WEIGHTED GOLF CLUB

Abstract

In an embodiment, a golf club driver includes a club head and a shaft attached to the club head. In a particular embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the club head to the weight of the shaft is within the range of approximately 1.2 to approximately 1.6.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments relate to golf clubs, and in an embodiment, but not by way of limitation, to weighted golf clubs.

BACKGROUND

Golf training aids are designed to improve a player's game primarily by adding distance to the player's golf shots and/or increasing the accuracy of the player's golf shots. One type of training aid involves adding one or more weights to a golf club. In the past, when drivers and other woods (now referred to as metals) were actually made out of wood, weight could be added to such clubs by drilling holes into the wooden club head and then filling the holes with lead. More recently, with the advent of hollow aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel driver heads, weight has been added to drivers for training purposes by placing a weighted ring over the club grip, down the shaft, and onto the top surface of the club head. This is not dissimilar in concept to the weighted donut that baseball players use in connection with baseball bats. Adding lead tape to the outside of a driver club head to increase the weight of the club has also been tried. Similarly, weight has been added to a golf club shaft for training purposes by adding lead tape to the outside of the shaft, adding lead powder or pellets to the inside of the shaft, or making the shaft out of a completely solid steel material.

All of these prior methods however suffer from one or more disadvantages. Since wooden drivers and wooden clubs are not manufactured much anymore, drilling out and filling such a club head with lead is no longer a viable option. Placing a weighted ring on a club gives the club an unnatural feel, and the presence of the ring on the club makes it difficult to hit a golf ball with the club. Placing lead tape on a club head is highly inaccurate, temporary, and imparts an imbalance to the club head which takes away the natural feel of a club and makes it difficult to hit a ball with that club. Therefore, it is not all that surprising that such training aids are not that popular or prevalent among players at the present time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a golf club.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate cross section views of an example embodiment of a golf club head.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a golf club shaft.

FIG. 4 is a table containing example dimensions of a golf club shaft.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a golf club driver includes a club head and a shaft attached to the club head. In a particular embodiment, the ratio of the weight of the club head to the weight of the shaft is within the range of approximately 1.2 to approximately 1.6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that the various embodiments of the invention, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the location or arrangement of individual elements within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, appropriately interpreted, along with the full range of equivalents to which the claims are entitled. In the drawings, like numerals refer to the same or similar functionality throughout the several views.

Referring to FIG. 1, an example embodiment of a golf club driver is illustrated. While the present disclosure uses as an example a golf club driver, embodiments also include other driver-like clubs that are referred to as metals by those of skill in the art. Moreover, as used in the written description and the claims of this document, the term “driver” is meant to include golf clubs referred to as metals (formerly referred to as “woods”). Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a driver (or other metal ) 100 including a club head 110, a shaft 120, and a grip 130. The club head 110 is attached to the shaft 120 via an adhesive and/or a ferrule 125 as is known in the art. The club head 110 includes a front face (or hitting surface) 112, a top surface 114, and a bottom surface 116. In several embodiments, a ratio of the weight of the club head 110 to a weight of the shaft 120 ranges from approximately 1.2 to 1.6. In several specific embodiments, the club head 110 ranges in weight from approximately 240 grams to approximately 450 grams, and the shaft 120 ranges in weight from approximately 175 grams to approximately 250 grams.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross section views of an embodiment of a golf club head. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, like reference numerals refer to like portions of the club head. Referring specifically to FIG. 2A, and as previously disclosed, the club head 110 includes a front face (or striking surface) 112, a top surface 114, and a bottom surface 116. As can be seen in the cross sections of FIGS. 2A and 2B, the front face, top surface, and bottom surface are joined together at seams 140. The club head may be made out of several materials including aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. The shaft 120 is also visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and as can be seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shaft 120 is hollow. In an embodiment, the shaft 120 may be made out of steel or a steel alloy.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a golf club shaft 300. The shaft 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of sections 310A-310M. In other embodiments, there may be more or less sections depending on the length of the shaft. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the section 310A at the butt end 320 of the shaft and the section 310M at the tip end 330 of the shaft are somewhat longer than the other sections. The shaft 300 is hollow throughout its length, with the inside and outside diameters of the shaft decreasing from the butt end 320 to the tip end 330. FIG. 4 discloses several specific examples of inside and outside diameters of the shaft (in inches) for shafts that weigh approximately 175, 190, 200, and 250 grams. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the inside and outside diameters at the butt end 320 are greater than the inside and outside diameters at the tip end 330. FIG. 4 further illustrates that in these embodiments the wall thickness of the shaft at the butt end 320 is less than the wall thickness of the shaft at the tip end 330. It should be noted that the numbers listed in FIG. 4 are only examples and are only approximate. Other inside diameters, outside diameters, and shaft wall thicknesses could be used and still maintain the benefits of the golf club of the present disclosure. In another embodiment, the shaft 300 does not have identifiable sections such as 310A-310M as illustrated in FIG. 3. Rather, such a shaft may be similar to the shaft 120 illustrated in FIG. 1. In a shaft without sections such as illustrated in FIG. 1, the inside and outside diameters of the shaft at the butt end, like the shaft 300 in FIG. 3, are greater than the inside and outside diameters of the shaft at the tip end.

In an embodiment such as that depicted in FIG. 2A, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 5.9 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 2.8 mm, and the bottom surface may have a thickness of approximately 2.9 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head, such as the one depicted in FIG. 2A, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, and manufactured out of aluminum, would weigh approximately 310 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 225 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.24.

In another embodiment such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 5.9 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 1.9 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.9 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head such as that depicted in FIG. 2A, with the thicknesses as just indicated, and manufactured out of aluminum, would weigh approximately 275 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 200 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.38.

FIG. 2B illustrates another embodiment. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, a weight 150 is added to the club head. FIG. 2B shows the added weight attached to the inside surface of the bottom surface 116. However, in other embodiments, the added weight 150 may be attached to one or more of the other inside wall surfaces of the club head 110. The weight may be a separate piece and attached to an inside wall of the club head via an adhesive, or the weight 150 may be an integral part of the club head. In an embodiment such as the one depicted in FIG. 2B, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 6.2 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 2.9 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.95 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head as depicted in FIG. 2B, when manufactured out of aluminum, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, and the additional weight 150, would weigh approximately 350 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 250 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.40.

In another embodiment such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 6.1 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 2.85 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.9 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, when manufactured out of aluminum, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, and the additional weight 150, would weigh approximately 400 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 250 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.60.

In yet another embodiment such as the embodiment depicted in 2B, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 6.2 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 2.85 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.9 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, when manufactured out of aluminum, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, and the added weight 150, would weigh approximately 450 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 250 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.80.

In another embodiment such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 5 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 1.6 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.3 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, when manufactured out of aluminum, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, would weigh approximately 240 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 175 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.37.

In yet another embodiment such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, the front face 112 may have a thickness of approximately 6.2 mm, the top surface 114 may have a thickness of approximately 2.2 mm, and the bottom surface 116 may have a thickness of approximately 2.3 mm. These wall thicknesses are greater than the wall thicknesses of club heads known in the art. A club head such as the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2A, when manufactured out of aluminum, with the approximate thicknesses as just indicated, would weigh approximately 260 grams, and when attached to a shaft that weighs approximately 190 grams, such a club would have a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.37.

The unique ratios of the weight of a driver (or metal) club head to a weight of a golf club shaft (as implemented in the disclosed several embodiments), along with the overall increased weight of the club as compared to clubs in the prior art, impart several novel advantages over golf clubs known in the art. Club heads of the prior art typically weigh approximately 200 grams, and club shafts of the prior art typically weigh approximately 110 grams, resulting in a club head weight to shaft weight ratio of approximately 1.82. By comparison, as disclosed above, in one or more embodiments as illustrated by example in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the club head ranges in weight from approximately 240 grams to approximately 400 grams, and the shaft ranges in weight from approximately 175 grams to 250 grams. Consequently, embodiments of the present disclosure are heavier than golf clubs known in the art and have a lower club head weight to shaft weight ratio ranging from approximately 1.2 to approximately 1.6.

These novel club head weight to shaft weight ratios impart several unique advantages to a user of such a club. While in an embodiment, such a club normally functions as a training club to be used on a practice range, the several embodiments are not so limited, and may be used during an actual round of golf. In general, when used on the driving range, the heavier weight of the club acts to strengthen the muscles used in a player's golf swing. And in contrast to conventional weight training, wherein muscles are strengthened but not in connection with the motion of a golf swing, the several embodiments strengthen the muscles in connection with a player's golf swing. Moreover, while embodiments are heavier than conventional golf drivers and other metals, the embodiments are not so heavy that they adversely effect a player's golf swing. An additional advantage of the added weight is that for those golfers who have a quick transition from the back swing to the foreswing, the added weight slows down that transition. By slowing down a golfer's transition from backswing to foreswing, a golfer is more likely to maintain his swing plane, which will result in greater accuracy to the golfer's shots. The heavier weight of the club also assists a golfer in perfecting the timing of the release of the club head. The release of the club head is the point at which the wrists unhinge to deliver maximum force to the golf ball. Through the use of the heavier club, the release is delayed until the last moment, thereby resulting in maximum club head speed to the swing. Additionally, whether used on the practice range before a round of golf, or used during a round of golf (e.g., on a particular hole in which distance off the tee is not so crucial), the subsequent use of a lighter conventional club will then result in greater club head speed, which in turn will result in greater distance to a player's drive.

In the foregoing detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features are grouped together in one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments of the invention require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

The abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b) to allow a reader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Claims

1. A golf club driver comprising:

a substantially hollow club head; and

a shaft, said shaft comprising a butt end and a tip end;

wherein said club head is coupled to said shaft at said tip end; and

wherein a ratio of a weight of said club head to a weight of said shaft comprises a range of approximately 1.2 to approximately 1.6.

2. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 400 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 250 grams.

3. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 350 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 250 grams.

4. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 310 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 225 grams.

5. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 275 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 200 grams.

6. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 260 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 190 grams.

7. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head weighs approximately 240 grams and said shaft weighs approximately 175 grams.

8. The driver of claim 1, wherein said ratio of a weight of said club head to a weight of said shaft comprises less than 1.2.

9. The driver of claim 1, further comprising a grip, said grip coupled to said shaft at said butt end of said shaft.

10. The driver of claim 1, wherein said club head comprises one or more of aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel, and said shaft comprises one or more of steel and a steel alloy.

11. The driver of claim 1, wherein the combined weight of said club head and said shaft is greater than approximately 400 grams.

12. The driver of claim 1, further comprising a weight attached to an inside surface of the hollow club head.

13. A golf club driver comprising:

a substantially hollow club head; and

a shaft, said shaft comprising a butt end and a tip end, and said shaft further comprising a hollow longitudinal axis;

wherein said club head is coupled to said tip end of said shaft; and

wherein said club head comprises walls wherein a thickness of said walls ranges from approximately 1.6 mm to approximately 6.2 mm.

14. The driver of claim 13,

wherein a front face of said club head ranges in thickness from approximately 5 mm to approximately 6.2 mm;

wherein a top surface of said club head ranges in thickness from approximately 1.6 mm to approximately 2.9 mm; and

wherein a bottom surface of said club head ranges in thickness from approximately 2.3 mm to approximately 3 mm.

15. The driver of claim 13,

wherein the inside diameter of said tip end of said shaft ranges from approximately 0.25 mm to approximately 0.27 mm;

wherein the outside diameter of said tip end of said shaft ranges from approximately 0.33 mm to approximately 0.34 mm;

wherein the thickness of the shaft wall at said tip end ranges from approximately 0.066 mm to approximately 0.088 mm;

wherein the inside diameter of said butt end of said shaft ranges from approximately 0.53 mm to approximately 0.57 mm;

wherein the outside diameter of said butt end of said shaft ranges from approximately 0.58 mm to approximately 0.60 mm; and

wherein the thickness of the shaft wall at said butt end ranges from approximately 0.044 mm to approximately 0.063 mm.

16. The driver of claim 13, wherein said shaft comprises a plurality of sections, each section comprising a different inside and outer diameter.

17. The driver of claim 13, further comprising a grip, said grip coupled to said butt end of said shaft.

18. The driver of claim 13, wherein said club head comprises one or more of aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel, and said shaft comprises one or more of steel and a steel alloy.

19. A golf club driver comprising:

a substantially hollow club head; and

a shaft, said shaft comprising a butt end and a tip end;

wherein said club head is coupled to the tip end of said shaft;

wherein said club head ranges in weight from approximately 240 grams to approximately 450 grams; and

wherein said shaft ranges in weight from approximately 175 grams to approximately 250 grams.

20. The driver of claim 19, wherein a ratio of a weight of said club head to a weight of said shaft comprises a range of approximately 1.2 to 1.6.

21. The driver of claim 19, wherein said club head comprises one or more of aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel, and said shaft comprises one or more of steel and a steel alloy.

22. The golf club driver of claim 19, wherein the weights of said club head and said shaft perfect the timing of the release of said club head when said driver is swung by a golfer.