US20150038252A1

US20150038252A1 - Adjustable Golf Club

Info

Publication number: US20150038252A1
Application number: US14/449,693
Authority: US
Inventors: John Skoritsch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-01
Filing date: 2014-08-01
Publication date: 2015-02-05

Abstract

A golf club having at least one point of articulation. A first pivotal connection is disposed between the grip and the shaft and a second pivotal connection is disposed between the hosel of the golf club head and the shaft. Both the grip and the golf club head are independently adjustable relative to the shaft. The pivotal connections comprise complementary surfaces of interlocking teeth that are secured together via a fastener and a nut. Alternatively, the golf club may have a single pivotal connection between the grip and the shaft. Once users find a comfortable configuration for the grip and the club head, they can then order a non-adjustable, customized version of the club that is constructed using the settings that the individual has found to be most comfortable when using the adjustable version of the club.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/861,235 filed on Aug. 1, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to golf clubs. More specifically, the present invention relates to golf clubs that are adapted to allow the user to change the lie angle of the golf club head or the angle of the grip relative to the golf club shaft.
Golf is a sport that forces individuals to constantly tinker with their stance, grip, and other variables associated with their swing, while also compensating for constantly changing course conditions. The changing course conditions force golfers to constantly take shots from different lies, at different angles, and from different stance positions. Furthermore, golfers' swings change as the individual becomes fatigued or sore. All of these factors compound upon each other such that no two shots are ever alike. However, golf clubs traditionally utilize grips and club heads that are non-adjustable and integrally affixed to the shaft of the golf club. Therefore, golfers are forced to utilize clubs having the same configuration, regardless of the position of their ball, the angle at which they need to shoot from, their level of fatigue, or the general evolution of their own swing. This is an inefficient design that ignores the reality associated with the sport that golfers constantly have to adjust. Therefore, golfers' clubs should also be adjustable in order to assist in compensating for constantly changing course conditions and swing mechanics.
Furthermore, it is often difficult for individuals to find a putter, or other types of golf clubs, that are properly configured for their body. Although individuals are generally allowed to try clubs out before purchasing them, a short test session does not fully mimic the conditions of playing golf on a golf course. Therefore, there is a need in the prior for a club that can be incrementally adjusted so that an individual can experiment with different grip and club head configurations to find the positions that are most comfortable for themselves.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to adjustable golf clubs. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to adjustable connections between the hosel and the shaft of the golf club. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.
Conventional adjustable golf clubs generally allow users to adjust the connection between the hosel and the shaft of the golf club in order to alter the face, loft, and lie angles of the golf club head. However, they do not offer a means to adjust the angle of the grip relative to the longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft. Furthermore, such golf clubs rarely offer a large number of discrete positions to golfers, thereby minimizing the degree to which the golf club can be adjusted.
The present invention provides a golf club having two points of articulation. A first pivotal connection is disposed between the grip and the shaft and a second pivotal connection is disposed between the hosel of the golf club head and the shaft. Both the grip and the golf club head are independently adjustable relative to the shaft, thereby providing individuals with a substantial degree of customizability. The pivotal connections comprise complementary surfaces of interlocking teeth that are secured together via a fastener and a nut. Users can alter the angle of the grip or the golf club head relative to the shaft by loosening the nut, rotating the grip or the club head in the desired direction to the desire position, pressing the surfaces together so that the teeth on the opposing surfaces interlock, and then re-securing the nut on the fastener so that the adjusted component and the shaft are securely locked together. The first pivotal connection allows individuals to change the path of their swing and the distance from which they can address the ball. The second pivotal connection allows individuals to adjust the lie angle of the head, thereby providing users with a means to alter their shots based upon the course conditions and the position of their ball. The grip, shaft, and golf club head portions of the present invention are otherwise constructed from conventional materials and arranged in any manner known in the prior art of golf clubs. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a single pivotal connection between the grip and the end of the shaft. In this alternative embodiment, the hosel of the golf club head and the end of the shaft are fixedly attached together.
Furthermore, each of the pivotal connections has numerals or other indicia thereon that correspond to positions of the grip or the head of the golf club. Once users have found an ergonomic and comfortable configuration for the grip and the head of the golf club, they can then order a club having a fixedly attached grip and club head set at the angle they found comfortable on the adjustable golf club. The present adjustable golf club thereby provides users with a means to test a variety of different golf club grip and head configurations during the normal course of play until they find the once most comfortable to them, without having to purchase a huge number of different golf clubs.
The present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing adjustable golf club devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of adjustable golf clubs now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new adjustable golf club wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when playing golf.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved adjustable golf club device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable golf club device that has two adjustment points.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable golf club wherein the grip and the club head are independently adjustable.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable golf club that has a substantial number of discrete position settings available to users.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable golf club wherein the adjustment points comprise complementary surfaces of interlocking teeth.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable golf club that can be used to test a variety of different golf club configurations during the normal course of play so that users can determine which grip and heads configurations are most comfortable and well-suited for their swing.
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable golf club that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a view of the present invention having a pivotal connection for the grip and the club head with a callout showing the dial portion of the present invention.

FIG. 1B shows a view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a single pivotal connection for the grip.

FIG. 1C shows a view of a golf club designed using settings from the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the first pivotal connection of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the adjustable golf club. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for a putter. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.
Referring now to FIG. 1A, there is shown a view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a single pivotal connection for the grip. The present golf club comprises a shaft 12 having a first end 16 and a second 17, a grip 11 attached to the first end 16, and a club head 14 attached to the second end 17. The club head 14 comprises a hosel 13, which is affixed to the second end 17 of the shaft 12, and a striking surface 15. The striking surface 15 comprises a plurality of ridges adapted to impart spin on a golf ball when the golf ball is struck, as is commonly known in the prior art. However, no claim is made as to a specific design for the striking surface 15 or the club head 14 portions of the present invention. The shaft 12 portion of the present invention has a cylindrical, tapered design wherein the second end 17 has a generally smaller diameter than the first end 16 and is constructed from titanium, steel, carbon fiber, or any other such material as is known in the art of golf clubs. The grip 11 portion is constructed from leather straps, rubber sleeves, or any other such material as is known in the art of golf clubs. The club head 14 is constructed from titanium, steel, aluminum, or any other such material known in the art of golf clubs. The depicted embodiment of the present invention is a putter; however, the present invention comprises all types of golf clubs, including drivers, woods, irons, putters, and the like.
The depicted embodiment of the present invention further comprises a first pivotal connection 31 connecting the grip 11 to the first end 16 of the shaft 12 and a second pivotal connection 32 connecting the hosel 13 to the second end 17 of the shaft 12. The first and second pivotal connections 31, 32 allow the position of the grip 11 and the hosel 13, respectively, to be adjusted within a plane arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. The pivotal connections 31, 32 thereby provide a 180-degree, or greater, field of movement for the grip 11 and the club head 14 with respect to the shaft 12. This field of movement provides users with a means to adjust the positioning of the grip 11 and the club head 14 that is most comfortable for their needs.
Each of the pivotal connections 31, 32 comprises a dial disposed thereon so that users have a visual indication of the degree to which the grip 11 or the hosel 13 is set relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 12. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, the dial comprises a pointer 33 and a plurality of indicia 34, such as numerals, corresponding to a position of the grip 11 or the hosel 13. When the grip 11 or the hosel 13 is rotated and locked into place, the pointer 33 is rotated relative to the indicia 34 so that each position of the grip 11 or the hosel 13 corresponds to one of the indicia 34. This establishes a setting that allows users to precisely determine the positioning of the grip 11 or the hosel 13 that is most comfortable for them and also allows them to consistently reproduce that setting. The number of available positions for the grip 11 or the hosel 13 preferably corresponds to the number of indicia 34 disposed thereon. Alternatively, the positioning of the dial may be reversed from the depicted embodiment of the present invention so that the indicia 34 are disposed on the grip 11 or the hosel 13 portions and the pointer 33 is disposed on the shaft 12. The present disclosure contemplates any arrangement for the dial that provides users with a convenient means for precisely and repeatedly setting the position of the grip 11 and hosel 13 portions of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention having a single pivotal connection for the grip. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the present golf club comprises a single pivotal connection 31 between the grip 11 and the first end 16 of the shaft 12 and an integral, fixed connection between the hosel 13 and the second end 17 of the shaft 12. In this embodiment of the present invention, only the grip 11 is adjustable and the club head 14 is fixedly attached to the shaft 12, as with a conventional golf club.
Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is shown a view of a golf club designed using settings from the present invention. Once users have found an ergonomic and comfortable configuration for the grip 11 and the head 14 components of the present invention, they can then order a golf club having a fixedly attached grip 11 and club head 14 set at the position they found comfortable on the adjustable golf club. Because the grip 11 and head 14 components have corresponding indicia 34 indicating their position, users can easily purchase a new golf club having fixedly attached components, as shown in FIG. 1C, simply by knowing the positions that they found most comfortable when utilizing the present adjustable golf club. The adjustable positions of the grip 11 and club head 14 components and their corresponding indicia 34 are uniform across various embodiments of the present invention, ensuring that individuals are able to purchase a golf club having fixedly attached components that is consistent with the settings on the present adjustable golf club. The present adjustable golf club thereby provides users with a means to test a variety of different golf club grip and head configurations during the normal course of play until they find the one that is most comfortable to them and reduces the amount of stress and strain that is placed on their hands and wrists, without having to purchase a huge number of different golf clubs. Furthermore, once an individual finds the grip and club head positions that are the most comfortable, they can then order a non-adjustable club having the grip and the club head disposed at those pre-determined angles.
Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of the first pivotal connection of the present invention. The depicted embodiment of the first pivotal connection 31 is intended to be exemplary of both the first and second pivotal connections 31, 32. In the depicted embodiment of the present invention, the first pivotal connection 31 comprises a pair of complementary interlocking surfaces 53A, 53B, a fastener 51 that is insertable through the apertures 54A, 54B, and a nut 52 that is securable thereover. The interlocking surfaces 53A, 53B comprise a first surface 53A and a second surface 53B. The first surface 53A comprises a first central aperture 54A disposed at the distal end of the grip 11 and a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom. The second surface 53B comprises a second central aperture 54B disposed at the distal end of the shaft 12 and a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom. The teeth of the surfaces 53A, 53B are adapted to interlock so that the teeth on the first surface 53B rest in the space between the teeth disposed on the second surface 53B, and vice versa. The surfaces 53A, 53B are adapted to interlock and rest flush against each other, providing a seamless adjustable connection between the grip 11 and the shaft 12. Furthermore, the central apertures 54A, 54B are adapted to be aligned with each other so that a fastener 51, such as a screw, can be inserted therethrough and then secured in place by a nut 52, such as a wing nut. The fastener 51 and nut 52 are adapted to securely hold the grip 11 and the shaft 12 together so that the two portions of the present invention do not come apart or otherwise shift when the present golf club is in use.
The first pivotal connection 31 between the grip 11 and the shaft 12 can be adjusted by loosening the nut 52, rotating the grip 11 with respect to the shaft 12 to a new position where the complementary interlocking surfaces rest flush against each other, and then re-securing the nut 52 in place on the fastener 51. The number of available positions for the grip 11 relative to the shaft 12 corresponds to the size of the teeth on the surfaces 53A, 53B. The smaller the teeth are, the more discrete positions are available for the grip 11, thereby providing users with an increased level of customizability. The teeth on the corresponding interlocking surfaces 53A, 53B are preferably consistent in size and have gaps therebetween that are also consistently sized in order to provide a smooth gradation in position settings for the grip 11.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the structure and function of the depicted embodiment of the first pivotal connection 31, connecting the grip 11 and the shaft 12, as shown in FIG. 2 is identical to the second pivotal connection 32, connecting the hosel 13 and the shaft 12. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first pivotal connection 31 and the second pivotal connection 32 comprise different adjustable attachment mechanisms. The first and second pivotal connections 31, 32 allow the grip 11 and the club head 14 to be independently adjustable with respect to each other, thereby providing users with a substantial amount of customizability.
It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. An adjustable golf club, comprising:

a shaft having a first end and a second end;

a grip connected to the shaft first end via a first pivotal connection;

a club head having a striking surface and a hosel;

the hosel connected to the shaft second end via a second pivotal connection;

a first locking assembly adapted to lock the grip in place relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft;

a second locking assembly adapted to lock the hosel in place relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pivotal connection comprises:

the grip comprising a first aperture and a plurality teeth extending radially from the first aperture;

the shaft first end comprising a second aperture and a plurality of teeth extending radially from the second aperture;

the plurality of teeth extending radially from the second aperture adapted to engage the plurality teeth extending radially from the first aperture.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the first locking assembly comprises a fastener and a complementary wing nut secured through the first and the second aperture.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the second pivotal connection comprises:

the hosel comprising a first aperture and a plurality teeth extending radially from the first aperture;

the shaft second end comprising a second aperture and a plurality of teeth extending radially from the second aperture;

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the second locking assembly comprises a fastener and a complementary wing nut secured through the first and the second aperture.

6. An adjustable golf club, comprising:

a shaft having a first end and a second end;

a grip connected to the shaft first end via a pivotal connection;

a club head having a striking surface and a hosel;

the hosel fixedly connected to the shaft second end;

a locking assembly adapted to lock the grip in place relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the pivotal connection comprises:

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the locking assembly comprises a fastener and a complementary wing nut secured through the first and the second aperture.