Quick release connection system for golf clubs

• US 8,403,772 B2
• Filed: 04/09/2012
• Issued: 03/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/27/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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:
  US13/442,208
• Publication Number:
  US 20120196704A1
• Time in Patent Office: 351 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: 473/344
• 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 soleplates quickly and easily. Teeth are disposed on the inside of a frame so that a soleplate 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 traditional golf clubs.

Claims

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

a club head body comprising at least one bore shaft;

a sole portion comprising a flat portion and at least one inverse bore portion including a plurality of teeth; and

a release tool.

2. The connection system of claim 1, further comprising a release collar slidingly connected to the bore shaft.

3. The connection system of claim 2, wherein the release tool is adapted to push the sliding release collar.

4. The connection system of claim 2, wherein the release tool is adapted to pull the sliding release collar.

5. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the teeth form an acute angle with the direction of insertion.

6. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the release tool includes a hooked portion.

7. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth are sized and dimensioned to bend, and wherein the teeth allow the insertion of bore shaft into the bore portion and resist the withdrawal of the bore shaft from the bore portion.

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

9. The connection system of claim 8, wherein the recess is a scored line that extends at least partially circumferentially around the second portion.

10. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is a sole plate.

11. The connection system of claim 1, further comprising an interlock device comprising a spline.

12. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is adjustable to change the moment of inertia of the club head.

13. The connection system of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is adjustable to change the center of gravity of the club head.