Abstract: A tapered hollow shaft made of a fiber reinforced composite material, which comprises: (a) at least one angle layer consisting essentially of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers having a tensile modulus ranging from 200 to 500 GPa and a tensile strength ranging from 4000 to 5600 MPa; (b) at least one straight layer consisting essentially of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers having a tensile modulus ranging from 200 to 460 GPa and a tensile strength ranging from 3500 to 5600 MPa; (c) at least one reinforcing layer consisting essentially of pitch-based carbon fibers or polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fibers each having a compressive breaking strain of 1.7 to 5.0%, a tensile modulus ranging from 5 to 160 GPa, a tensile strength ranging from 500 to 3000 MPa and a density ranging from 1.5 to 1.

Abstract: A golf club shaft made of a composite of a fiber material and a synthetic resin material, wherein the fiber material includes triaxial fabric layers which are located at least on the butt end side and the tip end side of the golf club shaft. Either the fiber density, the kind of the fiber, the physical property of the fiber, or a combination of two or more thereof, of yarn paths of three directions that form the triaxial fabric layers is varied with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft in accordance with a required specification of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-characteristic value measuring apparatus comprises an input device, a storage device, a measuring device, an arithmetic and control device, and a display device, in which: said input device inputs a personal body data of a test subject; said storage device stores said inputted personal body data; said measuring device measures a physical characteristics of a living body; said arithmetic and control device evaluates a condition of the living body of the test subject based on said physical characteristics and said inputted personal body data; and said display device indicates the inputted personal body data and evaluated result and the likes; wherein in said input device, upon setting the personal body data, a luminescent element corresponding to a section available for an entry operation is lighted up.

Abstract: A golf club shaft is 35-50 percent lighter than a conventional shaft while maintaining the outer diameter and structural characteristics of conventional shafts. The shaft has at least four layers of fiber reinforced material. The fiber reinforced layers are from innermost to outermost: a first angled layer; a first straight layer; a second angled layer; and a second straight layer. The angled layers are formed by bonding together two materials, each with fibers aligned in different directions. The second angled layer maintains the proper strength and rigidity of the shaft while keeping the shaft as light weight as possible. Aligning the second layer's fibers at an angle of 35-75 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the shaft ensures proper weight and strength characteristics of the shaft. The resulting shaft is light-weight and exhibits the flexural rigidity, flexural strength, torsional rigidity, torsional strength, and crushing strength of conventional shafts.

Abstract: A low center of gravity golf club shaft for attachment to a lightweight golf club head having a toe, heel, face, sole, and top made of titanium or similar density material comprising: a hollow tapered cone-like shaft with a smaller club end attached to the club head proximate the heel, and a handle end; the shaft made of graphite wrapped with uni-direction tape to form at least two nodes to selectively stiffen or allow the shaft to flex at pre-selected points along the shaft, and a handwrap tape of desired length wrapped around the handle end of the shaft to provide a handgrip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sinter and a casting comprising a high-hardness glassy alloy containing at least Fe and at least a metalloid element and having a temperature interval &Dgr;Tx of a supercooled liquid as expressed by &Dgr;Tx=Tx−Tg (where, Tx is a crystallization temperature and Tg is a glass transition temperature) of at least 20° C., which permit easy achievement of a complicated concave/convex shape.

Abstract: A golf club shaft formed partially of an anisotropic material such that a part of a fibrous angle of the anisotropic material and/or an orientation angle thereof is differentiated from other portions thereof partly in the circumferential direction of the golf club shaft and in at least one portion in a thickness direction thereof to deviate a principal elastic axis of the golf club shaft and a principal geometrical axis thereof from each other. When a plane parallel with an intersection line formed by the intersection of a front face of a club head and a horizontal plane and including the principal geometrical axis of the golf club shaft is set as a specified plane, the principal elastic axis of the golf club shaft is so positioned that a plane including the principal elastic axis and the principal geometrical axis intersect with the specified plane at an intersection angle of 45°-90°, with a region of 200 mm of the golf club shaft with respect to an end at a grip side thereof fixed.

Abstract: In the field of golf equipment, a new shaft design incorporates passive damping to suppress the vibrations excited in the shaft before and after impact. The design comprises a viscoelastic material sandwiched between multiple layers of composite plies which induce large shear strains in the viscoelastic when the shaft is subjected to bending, extension, or twist, thus increasing damping losses over conventional golf shafts. In one embodiment, the sandwiching layers are of opposing orientation. In another embodiment, the layers are oriented in an opposing V-shape laminate.

Abstract: A method of making golf clubs of thermoplastic composite material is disclosed. The present method is characterized in that the composite material wound around a mandrel is consolidated by using a metal sheet. This method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a tapered mandrel, and wrapping the mandrel with at least a sheet of thermoplastic prepreg to form a laminated outer shell; (b) heating the thermoplastic prepreg to a molten state; (c) enclosing the laminated outer shell with at least a metal sheet, and heating the metal sheet and the laminated outer shell while constricting said metal sheet to thereby consolidate the molten prepreg to form a tubular body; and (d) releasing the metal sheet and withdrawing the mandrel from the tubular body.

Abstract: A shaft for a golf club includes a main shaft, a ring shaft and a flex shaft which are mounted onto the distal end of the main shaft, and a sleeve which may be used to cover the ring shaft portion and the flex shaft portion. Each portion of the shaft is made of a material that is specifically selected for its particular modulus of elasticity, and the modulus of each portion is selected relative to the moduli of the other portions. For the present invention, the ring shaft portion has the highest modulus of elasticity, and the flex shaft portion has the lowest. With this combination, a club head is affixed to the extreme distal end of the main shaft, and a grip is attached to the proximal end of the main shaft portion.

Abstract: An improved shaft for a golf club and methods of manufacturing the same. A plurality of layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoset resin are bonded to one or more layers of composite fiber bound within a thermoplastic resin using a high peel strength nylon epoxy adhesive. Preferably, the layer(s) of composite fiber bound within the thermoplastic resin comprise the outermost layer of a golf club shaft.In one preferred form, a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoset resin are wrapped around a mandrel and pre-cured. Thereafter, a layer of adhesive is wrapped over the pre-cured plies, at least one ply of pre-preg composite sheet including a thermoplastic resin is wrapped over the adhesive, and a cellophane or polypropylene tape is wrapped over the outermost layer of pre-preg. Thereafter, the ply wrapped mandrel is placed in a mold and heated to a predetermined temperature for a time sufficient to allow curing of all of the plies comprising the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A set of golf shafts is disclosed. The set comprises a plurality of shafts that decrease in length along the set. Each shaft includes a reverse taper section disposed a distance from the tip section on each shaft. The distance of the reverse taper section varies along a number of shafts as the shaft length decreases.A golf club shaft is disclosed. The shaft includes a tip section, lower section, and an upper section. The tip section connects with a golf club head. The lower section includes a tapered section and a reverse taper section. The tapered section extends from the tip section. The tapered section increases in diameter in a direction away from the tip section. The reverse taper section extends between the tapered section and the upper section. The reverse taper section has a diameter that decreases in a direction away from the tip section. The shaft further includes a resilient plug wedged inside the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club group comprising a plurality of golf clubs having the same number, in which each golf club shaft of the golf club is composed of a plurality of bias layers and a plurality of straight layers which are wind-formed so that it may be shaped into a tapered circular pipe having a diameter which gradually larger towards to is a butt end. The plurality of golf club shafts have approximately the same flexibility, assuming that each golf club shaft is constructed so that each straight layer may have the same thickness over the total length of the shaft, a distribution curve of flexural rigidity the shaft is set as a reference curve.

Abstract: A tubular body comprises: rolled layers of prepreg formed of reinforcing fibers impregnated with synthetic resin, wherein a ratio of impregnation of synthetic resin contained in a skew fiber body layer on which fibers are arranged in a skew direction and also a ratio of impregnation of synthetic resin contained in an axial fiber body layer on which fibers are arranged in an axial direction are in a range from a value approximately not lower than 10 wt % to a value lower than 25 wt %, and a thin layer, the ratio of impregnation of synthetic resin of which is high, is provided between the skew fiber body layer and the axial fiber body layer. The specific strength and specific rigidity of the tubular body are high, and the tubular body is less susceptible to separation and damage of the fibers and layers even if an impact force is given to it.

Abstract: In order to provide a member for a fishing or sport tool with light weight property and excellent exterior, the member is constructed by a body; a film formed directly on the body of the member or through an intermediate layer; and a single-color forming coating film formed on the outside of the film and capable of transmitting or reflecting only components in a wavelength region included in a specific range among incident light beams.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club shaft which is easy to be gripped, and superior in strength and balance in its shaft portion. A golf club shaft is constituted by fiber-reinforced prepreg formed from reinforcing fibers impregnated with synthetic resin. A small-diameter portion is provided on a head side, a large-diameter portion is provided on a grip side, and a tapered portion is provided between the small-diameter portion and the large-diameter portion. An outer diameter of the small-diameter portion at its rear end portion is made smaller by 2 mm or more than an outer diameter of the large-diameter portion at its front end portion, and bending rigidity at the rear end portion is made to be 60 to 100% of that at the front end portion.

Abstract: A golf club shaft wherein an outer diameter of a base end of a grip side is arranged to be 16.5 mm to 26.0 mm, and weight of the shaft is arranged to be 30 g to 55 g. Low bend point rate determined by a formula {backward flex/(forward flex+backward flex)}.times.100 is set to be 55% to 61%.

Abstract: A lightweight shaft 22 includes a plurality of non-metallic fibers 42, 63, 66 and 70 arranged in prescribed orientations from one end of the shaft to the other and carried by a cured plastic material 103. Additional fibers 82 and 84 are carried by the cured plastic material 103 and are located at a butt end 28 of the shaft 22 to form a strengthening band 104 which precludes splitting and cracking of the shaft at the butt end. A lightweight filler element 106, which is composed of a rigid foam material, is located within a portion 27a of an opening 27 at a tip end 30 of the shaft 22 to strengthen the tip end.

Abstract: A golf club is composed of a tapered shaft, a grip fastened at one end of the shaft, and a head fastened at another end of the shaft. The shaft is reinforced by a ridged structure consisting of at least two ridges extending along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A tubular member for use as a fishing rod, a golf club shaft or the like, in which the member is formed of a plurality of layers containing carbon fiber impregnated with resin, with the layers being overlaid one on another. According to the present invention, the tubular member includes an inner layer formed of carbon fiber and resin and configured into a tubular shape, an intermediate layer including a plurality of layers formed of carbon fiber and resin, and an outer layer formed of carbon fiber and resin and configured into a tubular shape. At least one of the plurality of layers together forming the intermediate layer contains pitch type carbon fiber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved fishing rod blank having increased hoop strength and a visually unique and appealing appearance. The rod blank of the instant invention incorporates non-woven materials to achieve increased flexibility hoop strength and improved visual appearance. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, non-woven materials are applied to unidirectional prepreg materials during the prepregging process to form a co-plied unidirectional and non-woven preimpregnated fibrous composite material that is used to form the fishing rod blank. In another embodiment, the non-woven material is applied to the outermost layer of the rod in a finishing step to enhance the appearance of the rod. The appearance is further enhanced when the underlying material and a woven outer layer of the blank have contrasting colors. In an alternative embodiment, the innermost layer of the rod blank is formed of a non-woven material.

Abstract: A golf club shaft including a tip section, a grip section, a main body section and a vibration control section. The vibration control section prevents first harmonic vibrations, second harmonic vibrations, third harmonic vibrations, and so on from be transmitted to the hands of the golfer after impact.

Abstract: A golf club is composed of an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is tapered in shape and is composed of a plurality of first and second fiber braids. The outer tube is made of a plurality of third fiber braids and wound around the inner tube to reinforce the structural strength of the edge of the plastic composite which forms the inner tube. The overall structural strength of the golf club is further enhanced by a netted outer tube made of a plurality of fourth and fifth fiber braids. The netted outer tube also serves to smooth the outer surface of the golf club.

Abstract: A composite shaft having an integral grip. The shaft comprises a plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet molded into a tubular shaft body. The shaft body has a grip directly molded on one end which may include a grip geometry and/or an ornamental pattern. To manufacture the shaft, plies of pre-preg may be wrapped around a bladder-covered mandrel in a predetermined manner and placed in a mold. The mold defines a cavity including, if desired, a selected grip geometry and/or ornamental design. The bladder is inflated, forcing the plies of pre-preg against the wall of the mold, and the mold is heated for a selected time to cure the plies. The grip of the shaft may be covered with a light coating material, providing a rubber-like feel.

Abstract: A golf club shaft which can enhance the directivity of a golf ball. In the golf club shaft, the kick point and the position at which the torsional rigidity in the circumferential direction is lowest are set at a position distant from the front end portion of the shaft by 30 to 50% with respect to the overall length of the shaft and made to coincide substantially with each other.

Abstract: A golf club shaft having a stiffness control section between the grip section and the main body section. The stiffness control section includes a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The circumference of the first tapered portion increases from the proximal end to the distal end thereof and the circumference of the second tapered portion decreases from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.

Abstract: A composite shaft used in the manufacture of golf clubs includes a straight shaft of tapered form extending between an upper butt end a lower tip end. A radially outwardly protruding bulge section is located on the shaft with the bulge section being spaced from both the tip end of the shaft and the butt end of the shaft. The bulge section has a relatively short length compared to the length of the shaft and is located on the shaft to begin in the lower 1/3 of the shaft length.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf club shaft which comprises an upper section, a tip section, and a lower section therebetween. The tip section connects with a golf club head. The lower section includes a first tapered section and a hump section. The first tapered section is connected between the tip section and the hump section. The first tapered section increases in diameter in a direction away from the tip section. The hump section has a diameter that decreases in a direction away from the tip section, which is a reverse taper. The lower and upper sections are shaped so that the lower section is stiffer than the upper section.

Abstract: A stepped golf club shaft with cylindrical segments joined by conical bands. The shaft is a composite with longitudinal and helical reinforcing fibers. The majority of the longitudinal fibers are located within the inner half of the shaft sidewall thickness, and the helical fibers are located within the outer half. A cutting tool is inserted into the bore of the hollow shaft and severs some of the longitudinal fibers to reduce the shaft stiffness, and therefore the natural frequency of oscillation, of the shaft.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of club shafts for an individually matched set of golf clubs is provided herein. The method includes using a specifically designed and separate mandrel for each club shaft of the matched set. Further, the method includes sequentially wrapping a specifically designed and separate group of patterns around each mandrel for each club shaft of the matched set. This procedure allows the manufacturer to specifically design each club shaft of the set of golf clubs. The resulting individually matched set of golf clubs has more consistent feel, flexure, frequency, weighting and torque characteristics. Additionally, the club shafts provided herein have improved swing weight characteristics for lighter heads.

Abstract: A golf club shaft comprises three interconnected tubular members whose diameters, flexional rigidities, lengths, materials, etc. are selected to make the golf club shaft more flexible near a club head or a club grip or at a middle portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club shaft ensuring improved durability and stability in direction in which a golf ball travels, irrespective of the intensity of a golfer's force.The diameter of a main pipe (3) is enlarged over the entire length thereof to such an extent as to allow a suppression of flexure at the time of a swing. From a head side end (4) to a grip side end (5), the main pipe (3) is configured to be tapered or straight within a range of 0/1000 to 5/1000. The main pipe (3) is fashioned into a reversely tapered golf club shaft (1), a straight golf club shaft (11) or a positively tapered golf club shaft (21).

Abstract: A golf club 10 includes a shaft 12 with a grip 18 assembled on a butt end 20 of the shaft. A club head 22 is mounted on a tip end 24 of the shaft 12. The shaft 12 is composed of a non-metallic material, such as fibers in a cured plastic matrix, and is formed with an tapered intermediate section 26. The section 26 includes two segments 28 and 30 which taper at different taper rates. A bulge 32 is formed in the shaft 12 near an inboard extremity of the tip end 24. The bulge 32 is formed with a central cylindrical section 34 and transition sections 36 and 38 on opposite axial ends of the central section. The diameter of the bulge 32 at any cross section thereof is greater than the diameter of the immediately adjacent portions of the shaft 12. Also, the bulge 32 is formed with an axial opening 16, the diameter of which is less than the diameter of the immediately adjacent portions of the shaft 12.

Abstract: A golf club is formed of a plurality of unit members of a plastic composite material reinforced by fiber braids. The unit members are tubular in shape and are connected end to end such that their axes are aligned and that the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the golf club are progressively increased in a steplike manner from the small end of the golf club towards the large end of the golf club.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-use golf club which allows a user to select a long or short shot without changing the dynamics of the user's golf swing. This is accomplished with a hand grip having at least two hand grip position designations located thereon, each hand grip designation defining a different set of golf club characteristics. During use, characteristics associated with a long shot are exhibited when the user's grip is positioned adjacent one hand grip designation, and characteristics associated with a short shot are exhibited when the users's grip is positioned adjacent the other hand grip designation. Additionally, the present invention implements a variable diameter golf club shaft which is uniquely calibrated for users having reduced club head speed swings such as junior and senior golfers. The solid core shaft of the present invention has a preselected taper portion and flex point adjustably located intermediate the top and bottom ends of the shaft.

Abstract: Improved methods for manufacturing a shaft for a golf club, devices useful in such methods, and golf club shafts manufactured in accordance with such methods. A plug is detachably affixed to a distal end of a mandrel. A plurality of plies of pre-preg composite sheet are wrapped around the mandrel and plug and, thereafter, heated causing the resin comprising the various plies to be cured. The mandrel is then removed from the formed shaft, leaving the plug as an integral part of the distal tip of the shaft.

Abstract: A golf club shaft including a tip section, a grip section, and a main body section extending from the proximal end of the tip section to the distal end of the grip section. The slope of a first portion of the outer surface of the main body wall is different than the slope of a second portion.

Abstract: A golf club shaft that is light in weight but which avoids problems related to a bending deformation of the section where these phenomena might otherwise occur. The bending strength of the shaft in the area sensitive to these phenomena is improved and the flexional and torsional stiffness characteristics are not significantly affected. Further, the mass and the mass distribution of the shaft are not significantly affected. According to one embodiment, the golf club shaft is tubular and includes a variable cross section along its length. The shaft has an enlarged butt at one end an a smaller radius tip at the opposite end. The shaft includes several layers of reinforcing fibers having different orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis, at least one of the layers being oriented at, or approximately at, 90.degree. with respect to the longitudinal axis at least over a portion of the shaft where the external radius/thickness ratio is greater than or equal to 4.

Abstract: A lightweight shaft 22 of generally tubular configuration, for with a golf club 20, is formed with a first layer 34 of a non-metallic composite material of a given density including graphite fibers 86 and cured epoxy resin 86. A second layer 38 of the shaft 22 is composed of a two foam half-forms 124, or a foam full-form 142, having a density which is lower than the given density and which are located around at least a portion of the length of the first layer 34. A third layer 40 of the shaft 22 is also composed of a non-metallic composite material including graphite fibers 86 and cured epoxy resin 86 which is located around the second layer 38 of the shaft 22. A portion of the third layer 38 is also located about the first layer 34 at a tip end 30 of the shaft 22.

Abstract: The invention is directed to manipulator assembly (2) for holding and manipulating a surgical instrument (14) in a telerobotic system. The assembly comprises a base (6) fixable by passive or power driven positioning devices to a surface, such as an operating table, and an instrument holder (4) movably mounted on the base. The instrument holder comprises a chassis (6) and an instrument support (70) movably mounted on the body and having an interface engageable with the surgical instrument to releasably mount the instrument to the instrument holder. A drive assembly (7) is operatively coupled to the instrument holder for providing the instrument with at least two degrees of freedom. The instrument holder is separable from the base and the drive assembly so that the holder can be sterilized. The assembly further includes a force sensing element (52) mounted distal to the holder and the drive assembly for detecting forces exerted on the surgical instrument and providing feedback to the surgeon.

Abstract: An improved composite golf club shaft and method for its manufacture, and an improved club incorporating the shaft. The shaft includes a first elongate segment for mounting the golf club head and a second elongate frustoconical segment for gripping. The first segment is formed by wrapping sheet material around a substantially cylindrical mandrel, and the second elongate frustoconical segment is formed therearound to produce a smoothly tapering exterior surface of the shaft having an abrupt interior region of joinder between the segments. Such joinder preferably is approximately one-third of the way between the gripping end and the head-mounting end of the shaft. The shaft tapers such that its head-mounting end is less than approximately one-third the diameter of the gripping end. Greatly improved torque and drive distance are achievable with a club made with the shaft. The shaft is also lighter and capable of being used without the addition of a grip.

Abstract: A lightweight shaft 22 of generally tubular configuration, for use with a golf club 20, is formed with a first layer 34 of a non-metallic composite material of a given density including graphite fibers 86 and cured epoxy resin 86. A second layer 38 of the shaft 22 is composed of a two foam half-forms 124, or a foam full-form 142, having a density which is lower than the given density and which are located around at least a portion of the length of the first layer 34. A third layer 40 of the shaft 22 is also composed of a non-metallic composite material including graphite fibers 86 and cured epoxy resin 86 which is located around the second layer 38 of the shaft 22. A portion of the third layer 38 is also located about the first layer 34 at a tip end 30 of the shaft 22.

Abstract: A composite shaft used in the manufacture of golf clubs includes a straight shaft of tapered form extending between an upper butt end a lower tip end. A radially outwardly protruding bulge section is located on the shaft with the bulge section being spaced from both the tip end of the shaft and the butt end of the shaft. The bulge section has a relatively short length compared to the length of the shaft and is located on the shaft to begin in the lower 1/3 of the shaft length.

Abstract: Disclosed is a golf club comprising a shaft having a longitudinal axis. On the shaft is a hosel, and a head is securable on the hosel. When the head is secured on the hosel it may be used to strike a golf ball. The head is slidably adjustable along at least a portion of the hosel to a selected distance from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Preferably, the selected distance may be greater than the diameter of the golf ball.

Abstract: A tubular member for use as a fishing rod, a golf club shaft or the like, in which the member is formed of a plurality of layers containing carbon fiber impregnated with resin, with the layers being overlaid one on another. According to the present invention, the tubular member includes an inner layer formed of carbon fiber and resin and configured into a tubular shape, an intermediate layer including a plurality of layers formed of carbon fiber and resin, and an outer layer formed of carbon fiber and resin and configured into a tubular shape. At least one of the plurality of layers together forming the intermediate layer contains pitch type carbon fiber.

Abstract: A golf club shaft including a base rod and a hosel section of a substantially uniform predetermined thickness extending radially outwardly from a portion of club head end of the base rod. The length of hosel section is substantially greater than the length of the club head hosel recess into which the shaft will be inserted.

Abstract: Tubular golf club shaft made from composite materials comprising layers of fibers impregnated with plastic resin and provided over its length with at least one area of enlargement and/or narrowing. The curve of generation of the internal diameter of the shaft as a function of its length beginning at the point of the smallest internal diameter and extending to at least one of the ends of the shaft incorporates at least one decreasing portion.

Abstract: A substantially tubular rigid golf club shaft made of a composite of structural fiber laminate in a resin matrix, the shaft comprising a grip portion, a medial portion and a head attachment portion,the grip portion having a upper grip end and a lower grip end and being constructed and configured for a grip to be mounted on said grip portion that covers the exterior surface of the grip portion and extends substantially the entire length of said grip portion from said upper grip end to said lower grip end,the medial portion having a upper medial end adjacent to the lower grip end and extending a lower medial end adjacent to the head attachment portion,the head attachment portion having a upper head attachment end and a lower head attachment end with the upper head attachment end adjacent to the lower medial end, the head attachment portion constructed and configured for a golf club head to be mounted on said head attachment portion,a step transition in the exterior surface of the shaft that abruptly increases t

Abstract: A golf club shaft is formed of a fiber-reinforced plastic is disclosed which has a constant inside diameter of at least 7 mm between the tip end and a point G1 and a varying inside diameter increasing from the point G1 to a point G2, wherein G1 and G2 are located at positions spaced apart from the tip end distances equal to 20-50% and 70-100% of the length of the shaft, respectively. The shaft has a constant outer diameter of at least 8 mm between the tip end and a point H1 which is spaced apart from the tip end a distance equal to 20-170 mm, a varying outer diameter decreasing from H1 a point F1 which is spaced apart from the tip end a distance equal to 10-45% of the shaft, a constant diameter from F1 to a point F2 which is spaced apart from F1 a distance equal to 0-300 mm and a varying outer diameter increasing from F2 to a point H2 which is spaced apart from the grip end a distance equal to 0-300 mm.

Abstract: A main body of a hollow cylindrical member is formed of a wound preimpregnation sheet made of reinforcing fibers impregnated with synthetic resins. A synthetic resins layer with a metallic member is provided onto an outer periphery of the main body for reinforcing and/or decorative property. The metallic member is in the form of a thin film bonded to an outer periphery of the synthetic resins layer or a net-like metallic member embedded in the layer.