Quick release connection system for golf clubs

• US 8,715,108 B2
• Filed: 02/05/2013
• Issued: 05/06/2014
• 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, Soracco, Peter L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BLAU, STEPHEN LUTHER
• Application Number:
  US13/759,653
• Publication Number:
  US 20130150175A1
• Time in Patent Office: 455 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 golf club head with a releasable sole portion, 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,

wherein the teeth are sized and dimensioned to bend, wherein the teeth allow the insertion of the at least one bore shaft into the at least one bore portion and resist the withdrawal of the bore shaft from the bore portion, and wherein the teeth form an acute angle with the direction of insertion.

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

3. The club head of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is a sole plate.

4. The club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one bore shaft comprises a scored line which runs around at least a portion of the circumference of the bore shaft.

5. The club head of claim 1, further comprising an interlock device comprising a spline.

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

7. The club head of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is used to adjust the moment of inertia of the club head.

8. The club head of claim 1, wherein the sole portion is used to adjust the center of gravity of the club head.

9. A golf club head with a releasable sole portion, comprising:

a club head body;

a removable sole portion; and

a mechanism to releasably couple the sole portion to the club head body, the mechanism comprising a plurality of teeth that are uncoupled with a tool incorporated into the sole portion.

10. The club head of claim 9, wherein the sole portion is a sole plate.