US20100292022A1 - Shaft stiffening device - Google Patents

Shaft stiffening device Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100292022A1
US20100292022A1 US12/464,641 US46464109A US2010292022A1 US 20100292022 A1 US20100292022 A1 US 20100292022A1 US 46464109 A US46464109 A US 46464109A US 2010292022 A1 US2010292022 A1 US 2010292022A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
shaft
golf club
stiffening device
tubular body
shaft stiffening
Prior art date
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.)
Abandoned
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US12/464,641
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English (en)
Inventor
John T. Stites
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Nike Inc
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Nike Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by Nike Inc filed Critical Nike Inc
Priority to US12/464,641 priority Critical patent/US20100292022A1/en
Assigned to NIKE USA, INC. reassignment NIKE USA, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: STITES, JOHN T.
Assigned to NIKE, INC. reassignment NIKE, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NIKE USA, INC.
Priority to JP2012510869A priority patent/JP2012526618A/ja
Priority to EP10718803A priority patent/EP2429668A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2010/033972 priority patent/WO2010132285A1/en
Priority to CN2010800285379A priority patent/CN102458592A/zh
Publication of US20100292022A1 publication Critical patent/US20100292022A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A63B53/10—Non-metallic shafts
    • 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
    • A63B60/42—Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B60/46—Measurement devices associated with golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like for measuring physical parameters relating to sporting activity, e.g. baseball bats with impact indicators or bracelets for measuring the golf swing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
    • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
    • A63B2024/0012—Comparing movements or motion sequences with a registered reference
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0021—Tracking a path or terminating locations
    • A63B2024/0028—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch
    • A63B2024/0031—Tracking the path of an object, e.g. a ball inside a soccer pitch at the starting point
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/806—Video cameras
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0003—Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
    • A63B24/0006—Computerised comparison for qualitative assessment of motion sequences or the course of a movement
    • 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
    • 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
    • A63B53/08—Golf clubs with special arrangements for obtaining a variable impact
    • 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
    • A63B60/002—Resonance frequency related characteristics
    • 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
    • A63B60/0081—Substantially flexible shafts; Hinged shafts
    • 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
    • A63B60/54—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with means for damping vibrations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a golf club accessory device, an associated golf club with the accessory device, and a method of fitting a golf club with the device. More particularly, the invention relates to a shaft stiffening device, a golf club with the shaft stiffening device and an associated method of fitting a golf club with the shaft stiffening device.
  • the swing of a golfer including the backswing and the downswing of a golfer is often related to the golfer's performance on the golf course. Golfers that can consistently swing a golf club in preferred manners may hit the golf ball farther, straighter and more consistently. Accuracy, control and direction may be improved when a golfer's swing has certain attributes associated with preferred swing directions, club orientations and swing motion paths. However, many golfers have difficulty swinging golf clubs according to certain preferred swing directions, club orientations and motion paths. Golfers also sometimes struggle to strike the golf ball with a golf club head in a preferred position, orientation and direction. Likewise, golf club head speed also affects the ball flight path and the distance and direction the golf ball will travel after being struck by the golf club head.
  • Golfers vary physically in ergonomic dimensioning, strength, and other characteristics and also exhibit a wide array of variance in swing characteristics including swing speeds etc.
  • Golf club components and golf clubs as a whole may exhibit varied characteristics based upon the characteristics of the individual components such as the shaft, the club head, and the grip.
  • the shaft is a significant structure in performing a golf swing and may have an affect on a golfer's swing including positioning, orientation and speed of the golf club and golf club head at various points during the swing.
  • the shaft affects performance for the club and preferred golf club performance including preferred and improved component characteristics is desirable, especially for components such as the shaft.
  • the shaft stiffening device may be a flexible tubular body that includes an inner circumference and a length forming a tubular cavity.
  • the inner circumference is sized and configured to circumscribe and constrictively engage an outer surface of a shaft and to cause the shaft to have an increased stiffness characteristic.
  • the shaft may be removable.
  • the tubular body may also be a unibody member in certain arrangements.
  • the shaft stiffening device may be slidably adjustable on the shaft.
  • inventive aspects pertain to a golf club with a golf club head, a shaft coupled to the golf club head and housing a grip, and a shaft stiffening device slidably housed on an outer surface of a shaft such that the shaft stiffening device is external to the shaft.
  • the shaft stiffening device may be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to constrictively engage a specific region of the shaft.
  • a method of fitting a shaft of a golf club with a shaft stiffening device may involve determining a stiffness characteristic of a shaft of a golf club, determining a desired stiffness characteristic of a shaft based upon a swing of the golf club using a measuring device, and selecting a particular shaft stiffening device from among a plurality of available shaft stiffening devices.
  • the selected shaft stiffening device may be placed on the shaft so it constrictively engages an outer surface of the shaft over a given region of the shaft.
  • a kit with a series of shaft stiffening devices is described.
  • the shaft stiffening devices may have varied characteristics so as to fit varied portions of the shaft and/or varied characteristics to cause the shaft to exhibit certain characteristics when one or more of the shaft stiffening devices are constrictively engaged with the shaft.
  • FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic front and toe end views respectively of various arrangements of golf clubs.
  • FIGS. 2A-2B are illustrative diagrams depicting characteristics, including shaft characteristics of a golf club.
  • FIGS. 3A-3C depict side, perspective and end views of an illustrative arrangement of a shaft stiffening device.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram of other arrangements of several shaft stiffening devices.
  • FIGS. 5A-5D are diagrams depicting illustrative effects of various shaft stiffening device, on a golf club.
  • FIG. 6A-6B are illustrative views of application of the shaft stiffening device to a golf club.
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic diagram of one arrangement of a kit of shaft stiffening device(s).
  • FIGS. 8A-8C illustratively depict aspects of a method of fitting a golf club and associated devices.
  • FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic front and toe end views respectively of three arrangements of a golf club 199 .
  • the three arrangements may be commonly referred to as an “iron,” a “driver” and a “hybrid” golf club 199 .
  • This terminology is known by those skilled in the art.
  • the driver and the hybrid golf clubs 199 while having distinctions between them including size of the golf club head, shape and loft, among other potential illustrative potential distinctions, both may be classified more generally as “wood-type” golf clubs with wood-type golf club heads.
  • Fairway woods, rescue clubs, numerically referenced woods, such as 3-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood and other terminology also refer to golf clubs that may characterized as “wood-type” golf clubs.
  • the iron 199 may generally be described as an “iron-type” golf club with iron-type golf club heads. Long, medium and short irons (or numerical irons such as 3-iron, 7-iron, 9-iron etc.) may be considered iron-type golf clubs. Also, various wedges such as loft wedges, sand wedges, pitching wedges and gap wedges may also be considered “iron-type” golf clubs. Putters and other types of golf clubs also exist and are known in the art.
  • a golf club head 100 may illustratively be considered to include top 110 , front 120 , toe end 130 , rear 140 , heel end 150 and bottom (or sole) 160 . Further, a golf club head 100 typically includes a hosel 180 formed to, among other things, facilitate connection of the golf club head 100 to the shaft 190 . Depending on whether the golf club 199 is a “wood-type” or an “iron-type” golf club, the golf club head 100 may have a varied configuration and the size, material, shape, and other characteristics of the above described portions will be varied as is known in the art.
  • Hosels 180 are commonly formed along with the remainder of the golf club head 100 and is the portion of the golf club head 100 that typically couples the shaft 190 to the golf club head 100 .
  • the hosel 180 design may affect the balance, feel, and power of the club.
  • a hosel 180 generally is not considered in detail by an end consumer of golf equipment and more typically are considered by golf club designers and manufacturers, and like entities.
  • hosel 180 may be to couple the shaft to the remainder of the golf club head 100 , however, hosel 180 configured with certain shapes, sizes, orientations and coupling orientation and angles may provide the golf club 199 with desirable traits including placing a minimal amount of mass above the top of the front surface 120 of the golf club thereby providing the club with a lower center of gravity and thereby facilitating the golfer in hitting a golf ball a further distance.
  • Front surface 120 typically houses a hitting surface 125 configured for striking a golf ball.
  • Hitting surface 125 may include any of a variety of features, configurations, shapes, surfaces and details.
  • hitting surface 125 may include a series of horizontal grooves that facilitate desired flight of the golf ball when the hitting surface 125 impacts a golf ball. Spacing, size, depth, shape, contour and orientation of these grooves may be varied based on club type (and/or particular club manufacturer) to achieve a desired ball flight characteristic.
  • Many other forms of surface treatments and ornamentation may be incorporated into the hitting surface 125 , from hardened materials to holes, grooves, and corrugation and various other hitting surface materials, structures and configurations that are well known.
  • the shaft 190 of a golf club 199 is an elongated member typically made of steel or graphite that connects the golfer's hands to the golf club head 100 .
  • the golfer often holds the golf club 199 by holding or gripping the grip 195 housed on an end off the shaft 190 opposite the golf club head 190 .
  • Among the functions of the golf club shaft 190 is to facilitate a golfer to hit or strike a golf ball to make the golf ball travel in a desired travel path and distance.
  • the shaft enables the golfer to strike the golf ball as the configuration of the golf club 199 including the configuration and characteristics of the shaft 190 enable and facilitate the golfer to generate a centrifugal type force which is applied to the golf ball through the golf club head 100 and to the golf ball when the golf club head 100 strikes the golf ball.
  • Shafts 190 may vary in their particular dimensioning especially their length but also in other characteristics such as diameter. Often the shaft 190 is a tapered tube. In one configuration the shaft has a diameter of approximately one half inch near the grip and continuously tapers down the length of the shaft until the end opposite the grip 195 (the end is housed in the hosel 180 ) will generally be at its narrowest with a diameter smaller than the diameter near the grip (e.g. less than 0.5 inches).
  • Shaft 190 may be varied in length, material composition, stiffness, flex and other traits and features.
  • golfers may select shafts formed of a variety of materials in light of characteristics of those materials.
  • One characteristic of shafts 190 is its composition material.
  • modern shafts for golf clubs are composed of either steel or graphite.
  • Steel shafts generally are heavier and have a lower torque rating than graphite shafts.
  • Steel is generally more durable and resistant to damage than graphite as well.
  • graphite is generally lighter and has a higher torque rating and torque range available to choose from depending on the particular graphite selected.
  • Early graphite shafts were often made with a single layer of composite fibers which sometimes hampered performance by allowing shaft flexure.
  • Modern graphite shafts often have three layers of wound fiber which provides increased rigidity and performance.
  • the more common graphite shafts are those made by various shaft manufacturers including Fujikura, UST, Grafalloy, Mitsubishi, Aldila as well as other known manufacturers.
  • Both steel and graphite shafts are known including the particular steel(s) and graphite(s) utilized in shafts for golf clubs 199 .
  • flex and stiffness are among the illustrative characteristics that may be contemplated when selecting a particular shaft or shaft material as a preferred shaft stiffness may vary from golfer to golfer depending on skill, strength and swing characteristics including swing speed or swing path. Flex is the measure of the shaft's flexibility. A measurement of flex may be a relative measurement. Stiffness is a measure of how much deflection occurs in a shaft for a given tangential force applied to the golf club head 100 (e.g. the face or hitting surface 125 of the golf club head 100 ).
  • An illustrative demonstration of varied shaft stiffness between two golf clubs substantially identical except for different shafts may be performed by clamping an end of the golf club opposite the golf club head so as to hold the golf club in a fixed immobile position capable of supporting a weight. Then a given weight may be hung from the end of the golf club with the golf club head. In particular, the weight may be applied to or hung from a front surface of the golf club head. With one end being clamped securely and a weight hanging from the opposing end of the golf club 199 , the golf club will form a cantilever member.
  • the shaft will not remain rigid but instead will exhibit a bend that increases as one moves closer and closer to the location at which the weight is hung from the golf club 199 such that the golf club head may be described as bowing much as a fishing rod bows when a force is applied to an end opposite the end in which the user is firmly gripping the fishing rod.
  • the same demonstration may be performed with the second golf club 199 that is substantially identical except the shaft exhibits a stiffer shaft.
  • the second golf club used in the demonstration will not bow or bend to the same extent as the first golf club due to the increased stiffness characteristics of the shaft 190 . Described from another perspective if two given shafts only vary in their stiffness, more force needs to be applied to the stiffer shaft to cause the shaft to deflect or bow to the same magnitude as the less stiff shaft (see FIG. 2B ).
  • the above illustrative demonstration may be associated with a golfer's swing.
  • the golfer will begin bring their hands which are gripping the golf club 199 at the grip 195 and the shaft 190 will exhibit a bend as the golf club head 100 initially trails behind the golfer's hands at the beginning of the downswing.
  • the golfer's hands are driving the shaft 190 (and the golf club head 100 at the opposing end of the shaft) around the golfer 10 , but the shaft 190 lags a bit.
  • the shaft lag results in energy being stored in the shaft 190 in the form of a bend in the shaft.
  • the shaft 190 will continue to bend further to the extent its physical stiffness characteristics permit it to bend further. At a certain point the shaft 190 will reach its maximum bend based upon its stiffness compared to the speed of the golfer's swing and then the shaft 190 will begin to release its stored energy and begin to straighten out. In certain instances it may be preferred for the shaft 190 to reach its maximum bend as a golfer's left elbow begins to straighten out (assuming a right handed golfer). As mentioned above, at this point, the shaft 190 will begin to straighten out thereby causing the golf club head 100 to increase in velocity.
  • the shaft 190 can be configured or chosen so that it will finish straightening out simultaneous with impact of the golf club head 100 with the golf ball.
  • the golf club head 100 will be moving at a maximum velocity of the swing simultaneous with the shaft 190 straightening as all of the energy stored as potential energy in the bend is released.
  • a golfer may desire to have a golf club 199 with a shaft 190 that will straighten out at the moment of impact to optimize the force that their swing is generating and accordingly will maximize the distance the golf ball travels. Accordingly, the golf club head 100 will be moving as fast as possible for the given golfer's swing etc. Therefore, a shaft 190 will often be chosen to accomplish the optimized timing and straightening out of the shaft 190 as described depending on the golfer's swing characteristics.
  • the shaft will straighten out while the golfer is still in the downswing and the golf club head will travel ahead of the shaft such that the shaft is now bent forward.
  • the bent shaft at impact equates to wasted swing energy and a slower golf club head 100 velocity at impact.
  • the golf ball's travel distance after impact will not be maximized.
  • Premature or tardy straightening of the club shaft 190 may also cause the directional aspects of the golf shot to be significantly altered as the orientation and travel path that the golf club head 100 takes as it travels through the hitting zone and contacts the golf ball can be varied. Accordingly, the golf ball may not be struck in a sweet spot of the hitting surface. Also, the golf ball may take an initial direction path askew from the desired path of travel. Spin may also be placed on the ball so as to inadvertently cause the golf ball to travel with a “hook” or “slice” path of travel.
  • the struck golf ball may not travel with an initial desired ball flight angle relative to the ground such that the ball is “popped up” or skulled and hit so as to skim the ground rather than travel with an elevated loft through the air such that the vast majority of the ball's travel distance occurs while the ball is traveling in the air rather than during rolling, bouncing or skimming the surface of the ground.
  • the bend point or the kick point 205 is the location over the length of the golf club 199 where the club is defined, configured and/or arranged to bend.
  • Various shaft models may be designed to have a kick point 205 at various respective locations along their length.
  • a shaft 190 may be generalized as having a low, mid or high kick point 205 .
  • the kick point 205 of a shaft 190 will often affect the orientation of the golf club head 100 when the golf club head 100 strikes the golf ball 201 . Accordingly, the location of the kick point may vary shot tendencies.
  • a golfer may choose a golf club with a kick point 205 in a particular location to complement his or her swing tendencies, swing speed and golf skill.
  • a shaft 190 with a high kick point 205 near the grip 195 end of the golf club—e.g. 205 B in FIG. 5B ) will produce lower launching and lower spinning golf shots.
  • Often more skilled lower handicap golfers will desire these characteristics as the more skilled golfers desire to maximize distance and accuracy on their golf shots.
  • These golfers typically are consistently able to hit the ball in the air and do not have trouble making solid contact with the ball. Rather, these golfers tend to desire improved distance and accuracy to allow them to more accurately “place” their golf shots and to maximize the power and distance of their swings.
  • a low kick point 205 may be especially desirable to less proficient and high handicap golfers as these golfers may have a tendency to have difficulty striking the golf ball and may struggle to “get the ball in the air.” Accordingly, a golf club shaft 190 with a low kick point 205 near the club head end of the golf club 100 will typically produce higher launching, higher spinning golf shots. As is known, high launching (or popped up) golf shots may result in the golf shot not maximizing distance of the golf shot. Also, increased spin may result in less accuracy of the golf shot and the ball may travel left or right of the desired travel path (respectively being hooked or sliced for a right handed golfer).
  • shafts 190 with kick points 205 at locations may also rely on “feel” or personal preferences to select shafts 190 with characteristics in a manner counter to that described above. For example, a less proficient high handicap golfer may select a shaft with a high kick point 205 B while a highly proficient golfer may select a shaft with a low kick point 205 D despite the above tendencies and generalizations.
  • shafts may be categorized by stiffness as Extra Stiff (X), Stiff (S), Regular (R), Senior (A) and Students (L) depending on the particular flex characteristics.
  • X Extra Stiff
  • S Stiff
  • R Regular
  • A Senior
  • L Long
  • stiffness of the shaft no uniform industry standard exists with respect to stiffness of the shaft and a shaft categorized as “Stiff” by one shaft manufacturer will in certain instances possess the same or similar stiffness characteristics as a “Regular” shaft by another shaft manufacturer.
  • golfers generally may select a shaft based upon the distance they may typically hit a golf ball with a given club.
  • golfers and golf professionals may look to the distance that a golfer hits a drive with a driver as a guide in selecting a shaft stiffness. If a golfer hits a driver further than 250 yards they may desired a Stiff shaft; 230-250 yards—Regular shaft; 200-230 yards—Senior shaft; less than 200 yards—Ladies shaft. Extra Shift shafts are typically not used except for professionals, extremely low handicap, or extremely strong and fast swinging golfers. Again, these characterizations are merely illustrative generalizations and each golfer may desire a given golf club with a given shaft that exhibits preferred characteristics including shaft stiffness, length 290 , kick point 205 location and various other traits as desired.
  • the golf club 199 typically includes a shaft 190 coupled to the head 100 at the hosel 180 .
  • a grip 195 at which a golfer holds or grips the golf club, is attached to the shaft 190 at the end opposite the head 100 .
  • Grips 195 are known and may vary significantly depending on preferences, ergonomic characteristics, and tendencies of the golfer, such as a tendency to hit slice or fade.
  • grips vary in “grip size” and in circumference. They also vary in particular texture and grip pattern on the outer surface of the grip. Grips can be round or may have a line or rib on the underside to assist the golfer in placement of his hands. Other shapes are also contemplated.
  • Grips may be composed of a number of materials including rubbers, polymers, and leather, to name a few.
  • the grip traits may be varied by, for example, making the grip corded or selecting any of various materials based upon the frictional properties of that material.
  • FIGS. 2A-2B are illustrative diagrams of golf club 199 demonstrating varied shaft stiffness and kick points 205 A-E of a golf club.
  • FIG. 2A illustrates the flex characteristics of a golf club configured with 5 different stiffness characteristics consistent with the principles discussed above.
  • the golf club 199 and in particular the shaft 190 A-E may exhibit a state of maximum flex as shown and will be orientated with each arrangement of the golf club 199 to have a respective maximum flex 255 A-E associated with the five respective shafts 190 A-E of varied stiffness.
  • the shafts 190 A-E may illustratively be shown in the state of maximum flex may be illustrative described as Extra Stiff Shaft 190 A, Stiff Shaft 190 B, Regular Shaft 190 C, Senior Shaft 190 D, andssen Shaft 190 E. These designations are again illustrative and for ease of understanding and clarity, however, they may vary greatly.
  • the same five shafts 190 A-E illustrated in maximum flex state may all be characterized or labeled as “Regular” shafts and may have varied specific stiffness characteristics despite all being characterized as “Regular” shafts.
  • Shaft 190 A may be characterized as the stiffest shaft, shaft 190 E as the least stiff and shafts 190 B-D falling in line accordingly in between shafts 190 A and 190 E with respect to stiffness.
  • a flex length 290 which is equivalent in this arrangement the length 210 of the golf club and/or shaft which may be flexed when force is applied to the golf club 199 .
  • the golf club 199 and each of the five arrangement of the golf club 199 with varied shafts 190 A-E are shown as having the same kick point 205 where the shaft bends as shown. While these shafts 190 A-E have a common kick point 205 , varied locations of kick points 205 between shafts 190 A-E with varied stiffness is contemplated and will be described in further detail later.
  • FIG. 2B further illustrates the effects of a golf club shaft for a given golf club 199 having a varied stiffness.
  • FIG. 2B illustratively depicts golf club 199 clamped at the grip end 195 of the golf club 199 .
  • the clamp 299 (drawn for illustrative purposes as a golfer's grip) securely holds the grip 195 and the portion of the shaft 190 housed within the grip in a rigid fixed position. As such the region of the shaft housing the grip 195 and held in the clamp does not exhibit flex or bending when a force in the form of a weight 260 hung from the opposing club head 100 end is applied.
  • the golf club 199 is again shown with a series of 5 shafts 190 A- 190 E shown in a flexed stated as a result of the force in the form of weight 260 being applied as described.
  • the grip end 195 of the golf club is clamped and does not exhibit flex or bending, the flex length 290 and the actual length of the shaft are different.
  • the flex length 290 of the golf club 199 illustratively shown in FIG. 2B is the length 290 running from one end of the grip 195 to the opposite end of the shaft 190 at the golf club head 100 .
  • shaft 190 A is the stiffest shaft while shaft 190 E is least stiff with the other shafts shown falling accordingly and respectively in line.
  • the illustrative diagram of FIG. 2B illustrates that the location of a kick point 205 may be varied as well between shafts 190 including especially including shafts 190 A-E with varied stiffness.
  • shaft 190 A has the lowest kick point 205 A
  • shaft 190 E has the highest kick point 205 E
  • shafts 190 B-D have associated kick points 205 B-D falling in between.
  • the variance in particular location of kick point 205 location is minimal as compared to the respective lengths of the flex length 290 and length 210 of the golf club 190 .
  • a given golf club shaft 190 A-E may be made with a certain given stiffness characteristic and kick point 205 A-E. However, it may be preferred for the stiffness of the shaft 190 to be varied, or the location of the kick point 205 be varied. Further, it may be desirable to vary the stiffness of only a portion of the shaft 190 while maintaining the original stiffness of the remainder of the shaft 190 .
  • the kick point 205 may be shifted either further up the shaft 190 towards the grip 195 such that the kick point 205 is higher and the golf club 199 has a tendency to provide higher launching trajectory/ball flight when the golf club 199 is used or further down the shaft 190 such that the golf club 199 will has a tendency to provide a lower launching trajectory/ball flight.
  • the kick point may be resultantly shifted as well as the flex length 290 of the shaft 190 may be varied thereby causing the location at which bend occurs to be varied.
  • FIGS. 3A-3C depict side, perspective and end views of one illustrative arrangement of a shaft stiffening device 300 housed on a cut-away portion of a shaft 190 of a golf club 199 .
  • This configuration of shaft stiffening device 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C includes an elongated tubular body 310 with two hollow opposing ends 311 , 312 .
  • the shaft stiffening device has a length 330 running from one end 311 to the other end 312 .
  • the opposing ends 311 , 312 have respective inner circumferences 321 , 322 .
  • the shaft stiffening device is hollow radially inward between the inner circumferences 321 , 322 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 houses a hollow cylindrical channel running (not shown as it is filled by the shaft 190 in FIGS. 3A-C ) between opposing ends 311 and 312 .
  • the channel is configured to house and constrictively engage a shaft 190 of a golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 is fit snugly around the shaft 190 while not being so snug on the shaft so as to prevent the shaft stiffening device 300 from being slidably adjustable and maneuverable on the shaft 190 of the golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be adjusted to a specific desired position on the shaft 190 .
  • the opposing ends 311 , 312 may have inner circumferences 321 , 322 of the same size or the inner circumferences may be varied in size to further compliment a tapered shape including common shapes such as a continuously tapering rounded shape of a shaft 190 of a golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be formed of a variety of materials including various plastics, rubbers, elastomers and various other materials known. To allow the shaft to be applied to the golf club shaft 190 the shaft stiffening device 300 may be formed of flexible material that when applied over the top of another surface of the shaft 190 , the shaft 190 in that region exhibits increased stiffness.
  • the shaft stiffening device may be composed of longitudinal tape formed to have increased stiffness in the longitudinal direction running up and down the shaft 190 .
  • the shaft stiffening device may be a polymer or plastic. Numerous other materials and combinations of materials may be used in the shaft stiffening device consistent with that described herein.
  • the material will need to be flexible to allow the device 300 to expand over the grip 195 and still constrictively engage shaft 190 .
  • the shaft stiffening device may be placed over the shaft prior to complete assembly of the golf club 199 including prior to attachment of the golf club head 100 , the grip 195 or both.
  • the shaft stiffening device is placed over an exterior surface of a shaft 190 prior to complete assembly of the golf club 199 , more rigid and less elastic materials may be utilized than might be possible should the shaft stiffening device need to be slid over a grip or other portion of the golf club head having a larger circumference (perimeter) than the shaft 190 (e.g. grip 195 ). Change or replacement of grips 195 of a golf club is a common practice.
  • shaft stiffening device 300 removal of a grip 195 to apply the shaft stiffening device 300 is known to be a simple practice such that even in configurations in which the shaft stiffening device 300 is configured (including being composed of sufficiently elastic materials) such that the shaft stiffening device may be stretched and pulled over an obstructing portion of the golf club 199 , it may be desirable to remove the grip 195 of the golf club.
  • certain configurations of the shaft stiffening device 300 are configured such that they may applied to an assembled golf club 199 after market with out disassembling any portions of the golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be applied and the shaft characteristics potentially including increased overall shaft stiffness, increased stiffness of portions of the shaft or shifting of the kick point 205 of the golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may constrictively engage the outer surface of the shaft 190 as the inner circumference 321 , 322 of the shaft stiffening device 300 in a non-engaged state will be smaller than the outer surface of the shaft 190 .
  • the structural integrity of the shaft as a solid steel or graphite material will retain its shape and size.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 to the extent its material properties are such that permit a certain amount of expansion and “stretch” in the radially outward direction, including the inner circumference running between and including inner circumferences 321 , 322 will be expanded thereby stretching a portion of the shaft stiffening device 300 .
  • the shaft stiffening device will be placed under expansion stress force and will exert an opposite force upon the outer surface of the shaft 190 as the integrity of the material of the shaft stiffening device 300 resists deformation. These opposite forces cause the shaft stiffening device 300 to constrictively engage the shaft 190 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 is configured such that it will be able to withstand the forces applied during a golfer's swing and will remain in the specific location it has been placed. In short, the force up and down the club shaft 190 during a swing are not greater than a resistive frictional engagement force as a result of the shaft stiffening device 300 being constrictively engaged with the outer surface of shaft 190 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 is also configured such that if a golfer 10 or other user applies a sufficient direct force to an end 311 , 312 and/or the outer surface 340 of the shaft stiffening device 300 , the shaft stiffening device 300 will slide a certain distance in one or both directions on the shaft 190 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be slid across the entire length of the golf club shaft 190 or at least between the hosel 180 and the bottom of the grip 195 .
  • a shaft stiffening device 300 may be more specifically configured such that it may be adjusted within a certain region (e.g.
  • FIG. 4 is an illustrative diagram of several arrangements of a shaft stiffening device 300 .
  • the shaft of a golf club 199 may have a low section 400 A, mid section 400 B, and a high section 400 C.
  • the low section 400 A as shown is the section of the shaft adjacent to the golf club head 100 (and hosel 180 to the extent the particular arrangement of the golf club 199 includes a hosel).
  • the low section 400 A is the portion of the shaft 190 that typically has the smallest circumference diameter especially when the shaft 190 is continuously tapered from the grip end 195 to the club head end 100 on the opposing end of the shaft 190 .
  • the high section 400 C is the portion of the shaft 190 that is adjacent to the grip end 195 of the golf club 199 while the mid section 400 B is the section between the low section 400 A and high section 400 C.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be specifically configured and sized for one of the low section 400 A, mid section 400 B, or the high section 400 C. The specific sizing allows the shaft stiffening device 300 to be more specifically tailored to each section 400 A-C including length and circumference. As shown, shaft stiffening devices 300 A, 300 B, and 300 C are respectively sized, shaped and formed to constrictively engage sections 400 A, 400 B, and 400 C respectively of the shaft 190 . In at least one arrangement, shaft stiffening devices have a length 330 A, 330 B, 330 C that is shorter than the length of section 400 A, 400 B, 400 C, respectively, of the shaft.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 A, 300 B, 300 C is shorter than its corresponding section 400 A, 400 B, 400 C on the shaft 190 , the shaft stiffening device 300 A, 300 B, 300 C may be slidably adjusted with section 400 A, 400 B, 400 C so as to finely adjust the shaft stiffness altering affect of the shaft stiffening device 300 including the specific portion of the shaft 190 caused to be stiffened or a shifted location of the kick point 205 to occur.
  • FIGS. 5A-5D are illustrative diagrams depicting an illustrative affect the shaft stiffening device 300 A- 300 C has on the golf club shaft and the flex, stiffness, and kick point attributes.
  • FIG. 5A illustratively depicts a golf club 199 without any shaft stiffening devices 300 A-C. Also, in FIG. 5A the golf club 199 has a flex length of 290 A shown as extending from the golf club head 100 to the grip 195 . Similar to how the portion of the shaft 190 with the grip 195 did not demonstrate bend or flex in FIG. 2B , the grip 195 also will generally remain straight and rigid.
  • FIGS. 5A-5D assume the grip 195 is held rigid by outside forces such as by a golfer's hands down the entire length of the grip 195 .
  • FIGS. 5B-5D illustratively show the golf club 199 with a shaft stiffening device 300 A- 300 C housed on the low 400 A, mid 400 B, and high 400 C sections of the shaft 190 .
  • FIGS. 5B-5D also demonstrate the effect shaft stiffening devices 300 A- 300 C have on various golf club 199 characteristics including flex length 290 B- 290 D and the location of the kick point 205 B- 205 D.
  • FIG. 5B illustratively shows the golf club 199 with shaft stiffening device 300 A housed on the low section 400 A of the shaft 190 adjacent to the golf club head end 100 .
  • the shaft stiffening device is constrictively engaged about the exterior of the shaft 190 .
  • the stiffening device 300 A may be composed of a number of materials as described previously including rubbers, polymers, plastics and other materials.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 A constrictively engaging the low section 400 A of the shaft causes the region portion of the shaft radially inward of the shaft stiffening device to exhibit an increased stiffness characteristic down the length 330 A between the ends 311 A, 312 A of the shaft stiffening device 300 A.
  • the stiffness characteristics have been altered such that the shaft 190 is rigid in the low section 400 A of the shaft of the golf club 199 . Accordingly, the portion of the shaft that exhibits flex or bending can be changed as can the associated flex length 290 B.
  • FIG. 5C illustratively shows the golf club 199 with shaft stiffening device 300 B housed on the mid section 400 B of the shaft 190 of the golf club head 100 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 B is depicted through its constrictive engagement as causing the mid section 400 B to exhibit increased stiffness characteristics and in particular fairly rigid characteristics.
  • the shaft 190 now has two flex length regions 205 C.
  • the shaft in the configuration of FIG. 5C also has a pair of kick points 205 C on opposite sides of the shaft stiffening device.
  • FIG. 5C illustratively shows the golf club 199 with shaft stiffening device 300 B housed on the mid section 400 B of the shaft 190 of the golf club head 100 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 B is depicted through its constrictive engagement as causing the mid section 400 B to exhibit increased stiffness characteristics and in particular fairly rigid characteristics.
  • the shaft 190 now has two flex length regions 205 C.
  • the shaft in the configuration of FIG. 5C also has
  • 5D illustratively shows the golf club 199 with shaft stiffening device 300 C housed on the high section 400 C of the shaft 190 .
  • the high section 400 C of the golf club shaft is shown as having an increased stiffness trait as the shaft in this region is illustrated as being held generally rigid by the shaft stiffening device 300 C.
  • flex lengths 290 D extend down near golf club head 100 end of the golf club head 100 and at the grip 195 respectively.
  • the kick points 205 D have varied locations.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 A- 300 C can be formed in various flexible yet constrictively engaging structures that compress down on the shaft in a particular region. As such, the shaft 190 can be further supported and the shaft in that particular region will exhibit increased stiffness characteristics. The extent to which the stiffness characteristics are varied will depend on various characteristics potentially including the original shaft stiffness, the length of the shaft stiffening device 330 A- 330 C, the material composition of the shaft stiffening device 300 A- 300 C, the snugness of the constrictive engagement by the shaft stiffening device 300 A- 300 C, swing characteristics of the golfer 10 and other specific characteristics.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be further formed to engage the shaft 190 so as to modify the shaft characteristics as desired without altering other features of the golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 C may be formed in one arrangement such that end 312 abuts the lower end 196 of the grip 195 such that an outer surface of the grip 198 is flush with the shaft stiffening device 300 C.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 C when positioned as shown provides the feel of a single elongated grip 195 rather than a distinct structure near the top of the shaft 190 . As such, improved feel characteristics may be accomplished while still accomplishing the shaft characteristic altering function as desired.
  • the shaft 190 in these regions may exhibit reduced flex rather than no flex in various configurations.
  • the shaft characteristics including shaft stiffness characteristics may be accomplished consistent with that described herein as the “reduced flex” regions will have similar effects as “no flex” regions on the characteristics and functionality of the shaft, perhaps with just variances in degrees and extent of certain characteristics.
  • the region of the shaft 190 within the grip 195 is shown as having a flex region in FIGS.
  • this region will likely have a reduced flex characteristic (or no flex) as a result of the golfer gripping this region with his hands when swinging the club in the configurations of FIGS. 5A-5D as the golfer's hands may act as a clamp consistent with that shown in FIG. 2B .
  • FIG. 6A illustratively depicts one arrangement for placing a shaft stiffening device 300 on a shaft 190 of a golf club 199 .
  • this arrangement of the golf club is shown as three sections, the golf club head 100 , the grip 195 , and the shaft 190 . These three sections are coupled together to form the golf club 199 .
  • Application of the shaft stiffening device 300 is more easily performed prior to the golf club 199 being constructed. As shown in FIG. 6A , if the golf club 199 has not yet been completely constructed such that one or both the grip 195 and/or the golf club head 100 has not been attached to the remainder of the golf club 199 , the shaft stiffening device 300 may be pulled onto the shaft 190 and slid to the desired position.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may only be possible to apply the shaft stiffening device 300 from only one of the ends as the tolerances may be sufficiently tight such that the shaft stiffening device could not be slid up the length of the shaft as the wider diameter of the shaft encountered during the slide would cause the shaft stiffening device 300 to become stuck.
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 is applied to the shaft and positioned in the desired location.
  • the golf club head 100 and the grip 195 will be accordingly coupled to the shaft 190 using securing processes and adhesion techniques and adhesives as are known in the art.
  • certain configurations of shaft stiffening devices may be applied in retro fit to a fully constructed golf club 199 .
  • the shaft stiffening device 300 may be formed such that the shaft stiffening device 300 is an arrangement of two split halves 610 , 620 in one configuration the halves may be equivalent in size and shape such as true halves or they may be varied in size and shape.
  • the halves 610 , 620 whether similar shaped in size or varied can be fit together such that the halves 610 , 620 form a shaft stiffening sleeve that wraps around the shaft 190 and snaps, is pressure fit, or is otherwise held together once constrictively engaged with the shaft 190 .
  • the mechanisms that may be utilized are snap fits, compression fits, bonding, adhesives and various other techniques for holding two structures and/or two materials together.
  • FIG. 6B illustrates a snap fit in which a metal connector(s) 611 is housed on half 610 and thereby engages and connects to half 620 which has complimentary female connector(s) 612 .
  • a shaft stiffening device 300 may be composed of three, four or more structures of the same or varied shapes and sizes so as to form a structure for constrictively engaging the shaft 190 consistent with that described herein.
  • These illustrative connections shown are merely illustrative and many other specific connection arrangements and configurations are contemplated.
  • FIG. 7 is an illustrative schematic diagram of one arrangement of a kit 700 of shaft stiffening device(s).
  • the kit 700 includes a series of shaft stiffening devices 300 A, 300 B, and 300 C.
  • Each of the shaft stiffening devices 300 A, 300 B, 300 C is specifically formed for a specific portion of the shaft 190 .
  • shaft stiffening device 300 A is sized and shaped to specifically fit the low section 400 A of the shaft
  • shaft stiffening device 300 B is sized and shaped to specifically fit the mid section 400 B of the shaft
  • shaft stiffening device 300 C is sized and shaped to specifically fit the high section 400 C of the shaft.
  • kit 700 includes a housing 750 configured to house three shaft stiffening devices 300 A, 300 B, 300 C in visible holders 710 A, 710 B, 710 C.
  • the kit 700 and housing 750 in particular can be hung on a shelf or otherwise viewed, displayed and suspended for viewing, selection and/or purchasing.
  • the kit 700 may be utilized akin to a club testing cart such that the a plurality of shaft stiffening devices 300 may be housed in the kit and golfers, golf professionals, and potential purchasers may view and select shaft stiffening devices from a series of shaft stiffening devices available for testing.
  • a unibody shaft stiffening device 300 such as the shaft stiffening device 300 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and the a multiple component shaft stiffening device 300 such as the one shown in FIG. 6B as well as other various configurations of shaft stiffening devices 300 may be housed in a kit 700 such that the golfer may select a shaft stiffening device with the features most desirable to the golfer and most beneficial to the golfer's swing.
  • a golfer, golf professional or other users or distributers of golf equipment can fit a golfer with a particular shaft stiffening device 300 .
  • golf professionals are known to work with golfers to assist them in improving their golf game including their swing and associated play by analyzing the golfer's tendencies, providing instruction and recommendation regarding modifications to their swing and also in recommending various equipment including selection of clubs.
  • a golf professional for a certain golf manufacturer may offer a selection of features for which the golfer may select either alone, or with the assistance of the golf professional.
  • the features that vary from golf club to golf club are various shaft characteristics including length, stiffness, kick point, a grip type, feel and many others.
  • Each golfer may have a swing tendency that varies from other golfers. Accordingly golfers may desire and benefit from an individualized fitting of a golf club before such that the golfer's swing characteristics and swing tendencies may be noted and accounted for.
  • a golfer may have his or her swing analyzed by a professional either visually or by using any of various measuring and analysis devices known in the art and will be described further below.
  • FIGS. 8A-8C illustratively depict one manner of fitting a golf club 199 including a shaft 190 .
  • a golfer 10 may perform a number of swings in front of one or more golf professionals or golf club fitters. The movements including the golf swing may be viewed, recorded, and/or measured by a measuring device including a videographic device like a digital video camera.
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate top plan and rear views respectively of a golfer swinging a golf club and hitting golf balls in an illustrative fitting station 1000 .
  • the fitting station 1000 may have any of a number of arrangements and features.
  • the fitting station 1000 shown in FIGS. 8A-8C is an indoor fitting station.
  • fitting stations 1000 may be indoor or outdoor and may be located at a driving range or other practice facilities, at a golf course including in or near a pro shop and various other locations as are known.
  • the fitting station 1000 may include a hitting mat 1010 , especially when the fitting station is an indoor station or when the station is part of a driving range.
  • a fitting station may occur on a grass tee box or other outdoor natural golf environment.
  • the indoor fitting station 1000 also includes a net 1030 that a golfer 10 may hit the ball into in performing his or her shots, practice swings and swings in front of a golf professional or golf club fitter.
  • the net 1030 permits the fitting to be done in a more limited space such as indoors, in a pro shop or in a driving range with limited land available.
  • Behind the net 1030 may be a background 1040 or other structures that may make the golfer feel as if he is on the golf course. Also, while not specifically depicted, the background may house or protect a further measuring device(s) including velocity or force sensors, videographic devices and other devices that may be utilized in the fitting of the golfer.
  • the ball travel of a golfer's shot may be monitored by watching an entire ball flight at a fitting station on a driving range that possesses sufficient space for the ball to travel until it comes to a natural stopping point/lie.
  • a golfer may also hit in a confined spaced monitored by a digital video camera or other computing devices that can determine the travel path based upon initial characteristics of the shot including velocity, trajectory, spin etc. Further measuring devices may be used to further understand the swing path and related tendencies of a golfer.
  • a golfer's swing may be filmed using a digital video camera device 1060 .
  • the golfer's swing may be filmed from a toe end view such that the golfer has a stance square to and facing the camera.
  • the golfer's swing my alternatively or additionally be filmed by a measuring device positioned at a position such as the position where measuring device 1061 is illustratively shown as being.
  • a measuring device positioned at a position such as the position where measuring device 1061 is illustratively shown as being.
  • the video may be compared to images and swing paths performed and recorded by a golfer having preferred mechanics as is shown in FIG. 8C .
  • illustrative measuring devices 1060 , 1061 are shown as being positioned. These devices may also be positioned in front of the golfer 10 such that the golfer is hitting at the measuring device or on the heel end side of the golfer behind the golfer's back.
  • measuring devices may be placed overhead or practically anywhere such that the measuring devices can record data such as video images of the golfer's movements or track and record data or characteristics associated with the portions of the golf club or ball movement such as velocity, direction, orientation, and other characteristics as a re known.
  • Other devices focused at determining the golf club's orientation during the swing and in particular the orientation of the golf club through the hitting zone when the golf club head strikes the golf ball may be utilized. These devices may be the same or similar devices as the videographic, radar or other motion tracking devices or the devices may be as simple as lie board devices which depict where a bottom surface of the golf club contacts the ground and the direction of movement and orientation of the club through the hitting zone.
  • basic tape devices placed over the hitting surface 125 of a golf club head may be used to provide data regarding the portion of the hitting surface 125 where the golf ball is being hit to determine whether the ball is being hit in a sweet spot or off-center such that the swing or club may need adjustment to optimize results.
  • the golf and/or fitting professionals can use the data collected to recommend a particular golf club head 100 housing a visual swing indicator 400 that will help the golfer performing a golf swing more regularly according to traditional preferred swing mechanics.
  • the characteristics collected or measured may include swing path data, trajectory, orientation of the golf club on impact, ball spin, ball flight and physical dimensions and ergonomic characteristics of the golfer, to name just a few.
  • the analysis of the swings including swing patterns can be used to determine a desired swing path, tendencies of the golfer's swing, and changes to the golfer's current swing path such that the specific changes required may be more visibly noticeable.
  • the bend and flex characteristics may be determined and shown such that an analysis can be performed to determine whether a club shaft of a club is appropriate as maximizing the performance of a golfer with particular swing tendencies. For example, preferred stiffness, preferred location of kick point and effects of a shaft stiffening device located at certain locations.
  • FIG. 8C illustrates a display 1050 depicting two respective swing characteristics outputs 1051 , 1052 illustratively depicting two swings of golfers in videographic form such as digital video.
  • the displayed swing 1051 may be a videographic image of preferred swing of a professional golfer or other golfer including a “virtual golfer” with preferred swing mechanics.
  • the golf swing 1052 may be an actual swing of a golfer 10 currently being analyzed in the fitting station 1000 .
  • a golfer may be analyzed and fitted for a particular golf club features such as visual swing indicators, shaft characteristics, and alignment aides and other features to facilitate a golfer swinging in a preferred manner to achieve preferred performance.
  • backswing paths 1055 A, 1055 B of the golfers may be compared during the swings 1051 , 1052 .
  • the orientations of the golf club head 1056 A, 1056 B, the golfers' arm and hand positions 1057 A, 1057 B, and the head positions 1058 A, 1058 B may be compared visual.
  • Other comparisons and analysis may be performed as is known.
  • the display 1050 here illustrates videographic information relating to the golfers' swings, the display 1050 may be utilized during other aspects of the analysis including output of various other characteristics utilized in fitting the golfer 10 .
  • the display 1050 may also be used to enhance the fitting experience and may be visible to the golfer during the fitting process.
  • various configurations of outputs can be used to perform a swing analysis and provide output data relating to the golfer's swing to the golfer or the golf professional.

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US12/464,641 2009-05-12 2009-05-12 Shaft stiffening device Abandoned US20100292022A1 (en)

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US12/464,641 US20100292022A1 (en) 2009-05-12 2009-05-12 Shaft stiffening device
JP2012510869A JP2012526618A (ja) 2009-05-12 2010-05-07 シャフト補強装置
EP10718803A EP2429668A1 (en) 2009-05-12 2010-05-07 Shaft stiffening device
PCT/US2010/033972 WO2010132285A1 (en) 2009-05-12 2010-05-07 Shaft stiffening device
CN2010800285379A CN102458592A (zh) 2009-05-12 2010-05-07 杆身强化装置

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EP (1) EP2429668A1 (zh)
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JP2012526618A (ja) 2012-11-01
WO2010132285A1 (en) 2010-11-18
EP2429668A1 (en) 2012-03-21

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