Abstract: An adjustable putter 10 having a shaft (12) and a grip assembly (16) that is connected to the butt end of shaft (12). A hosel assembly (20) is connected to the tip end (18) of shaft (12) and a head assembly (22) is connected to the hosel assembly. The grip assembly is adjustable on shaft (12) to adjust the length of the putter. A collet (106) is angularly moveable in a housing (94) to adjust the lie and to determine the right-hand/left-hand sense of the putter. The loft is adjusted by substituting different collets (106) with passageways (108) having varying orientations in collet (106). The weight of the putter is adjusted by substituting various weights (156, 158) in the head assembly.

Abstract: The golf club head (20) of the present invention allows for the face angle, lie angle, loft angle and shaft diameter of the golf club to be customized to a golfer. The golf club head (20) of the present invention is able to accomplish this by providing a major body (22) and a minor body (23) having a crown section (24) and hosel section (25). The minor bodies (23) have different hosel section (25) orientations thereby allowing for different face angles, loft angle, lie angles and shaft diameters of the golf club (19).

Abstract: A lightweight golfing kit particularly suited to use on pitch-and-putt courses comprises one or more golfing shafts, two or more clubheads demountably attachable thereto, and a carrier assembly including a holster open at both ends for supporting the shaft or shafts. The carrier may include a case for the clubheads supporting the holster in an upright position, and loops for supporting the assembly from a golfer's shoulders. Optionally a golfing shaft may be adjustable in length. The assembly may also include a detachable belt.

Abstract: A golf club having a shaft and an elongated head projecting at a lie angle relative to the shaft, the head having the shape of a regular polygon in a cross section at right angles to the central axis of the head, with each face being formed of a material that provides a different ball rebound factor, the head section being rotatable about the central axis so that any one of the faces may be presented for use with the club.

Abstract: A separable golf club includes an upper shaft portion with a grip and a lower shaft portion with a club head, wherein the upper and lower shaft portions can be quickly connected and disconnected, while allowing a large amount of force to be transferred there through. The upper and lower shaft portions may be connected by a first and second connector portions, that may be engaged and rotated relative to each other. The first connector portion may include a first locking member having a plurality of outwardly protruding lugs and a guide rod, while the second connector portion may include a second locking member having a cavity and a bore. The bore is adapted to receive the guide rod, and the cavity is adapted to receive the outwardly protruding lugs.

Abstract: A connector used to assemble a golf club. The connector includes a shaft mount having bore and a first connector and a head mount having a shaft and a second connector. The bore is sized to mate with and secure the golf club shaft while the shaft is sized to mate with and secure the golf club head. First threads, formed on the first interchangeable connector, and second threads, formed on the second interchangeable connector, are of a common or universal size. The first threads on the first interchangeable connector and the second threads on the second interchangeable are threadably mateable to connect the shaft mount and the head mount together even though the bore and the shaft may each be one of a plurality of different sizes.

Abstract: A replaceable hosel assembly for a golf club that enables a golfer to adjust an inclined angle of a putter shaft to a putter head, so as to satisfy a user's preference. A replaceable hosel assembly has an upper end adapted to fit the club shaft and the lower end fitted to the putter head. A plurality of removable hosel assemblies having pre-selected angles between the ends of the component, determines the golfer's preferred angle of inclination or lie angle.

Abstract: A putter-fitting system that allows for quick and easy alteration of various aspects of the putter including, but not limited to, weighting, and hosel style is described. Also described are a cam-based putter face release mechanism, a cam-based hosel release mechanism and/or an interchangeable striking surface insert.

Abstract: A golf game apparatus which provides a unique form of swing measurement, scaled course maps for play, and interchangeable club heads to play with. The apparatus is particularly suited to indoor play with the scaled maps. The apparatus features recordable ball distance measurement which is reset after each swing, thereby enabling a player to progress along the course map.

Abstract: A variable golf club head includes multiple skeletal faces each having a ball contacting surface, a point for shaft attachment, and an attachment surface typically opposite the ball contacting surface. In the construction of the variable golf club head, one skeletal face is selected from the multiplicity of skeletal faces provided. Each skeletal face away from the ball contacting surface is provided with an array of fastening points, the array varying with the particular skeletal face selected. Multiple head covering bodies are provided for each skeletal face to fasten over the backside of each skeletal face and extend away from the ball contacting surface. These head covering bodies impart to the variable golf club head appearance and aerodynamics. Each head covering body is typically capable of being fastened to a series of skeletal faces at selected fastening points.

Abstract: A set of at least two clubs is disclosed where each of the two clubs have a different length, one corresponding to a wood type club and the other to an iron length. A plurality of interchangeable heads are provided which may be fixed at a predetermined angle to the club to represent a more complete set of golf clubs. The use of at least two different clubs may be replaced in alternative embodiments with a single club which is extendable, which has a gripping end, an extending end, and an attachment end for receiving the club heads. One way the arm extends is by having set incremental extensions which are locked in place by way of a locking pin into a groove type locking mechanism. A second way that the arm is extendable is by having a friction lock which may be engaged or disengaged by pushing on a button which either engages or disengages a lever foot pushing against the extending portion of the arm.

Abstract: A golf putter head design comprising a front face (10) and a back weight (20) sandwiching multiple longitudinal rods (14, 16) and with a center shaft mounting rod (18) attached to the back weight (20) to form a frame design where the vertical gaps in the putter head are spaced the width of the golf ball to facilitate alignment at setup and the shaft mounting rod (18) is spaced back from the face (10) to form an additional alignment and stroke aiding sight area.

Abstract: A putter comprises a linearly elongated telescopic shaft having a handle or grip at an end. The shaft is coupled to a putter head at an opposing (lower or inferior) end. The head is adjustable for altering the lie angle of the putter. The putter may further comprise an offset elbow disposed between the shaft and the head. The elbow is rotatable through 360° about the lower or inferior end of the shaft, thus allowing the rotation of the head 16 about the shaft for selecting a right-handed or left-handed putting orientation.

Abstract: An adjustable customized golf club, e.g., a golf putter, as well as a method for using the club, wherein the club has a head, a striking surface attachment, and one or more lock fittings that positively lock the striking surface attachment to the head. The striking surface attachment is one of several selectable attachments, each with different performance characteristics, e.g., rebound. The one or more lock fittings positively lock the striking surface attachments to the putter head such that the club components are firmly fixed, yet are still quickly removable and replaceable. In a representative embodiment, the striking surface attachment can be removed by hand and without tools. A golfer quickly changes the striking surface attachments without losing the feel of the prior striking surface attachment, thereby enabling the golfer to realistically compare the differences between the attachments before selecting and playing with a particular striking surface attachment.

Abstract: A replaceable golf club includes a primary rod, a secondary rod, an upper insertion tube inserted into a distal end of the primary rod, and a lower insertion tube inserted into a distal end of the secondary rod and combined with the upper insertion tube. Thus, the user only needs to carry one primary rod and thirteen secondary rods without having to carry thirteen golf clubs, thereby facilitating the user carrying the golf club, and thereby reducing the weight of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf club system for reducing the amount of clubs to be carried by a golfer. The golf club system includes a shaft member being designed for being held in the hands of the user. Each of a plurality of head assemblies is selectively coupled to the shaft member. Each of the head assemblies comprises a shank portion and a head portion. The shank portion of each of the head assemblies is selectively coupled to the shaft member whereby each of the head assemblies is designed for striking a golf ball when the shaft member is swung by the user. Each of the head assemblies is designed for causing the golf ball to move at an angle when the associated one of the head assemblies strikes the golf ball.

Abstract: A golf club (110) has a head (111) with a curved reflective surface (128) for visually aligning a shot. The club head is counterbalanced above the plane of the ball (120) and has balance weights (116, 118) which may be selected to accommodate the style and preference of the user. The striking surface may be of a different material than the surrounding club head to dampen vibration on the stroke and may be of a material tailored to the user's preference. The other parts of the club may also be composites of several materials to assist in dampening vibration. An alternative aligning structure uses lenticular lens (142, 144, 146) to provide guiding images to the user.

Abstract: The hosel construction includes a plug member extending downwardly for engaging a club head having a club face. A neck member, extending angularly upwardly from the plug member, engages a shaft to complete a golf club. The neck member extends in a generally transverse dimension to determine a lie angle between the shaft and the club head. The neck member also extends in a generally longitudinal dimension to determine a longitudinal angle, such as a face angle for the club face.

Abstract: A selectable insert for a golf club head (e.g., for a golf putter) is configured to produce a predetermined frequency response through the use of, for example, a damped single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system. A set of such inserts are provided, and one or more inserts from that set is selected in accordance with the response of an individual, for example, an individual's subjective response to the sound of the insert and/or an individual's biomechanical response to the “feel” or discomfort produced by vibrations propagating through the golf club to the individual.

Abstract: A golf club head includes a body adapted to be connected to a shaft. The body has a plurality of cavities formed therein for receiving weights to alter the weight characteristic of the golf club head. One of a plurality of different faceplates are adapted to be removably fastened to the body.

Abstract: A replaceable golf club includes a primary rod, a secondary rod, an upper insertion tube inserted into a distal end of the primary rod, and a lower insertion tube inserted into a distal end of the secondary rod and combined with the upper insertion tube. Thus, the user only needs to carry one primary rod and thirteen secondary rods without having to carry thirteen golf clubs, thereby facilitating the user carrying the golf club, and thereby reducing the weight of the golf club.

Abstract: A golf club head having a body including a striking surface and a lower portion which couples with one of a plurality of flanges adapted to be fastened to the lower portion of the body. Each flange is configured to have a lower ground engaging surface defining a predetermined bounce angle such that replacing one of the plurality of flanges alters the bounce angle of the head. Preferably, the flange includes a plurality of cavities for receiving interchangeable weights for altering the weight characteristics of the club head.

Abstract: A system for converting readily available standard off the shelf golf club parts into a interchangeable golf club system. A conversion system consists of a head insert which can be glued into the hosel of a standard golf club head. A shaft insert having a central flange is insertable and glueable into place on a standard shaft of a golf club. The shaft insert and the head insert forming a quick connect to attach the shaft to the golf club head. Through the use of different club heads representing the full range of woods, irons, and putter, each having a head insert pre-installed, the club may have emulating any club by attaching the desired club head. A shaft length adjustment is made by a cooperating pin installed in the top of the shaft and slidable within a number of slots provided in a telescoping sleeve slidable over the shaft.

Abstract: A golf club putter featuring interchangeable one-piece large insert face blocks to allow the user to adjust the rebound characteristics by replacing the insert face blocks with a softer or harder compound. The face blocks may be provided with various lofts and with or without a groove pattern. An elliptical cavity on the rear of the face blocks provides a larger more consistent sweet spot. Interchangeable weight inserts provide for adjustment of the heel and toe weighting by varying the weight of the inserts placed in both the heel and toe weight chambers. The putter further includes protruding sight rails that run longitudinally from the rear to the front of the putter head, parallel to the centerline, which provide a high center of gravity weighting and assist the user in alignment and stroke direction.

Abstract: An improved structure of a golf putter comprising a shaft, an actuating seat having a threaded section, a fastening member and a club head, characterized in that the actuating seat has a top end provided with a holding hole of an appropriate depth to accommodate the shaft at the bottom end thereof, the lower end of the actuating seat is the threaded section to securely mount with the club head, the actuating seat has a center through hole and the fastening member is provided to the actuating seat so as to conveniently secure the seat to the fastening member, the fastening member passes through the through hole of the actuating seat and is mounted to the screw hole of the shaft, the club head has a hole which can be associated with the fastening member of the actuating seat so that the club head is mounted onto the actuating seat, thereby, the shaft, the actuating seat and the fastening member are formed integrally into an unit, the fastening member secures this unit together with the club head, by loosening t

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A golf swing training and muscle exercising apparatus or swing trainer is provided which is designed to be used indoors as well as outdoors. The golf swing trainer includes a double bent shaft having upper and lower end portions separated by a center portion, the center portion being interconnected, at opposite ends thereof, with each of the upper and lower end portions by first and second joining portions. The upper and lower end portions are substantially straight and have respective center lines, wherein the center line for the upper end portion is the first center line, the center line for the center portion is the second center line and the center line for the lower end portion is the third center line, the first center line lying at an angle A to the second center line an the second center line lying at an angle B to the third center line. The first center line, second center line and third center line preferably lie in the same plane and angle B is preferably greater than angle A.

Abstract: A briefcase system has a first portion and a second portion with a hinge pivotally coupling the first and second portions. Each portion has walls in a rectilinear configuration forming a large chamber in the first portion and a small chamber in the second portion. A large block of resilient foam substantially fills the first portion and a small block of foam substantially fills the second portion. A plurality of discrete recesses are formed in the large block and in the small block. Each of the recesses extend inwardly from the open faces and are configured to receive a plurality of preselected golf related components. A plurality of preselected golf related components and accessories are located within the recesses of the blocks. Also disclosed is a variable weight/variable swing weight golf club and the method of fabrication.

Abstract: A compact golf club set is provided having a complete set of thirteen golf club heads, two club shafts, and two club handles, all attractively positioned and retained, in a unique briefcase-style carrying case, which provides ready access to golf shoes, towels, balls and tees. The various club shafts and club handles combine to form a long and a short club assembly, corresponding with a typical wood and a typical putter, respectively. The club shafts couple directly to the club heads without an intervening shank, which allows a complete thirteen club head set to be compactly and efficiently positioned in receptacles in the carrying case.

Abstract: The hosel construction includes a plug member extending downwardly for engaging a club head having a club face. A neck member, extending angularly upwardly from the plug member, engages a shaft to complete a golf club. The neck member extends in a generally transverse dimension to determine a lie angle between the shaft and the club head. The neck member also extends in a generally longitudinal dimension to determine a longitudinal angle, such as a face angle for the club face.

Abstract: An adjustable customized golf club, e.g., a golf putter, as well as a method for using the club, wherein the club has a head, a striking surface attachment, and one or more lock fittings that positively lock the striking surface attachment to the head. The striking surface attachment is one of several selectable attachments, each with different performance characteristics, e.g., rebound. The one or more lock fittings positively lock the striking surface attachments to the putter head such that the club components are firmly fixed, yet are still quickly removable and replaceable. In a representative embodiment, the striking surface attachment can be removed by hand and without tools. A golfer quickly changes the striking surface attachments without losing the feel of the prior striking surface attachment, thereby enabling the golfer to realistically compare the differences between the attachments before selecting and playing with a particular striking surface attachment.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: The hosel construction includes a plug member extending downwardly for engaging a club head having a club face. A neck member, extending angularly upwardly from the plug member, engages a shaft to complete a golf club. The neck member extends in a generally transverse dimension to determine a lie angle between the shaft and the club head. The neck member also extends in a generally longitudinal dimension to determine a longitudinal angle, such as a face angle for the club face.

Abstract: A golf club head with striking surface density control having a club head having a mounting face defining a surface or recess for interchangeably receiving and accepting a selected one of a plurality of pads or inserts, each of which is composed of material having a different density. The mounting face detachably anchors or holds the selected pad or insert in place by screws, clips, adhesive or the like. Guides are provided on the club head for aligning the pad or insert with the mounting face. In one form, the pad or insert may be insertably received within the recess and anchored by fastening or alternately, adhesive may be employed to releasably secure the pad to a flat club surface.

Abstract: A system for converting readily available standard off the shelf golf club parts into a interchangeable golf club system. A conversion system consists of a head insert which can be glued into the hosel of a standard golf club head. A shaft insert having a central flange is insertable and glueable into place on a standard shaft of a golf club. The shaft insert and the head insert forming a quick connect to attach the shaft to the golf club head. Through the use of different club heads representing the full range of woods, irons, and putter, each having a head insert pre-installed, the club may have emulating any club by attaching the desired club head. A shaft length adjustment is made by a cooperating pin installed in the top of the shaft and slidable within a number of slots provided in a telescoping sleeve slidable over the shaft.

Abstract: A golf putter having a removable ball striking insert received in a recess formed in the front surface of a putter body. Ball striking inserts having various weight, texture and hardness characteristics may be interchanged with the putter body in order to provide different putting characteristics to the golf club.

Abstract: A vest for a golfer. The vest includes a carrying mode, a wearing mode, a chest-engaging portion that engages the chest of the golfer, a back-engaging portion that is attached to the chest-engaging portion and engages the back of the golfer, and a, knock down golf club. The chest-engaging portion has six golf club head-holding pockets that are disposed in two columns of. Three pockets each and are small for holding detachable golf club heads. The back-engaging portion has a pair of golf club shaft-holding pockets that are disposed side by side, and are long, narrow, and vertically-oriented for holding segmented golf club shafts. The knock down golf club includes a shaft that includes a pair of separate portions that are disposed end to end in collinear relationship and threadably engaged to each other so ;Is to allow the shaft to be separated into the pair of separate portions and stored in one of the pair of golf club shaft-holding pockets.

Abstract: An instrumented golf club system having an instrumented golf club, an interface means and a computing means is disclosed herein. The instrumented golf club includes a plurality of sensors, an internal power supply, an angular rate sensor and an internal ring buffer memory for capturing data relating to a golf swing. The interface means is capable of transferring data from the instrumented golf club to the computing means for processing the data and presenting the data in a useful and informative format. The data may be used to assist a golfer's swing, or to design an appropriate golf club for a specific type of golfer.

Abstract: A golf club for imparting a desired spin to a golf ball. The golf club includes a club head having a cavity formed in its club face for securing a removable insert. The insert includes a striking face with a preferred frictional surface for imparting spin to a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf putter is provided having improved performance and custom adjustability. The putter has an adjustable-lie raised hosel which can be adjusted for a particular golfer, yet which may be semi-permanently fixed in position so that no adjustment can be readily made or worked loose during a round of golf play. To this end, the hosel has two members which are pivotally joined at a joint which includes a shaped sleeve mounted onto a projection attached to one hosel member and received in a shaped bore connected to the other hosel member. Rotation of the sleeve with respect to the projection and the bore results in an adjustment of the lie angle. Also, the putter has a sole sensor shaped to permit rocking on the ground in a lie-varying direction. Further, the putter includes a multiple replaceable and striking face plates for providing various lofts. Various weights are provided which attach to a rear of the selected face plate.

Abstract: A custom-fabricated golf club device comprising a golf club head with a recessed portion located at the front heel portion of the head and machined therein, the recessed portion comprising a substantially semi-spherical aperture. A hosel assembly has a lower portion, having a substantially semi-spherical aperture that aligns with the aperture of the head recessed portion, the hosel assembly further having a recessed portion at an upper portion thereof. A steel ball is located securely within the aperture of head recessed portion and the aperture of the hosel assembly lower portion, functioning to provide positive location of the club head and hosel assembly. In the preferred mode, a permanent weldment functions to securely affix the lower portion of the hosel assembly to the club head at the heel portion of the club head.

Abstract: A method of forming a customized golf club head having a selected ground engaging soleplate is disclosed. A conventional club head body having a heel, toe, upper surface, rear surface and ball striking face is formed with a cavity in the bottom surface. One of a plurality of ground engaging soleplates is selected to be permanently or removably attached to the club head body. A manufacturer may pre-produce club heads with a cavity in the bottom and at a later time select a particular ground engaging soleplate depending upon customer demands. The invention also allows a golfer to select one of a wide variety of ground engaging soleplates in order to customize a golf club suitable for selected playing conditions.

Abstract: A convertible golf club comprises an elongated shaft having a club head at a distal end and an overgrip at a proximal end. Removable hand guides are secured to the overgrip with a threaded attachment fastener. The hand guides each include a positioning flange that directs a golfer's hands along the overgrip length into a location appropriate for a particular type of shot. The overgrip is tapered from a minimum diameter at a proximal end of the overgrip to a maximum diameter at a distal end of the overgrip.

Abstract: The hosel construction includes a plug member extending downwardly for engaging a club head having a club face. A neck member, extending angularly upwardly from the plug member, engages a shaft to complete a golf club. The neck member extends in a generally transverse dimension to determine a lie angle between the shaft and the club head. The neck member also extends in a generally longitudinal dimension to determine a longitudinal angle, such as a face angle for the club face.

Abstract: A golf club includes a club head and a club shaft attached to the club head. A plurality of bends which are spaced from one another are formed in the club shaft to define a straight first club shaft segment, a second club shaft segment adjoining and connected to the first club shaft segment extending upwardly from and laterally relative to the first club shaft segment, and a third club shaft segment adjoining and connected to the second club shaft segment and extending upwardly from and laterally relative to the second club shaft segment. The first club shaft segment and the third club shaft segment extend along spaced imaginary lines and the club head is closer to the golfer swinging the golf club than would be the case if the club shaft were straight along the length thereof.

Abstract: A two-sided removable pad for use on a golf club having a substantially planar club face surface for striking a golf ball. A ball contact surface having a plurality of ridges effects the rotation of a struck golf ball. An adhesive on a second side of the pad for application to the club face. The pad is easily removably adhered to the club face surface.

Abstract: A device for use on a golf club having a substantially planer club face surface for striking a golf ball. The device is a two-sided removable pad having a ball contact surface on a first side which includes a plurality of ribs to impart back spin to a struck golf ball. Each rib has a multitude of peaks and valleys, each said valley connecting to an adjacent peak by an inclined surface and to another adjacent peak by a horizontal surface. The pad has an adhesive coating on a second side for temporary application to the golf club surface.

Abstract: A golf club including a club shaft having two shaft segments offset from one another to bring the club head of the club closer to the golfer employing the club than would be the case if the club shaft were straight along its entire length. The club is part of a set of golf clubs wherein the offset is greater in shorter clubs of the set than in longer clubs of the set.

Abstract: A golf club fitting apparatus and method utilizes a number of different club heads, the club heads having hosel or shaft receiving bores at different angles and securing devices for releasably securing a hosel at the lower end of a golf club shaft in the bore, and a number of different shafts. The heads have different parameters such as peripheral weighting, center of gravity, and face area in addition to different bore angles. A player can select various different head and shaft combinations to test. To test each combination, the hosel at the end of the shaft is inserted in the bore, and releasably secured in position. The player then tries it out. The shaft is released, and a new combination is tested in the same manner, until an optimum fit for that particular player is found.

Abstract: A golf club includes a club head and a club shaft attached to the club head. A plurality of bends which are spaced from one another are formed in the club shaft to define a straight first club shaft segment, a second club shaft segment adjoining and connected to the first club shaft segment extending upwardly from and laterally relative to the first club shaft segment, and a third club shaft segment adjoining and connected to the second club shaft segment and extending upwardly from the laterally relative to the second club shaft segment. The first club shaft segment and the third club shaft segment extend along spaced imaginary lines and the club head is closer to the golfer swinging the golf club than would be the case if the club shaft were straight along the length thereof.