Golf Club

Abstract

Described is a golf club, in particular a putter. The golf club comprises a shaft (S) and a club head (19) coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft by a joint. The joint is operable to allow the position of the club head relative to the shaft to be adjusted.

Description

The present invention relates to a golf club, in particular to a putter. An aspect of the present invention relates to a golf putter/club heads with a variable & interchangeable neck system.

Present-day Golf Putter Heads come in numerous models/variations attempting to cover all the possible different variations, i.e. with different neck angles and types of necks, straight or with various degrees of crank/offset. A certain amount of adjustment, of forward and backward movement/variation ‘Lie’, is achieved by the ‘bending’ of the shaft. The same applies to ‘Loft. None, however, allow for 360° degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft, as well as, a forward and aft movement, ‘Lie’ and lateral, side to side movement ‘Loft’ by a simple mechanical adjustment.

Nor are the necks interchangeable. Rather, necks are typically glued in place.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft by a joint, wherein the joint is operable to allow the position of the club head relative to the shaft to be adjusted.

Preferably, the club head is coupled indirectly to the shaft by the joint and a neck.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow the lie and loft of the club head to be individually adjusted.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow for 360 degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft.

Preferably, the amount of movement of the club head relative to the shaft is restricted.

Preferably, the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow the club head to be locked in place relative to the shaft once in a position desired by a user.

Preferably, the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

Preferably, the golf club further comprises a grub screw or grub screw and plunger to restrict the movement of the captive nut.

Preferably, the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the neck is removably or fixedly fitted.

Preferably, the ball is integrally provided with the neck.

Preferably, the ball is releasable from the socket to render the neck interchangeable with another neck.

Preferably, the club head is coupled directly to the shaft by the joint and the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the shaft is removably or fixedly fitted.

Preferably, the golf club is a putter.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising an interchangeable neck.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head releasably coupled to the shaft, either directly or indirectly, by a releasable coupling.

Preferably, the club head is releasably coupled to the shaft indirectly by being releasably coupled by the releasable coupling to a neck connected to the shaft.

Preferably, the neck is removably attached to the shaft.

Preferably, the releasable coupling comprises a receiving member having a receiving portion for receiving the neck, and wherein the receiving portion is operable to be narrowed to grasp the neck and to be widened to release the neck.

Preferably, the club head is releasably coupled directly to the shaft by the releasable coupling, the releasable coupling comprises a receiving member having a receiving portion for receiving the shaft, and wherein the receiving portion is operable to be narrowed to grasp the shaft and to be widened to release the shaft.

Preferably, the releasable coupling further comprises an engagement member operable to engage the receiving member to cause the receiving portion to narrow and to release the receiving member to cause the receiving portion to widen.

Preferably, the receiving member is movable relative to the club head when released by the engagement member to allow the club head to be moved to a desired position relative to the shaft, and wherein the receiving member is held in position relative to the club head when engaged by the engagement member to hold the club head in the desired position relative to the shaft.

Preferably, the receiving member comprises a ball of a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the receiving member comprises at least one slot to allow the receiving portion to be widened or narrowed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft by a joint, wherein the joint is operable to allow the position of the club head relative to the shaft to be adjusted within a restricted range of movement.

Preferably, the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the ball of the ball and socket joint is provided with an engagement portion which engages with an engagement portion of the socket of the ball and socket joint to restrict the range of movement of the ball.

Preferably, the engagement portion of the ball comprises a discontinuity in its outer surface.

Preferably, the engagement portion of the socket comprises a cam surface.

Preferably, the engagement portion of the ball comprises a projection and the engagement portion of the socket comprises a slot within which the projection locates.

Preferably, the engagement portion of the ball comprises a slot and the engagement portion of the socket comprises a projection which locates within the slot.

Preferably, one of the club head and the socket is provided with a projection and the other of the club head and the socket is provided with a recess within which the projection locates to prevent the socket from moving relative to the club head.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft, a club head and a neck connecting the shaft to the club head, wherein the shaft is removably attached to the neck.

Preferably, the neck is provided with a receiving portion into which the shaft is inserted, and the receiving portion is operable to adopt a first condition in which it grips the shaft and a second condition in which it releases the shaft.

Preferably, the golf club further comprises an engagement member operable to engage the neck to cause the receiving portion to adopt the first condition.

Preferably, the engagement member comprises a nut.

Preferably, the engagement member is operable using a dedicated tool.

Preferably, the neck comprises a stub which is inserted into the shaft, and wherein the stub is operable to adopt a first condition in which it is expanded to grip the shaft and a second condition in which it releases the shaft.

Preferably, the stub comprises an opening and the golf club further comprises an expansion member which is movable into the opening to cause the stub to adopt the first condition.

Preferably, the expansion member is movable using a dedicated tool.

Preferably, the neck is removably attached to the club head.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head connected to the shaft by a neck, wherein the neck comprises a composite material.

Preferably, the composite material is less dense than a material of the club head.

Preferably, the composite material comprises carbon fibre.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head connected directly or indirectly to the shaft by a ball and socket joint, wherein the socket of the ball and socket joint is removably mounted in the club head.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft, a club head and a neck connecting the shaft to the club head, wherein the neck is removably attached to the club head.

Preferably, the neck is removably attached to a joint of the club head, which joint is operable to allow the club head to be moved relative to the shaft.

Preferably, the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the neck is removably attachable to a ball of the ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the ball is provided with a receiving portion into which the neck is inserted, and the receiving portion is operable to be narrowed to grasp the neck and to be widened to release the neck.

Preferably, the neck is removably attached to the shaft.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft, a neck connected to the shaft and a club head joined to the neck by a joint which allows for adjustment and variability between the neck and the club head.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow the lie and loft of the club head to be individually adjusted.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow for 360 degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft.

Preferably, the amount of movement of the club head is restricted.

Preferably, the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the joint is operable to permit the club head to be locked in place once in a position desired by a user.

Preferably, the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

Preferably, the golf club further comprises a grub screw or grub screw and plunger to restrict the movement of the captive nut.

Preferably, the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the neck is fitted.

Preferably, the ball is produced as one piece with the neck.

Preferably, the ball is releasable from the socket to render the neck interchangeable with another neck.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head joined to the shaft by a joint which allows for adjustment and variability between the shaft and the club head.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow the lie and loft of the club head to be individually adjusted.

Preferably, the joint is operable to allow for 360 degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft.

Preferably, the amount of movement of the club head is restricted.

Preferably, the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

Preferably, the joint is operable to permit the club head to be locked in place once in a position desired by a user.

Preferably, the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

Preferably, the golf club further comprises a grub screw or grub screw and plunger to restrict the movement of the captive nut.

Preferably, the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the shaft is fitted.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a neck and a club head joined to the neck by a ball and socket joint.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a golf club comprising a shaft and a club head joined to the shaft by a ball and socket joint.

An aspect of the present invention/device is for a new design and type of Neck System and Head, for Golf Putter heads & Golf Club heads, affording adjustment and variability between the Neck, incorporating the putter/club Shaft and the Head, the putter/club head. An aspect of the present invention also allows the heads, the putter/club head, to be able to use different Types and Styles of Necks. An aspect of the present invention relates to Interchangeable Necks.

An aspect of a design/device according to the present invention allows the ‘Lie’ and ‘Loft’ of the putter/club head to be individually adjusted thus enabling the player to be able to address the head of the putter/club with the ball in a way that suits his own unique conformation and physical requirements. Taking into account that every player has a different conformation, the putter head/club head is therefore better able to accommodate these variations. This design meets with the Golf Federations rules governing what is allowed and permitted regarding adjustable shafts and putter heads/club heads, i.e. the 10° and 20° degree rulings.

An aspect of this invention/design allows for adjustment and variability between the neck/shaft and the club head and is achieved without altering the design and aesthetics of the traditional Golf Putter/Club Head and its many variations in design. It is attained according to an embodiment of the present invention by joining the Neck/Shaft and the Golf Putter/Club Head together by means of a ball and socket joint (a type of universal join) and thus giving universal adjustment, movement and variability.

According to an embodiment, when the desired position is obtained, by the player/user, the unit can be secured/locked in place. The result being a unique golf putter/club that has taken into account the players/users special physical requirements as well as taking into consideration the topography of the ground on which the putter heads/club heads are being used.

According to an embodiment, the amount of movement can be restricted, i.e. to meet the aforementioned 10° and 20° degree rulings.

Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention in which a Golf Putter Head is used for simplification;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are side elevation and top plan views, respectively, of a ball of a ball and socket joint according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11 and 12 show, respectively, a socket and a ball of a ball and socket joint according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 shows a fixture according to the third embodiment;

FIGS. 13 and 16 show, respectively, a nut and a neck according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 14 and 15 show, respectively, a nut and a neck according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 shows a club head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 19 to 21 show a ball and socket of a ball and socket joint according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a golf club, in particular a putter. In this respect, all reference herein to a golf club includes reference to a putter.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

The present first preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 01 shows a side elevation of a Golf Putter Head 19 and the parts that go to make up the device, the Variable Neck System, and in the order in which they enter into the Cavity/Bore 04 and which is threaded. The parts being: 01 Captive Cap/Nut threaded, 02 Ball/Sphere & 03 Captive Socket. 10 represents the part of the putter head closest to the player and which is known as the ‘Heel’. 11 represents the part of the putter head furthest from the player and which is known as the ‘Toe’.

FIG. 01A shows the assembled golf club of the present embodiment with the shaft S attached to the club head 19 via a neck.

FIG. 02 is a cross section showing 01, the Captive Cap/Nut, which is threaded and which locks the Ball/Sphere 02 of the device in position. 09a & 09b represent the pin holes for a pin spanner/key.

FIG. 03 is a cross section showing 02, the Ball/Sphere. In this image of 02, the Ball/Sphere, there is also shown the ‘Hole/Pocket’ 05 into which the putter shaft or Extended Necks 15 & 17 (FIGS. 07 & 08) fit into.

FIG. 04 is a cross section showing 03 Captive Socket, which rests on a Flange 18, (FIG. 05) and into which the Ball/Sphere 02 nestles and is supported when compressed by the tightening of the Captive Cap/Nut 01.

FIG. 05 is a cross section of the ‘Heel’ area of a Golf Putter Head 19 and showing all the parts assembled. These being: 01 Captive Cap/Nut, 02 Ball/Sphere & 03 Captive Socket in their correct positions in the threaded Cavity/Bore 04. 06 shows a weight screw which can be fitted on the base of the putter head which is known as the ‘Sole’ should it be required and requested. 07 shows a threaded ‘Hole’ running from the ‘Heel’ 10 of the putter into the Cavity/Bore 04. This threaded ‘Hole’ 07 can accommodate a grub screw or grub screw and plunger in order to afford extra security, if necessary, in locking the unit/device, in Cavity/Bore 04, securely in place by restricting the movement of the Captive Cap/Nut 01.

FIG. 06 is a side elevation of a Golf Putter Head 19 showing the device integrated into the ‘Putter Head’. What is visible is part of the Ball/Sphere 02 and the ‘Hole/Pocket’ 05 into which either the putter shaft fits into or the Extended Necks 15 & 17 (FIGS. 07 & 08) fits into. 01 represents the Captive Cap/Nut. 09a, 09b & 09c represents pin holes which in conjunction with a pin spanner/key lock the device in position.

FIG. 07 is a side elevation of a Neck Extension 15 with an offset. The Neck Extension 15 can be made with varying degrees of offset. It can also be made as a straight extensions without any offset. Both types of Neck Extension (straight or offset) can vary in length. 08 shows where the putter shaft fits into a ‘Hole/Pocket’ at the top end of the Neck Extension. This type of Neck 13 is known as a ‘Plumbers Neck Hosel’. The name ‘Hosel’ refers to the part that connects the shaft to the Neck extension. The other end of the Neck Extension, 12, is shown fitted into the ‘Hole/Pocket’ 05 of the Ball/Sphere 02 of the device.

FIG. 08 is a side elevation of a Neck Extension 17 with an offset. The Neck Extension 17 can be made with varying degrees of offset. It can also be made as a straight extensions without any offset. Both types of Neck Extension (straight or offset) can vary in length. 16 shows where the putter shaft fits ‘Over a Stub’ at the top end of the Neck Extension. This type of Neck 14 is known as a ‘Flare Tip Hosel’. The name ‘Hosel’ refers to the part that connects the shaft to the Neck extension. The other end of the Neck Extension, 12 is shown fitted into the ‘Hole/Pocket’ 05 of the Ball/Sphere 02 of the device.

In use, a user wishing to adjust the position (e.g. lie and/or loft) of the club head 19 relative to the shaft simply loosens the captive cap/nut 01 to permit the ball/sphere 02 to move within the cavity/bore 04 and hence permit relative movement between the club head 19 and shaft to allow the club head 19 to be moved into a desired position. The user then simply tightens the captive cap/nut 01 to grip the ball/sphere 02 and hence hold the club head 19 in the desired position relative to the shaft.

This design/device is typically produced, FIG. 05, whereby the Bore/Cavity 04 is entered on the top side of the Golf Putter Head 19 and at the ‘Heel’ 10 area. The Ball/ Sphere 02 is being held in position, in the Bore/Cavity 04 of the Golf Putter Head 19, by the Captive Cap/Nut 01 on the top and supported at the bottom, of the Bore/Cavity 04, by the Captive Socket 03 which rests on a Flange 18. This, however, need not be exclusively the case.

This design/device can be produced whereby the parts are inserted from the base of the putter, known as the ‘Sole’. In this case the rolls of the Captive Socket 03 and the Captive Cap/Nut 01 are reversed. The Bore/Cavity is entered from the ‘Sole’ of the putter and the locking of the Ball/Sphere would be done on the underside, the ‘Sole’, by a Captive Cap/Nut. The Captive Socket 03 would in turn become part of and incorporated into the Golf Putter Head 19.

The top side of the Golf Putter Head 19 would have an opening exposing part for the Ball/Sphere 02 and the ‘Hole/Pocket’ 05 into which either the putter shaft or the Neck Extensions could and would fit.

The Neck Extensions 15 & 17, FIGS. 07 & 08, typically would be produced without the Ball/Sphere 02 being attached to their end part 12. The Ball/Sphere 02 would then be bonded together, by either heat or glue, with the Neck Extensions. This is general practise when attaching putter shafts to Golf Putters. In the same way, when attaching the putter shaft directly to the Ball/Sphere 02, heat, glue or other bonding agent is used. This, however, need not be exclusively the case.

The Neck Extensions 15 & 17, FIGS. 07 & 08, can also be produce as one piece and incorporating the Ball/Sphere 02 at their end 12.

The Bore/Cavity 04 as described, into which the device is fitted, is situated at the ‘Heel’ 10 area of a Golf Putter Head 19 however this is not exclusively the case. This Bore/Cavity 04 can be located anywhere along the entire length of the putter/club, between the ‘Heel’ 10 and the ‘Toe’ 11 of the putter. Furthermore the Bore/Cavity 04 need not be confided to the Front Edge 20 (FIGS. 01 & 06) but can, depending on the design of the Putter Head, be situated anywhere between the Front Edge 20 (FIGS. 01 & 06) and the Back Edge 21 (FIGS. 01 & 06).

The Captive Cap/Nut 01 (FIG. 02) has been designed whereby a special spanner/key known as a pin spanner/key is required and whose lugs fit into the location Holes 09 on the Captive Cap/Nut 01 (FIG. 02). This is to meet existing Golf Federations rules which state that any adjustment must be achieved through an independent, special devise/tool, i.e. spanner. This, however, is not exclusive and the Captive Cap/Nut 01 (FIG. 02) could be produced whereby the adjustment can be made without the need of a special tool.

The parts for this design/device are made/manufactured in either metal or plastic composites or a combination of both. Typically the Golf Putter Head 19 (FIGS. 01, 05 & 06) would be in Stainless Steel, Zinc Alloy, Titanium, Aluminium. The Ball/Sphere 02 in Carbon Fibre, Nylon, Stainless Steel, Aluminium. The Extended Necks 15 & 17 (FIGS. 07 & 08) would be in Carbon Fibre, Stainless Steel, Graphite or a Plastic Composite whilst the Captive Cap/Nut 01 (FIG. 02) & Captive Socket 03 (FIG. 04) would be produced in a Metal, Stainless Steel or a Plastic Composite.

This design/device can be produced and used in either right handed or left handed putter/club models and with various designs, shapes and types of putter heads and not only exclusively to putter heads but as well with other Golf Club heads, i.e. wedges, drivers etc. This design/device, as with conventional golf putter heads, in no-way restricts the use of weight pockets in the putter/club heads if so desired.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the ball 02 is provided with three slots 22 each extending through the side of the ball 02 and running downwardly from the opening 23 of the hole 05. These slots form a kind of ‘chuck’ into which the golf club shaft (or neck, where employed) may be inserted and secured by tightening the Captive Retaining Nut, No. 01, which tightening also acts to secure the golf club head 19 in a desired position relative to the shaft, as described above. As will be appreciated, this manner of fixing the shaft or neck to the club head 19 avoids the conventional use of glue or other adhesive, and allows for the shaft or neck to be readily removed as desired by a user e.g. for replacement by another shaft or neck. The second embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment described above.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12 and 17, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

The third embodiment employs an alternative Captive Socket/Nest to Captive Socket/Nest, 03 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 04.

This alternative Captive Socket/Nest 03 of the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 11 and is used with the alternative Ball/Sphere 02 of the present embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, when the movement of the system (i.e. movement of the club head 19 relative to the golf club shaft) needs to be restricted in order to meet certain regulations e.g. for match play and as specified by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the world governing body for golfing rules and regulations etc.

This restricted Captive Socket/Nest 03 works on a ‘cam’ principle and restricts the amount of forward, back and sideways movement of the Ball/Sphere 02 depending on the severity of the ‘cam’.

This restricted Captive Socket/Nest 03 is prevented from rotating by its underside engaging with a location pin 24, removable or fixed, at the foot of the Cavity/Bore 04 of the putter head, as may be seen in FIG. 17.

The restricted movement can be varied by the ‘cam’ shape to meet all regulations and variations therein which may occur in future.

The Captive Socket/Nest 03 shown in FIG. 04 has, in contrast, unrestricted movement for general play.

As mentioned above, the Ball/Sphere 02 shown in FIG. 12 is used in conjunction with the restricted Captive Socket/Nest 03 of FIG. 11 in the present embodiment.

It will be noted that there is a ‘step’ 25 between the main Ball/Sphere 26 and the secondary Ball/Sphere 27 which presents a discontinuity in the outer surface of the ball 02, and it is this ‘step’ 25 that engages the ‘cam’ of the restricted Captive Socket/Nest 03 of FIG. 11, to restrict the range of movement of the ball 02, and hence restrict the range of movement of the club head 19 relative to the shaft of the golf club. The present third embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment described above.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 16, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

The present embodiment allows for the shaft to be removably attachable to a neck. When used in conjunction with the ball 02 of the second embodiment described above, the neck is also removably attachable to the club head 19 and hence is readily interchangeable with other necks.

In more detail, FIG. 13 shows a hollow domed nut 25 for securing the shaft (the shaft, the putter head shaft, club head shaft) to a Plumber Neck Hosel 26 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

The interior of the domed nut 25 is threaded part way and the remainder of it takes a curved form corresponding to the radius at the end of the Plumber Neck Hosel 26, see FIG. 16.

This domed nut 25 can be knurled for tightening as shown in FIG. 13 or may for example be so designed that a special key is required for tightening thereof. The latter alternative may be employed e.g. to meet certain Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews rules requiring that any adjustment made to an adjustable club must be made with special tool in order to prevent adjustments being made during play. i.e. with a coin or with the fingers etc. This is why for example weight screws can only be removed and exchanged via a special key rather than a slot for a coin.

FIG. 16—Shows an offset neck with a Plumber Neck Hosel according to the present embodiment, in which the hosel 26 in this instant is divided by two or more slots 27 and threaded 28 on its outside to engage with the threading provided on the interior of the domed nut 25.

In use, the shaft is inserted into the hollow interior 29 of the hosel 26 and the domed nut 25 is placed over and screwed onto the threaded portion 28 of the hosel 26 whereby the shaft (the shaft, the putter head shaft, club head shaft) passes through the hole 30 running through the centre of the domed nut 25. Once the domed nut 25 is tightened onto the hosel 26, by engaging the threading of the interior of the domed nut 25 with the threading 28 of the hosel 26, a clamping effect takes place and the shaft is secured to the neck 15.

The present embodiment is shown being used in conjunction with the self-gripping Ball/Sphere 02 of the second embodiment which removably attaches the neck 15 to the club head 19.

In the present embodiment, the neck 15 is made out of a composite and it is easily removable. Nearly all conventional necks are part of the club head and are made of the same material as the head, stainless steel, steel and aluminium, none are made of a composite, unlike the present embodiment, which use of composite beneficially keeps the weight where it should be, at the extreme end of the shaft, the club head 19.

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

The present embodiment allows for the shaft to be removably attachable to a neck. When used in conjunction with the ball 02 of the second embodiment described above, the neck 15 is also removably attachable to the club head 19 and hence is readily interchangeable with other necks.

In more detail, FIG. 14 shows an inverted ‘cone’ or frustroconical shape nut 32 provided with threading 34 on its hollow interior. This nut 32 is used in conjunction with the neck 17 shown in FIG. 15.

The nut 32 is preferably made of stainless steel or steel, but other materials may be employed. FIG. 15 shows the offset neck 17 with a Flare-Tip Hosel 36 according to the present embodiment of the present invention.

The Hosel 36 is provided with a stub 37 for insertion into a golf club shaft (as described in greater detail in the following) and has a hole/bore 38 through its length.

At the tip end 40 of the hosel 36 there is an inverted ‘cone’ shaped hole/cavity 42 shaped to receive the nut 32 which cavity continues into a parallel-sided hole 44 extending to the bottom 46 of the hosel 36. The walls of the stub 37 are provided with two or more slots running in the direction from the tip end 40 towards the bottom 46 of the hosel 36.

In use, a threaded socket cap head bolt (not shown) is inserted into the hole 44 from the underside of the hosel 36, to protrude into the cavity 42. The nut 32 is inserted into the cavity 42 and threaded on to the very end of the bolt protruding into the cavity 42. The stub 37 of the hosel 36 is then inserted into the interior of a hollow or hollow-ended club shaft. The socket cap head bolt is then tightened from the bottom 46 of the hosel 36, which acts to draw the nut 32 into the cavity and thus, facilitated by the slots provided in the walls of the stub 37, cause the stub 37 to expand and thus firmly grip the shaft into which the stub 37 is inserted.

In the present embodiment, the threaded socket cap head bolt is preferably made of stainless steel or steel.

The present embodiment is shown being used in conjunction with the self-gripping Ball/Sphere 02 of the second embodiment which removably attaches the neck 15 to the club head 19.

In the present embodiment, the neck is made out of a composite and it is easily removable. Nearly all conventional necks are part of the club head and are made of the same material as the head, stainless steel, steel and aluminium, none are made of a composite, unlike the present embodiment, which use of composite beneficially keeps the weight where it should be, at the extreme end of the shaft, the club head.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 18, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

In the above-described first embodiment, the Bore Hole, No. 04, is shown in FIG. 5 as being at right angles to the ‘foot’, base, of the putter as shown in FIG. 5.

However, this need not be the case and according to further embodiments, e.g. the present sixth embodiment, the Bore Hole, No. 04, can be set at various angles in relation to the ‘foot’, base, of the putter e.g. as shown in FIG. 18 and the Bore Hole, No. 04, is by no means limited as being at right angles to the ‘foot’, base, of the putter as shown in FIG. 5. The present sixth embodiment is otherwise identical to the first embodiment described above.

SEVENTH EMBODIMENT

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, in which parts similar to those of the first embodiment are given like numerals.

The present embodiment provides a means of restricting the range of movement of the system e.g. to comply with the regulations of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews for match play which limits and restricts the amount of allowed variation.

In the present embodiment, the Ball 02 is the same as the Sphere/Ball 02 of the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 03 except for the addition of a lug or projection 48 located on the bottom of the said Ball 02.

In the present embodiment, the captive socket/nest 03 is provided at its bottom with a slot 50 into which the lug 48 projects when the ball 02 is seated on the captive socket/nest 03, as shown in FIG. 21. The present embodiment is otherwise as per the first embodiment described above.

As will be appreciated, the range of movement of the ball 02 of the present embodiment is restricted by virtue of the lug 48 coming into engagement with the periphery of the slot 50 when the ball 02 is moved to the extremity of its range of movement in a given direction. The slot 50 can for example be round or oblong in shape and varied in size and position in relationship to the Captive Socket/Nest 03 to obtain the desired restriction of movement of the shaft/shaft and neck, attached to the ball 02, relative to the club head 19.

Further description on the accompanying drawings is set out, by way of example only, in the following.

FIG. 05, No. 07—No. 07 Shows an added safety feature where a taped hole is drilled and where a grub screw can be inserted to lock the whole system should for some reason the Captive Retaining Nut, 01,(previously described as the Captive Cap/Nut) become unstable/attempt to undo.

FIG. 09—This is a side view of the Ball/Sphere, 02, showing two of three slots.

FIG. 10—This is an overhead view of the Ball/Sphere, 02, showing three slots which form a type of ‘chuck’ and which when compressed/squeezed by the tightening of the Captive Retaining Nut, 01, traps and locks the shaft (the shaft, the putter head shaft, club head shaft) in the desired position. The Ball/Sphere's, 02, movement is also locked by the tightening of the Captive Retaining Nut, 01.

The Ball/Sphere, 02, is not limited to three slots and can have as many as required. For example five slots or more.

Notes on Hosels

FIGS. 16/15/07/08 all show what is known as offset necks. The amount of offset can vary. There are also straight necks, without any offset.

Where the shaft (the shaft, the putter head shaft, club head shaft) enters into the neck (offset or a straight) is known as the ‘Hosel’

There are several different types of ‘Hosel’ but the embodiments of FIGS. 7, 8, 15 and 16 are concerned with two:

1. A Plumber Neck Hosel.

2. A Flare-Tip Hosel.

With a Plumber Neck Hosel the shaft fits into a ‘pocket’

With a Flare-Tip Hosel the shaft fits over a ‘stub’

When fitting and securing a shaft into either of the above mentioned types of Hosel the standard and only way is by means of a ‘glue, epoxy’. This has various drawbacks, not easy to change the type of shaft; generally means a visit to the golf club professional and all which that entails. As will be appreciated, this is overcome according to aspects of the invention e.g. as described in relation to the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, which instead allow for the shaft to be removably mounted to the hosel.

FIG. 07—Shows an offset neck with a Plumber Neck Hosel according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shaft is ‘glued, epoxied’ into place.

It also shows the self-gripping Ball/Sphere 02 which attaches the neck to the club head.

In the present embodiment, the neck is made out of a composite and it is easily removable. Nearly all conventional necks are part of the club head and are made of the same material as the head, stainless steel, steel and aluminium, none are made of a composite, unlike the present embodiment, which use of composite beneficially keeps the weight where it should be, at the extreme end of the shaft, the club head.

FIG. 08—Shows an offset neck with a Flare-Tip Hosel according to an embodiment of the present invention. The shaft is ‘glued, epoxied’ into place.

It also shows the self-gripping Ball/Sphere 02 which attaches the neck to the club head.

In the present embodiment, the neck is made out of a composite and it is easily removable. Nearly all conventional necks are part of the club head and are made of the same material as the head, stainless steel, steel and aluminium, none are made of a composite, unlike the present embodiment, which use of composite beneficially keeps the weight where it should be, at the extreme end of the shaft, the club head.

FIGS. 11 & 12. FIG. 12 shows another design of Sphere/Ball 02. This Sphere/Ball 02 in conjunction with the Captive Socket 03 of FIG. 11, are so designed that to restrict the movement of the device to meet Royal&Ancient rules that govern match play in major tournaments. This embodiment works on a simple cam principle and can be produced and made to limit the movement to meet all rules, present or further. Users may interchange the sphere/ball 02 and captive socket 03 of the first embodiment with those of the present embodiment (or indeed with those of the above-described seventh embodiment) to comply with such rules without making any further modifications to the putter head 19.

FIG. 05. No 07 shows a taped hole where an allen-screw can be inserted to lock the hole unit should it ever become necessary. At present the rules, re adjustable golf club necks, merely states any adjustment must be made by a special key, not a coin for example. This may be conformed with according to embodiments e.g. by provision of a special key for adjustment.

The present application discloses a golf club according to the following sequence of numbered clauses:

1. A golf club comprising a shaft, a neck connected to the shaft and a club head joined to the neck by a joint which allows for adjustment and variability between the neck and the club head.

2. A golf club according to clause 1, wherein the joint is operable to allow the lie and loft of the club head to be individually adjusted.

3. A golf club according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the joint is operable to allow for 360 degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft.

4. A golf club according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the amount of movement of the club head is restricted.

5. A golf club according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

6. A golf club according to clause 5, wherein the joint is operable to permit the club head to be locked in place once in a position desired by a user.

7. A golf club according to clause 6, wherein the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

8. A golf club according to clause 7, further comprising a grub screw or grub screw and plunger to restrict the movement of the captive nut.

9. A golf club according to any one of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the neck is fitted.

10. A golf club according to any one of clauses 5 to 8, wherein the ball is produced as one piece with the neck.

11. A golf club according to any one of clauses 5 to 10, wherein the ball is releasable from the socket to render the neck interchangeable with another neck.

12. A golf club comprising a shaft and a club head joined to the shaft by a joint which allows for adjustment and variability between the shaft and the club head.

13. A golf club according to clause 12, wherein the joint is operable to allow the lie and loft of the club head to be individually adjusted.

14. A golf club according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the joint is operable to allow for 360 degrees of rotational variation of the club shaft.

15. A golf club according to any one of clauses 12 to 14, wherein the amount of movement of the club head is restricted.

16. A golf club according to any one of the clauses 12 to 15, wherein the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

17. A golf club according to clause 16, wherein the joint is operable to permit the club head to be locked in place once in a position desired by a user.

18. A golf club according to clause 17, wherein the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

19. A golf club according to clause 18, further comprising a grub screw or grub screw and plunger to restrict the movement of the captive nut.

20. A golf club according to any one of clauses 16 to 19, wherein the ball is provided with a hole or pocket into which the shaft is fitted.

21. A golf club comprising a neck and a club head joined to the neck by a ball and socket joint.

22. A golf club comprising a shaft and a club head joined to the shaft by a ball and socket joint.

23. A golf club comprising an interchangeable neck.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf club comprising a shaft and a club head coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft by a joint, wherein the joint is operable to allow the position of the club head relative to the shaft to be adjusted.

2.-5. (canceled)

6. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

7. A golf club according to claim 6, wherein the joint is operable to allow the club head to be locked in place relative to the shaft once in a position desired by a user.

8. A golf club according to claim 7, wherein the socket comprises a captive nut which is arranged to compress the ball to lock the club head in place.

9.-14. (canceled)

15. A golf club comprising a shaft and a club head releasably coupled to the shaft, either directly or indirectly, by a releasable coupling.

16. A golf club according to claim 15, wherein the club head is releasably coupled to the shaft indirectly by being releasably coupled by the releasable coupling to a neck connected to the shaft.

17. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the neck is removably attached to the shaft.

18. A golf club according to claim 16, wherein the releasable coupling comprises a receiving member having a receiving portion for receiving the neck, and wherein the receiving portion is operable to be narrowed to grasp the neck and to be widened to release the neck.

19. A golf club according to claim 15, wherein the club head is releasably coupled directly to the shaft by the releasable coupling, the releasable coupling comprises a receiving member having a receiving portion for receiving the shaft, and wherein the receiving portion is operable to be narrowed to grasp the shaft and to be widened to release the shaft.

20. A golf club according to claim 18, wherein the releasable coupling further comprises an engagement member operable to engage the receiving member to cause the receiving portion to narrow and to release the receiving member to cause the receiving portion to widen.

21. A golf club according to claim 20, wherein the receiving member is movable relative to the club head when released by the engagement member to allow the club head to be moved to a desired position relative to the shaft, and wherein the receiving member is held in position relative to the club head when engaged by the engagement member to hold the club head in the desired position relative to the shaft.

22. A golf club according to claim 18, wherein the receiving member comprises a ball of a ball and socket joint.

23. A golf club according to claim 18, wherein the receiving member comprises at least one slot to allow the receiving portion to be widened or narrowed.

24. A golf club comprising a shaft and a club head coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft by a joint, wherein the joint is operable to allow the position of the club head relative to the shaft to be adjusted within a restricted range of movement.

25. A golf club according to claim 24, wherein the joint comprises a ball and socket joint.

26. A golf club according to claim 25, wherein the ball of the ball and socket joint is provided with an engagement portion which engages with an engagement portion of the socket of the ball and socket joint to restrict the range of movement of the ball.

27. A golf club according to claim 26, wherein the engagement portion of the ball comprises a discontinuity in its outer surface.

28. A golf club according to claim 27, wherein the engagement portion of the socket comprises a cam surface.

29. A golf club according to claim 26, wherein the engagement portion of the ball comprises a projection and the engagement portion of the socket comprises a slot within which the projection locates or the engagement portion of the ball comprises a slot and the engagement portion of the socket comprises a projection which locates within the slot.

30. (canceled)

31. A golf club according to claim 25, wherein one of the club head and the socket is provided with a projection and the other of the club head and the socket is provided with a recess within which the projection locates to prevent the socket from moving relative to the club head.

32.-55. (canceled)