GOLF CLUB WITH INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD-SHAFT CONNECTION, COMPONENTS THEREFOR, AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING
A golf club, components therefore, and a method for manufacturing the components is disclosed herein. The golf club having removable components includes a club head, a shaft, and a connection assembly. The club head includes a hosel having an upper treaded portion and a lower portion with a ribbed cross-section. The connection assembly includes a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft and a screw-cap. The sleeve, which has an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft, includes a lower section that has a multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel. The screw-cap is mounted over the sleeve and includes a body having an upper area and a threaded area, the latter of which is capable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel to removably secure the shaft to the club head.
Latest CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY Patents:
- Putter With Adjustable Top Plate
- Golf Ball With Improved Durability
- Support structures for golf club heads and methods of manufacturing improved support structures
- Process for incorporating nanofiller masterbatch into a core of a golf ball
- Method And System For Utilizing Radio-Opaque Fillers In Multiple Layers Of Golf Balls
The Present Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/102,289, filed on Oct. 2, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a golf club having an improved connection for interchanging a shaft with a golf club head, components for the golf club, and a method of manufacturing the components.
2. Description of the Related Art
In order to improve their game, golfers often customize their equipment to fit their particular swing. Golf equipment manufacturers have responded by increasing the variety of clubs available to golfers. For example, a particular model of a driver-type golf club may be offered in several different loft angles and lie angles to suit a particular golfer's needs. In addition, golfers can choose shafts, whether metal or graphite, and adjust the length of the shaft to suit their swing. Golf clubs that allow shaft and club head components to be easily interchanged facilitate this customization process.
One example is Wheeler, U.S. Pat. No. 3,524,646 for a Golf Club Assembly. The Wheeler patent discloses a putter having a grip and a putter head, both of which are detachable from a shaft. Fastening members, provided on the upper and lower ends of the shaft, have internal threads, which engage the external threads provided on both the lower end of the grip and the upper end of the putter head shank to secure these components to the shaft. The lower portion of the shaft further includes a flange, which contacts the upper end of the putter head shank, when the putter head is coupled to the shaft.
Another example is Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,442 for Golf Clubs with Quick Release Heads. The Walker patent discloses a golf club in which the club head is secured to the shaft by a coupling rod and a quick release pin. The upper end of the coupling rod has external threads that and engage the internal threads formed in the lower portion of the shaft. The lower end of the coupling rod, which is inserted into the hosel of the club head, has diametric apertures that align with diametric apertures in the hosel to receive the quick release pin.
Still another example is Roark, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,673 for an Interchangeable Golf Club Head and Adjustable Handle System. The Roark patent discloses a golf club with a quick release for detaching a club head from a shaft. The quick release is a two-piece connector including a lower connector, which is secured in the hosel of the club head, and an upper connector, which is secured in the lower portion of the shaft. The upper connector has a pin and a ball catch that protrude radially outward from the lower end of the upper connector. The upper end of the lower connector has a slot formed therein for receiving the upper connector pin, and a separate hole for receiving the ball catch. When the shaft is coupled to the club head, the lower connector hole retains the ball catch to secure the shaft to the club head.
Two further examples are published applications to Burrows, U.S. Pub. Nos. 2004/0018886 and 2004/0018887, both of which are for a Temporary Golf Club Shaft-Component Connection. The Burrows applications disclose a temporary connection that includes an adapter insert, a socket member, and a mechanical fastener. The adapter insert, which is mounted on a shaft, includes a thrust flange. The socket member, which is mounted on the other golf club component (e.g., a club head), includes a thrust seat for seated reception of the thrust flange. The mechanical fastener (e.g., a compression nut or a lock bolt) removably interconnects the adapter insert and the socket member.
The prior art temporary head-shaft connections have several disadvantages. First, they require that the golf club head have a conventional hosel for attachment. Second, these connections add excessive weight to the club head, thereby minimizing the amount of discretionary mass that may be distributed in the club head to optimize mass properties. Third, the prior art connections offer small, faying surfaces for centering and reacting to bending moments.
Currently the time required to machine the existing geometry of an interior hosel is between 10-20 minutes depending on the set-up time of the machinist. The time and resources to set up the golf club head component for machining adds to the overall costs.
In the current method employed to machine the interior hosel hole geometry a ball end-mill cutter is used. The ball end-mill cutter spirals down the hosel hole in a constant X, Y, and Z axis positioning method which cuts the hosel hole geometry to the finished dimensions. This descending-spiraling method is slow and consequently costly due to the time required for the process.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA novel interior hosel geometry design of the present invention does not adversely affect the mating components used on a shaft nor the operation of a face component tooling or the cost of a raw, unfinished face component. The novel invention reduces the time required to machine the interior hosel surfaces of the face component and thereby increases throughput of the machining process and additionally reduces the cost per golf club head component. This is preferably accomplished by modifying the design of the interior hosel geometry, and the machining methods and cutters employed to finish the interior hosel surfaces to the desired dimensions.
The novel design of the internal geometry of the hosel hole preferably reduces the machining time by 65% or more.
The interior hosel geometry has been modified from three (3) flat triangular notched areas along the sides and bottom of the hosel hole oriented 120 degrees from each other radially around the centerline of the hosel axis to three (3) flat faced ribs protruding into the interior of the hosel hole along the sides and bottom of the hosel hole oriented 120 degrees from each other radially around the centerline of the hosel axis.
The novel interior hosel geometry allows for a novel method of finishing the hosel hole geometry. The novel machining method uses a primary cutting process of a form-cutter which is plunged into the hosel hole along the centerline of the hosel (Z-axis of mill) until it reaches the bottom of the hole. The form-cutter finishes all the circular cross-sectional areas of the interior of the hosel hole to final dimensions, then is retracted along the same Z-axis entry path. A secondary machining operation is employed by bringing an angled cutter down the centerline of the hosel hole (Z-axis) to the bottom of the hosel hole then it sweeps across the ribs in an X-Y plane leaving a planar face with the angled cutting face of the angled cutting tool defining the mating surface of the ribs that interface with the IMIX sleeve on the shaft. It is the combination of these two machining operations that greatly reduces the processing time over the current method of machining the interior hosel hole geometry with a ball end-mill cutter.
The novel geometry change of the rib design inside the hosel hole allows the machining operations to operate at a relatively high speed. Form and tapered cutters are used to obtain finished dimensions with a vast reduction in machining time over the previously used ball end-mill cutter method. The novel machining process eliminates the need for 3-axis NC cutting programs.
The novel process for cutting the geometry inside the hosel hole preferably uses Z axis positioning (depth) and then X-Y movements to generate the finished surfaces to the dimensions and tolerances specified.
The protruding flat surface (rib) design as an engagement solution provides both a friction fit based on the ribs tapered angle and the protrusion into the cylindrical hosel hole promotes a greater ease (improved machining time) of finishing with cutting tools.
The present invention provides an improved method for producing a club head-shaft connection for cost-effective customization of golf clubs, while providing golfers with golf clubs that provide optimal performance. The connection, which does not require the club head to have a conventional hosel, enables quick and reliable assembly and disassembly of a shaft from the club head.
Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
As shown in
The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,758,763 for a Multiple Material Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Number 7166038 for a Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,273,419 for a Multiple Material Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,428 for a Golf Club Head With A High Moment Of Inertia, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Body 26 is preferably composed of a metallic material, such as titanium, titanium alloy, stainless steel, or the like. Alternatively, body 26 may be composed of multiple materials, such as a metal face cup 27 attached to an aft-body composed of a different material, such as a carbon composite material, or a stainless steel body with a carbon composite crown. Body 26 preferably has a hollow interior and includes a hosel 38 for receiving shaft 24. Where body 26 is comprised of a cup face 27 and an aft-body, hosel 38 is provided in cup face 27. Hosel 38 is preferably an internal hosel that extends into body 26 with an opening 40 in crown portion 30. Alternatively, club head 22 may be provided with an external hosel (not shown) rather than an internal one.
The shaft 24 is preferably composed of a graphite material, however, the shaft 24 is alternatively composed of a metallic material, such as stainless steel or titanium. Alternatively, the shaft 24 is composed of a hybrid of graphite and metal. The shaft 24 is coupled to club head 22 using a connection assembly 44 that provides for easy assembly, disassembly and reassembly, thereby facilitating customization of golf club 20.
The connection assembly 44 preferably comprises a sleeve 46 and a screw-cap 48. Connection assembly 44 cooperates with hosel 38 of club head 22 to secure shaft 24 to club head 22. Sleeve 46 is mounted on a tip end 50 of shaft 24. Shaft 24 with sleeve 46 mounted thereon is then inserted in hosel 38 of club head 22. Screw-cap 48 secures sleeve 46 to hosel 38 to retain shaft 24 in connection with club head 22.
As best illustrated in
Upper threaded portion 60 includes a plurality of threads 64, which provide upper threaded portion 60 with a threaded cross-section. As best illustrated in
Lower portion 62 of hosel 38 has a ribbed cross-section, which is best illustrated in
Sleeve 46, which is best illustrated in
Sleeve 46, which preferably has an overall length LS of at least 1.500 inches, includes a body having a top section 70 and a lower section 72. Top section 70 has an aperture 68 formed therein. Aperture 68 has a diameter DA that complements the outer diameter of tip end 50 of shaft 24. Depth LA of aperture 68 is preferably sufficient to receive at least 1.000 inch of tip end of shaft. In one embodiment of the invention, depth LA is approximately 1.126 inches.
Lower section 72 of sleeve 46 has a multi-faceted exterior surface for engaging lower portion 62 of hosel 38. In one embodiment of the invention best illustrated in
Screw-cap 48, illustrated in
As illustrated in
Ferrule 52, shown separately in
Golf club 20 is preferably assembled by placing ferrule 52, screw-cap 48, locking ring 54 and sleeve 46 over tip end 50 of shaft 24. Sleeve 46 is secured to shaft 24 by an adhesive, such as epoxy. Tip end 50 of shaft 24, with sleeve 46 affixed therein, is then inserted into hosel 38 of club head 22. The tapered multi-faceted surface of lower section 72 of sleeve 46 engages with lower portion 62 of hosel 38. Next, screw-cap 48 is slid along tip end 50 of shaft 24, such that its threads 88 engage threads 64 of upper threaded portion 60 of hosel 38. A special tool (not shown) may be provided to ensure that screw-cap 48 is properly tightened with the correct amount of torque. When screw-cap 48 is fully tightened to upper threaded portion 60 of hosel 38, the lower end of screw-cap 48 seats on a ledge 92 of sleeve 46 to prevent sleeve 46, and therefore shaft 24, from separating from club head 22. Locking ring 50 may then be placed in annular groove 90 of sleeve 46 to prevent screw-cap 48 from fully disengaging from hosel 38. Ferrule 52 is then secured onto shaft 24 and top section 70 of sleeve 46 just above screw-cap 48.
In addition to locking ring 50, a compressible polymeric material may be provided on some or all of the threads 88 of screw-cap 48. Alternatively, the polymeric material may be applied to threads 64 of hosel 38. When mating threads 64 and 88 of hosel 38 and screw-cap 48, respectively, are engaged, the polymeric material is compressed and a counterforce is created. This counterforce creates a stronger contact between the threads of the two components and creates a positive resistance to vibration and loosening. One such material is Nylok available from Nylok Corporation.
In
From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.
Claims
1. A golf club having removable components, the golf club comprising:
- a club head having a body with a hosel, the hosel having an upper threaded portion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having a threaded cross-section, the lower portion having a ribbed cross-section;
- a shaft having a tip end and a butt end; and
- a connection assembly comprising a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft, the sleeve having a body including a top section and a lower section, the lower section having a multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel, the sleeve also comprising an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft, a screw-cap having a body with a central aperture, the screw cap mounted over the sleeve, the body of the screw-cap having an upper area and a threaded area, the threaded area capable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel of the club head for removably securing the shaft to the club head.
2. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a locking ring positioned in an annular groove formed proximate the top section of the sleeve to retain the screw-cap loosely on the sleeve.
3. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a ferrule having a body and a main aperture, wherein the shaft is placed through the main aperture, and the ferrule is positioned on the top section of the sleeve.
4. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the lower section of the sleeve comprises a first faceted surface, a first curved surface, a second faceted surface, a second curved surface, a third faceted surface and a third curved surface.
5. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is comprised of an aluminum alloy material.
6. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein the screw-cap is comprised of a titanium alloy material.
7. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein each of the lower section of the sleeve and the lower portion of the hosel is tapered.
8. The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a polymeric material provided on at least a portion of the threaded area of the screw-cap.
9. The golf club according to claim 8, wherein the polymeric material is a Nylok material.
10. The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising a polymeric material provided on at least a portion of the upper threaded portion of the hosel.
11. A golf club having removable components, the golf club comprising:
- a club head including a face cup and an aft-body, the face cup comprised of a metal material and including a striking face and a hosel, the hosel having an upper threaded portion, a central portion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having a plurality of threads thereon, the central portion having a circular cross-section, and the lower portion having a tapered, ribbed cross-section;
- a shaft having a tip end and a butt end; and
- a connection assembly comprising a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft, the sleeve having a body with a top section and a lower section, the lower section having a tapered, multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel, the sleeve also comprising an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft, a screw-cap having a body with a central aperture, the screw cap mounted over the sleeve, the body of the screw-cap having an upper area and a threaded area, the threaded area capable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel of the club head for removably securing the shaft to the club head.
12. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve has an annular groove formed therein proximate the top section of the sleeve, and wherein the connection assembly further comprises a locking ring positioned in the annular groove to retain the screw-cap loosely on the sleeve.
13. The golf club according to claim 12, wherein the locking ring is comprised of a metal material and has a thickness in the range of 0.025 inch to 0.035 inch.
14. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a thermoplastic ferrule having a body and a main aperture, wherein the shaft is placed through the main aperture, and the ferrule is positioned on the top section of the sleeve.
15. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the lower section of the sleeve comprises a first faceted surface, a first curved surface, a second faceted surface, a second curved surface, a third faceted surface and a third curved surface.
16. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve is comprised of an aluminum alloy material.
17. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the screw-cap is comprised of a titanium alloy material.
18. The golf club according to claim 11, further comprising a polymeric material provided on at least a portion of one of the threaded area of the screw-cap and the upper threaded portion of the hosel.
19. The golf club according to claim 18, wherein the polymeric material is a Nylok material.
20. A golf club head for interchangeable connection to a golf club shaft, the golf club head including:
- a body having a striking face, a crown portion, a sole portion, a heel end, and a toe end; and
- a hosel having an upper threaded portion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having a threaded cross-section with a plurality of threads, the lower portion having a faceted cross-section.
21. The golf club head according to claim 20, wherein the lower portion has a pseudo-triangular cross-section with three planar surfaces.
22. The golf club head according to claim 20, wherein the lower portion of the hosel is tapered.
23. The golf club head according to claim 20, further comprising a polymeric material coating at least a portion of the plurality of threads of the upper threaded portion.
24. A component for utilization with an interchangeable golf club head, the component comprising:
- a shaft having a tip end and a butt end;
- a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft, the sleeve having a body including a top section and a lower section, the lower section having a tapered, multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel, the sleeve also comprising an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft; and
- a screw-cap having a body with a central aperture, the screw cap mounted over the sleeve, the body of the screw-cap having an upper area and a threaded area, the threaded area including a plurality of threads.
25. The component according to claim 24, wherein the lower section of the sleeve includes three outer planar surfaces.
26. The component according to claim 24, further comprising a polymeric material coating at least a portion of the plurality of threads of the screw-cap.
27. A golf club having removable components, the golf club comprising:
- a club head having a body with a hosel, the hosel having an upper threaded portion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having a threaded cross-section, the lower portion having a ribbed cross-section.
28. A method for manufacturing a club head having a hosel for placement of a removable shaft therein, the method comprising:
- originating a cast face component in a mill, the cast face component having a hosel with a ribbed interior surface;
- inserting a form cutter into the hosel to cut the ribbed interior surface;
- inserting an angled side cutter into the hosel to create an angled flat surface on the ribbed interior surface; and
- milling threads into the hosel.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 28, 2009
Publication Date: Oct 7, 2010
Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY (CARLSBAD, CA)
Inventor: D. Clayton Evans (San Marcos, CA)
Application Number: 12/568,325
International Classification: A63B 53/02 (20060101); A63B 53/04 (20060101); A63B 53/00 (20060101);