113 ( FIG. 34 ) of the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 32 ). In some embodiments, the extrusion 45115 may extend at an upward angle to allow bending when the shaft sleeve cap 41204 is fitted within the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 32 ). 32 , when fitting the shaft sleeve cap 41204 to the shaft sleeve body 42103 , the bottom shelf 45055 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 is the cap interface region 44115 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 . It is fitted on the top of the upper ring of the (FIG. 32).

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 may include a shaft bore 43120 ( FIG. 33B ). The shaft bore diameter 43130 is constant across both the upper cap region 45050 and the lower cap region 45060 . The combination of shaft sleeve cap 42104 (upper and lower regions) and cap interface region 44110 and coupler region 44109 of shaft sleeve body 42103 prevents epoxy leakage during the assembly process.

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 is one that protrudes or extends into the shaft bore 43120 of the shaft sleeve cap 42104 parallel to each other along the inner cap wall 45120 from the upper cap region 45050 to the lower cap region 45060 . It may include more than one rib 45202 (FIG. 33B). Ribs 45202 may provide additional sealing and securely couple shaft sleeve cap 41204 within shaft sleeve body 42103 . The rib 45202 may also securely center the shaft of the golf club 41102 within the shaft sleeve 411100 .

The shaft sleeve cap 42104 provides stability compared to the shaft sleeve body 42103 without the shaft sleeve cap 42104 . (1) overall design of shaft sleeve cap 42104, (2) ribs 45202 on inner cap wall 45120 of shaft sleeve cap 42104, (3) outer cap wall 45115 of shaft sleeve cap 42104 ) on the extruded portion 45115, (4) the receiving groove 43113 of the shaft sleeve body 42103, and (5) the bore diameter decreasing from the middle of the shaft bore to the bore lower surface 43111 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 can center the shaft of the golf club 41102 within both the top and bottom of the shaft sleeve 411100, individually or any combination thereof, and provide greater stability to the shaft 41102 of FIG. . Centering increases the concentricity of the golf club shaft and reduces stress on the shaft upon swing of the golf club head and impact with the golf ball.

These factors, alone or in combination, also provide damping (eg, vibration) and stress reduction between the golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 29 ) and the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 29 ). For example, the shaft sleeve cap 42104 can act as a “shaft pillow” by increasing the concentricity of the golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 30 ) within the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 31 ). In many embodiments, the concentricity of the golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 29 ) within the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 30 ) may correlate strongly with the durability of the golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 31 ). Thus, (1) ribs 45202 on inner cap wall 45120 of shaft sleeve cap 42104, (2) extrusions 45115 on outer cap wall 45115 of shaft sleeve cap 42104, (3) The receiving groove 43113 of the shaft sleeve body 42103, and (4) the decreasing bore diameter from the middle of the shaft bore to the bore lower surface 43111 of the shaft sleeve body 42103 can be individually or in any combination thereof. It can prevent breakage of the club shaft 41102 (FIG. 29) and increase the overall life of the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Referring again to FIG. 30 , shaft sleeve body 42103 may comprise any suitable material. For example, in some embodiments, shaft sleeve body 22103 may include a metal or a metal alloy (eg, an aluminum alloy). In these examples, the aluminum alloy may include at least about 70% aluminum and no more than about 75% aluminum. In more specific examples, the aluminum alloy may comprise approximately 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, or 75% aluminum.

Shaft sleeve cap 42104 may comprise any suitable material configured to elastically compress cap wall 25115 ( FIG. 25 ) as described above. For example, shaft sleeve cap 22104 may comprise a polymeric plastic material, which may be a thermoplastic material, or a soft polymeric plastic according to the Shore D durometer rating. Soft polymer plastics cannot be greater than 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 with a Shore D durometer rating. Soft polymer plastics cannot be greater than 55 with a Shore D durometer rating. The polymer plastic material may be composed of polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polymethacrylate, rubber, polycarbonate, synthetic rubber, or copolymers thereof.

In many embodiments, shaft sleeve body 42103 may include a shaft sleeve body mass and shaft sleeve cap 42104 may include a shaft sleeve cap mass. Shaft sleeve 411100 may also include a shaft sleeve mass that includes a shaft sleeve body mass and a shaft sleeve cap mass. The shaft sleeve mass may be similar to the mass of the sleeve described above with respect to sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ).

In these or other embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be greater than or equal to about 4.0 grams, 4.1 grams, 4.2 grams, 4.3 grams, 4.4 grams, 4.5 grams, 4.6 grams, 4.7 grams, 4.8 grams, 4.9 grams, or 5.0 grams. . Also, the shaft sleeve body mass may be greater than or equal to about 4.2 grams and less than or equal to about 4.8 grams. The shaft sleeve body mass may be 4.5 grams. Moreover, the shaft sleeve cap mass may be approximately 3.8 grams, 3.9 grams, 4.0 grams, 4.1 grams, 4.2 grams, 4.3 grams, or 4.4 grams. The shaft sleeve cap mass may be greater than or equal to about 0.1 grams and less than or equal to about 0.7 grams. In various embodiments, the shaft sleeve mass may be approximately 0.4 grams less than the mass of sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ). Also, the shaft sleeve mass combined with the fixed fastener mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 7.2 grams. Accordingly, in various embodiments, shaft sleeve 411100 may provide a weight advantage over shaft sleeve 1100 ( FIG. 1 ).

Referring to FIG. 29 , a golf club head 41101 may include a disassembled club head mass and an assembled club head mass. The disassembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above for golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ), and the assembled club head mass may be similar to the disassembled club head mass described above for golf club head 101 ( FIG. 1 ). It can be similar to one assembled club head mass.

In some embodiments, the disintegrated club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 185 grams and less than or equal to about 205 grams. In these or other embodiments, the disintegrated club head mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 192 grams.

In some embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to about 188 grams and less than or equal to about 213 grams. In these or other embodiments, the assembled club head mass may be greater than or equal to approximately 199 grams.

Also, the ratio of shaft sleeve mass to disassembled club head may be less than or equal to approximately 2.0%, 2.2%, or 2.4%; The ratio of shaft sleeve mass to assembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 1.95%, 2.16%, or 2.35%; The ratio of shaft sleeve mass and fixed fastener mass to disassembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 3.4%, 3.6%, or 3.8%; and/or the ratio of shaft sleeve mass and fixed fastener mass to assembled club head mass may be less than or equal to approximately 3.3%, 3.5%, or 3.7%.

On the other hand, the golf club head 41101 may include an assembled club head CG associated with the assembled club head CG vertical distance, and the shaft sleeve 411100 may include the shaft sleeve CG associated with the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance. . In these embodiments, the assembled club head CG may be similar or identical to the assembled club head CG 1050 ( FIG. 1 ); The assembled club head CG vertical distance may be similar or equal to the assembled club head CG vertical distance 1058 ( FIG. 1 ); Shaft sleeve CG may be similar or identical to shaft sleeve CG 1032 ( FIG. 1 ); and/or the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance may be similar to or equal to the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance 1159 ( FIG. 1 ) as measured from the bottom of the club head.

In many embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 31) is at least about 0.052 inches (approximately 1.32 millimeters) greater than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of shaft sleeve 211100 (FIG. 23), 0.092 inches ( approximately 2.34 millimeters) or less. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 31) may be at least approximately 0.042 inches (approximately 1.07 millimeters) and 0.062 inches (approximately 1.58 millimeters) less than the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the shaft sleeve 1159 (FIG. 1) have. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be greater than or equal to about 43.5 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 and less than or equal to about 47.0 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 . In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 is approximately 43.5 millimeters, 43.6 millimeters, 43.7 millimeters, 43.8 millimeters, 43.9 millimeters, 44.0 millimeters, 44.1 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 , , 44.2 millimeters, 44.3 millimeters, 44.4 millimeters, 44.5 millimeters, 44.6 millimeters, 44.7 millimeters, 44.8 millimeters, 44.9 millimeters, 45.0 millimeters, 45.1 millimeters, 45.2 millimeters, 45.3 millimeters, 45.4 millimeters, 45.5 millimeters, 45.6 millimeters, 45.8 millimeters. millimeters, 45.9 millimeters, 46.0 millimeters, 46.1 millimeters, 46.2 millimeters, 46.3 millimeters, 46.4 millimeters, 46.5 millimeters, 46.6 millimeters, 46.7 millimeters, 46.8 millimeters, 46.9 millimeters, or 47.0 millimeters. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 is approximately 43.5 millimeters, 43.6 millimeters, 43.7 millimeters, 43.8 millimeters, 43.9 millimeters, 44.0 millimeters, 44.1 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 , , 44.2 millimeters, 44.3 millimeters, 44.4 millimeters, 44.5 millimeters, 44.6 millimeters, 44.7 millimeters, 44.8 millimeters, 44.9 millimeters, 45.0 millimeters, 45.1 millimeters, 45.2 millimeters, 45.3 millimeters, 45.4 millimeters, 45.5 millimeters, 45.6 millimeters, 45.8 millimeters. millimeters, 45.9 millimeters, 46.0 millimeters, 46.1 millimeters, 46.2 millimeters, 46.3 millimeters, 46.4 millimeters, 46.5 millimeters, 46.6 millimeters, 46.7 millimeters, 46.8 millimeters, 46.9 millimeters, or 47.0 millimeters. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 may be 45.3 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 . The bottom of the soul may be similar to or the same as the bottom of the soul 10141 ( FIG. 1 ).

In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 is approximately 32.0 millimeters, 32.1 millimeters, 32.3 millimeters, 32.4 millimeters, 32.5 millimeters, 32.6 millimeters, 32.7 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 . , 32.8 millimeters, 32.9 millimeters, 33.0 millimeters, 33.1 millimeters, 33.2 millimeters, 33.3 millimeters, 33.4 millimeters, 33.5 millimeters, 33.6 millimeters, 33.7 millimeters, 33.8 millimeters, 33.9 millimeters, 34.0 millimeters, 34.1 millimeters, 34.2 millimeters, 34.4 millimeters. millimeters, or 34.5 millimeters or more. In some embodiments, the shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism 411000 is approximately 32.0 millimeters, 32.1 millimeters, 32.3 millimeters, 32.4 millimeters, 32.5 millimeters, 32.6 millimeters, 32.7 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 . , 32.8 millimeters, 32.9 millimeters, 33.0 millimeters, 33.1 millimeters, 33.2 millimeters, 33.3 millimeters, 33.4 millimeters, 33.5 millimeters, 33.6 millimeters, 33.7 millimeters, 33.8 millimeters, 33.9 millimeters, 34.0 millimeters, 34.1 millimeters, 34.2 millimeters, 34.4 millimeters. millimeters, or 34.5 millimeters or less. The shaft sleeve CG vertical distance of the golf coupling mechanism may be 33.6 millimeters from the sole bottom of the golf club head 41101 .

Referring to FIG. 36 , FIG. 36 illustrates a flow diagram of a method 47000 according to an embodiment. In many embodiments, method 47000 may include a method of manufacturing a golf club head of one or more parts of a golf club head. The golf club head may be similar or identical to the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Method 47000 can include providing a shaft sleeve 47001 . The shaft sleeve may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve 411100 (FIG. 30). FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary step 47001 according to the embodiment of FIG. 36 .

For example, in FIG. 36 , step 47001 can include providing (eg, manufacturing) a shaft sleeve body 48001 . The shaft sleeve may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve body 42103 ( FIG. 37 ).

Also, step 47002 can include providing (eg, manufacturing) the shaft sleeve cap 48002. The shaft sleeve cap may be similar or identical to the shaft sleeve cap 42104 ( FIG. 38 ).

Referring now to FIG. 36 , a method 47000 can include providing (eg, manufacturing) a golf club head 47002 . The golf club head may be similar or identical to the golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29). In some embodiments, step 47001 may be performed before step 47002 and may be performed after step 27002 . In other embodiments, steps 47001 and 47002 may be performed approximately simultaneously.

Method 47000 can also include inserting a shaft sleeve into a hosel bore of a golf club head 47003. The hosel bore may be similar or identical to the hosel bore described above with respect to golf club head 41101 (FIG. 29).

Method 4700 can also include inserting a golf club shaft into a shaft bore ( 47004 ). The golf club shaft may be similar or identical to the golf club shaft 41102 ( FIG. 29 ), and the shaft bore may be similar or identical to the shaft bore 433120 ( FIG. 31 ).

On the other hand, the method 47000 can include inserting the shaft sleeve cap into the shaft bore 47005 . In some embodiments, step 47004 may be performed before step 47005, or may be performed after step 27002. In other embodiments, steps 47004 and 47005 may be performed approximately simultaneously. In further embodiments, step 47003 may be performed before step 47004 and/or step 47005, and may be performed after step 27004 and/or step 27005. In many embodiments, one or more of steps 47001-47003 may be performed before one or more of steps 47004-47005 or may be performed after one or more of steps 47004-47005.

Method 47000 can also include securing 47006 the shaft sleeve to the hosel of the golf club head using a fastener. The hosel may be similar or identical to the hosel described above with respect to golf club head 41101 ( FIG. 31 ), and the fastener may be similar or identical to the fastener described above with respect to golf club head 21101 ( FIG. 31 ). can

Although the golf coupling mechanism and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. As an example, in an embodiment, a sleeve coupler set 3110 ( FIGS. 3-7 , 10 , 14-17 ), a sleeve coupler set 12110 ( FIG. 12 ), a sleeve coupler set 223110 ( FIG. 22), and/or sleeve coupler set 411100 may include only two sleeve couplers, and receptacle coupler set 3210 ( FIGS. 3 and 4 , 8 and 9 , 11 , 14 - 17), the receiver coupler set 13210 (Figure 13), the receiver coupler set of the shaft receiver 213200 (Figure 21), and/or the receiver coupler set of the shaft receiver 413200 (Figure 29) It may include only two receptacle couplers. In such an embodiment, only two configurations may be possible between the shaft sleeve and the shaft receptacle, and the golf coupler set may allow adjustment between two lie angles or two loft angles. Of course, in embodiments, there is also a set of sleeve couplers with three, five, six, seven, eight or more sleeve couplers and three, five, six, seven, eight or A set of receptacle couplers with more receptacle couplers may be provided, and the number of possible lie angle and loft angle combinations is correspondingly increased.

In the foregoing description, examples of such modifications and additional examples of other modifications are provided. Likewise, other permutations of different embodiments featuring one or more features of the various figures are contemplated. Accordingly, it should be understood that the detailed description, claims, and drawings in the present specification are for illustrative purposes only of the scope of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present invention. The scope of the present application should be limited only as required by the appended claims.

The golf coupling mechanism and related methods disclosed herein may be practiced with various embodiments, and the foregoing description of certain embodiments is not intended to represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed illustration of the drawings and the drawings themselves show at least one preferred embodiment and may represent variations.

In addition, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described with respect to specific embodiments. However, any benefit, advantage, solution, or component(s) that may arise or that may be more pronounced is not that such benefit, advantage, solution, or component is not of the scope of the claims. Nothing is to be construed as an important, essential, or basic feature or element of such a claim unless explicitly stated in part or in whole.

As golf rules may change from time to time [e.g., new rules may be adopted by golf standardization bodies and/or coordinators such as the American Golf Association (USGA), Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A), etc., or outdated rules may be excluded or modified], golf equipment with respect to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be made with or without regard to the rules of golf at any point in time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered, and/or sold for sale as golf equipment that meets or does not conform to the foregoing. The devices, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Although the foregoing examples may be described in connection with a driver-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may include fairway wood-type golf clubs, hybrid-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, or putters. It may also be applied to other types of golf clubs, such as type golf clubs. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applied to other types of sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, fishing poles, ski poles, and the like.

Further, if the embodiments and/or limitations are (1) not explicitly claimed in the claims, and (2) are potential equivalents for asserting elements and/or limitations of the claims on the basis of equality; It is not intended that the embodiments and limitations disclosed herein be contributed to the public on a sacrificial note.

Claims (20)

A golf coupling mechanism for a golf club head and a golf club shaft, the golf coupling mechanism comprising:
a hosel and a shaft sleeve configured to be coupled to an end of the golf club shaft;
The shaft sleeve,
a shaft bore configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft;
a shaft sleeve body including an outer sleeve wall;
A polymer shaft sleeve cap comprising at least one rib and a cap wall and configured to couple with the shaft sleeve, wherein the at least one rib is configured to rigidly engage and center the polymer shaft sleeve cap. sleeve cap;
a first coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall;
a second coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall;
a third coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall; and
a fourth coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall
includes,
the first coupler comprises a first arcuate surface that is curved over the entire first coupler;
the second coupler comprises a second arcuate surface that is curved over the entire second coupler;
the third coupler comprises a third arcuate surface that is curved over the entire third coupler;
the fourth coupler includes a fourth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire fourth coupler;
The shaft sleeve,
a fifth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the fifth coupler including a fifth arcuate surface curved over the entire fifth coupler; and
A sixth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the sixth coupler including a sixth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire sixth coupler
Which further comprises, a golf coupling mechanism. According to claim 1,
The shaft sleeve,
a seventh coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the seventh coupler including a seventh arcuate surface that is curved over the entire seventh coupler; and
an eighth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the eighth coupler including an eighth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire eighth coupler
Which further comprises, a golf coupling mechanism. 3. The method of claim 2,
and the first through eighth arcuate surfaces are configured to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve relative to the golf club head. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
Wherein the first to eighth couplers are asymmetrical in profile. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
The first to eighth couplers have a coupler length,
wherein the coupler length is greater than or equal to 0.260 inches and less than or equal to 0.38 inches. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
and the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth couplers project from an upper section of the outer sleeve wall toward the top of the sleeve. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
and the shaft bore includes a plurality of etch channels. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises an extruded portion;
the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises at least one slit and a cap wall;
and the at least one slit is located on the cap wall and a portion of the extrusion. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3,
the polymer shaft sleeve cap is removably coupled with the shaft sleeve body;
wherein the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises a soft polymer plastic, wherein the soft polymer plastic cannot be greater than 55 on a Shore D durometer rating. A golf coupling mechanism for a golf club head and a golf club shaft, the golf coupling mechanism comprising:
a shaft sleeve configured to couple to a hosel and an end of the golf club shaft;
a shaft receiving portion of the golf club head configured to receive the shaft sleeve;
The shaft sleeve,
a shaft bore configured to receive an end of the golf club shaft;
a shaft sleeve body including an outer sleeve wall;
A polymer shaft sleeve cap comprising at least one rib and a cap wall and configured to couple with the shaft sleeve, wherein the at least one rib is configured to rigidly engage and center the polymer shaft sleeve cap. sleeve cap;
a first coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall;
a second coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall;
a third coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall; and
a fourth coupler protruding from the sleeve outer wall
includes,
the first coupler comprises a first arcuate surface that is curved over the entire first coupler;
the second coupler comprises a second arcuate surface that is curved over the entire second coupler;
the third coupler comprises a third arcuate surface that is curved over the entire third coupler;
the fourth coupler includes a fourth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire fourth coupler;
The shaft receiving portion,
a fifth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receiving portion;
a sixth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receiving part;
a seventh coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receiving part; and
Eighth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receiving part
including,
the fifth coupler comprises a fifth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire fifth coupler;
the sixth coupler comprises a sixth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire sixth coupler;
the seventh coupler includes a seventh arcuate surface that is curved over the entirety of the seventh coupler;
the eighth coupler comprises an eighth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire eighth coupler;
The shaft sleeve,
a ninth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the ninth coupler including a ninth arcuate surface that is curved over the entire ninth coupler; and
A tenth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the tenth coupler including a tenth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the tenth coupler.
further comprising,
The shaft receiving portion,
an eleventh coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receptacle, the eleventh coupler including an eleventh arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the eleventh coupler; and
A twelfth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receptacle, the twelfth coupler including a twelfth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the twelfth coupler.
Which further comprises, a golf coupling mechanism. 11. The method of claim 10,
The shaft sleeve,
a thirteenth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, the thirteenth coupler including a thirteenth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the thirteenth coupler; and
a fourteenth coupler protruding from the outer sleeve wall, a fourteenth coupler including a fourteenth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the entire fourteenth coupler
further comprising,
The shaft receiving portion,
a fifteenth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receptacle, the fifteenth coupler including a fifteenth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape over the fifteenth coupler; and
A sixteenth coupler recessed into the inner wall of the receptacle, the sixteenth coupler including a sixteenth arcuate surface formed in a curved shape across the sixteenth coupler.
Which further comprises, a golf coupling mechanism. 12. The method of claim 11,
the first, second, third, fourth, ninth, tenth, thirteenth and fourteenth couplers form a set of couplers on the shaft sleeve;
and the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, eleventh, twelfth, fifteenth and sixteenth couplers form a set of receiver couplers on the shaft receiver. 13. The method of claim 12,
and the receptacle coupler set of the shaft receptacle is configured to engage with the coupler set of the shaft sleeve to limit rotation of the shaft sleeve relative to the golf club head. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
and the set of couplers protrude from the upper section of the outer sleeve wall toward the top of the sleeve. 14. The method of claim 12 or 13,
and the receptacle coupler set is recessed into the upper section of the inner wall of the receptacle. 14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
and the shaft bore includes a plurality of etch channels. 14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises an extruded portion;
the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises at least one slit and a cap wall;
and the at least one slit is located on the cap wall and a portion of the extrusion. 14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13,
the polymer shaft sleeve cap is removably coupled with the shaft sleeve body;
wherein the polymer shaft sleeve cap comprises a soft polymer plastic, wherein the soft polymer plastic cannot be greater than 55 on a Shore D durometer rating. delete delete

Images