GOLF CLUB FERRULES AND METHODS TO MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUB FERRULES

Abstract

Embodiments of golf club ferrules and methods to manufacture golf club ferrules are generally described herein. In one example, a ferrule includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a transition portion between the upper portion and the lower portion. A plurality of protrusions extend vertically across the lower portion and the transition portion. A plurality of windows are formed through the lower portion. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the transition portion are coaxially aligned to define an axial bore. The plurality of protrusions and the plurality of windows are alternatingly spaced apart. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/352,682, filed Jun. 16, 2022.

The disclosure of the above-referenced application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

COPYRIGHT AUTHORIZATION

The present disclosure may be subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the present disclosure and its related documents, as they appear in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all applicable copyrights.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to golf equipment, and more particularly, to ferrules for a golf club and methods to manufacture ferrules.

BACKGROUND

A golf club may include a shaft mounted to a hosel of a golf club head. A ferrule is typically included to help secure the shaft to the hosel and provide a smooth transition between the shaft and the hosel. Over repeated impacts, ferrules may loosen and begin to slide up the shaft, a phenomenon referred to as “ferrule creep,” which presents an eye sore to many golfers. Accordingly, there is a need for a ferrule with improved attachment means. The present disclosure seeks to satisfy this need.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 generally depicts a golf club according to an embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a ferrule according to a first embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear view of the ferrule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the ferrule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the ferrule of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged cross-sectional view taken at line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 depicts a process of manufacturing and assembling the ferrule of FIG. 2 to form the golf club of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 depicts a front view of a ferrule according to a second embodiment of the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a rear view of the ferrule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 depicts a right view of the ferrule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 depicts a left view of the ferule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the ferrule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 depicts a bottom view of the ferrule of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 depicts an enlarged cross-sectional view taken at line 14-14 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 depicts a process of manufacturing and assembling the ferrule of FIG. 8 to form the golf club of FIG. 1.

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 may not be depicted 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.

DESCRIPTION

In general, ferrules for golf clubs and methods to manufacture ferrules are described herein. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIG. 1, a golf club 100 may include a golf club head 110, a shaft 120, a grip 130, and a ferrule 140. The grip 130 may be coupled to a butt end portion 121 of the shaft 120 and the ferrule 140 may be coupled to a tip end portion 122 of the shaft 120. The shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination may be coupled to a hosel portion 115 of the golf club head 110. The hosel portion 115 may be integral with the golf club head 110 or may be separately provided. An individual can hold the grip 130 to swing the golf club head 110 with the shaft 120 to strike a golf ball. The ferrule 140 may help to secure the shaft 120 to the hosel portion 115 while providing a cosmetic transition between the shaft 120 and the hosel portion 115. The golf club head 110 may be configured as an iron-type golf club head. In other examples, the golf club head 110 may be configured as a wedge-type golf club head, a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, or other type of golf club head. The shaft 120 may be configured as a steel shaft, a graphite shaft, a multi-material shaft, or other type of shaft. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In one example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, the ferrule 140 may include an upper portion 210, a lower portion 220, and a transition portion 230 between the upper portion 210 and the lower portion 220. The upper portion 210, the lower portion 220, and the transition portion 230 may be coaxially aligned to define an axial bore 400 extending a length 240 of the ferrule 140. The axial bore 400 may have a uniform or variable diameter 410 to enable a tip portion 600 of the shaft 120 to be received therethrough. In one example, the length 240 of the ferrule 140 may be greater than or equal to 0.750 inch (19.05 mm) and less than or equal to 0.950 inch (24.13 mm) and the diameter 410 of the axial bore 400 may be greater than or equal to 0.355 inch (9.02 mm) and less than or equal to 0.365 inch (9.27 mm). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The upper portion 210 may have a frustoconical shape extending a length 310 that may be greater than or equal to 65% and less than or equal to 75% of the length 240 of the ferrule 140. In one example, the length 310 of the upper portion 210 may be greater than or equal to 0.500 inch (12.70 mm) and less than or equal 0.700 inch (17.78 mm). The upper portion 210 may have an upper end 212 defining a top opening 402 of the axial bore 400. In one example, the upper end 212 may be rounded with a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 0.030 inch (0.762 mm) and less than or equal to 0.050 inch (1.27 mm). The upper end 212 may define an upper outer diameter 320 of the upper portion 210. In one example, the upper outer diameter 320 may be greater than or equal to 0.360 inch (9.144 mm) and less than or equal to 0.560 inch (14.224 mm). The upper portion 210 may also include a lower annular ledge 214 configured to abut against a distal end 605 of the hosel portion 115. The lower annular ledge 214 may define a lower outer diameter 330 of the upper portion 210. In one example, the lower outer diameter 330 may be greater than or equal to 0.460 inch (11.684 mm) and less than or equal to 0.660 inch (16.764 mm). The lower outer diameter 330 may be greater than the upper outer diameter 320 and may be equal to an outer diameter 612 of the hosel portion 115 to provide a smooth transition between the shaft 120 and the hosel portion 115. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The transition portion 230 may extend downward from the upper portion 210 and may be disposed inward of the lower annular ledge 214 of the upper portion 210. The transition portion 230 may have a length 340 that may be less than or equal to 8% of the length 240 of the ferrule 140. In one example, the length 340 of the transition portion 230 may be greater than or equal to 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.040 inch (1.016 mm). The transition portion 230 may have an outer diameter that decreases toward the lower portion 220 from an upper outer diameter 350 to a lower outer diameter 360. In one example, the upper outer diameter 350 of the transition portion 230 may be greater than or equal to 0.380 inch (9.652 mm) and less than or equal to 0.580 inch (14.732 mm) and the lower outer diameter 360 of the transition portion 230 may be greater than or equal to 0.320 inch (8.128 mm) and less than or equal to 0.520 inch (13.208 mm). The transition portion 230 may have a funnel shape with a radius of curvature greater than or equal to 0.020 inch (0.508 mm) and less than or equal to 0.040 inch (1.016 mm) to mate with a complementary rounded edge 610 at the distal end 605 of the hosel portion 115. The distal end 605 of the hosel portion 115 may define an opening 615 of a hosel bore 620. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

The lower portion 220 may extend downward from the transition portion 230 and may have a length 370 that may be greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 30% of the length 240 of the ferrule 140. In one example, the length 370 of the lower portion 220 may be greater than or equal to 0.120 inch (3.048 mm) and less than or equal to 0.320 inch (8.128 mm). The lower portion 220 may have a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter 380 that may be equal to the lower outer diameter 360 of the transition portion 230. The lower portion 220 may be configured to be received inside an upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115. The upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115 may be configured to accommodate or receive both the lower portion 220 of the ferrule 140 and the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120. In one example, the hosel bore 620 at the upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115 may have a diameter 630 that is greater than a diameter 635 of the hosel bore 620 at a lower portion 622 of the hosel portion 115 configured to accommodate or receive the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120. Accordingly, the upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115 may have greater clearance than the lower portion 622 of the hosel bore 620. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIGS. 2-6, the ferrule 140 may include a plurality of protrusions 250 generally shown as a first protrusion 251, a second protrusion 252, a third protrusion 253, and a fourth protrusion 254. In other examples, the plurality of protrusions 250 may be less than four in number or greater than four in number. The plurality of protrusions 250 may be disposed about the lower portion 220 and the transition portion 230 and may extend vertically across the lower portion 220 and the transition portion 230. The plurality of protrusions 250 may have similar or different dimensions. In one example, each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions 250 may be elongate and wedge-shaped with a slanted lower end 255. The slanted lower ends 255 of the plurality of protrusions 250 may be spaced from a terminal end 225 defining a bottom opening 404 of the axial bore 400 and may provide clearance as the lower portion 220 is initially inserted into the hosel bore 620. Additionally, the plurality of protrusions 250 may increase in height 510 toward the upper portion 210 to produce a gradual interference fit between the plurality of protrusions 250 and the hosel bore 620 as the lower portion 220 approaches a final rest position inside the hosel bore 620 as determined by the lower annular ledge 214 and the transition portion 230 coming into abutment with the distal end 605 of the hosel portion 115. In one example, the plurality of protrusions 250 may abut against an interior surface 640 of the upper portion 621 of the hosel bore 620. The plurality of protrusions 250 may collectively define an upper outer diameter 520 at or proximate the transition portion 230 that is greater than or equal to the diameter 630 of the upper portion 621 of the hosel bore 620 and a lower outer diameter 530 proximate the terminal end 225 that is less than or equal to the diameter 630 of the upper portion 621 of the hosel bore 620. By virtue of the interference fit between the plurality of protrusions 250 and the hosel bore 620, a tighter fit may be established between the ferrule 140 and the hosel bore 620, thus rendering the ferrule 140 less susceptible to becoming dislodged. Moreover, the interference fit between the plurality of protrusions 250 and the hosel bore 620 enables the lower portion 220 to be spaced apart from the interior surface 640 of the upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115 such that a greater amount of adhesive may be used to secure the shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination to the hosel portion 115. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In the example of FIGS. 2-6, the ferrule 140 may further include a plurality of windows 260 generally shown as a first window 261, a second window 262, a third window 263, and a fourth window 264. In other examples, the plurality of windows 260 may be less than four in number or greater than four in number. The plurality of windows 260 may be formed through the lower portion 220 and may interface with the axial bore 400 to enable adhesive to directly engage the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120 via the plurality of windows 260 to prevent the ferrule 140 from becoming dislodged. The plurality of windows 260 may be stadium shaped and may be spaced about the lower portion 220. Each window of the plurality of windows 260 may be located between a pair of adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions 250 such that the plurality of protrusions 250 and the plurality of windows 260 are alternatingly spaced apart. In other words, the plurality of protrusions 250 and the plurality of windows 260 may be disposed to alternate about the lower portion 220. The plurality of windows 260 may have similar or different dimensions and may be located at any portion of the lower portion 220. In other examples, the plurality of windows 260 may have other shapes including quadrilateral shapes, circular shapes, and any other closed shapes. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2-6, FIG. 7 depicts one process 700 by which the ferrule 140 of FIGS. 2-6 may be manufactured and assembled to form the golf club 100 generally shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 7, the process 700 may begin with providing a golf club head 110, a ferrule 140, and a shaft 120 with a grip 130 (block 710). The golf club head 110 may include a hosel portion 115 with a hosel bore 620. The ferrule 140 may be manufactured from any material such as metals, polymers, or composite materials. In one example, the ferrule 140 may be a thermoplastic material formed from an injection molding process. As described herein, the ferrule 140 may include a plurality of protrusions 250 and a plurality of windows 260. In assembly, a tip portion 600 of the shaft 120 may be received through an axial bore 400 of the ferrule 140 (block 720). An adhesive (e.g., epoxy) may be applied to the shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination and/or the hosel bore 620 of the golf club head 110 (block 730). The shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination may be press-fit into the hosel bore 620 (block 740), resulting in an interference fit being established between the ferrule 140 and the hosel bore 620 as a result of the plurality of protrusions 250 abutting against an interior surface 640 of an upper portion 621 of the hosel portion 115. In some examples, the plurality of protrusions 250 may undergo deformation during assembly to the golf club head 110 to produce a tighter fit between the shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination and the hosel bore 620. Additionally, a lower annular ledge 214 and a transition portion 230 of the ferrule 140 may come into abutment with a complementary distal end 605 of the hosel portion 115 of the golf club head 110. The assembled golf club 100 may undergo a curing process to allow the adhesive to harden and bond to the hosel bore 620 and the shaft 120 and ferrule 140 combination (block 750). Notably, the inclusion of the plurality of windows 260 enables the adhesive to directly engage the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120 via the plurality of windows 260 to produce a mechanical locking mechanism that prevents the ferrule 140 from dislodging. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

In another example, as illustration in FIGS. 8-14, the ferrule 140 may include an upper portion 810, a lower portion 820, and a transition portion 830 between the upper portion 810 and the lower portion 820. The upper portion 810, the lower portion 820, and the transition portion 830 may be coaxially aligned to define an axial bore 1200 extending a length 840 of the ferrule 140. The upper portion 810, the lower portion 820, and the transition portion 830 may be similar in many respects to the upper portion 210, the lower portion 220, and the transition portion 230 of the ferrule 140 of FIGS. 2-6, respectively. In lieu of the plurality of protrusions 250 and the plurality of windows 260, the ferrule 140 may include a helical structure 850 disposed about the lower portion 820 and extending between the transition portion 830 and a terminal end 825 of the lower portion 820. The helical structure 850 may be sectioned into a plurality of segments 860 exemplarily shown as a first segment 861, a second segment 862, and a third segment 863. The plurality of segments 860 may be separated by a plurality of gaps 870 exemplarily shown as a first gap 871 separating the first segment 861 and the second segment 862, a second gap 872 separating the second segment 862 and the third segment 863, and a third gap 873 separating the third segment 863 and the first segment 861. The plurality of gaps 870 may provide increased surface area with which to bond the lower portion 820 to a hosel bore 1400. The plurality of segments 860 may be spaced apart at an angle that is greater than or equal to 80 degrees and less than or equal to 100 degrees. In one example, the plurality of segments 860 may be configured as threads having a thread pitch greater than or equal to 0.060 inch (1.524 mm) and less than or equal to 0.090 inch (2.286 mm) and a thread angle greater than or equal to 50 degrees and less than or equal to 70 degrees. The first segment 861 and the second segment 862 may each be characterized by two threads and the third segment 863 may be characterized by three threads. The helical structure 850 may define an outer diameter 880 greater than or equal to 0.380 inch (9.652 mm) and less than or equal to 0.580 inch (14.732 mm). In one example, the outer diameter 880 of the helical structure 850 may be greater than a lower outer diameter 831 of the transition portion 830 and less than or equal to an upper outer diameter 832 of the transition portion. The lower portion 820 and the helical structure 850 may be received inside the hosel bore 1400 by way of rotationally engaging the helical structure 850 to a complementary helical structure 1410 formed in an interior surface 1420 of an upper portion 1421 of the hosel portion 115. As described herein, the upper portion 1421 of the hosel portion 115 may have greater clearance than a lower portion 1422 of the hosel portion 115 to accommodate or receive the lower portion 820 of the ferrule 140 and the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120. Full engagement may be achieved when an annular ledge 814 and the transition portion 830 come into abutment with a terminal end 1405 of the hosel portion 115. The ferrule 140 and the tip portion 600 of the shaft 120 may be additionally secured to the hosel bore 1400 using an adhesive. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-14, FIG. 15 depicts one process 1500 by which the ferrule 140 of FIGS. 8-14 may be manufactured and assembled to form the golf club 100 generally shown in FIG. 1. In the example of FIG. 15, the process 1500 may begin with providing a golf club head 110, a ferrule 140, and a shaft 120 with a grip 130 (block 1510). The golf club head 110 may include a hosel portion 115 with a hosel bore 1400. The ferrule 140 may be manufactured from any material such as metals, polymers, or composite materials. In one example, the ferrule 140 may be a thermoplastic material formed from an injection molding process. In assembly, a helical structure 850 of the ferrule 140 may be rotationally engaged to a complementary helical structure 1410 formed in an interior surface 1420 of an upper portion 1421 of the hosel portion 115 (block 1520). In one example, an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) may be applied to the helical structure 850 of the ferrule 140, the complementary helical structure 1410, and/or a lower portion 820 of the ferrule 140 prior to rotationally engaging the ferrule 140 to the hosel bore. Once the ferrule 140 is rotationally engaged to the hosel bore 1400, adhesive may be supplied to the hosel bore 1400 via an axial bore 1200 of the ferrule 140 (block 1530). A tip portion 600 of a shaft 120 may be inserted through the axial bore 1200 of the ferrule 140 and into the hosel bore 1400 (block 1540). The assembled golf club 100 may undergo a curing process to allow the adhesive to harden and bond to the hosel bore 1400 and the shaft/ferrule combination (block 1550). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

While each of the above examples may describe a certain type of golf club head, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of golf club heads (e.g., a driver-type golf club head, a fairway wood-type golf club head, a hybrid-type golf club head, an iron-type golf club head, a putter-type golf club head, etc.).

Procedures defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) may be used for measuring the club head volume of any of the golf club heads described herein. For example, a club head volume may be determined by using the weighted water displacement method (i.e., Archimedes Principle). Although the figures may depict particular types of club heads (e.g., a driver-type club head or iron-type golf club head), the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of club head (e.g., a fairway wood-type club head, a hybrid-type club head, a putter-type club head, etc.). Accordingly, any golf club head as described herein may have a volume that is within a volume range corresponding to certain type of golf club head as defined by golf governing bodies. A driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of greater than or equal to 300 cubic centimeters (cm 3 or cc). In another example, a driver-type golf club head may have a club head volume of 460 cc. A fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of between 100 cc and 300 cc. In one example, a fairway wood golf club head may have a club head volume of 180 cc. An iron-type golf club head may have a club head volume of between 25 cc and 100 cc. In one example, an iron-type golf club head may have a volume of 50 cc. Any of the golf clubs described herein may have the physical characteristics of a certain type of golf club (i.e., driver, fairway wood, iron, etc.), but have a volume that may fall outside of the above-described ranges. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein may include one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, strain gauges, etc.) for sensing linear motion (e.g., acceleration) and/or forces in all three axes of motion and/or rotational motion (e.g., angular acceleration) and rotational forces about all three axes of motion. In one example, the one or more sensors may be internal sensors that may be located inside the golf club head, the hosel, the shaft, and/or the grip. In another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be located on the grip, on the shaft, on the hosel, and/or on the golf club head. In yet another example, the one or more sensors may be external sensors that may be attached by an individual to the grip, to the shaft, to the hosel, and/or to the golf club head. In one example, data collected from the sensors may be used to determine any one or more design parameters for any of the golf club heads and/or golf clubs described herein to provide certain performance or optimum performance characteristics. In another example, data from the sensors may be collected during play to assess the performance of an individual. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

Any of the apparatus, methods, or articles of manufacture described herein may include one or more visual identifiers such as alphanumeric characters, colors, images, symbols, logos, and/or geometric shapes. For example, one or more visual identifiers may be manufactured with one or more portions of a golf club such as the golf club head (e.g., casted or molded with the golf club head), painted on the golf club head, etched on the golf club (e.g., laser etching), embossed on the golf club head, machined onto the golf club head, attached as a separate badge or a sticker on the golf club head (e.g., adhesive, welding, brazing, mechanical lock(s), any combination thereof, etc.), or any combination thereof. The visual identifier may be made from the same material as the golf club head or a different material than the golf club head (e.g., a plastic badge attached to the golf club head with an adhesive). Further, the visual identifier may be associated with manufacturing and/or brand information of the golf club head, the type of golf club head, one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. In particular, a visual identifier may include a brand identifier associated with a manufacturer of the golf club (e.g., trademark, trade name, logo, etc.) or other information regarding the manufacturer. In addition, or alternatively, the visual identifier may include a location (e.g., country of origin), a date of manufacture of the golf club or golf club head, or both.

The visual identifier may include a serial number of the golf club or golf club head, which may be used to check the authenticity to determine whether or not the golf club or golf club head is a counterfeit product. The serial number may also include other information about the golf club that may be encoded with alphanumeric characters (e.g., country of origin, date of manufacture of the golf club, or both). In another example, the visual identifier may include the category or type of the golf club head (e.g., 5-iron, 7-iron, pitching wedge, etc.). In yet another example, the visual identifier may indicate one or more physical characteristics of the golf club head, such as one or more materials of manufacture (e.g., visual identifier of “Titanium” indicating the use of titanium in the golf club head), loft angle, face portion characteristics, mass portion characteristics (e.g., visual identifier of “Tungsten” indicating the use of tungsten mass portions in the golf club head), interior cavity and filler material characteristics (e.g., one or more abbreviations, phrases, or words indicating that the interior cavity is filled with a polymer material), any other information that may visually indicate any physical or play characteristic of the golf club head, or any combination thereof. Further, one or more visual identifiers may provide an ornamental design or contribute to the appearance of the golf club, or the golf club head.

Any of the golf club heads described herein may be manufactured by casting from metal such as steel. However, other techniques for manufacturing a golf club head as described herein may be used such as 3D printing or molding a golf club head from metal or non-metal materials such as ceramics.

All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. Although a particular order of actions may be described herein with respect to one or more processes, these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. Further, two or more actions in any of the processes described herein may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously.

The terms “and” and “or” may have both conjunctive and disjunctive meanings. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure indicates otherwise. The term “coupled,” and any variation thereof, refers to directly or indirectly connecting two or more elements chemically, mechanically, and/or otherwise. The phrase “removably connected” is defined such that two elements that are “removably connected” may be separated from each other without breaking or destroying the utility of either element.

The term “substantially” when used to describe a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may represent deviations or variations that do not diminish the characteristic, parameter, property, or value that the element may be intended to provide. Deviations or variations in a characteristic, parameter, property, or value of an element may be based on, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors. The term “proximate” is synonymous with terms such as “adjacent,” “close,” “immediate,” “nearby,” “neighboring,” etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in this disclosure.

Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. A numerical range defined using the word “between” includes numerical values at both end points of the numerical range. A spatial range defined using the word “between” includes any point within the spatial range and the boundaries of the spatial range. A location expressed relative to two spaced apart or overlapping elements using the word “between” includes (i) any space between the elements, (ii) a portion of each element, and/or (iii) the boundaries of each element.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely for clarification and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of any embodiments discussed herein.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements disclosed herein. One or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

While different features or aspects of an embodiment may be described with respect to one or more features, a singular feature may comprise multiple elements, and multiple features may be combined into one element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Further, although methods may be disclosed as comprising one or more operations, a single operation may comprise multiple steps, and multiple operations may be combined into one step without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and the foregoing description of some of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Instead, the description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one embodiment, and may disclosure alternative embodiments.

As the rules of 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 USGA, the 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.

Further, while the above examples may be described with respect to golf clubs, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable to other suitable types of sports equipment such as a fishing pole, a hockey stick, a ski pole, a tennis racket, etc.

Although certain example apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all apparatus, methods, and articles of articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A ferrule for a golf club, comprising:

an upper portion having a frustoconical shape and defining a lower annular ledge;

a transition portion having a funnel shape, the transition portion extending downward from the upper portion and disposed inward of the lower annular ledge;

a lower portion having a cylindrical shape and extending downward from the transition portion;

a plurality of protrusions disposed about the transition portion and the lower portion; and

a plurality of windows formed through the lower portion,

wherein the upper portion, the lower portion, and the transition portion are coaxially aligned to define an axial bore,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions increases in height toward the upper portion,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elongate and wedge-shaped,

wherein the plurality of windows interface with the axial bore, and

wherein each window of the plurality of windows is disposed between adjacent protrusions of the plurality of protrusions.

2. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a triangular cross-section.

3. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions includes a slanted lower end.

4. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein the plurality of windows have an oval-like shape.

5. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein the upper portion extends a length that is greater than or equal to 65% and less than or equal to 75% of a length of the ferrule.

6. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein the transition portion extends a length that is less than or equal to 8% of a length of the ferrule.

7. A ferrule as defined in claim 1, wherein the lower portion extends a length that is greater than or equal to 20% and less than or equal to 30% of a length of the ferrule.

8. A ferrule for a golf club, comprising:

an upper portion;

a lower portion;

a transition portion between the upper portion and the lower portion;

a plurality of protrusions extending vertically across the lower portion and the transition portion; and

a plurality of windows formed through the lower portion,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions increases in height toward the upper portion,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elongate and wedge-shaped, and

wherein the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of windows are alternatingly spaced apart about the lower portion.

9. A ferrule as defined in claim 8, wherein the upper portion has a frustoconical shape and the lower portion has a cylindrical shape.

10. A ferrule as defined in claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions have a slanted lower end.

11. A ferrule as defined in claim 8, wherein the plurality of windows have an oval-like shape.

12. A ferrule as defined in claim 8, wherein the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of windows are equal in number.

13. A ferrule as defined in claim 8, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a triangular cross-section.

14. A ferrule for a golf club, comprising:

an upper portion;

a lower portion located below the upper portion;

a plurality of protrusions located at the lower portion; and

a plurality of windows formed through the lower portion,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions increases in height toward the upper portion,

wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions is elongate and wedge-shaped, and

wherein the plurality of protrusions and the plurality of windows are disposed to alternate about the lower portion.

15. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein each protrusion of the plurality of protrusions has a triangular cross-section.

16. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein the plurality of protrusions extend vertically across the lower portion.

17. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein the plurality of protrusions have a slanted lower end.

18. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein the plurality of windows have an oval-like shape.

19. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein the upper portion has a frustoconical shape.

20. A ferrule as defined in claim 14, wherein the lower portion has a cylindrical shape.