Shaft Structure with Configurable Bending Profile
A shaft structure with a configurable bending profile is provided for golf clubs, fishing rods, and the like. The shaft structure employs a plurality of tensioned sections. The golfer, in practice, configures the bending profile of a golf shaft by adjusting the internal pressure of the sections in order to change the stiffness of that section. The combination of sections and their associated stiffness results in an advantageous bending profile. The golfer can, at any time and very easily, change the bending profile of the golf shaft.
This invention relates to shafts for golf clubs, fishing rods and the like; and more particularly where the overall bending profile of these devices can be configured by the golfer or user to match physical abilities.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONGolf shafts and fishing poles are typically manufactured with a predetermined bending profile. The “bending profile” of a golf shaft refers to a distinct flex pattern that a conventional golf shaft exhibits when subjected to a force. The flex pattern is typically measured as the amount of deflection the shaft experiences when the shaft is positioned horizontally and subjected to a constant force. Presently, golf shafts are mass produced with a predefined and fixed bending profile without regard for a golfer's individual swing mechanics. Typically, these parameters are designed in an attempt to accommodate a vast multitude of golfers.
Previous knowledge of golf shaft dynamics resulted in a general understanding that the stiffness of a golf shaft played a role in the performance of a golf club. However, it has been discovered that the overall bending profile of the shaft has much more to do with the performance of a golf club than merely its overall stiffness. The bending profile directly contributes to ball launch angle and spin, both of which can directly affect shot distance and accuracy. Additionally, the bending profile can influence club-head reaction and orientation before the clubface makes contact with the ball.
Prevailing weather conditions can also affect optimum ball flight. For example, on a windy day, a golfer might choose to reconfigure their shaft for a bending profile that promotes a lower penetrating ball flight which reduces the affects of the wind. Conversely, on a day with little or no wind, a golfer may choose to configure the bending profile to promote a higher launch angle.
Various proposals to provide variable stiffness for a golf club shaft (or even a fishing pole) have previously been made that involve using a hollow shaft charged with a gas or liquid fluid that can be pressurized and by mechanical devices such as rods, jackscrews and the like. Increasing the fluid pressure in the shaft increases the shaft stiffness. Increasing the length of the rod increases the tension and hence shaft stiffness.
Such pressurizable shafts are illustrated, for example, by Menzies U.S. Pat. No. 1,831,255, Sears U.S. Pat. No. 2,432,450, Busch U.S. Pat. No. 3,037,775, Burrough U.S. Pat. No. 4,800,668 (a fishing rod), Simmons U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,300, Koch et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,625, Painter U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,693 and Qualizza U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,365.
So far as is known, these variable stiffness, hollow shaft structures of the prior art do not address changing a shaft's bending profile but rather have defined a device which indiscriminately promotes a stiffness change across the entire shaft and never addresses the ability to adjust the bending characteristics of the golf shaft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn order for a golf club to be effective and ultimately configured for a golfer by the golfer without requiring the golfer to have intimate knowledge or club-building skills, the present invention provides for a device whose performance characteristics can be easily changed to accommodate the golfer's abilities for any given day any given weather condition and course conditions as well.
The present invention overcomes the inability of prior art shafts to create a unique bending profile. A shaft is provided which can be easily configured to create a variable bending profile that matches the golfer's abilities so as to maximize both shot accuracy and distance.
More particularly, this invention relates to a shaft structure for golf clubs, fishing poles and like apparatus incorporating a variable, configurable bending profile shaft structure. The shaft structure consists of a plurality of sections which may be individually stiffened by virtue of applying a tension force to each individual section. The variable, configurable bending profile shaft does not require special tools or skills to affect the configuring of the bending profile.
By adjusting the tension force in each of the sections and hence the stiffness of each section the golfer is able to accurately “tune” the bending profile of the shaft in order to maximize their skill level.
One object of the present invention is to provide a shaft structure which allows a golfer to change the tension force of individual sections that in-turn changes the stiffness of the section and hence that portion of the golf shaft that is defined by the section.
Another object allows for tuning golf shaft performance by creating a flex profile that results from the cooperation of a multitude of sections under tension. Each section under tension has a unique stiffness that is directly related to the amount of tension applied to a section. Increasing the tension increases the stiffness and reducing the tension reduces the stiffness.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a shaft structure that has a selectable bending profile. Hence, a single assembled shaft structure can replace many different combinations and permutations of golf shafts, golf clubs, and manufacturing procedures and can avoid the need for large inventories of golf clubs with golf club shafts pre-set to different stiffness values, thereby effecting a saving of what would otherwise be an expenditure of substantial amounts of money.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf club shaft structure which allows a golfer to customize the bending profile of each shaft of a set of clubs, or of a fishing pole, according to his ability or wishes without being dependent upon the shaft stiffness that happens to result from shaft manufacturing procedures as in the prior art.
Other and further objects, aims, features, advantages, applications, embodiments and the like regarding the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the present specification, attached drawings, and appended claims.
The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
Tensioned section 22 may be affixed at one end of a conventional club head 30 (not detailed structurally) and tensioned section 24 connects at one end to a circumferentially extending, conventional golf grip 25 (not detailed structurally).
Tensioned section 22 defines a section of the shaft structure 21 which is typically referred to as the tip section; tension section 23 is often referred to as the mid section of the shaft structure 21 and tensioned section 24 is often referred to as the butt section of the shaft structure 21.
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Configuring a unique bending profile is defined by the pressure in each individual section 22, 23 and 24 which in-turn creates a unique axial tension force in each section 22, 23 and 24 which further promotes a stiffness in each section 22, 23 and 24 that is unique to that section. Piston units 26 and 29 are sufficiently small enough and strategically placed so as to accurately control the position and length of the individual sections 22, 23 and 24. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a plurality of sections may be incorporated into the present invention as well as further means to ideally locate and define each section and that doing so does not deviate from the scope or the spirit of the present invention.
As an alternative, a spline section similar in design to spline sections 64 and 84 may run the entire length of shaft structure 21. In this manner sections 22, 23 and 24 can be defined to be a large or as small as the golfer may favor. Additionally, those skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude of locking device may be discovered to lock both piston units 26 and 29. As well piston unit 31 may be served by a multitude of different devices and that such devices does not deviate from the scope nor the spirit of the current invention.
In practice and when a golfer chooses to adjust the bending profile the golfer will first loosen stay collars 58 and 78 for piston units 26 and 29 respectively. The golfer then turns jackscrew 43 via a hex wrench. Clockwise movement of jackscrew 43 causes piston 33 of piston unit 31 to move downward (with reference to
After configuring the stiffness in tip section 22 the golfer then adjusts the stiffness in mid section 23 by either turning jackscrew 43 clockwise to increase the pressure in mid section 23 or counter-clockwise to decrease the pressure. If an increase in stiffness for mid section 23 is required turning jackscrew clockwise further compresses fluid 37 which then exerts further pressure on piston unit 26 causing it to move downward. Further downward movement of piston unit 26 compresses fluid 35. Since piston unit 29 is now locked in position pressure builds within mid section 23. If a decrease in stiffness for mid section 23 is required turning jackscrew counter-clockwise will decompress fluid 37 which then reduces pressure on piston unit 26 causing it to move upward. Upward movement of piston unit 26 increases the volume within mid section 23 and therefore reduces the pressure which necessarily reduces the axial force and, hence, the stiffness. Movement of piston unit 26 continues until the required stiffness is achieved as indicated by stiffness indicator 60 and as viewed through window 10 located in shaft structure 21. At this time stay collar 58 is tightened thereby restricting further movement of piston unit 26. Therefore, a unique mid section 23 is defined by locked piston unit 26 and 29. Mid section 23 then experiences a unique and isolated pressure. The unique pressure facilitates a unique stiffness within mid section 23.
Further turning of jackscrew 42 facilitates the final adjustment of butt section 24. Turning jackscrew 43 clockwise serves to compress fluid 37 while turning jackscrew counter-clockwise serves to decompress fluid 37. Since piston unit 26 is now locked in place pressure in butt section 24 will proportionately increase/decrease which serves to change the axially force upon the butt section 24 of shaft 21 which is defined at the proximal end by piston unit 31 and at the distal end by piston unit 26. Stiffness indication of the butt section is indicated by indicator 41 as viewed through window 12 of shaft structure 21.
Given the ability to configure the stiffness of individual shaft 21 sections, a substantial bending profile can be obtained. For instance, if one were to desire a mid kick-point shaft structure 21with a “soft tip” tip section 22 will require a pressure less than butt section 24. However, because of the need for a mid kick tip section 22 pressure would be greater than mid section 23. In this configuration stiffness indicators would reveal, as an example, 9, 5, 6 for sections 24, 23 and 22 respectively. Conversely, if one requires a low kick-point tip section 22 pressure would be less than both mid section 23 and butt section 24 pressure. Requiring a high kick-point would necessarily dictate pressure in tip section 22 and mid section 23 be greater than pressure in butt section 24.
Although in the preferred embodiment three tensioned sections are shown those skilled in the art will readily recognize and appreciate that a plurality of tensioned sections can be used and in doing so does not deviate from the scope and the spirit of the present invention.
Claims
1. A configurable bending shaft structure comprising a plurality of sections including a first section having a first stiffness and a second section having a second stiffness.
2. The shaft structure as in claim 1 wherein said first and second sections are tensioned by a tensioning apparatus.
3. The shaft structure as in claim 2 wherein said tension serves to stiffen said first and second sections.
4. The shaft structure as in claim 2 wherein said tensioning apparatus is comprised of a compressed fluid.
5. A shaft structure as in claim 4, wherein said compressed fluid is pressurized by a first pressurizing apparatus to adjust said tension.
6. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein said first pressurizing apparatus includes a first piston.
7. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein said pressurizing apparatus includes a first biasing apparatus to adjust said pressure of said compressed fluid.
8. A shaft structure as in claim 5, wherein the shaft structure includes a second pressurizing apparatus having a second piston.
9. A shaft structure as in claim 8, wherein said second pressurizing apparatus includes a second biasing apparatus to adjust a second pressure.
10. A shaft structure as in claim 1, wherein the shaft structure is connected to a golf club.
11. A shaft structure as in claim 1, wherein the shaft structure connected to a fishing rod.
12. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure, comprising the steps of:
- setting the first stiffness of a first section;
- setting the second stiffness of a second section;
13. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 12 wherein said first section and said second section is a fluid-filled chamber.
14. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 13, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting said first stiffness of said first section by changing a first pressure by a first apparatus.
15. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 13, wherein the method includes the step of adjusting said second stiffness of said second section by changing a second pressure by a second apparatus.
16. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 14, wherein said first apparatus includes a first piston.
17. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 14, wherein said first apparatus includes a first biasing apparatus to adjust said first pressure.
18. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 15, wherein said second apparatus includes a second piston.
19. A method for configuring a configurable bending shaft structure as in claim 15, wherein said second apparatus includes a second biasing apparatus to adjust said second pressure.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 1, 2007
Publication Date: May 7, 2009
Inventor: Gregory K. Qualizza (Orland Park, IL)
Application Number: 11/933,822
International Classification: A63B 53/10 (20060101);