US20070042832A1

US20070042832A1 - Golf club

Info

Publication number: US20070042832A1
Application number: US11/465,695
Authority: US
Inventors: Thor Hjaltason
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-18
Filing date: 2006-08-18
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

A golf club that includes a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis, an elbow portion attached to an end of the shaft and an arc-like shaped extension that is attached to the elbow portion and a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein the first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through the sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of the club head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/709,168 entitled “GOLF CLUB,” filed Aug. 18, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of golf equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to golf clubs.
2. Discussion of Related Art
As schematically shown in FIG. 1, it is known to use offset shafts in irons or woods. In the case of woods, a wood 100 may have a shaft 102 that has an upper portion 104 that extends linearly downwardly from the handle (not shown) to an integrally attached horizontal offset piece 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the offset piece 106 is slightly offset from the upper portion 104. A lower end of the horizontal offset piece 106 is integrally attached to a downwardly extending neck 108. The neck 108 is attached to the club head 110 of the wood 100 that is to strike the golf ball 112.
The effect of the offset shaft 102 is that the upper portion 104 and the hands of the player are forward of the golf ball 112 at the point of impact of the non-rectangular club face 114 with the golf ball 112. It is believed that such an offset shaft 102 is primarily for compensation for incorrect positioning of the hands during impact of the face of the club with the ball. For many golfers, when swinging a club without an offset shaft, the hands often lag behind the proper position at the time of impacting the golf ball 112. By offsetting the shaft in the manner shown in FIG. 1, the hand is properly positioned at the time of impact. It is not believed that the offset shaft 102 provides any resistance correction in the manner to be described below with respect to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention regards a golf club that includes a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis, an elbow portion attached to an end of the shaft and an arc-like shaped extension that is attached to the elbow portion and a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein the first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through the sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of the club head.
A second aspect of the present invention regards a golf club that includes a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis, an offset portion attached to an end of the shaft and extends perpendicular to the shaft and a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein the offset portion is attached to a rear portion of the club head.
A third aspect of the present invention regards a golf club that includes a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis, a club head attached to the shaft wherein the club head has a heel and a striking face and an insert that is attached to the club head, wherein the insert reduces or equalizes the resistances and torques generated during swinging the golf club.
Each of the above aspects of the present invention provides the advantage of providing a golf club that generates a more powerful striking of a golf ball at impact thus making the golf ball fly farther and straighter.
Each of the above aspects of the present invention provides the advantage of substantially enlarging the sweet spot of a golf club that results in making toe or heel shots more controllable.
Each of the above aspects of the present invention provides the advantage or improving overall control over the grip and golf swing when using a golf club.
The present invention, together with attendant objects and advantages, will be best understood with reference to the detailed description below in connection with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side lower view of a known golf wood in the process of striking a golf ball;
FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a lower front view of the golf club of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a lower side view of the golf club of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a front, lower view of a second embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 4A schematically illustrates a lower perspective view of a third embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 4B schematically illustrates a lower front view of the golf club of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 4C schematically illustrates a lower side view of the golf club of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A schematically illustrates a lower perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 5B schematically illustrates a lower front view of the golf club of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5C schematically illustrates a lower side view of the golf club of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a front view of the golf club of FIG. 6A;
FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a front view of a sixth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a side view of a seventh embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 8B schematically illustrates a top view of the golf club of FIG. 8A;
FIG. 9A schematically illustrates a perspective view of the golf club of FIGS. 8A-B;
FIG. 9B schematically illustrates a front view of the golf club of FIGS. 8A-B;
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a front view of an eighth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a front view of a ninth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a front view of a tenth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 13A schematically illustrates a front view of an eleventh embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 13B schematically illustrates a rear perspective view of the golf club of FIG. 13A;
FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a front view of a twelfth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 14B schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of an insert to be used with the golf club of FIG. 14A;
FIG. 15A schematically illustrates a front view of a thirteenth embodiment of a golf club according to the present invention;
FIG. 15B schematically shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of an insert to be used with the golf club of FIG. 15A;
FIG. 16 depicts a side view of the impact side of an embodiment of the present invention, including a vibration or shock absorber mounted to the hosel of the club head;
FIG. 17 depicts a side view of the impact side of an embodiment of the present invention, including an elongated vibration or shock absorber mounted to the hosel and extending generally over the club head; and
FIG. 18 depicts a side view of the impact side of a typical golf club head in accordance with the prior art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 2-17 show various embodiments of the present invention. For example, an embodiment of a golf club iron 500 is shown in FIGS. 2A-C where a shaft 502 extends from the upper portion 504 that extends linearly downward from the grip (not shown) to an elbow portion 505. As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, the shaft 502 extends downward along a linear axis A that passes through an axis E, where axis E passes through the sweet spot 507 of the club head 510 and extends substantially perpendicular to the striking surface 516 of the club head 510. The intersection of the axes A and E occurs in the club head 510 and is near or at the center of the sweet spot 507 of the club head 510 of the iron 500. The elbow portion 505 is located above the top of the club head 510 where the separation is measured along axis A and is dependent on the club being used. The elbow portion 505 is connected to an arc-like shaped extension 509, which in turn is integrally attached to a heel 511 of the club head 510. The extension 509 preferably is made of metal or any such material that may add weight to the club 500 so as to counteract the resistance. The extension 509 has a mass that is equal to or less than that of the club head 510 and is formed so as to have a low center of gravity. Note that the elbow portion 505 may be reinforced with a bracket, an example of which is shown in FIG. 15.
It is believed that the extension 509 aids in reducing or equalizing the resistance felt by the player as the striking surface 516 of the club strikes the ball 514. It is also believed that having the shaft 502 extend downward along a direction that intersects through or near the sweet spot 507 equalizes or reduces the resistance indicated by arrow B and rotation effect generated by producing a counter weight and counter resistance (inertia). The reduction in vibration resistance and torque resistance is indicated by the arrows with dots of FIG. 2B. The equalizing effect is designated by arrow C in the drawings.
Note that the extension attached to the heel can have a variety of shapes that can generate the same equalization of the resistance as the extension 509 does. For example, the extension may have a smaller or larger radius of curvature than that of extension 509. In addition, the extension attached to the heel may suit all golf clubs, such as all irons 1-9, all wedges, and all woods regardless of loft or angles of clubfaces. The size of the radius and weight of the extension may vary individually between different types of clubs. For instance, woods, such as a driver, and longer irons intended for longer shots and the generation more power may use extensions integrally attached to the heel that have a different radius than an extension used for clubs used for shorter distances and less power, such as wedges.
Examples of alternative shapes for an extension integrally attached to a heel of the club head are shown in FIGS. 3-5. Note that the elbow portion 505 may form different angles in relation to the club head 510. For instance, FIGS. 4A-C show elbow portion 505 being positioned backwards and/or to the side. In this case, the axis A of the shaft 502 passes behind the center of the sweet spot 507. In the case of the golf club shown in FIGS. 5A-C, the elbow portions are positioned forwards or to the side so that axes A and E intersect or nearly intersect at a point located in front of center of the sweet spot 507 by a distance as measured along axis E.
In addition to using an extension the shape of the club head face or striking surface that strikes the ball can be altered to increase the size of the sweet spot and resulting in making heel shots more forgiving. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 6A-B where the club head striking surface or face 516 is rectangular in shape. In addition, the golf club includes an elbow portion 505 where axes A and E intersect or nearly intersect at a point located in back of the center of the sweet spot 507 by a distance as measured along axis E.
Another embodiment of a golf club with a rectangular club head striking surface or face 516 is shown in FIG. 7. The golf club of FIG. 7 is essentially the same as the golf club shown in FIGS. 5A-C where the club head face has been replaced with the rectangular club head striking surface or face 516 as shown in FIG. 7.
Another embodiment of a golf club is shown in FIGS. 8A-B and 9A-B. In this embodiment, a golf club iron 600 includes a shaft 602 that extends from the upper portion 604 that extends linearly downward from the grip (not shown) to an integrally attached offset portion 606 that extends perpendicular to the shaft 602. As shown in FIG. 8B, the offset portion includes three arms 608, 610 and 612, with open spaces 611 therebetween, that are attached to the back of the club head 614. The connection of the shaft 602 to the back of the club head 614 reduces torque, vibration and resistance thus generating more forward striking power on the golf ball 618 as signified by the double arrows 616 of FIG. 8A. The club head striking surface or face 620 can either have a traditional shape or a rectangular shape such as shown in FIGS. 9A-B.
Other embodiments of golf club irons 600 where the shaft is connected to the back of the club head 614 is shown in FIGS. 10-11. In each embodiment, the offset portion 606 includes three arms 608, 610 and 612 that are similar in shape to those with respect to those shown in FIG. 8B. The golf clubs 600 shown in FIGS. 10-11 have a more traditional shape. The offset portion 606 of the golf club of FIG. 10 is positioned behind the club head 614 and is aligned with an axis that passes through an axis E at a point located behind the center of the sweet spot 507 by a distance as measured along axis E. In contrast, the offset portion 606 of the golf club of FIG. 11 is positioned towards the heel of back of the club head 614.
Another possible way of reducing or equalizing the resistances and torques generated during swinging a golf club is to add an insert or weight to the heel side of the clubface. An example of such a golf club is shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, a golf club iron 700 includes a shaft 702 that extends from the upper portion 704 that extends linearly downward from the grip (not shown) to a top portion of the club head 706. As shown in FIG. 12, an insert 708 is attached to the heel of the club head 706 below where the shaft 702 is attached to the club head 706. The insert 708 extends in a direction opposite to that of the club head 706. The spherical insert 708 includes a spherical weight 709 that is made of a metal and a mass equal, less or more than that of the club face. The mass of the weight 709 depends on the club. For example, for long irons, such as the 1, 2 and 3 irons, the mass of weight 709 is more than the club face. For short irons, such as a wedge, 9 and 8 irons, the mass of weight 709 is less than that of the club face. The diameter of the weight 709 can be smaller than or larger than the length of the club head 706 and can have a mass that is less than or equal to the mass of the club head 706.
The spherical weight 709 may be attached to the heel of the club head 706 in a number of ways. For example, it may be formed integrally with the heel of the club head 706. The insert 708 can be removably attached via clips or screws. Another form of attachment is to have the insert 708 include a male engagement member, such as a screw 710, integrally attached to the weight. The screw 710 is aligned with a diameter of the spherical weight 709. The screw 710 threadedly engages a threaded opening formed in the heel of the club head 706. The screw 710 extends at an angle relative to the heel that is less than or equal to 45° as measured from the ground. The use of a screw 710 allows for both attachment and adjustment of the position of the insert 708 so as to reduce resistance. The screw 710 also results in the insert 708 being removable so that a different sized insert can be used to improve reduction or equalization of resistance.
It is understood that the weight 709 can have other shapes as well. For example, the weight 709 can be in the shape of a parallelepiped, a cube or a cylinder. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13A-B, the weight 708 is in the shape of a cylinder or torpedo. The cylindrical weight 709 is made of a metal and a mass that is equal, less or more than that of the club face. The mass of the weight 709 depends on the club. For example, for long irons, such as the 1, 2 and 3 irons, the mass of the weight 709 is less than that of the club face. For short irons, such as a wedge, 9 and 8 irons, the mass of weight 709 is less than that of the club face. The cylindrical weight 709 is attached to the heel of the club head in a manner similar to the attachment of the spherical weight 709 of FIG. 12. For example, the cylindrical weight can be attached via a male engagement member, such as a screw 710, integrally attached to the weight 709. The screw 710 is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical weight 709. The screw 710 threadedly engages a threaded opening 711 formed in the heel of the club head 706. The use of a screw 710 allows for both attachment and adjustment of the position of the weight 709 so as to reduce resistance.
As shown in FIGS. 14A-B, the weight 709 can also be added to the shaft 702 where the shaft 702 is attached to the club head. As shown in FIG. 14B, the weight 709 includes a cylindrical portion 713 that is integrally attached to a C-shaped collar 715 that has a pair of arms 717 and 719. A screw 721 is inserted into aligned threaded holes formed in each arm 717 and 719. The screw 721 spans a gap 723 between the arms 717 and 719.
Attachment of the weight 709 is accomplished by inserting the shaft 702 between the arms 717 and 719 of the collar 715. Next, the screw 721 is tightened which causes the gap 723 to be reduced in size and having the arms 717 and 719 to near each other until they encompass and clamp the shaft 702 therebetween.
The weight 709 can be also attached to the extensions 509 described above with respect to the golf clubs of FIGS. 2-7. As shown in FIGS. 15A-B, a weight 709 is attached to the extension 509 (hidden from view) of the golf club shown in FIG. 3.
As shown in FIG. 15B, the weight 709 includes a C-shaped collar 715 that has a pair of arms 717 and 719. A pair of screws 721 is inserted into aligned threaded holes formed in rectangular brackets 725 formed in each arm 717 and 719. The screw 721 spans a gap 723 between the arms 717 and 719.
Attachment of the weight 709 is accomplished by inserting the shaft 702 between the arms 717 and 719 of the collar 715. Next, the screws 721 are tightened which causes the gap 723 to be reduced in size and having the arms 717 and 719 to near each other until they encompass and clamp the shaft 702 therebetween. Note that the weight 709 can further reduce or equalize resistance in combination with the extension 509 and can strengthen the structure of the extension 509.
Another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 16. This embodiment includes a vibration or shock absorber 801 mounted to the hosel 803 of the club head 810, conveniently at or near the apex 806 of the elbow portion 805 of the hosel 803. This positioning of the absorber 801 is believed to assist in providing more equal distribution of shock resistance.
Conveniently, the absorber 801 is made from an elastomeric material that has visco-elastic properties. This will assist in the absorber 801 reducing vibrations. Alternatively, the absorber 801 can be configured as a hollow container containing liquid or a semi-solid or visco-elastic material.
The absorber 801 is conveniently in the shape of a sphere, but any other shape can be used to good effect. The shape of the elbow portion 805 of the embodiment of FIG. 16 is substantially the same as the shape of the elbow portion 505 of the embodiment of FIG. 2B. That is, the shaft 802 and attachment end 809 of the hosel 803 is aligned with the central axis A of the shaft 802, which the central axis A points to the sweet spot 807 of the club head 810 at impact with ball 814.
As can be seen, the center of gravity 811 of the absorber 801 can be positioned on or nearly on an extension of the line of the central axis A of the shaft 802. This position of the center of gravity 811 of the absorber 801 is advantageous, though not essential.
The absorber 801 can advantageously be between the attachment end 809 of the hosel 803 with its center of gravity 811 approximately ⅔ of the distance between the center of the sweet spot 807 of the club head 810 and the attachment end 809 of the hosel 803. This position of the center of gravity 811 of the absorber 801 is also advantageous, though not essential.
Another embodiment of the invention including a vibration or shock absorber is depicted in FIG. 17. This embodiment includes an elongated vibration or shock absorber 801′ mounted to the hosel 803 of the club head 810. Vibration or shock absorber 801′ is also believed to assist in providing more equal distribution of shock resistance. The absorber 801′ is conveniently in the shape of an elongated cantilever generally positioned over the club head 810 main body. The absorber 801′ is also conveniently curved downwardly slightly, but this is not essential.
Conveniently, the absorber 801′ is integral with hosel 803. It may be cast, molded or welded at or near the apex 806 of the elbow portion 805 of the hosel 803. Conveniently, the absorber 801′ is made from a sturdy material, such as a metal or reinforced resin so that it can also act as a reinforcement bar.
The absorber can also have a covering 813 over all or part of the absorber 801′. The covering 813 may be made from an elastomeric material that has visco-elastic properties. This will assist in the absorber reducing vibrations. Alternatively, the elongated absorber 801′ can be hollow and contain a liquid, visco-elastic or semi-solid material to help absorb the vibrations. As another alternative, the absorber 801′ itself can be made from a visco-elastic material.
The shape of the elbow portion 805 of the embodiment of FIG. 17 is substantially the same as the shape of the elbow portion 505 of the embodiment of FIG. 2B. That is, the shaft 802 and the attachment end 809 of the hosel 803 is aligned with the central axis A of the shaft 802, which central axis points to the sweet spot 807 of the club head 810 at impact with the ball 814.
As can be seen, the apex 806 of the elbow portion 805 of the hosel 803 is positioned on or nearly on an extension of the line of the central axis A of the shaft 802. This position of the apex 806 of the elbow portion 805 of the hosel 803 is advantageous, though not essential.
FIG. 18 depicts a typical golf club head 910 in accordance with the prior art. Because the shaft 902 and the attachment end 909 of the hosel 903 is not aligned with the sweet spot 907 of the club head 910 at impact with the ball 914, the unequal distribution of forces creates an undesirable vibration and rotation effect when the club head 910 impacts the golf ball 914.
In other embodiments, the present invention provides:
1. A golf club comprising:
a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;
an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;
an arc-like shaped extension that is attached to said elbow portion and a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein said first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through said sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head.
2. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said first axis passes through said sweet spot.
3. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said first axis passes through or near said second axis in front of said striking face.
4. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said first axis passes through or near said second axis behind said club head.
5. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said golf club is a wood.
6. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said golf club is an iron.
7. The golf club of embodiment 1, said elbow portion is located above a top of said club head as measured along said axis.
8. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said extension has a mass that is equal to, more than or less than that of said club head.
9. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said elbow portion is reinforced with a weight.
10. The golf club of embodiment 9, wherein said weight comprises a bracket.
11. The golf club of embodiment 1, wherein said striking face is substantially rectangular in shape.
12. The golf club of embodiment 1, further comprising:
an insert that is attached to said club head, wherein said insert reduces or equalizes the resistances and torques generated during swinging said golf club.
13. The golf club of embodiment 12, wherein said insert is attached to a heel of said club head.
14. The golf club of embodiment 12, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.
15. The golf club of embodiment 12, wherein said insert comprises a male engagement member and said club head comprises a female engagement member that is engaged by said male engagement member.
16. The golf club of embodiment 15, wherein said male engagement member comprises a screw and said female engagement member comprises a threaded opening.
17. A golf club comprising:
a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;
an offset portion attached to an end of said shaft and extends perpendicular to said shaft;
a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein said offset portion is attached to a rear portion of said club head.
18. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said offset portion comprises a first arm, a second arm and a third arm that are attached to said rear portion of said club head.
19. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said club head comprises a striking face that is substantially rectangular in shape.
20. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said offset portion is positioned toward a center of said rear portion of said club head.
21. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said offset portion is positioned toward a heel of said rear portion of said club head.
22. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said offset portion is aligned with said sweet spot.
23. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said golf club is a wood.
24. The golf club of embodiment 17, wherein said golf club is an iron.
25. The golf club of embodiment 17, further comprising:
an insert that is attached to said club head, wherein said insert reduces or equalizes the resistances and torques generated during swinging said golf club.
26. The golf club of embodiment 25, wherein said insert is attached to a heel of said club head.
27. The golf club of embodiment 25, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.
28. The golf club of embodiment 25, wherein said insert comprises a male engagement member and said club head comprises a female engagement member that is engaged by said male engagement member.
29. The golf club of embodiment 28, wherein said male engagement member comprises a screw and said female engagement member comprises a threaded opening.
30. A golf club comprising:
a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;
a club head attached to said shaft wherein said club head comprises a heel and a striking face; and
an insert that is attached to said club head, wherein said insert reduces or equalizes the resistances and torques generated during swinging said golf club.
31. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert is attached to said heel of said club head.
32. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.
33. The golf club of embodiment 31, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.
34. The golf club of embodiment 31, wherein said heel comprises a platform upon which said insert rests.
35. The golf club of embodiment 30, said insert comprises a male engagement member and said club head comprises a female engagement member that is engaged by said male engagement member.
36. The golf club of embodiment 35, wherein said male engagement member comprises a screw and said female engagement member comprises a threaded opening.
37. The golf club of embodiment 31, wherein said insert comprises a male engagement member and said club head comprises a female engagement member that is engaged by said male engagement member.
38. The golf club of embodiment 37, wherein said male engagement member comprises a screw and said female engagement member comprises a threaded opening.
39. The golf club of embodiment 37, wherein said male engagement member extends at an angle relative to said heel that is greater than or equal to 45°.
40. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert comprises a spherical portion.
41. The golf club of embodiment 35, wherein said insert comprises a spherical portion and said male member is aligned with a diameter of said spherical portion.
42. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert comprises a portion in the shape of a parallelepiped.
43. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert comprises a portion in the shape of a cube.
44. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said insert comprises a portion in the shape of a cylinder.
45. The golf club of embodiment 35, wherein said insert comprises a cylindrical portion and said male member is aligned with a longitudinal axis of said cylindrical portion.
46. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said golf club is a wood.
47. The golf club of embodiment 30, wherein said golf club is an iron.
48. A golf club comprising:
a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;
an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;
said first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through said sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head; and
a vibration absorbing member disposed at or near an apex of said elbow.
49. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member comprises visco-elastic material.
50. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing liquid.
51. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing a semi-solid material.
52. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing a visco-elastic material.
53. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member is generally in the shape of a sphere.
54. The golf club of embodiment 48, wherein said vibration absorbing member is disposed with its center of gravity generally along said first axis.
55. The golf club of embodiment 54, wherein said elbow portion terminates in an attachment end of a hosel for attachment to said shaft and said vibration absorbing member is disposed approximately ⅔ of the distance between the center of the sweet spot and said attachment end of said hosel.
56. A golf club comprising:
a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;
a club head that has a sweet spot, said sweet spot being positioned along said first axis and extending substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head, said club head further having an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;
a cantilever offset portion extending from said elbow over said club head and generally over said sweet spot of said club head, generally perpendicular to said shaft.
57. The golf club of embodiment 56, wherein said cantilever offset portion is metal.
58. The golf club of embodiment 56, wherein said cantilever offset portion is reinforced resin.
59. The golf club of embodiment 56, wherein said cantilever offset portion is hollow.
60. The golf club of embodiment 56, wherein said cantilever offset portion comprises a visco-elastic material.
61. The golf club of embodiment 56, further comprising a covering having visco-elastic properties over at least a portion of said cantilever offset portion.
The foregoing description is provided to illustrate the invention, and is not to be construed as limitation. Numerous additions, substitutions and other changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope as set forth in the appended claims. For example, while the descriptions of the inventions of FIGS. 2-17 regard golf club irons, the principles of the inventions can be equally applied to golf club woods.

Claims

1. A golf club comprising:

a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;

an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;

an arc-like shaped extension that is attached to said elbow portion and a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein said first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through said sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein said first axis passes through said sweet spot.

3. The golf club of claim 1, wherein said first axis passes through or near said second axis in front of said striking face.

4. The golf club of claim 1, wherein said first axis passes through or near said second axis behind said club head.

5. A golf club comprising:

a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;

an offset portion attached to an end of said shaft and extends perpendicular to said shaft;

a club head that has a sweet spot, wherein said offset portion is attached to a rear portion of said club head.

6. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said offset portion comprises a first arm, a second arm and a third arm that are attached to said rear portion of said club head.

7. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said club head comprises a striking face that is substantially rectangular in shape.

8. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said offset portion is positioned toward a center of said rear portion of said club head.

9. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said offset portion is positioned toward a heel of said rear portion of said club head.

10. The golf club of claim 5, wherein said offset portion is aligned with said sweet spot.

11. A golf club comprising:

a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;

a club head attached to said shaft wherein said club head comprises a heel and a striking face; and

an insert that is attached to said club head, wherein said insert reduces or equalizes the resistances and torques generated during swinging said golf club.

12. The golf club of claim 11, wherein said insert is attached to said heel of said club head.

13. The golf club of claim 11, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.

14. The golf club of claim 12, wherein said insert is removable from said club head.

15. The golf club of claim 13, wherein said heel comprises a platform upon which said insert rests.

16. A golf club comprising:

a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;

an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;

said first axis passes through or near a second axis that passes through said sweet spot and extends substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head; and

a vibration absorbing member disposed at or near an apex of said elbow.

17. The golf club of claim 16, wherein said vibration absorbing member comprises visco-elastic material.

18. The golf club of claim 16, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing liquid.

19. The golf club of claim 17, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing a semi-solid material.

20. The golf club of claim 17, wherein said vibration absorbing member is a container containing a visco-elastic material.

21. A golf club comprising:

a shaft that extends linearly along a first axis;

a club head that has a sweet spot, said sweet spot being positioned along said first axis and extending substantially perpendicular to a striking face of said club head, said club head further having an elbow portion attached to an end of said shaft;

a cantilever offset portion extending from said elbow over said club head and generally over said sweet spot of said club head, generally perpendicular to said shaft.

22. The golf club of claim 21, wherein said cantilever offset portion comprises a visco-elastic material.

23. The golf club of claim 21, further comprising a covering having visco-elastic properties over at least a portion of said cantilever offset portion.