Quick release connection system for golf clubs

• US 8,177,657 B2
• Filed: 01/04/2011
• Issued: 05/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Original Assignee: Cobra Golf Company (Puma SE)
• Inventors: Clausen, Karl A., Soracco, Peter L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BLAU, STEPHEN LUTHER
• Application Number:
  US12/984,306
• Publication Number:
  US 20110098128A1
• Time in Patent Office: 497 Days
• Field of Search: 473/324, 473/342, 473/344, 473334-339, 473/305, 473/307, 473/309, 473/288, 473298-299, 403/263, 403/345, 403/292, 403/297, 285/24, 285/322, 285/33, 285/330
• US Class Current: 473/288
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/02 Joint structures between the head and the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0466 wood-type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/14 Handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/02 Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass A63B60/24, A63B60/54 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/22 Adjustable handles
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/42 Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/591 having operating mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/70 Interfitted members

Abstract

The present invention is directed at a quick release connection system to facilitate customization of golf clubs. It can be used to interchange shafts, removable weights, or soleplates quickly and easily. Teeth are disposed on the inside of a frame so that a shaft may be inserted with minimal resistance, but cannot be removed without specific steps which may require the use of a simple tool. Strengthening and interlock devices are provided to ensure performance quality akin to tradition al golf clubs.

Claims

1. A connection system for a golf club head, comprising:

a first portion of the golf club head including a plurality of resilient teeth;

a second portion of the golf club configured to engage the first portion;

an interlock device disposed between the first portion and the second portion to prevent relative rotation between the first portion and the second portion,

wherein the teeth are sized and dimensioned to bend, wherein the teeth allow the insertion of the second portion of the golf club into the first portion and resist the withdrawal of the second portion from the first portion, and wherein the teeth form an acute angle with the direction of insertion; and

a removing tool, wherein the removing tool is adapted to push a sliding release collar slidably coupled to the second portion.

2. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises one of a hosel, a sole plate, and a frame disposed within a hosel.

3. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the interlock device comprises a key disposed on one of the first portion and the second portion and a keyway disposed on the other of the first portion and the second portion.

4. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the interlock device comprises a spline.

5. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a recess that is configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of teeth.

6. The connection system of claim 5, wherein the recess is a scored line that extends at least partially circumferentially around the second portion.

7. A connection system for a golf club, comprising:

a first portion of the golf club including a first plurality of resilient teeth;

a second portion of the golf club configured to engage the first portion;

a third portion of the golf club coupled to the first portion;

a fourth portion of the golf club coupled to the second portion and configured to engage the third portion,

wherein the first plurality of teeth are sized and dimensioned to bend, wherein the teeth allow the insertion of the second portion of the golf club into the first portion and resist the withdrawal of the second portion from the first portion, and wherein the teeth form an acute angle with the direction of insertion; and

a removing tool, wherein the removing tool is adapted to push a sliding release collar slidably coupled to the second portion.

8. The connection system of claim 7, wherein the first portion comprises one of a hosel, a sole plate, and a frame disposed within a hosel.

9. The connection system of claim 7, wherein the second portion comprises a recess that is configured to receive at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of teeth.

10. The connection system of claim 9, wherein the recess is a scored line that extends at least partially circumferentially around the second portion.