Abstract: Construction and advantages of improved wavy composite structures made from wavy composite, unidirectional composites, and damping materials is revealed. By combining wavy composite laminae in various waveforms, offsets, angular orientations and material combinations, it is possible to provide axial, torsion, or shear properties equivalent to unidirectional materials but without the limitations related to fiber discontinuity, labor costs for fabrication, and weakness at seams where laminates overlap. By combining wavy composite layers with unidirectional crossplies, or by using woven mats with various fill fiber levels where the warp fibers are sinuously arranged, improved strength and damping is possible. Several examples of both wavy crossply laminates and unidirectional crossply laminates are analyzed and compared.

Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft in which a brightness of a color of the shaft from a grip side toward a head side is changed from darkness to brightness in a plurality of stages.

Abstract: Fine-gained (average grain size 1 mm to 1,000 nm) metallic coatings optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein are disclosed. The fine-grained metallic materials are significantly harder and stronger than conventional coatings of the same chemical composition due to Hall-Fetch strengthening and have low linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The invention provides means for matching the CTE of the fine-grained metallic coating to the one of the substrate by adjusting the composition of the alloy and/or by varying the chemistry and volume fraction of particulates embedded in the coating. The fine-grained metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling. The low CTEs and the ability to match the CTEs of the fine-grained metallic coatings with the CTEs of the substrate minimize dimensional changes during thermal cycling and prevent premature failure.

Abstract: A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft and a club head. The shaft is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft alignment features provide discreet orientations between the shaft and club head. The shaft alignment features and a fastening member are integrated into the construction of the shaft.

Abstract: A golf club having a shaft, a grip, and a head provides improved balance and feel. The shaft has a shaft distal end, a shaft axis defining a vertical plane, and a forward bend section proximate the shaft distal end. The head is secured to the shaft distal end and includes a striking face, a trailing edge, a club head center of gravity, a heel section having a heel section center of gravity, and a toe section having a toe section center of gravity. The heel section center of gravity is forward of the striking face and the club head center of gravity is further from the trailing edge than the striking face. The forward bend section of the shaft projects from the vertical plane at an attachment angle such that the shaft distal end is forward of the heel section center of gravity.

Abstract: A shaft for a golf club having a total length and a total weight. The shaft includes first and second tubular portions. The first and second tubular portions are formed of first and second materials, respectively. The second tubular portion has a proximal end and a tip end. The tip end has an outside diameter of less than 0.400 inches. The distal end of the first tubular portion is co-cured to the proximal end of the second tubular portion. The shaft has a resistance to twisting about a longitudinal axis of the shaft, when tested under a torsional stability test and measured at an approximate midpoint of the total length of the shaft, of less than 2.0 degrees in a torsional stability test. The shaft when measured from the tip end of the shaft in a balance point test device has a balance point of less than 46 percent.

Abstract: A golf club (40) has a golf club head with a large mass, relatively short club length and a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 5000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 400 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club (40) preferably has an inertia ratio greater than 0.0019.

Abstract: A stabilizing, weighted golf putter shaft, with the weight embedded within an extended shaft, that conforms with the rules of the United States Golf Association. The weight is adjusted prior to assembly in response to any given putter head so as to move the balance point of the club to a specific and optimum height above the sole of the club when in use by the golfer.

Abstract: Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing elongate wooden handles for floor mops and the like comprises (a) splitting a green bamboo cane lengthwise and then spreading it into the shape of a sheet, (b) planing both surfaces of the sheet to give it a substantially uniform thickness, (c) cutting the bamboo sheet into an elongate section of selected width, (d) drying that bamboo section, (e) providing an assembly comprising a pair of dowels, at least one elongate core member, said bamboo sections and an adhesive, with the bamboo section wrapped around the dowels and the core member and the adhesive disposed between the bamboo section and the dowels and core member, (f) heating that assembly under pressure so the adhesive will bond the dowels and core member to the surrounding bamboo section and thereby form an elongate pole, and (g) turning the elongate pole to a selected outer diameter.

Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.

Abstract: An improved golf club shaft and corresponding golf club is disclosed. More specifically, a golf club shaft that is capable of minimizing or eliminating swingweight variations within a golf club despite being cut down to various different lengths to accommodate the length and heads of a set of irons is disclosed. The shaft may have an internal wall profile of variable thickness to adjust for various weight and center of gravity variations of a golf club shaft as it is being cut down in length.

Abstract: A tubular structural member that provides adjustable directional resistance to a device. When orientated in a certain manner with respect to the direction of use, the tubular structural member will provide a different stiffness to the device it is affixed. The tubular structural member may be integrated with these devices so that these devices can have adjustable resistance and stiffness.

Abstract: A set of iron clubs where each club in the set has the same or substantially the same ground roll. The set is produced by adjusting at least two club design characteristics of the clubs based upon measured or assumed player swing data. The design characteristics of the clubs include club length, static clubhead loft, location of the center of gravity, shaft flexibility, and groove volume. Preferably, club length and static clubhead loft are adjusted for coarse adjustments, while the other characteristics are used to fine-tune the design.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hybrid golf club for producing accurate and long distance shots. The hybrid golf club comprises a club head and a shaft member. The club head comprises a body member having a hitting surface, a top surface, a toe end, a heel end, and a sole surface extending between the toe end and the heel end. The club head further comprises a shaft attachment portion extending from the heel end upwardly and rearwardly therefrom. The shaft member comprises a handle portion, a body portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion of the shaft member is adapted to be received in the shaft attachment portion of the club head. Further, the hitting surface is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to a shaft axis to produce the accurate and the long distance shots.

Abstract: Golf balls for use with a system for finding golf balls and methods for making such golf balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell, a core material and a tag having a diode which is coupled to an antenna which has at least a portion formed from an elastic conductive material, such as an elastic conductive ink. The core material may include a void for receiving at least part of the diode. Other golf balls are described and methods for making balls are also described.

Abstract: An improved design for a golf club shaft and method increases stroke accuracy by significantly reducing stroke take-back distance. A ball traveling at a set initial velocity will travel a different distance on different parts of the course due to the friction of the grass on the ball which varies in response to height and moisture level. An inline weight management system that allows the moment of inertia of the club to be adjusted in a predictable manner. An increase in the moment of inertia translates into an increase in force which is in turn proportional to club velocity and resulting ball velocity. As green speed decreases, moment of inertia can be increased so that a stroke with a uniform take-back distance will deliver a shot that travels as far as the same stroke would deliver on a fast green.

Abstract: A golf club may have an orientation marker located on the golf club that indicates at least a relative orientation between the golf club head and shaft. The orientation marker may be located, for example, on the golf club head or shaft. A key member provides additional information with respect to the relative orientation between the golf club head and the shaft. The key member may be located, for example, on the golf club head, shaft, or grip portion, or on a head cover for the golf club head.

Abstract: A golf club shaft having a weight distribution such that the balance point percentage is less than or equal to 44.50%. The weight distribution of the shaft allows for an increase in length and/or club head weight of a golf club while having a reduced impact on the swing weight.

Abstract: A golf club is described, in which the weight of the head is increased compared with conventional clubs, and in which the upper part of the shaft is also increased in weight, whereby the centre of gravity is disposed in the central zone of the shaft. Preferably, the weight distribution within the head of the club is such that, with the club balanced about its centre of gravity, the shaft will rotate until the face of the club faces upwardly and preferably essentially parallel with the ground whereby, in striking the ball, the inertia of the head is such as to resist any tendency for the club to rotate or twist about the longitudinal axis of the shaft in the hands of the player.

Abstract: A golf club shaft having adjustable stiffness. An elongated tensioning member extends through the shaft and is mounted to both ends of the shaft. A tensioner assembly is mounted to the shaft and is connected to the tensioning member for allowing manual adjustment of the axial tension in the tensioning member, thereby allowing a technician or a user to increase or decrease the stiffness of the shaft as desired.

Abstract: An improved athletic device that may be tensioned depending on the use by the individual user is provided. The contemplated athletic device may be any of a plurality of different athletic devices including fishing rods, hockey sticks, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, and just about any athletic device having a shaft that is advantageous to be able to flex when is use by the end user. The device would have a shaft and a tensioner mechanism anchored within the shaft of the device which may be manually and continuously adjusted by the individual user depending on the flexion desired by the user.

Abstract: A golf club shaft includes a base made of a metal material, a nickel plated layer formed on the base, a chrome plated layer formed on the nickel layer, and a coating layer formed on the chrome plated layer. The chrome plated layer has a surface roughness Ra of 0.1 to 0.3 ?m and a thickness of 0.2 to 1 ?m.

Abstract: A golf putter constriction and a method for using are presented. A defined gripping plane is positioned parallel to a general body position relative to a hip-plane, or shoulder-plane, and also generally parallel to the face of the club at a slight angle parallel to a shaft-angle. This constriction arrangement repositions the grip location and hence body and arm positioning for a user and creates a physiological bone alignment along one of the user's arms (left or right depending upon dominance swing), which allows an alternative rigid-arm swing through contact with the ball for improved ball-contact alignment.

Abstract: A golf club includes a shaft body, a head body connected to the shaft body, and a photochromic portion provided on at least one of the shaft body and the head body and including a photochromic blend. The photochromic blend is made by blending a coating material or a molding material with a photochromic material.

Abstract: A golf shaft includes: a hollow tubular structure; and a gradient structure in which an amount of retained austenite is increased from an approximate center in a thickness direction of the hollow tubular structure to a surface of the hollow tubular structure.

Abstract: This invention provides a wood type golf club including a shaft, a grip at one end of the shaft, and a head at the other end of the shaft, wherein a mass m (g) of the golf club and a length L (cm) from a grip side end of the golf club to a barycentric position of the golf club satisfy m×L=2.55×104 (g·cm) and m×L2=2.322×106 (g·cm2), and a barycentric position of the shaft is at 48.3% a total length of the shaft from a head side end of the shaft.

Abstract: Golf putter that will aid golfer in determining slope of green and putting target line to compensate for slope of green.

Abstract: This disclosed subject matter provides twin-axis sports equipment wherein a structure connecting a main shaft and a striking portion comprises two axes. The sports equipment can be a golf club, a hockey stick, an ice hockey stick, a tennis racket, a badminton racket, or the like. The striking portion can be configured as the striking portion of a golf club driver, wood, iron or putter, and can include a golf club driver, wood, iron, or putter having a punched hole or a dimple. A void can be formed in the striking portion, from a toe side and a heel side of the striking portion, which further connects with a main shaft.

Abstract: A golf club (40) has a golf club head with a large mass, relatively short club length and a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 5000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 400 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Ixx axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 3000 grams-centimeters squared. The golf club (40) preferably has an inertia ratio greater than 0.0019.

Abstract: A golf club (20) having a club head (22) with an interchangeable shaft (40) is disclosed herein. The golf club (20) includes a tube (44, 144) mounted in the club head (22), and a sleeve (46, 146) mounted on a tip end (50) of the shaft (40). The tube (44, 144) includes a tapered portion (60, 160) and a rotation prevention portion (62, 162). The sleeve (46, 146) has a frustoconical portion (72, 172) and a keyed portion (74, 174) that are respectively received in the tapered portion (60, 160) and the rotation prevention portion (62, 162) of the tube (44, 144). The golf club (20) further includes a mechanical fastener (48, 148) for removably securing the shaft (40) to the club head (22).

Abstract: A golf club which includes interconnected segments which can be added to extend the length thus providing an inexpensive alternative to buying new golf clubs. The segments are securely connected to achieve a rigid and sturdy golf club which can grow longer as a child grows taller. The segments preferably have a threaded male/female connection with epoxy applied to the threads followed by the added security of a roll pin inserted into the connection.

Abstract: This invention provides a wood type golf club including a shaft, a grip at one end of the shaft, and a head at the other end of the shaft, wherein a mass m (g) of the golf club and a length L (cm) from a grip side end of the golf club to a barycentric position of the golf club satisfy m×L?2.56×104 (g·cm) and m×L2?2.300×106 (g·cm2).

Abstract: A golf club (2) includes a head (4), a shaft (6) and a grip (8). An elastic member (10) is attached to an external surface of the shaft (6). The elastic member (10) is ring-shaped and has no end. The elastic member (10) is externally fitted in the shaft (6) in a state in which an elastic contracting force is maintained. It is preferable that a fastening member for fastening the elastic member (10) from an outside should be provided. The fastening member is constituted to enable a mutual transition of a fastening state in which the elastic member is fastened and a removing state in which the fastening member is removed from the elastic member and is also removed from the golf club. It is preferable that the fastening member should be provided in no contact with the shaft (6) in the fastening state.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism including at least two shafts, one of which is hollow, including: a spring attached to a first shaft; the spring having an outer diameter of similar dimensions to the internal diameter of the second shaft, the spring configured such that once force is applied to the spring, its outer diameter is less than the inner diameter of the second shaft; and when force is no longer applied to the spring it is biased to return to its original outer diameter to bear against the inner diameter of the second shaft.

Abstract: A golf club device, more specifically a putter (1), comprising a head (2) and a shaft (3) attached to the head (2), the free end of the shaft (3) possibly being provided with a grip, wherein the moment of mass inertia of the head (2) constitutes less than seventy-nine per cent of the total moment of inertia of the putter (1) when the putter (1) is rotated about an axis of rotation (4), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (7) of the shaft (3) and about one hundred and twenty centimeters from the longitudinal axis (5) of the head (2), and/or wherein the mass of the shaft, including a possible displaceable weight (11), divided by the length of the shaft is at least one hundred and seventy grams per meter of shaft in a shaft which is up to one meter long, and at least one hundred and ninety grams per meter of shaft in a shaft which is longer than one meter.

Abstract: A one way action golf club flex modification system mounted within a golf club. The non-linear shape of the flex modification member engages the interior wall of the hollow shaft at two regions on opposite sides of the shaft interior and is affixed to a third point in the handle. The “free” end of the flex modification system is closest to the head and generally oriented toward the striking face of the head. The one way action reduces the flexibility of the shaft during the swing toward the golf ball but allows the shaft to flex forward with the travel of the ball. The plane described by the waive shape of the flex member may be fixedly rotated relative to the shaft to allow fine tuning to accommodate the individual swing of the golfer.

Abstract: This invention provides a wood type golf club including a shaft, a grip at one end of the shaft, and a head at the other end of the shaft, wherein a mass m (g) of the golf club and a length L (cm) from a grip side end of the golf club to a barycentric position of the golf club satisfy m×L2>2.280×106 (g·cm2) and m×L2>140×m×L?(5.95×m?417)×103.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively adding weight to the hollow shaft of a hand-held implement. One embodiment includes an upper cylindrical member, a lower member, and an expansion ring that fits between the upper and lower members. These components are sized slightly smaller than the inside diameter of a hollow shaft, such as a golf club shaft. Each component includes an axial bore, through which a screw with an elongated barrel extends. The axial bore of the upper member is enlarged at its upper terminus to receive the cap of the screw, and the axial bore of the lower member is threaded to receive the screw. This assembly is inserted into a hollow shaft, and as the screw is tightened, the lower member is drawn into the upper member, compressing the expander ring axially causing it to expand radially until a friction fit with the inside surface of the hollow shaft is achieved.

Abstract: This invention provides a wood type golf club including a shaft, a grip at one end of the shaft, and a head at the other end of the shaft, wherein a mass m (g) of the golf club and a length L (cm) from a grip side end of the golf club to a barycentric position of the golf club satisfy m×L?2.60×104 (g·cm) and m×L2?2.270×106 (g·cm2), and the barycentric position of the shaft is within a range of 48.5% the total length of the shaft from a head side end of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a method, system and/or apparatus for achieving a level balance through the use of one or more fluids, solids and/or gases (identified herein as “liquidwick”), whether individually applied or applied in selected combination, or whether applied through phase-shifting combinations, the liquidwick being partially or fully placed in a closable container which is securely insertable into a cavity within an instrument desired to achieve balance (such as, for example, a pool stick or a golf club).

Abstract: A golf shaft includes a shaft, a grip that is surrounded with a player's hand and an adhesive layer that secures the grip to the shaft. The grip has a hollow and elongated shape and comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, a top closed end and a bottom open end. The shaft includes a bottom end that fits with a clubhead and a top end that fits into the grip. The adhesive layer is formed for a predetermined length of the shaft starting near or at the top end and secures the grip firmly on the shaft. The adhesive layer includes an adhesive retention layer that includes a thin porous cloth member and retains an adhesive.

Abstract: An improved golf club includes an improved grip. The grip may be improved over known grips by including an offset upper portion and/or a sliding grip portion, and/or by providing a shaft with greater flex in an upper shaft portion than in a lower shaft portion. The sliding grip portion is about four inches long and may slide over a standard grip, or over a guide, and is preferably used with putters, but may be used with other golf clubs. The offset upper portion comprises an eleven inch upper grip offset at about nine degrees from the shaft centerline and clocked about 110 degrees counter-clockwise from that face of the head. The lower portion of the grip is retained as in known clubs.

Abstract: A customized golf club comprising a shaft, a club head body, and a pre-printed, colored, or functional protective wrap applied to the shaft or club head body. A method of customizing golf clubs by applying mass, graphics, logos, decals, or colors to the body or the club head or the shaft by shrink-wrapping or adhering a protective wrap to a portion of the club.

Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.

Abstract: Each point obtained by plotting flexural rigidity EI measured at ten sites on a shaft is defined as from T(1) to T(10) in this order from the head side, and the formula representing a line K that passes the T(1) and the T(10) is [Y=aX+b1]. The values at the Y-intercepts on the lines that are parallel to the line K and that pass the points of from T(2) to T(9), respectively, are defined as from b2 to b9, respectively, and the minimum value among the values at the Y-intercept b2 to b9 is defined as bmin. In this shaft, slope “a” of the line K is 0.04 or greater and 0.06 or less; any one of the b3, b4, b5, b6, b7 and b8 is smaller than b1; and the bmin is any one of b4 to b7. The value (b1?bmin) is 24 (N·m2) or greater and 35 (N·m2) or less, and the value (b9?b1) is 0 or greater and 10 (N·m2) or less. This shaft achieves excellent flight distance performance and directionality of the hit ball.

Abstract: An adjustable golf shaft having an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member and an inner rod. The upper shaft member includes an elongated bore therein with an upper bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The lower shaft member has an elongated bore therein with a middle bushing fixed within an upper end of the elongated bore therein. The inner rod includes a lower end dimensioned to be fixed to a lower bushing, and an upper end dimensioned to be fixed to the upper bushing. The inner rod is adapted to slide within the middle bushing as the length of the shaft changes.

Abstract: An adjustable stick-like sport apparatus has an outer tube and a stick, the outer tube has an opening. The stick slidably mounted in the outer tube and has an extension portion formed in one end and inserted into the outer tube. Two nipping members encircle the extension portion, are engaged with the extension portion and are mounted slidably in the outer tube. When the user rotates the stick with the extension portion, the nipping members are stable relative to the extension portion. The sticks may extend out of or retract in the outer tube to vary a length of the adjustable stick-like sport apparatus. After the length is adjusted, reversely rotating the stick causes the two nipping members to tightly abut the outer tube to fix the length of the adjustable stick-like sport apparatus.

Abstract: A two-piece sports stick exhibiting a superior strength to weight ratio. A two-piece sports stick comprising two identical sections, each comprising a substantially smooth external portion and an internal portion possessing at least one cutaway; and a multiplicity of construction pegs. The sports stick of claim 28 wherein said striking surface is adaptable to multiple sports selected from the group consisting of a lacrosse head, a blade, a racquet, and a golf club head. The sports stick design allows for decreased flexure, increased rigidity and increased durability, which lend to greater generation of force, accuracy, reliability and longer life expectancy. The sports stick also affords enhanced strength in the direction of a shot and receipt of a pass. The sports stick also provides for channeling away of fluids throughout the length of the stick.

Abstract: A reference state is envisioned in which a golf club is placed on a horizontal plane P with a predetermined lie angle and face angle, and the shaft axis line thereof is disposed within a reference plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane P. A center of gravity of the head G is positioned on the back side of the head from the reference plane, and a depth of the center of gravity D that is a distance between the reference plane and the center of gravity of the head G is 20 mm or greater and 30 mm or less. The golf club has a flexural rigidity value EIt (kgf·mm2) of the shaft at a position T3 140 mm away from the tip on the head side being 0.5×106 or greater and 1.75×106 or less. More preferably, a value of a ratio (GIt/EIt) of the flexural rigidity value EIt to a torsional rigidity value GIt of the shaft at a position 140 mm away from the tip on the head side is specified to be 0.8×10?2 or greater and 1.2×10?2 or less.