SYSTEMS TO CUSTOM FIT GOLF CLUBS AND METHODS OF PROVIDING THE SAME

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club fitting systems and golf club shaft fitting systems are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to sport equipment, and more particularly, to systems for custom fitting golf clubs.

BACKGROUND

In order for an individual to play golf to the best of his or her abilities, the individual can be fitted for custom golf clubs. There are various fitting methods and systems available in the marketplace. The various fitting systems and methods can be configured to custom fit golf clubs to an individual's unique swing characteristics, physical characteristics, and/or playing preferences. The various fitting systems and methods can suggest the proper golf club length, mass, grip, shaft, swing weight, or model for an individual. The proper fitting system can customize a golf club that will facilitate an individual to play golf to the best of his or her abilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of an exemplary golf club fitting method.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary golf club fitting system according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an interchangeable correlated golf club shaft according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary golf club fitting system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an assembled golf club according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram representation of a method of providing a golf club fitting system according to one embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements among the various views of the drawings. The headings used in the figures should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the claims.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled together but not be electrically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece of material.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description provided below, in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of the present examples, and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions of the example and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.

In one example, a golf club fitting system can comprise interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can include at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and a substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The golf club fitting system also can include at least one golf club head that is configured to be removeably coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.

In another example, a golf club shaft fitting system can comprise interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts have a substantially constant length. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can include a first correlated golf club shaft with a first mass, a second correlated golf club shaft with a second mass, and a third correlated golf club shaft with a third mass. The second mass can be a mass increment greater than the first mass, and the third mass can be a mass increment greater than the second mass. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts also can include a net moment tolerance that is associated with the first, second, and third correlated golf club shafts.

In a further example, a method for providing a golf club fitting system can include providing interchangeable golf club shafts comprising predetermining at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; predetermining a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and predetermining a substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. Providing the golf club fitting system can comprise providing a golf club head configured to be coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary golf club fitting process 100. The golf club fitting process 100 may be used to fit various golf clubs such as driver-type golf clubs, fairway wood-type golf clubs, putter-type golf clubs, iron-type golf clubs, wedge-type golf clubs, and/or any other suitable type of golf clubs. The golf club fitting process 100 can include various parameters that are meant to suggest a particular set of golf clubs for an individual. More specifically, the golf club fitting process 100 can be used to optimize the mass of a golf club shaft for an individual.

In particular, block 110 of the golf club fitting process 100 describes the step of receiving physical and swing characteristic information about an individual. Block 110 can gather information about an individual and the individual's golf game. For example, block 110 may involve a question and answer session wherein an individual provides preferences regarding golf club length, golf club weight, golf club flex, golf club swing weight, golf club make or model, or any other suitable preference. Further, block 110 can include an initial evaluation of the individual's swing characteristics such as swing speed, swing travel path, golf ball contact location, and any other suitable swing characteristic. The individual's preferences and swing characteristics can be received electronically or written down by hand.

Turning to block 120 of the golf club fitting process 100, a golf club can be assembled with an interchangeable correlated golf club shaft and a golf club head, based on the gathered information, and the assembled golf club can be provided to the individual. The individual can swing the golf club, or otherwise inspect the golf club to provide feedback regarding the golf club and/or the correlated golf club shaft. For example, the individual can hit a golf ball to see how the correlated golf club shaft affects the ball striking, ball flight, or distance the golf ball travels. Further, the individual can experience how the correlated golf club shaft contributes to how the golf club feels and/or how the golf club appears when held.

After the individual has experienced the correlated golf club shaft, block 130 of the golf club fitting process 100 provides for receiving feedback regarding the individual's performance and the club's performance. As an example, block 130 can include receiving feedback regarding the performance of the correlated golf club shaft, the feel of the correlated golf club shaft, and/or the appearance of the golf club assembled with the correlated golf club shaft.

Next, block 140 of the golf club fitting process 100 provides for determining whether the provided golf club with the correlated golf club shaft has the optimal shaft for the individual. For example, the individual can provide feedback regarding the length, the mass, the swing weight, and/or the flex of the correlated golf club shaft. More specifically, the individual may provide feedback regarding a change to the mass of the correlated golf club shaft while holding the other characteristics of the shaft constant (e.g., the length, the swing weight, the flex, etc.).

If the shaft is not the optimal shaft, then the golf club fitting process 100 can return to block 120 where a different correlated golf club shaft is assembled to the golf club head and provided to the individual to repeat the processes of block 130 and block 140. In some embodiments block 120, block 130, and block 140 can be repeated any number of times until feedback indicating that the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized is received. More specifically, blocks 120, 130, and 140 can be repeated until the mass of the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized for the individual.

Next, block 150 may be reached when the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized by the fitting process 100. For example, the individual may provide feedback indicating that the correlated golf club shaft has been optimized. More specifically, the individual may indicate that optimal mass has been provided by the correlated golf club shaft.

The golf club fitting process 100 is merely exemplary of a golf club fitting process. Some golf club fitting processes may involve more steps to optimize the golf club characteristics. Still more golf club fitting processes may involve providing any number golf club heads and/or golf club shafts. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

While a particular order of actions is illustrated in the golf club fitting process 100, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. For example, two or more actions depicted in the FIG. 1 may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously with each other. The methods, apparatus, and systems described herein are not limited in this regard.

Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary fitting system 200 for custom fitting golf clubs is depicted. The fitting system 200 can be used in a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club fitting process 100 (FIG. 1) to customize golf clubs to an individual. More specifically, the fitting system 200 can allow for a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club fitting process 100 to focus on the golf club shaft mass preference of an individual. Accordingly, the fitting system 200 facilitates assembling and providing various golf clubs with varying masses to an individual (i.e. block 120 of the golf club fitting process 100 in FIG. 1) while holding the length of the various golf clubs substantially constant, and by maintaining a net moment tolerance for the various assembled golf clubs provided for use by the individual. In other embodiments of fitting system 200, the frequency rating of the golf club may be varied or held substantially constant throughout the fitting system 200. Thus, the fitting system 200 allows for a fitting process similar to the golf club fitting process 100 (FIG. 1) to focus on the golf club mass preference of an individual.

The fitting system 200 can include a set of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and at least one golf club head 220. Golf club head 220 is configured to be removeably attached to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (e.g., see the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) as will be discussed further below.

While golf club head 220 is depicted as a wood-style golf club head in FIG. 2, the golf club head 220 can be an iron-type, hybrid-type, a wedge-type, a putter-type, or any other suitable type of golf club head without departing from the current disclosure. The golf club head 220 can be configured to removeably attach to each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. In another embodiment, a first golf club head 220 can be configured to be attached to a fraction of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210; while a second golf club head (not shown) can be configured to be attached to another fraction of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. Additionally, while there are three interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 depicted in FIG. 2, in other embodiments there may be any number of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 included in the fitting system 200. For example, the fitting system 200 may include two interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, four interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, or any suitable number of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. This disclosure is not limited in this regard.

The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 in FIG. 2 can include a first correlated golf club shaft 230, a second correlated golf club shaft 240, and a third correlated golf club shaft 250. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can be constructed like any typical golf club shaft used for assembling golf clubs. For example, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can be constructed from various materials such as steel, composites, plastics, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can include different materials for each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. For example, the first correlated golf club shaft 230 can be constructed of steel while the second correlated golf club shaft 240 and third correlated golf club shaft 250 can be constructed of composite material.

The major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 in FIG. 2 are a grip end (e.g., first grip end 234, second grip end 244, third grip end 254), a substantially constant length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210, a shaft mass (e.g., a first shaft mass, a second shaft mass, and a third shaft mass), and a net moment (e.g., a first net moment, a second net moment, and a third net moment).

In other embodiments, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can have other major components. For example, the major components can include a frequency rating (e.g., a first frequency rating, a second frequency rating, and a third frequency rating), a balance point (e.g., a first balance point, a second balance point, and a third balance point), and a tow part coupler for removeably attaching the golf club head 220 to each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. The frequency rating, the balance point, and the attachment mechanism will be discussed in further detail below.

The major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can influence the characteristics of the golf club (i.e., the golf club 500 in FIG. 5) when one of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 is removeably attached to the golf club head 220 in a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club fitting process 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the substantially constant lengths of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 will ensure that the assembled golf clubs (i.e., the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) will be a substantially constant length when the various interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 are attached to the golf club head 220. Additionally, the assembled golf clubs will have different masses as the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 are interchanged with the golf club head 220 because of the difference between the first shaft mass, the second shaft mass, and the third shaft mass. In general, each major component of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can influence the assembled golf club (i.e., the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) characteristics depending on which one of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 are attached to the golf club head 220. More about the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 is discussed below.

Generally, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 include predetermined major component values. Some of the major component values can vary between the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210, and some of the major component values can remain substantially constant between the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. Some exemplary values for the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (e.g., the substantially constant shaft lengths, the shaft masses, and the net moments) are shown in Table 1 below. The values for the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 shown in Table 1 are exemplary, and are of only one embodiment of many possible embodiments of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. The exact values of the major components can vary from embodiment to embodiment, and can vary within certain embodiments of the fitting system 200. This disclosure is not limited in this regard.

	TABLE 1
	Shaft Number	Shaft Length	Shaft Mass	Net Moment
	of Shafts 210	(inches)	(grams)	(in-g)
	230	46.00	53.00	439.07
	240	46.00	62.00	442.08
	250	46.00	71.00	446.40

The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can all be substantially constant in length like the correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 in Table 1. The length of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 will depend on the type of golf club head 220, the desired length of the assembled golf club (i.e, the golf club 500 of FIG. 5), and the method of attachment of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 to the golf club head 220. For example, a wood-style golf club head can use interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 that are approximately 44-46 inches (111.76-116.84 centimeters) in length. For an iron-type golf club head, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be approximately 37-41 (93.98-104.14 centimeters) inches in length. And for a wedge-type golf club head, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be approximately 35-37 (88.9-93.98 centimeters) inches in length. The substantially constant length of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 can be any suitable length for any desired golf club head 220. Accordingly, the length of an assembled golf club will remain substantially constant when any one of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (e.g., first correlated golf club shaft 230, second correlated golf club shaft 240, or third correlated golf club shaft 250) are removeably attached to the golf club head 220 in a golf club fitting process similar to the golf club fitting process 100. In one embodiment, the first correlated golf club shaft 230, the second correlated golf club shaft 240, and the third correlated golf club shaft 250 can each be configured to be coupled to the same golf club head 220. In another embodiment, the first correlated golf club shaft 230, the second correlated golf club shaft 240, and the third correlated golf club shaft 250 can be configured to be coupled to any number of golf club heads similar to the golf club head 220.

Still referring to Table 1 and to FIG. 2, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 have predetermined masses (e.g., a first mass, a second mass and a third mass respectively). As shown in Table 1, the masses of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 vary from the first correlated golf club shaft 230, second correlated golf club shaft 240, and third correlated golf club shaft 250. In other words, the first mass of the first correlated golf club shaft 230 is a predetermined mass increment different from the second mass of the second correlated golf club shaft 240; and the second mass of second correlated golf club shaft 240 is a predetermined mass increment different from the third mass of the third correlated golf club shaft 250.

In one embodiment of fitting system 200, the mass increments separating the first mass, the second mass, and the third mass can be substantially the same. As described in Table 1, the first correlated golf club shaft 230 has a first mass of 53 grams, the second correlated golf club shaft 240 has a second mass of 62 grams, and the third correlated golf club shaft 250 has a third mass of 71 grams. In this embodiment the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 have a constant mass increment between adjacent correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250. Further, the correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 may each be configured to be removeably attached to golf club head 220 in order to vary the assembled golf club mass. Or in another embodiment, correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 can be configured to be removeably attached to various golf club heads similar or different from golf club head 220 in order to vary the assembled golf club masses. This disclosure is not limited in this regard.

Turning to Table 2, another embodiment of the golf club fitting system 200 is described. In Table 2, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255 can include a first correlated golf club shaft 260, a second correlated golf club shaft 270, and a third correlated golf club shaft 280. Correlated golf club shafts 260, 270, and 280 can be similar to correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 (e.g., they can have the major components and can be configured to be removeably attached to one or more golf club heads similar to golf club head 220, etc.). The major component values for the correlated golf club shafts 260, 270, and 280 are shown in Table 2. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255 can have substantially similar lengths, a net moment tolerance, and more than one mass increment. For example, in Table 2 the first mass increment separating the first mass of the first correlated golf club shaft 260 and the second mass of the second correlated golf club shaft 270 is 9 grams. In other words, the first mass increment is 9 grams. Further, the second mass increment that separates the second mass of second correlated golf club shaft 270 and the third mass of the third correlated golf club shaft 280 is 11 grams. In other words, the second mass increment is 11 grams. Accordingly, the second mass increment is different than the first mass increment; or more specifically the first mass increment is less than the second mass increment. In other embodiments, the first mass increment can be greater than the second mass increment, and in another embodiment there may be three or more different mass increments between the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255.

	TABLE 2
	Shaft Number	Shaft Length	Shaft Mass	Net Moment
	of Shafts 255	(inches)	(grams)	(in-g)
	260	46.00	52.00	439.07
	270	46.00	61.00	442.08
	280	46.00	72.00	446.40

The mass increment can be any predetermined mass increment suitable for the golf club fitting system 200, and the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255 of the golf club fitting system 200 can span any predetermined mass variation. For example, when the golf club fitting system 200 includes three correlated golf club shafts (e.g., first correlated golf club shaft 260, second correlated golf club shaft 270, and third correlated golf club shaft 280), the mass variation for the fitting system is 20 grams, with a minimum mass increment of 9 grams and a maximum mass increment of 11 grams. In another embodiment, the mass increments can be lesser in magnitude. For example, the mass increment can be 5 or 8 grams. In another embodiment the mass increments can be greater in magnitude. For example, the mass increment can be 13 or 15 grams. In another embodiment, the mass increments could be a combination of greater and lesser magnitudes. For example, a first mass increment can be 8 grams, and a second mass increment can be 15 grams. The current disclosure is not limited to any particular, or any consistent mass increment for a set of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 255.

Turning to FIG. 3, each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2) and 255 (Table 2) is associated with a net moment. One method of determining the net moment (M) of a correlated golf club shaft 300 will be described. The correlated golf club shaft 300 can be similar to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 of FIG. 2. For example, the correlated golf club shaft 300 may have the same major components and/or the same construction as all or some of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255. The net moment M of the correlated golf club shaft 300 can be measured about a reference point 310 that is 14 inches (35.56 centimeters) from the grip end 304 of the correlated golf club shaft 300. The center of gravity 320 (also called a “balance point” of correlated golf club shaft 300) can be located a distance (D) from the reference point 310. The mass of the correlated golf club shaft 300 creates a weight or a force (F_s) at the center of gravity 320. The weight or force F_s is multiplied by the distance D to calculate a net moment M about the reference point 310. The net moment M can be considered positive when the net moment produces a torque in a counter-clockwise direction about the reference point 310.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2) all have net moment values that can be calculated using methods similar to those described above and depicted in FIG. 3. Like the other major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210, the net moments will influence the net moment of the assembled golf club (i.e. the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) when a correlated golf club shaft 230, 240 or 250 is removeably attached to a golf club head 220. In one embodiment, the net moments of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255 in the golf club fitting system 200 are predetermined to be within a predetermined tolerance of each other (a “net moment tolerance”). By predetermining a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2), the net moment of a golf club that is assembled by attaching one of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 255 (Table 2) to a golf club head 220 can be kept within a predetermined golf club net moment tolerance. In some embodiments, every correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, and/or 280 can be within a single net moment tolerance. In other embodiments, the first correlated golf club shaft 230 and second correlated golf club shaft 240 can be within a first net moment tolerance, while the third correlated golf club shaft 250 can be within a second net moment tolerance; accordingly, the first correlated golf club shaft 230 and second correlated golf club shaft 240 may influence the assembled golf club (e.g., the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) net moment differently than the third correlated golf club shaft 250 would influence an assembled golf club net moment.

Referring back to FIG. 2, Table 1, and Table 2, each correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, and 280 has a net moment value, and each embodiment of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 255 is associated with a net moment tolerance wherein each net moment of each correlated golf club shaft is within the net moment tolerance. By predetermining the net moments to be within a net moment tolerance, the golf club fitting system 200 can be focused on providing a golf club (e.g., block 130 of the golf club fitting system 100) with a consistent feeling of performance. In other words, the masses of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and 255 can differ by predetermined mass increments, and the influence the net moment of each interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, or 280 has on an assembled golf club (i.e., similar to the golf club 500 of FIG. 5) will not substantially affect the assembled golf club net moment. In particular, some embodiments of the current disclosure provides for a net moment tolerance of less than 50 gram-inches. In other embodiments, the net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 255 is less than 40, 30, 20 or 10 gram-inches. And in other embodiments the net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 255 of the golf club fitting system 200 is less than 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 gram-inches. For example, in Table 1 the correlated golf club shafts 230, 240, and 250 have net moments of 439.07 inch-grams, 442.08 inch-grams, and 446.40 inch-grams, respectively. Accordingly, the net moment tolerance is less than 10 gram-inches. More specifically, the net moment tolerance is approximately 8 gram-inches.

In general, as the shaft masses increase in magnitude so will the net moment tolerances. Accordingly, when the mass increments are increased in magnitude, so is the net moment tolerance. For example, in a set of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts that have a mass increment of more than 25 grams, the net moment tolerance can be no greater than approximately 50 gram-inches. In another example, if the mass increment is more than approximately 20 grams the net moment tolerance can be no greater than approximately 15 gram-inches. Though the net moment tolerance can be influenced by the mass increments between interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, the current disclosure is not limited in this regard.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of the golf club fitting system of the current disclosure is depicted. The golf club fitting system 400 can include a golf club head 420 and interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. In the golf club fitting system 400, three interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 are shown: the first correlated golf club shaft 430, the second correlated golf club shaft 440, and the third correlated golf club shaft 450. In other embodiments, the golf club fitting system 400 can include more or less correlated golf club shafts than the three shown in FIG. 4. For example, the golf club fitting system 400 can include two, four, five, six, or any suitable number of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. This disclosure is not limited in this regard. Each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 can have major components similar to the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210. For example, interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 all have a substantially similar length 415. Like the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2), the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 can vary in their lengths 415 depending on factors such as the type of golf club head 420, etc. The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 also include a grip end: a first grip end 433, a second grip end 443, and a third grip end 453.

The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 have predetermined balance points (i.e., similar to the balance point 320 of FIG. 3): a first balance point 435, a second balance point 445, and a third balance point 455. In the current embodiment, the balance points of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 are located at predetermined distances from the respective grip ends. The first correlated golf club shaft 430 has a first balance point 435 that is located a first distance 438 from the first grip end 433. The second correlated golf club shaft 440 has a second balance point 445 that is located a second distance 448 from the second grip end 443. The third correlated golf club shaft 450 has a third balance point 455 located a third distance 458 from the third grip end 453. In other embodiments, there can be any suitable number of balance points, grip ends, and distances. The respective balance points of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 can be predetermined by shifting mass within each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 either towards the grip ends or away from the grip ends. Similar to the center of gravity 320 of FIG. 3, the balance points of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 can affect the feel of swinging a golf club assembled from any one of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 and the golf club head 420.

In FIG. 4, the first balance point 435 is located further from the first grip end 433 than the second balance point 445 is from the second grip end 443. Additionally, the second balance point 445 is located further from the second grip end 443 than the third balance point 455 is from the third grip end 453. In other words, the first distance 438 is greater than the second distance 448; and the second distance 448 is greater than the third distance 458. The distances 458, 448, and 438 can be changed by moving mass closer to the grip ends 453, 443, and/or 433, or by moving mass further away from the grip ends 453, 443, and/or 433. Exemplary major component values for the first correlated golf club shaft 430, the second correlated golf club shaft 440, and the third correlated golf club shaft 450 are listed in Table 3.

	TABLE 3
	Shaft	Shaft		Net	B.P. from
	Number of	Length	Shaft Mass	Moment	Grip End
	Shafts 410	(inches)	(grams)	(in-g)	(inches)
	430	46	52.9	439.07	22.3
	440	46	61.4	442.08	21.2
	450	46	72	446.4	20.2

Generally, the balance points 435, 445, and 455 are predetermined to be further from the respective grip ends 433, 443, and 453 as the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 430, 440, and 450 have more mass. As is shown in Table 3, the first correlated golf club shaft 430 has the lowest mass value (52.9 grams), and the first distance 438 value (22.3 inches, or 56.642 centimeters) is the largest of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. While the third correlated golf club shaft 450 has the greatest mass value (72 grams), and the third distance 430 value (20.2 inches, or 51.308 centimeters) is the least of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. In other embodiments, there can be different numbers of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410. Generally, the more mass an interchangeable correlated golf club shaft has relative to other interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, the closer the balance point will be to the grip end relative to the other interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. By predetermining the balance point to be relatively closer to the grip end based on the mass of the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft, the net moment of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can remain in the net moment tolerance despite the difference in masses and the substantially similar lengths.

Referring to FIG. 2 and to FIG. 4, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and 410 can include a major component called a frequency rating. The frequency rating can be in addition to the other major components (e.g., mass, net moment, length, balance point, etc.), or the frequency rating can replace one of the other major components without departing from the present disclosure. The frequency rating can be determined by placing a 205 gram mass on the end of the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft opposite the grip end (i.e., the tip end), and then the correlated golf club shaft can be clamped six inches (15.24 centimeters) from the grip end. The tip end then can be excited with the 205 gram mass attached, and a cycles-per-minute (CPM) measurement is taken. The frequency rating can be related to a “flex rating” of one of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. For example, a correlated golf club shaft with a CPM rating in the range of 230-250 can be classified as a regular flex correlated golf club shaft; a CPM rating of 251-270 can be classified as a stiff correlated golf club shaft; a CPM rating of 271-310 can be classified as a tour-stiff correlated golf club shaft; and a flex rating of 290-315 can be classified as an extra tour-stiff correlated golf club shaft. The flex rating classifications of regular, stiff, tour-stiff, and extra tour-stiff are merely exemplary and can change from shaft design to shaft design.

Generally, the major components of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 410 can all be predetermined along with one frequency rating. For example, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 or 410 can be classified as stiff and have a frequency rating in the range of 251-271. In another embodiment, each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 and/or 410 can have distinct frequency ratings. For example, a first correlated golf club shaft 230 and a second correlated golf club shaft 240 can be classified as a stiff correlated golf club shaft and have a frequency rating in the range of 251-271; while the third correlated golf club shaft 250 can have an extra tour-stiff rating and have a frequency rating of 290-315. Table 4 below depicts twelve interchangeable correlated golf club shafts (i.e., each row in Table 4 has major component values for a correlated golf club shaft). The interchangeable correlated golf club shafts in Table 4 have substantially similar lengths, more than one mass increment between adjacent interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, a net moment tolerance of 50 gram-inches, and different balance point locations, and three of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts have been predetermined to be in each frequency rating. The major component values in Table 4 are merely exemplary of one embodiment and are not limitations on the current disclosure. In other embodiments there may be two interchangeable correlated golf club shafts in each frequency rating. In other embodiments, there may be one interchangeable correlated golf club shaft in each frequency rating. In other embodiments there may be only two frequency ratings (e.g., 251-270 CPM and 271-310 CPM), and six interchangeable correlated golf club shafts predetermined to be in each of the two frequency ratings. The current disclosure is not limited in this regard.

	TABLE 4
		Shaft	B.P.	Net
	Shaft Length	Mass	from Grip	Moment
	(inches)	(grams)	End (inches)	(in-g)
Frequency	230-250	46.00	52.90	22.30	439.07
(cycles per		46.00	61.40	21.20	442.08
minute)		46.00	72.00	20.20	446.40
	251-270	46.00	54.50	22.20	446.90
		46.00	62.90	21.00	440.30
		46.00	74.30	20.20	460.66
	271-310	46.00	57.30	21.90	452.67
		46.00	65.60	20.90	452.64
		46.00	75.30	20.10	459.33
	290-315	46.00	60.30	21.50	452.25
		46.00	70.30	20.70	471.01
		46.00	80.30	20.00	481.80

Turning to FIG. 5, the golf club 500 can be assembled by removeably attaching a correlated golf club shaft 510 from a set of interchangeable correlated golf club shafts (not shown) to a golf club head 520. The correlated golf club shaft 510 is similar to any correlated golf club shaft discussed herein (e.g., 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 430, 440, and/or 450), or any other correlated golf club shaft that falls within this disclosure. The golf club head 520 can be similar to any golf club head discussed herein (e.g., 220 (FIG. 2) or 420 (FIG. 4)), or any suitable golf club head. When the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeably attached to golf club head 520, a golf club 500 is assembled that can be provided to an individual for a fitting process (e.g., block 120 of the golf club fitting process 100 in FIG. 1). The attachment of golf club head 520 to correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeable to facilitate interchanging of correlated golf club shafts. The correlated golf club shaft 510 can be configured to be removeably attached to many golf club heads similar to the golf club head 510. Alternatively, the correlated golf club shaft 510 may be one of many interchangeable correlated golf club shafts similar to 510, wherein any of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts that are similar to the correlated golf club shaft 510 can be removeably attached to the golf club head 520. This disclosure is not limited in this regard.

Generally, the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeably attached to the golf club head 520 via a two-part coupling mechanism. A two-part coupling mechanism can include a first part that is coupled to the correlated golf club shaft 510. The first part of the coupling mechanism is secured to the correlated golf club shaft 510 near or at the end opposite the grip end 530 (e.g., the tip end). The first part can be molded, adhered, or mechanically fixed to the correlated golf club shaft 510. A second part of the two-part coupler is fixed to the club head 520. The second part can be molded, cast, adhered, or mechanically fixed to the golf cub head 520. Additionally, there can be more than one club head similar to golf club head 520 that includes the second part of the two-part coupler such that any correlated golf club shaft 510 can be coupled to any of the golf club heads 520. When the interchangeable correlated golf club shaft 510 is removeably attached to the golf club head 520, the first part of the coupler and the second part of the coupler are in communication with each other to form a secure attachment point. For example, the attachment can happen with a threaded fastener, a pin or post, a latch or any other suitable attachment. The method of removeable attachment is not a limitation to the current disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 6, the method 600 can be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club fitting system in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club fitting system can be similar to the golf club fitting system 200 of FIG. 2, or the golf club fitting system 400 of FIG. 4.

The method 600 comprises block 610 for providing the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In some examples, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be similar to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2) and/or the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 (FIG. 4). In some examples, block 610 can include providing interchangeable correlated golf club shafts with major shaft components such as a substantially constant length, shaft mass increments, and a net moment tolerance like the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 210 (FIG. 2). In other examples, block 610 can include providing interchangeable correlated golf club shafts that include a balance point like the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts 410 (FIG. 4), and an attachment mechanism for removeably attaching a golf club head to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts to assemble a golf club similar to the golf club 500 (FIG. 5).

Block 620 of the method 600 includes providing at least one golf club head that is configured to be coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In some examples, the golf club head that is configured to be removeably coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts can be similar to the golf club head 220 (FIG. 2), the golf club head 420 (FIG. 4), and/or the golf club head 520 (FIG. 5). The golf club head can be any suitable golf club head being used for a golf club fitting system similar to the golf club fitting system 200 (FIG. 2) or 400 (FIG. 4).

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of the method 600 can be combined into a single block or performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be changed. For example, in some embodiments, blocks 610 and 620 may be combined if desired. In the same or other examples, some of the blocks of the method 600 can be subdivided into several sub-blocks. As an example, block 610 may comprise a sub-block for predetermining at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and a sub-block for predetermining a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. There also can be examples in which the method 600 can include further or different blocks. As an example, the method 600 may comprise another block for predetermining a frequency rating for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and/or another block for predetermining a substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts. In addition, there may be examples where the method 600 can comprise only part of one or more of the steps described above. For instance, block 620 may be optional in some implementations. Other variations can be implemented for the method 600 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the golf club fitting systems and related methods herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Other permutations of the different embodiments having one or more of the features of the various figures are likewise contemplated. Accordingly, the specification, claims, and drawings herein are intended to be illustrative of the scope of the disclosure and are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of this application shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims.

The golf club fitting systems and related methods discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly stated in such claims.

As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A golf club fitting system comprising:

interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprising: at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; a substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and

at least one golf club head configured to be removeably coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.

2. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the substantially constant shaft length for each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts is greater than approximately 44 inches.

3. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the net moment tolerance is approximately 50 inch*grams.

4. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one mass increment is approximately 5 grams or greater.

5. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft, and a third correlated golf club shaft;

the first correlated golf club shaft has a first mass;

the second correlated golf club shaft has a second mass;

the third correlated golf club shaft has a third mass;

the first mass is a first mass increment less than the second mass;

the second mass is a second mass increment less than the third mass;

the at least one mass increment comprises the first mass increment and the second mass increment; and

the first mass increment is different from the second mass increment.

6. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft, and a third correlated golf club shaft;

the first correlated golf club shaft has a mass between approximately 50-60 grams;

the second correlated golf club shaft has a mass between approximately 61-70 grams; and

the third correlated golf club shaft has a mass between approximately 72-85 grams.

7. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprise a first correlated golf club shaft, a second correlated golf club shaft, and a third correlated golf club shaft;

the first correlated golf club shaft comprises a first grip end and a first balance point, wherein the first balance point is a first distance from the first grip end;

the second correlated golf club shaft comprises a second grip end and a second balance point, wherein the second balance point is a second distance from the second grip end;

the third correlated golf club shaft comprises a third grip end and a third balance point, wherein the third balance point is a third distance from the third grip end;

the first distance is greater than the second distance; and

the second distance is greater than the third distance.

8. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, further comprising:

a first part of a two part coupling system in communication with each of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, and

a second part of the two part coupling system in communication with each of the at least one golf club head.

9. The golf club fitting system of claim 1 wherein:

the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts are associated with at least one frequency rating.

10. The golf club fitting system of claim 1, wherein:

the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts are each associated with a frequency rating of approximately 230-270 cycles per minute.

11. A golf club shaft fitting system comprising:

interchangeable correlated golf club shafts, each with a substantially constant length, the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprising: a first correlated golf club shaft with a first mass; a second correlated golf club shaft with a second mass, wherein the second mass is a first mass increment greater than the first mass; a third correlated golf club shaft with a third mass, wherein the third mass is a second mass increment greater than the second mass; and a net moment tolerance associated with each of the first, second, and third correlated golf club shafts.

12. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein:

the net moment tolerance is approximately 50 inch*grams.

13. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein:

the first and second mass increments are equal to each other and are at least approximately 5 grams.

14. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein:

the first correlated golf club shaft is associated with a first frequency rating;

the second correlated golf club shaft is associated with a second frequency rating;

the third correlated golf club shaft is associated with a third frequency rating; and

the first frequency rating is different than the second and third frequency ratings.

15. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11 wherein:

the first correlated golf club shaft is associated with a first frequency rating;

the second correlated golf club shaft comprises a second frequency rating;

the third correlated golf club shaft comprises a third frequency rating;

the first frequency rating is at least approximately 15 cycles per minute different than the second frequency rating; and

the second frequency rating is at least 15 cycles per minute different than the third frequency rating.

16. The golf club shaft fitting system of claim 11, wherein:

the first correlated golf club shaft comprises a first grip end and a first balance point, wherein the first balance point is a first distance from the first grip end;

the second correlated golf club shaft comprises a second grip end and a second balance point, wherein the second balance point is a second distance from the second grip end;

the third correlated golf club shaft comprises a third grip end and a third balance point, wherein the third balance point is a third distance from the third grip end;

the first distance is greater than the second distance; and

the second distance is greater than the third distance.

17. A method of providing a golf club fitting system comprising:

providing interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprising: predetermining at least one mass increment between adjacent ones of the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; predetermining a net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and predetermining a substantially constant shaft length for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts; and

providing at least one golf club head configured to be coupled to the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein:

providing the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprises: predetermining at least one frequency rating for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein:

predetermining the net moment tolerance for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprises: predetermining the net moment tolerance to be approximately 50 inch*grams.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein:

predetermining the at least one mass increment for the interchangeable correlated golf club shafts comprises: predetermining the mass increment to be at least approximately 5 grams.

21. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

using the golf club fitting system to fit a person for at least one golf club; and

selling the at least one golf club to the person.