US20040110572A1 - Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040110572A1 US20040110572A1 US10/371,032 US37103203A US2004110572A1 US 20040110572 A1 US20040110572 A1 US 20040110572A1 US 37103203 A US37103203 A US 37103203A US 2004110572 A1 US2004110572 A1 US 2004110572A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- club head
- hosel
- shaft
- club
- blade
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B59/00—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00
- A63B59/70—Bats, rackets, or the like, not covered by groups A63B49/00 - A63B57/00 with bent or angled lower parts for hitting a ball on the ground, on an ice-covered surface, or in the air, e.g. for hockey or hurling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2102/00—Application of clubs, bats, rackets or the like to the sporting activity ; particular sports involving the use of balls and clubs, bats, rackets, or the like
- A63B2102/24—Ice hockey
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
- A63B53/022—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft
- A63B53/023—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation
- A63B53/025—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation lie angle only, i.e. relative angular adjustment between the shaft and the club head about an axis parallel to the intended line of play when the club is in its normal address position
Definitions
- commercial hockey sticks may be purchased as a two-piece construction—a hockey blade with a hosel and a shaft separate from the blade and having an opening at one end for receiving the hosel of the blade.
- the blade hosel is provided with a heat-activated glue that is preferably heated by a hot air gun or a torch. Once the glue melts, the blade hosel is placed within the shaft opening. Upon the glue drying, the blade is permanently fixed to the shaft. To remove and replace the blade, the shaft and hosel area is reheated until the glue melts and the blade hosel may be slid from the shaft opening.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating the incrementally locking indicia assembly of FIG. 4.
- the male locking mechanism 38 preferably has opposing flexible arms 42 that are spaced apart from each other and able to deform upon forceful seating within the female seat 40 .
- a protruding ridge 44 surrounds the male locking mechanism 38 and seats within a female guide 46 (FIG. 3) when the clip 36 is engaged.
- the clip 36 engages the shaft 14 at the hosel 18 along the Y-axis by pressure and clicks into place forming the imaginary point of intersection 30 .
- the spring loaded clip 36 locks the blade 12 in an initial position to the hosel 14 , allowing a hockey player to skate with the hockey stick 10 on the ice and shoot a puck without possible rotation of the blade 12 about the hosel 14 .
- FIGS. 7 - 9 another preferred embodiment of the present invention is there shown for custom fitting a golf club 200 .
- the golf club 200 like the hockey stick described above, includes a club head 212 and a shaft 214 .
- the shaft 214 (FIG. 7) has a grip 216 at one end and a hosel 218 opposite the grip 216 along the shaft 214 .
- an imaginary Y-axis is shown extending along the centerline 220 of the shaft 214 .
- the method for custom fitting the lie of a club head to a particular golfer is accomplished by setting the adjustable club head to an initial lie position and marking the lie angle on the indicia assembly. The golfer then hits several golf balls at a golf range to observe the flight and accuracy of the golf ball off the club head face. Once observed, the club head may be adjusted relative to the range surface (grass or mat,) the hosel or the shaft by rotating the club head up or down about the indicia assembly. Continuous readjustment may be necessary until maximum club face contact with a golf ball and increased distance and ball flight accuracy is achieved. When finally adjusted, the lie angle is measured via the indicia assembly and the golfer is fitted with a golf club having a fixed blade with the customized lie angle.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
The hockey stick and golf club of the present invention is generally formed of a shaft and a blade. The shaft has a grip at one end and a hosel at the opposite end. Similarly, the blade has a heel at one end and a toe at the opposite end. An incrementally locking indicia assembly rotatably attaches the heel end of the blade to the hosel of the shaft. The indicia assembly includes a scale for indicating the angle of the blade to the shaft. To adjust and customize this angle, the blade may be incrementally rotated up or down relevant to the shaft and locked into location for a trial skate by a hockey player or swing by a golfer. The lie angle of the blade may be adjusted after each trial skate to achieve maximum blade contact with a hockey puck or golf ball and increase shooting accuracy.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/309,839, filed on Dec. 4, 2002, and is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to an adjustable lie hockey blade and a method for custom fitting a hockey blade to a hockey player. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for custom fitting other sports equipment such as a golf club to a golfer.
- Commercial hockey sticks generally have a fixed straight shaft and a blade having a fixed lie, loft and curvature. The maximum length of the shaft and curvature of the blade is regulated by any number of individual hockey league governing bodies. Adjusting the hockey stick to fit the individual player is limited to cutting the length of the shaft to a more appropriate length. To adjust the loft and lie angle of the blade, the player is forced to purchase a different hockey stick or blade altogether.
- To overcome this disadvantage, commercial hockey sticks may be purchased as a two-piece construction—a hockey blade with a hosel and a shaft separate from the blade and having an opening at one end for receiving the hosel of the blade. The blade hosel is provided with a heat-activated glue that is preferably heated by a hot air gun or a torch. Once the glue melts, the blade hosel is placed within the shaft opening. Upon the glue drying, the blade is permanently fixed to the shaft. To remove and replace the blade, the shaft and hosel area is reheated until the glue melts and the blade hosel may be slid from the shaft opening. Although this “quick change” blade replacement system saves the hockey player money, determining the proper lie of a hockey blade to a player is still a hit or miss proposition. There exists no method or apparatus for custom fitting a hockey blade for maximum blade contact with the ice and a hockey puck thereby increasing the accuracy of a hockey player's shot and greatly improving the player's puck handling ability.
- There does exist, however, a multitude of devices and systems for custom fitting golf clubs to an individual golfer. Generally, these systems include devices that externally adapt to a prefabricated golf club to measure the existing lie and loft of the golf club head. Examples of such apparatuses are found at U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,858,332; 4,875,293; 5,105,550; 5,864,960; 5,884,409; 6,363,620; 6,430,829; 6,431,990; and 6,449,860.
- Other devices for customizing the lie of the golf club head relative to the shaft are specifically directed to customizing a putter to an individual golfer. Examples of such apparatuses are found at U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,441,274 and 5,782,005.
- Still other devices are available to adjust or modify the relationship of the golf club head to the shaft, however, these devices are independent of the golf club and involve an inordinate amount of measuring and bending to create the custom club desired. Examples of such apparatuses are found at U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,245,391; 4,245,392; 4,468,034; 4,549,357; 4,640,017; 4,788,774; 4,885,847; 5,105,550; 5,421,098; 5,864,960; 5,884,409; 5,974,645; 6,102,811; and 6,328,660.
- The present invention provides a method and apparatus for custom fitting the lie of a hockey blade to a particular hockey player. The present invention may also be applied to customizing other sports related equipment, such as a golf club to a golfer.
- The hockey stick of the present invention is generally formed of a shaft and a blade. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft is hollow throughout and supports a handle plug at one end and a blade at the opposite end. The shaft handle includes a grip at one end and the blade includes a hosel at the opposite end. Similarly, the blade has a heel at one end and a toe at the opposite end.
- In a preferred embodiment, an incrementally locking indicia assembly rotatably attaches the heel end of the blade to the hosel of the shaft. The indicia assembly includes a scale for indicating the angle of the blade to the shaft. To adjust and customize this angle, the blade may be incrementally rotated up or down relevant to the shaft and locked into location for a trial skate by a hockey player. The lie angle of the blade may be adjusted after each trial skate to achieve maximum blade contact with the ice thereby increasing puck control and shooting of the individual player.
- A second preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a quick-change blade assembly and shaft for receiving the removable and replaceable blade. In this embodiment, the blade assembly has a hosel extending from the heel end of the blade for fitting within a hollowed shaft. An incrementally locking indicia assembly is located between the hosel and the heel of the blade and includes a scale for indicating the angle of the blade to the shaft. To adjust and customize this angle, the blade may be incrementally rotated up or down relevant to the hosel and shaft and locked into location for a trial skate by a hockey player. The lie angle of the blade may be adjusted after each trial skate to achieve maximum blade contact with the ice thereby increasing puck control and shooting of the individual player.
- In another preferred embodiment, the method for customizing the lie angle of a blade to a shaft is used to create a custom golf club for a golfer. In this embodiment and method, the shaft of the invention relates to a golf club shaft and the blade of the invention forms the club head of the golf club. The golf club head and shaft may form one unit in which the head is rotatable relative to the club head via an incrementally locking indicia assembly. Alternatively, the club head may be a quick-change head that is received within a hollowed shaft and rotates about the indicia assembly to adjust the lie angle for custom fitting a golf club.
- These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in combination with the accompanying drawings, which depict systems and components that can be used alone or in combination with each other in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a hockey stick of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a hockey stick blade of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a hockey stick shaft of the present invention.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B are a bottom view illustrating a preferred embodiment of an incrementally locking indicia assembly.
- FIG. 5 is an enlarged view illustrating the incrementally locking indicia assembly of FIG. 4.
- FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a preferred embodiment of a golf club of the present invention.
- FIGS. 8A, 8B and8C illustrate a preferred embodiment of an incrementally locking indicia assembly.
- FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a second preferred embodiment of a golf club of the present invention.
- With reference to FIGS.1-5, a
hockey stick 10 of the present invention is there shown and includes ahockey blade 12 and ashaft 14. The shaft 14 (FIG. 2) has agrip 16 at one end and ahosel 18 opposite thegrip 16 along theshaft 14. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of ahockey stick 10, an imaginary Y-axis is shown extending along thecenterline 20 of theshaft 14. - The blade12 (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes a
heel 22 at one end and atoe 24 opposite theheel 22 and ablade face 23 forming the planar surface extending between them. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of ahockey stick 10, an imaginary X-axis is shown extending along thecenterline 26 of theblade 12. - As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-5, an incrementally locking
indicia assembly 28 rotatably attaches theheel end 22 of theblade 12 to thehosel end 18 of theshaft 14. Theindicia assembly 28 forms an imaginary point ofintersection 30 between the X and Y axes (FIG. 1.) Theindicia assembly 28 includes ascale 32 and anindicator 34, such as the arrow shown in FIG. 5. Aclip 36 is preferably spring loaded and is embedded into theblade 12 at theheel 22 along the X-axis. Theclip 36 includes amale locking mechanism 38 for engagement with afemale seat 40. Themale locking mechanism 38 preferably has opposingflexible arms 42 that are spaced apart from each other and able to deform upon forceful seating within thefemale seat 40. A protrudingridge 44 surrounds themale locking mechanism 38 and seats within a female guide 46 (FIG. 3) when theclip 36 is engaged. Theclip 36 engages theshaft 14 at thehosel 18 along the Y-axis by pressure and clicks into place forming the imaginary point ofintersection 30. The spring loadedclip 36 locks theblade 12 in an initial position to thehosel 14, allowing a hockey player to skate with thehockey stick 10 on the ice and shoot a puck without possible rotation of theblade 12 about thehosel 14. If the initial position is not the proper lie angle, theblade 12 may be rotated about thehosel 14 by simply placing pressure on theblade 12 to overcome the spring action of theclip 36. Thefemale guide 46 directs the rotation of themale locking mechanism 38 and, thus, theblade 12. - The
scale 32 of theindicia assembly 28 includesgraduations 38 representing each degree of movement or rotation of thehockey blade 12 about theshaft 14. Therefore, movement of the X-axis 26 relative to the Y-axis 20 results in an angle measurable by thegraduations 38 on thescale 32. This measurement provides an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of theblade 12 to theshaft 14. In a preferred embodiment, eachgraduation 38 represents 2 degrees of movement of the blade 12 (X-axis 26) toward or away from the shaft 14 (Y-axis 20.) Other scales and degrees of graduation may be employed as a measuring tool where such indicia are for visually indicating the position of theblade face 23 to thehosel 18 when thetoe 24 of theblade 12 is incrementally rotated about thehosel 18. A range of graduations between 1 and 15 is preferred and a range of graduations incremental to each degree is also envisioned, i.e. 1 degree. In a preferred embodiment, the numerical graduation of 5 represents a 45 degree angle between thehosel 18 and theshaft 14. Therefore, each change of lie angle represented by a graduation on the scale equals a 2 degree change, plus or minus, to the base angle of 45 degrees between the hosel and shaft. In a more preferred embodiment, each graduation on the scale represents a ½ increment of lie movement reflecting 1 degree of change, plus or minus, to the base lie angle of 45 degrees. - With reference to FIG. 6, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention is there shown and illustrates a quick change
blade replacement assembly 100 having ahosel 118 extending upward from theblade 112. Thehosel 118 includes ashaft 114 that is seated within the hollowed end of a hockey stick (shown in phantom at 110, where the blade hosel is provided with a heat-activated glue that is generally heated by a hot air gun or a torch and once the glue melts, the blade hosel is placed with the shaft opening and seals upon cooling.) As set forth above, thehosel 118 includes an imaginary Y-axis shown extending along thecenterline 120 of thehosel 118. - The
blade 112 includes aheel 122 at one end and atoe 124 opposite theheel 122 and ablade face 123 forming the planar surface extending between them. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of a quick changeblade replacement assembly 100, an imaginary X-axis is shown extending along the centerline 126 of theblade 112. - The quick change
blade replacement assembly 100 also includes an incrementally lockingindicia assembly 128 that rotatably attaches theheel 122 of theblade 112 to thehosel 118. Theindicia assembly 128 forms an imaginary point ofintersection 130 between the X and Y axes. Theindicia assembly 128 includes ascale 132 and anindicator 134, such as the arrow shown in FIG. 5. Aclip 136 is preferably spring loaded and is embedded into theblade 112 at theheel 122 along the X-axis. Theclip 136 operates identically to theclip 36 above for visually indicating the position of theblade face 123 to thehosel 118 when thetoe 124 of theblade 112 is incrementally rotated about thehosel 118. Therefore, thescale 132 of theindicia assembly 128 includesgraduations 138 representing each degree of movement or rotation of thehockey blade 112 about thehosel 118. The movement of the X-axis 126 relative to the Y-axis 120 results in an angle measurable by thegraduations 138 on thescale 132. This measurement provides an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of theblade 112 to thehosel 118. In a preferred embodiment, eachgraduation 138 represents 2 degrees of movement of the blade 112 (X-axis 126) toward or away from the hosel 118 (Y-axis 120.) A range of graduations between 1 and 15 is preferred and a range of graduations incremental to each degree is also envisioned, i.e. 1 degree. In a preferred embodiment, the numerical graduation of 5 represents a 45 degree angle between thehosel 118 and theshaft 114. Therefore, each change of lie angle represented by a graduation on the scale equals a 2 degree change, plus or minus, to the base angle of 45 degrees between the hosel and shaft. In a more preferred embodiment, each graduation on the scale represents a ½ increment of lie movement reflecting 1 degree of change, plus or minus, to the base lie angle of 45 degrees. - Once the hockey stick of the present invention is formed as described above, the method for custom fitting the lie of a hockey blade to a particular hockey player is accomplished by setting the adjustable blade to an initial lie position and marking the lie angle on the indicia assembly. The hockey player then skates on the ice with the hockey stick and while controlling the puck, a stick specialist can observe and fit the player by adjusting the lie to the perfect angle for an individual player's needs. Once observed, the blade may be adjusted relative to the ice surface, the hosel or the shaft by rotating the blade up or down about the indicia assembly. Continuous readjustment may be necessary until maximum blade face contact with the ice and the bottom of the blade resulting in increased shooting and puck handling accuracy is achieved. When finally adjusted, the lie angle is measured via the indicia assembly and the hockey player is fitted with a hockey stick having a fixed blade with the customized lie angle.
- Other modifications to the present invention include a blade, hosel and shaft formed of any one or combination of several types of materials such as aluminum, wood, a polymer, an alloyed steel such as tungsten, any carbon materials such as graphite or any other materials used in the industry that are capable of withstanding the repeated stress of a high speed shot or pass. The blade of may also be provided with a plurality of slots spaced along the blade face to aid in the manufacturing process and lessen manufacturing costs. However, it is also envisioned that the present invention may be used successfully as a viable piece of equipment itself in compliance with NHL regulations. The incrementally locking assembly may be of any formation that provides for the visual indication of the angle between the blade and the hosel/shaft. Additionally, the locking assembly may be of any shape or form allowing for the rotation of the blade relative to the hosel/shaft.
- With reference to FIGS.7-9, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is there shown for custom fitting a
golf club 200. Thegolf club 200, like the hockey stick described above, includes aclub head 212 and ashaft 214. The shaft 214 (FIG. 7) has agrip 216 at one end and ahosel 218 opposite thegrip 216 along theshaft 214. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of agolf club 200, an imaginary Y-axis is shown extending along thecenterline 220 of theshaft 214. - The
club head 212 includes aheel 222 at one end and atoe 224 opposite theheel 222 and aclub head face 223 forming the planar surface extending between them. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of agolf club 200, an imaginary X-axis is shown extending along thecenterline 226 of theclub head 212. - As shown in FIGS.8A-C, an incrementally locking
indicia assembly 228 rotatably attaches theheel end 222 of theclub head 212 to thehosel end 218 of theshaft 214. Theindicia assembly 228 forms an imaginary point ofintersection 230 between the X and Y axes. Theindicia assembly 228 includes ascale 232 and anindicator 234, such as the arrow shown in FIG. 5. Aclip 236 is preferably spring loaded and is embedded into theclub head 212 at theheel 222 along the X-axis. Theclip 236 includes amale locking mechanism 238 for engagement with afemale seat 240. Themale locking mechanism 238 preferably has opposingflexible arms 242 that are spaced apart from each other and able to deform upon forceful seating within thefemale seat 240. A protrudingridge 244 surrounds themale locking mechanism 238 and seats within afemale guide 246 when theclip 236 is engaged. Theclip 236 engages theshaft 214 at thehosel 218 along the Y-axis by pressure and clicks into place forming the imaginary point ofintersection 230. The spring loadedclip 236 locks theclub head 212 in an initial position to thehosel 214, allowing a golfer to swing the club at a practice range or on the golf course without possible rotation of theclub head 212 about thehosel 214. If the initial position is not the proper lie angle, theclub head 212 may be rotated about thehosel 214 by simply placing pressure on theclub head 212 to overcome the spring action of theclip 236. Thefemale guide 246 directs the rotation of themale locking mechanism 238 and, thus, theclub head 212. - The
scale 232 of theindicia assembly 228 includesgraduations 238 representing each degree of movement or rotation of theclub head 212 about theshaft 214. Therefore, movement of theX-axis 226 relative to the Y-axis 220 results in an angle measurable by thegraduations 238 on thescale 232. This measurement provides an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of theblade 212 to theshaft 214. In a preferred embodiment, eachgraduation 238 represents 2 degrees of movement of the club head 212 (X-axis 226) toward or away from the shaft 214 (Y-axis 220.) Other scales and degrees of graduation may be employed as a measuring tool where such indicia are for visually indicating the position of theclub face 223 to thehosel 218 when thetoe 224 of theclub head 212 is incrementally rotated about thehosel 218. A range of graduations between 1 degree and 15 is preferred and a range of graduations incremental to each degree is also envisioned, i.e. 1 degree. - With reference to FIG. 9, a second preferred embodiment of the golf club of the present invention is there shown and illustrates a quick change club
head replacement assembly 300 having ahosel 318 extending upward from theclub head 312. Thehosel 318 includes a shaft 314 that is seated within the hollowed end of a golf club shaft (shown in phantom at 310, where the club head hosel is provided with a set of spring loaded arms able to retract into the hosel when the hosel is slid into the shaft. The arms then release into the matching openings provided along the perimeter of the shaft, locking the club head to the shaft. Other mechanisms for providing a quick change replacement assembly are envisioned such as a threaded end on the club head for screwing into the shaft.) As set forth above, thehosel 318 includes an imaginary Y-axis shown extending along thecenterline 320 of thehosel 318. - The
club head 312 includes aheel 322 at one end and atoe 324 opposite theheel 322 and ablade face 323 forming the planar surface extending between them. For purposes of describing the method for customizing the lie of a quick change clubhead replacement assembly 300, an imaginary X-axis is shown extending along thecenterline 326 of theclub head 312. - The quick change club
head replacement assembly 300 also includes an incrementally lockingindicia assembly 328 that rotatably attaches theheel 322 of theclub head 312 to thehosel 318. Theindicia assembly 328 forms an imaginary point ofintersection 330 between the X and Y axes (FIGS. 8A-C.) Theindicia assembly 328 includes a scale 332 and an indicator 334, such as the arrow shown in FIG. 5. A clip 336 is preferably spring loaded and is embedded into theblade 312 at theheel 322 along the X-axis. The clip 336 operates identically to theclip 36 above for visually indicating the position of theclub head face 323 to thehosel 318 when thetoe 324 of theblade 312 is incrementally rotated about thehosel 318. Therefore, the scale 332 of theindicia assembly 328 includes graduations 338 representing each degree of movement or rotation of theclub head 312 about thehosel 318. The movement of theX-axis 326 relative to the Y-axis 320 results in an angle measurable by the graduations 338 on the scale 332. This measurement provides an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of theclub head 312 to thehosel 318. In a preferred embodiment, each graduation 338 represents 2 degrees of movement of the club head 312 (X-axis 326) toward or away from the hosel 318 (Y-axis 320.) A range of graduations between 1 degree and 15 is preferred and a range of graduations incremental to each degree is also envisioned, i.e. 1 degree. - Once the golf club of the present invention is formed as described above, the method for custom fitting the lie of a club head to a particular golfer is accomplished by setting the adjustable club head to an initial lie position and marking the lie angle on the indicia assembly. The golfer then hits several golf balls at a golf range to observe the flight and accuracy of the golf ball off the club head face. Once observed, the club head may be adjusted relative to the range surface (grass or mat,) the hosel or the shaft by rotating the club head up or down about the indicia assembly. Continuous readjustment may be necessary until maximum club face contact with a golf ball and increased distance and ball flight accuracy is achieved. When finally adjusted, the lie angle is measured via the indicia assembly and the golfer is fitted with a golf club having a fixed blade with the customized lie angle.
- Other modifications to the present invention include a club head, hosel and shaft formed of any one or combination of several types of materials such as wood, a polymer, an alloyed steel such as tungsten, any carbon materials such as graphite or any other materials used in the industry that are capable of withstanding the repeated stress of a golf ball contacting the club head at any speed. The club head of may also be provided with a plurality of slots spaced along the club head face to aid in the manufacturing process and lessen manufacturing costs. However, it is also envisioned that the present invention may be used successfully as a viable piece of equipment itself in compliance with the Professional Golf Association (PGA.) The incrementally locking assembly may be of any formation that provides for the visual indication of the angle between the club head and the hosel/shaft. Additionally, the locking assembly may be of any shape or form allowing for the rotation of the club head relative to the hosel/shaft.
- Although the invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims (18)
1. A golf club comprising:
a shaft comprising a grip at a first end and a hosel at a second end opposite said first end, said shaft having an imaginary Y-axis extending along the centerline of the handle lengthwise between said first and second ends; and
a club head comprising a heel at a first end and a toe at a second end opposite said first end, said club head having an imaginary X-axis extending along the centerline of said club head lengthwise between said first and second ends;
said first end of said club head rotatably attached to said second end of said shaft at an imaginary point of intersection between said X and Y axes and including an indicia assembly;
said indicia assembly comprising an incrementally locking assembly and a scale for visually indicating the angle between the X and Y axes when said toe of said club head is incrementally rotated about said hosel of said shaft.
2. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein said scale of said indicia assembly further comprises graduations representing each degree of movement or rotation of said club head about said shaft.
3. The golf club of claim 2 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 2 degrees of movement of said club head toward or away from said shaft.
4. The golf club of claim 2 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 1 degree of movement of said club head toward or away from said shaft.
5. The golf club of claim 2 , wherein said graduations measure the movement of said X-axis relative to said Y-axis and provide an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of said club head to said shaft.
6. A golf club comprising:
a shaft comprising a grip at a first end and a hosel at a second end opposite said first end; and
a club head comprising a heel at a first end and a toe at a second end opposite said first end;
said first end of said club head rotatably attached to said second end of said shaft and including an indicia assembly;
said indicia assembly comprising an incrementally locking assembly and a scale for visually indicating the position of said club head to said shaft when said toe of said club head is incrementally rotated about said hosel of said shaft.
7. The golf club of claim 6 , wherein said scale of said indicia assembly further comprises graduations representing each degree of movement or rotation of said club head about said shaft.
8. The golf club of claim 7 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 2 degrees of movement of said club head toward or away from said shaft.
9. The golf club of claim 7 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 1 degree of movement of said club head toward or away from said shaft.
10. A golf club head assembly comprising:
a hosel having a first end and a second end opposite said first end and having an imaginary Y-axis extending along the centerline of said hosel lengthwise between said first and second ends;
a club head including a planar surface forming the club face extending from said second end of said hosel, said club face comprising a heel extending from said second end of said hosel and a toe opposite said heel, said club head having an imaginary X-axis extending along the centerline of said club face lengthwise between said heel and said toe; and
an indicia assembly rotatably attaching said club head to said hosel;
said indicia assembly comprising an incrementally locking assembly and a scale located on said club face for visually indicating the position of said club face to said hosel when said toe of said club head is incrementally rotated about said hosel.
11. The golf club head assembly of claim 10 , wherein said scale of said indicia assembly further comprises graduations representing each degree of movement or rotation of said club face about said hosel.
12. The golf club head assembly of claim 11 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 2 degrees of movement of said club face toward or away from said hosel.
13. The golf club head assembly of claim 11 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 1 degree of movement of said club face toward or away from said shaft.
14. The golf club head assembly of claim 11 , wherein said graduations measure the movement of said X-axis relative to said Y-axis and provide an accurate reading of the preferred lie angle of said club face to said hosel.
15. A method for custom fitting the lie of a golf club head a to a particular golfer, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) providing a golf club with adjustable club head to the golfer for custom fitting, wherein said club head includes a hosel having a first end and a second end opposite said first end and a planar surface forming the club face extending from said second end of said hosel, said club face comprising a heel extending from said second end of said hosel and a toe opposite said heel of said club face;
(b) setting the adjustable club head to an initial lie position and marking the lie angle on an indicia assembly, wherein said indicia assembly rotatably attaches said club head to said hosel and comprises an incrementally locking assembly and a scale located on said club face for visually indicating the position of said club face to said hosel when said toe of said club head is incrementally rotated about said hosel;
(c) adjusting the angle of said club head relative to said hosel to fit the hitting stance of the golfer being fitted after the golfer makes several practice swings with the club head in the initial lie position;
(d) adjusting the angle of said club head relative to the playing surface to fit the hitting stance of the golfer being fitted;
(e) readjusting the angle of said club head relative to the hosel and the playing surface, if necessary;
(f) measuring the angle between the club face and the hosel to thereby achieve maximum club face contact with a golf ball and increase distance and ball flight accuracy; and
(g) fitting the golfer with a golf club having a fixed club head comprising the lie angle determined from steps (c) through (f).
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein said scale of said indicia assembly further comprises graduations representing each degree of movement or rotation of said club head about said hosel.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 2 degrees of movement of said club head toward or away from said hosel.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein said each of said graduations represents 1 degree of movement of said club head toward or away from said shaft.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/371,032 US20040110572A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-02-20 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
CA002448960A CA2448960C (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-12 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
CA002448934A CA2448934A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-11-12 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
US11/273,385 US20060063619A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2005-11-14 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,839 US6855078B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
US10/371,032 US20040110572A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-02-20 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/309,839 Continuation-In-Part US6855078B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US29/192,959 Continuation-In-Part USD499458S1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-10-31 | Adjustable lie hockey blade |
US10/819,843 Continuation-In-Part US6817957B2 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2004-04-07 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
US11/273,385 Continuation-In-Part US20060063619A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2005-11-14 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040110572A1 true US20040110572A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 |
Family
ID=32511017
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/371,032 Abandoned US20040110572A1 (en) | 2002-12-04 | 2003-02-20 | Method and apparatus for custom fitting a hockey stick and other sports equipment |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040110572A1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2448934A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2459861A (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-11 | Dave Hicks Golf Ltd | Laser alignment aid for custom fitting golf putters |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2459861A (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2009-11-11 | Dave Hicks Golf Ltd | Laser alignment aid for custom fitting golf putters |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2448960A1 (en) | 2004-06-04 |
CA2448934A1 (en) | 2004-06-04 |
CA2448960C (en) | 2007-05-15 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BLACK BEAUTY CUSTOM STICKS, LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:FLAUM, RICHARD V.;KLANOW, BRIAN L.;REEL/FRAME:013805/0279 Effective date: 20030219 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |