Customizable Hang Angle Golf Clubs, Systems, and Related Methods

Abstract

Embodiments of customizable hang angle golf clubs and related mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples, systems, and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/648,927, filed on Oct. 10, 2012, the entire contents of which are fully incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to sports equipment, and relates, more particularly, to customizable hang angle golf clubs, systems, and related methods.

BACKGROUND

Several sports, like golf, require equipment with features that can be selected or custom-fit to an individual's characteristics or preferences. For example, the recommended club shaft and/or club head may vary based on the individual's characteristics, such as skill, age or height. Once assembled, however, golf clubs normally have fixed, unchangeable characteristics. Accordingly, when determining suitable equipment for the individual, an unnecessarily large number of golf clubs must be available to test different combinations of, for example, club shafts and club heads. Such shortcomings create problems with respect to predicting and maintaining needed quantities of golf club components. Considering the above, further developments with respect to customizable golf clubs, systems, and related methods will ameliorate and/or address such shortcomings of current golf club technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure may be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description of examples of embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a first golf club comprising a first golf club head and a first golf club shaft having a first shaft bend.

FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of a second golf club comprising the first golf club head and the first golf club shaft having a second shaft bend.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a third golf club comprising the first golf club head and the first golf club shaft having a third shaft bend.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the first golf club of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of the second golf club of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the third golf club of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the first golf club of FIGS. 1 and 4.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of the second golf club of FIGS. 2 and 5.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the third golf club of FIGS. 3 and 6.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method which can be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club in accordance with the present disclosure.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

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 or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some examples, a golf club can comprise a club head and a shaft. The club head can comprise a heel portion, a toe portion, a hosel, a strikeface comprising a strikeface centerpoint, and a club head horizontal plane extending through the strikeface centerpoint. The shaft can be coupled to the hosel and can comprise a shaft lower portion comprising a shaft hosel end, and a shaft upper portion comprising a shaft grip end. An effective shaft axis can extend along a centerline of the shaft upper portion. The shaft can be configurable to accept and retain a shaft bend comprising any one of: (1) a first bend corresponding to a straight stroke swing style, (2) a second bend corresponding to a slight arc swing style, or (3) a third bend corresponding to a strong arc swing style. The shaft bend can be locatable, along a length of the shaft, between the shaft upper portion and the shaft lower portion. The shaft bend can comprises a shaft bend height above the club head horizontal plane. The club head horizontal plane can be at least one of substantially perpendicular to a vertical component of the effective shaft axis, or substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position.

In the same or other examples, a golf club system can comprise a first club head and a first shaft for a first golf club, and a second club head and a second shaft for a second golf club. The first club head can comprise a first hosel, a first strikeface with a first strikeface centerpoint, a first club head horizontal plane through the first strikeface centerpoint. The first shaft can comprise a first shaft bend located at a first bend height above the first club head horizontal plane. The second club head can comprise a second hosel, a second strikeface with a second strikeface centerpoint, and a second club head horizontal plane through the second strikeface centerpoint. The second shaft can comprise a second shaft bend located at a second bend height above the second club head horizontal plane. The first and second club heads can be substantially equal to each other. The first and second shaft bend heights can be different from each other. The first and second shafts can be substantially equal to each other, other than with respect to the first and second bend heights. The first shaft bend can be configured to impart a first hang angle to the first golf club, the first hang angle comprising a first one of a face-balanced hang angle, a mid-hang angle, or a toe-down hang angle. The second shaft bend is configured to impart a second hang angle to the second golf club, the second hang angle being different than the first hang angle and comprising a second one of the face-balanced hang angle, the mid-hang angle, or the toe-down hang angle.

In some implementations, a method for providing a golf club can comprise providing a shaft comprising a shaft length and configured to be coupled to a hosel of a club head, and imparting a shaft bend at a target shaft bend height along the shaft length. The target shaft bend height can correspond to a target swing style comprising one of a straight stroke swing style, a slight arc swing style, or a strong arc swing style. The target shaft bend height can be measured at the shaft bend and relative to a club head horizontal plane. The club head horizontal plane can pass through a strikeface centerpoint of the club head and can be at least one of substantially perpendicular to a vertical component of an effective shaft axis defined by the shaft, substantially parallel to a ground plane when the club head is at an address position.

Other examples and embodiments are further disclosed herein. Such examples and embodiments may be found in the figures, in the claims, and/or in the present description.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of golf club 1000 comprising golf club head 1100 and golf club shaft 1200 coupled to club head 1100 via hosel 1110 of golf club head 1100. FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of golf club 2000 comprising golf club head 1100 and golf club shaft 1200. FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of golf club 3000 comprising golf club head 1100 and golf club shaft 1200. Although hosel 1110 comprises a cavity or bore internal to club head 1100, there can be other embodiments with hosels that can be at least partially external. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, each of golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000 comprises a golf club head 1100 and a golf club shaft 1200. For example, golf club heads 1100 of golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000 can be of the same model and/or fabricated substantially the same as each other within club head manufacturing tolerances. Similarly, golf club shafts 1200 of golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000 can be of the same model and/or fabricated substantially equal to each other within shaft manufacturing tolerances. Nevertheless, golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000 differ structurally from each other with respect to the shaft bend imparted onto their respective golf club shafts 1200. For example, shaft 1200 of golf club head 1000 comprises shaft bend 100, shaft 1200 of golf club head 2000 comprises shaft bend 200, and shaft 1200 of golf club head 3000 comprises shaft bend 300, where shaft bends 100, 200, and 300 are different from each other.

FIGS. 1-3 show golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000, respectively, in equilibrium relative to horizontal axis 1900. As a result of the differences between shaft bends 100, 200, and 300, each of golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000 exhibits different hang angles relative to horizontal axis 1900. In some examples, to measure the hang angle of a golf club, the golf club can be set to equilibrium such that its shaft is balanced along a horizontal plane, and such that its shaft can freely rotate about its shaft longitudinal axis as the center of gravity of the golf club's club head aligns relative to gravity. The hang angle can then be measured between the horizontal plane and the strike face of the golf club. Thus, golf club 1000 in FIG. 1 comprises hang angle 1800 between its strikeface 1150 and horizontal axis 1900, where hang angle 1800 comprises a face balanced hang angle resulting from shaft bend 100. Golf club 2000 in FIG. 2 comprises hang angle 2800 between its strikeface 1150 and horizontal axis 1900, where hang angle 2800 comprises a mid-hang hang angle resulting from shaft bend 200. Golf club 3000 in FIG. 3 comprises hang angle 3800 between its strikeface 1150 and horizontal axis 900, where hang angle 3800 comprises a toe-down hang angle resulting from shaft bend 300.

In some examples, club head 1100 can comprise a blade-type putter head, such that toe-down hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3) can be defined to be greater than approximately 48 degrees, mid-hang hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2) can be defined to be approximately 16 degrees to approximately 48 degrees, and/or face-balanced hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1) can be defined to be less than approximately 16 degrees.

There can be other examples, however, where club head 1100 comprises another style of club head. For instance, club head 1100 could instead comprise a mallet-type putter head, such that toe-down hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3) can be defined to be greater than approximately 23 degrees, mid-hang hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2) can be defined to be approximately 7 degrees to approximately 23 degrees, and/or face-balanced hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1) can be defined to be less than approximately 7 degrees.

Blade-type putter heads and mallet-type putter heads have different hang angle ranges because they have different locations for their respective centers of gravity. For example, the center of gravity for mallet-type putter heads lies further back from the strikeface than the center of gravity for blade-type putter heads. By increasing distance of the center of gravity from the strikeface, the range of achievable hang angles decreases, and smaller hang angle changes have greater effect on club head rotation or delivery.

The embodiments of FIGS. 1-3 can be selected to correspond to specific golf swing styles in some implementations. When fitting an individual for a golf club, one or more golf swings of the individual can be measured to determine, for example, the swing rotation of the strike face of the club head about the golf club shaft. Such swing rotation or other measured swing characteristics can be used to establish a measured swing style of the individual, which can be classified as a straight stroke swing style, a slight arc swing style, and/or a strong arc swing style, in some implementations. In some examples, the straight stroke swing style can comprise a swing rotation of approximately zero degrees to approximately 3.5 degrees, the slight arc swing style can comprise a swing rotation of approximately 3.5 degrees to approximately 7.5 degrees, and/or the strong arc swing style comprises a swing rotation greater than approximately 7.5 degrees.

Based on such analysis, a golf club can be chosen or adjusted for the individual by selecting or adjusting the corresponding shaft bend of the golf club. For example, shaft bend 100 of golf club 1000 can be configured to impart to golf club 1000 swing characteristics, such as face-balanced hang angle 1800, suitable for or corresponding to a straight stroke swing style for the individual being fitted. Similarly, shaft bend 200 of golf club 2000 can be configured to impart to golf club 2000 swing characteristics, such as mid-hang hang angle 2800, suitable for or corresponding to a slight arc swing style for the individual being fitted. In addition, shaft bend 300 of golf club 1000 can be configured to impart to golf club 3000 swing characteristics, such as face-balanced hang angle 3800, suitable for or corresponding to a strong arc swing style for the individual being fitted.

In the present embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, shafts 1200 are configurable to accept and retain their corresponding shaft bends 100, 200, or 300 upon deformation or bending. For example, shafts 1200 may start off being substantially equal to each other, upon manufacture, lacking any of shaft bends 100, 200, or 300, and then may be modified by deformation or bending to achieve the desired shaft bend 100, 200, or 300. In the same or other examples, such deformation or bending can be applied to the shafts at the fitting locale where the individual is fitted, or at an adjustment location upon receipt of an order for a specific shaft bend after the individual's swing style is measured or otherwise known. Shafts 1200 may be deformed or bent to achieve the desired shaft bend 100, 200, or 300, whether prior to or after being coupled to club head 1100. The ability to rely on a common golf club head and a common shaft modifiable to achieve golf clubs fitting different performance or swing style requirements can facilitate or simplify manufacturing and/or inventory management for both manufacturers and retailers. There can also be examples where shafts 1200 may be manufactured by the factory to comprise shaft bends 100, 200, or 300, if desired.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of golf club 1000 with shaft bend 100 positioned to divide shaft 1200 into shaft upper portion 1210 and shaft lower portion 1220, where shaft upper portion 1210 comprises a shaft grip end of shaft 1200, and shaft lower portion 1220 comprises a shaft hosel end of shaft 1200. Shaft upper portion 1210 comprises shaft axis 4211 extending through a longitudinal centerline thereof, where shaft axis 4211 can be geometrically subdivided into corresponding horizontal and vertical components, such as vertical component 42111. FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of golf club 2000 with shaft bend 200 positioned to divide shaft 1200 located between shaft upper portion 2210 (having a shaft grip end) and shaft lower portion 2220 (having a shaft hosel end). FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of golf club 3000 with shaft bend 300 positioned to divide shaft 1200 between shaft upper portion 3210 (having a shaft grip end) and shaft lower portion 3220 (having a shaft hosel end).

As seen in FIGS. 4-6, club head 1100 comprises club head horizontal plane 4900 extending across heel portion 1160 and toe portion 1170 of club head 1100, and passing through strikeface centerpoint 4150 of strikeface 1150. In some examples, horizontal plane 4900 can be substantially parallel to ground plane 4500 when golf club 1000 is at a golf address position, such as seen in FIGS. 4-6. In the same or other examples, horizontal plane 4900 can be substantially perpendicular to vertical component 42111 of shaft axis 4211, where vertical component 42111 can be substantially perpendicular a top end of hosel 1110, substantially perpendicular to a top end of strikeface 1150, and/or substantially perpendicular to ground plane 4500 when golf club 1000 is at the address position in some implementations.

In some examples, strikeface centerpoint 4150 can be located at a geometric centerpoint of strikeface 1150, a geometric centerpoint of a strikeplate of strikeface 1150, and/or at a geometric centerpoint of the front end of club head 1100. In the same or other examples, strikeface centerpoint 4150 can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, strikeface centerpoint 4150 can be determined in accordance with Section 6.1 of the USGA's Procedure for Measuring the Flexibility of a Golf Clubhead (USGA-TPX3004, Rev. 1.0.0, May 1, 2008) (available at http://www.usga.org/equipment/testing/protocols/Procedure-For-Measuring-The-Flexibility-Of-A-Golf-Club-Head/).

As seen in FIGS. 4-6, shaft bend 100 defines shaft bend angle 401 for golf club 1000 (FIG. 4), shaft bend 200 defines shaft bend angle 501 for golf club 2000 (FIG. 5), and shaft bend 300 defines shaft bend angle 601 for golf club 3000 (FIG. 6), where shaft bend angles 401 (FIG. 4), 501 (FIG. 5) and 601 (FIG. 6) are substantially equal to each other in golf clubs 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4) 2000 (FIGS. 2,5) and 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6). In some examples, shaft bend angles 401, 501, and/or 601 can be approximately 146 degrees to approximately 174 degrees.

Shaft bends 100 (FIG. 4), 200 (FIG. 5), and 300 (FIG. 6) differ from each other, however, with respect to their respective heights relative to club head horizontal plane 4900. For example, golf club 1000 can comprise shaft bend 100 located at shaft bend height 4100 above club head horizontal plane 4900 (FIG. 4), where shaft bend height 4100 can be greater than approximately 95 mm above club head horizontal plane 4900 in some implementations. Golf club 2000 can comprise shaft bend 200 located at shaft bend height 5200 above club head horizontal plane 4900 (FIG. 5), where shaft bend height 5200 can be approximately 70 mm to approximately 100 mm above club head horizontal plane 4900 in some implementations. Golf club 3000 can comprise shaft bend 300 located at shaft bend height 6300 above club head horizontal plane 4900 (FIG. 6), where shaft bend height 6300 can be less than approximately 85 mm above club head horizontal plane 4900 in some implementations. Shaft bend height 4100 (FIG. 4) is greater than shaft bend height 5200 (FIG. 5), and shaft bend height 5200 is greater than shaft bend height 6300 (FIG. 6). In some examples, shaft bend height 4100 (FIG. 4) may be referred to as a high bend height; shaft bend height 5200 (FIG. 5) may be referred to as a medium bend height; and shaft bend height 6300 (FIG. 6) may be referred to as a low bend height. In the present examples, shaft bend height 4100 (FIG. 4), shaft bend height 5200 (FIG. 5), and shaft bend height 6300 (FIG. 6) is measured with respect to the shaft bend closest to the shaft grip end of the shaft, regardless of any further bend(s) towards the hosel end of the shaft. In the same or other examples, golf club shaft 1200 for each of golf club 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4), golf club 2000 (FIGS. 2, 3), and/or golf club 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6) can comply with Section 2a of Appendix II of the USGA Rules of Golf (available at http://www.usga.org/uploadedFiles/USGAHome/rules/CompleteROGbook.pdf), which requires that “The shaft must be straight from the top of the grip to a point not more than 5 inches (127 mm) above the sole, measured from the point where the shaft ceases to be straight along the axis of the bent part of the shaft and the neck and/or socket.”

In the same or other examples, the high bend height of shaft bend height 4100 for shaft bend 100 can be configured to impart face-balanced hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1) to golf club 1000, such as in situations where the measured swing style of the individual is the straight stroke swing style. Similarly, the medium bend height of shaft bend height 5200 for shaft bend 200 can be configured to impart mid-hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2) to golf club 2000, such as in situations where the measured swing style of the individual is the slight arc swing style. In addition, the low bend height of shaft bend height 6300 for shaft bend 300 can be configured to impart toe-down hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3) to golf club 3000, such as in situations where the measured swing style of the individual is the strong arc swing style.

As can be seen in FIG. 4, shaft upper portion 1210 of golf club 1000 comprises shaft axis 4211 extending through a longitudinal centerline of shaft upper portion 1210, and continues straight past shaft bend 100 to intersect club head horizontal plane 4900 at intersection distance 4215 away from strikeface centerpoint 4150 of strikeface 1150. Similarly, as can be seen in FIG. 5, shaft upper portion 2210 of golf club 2000 comprises shaft axis 5211 extending through a longitudinal centerline of shaft upper portion 2210, and continues straight past shaft bend 200 to intersect club head horizontal plane 4900 at intersection distance 5215 away from strikeface centerpoint 4150 of strikeface 1150. In addition, as can be seen in FIG. 6, shaft upper portion 3210 of golf club 3000 comprises shaft axis 6211 extending through a longitudinal centerline of shaft upper portion 3210, and continues straight past shaft bend 300 to intersect club head horizontal plane 4900 at intersection distance 6215 away from strikeface centerpoint 4150 of strikeface 1150. In some examples, shaft axes 4211 (FIG. 4), 5211 (FIG. 5), and 6211 (FIG. 6) may be respectively referred to as the “effective” shaft axes of golf clubs 1000, 2000, and 3000, because such golf clubs may substantially perform as if their respective shafts are, in effect, attached to the top of the club head 1100 proximate to respective intersection distances 4215 (FIG. 4), 5215 (FIG. 5), or 6215 (FIG. 6) from strikeface centerpoint 4150, rather than attached to the location of hosel 1110.

In the present examples, intersection distance 6215 in golf club 3000 (FIG. 6) is greater than intersection distance 5215 in golf club 2000 (FIG. 2), and intersection distance 5215 in golf club 2000 (FIG. 2) is greater than intersection distance 4215 in golf club 1000 (FIG. 1), where such differences between intersection distances 4215, 5215, and 6215 are respectively dictated by shaft bend heights 4100, 5200, and 6300 of shaft bends 100 (FIG. 4), 200 (FIG. 5), and 300 (FIG. 6). Intersection distance 4215 (FIG. 4) can be less than approximately 1.8 mm in some implementations. Intersection distance 5215 (FIG. 5) can be approximately 1.8 mm to approximately 16.5 mm in some implementations. Intersection distance 6215 (FIG. 6) can be greater than approximately 16.5 mm in some implementations.

Considering the above, the shaft bend height can be used to adjust the intersection distance of the effective shaft axes relative to the strikeface centerpoint of the club head, such as to achieve a desired hang angle range and/or to suit a desired swing style. For example, intersection distance 5215 (FIG. 5) places shaft axis 5211, relative to strikeface centerpoint 4150, at a location suitable for imparting a mid-hang hang angle (such as hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2)) onto golf club 2000, and/or suitable for configuring golf club 2000 for a slight arc swing style. In contrast, intersection distance 4215 (FIG. 4) places shaft axis 4211 relatively closer to strikeface centerpoint 4150, and is thus suitable for imparting a face-balanced hang angle (such as hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1)) onto golf club 1000, and/or suitable for configuring golf club 1000 for a straight stroke swing style. For its part, intersection distance 6215 (FIG. 6) places shaft axis 6211 relatively farther away from strikeface centerpoint 4150, and is thus suitable for imparting a toe-down hang angle (such as hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3)) onto golf club 3000, and/or suitable for configuring golf club 3000 for a strong arc swing style.

In some implementations, the shaft bend height can be used to set or adjust the shaft intersection distance, relative to the strikeface centerpoint, to establish desired intersection ratios of the shaft intersection distances relative to a club head length of the club head. In such implementations, the club head length can be measured between opposite heel and toe ends of the club head. For instance, as seen in FIGS. 4-6, club head 1100 comprises club head length 4140 between opposite heel and toe ends thereof.

Thus, with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 4, golf club 1000 comprises an intersection ratio of intersection distance 4215 over club head length 4140, where such intersection ratio can be of less than approximately 0.05 in some examples, where such intersection ratio can establish a face-balanced hang angle (such as hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1)) onto golf club 1000, and/or where such intersection ratio can configure golf club 1000 for a straight stroke swing style. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 5, golf club 2000 comprises an intersection ratio of intersection distance 5215 over club head length 4140, where such intersection ratio can be between approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.155 in some examples, where such intersection ratio can establish a mid-hang hang angle (such as hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2)) onto golf club 2000, and/or where such intersection ratio can configure golf club 2000 for a slight arc swing style. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 6, golf club 3000 comprises an intersection ratio of intersection distance 6215 over club head length 4140, where such intersection ratio can be greater than approximately 0.155 in some examples, where such intersection ratio can establish a toe-down hang angle (such as hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3)) onto golf club 3000, and/or where such intersection ratio can configure golf club 3000 for a strong arc swing style.

FIG. 7 illustrates a heelside view of golf club 1000, with shaft bend height 4100 of shaft bend 100 positioning shaft axis 4211 at offset distance 7216 relative to strikeface 1150. FIG. 8 illustrates a heelside view of golf club 2000, with shaft bend height 5200 of shaft bend 200 positioning shaft axis 5211 at offset distance 8216 relative to strikeface 1150. FIG. 9 illustrates a heelside view of golf club 3000, with shaft bend height 6300 of shaft bend 300 positioning shaft axis 6211 at offset distance 9216 relative to strikeface 1150.

As can be seen in FIGS. 7-9, the different shaft bend heights of shaft bends 100, 200, and 300 impart different offset distances 7216, 8216, and 9216 for club heads 1000, 2000, and 3000, respectively. For the present examples of FIGS. 7-9, the taller the shaft bend height, the greater the offset distance between the effective shaft axis and the strikeface. Thus, different offsets can be achieved using the same golf club head and the same golf club shaft by imparting the appropriate the shaft bend height. For instance, offset distance 9216 between shaft axis 6211 and strikeface 1150 in golf club 3000 (FIG. 9) can be selected, via shaft bend height 6300 of shaft bend 300, to establish a toe-down hang angle (such as hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3)) onto golf club 3000, and/or to configure golf club 3000 for a strong arc swing style. Similarly, offset distance 8216 between shaft axis 5211 and strikeface 1150 in golf club 2000 (FIG. 8) can be selected, via shaft bend height 5200 of shaft bend 200, to be greater than offset distance 9216 and/or to establish a mid-hang hang angle (such as hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2)) onto golf club 2000, and/or to configure golf club 2000 for a slight arc swing style. In addition, offset distance 7216 between shaft axis 4211 and strikeface 1150 in golf club 1000 (FIG. 7) can be selected, via shaft bend height 4100 of shaft bend 100, to be greater than offset distance 8216 and/or to establish a face-balanced hang angle (such as hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1)) onto golf club 1000, and/or to configure golf club 1000 for a straight stroke swing style. The offset distances 7216, 8216, and 9216 can be defined relative to a positive offset direction that is perpendicular to strikeface centerpoint 4150 and points forward of golf club head 1100.

In the present examples of FIGS. 1-9, the angles of the shaft lower portions relative to club head horizontal plane 4900 are set by hosel 1110 and are substantially the same for each of golf club heads 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), 2000 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8), and 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9). In some implementations, shaft lower portions 1220 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), 2220 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8), and 3220 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9) can comprise shaft-to-strikeface angle 7222 (FIG. 7) of approximately 70 degrees to approximately 100 degrees, and shaft-to-heel angle 4221 (FIG. 4) of approximately 105 degrees to approximately 75 degrees. In the same or other examples, shaft-to-strikeface angle 7222 can be approximately 82 degrees, and shaft-to-heel angle 4221 (FIG. 4) can be approximately 88 degrees. Although shaft-to-strikeface angle 7222 (FIG. 7) and shaft-to-heel angle 4221 (FIG. 4) are illustrated in the figures as acute angles relative to club head horizontal plane 4900, there may be embodiments where one or both of shaft-to-strikeface angle 7222 and shaft-to-heel angle 4221 are not acute angles.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method 10000, which can be used to provide, form, and/or manufacture a golf club in accordance with the present disclosure. In some examples, the golf club of method 10000 can be similar to any one of golf club 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), golf club 2000 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8) or golf club 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9).

Method 10000 comprises block 10100 for providing a shaft configured to accept a shaft bend and to be coupled to a hosel of a golf club head of the golf club. In some examples, the golf club head can be similar to golf club head 1100 (FIGS. 1-9), and the shaft can be similar to shaft 1200 (FIGS. 1-9) of golf club 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), golf club 2000 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8), or golf club 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9). In the same or other examples, the shaft can be coupled to the golf club head via a hosel similar to hosel 1110 (FIGS. 1-9), whether such hosel is fully internal or at least partially external the golf club head. Likewise, in the same or other examples, depending on the type of implementation being sought, the shaft bend can be similar to any one of shaft bend 100 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), shaft bend 200 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8), or shaft bend 300 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9).

Method 10000 also comprises block 10200 for imparting the shaft bend at a target shaft bend height along the shaft length of the shaft. In some examples, the target shaft bend height may be similar to one of shaft bend height 4100 (FIGS. 4, 7), shaft bend height 5200 (FIGS. 5, 8), or shaft bend height 6300 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9).

In some examples, block 10200 of method 10000 comprises sub-block 10210 for configuring the golf club, via the shaft bend, for a target swing style comprising one of a straight stroke swing style, a slight arc swing style, or a strong arc swing style. For instance, the shaft bend may be defined within a range of shaft bend heights, and/or within a range of shaft bend angles, configured to establish one or more swing characteristics for the golf club to complement a measured swing style of an individual being fitted, whether the measured swing style comprises the straight stroke swing style, the slight arc swing style, or the strong arc swing style described above with respect to FIGS. 1-9. There can be examples where the target swing characteristics of the golf club can be defined by setting the shaft bend height, while relying on the same shaft bend angle for all shaft bend height options. In one example, the shaft bend may configure the golf club for the straight stroke swing style when its shaft bend height is similar to the high shaft bend height described above with respect to shaft bend height 4100 (FIGS. 4, 7). In another example, the shaft bend may configure the golf club for the slight arc swing style when its shaft bend height is similar to the medium shaft bend height described above with respect to shaft bend height 5200 (FIGS. 5, 8). In another example, the shaft bend may configure the golf club for the strong arc swing style when its shaft bend height is similar to the low shaft bend height described above with respect to shaft bend height 6300 (FIGS. 6, 9).

In the same or other examples, block 10200 of method 10000 also can comprise sub-block 10220 for configuring the shaft, via the shaft bend, to impart a target hang angle for the golf club. In some implementations, the target hang angle may be similar to hang angle 1800 (FIG. 1), hang angle 2800 (FIG. 2), or hang angle 3800 (FIG. 3). In the same or other implementations, the target hang angle can comprise one of a face-balanced hang angle, a mid-hang hang angle, or a toe-down hang angle as described above with respect to golf club 1000 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), golf club 2000 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8) or golf club 3000 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9).

Imparting the shaft bend onto the shaft in block 10200 can also be accomplished by establishing a desired intersection distance between a strikeface centerpoint of a strikeface of the golf club head and an intersection point where an effective shaft axis of the shaft intersects a club head horizontal plane. In some examples, the strikeface centerpoint can be similar to strikeface centerpoint 4150 of strikeface 1150 (FIGS. 4-9), the effective shaft axis can be similar to shaft axis 4211 (FIGS. 4, 7), shaft axis 5211 (FIGS. 5, 8), or shaft axis 6211 (FIGS. 6, 9). The intersection distance can be similar to intersection distance 4215 (FIG. 4), 5215 (FIG. 5), or 6215 (FIG. 6). For example, if the target swing style of block 10200 comprises the straight stroke swing style, the shaft bend can be imparted such that the effective shaft axis intersects the club head horizontal plane at an intersection distance similar to intersection distance 4215 (FIG. 4). As another example, if the target swing style of block 10200 comprises the slight arc swing style, the shaft bend can be imparted such that the effective shaft axis intersects the club head horizontal plane at an intersection distance similar to intersection distance 5215 (FIG. 5). As yet another example, if the target swing style of block 10200 comprises the strong arc swing style, the shaft bend can be imparted such that the effective shaft axis intersects the club head horizontal plane at an intersection distance similar to intersection distance 6215 (FIG. 6).

After block 10200, method 10000 can further comprise block 10300 for coupling the shaft to the hosel of the golf club head. As an example, the result of the coupling can be similar to what is shown in FIGS. 1-9.

In some examples, one or more of the different blocks of method 10000 can be combined into a single block or performed simultaneously, and/or the sequence of such blocks can be changed. For example, in some implementations, sub-blocks 10210 and 10220 may be combined if desired. In the same or other implementations, block 10300 can precede block 10200. There also can be examples where some of the blocks of method 10000 can be subdivided into several sub-blocks. As an example, block 10200 may further comprise a sub-block for configuring the golf club, via the shaft bend, to comprise an intersection distance similar to one of intersection distances 4215 (FIG. 4), 5215 (FIG. 5), or 6215 (FIG. 6) based on the target swing style and/or the target hang angle. As another example, block 10200 may further comprise a sub-block for configuring the golf club, via the shaft bend, to comprise an intersection ratio as described above with respect to the examples of FIGS. 4-6 and based on the target swing style or the target hang angle. As an example, block 10200 may further comprise a sub-block for configuring the golf club, via the shaft bend, to comprise an offset distance similar to one of offset distances 7216 (FIG. 7), 8216 (FIG. 8), or 9216 (FIG. 9) based on the target swing style or the target hang angle.

There can also be examples where method 10000 can comprise further or different blocks. As an example, method 10000 may comprise another block for measuring a swing style of an individual being fitted, and/or for imparting the shaft bend of block 10200 based on the swing style of the individual being fitted. In addition, there may be examples where method 10000 can comprise only part of the steps described above. For instance, block 10300 may be optional in some implementations. Other variations can be implemented for method 10000 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Although the customizable hang angle golf clubs, 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. As an example, golf club shaft 1200 can be provided with a telescoping mechanism to permit the shaft bend of the golf club to be adjustable between shaft bend height 4100 (FIGS. 4, 7), shaft bend height 5200 (FIGS. 5, 8), or shaft bend height 6300 (FIGS. 6, 9). In addition, although some implementations of shaft bends 100 (FIGS. 1, 4, 7), 200 (FIGS. 2, 5, 8), or 300 (FIGS. 3, 6, 9) have been described above as comprising the same shaft bend angle, there can be embodiments where the shaft bend angles of shaft bends 100, 200, and 300 may differ from one another.

Additional examples of such changes and others have been given in the foregoing description. 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 is 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 customizable hang angle golf clubs, 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.

While the above examples may be described in connection with a putter-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club such as a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, or a wedge-type golf club. Alternatively, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.

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 comprising:

a club head;

a shaft coupled to the club head, comprising: a shaft bend disposed along a unitary portion of the shaft at a specially configured shaft bend height above the club head with the shaft bend dividing the shaft into a shaft lower portion and shaft upper portion, the specially configured shaft bend height configured for a strong arc swing style; wherein a shaft axis extends through a longitudinal centerline of the shaft upper portion and a horizontal plane of the club head extends through a strike face centerpoint of the club head with the shaft axis intersecting the horizontal plane at an intersection distance away from the strike face centerpoint such that a center of gravity of the golf club is moved away from the strike face centerpoint by nature of the intersection distance, the intersection distance defined by the specially configured shaft bend height and specially configured for the strong arc swing style; and wherein the shaft bend disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft is configured to impart a toe-down hang angle to the golf club, the toe-down hang angle specially configured for the strong arc swing style.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

the specially configured shaft bend height comprises a low bend height such that the shaft bend is disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft at less than 85 mm above a horizontal plane of the club head, the low bend height specifically configured for the strong arc swing style.

3. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

the shaft bend comprises a shaft bend angle comprising a range of 146 degrees to 174 degrees.

4. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

the toe-down hang angle is greater than or equal to 48 degrees.

5. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

the strong arc swing style is associated with a swing rotation of an individual swinging the golf club comprising a strong arc swing rotation of 7.5 or more degrees.

6. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

a ratio of the intersection distance to a length of the club head comprises greater than 0.155.

7. The golf club of claim 1, wherein:

the shaft bend creates an offset distance between the shaft axis and the strike face centerpoint of the club head.

8. A golf club comprising:

a club head;

a shaft coupled to the club head, comprising: a shaft bend disposed along a unitary portion of the shaft at a specially configured shaft bend height above the club head with the shaft bend dividing the shaft into a shaft lower portion and shaft upper portion, the specially configured shaft bend height configured for a slight arc swing style; wherein a shaft axis extends through a longitudinal centerline of the shaft upper portion and a horizontal plane of the club head extends through a strike face centerpoint of the club head with the shaft axis intersecting the horizontal plane at an intersection distance away from the strike face centerpoint such that a center of gravity of the golf club is moved away from the strike face centerpoint by nature of the intersection distance, the intersection distance defined by the specially configured shaft bend height and specially configured for the slight arc swing style; and wherein the shaft bend disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft is configured to impart a mid-hang hang angle to the golf club, the mid-hang hang angle specially configured for the slight arc swing style.

9. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

the specially configured shaft bend height comprises a medium bend height such that the shaft bend is disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft at 70 mm to 85 mm above a horizontal plane of the club head, the medium bend height specifically configured for the slight arc swing style.

10. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

the shaft bend comprises a shaft bend angle comprising a range of 146 degrees to 174 degrees.

11. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

the mid-hang hang angle comprises 16 to 48 degrees.

12. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

the slight arc swing style is associated with a swing rotation of an individual swinging the golf club comprising a slight arc swing rotation of approximately 3.5 degrees to 7.5 degrees.

13. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

a ratio of the intersection distance to a length of the club head comprises 0.05 to 0.155.

14. The golf club of claim 8, wherein:

the shaft bend creates an offset distance between the shaft axis and the strike face centerpoint of the club head.

15. A golf club comprising:

a club head;

a shaft coupled to the club head, comprising: a shaft bend disposed along a unitary portion of the shaft at a specially configured shaft bend height above the club head with the shaft bend dividing the shaft into a shaft lower portion and shaft upper portion, the specially configured shaft bend height configured for a straight stroke swing style; wherein a shaft axis extends through a longitudinal centerline of the shaft upper portion and a horizontal plane of the club head extends through a strike face centerpoint of the club head with the shaft axis intersecting the horizontal plane at an intersection distance away from the strike face centerpoint such that a center of gravity of the golf club is moved away from the strike face centerpoint by nature of the intersection distance, the intersection distance defined by the specially configured shaft bend height and specially configured for the straight stroke swing style; and wherein the shaft bend disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft is configured to impart a face-balanced hang angle to the golf club, the face-balanced hang angle specially configured for the straight stroke swing style.

16. The golf club of claim 15, wherein:

the specially configured shaft bend height comprises a high bend height such that the shaft bend is disposed along the unitary portion of the shaft at greater than 95 mm above a horizontal plane of the club head, the high bend height specifically configured for the straight stroke swing style.

17. The golf club of claim 15, wherein:

the face-balanced hang angle comprises less than 16 degrees.

18. The golf club of claim 15, wherein:

the straight stroke swing style is associated with a swing rotation of an individual swinging the golf club comprising a straight stroke swing rotation of approximately 0 degrees to 3.5 degrees.

19. The golf club of claim 15, wherein:

a ratio of the intersection distance to a length of the club head comprises less than 0.05.