Golf coupling mechanisms and related methods

• US 9,192,823 B2
• Filed: 01/07/2013
• Issued: 11/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
• Original Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
• Inventors: Cole, Eric V., Jertson, Martin R., Stokke, Ryan M.
• Primary Examiner(s): BLAU, STEPHEN LUTHER
• Application Number:
  US13/735,123
• Publication Number:
  US 20130123038A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,051 Days
• Field of Search: 473244-248, 473/288, 473/307, 473/309
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/01 Special aerodynamic features, e.g. airfoil shapes, wings or air passages
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/02 Joint structures between the head and the shaft
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/023 adjustable angular orientation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/04 Heads
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0437 with special crown configurations
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0466 wood-type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/047 iron-type
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/0487 for putters A63B53/065 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/06 adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 60/006 Surfaces specially adapted for reducing air resistance

Abstract

Embodiments of golf coupling mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising:

a head body;

a hosel at the head body;

a shaft sleeve removable from the hosel; and

an adjustment mechanism comprising a first washer securing mechanism;

wherein;

the shaft sleeve comprises;

a sleeve bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft;

a sleeve axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the sleeve bore;

a sleeve top portion comprising a sleeve top end;

a sleeve insertion portion insertable into the hosel and comprising a sleeve wall bounding the sleeve bore; and

a sleeve top coupler bounding the shaft sleeve between the sleeve top portion and the sleeve insertion portion;

the hosel comprises;

a hosel inner wall defining a hosel bore configured to receive the sleeve insertion portion of the shaft sleeve;

a hosel axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the hosel bore; and

a hosel top portion atop the hosel inner wall and comprising;

a hosel top coupler configured to couple with the sleeve top coupler when the shaft sleeve is located in the hosel;

the first washer securing mechanism comprises;

a sleeve bottom coupler at a bottom of the shaft sleeve;

a locking surface of the head body;

a passageway located at a bottom end of the hosel, linking the hosel bore to the locking surface of the head body, and bounded by a passageway perimeter at the locking surface,

the passageway perimeter comprising a passageway centerpoint;

a fastener configured to engage the sleeve bottom coupler via the passageway to pull the sleeve top coupler and the hosel top coupler against each other and to secure the sleeve axis relative to the hosel axis; and

a first washer located between the fastener and the locking surface;

the first washer comprising;

 

a first washer side comprising a first washer form having a shape that is noncircular and complementary with the passageway perimeter;

 

a second washer side opposite the first washer side; and

 

a first washer channel extending from the first washer side to the second washer side;

the first washer form configured to engage the passageway perimeter in;

 

a first orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a first location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a first angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel;

wherein;

the second washer side of the first washer comprises a second washer form having a shape that is noncircular and complementary with the passageway perimeter; and

the second washer form is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in;

a second orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a second location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a second angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel.

2. A golf club head comprising:

a head body;

a hosel at the head body;

a shaft sleeve removable from the hosel; and

an adjustment mechanism comprising a first pivoting mechanism;

wherein;

the shaft sleeve comprises;

a sleeve bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft;

a sleeve axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the sleeve bore;

a sleeve top portion comprising a sleeve top end;

a sleeve insertion portion insertable into the hosel and comprising a sleeve wall bounding the sleeve bore; and

a sleeve top coupler bounding the shaft sleeve between the sleeve top portion and the sleeve insertion portion;

the hosel comprises;

a hosel inner wall defining a hosel bore configured to receive the sleeve insertion portion of the shaft sleeve;

a hosel axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the hosel bore; and

a hosel top portion atop the hosel inner wall and comprising;

a hosel top coupler configured to couple with the sleeve top coupler when the shaft sleeve is located in the hosel;

the first pivoting mechanism comprises;

the sleeve top coupler comprising an arcuate joint surface substantially conforming to a spherical segment shape; and

the hosel top coupler comprising an arcuate socket surface substantially conforming to the spherical segment shape such that, when the sleeve insertion portion is in the hosel bore, the arcuate joint surface of the sleeve top coupler and the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler are configured to slidably seat against each other, thereby defining a pivot junction therebetween to enable displacement of the sleeve insertion portion along a plurality of planes within the hosel bore;

the sleeve top coupler comprises;

a sleeve first keyway element at the arcuate joint surface and comprising one of;

a sleeve first keyway slot extending along a first plane comprising the sleeve axis;

or

a sleeve first keyway key protruding from the arcuate joint surface;

and

a sleeve second keyway element at the arcuate joint surface;

the hosel top coupler comprises;

a hosel first keyway element at the arcuate socket surface and comprising one of;

a hosel first keyway key when the sleeve first keyway element comprises the sleeve first keyway slot, the hosel first keyway key protruding from the arcuate socket surface to slidably engage with the sleeve first keyway slot;

or

a hosel first keyway slot when the sleeve first keyway element comprises the sleeve first keyway key, the hosel first keyway slot extending along the first plane comprising the hosel axis to slidably engage with the sleeve first keyway key;

and

a hosel second keyway element at the arcuate socket surface;

the sleeve first keyway element and the hosel first keyway element are complementary to each other and configured to slidably engage each other;

the sleeve second keyway element and the hosel second keyway element are complementary to each other and configured to slidably engage each other; and

when the sleeve first keyway element is engaged with the hosel first keyway element, and the sleeve second keyway element is engaged with the hosel second keyway element;

the shaft sleeve is restricted from rotating about the hosel axis; and

the shaft sleeve is pivotable relative to the hosel bore, along the plurality of planes.

3. A golf club head comprising:

a head body;

a hosel at the head body; and

a shaft sleeve removable from the hosel;

wherein;

the shaft sleeve comprises;

a sleeve bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft;

a sleeve axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the sleeve bore;

a sleeve top portion comprising a sleeve top end;

a sleeve insertion portion insertable into the hosel and comprising a sleeve wall bounding the sleeve bore; and

a sleeve top coupler bounding the shaft sleeve between the sleeve top portion and the sleeve insertion portion;

wherein

the sleeve top coupler comprises;

an arcuate joint surface substantially conforming to a spheroidal segment shape;

a sleeve first keyway element at the arcuate joint surface and comprising one of;

a sleeve first keyway slot extending along a first plane comprising the sleeve axis;

or

a sleeve first keyway key protruding from the arcuate joint surface;

the hosel comprises;

a hosel inner wall defining a hosel bore configured to receive the sleeve insertion portion of the shaft sleeve;

a hosel axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the hosel bore; and

a hosel top portion above the hosel inner wall and comprising;

a hosel top coupler configured to couple with the sleeve top coupler when the shaft sleeve is located in the hosel;

the hosel top coupler comprises;

an arcuate socket surface substantially conforming to the spheroidal segment shape; and

when the sleeve insertion portion is located in the hosel bore the arcuate joint surface of the sleeve top coupler and the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler slidably seat against each other to define a pivot junction therebetween, the pivot junction enabling displacement of the sleeve insertion portion along a plurality of planes within the hosel bore;

a hosel first keyway element at the arcuate socket surface and comprising one of;

a hosel first keyway key when the sleeve first keyway element comprises the sleeve first keyway slot,

the hosel first keyway key protruding from the arcuate socket surface to slidably engage with the sleeve first keyway slot;

or

a hosel first keyway slot when the sleeve first keyway element comprises the sleeve first keyway key,

 

the hosel first keyway slot extending along the first plane comprising the hosel axis to slidably engage with the sleeve first keyway key; and

when engaged with each other, the sleeve first keyway element and the hosel first keyway element restrict a rotation of the shaft sleeve about the hosel axis and permit the displacement of the sleeve insertion portion along a plurality of planes within the hosel bore.

4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein:

the sleeve top coupler further comprises;

a sleeve second keyway element at the arcuate joint surface;

the hosel top coupler comprises;

a hosel second keyway element at the arcuate socket surface;

the sleeve second keyway element and the hosel second keyway element are complementary to each other and configured to slidably engage each other;

when the sleeve first keyway element is engaged with the hosel first keyway element, and the sleeve second keyway element is engaged with the hosel second keyway element,

the sleeve second keyway element and the hosel second keyway element;

restrict the rotation of the shaft sleeve about the hosel axis; and

permit the pivoting of the shaft sleeve along the plurality of planes.

5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein:

the hosel first keyway element and the hosel second keyway element are located 180 degrees apart from each other along the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler.

6. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein:

the sleeve top coupler further comprises;

a sleeve third keyway element at the arcuate joint surface;

a sleeve fourth keyway element at the arcuate joint surface;

the hosel top coupler comprises;

a hosel third keyway element at the arcuate socket surface;

a hosel fourth keyway element at the arcuate socket surface;

the sleeve third keyway element and the hosel third keyway element are complementary to each other and configured to slidably engage each other;

the sleeve fourth keyway element and the hosel fourth keyway element are complementary to each other and configured to slidably engage each other;

the hosel first keyway element and the hosel second keyway element are located 180 degrees apart from each other along the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler;

the hosel third keyway element and the hosel fourth keyway element are located 180 degrees apart from each other along the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler;

when the sleeve first keyway element is engaged with the hosel first keyway element, the sleeve second keyway element is engaged with the hosel second keyway element, the sleeve third keyway element is engaged with the hosel third keyway element, and

the sleeve fourth keyway element is engaged with the hosel fourth keyway element,

the sleeve third keyway element and the hosel third keyway element, along with the sleeve fourth keyway element and the hosel fourth keyway element;

restrict the rotation of the shaft sleeve about the hosel axis; and

permit the pivoting of the shaft sleeve along the plurality of planes.

7. The golf club head of claim 3, further comprising:

a securing mechanism configured pull the sleeve top coupler and the hosel top coupler against each other and to secure the sleeve axis at a first angle relative to the hosel axis;

wherein;

the securing mechanism comprises;

a sleeve bottom coupler at a bottom of the shaft sleeve;

a locking surface of the head body;

a passageway located at a bottom end of the hosel, linking the hosel bore to the locking surface of the head body; and

a fastener;

and

the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler are configured to engage each other via the passageway and the locking surface.

8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein:

the fastener comprises one of a male threaded fastener or a female threaded; and

the sleeve bottom coupler comprises a different one of the male threaded fastener or the female threaded fastener.

9. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein:

the securing mechanism comprises a washer;

the locking surface comprises a passageway perimeter bounding the passageway;

the passageway perimeter comprises a passageway centerpoint;

the washer comprises;

a first washer side comprising a first washer form complementary to the passageway perimeter;

a second washer side opposite the first washer side; and

a first washer channel extending from the first washer side to the second washer side;

and

the first washer form is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in

a first orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a first location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at the first angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel.

10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein:

the second washer side of the washer comprises a second washer form complementary to the passageway perimeter; and

the second washer form is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in

a second orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a second location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a second angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel.

11. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein:

the second washer form is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in

a third orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a third location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a third angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel.

12. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein:

the second and third orientations differ from each other by approximately 180 degrees.

13. The golf club head of claim 11, wherein:

the second washer form is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in;

a fourth orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a fourth location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a fourth angle relative to the hosel axis; and

a fifth orientation configured to position the first washer channel at a fifth location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, for setting the sleeve axis at a fifth angle relative to the hosel axis.

14. The golf club head of claim 13, wherein:

the second and third orientations of the second washer form differ from each other, relative to the passageway centerpoint, by approximately 180 degrees; and

the fourth and fifth orientations of the second washer form differ from each other, relative to the passageway centerpoint, by approximately 180 degrees.

15. The golf club head of claim 10, wherein:

the first washer form and the second washer form are offset from each other such that;

at the first washer side, the first washer channel is substantially centered relative to the first washer form; and

at the second washer side, the first washer channel is non-centered relative to the second washer form.

16. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein:

the washer is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in 3 different orientations configured to position the sleeve axis at 3 different angles relative to the hosel axis.

17. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein:

the washer is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in 5 different orientations configured to position the sleeve axis at 5 different angles relative to the hosel axis.

18. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein:

the washer is configured to engage the passageway perimeter in 4 different orientations configured to position the sleeve axis at 5 different angles relative to the hosel axis.

19. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein:

the first washer form and the passageway perimeter comprise non-circular complementary borders configured to restrict rotation of the washer relative to the locking surface.

20. A method for providing a golf club head, the method comprising:

providing a head body;

providing a hosel at the head body; and

providing a shaft sleeve removable from the hosel;

wherein;

providing the shaft sleeve comprises;

providing a sleeve bore configured to receive an end of a golf club shaft;

providing a sleeve axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the sleeve bore;

providing a sleeve top portion comprising a sleeve top end;

providing a sleeve insertion portion insertable into the hosel and comprising a sleeve wall bounding the sleeve bore; and

providing a sleeve top coupler bounding the shaft sleeve between the sleeve top portion and the sleeve insertion portion;

providing the sleeve top coupler comprises;

providing an arcuate joint surface substantially conforming to a spheroidal segment shape;

providing the hosel comprises;

providing a hosel inner wall defining a hosel bore configured to receive the sleeve insertion portion of the shaft sleeve;

providing a hosel axis extending along a longitudinal centerline of the hosel bore; and

providing a hosel top portion above the hosel inner wall and comprising;

a hosel top coupler configured to couple with the sleeve top coupler when the shaft sleeve is located in the hosel;

and

providing the hosel top coupler comprises;

providing an arcuate socket surface substantially conforming to the spheroidal segment shape such that, when the sleeve insertion portion is located in the hosel bore, the arcuate joint surface of the sleeve top coupler and the arcuate socket surface of the hosel top coupler slidably seat against each other, thereby defining a pivot junction therebetween to enable displacement of the sleeve insertion portion within the hosel bore;

providing a securing mechanism configured pull the sleeve top coupler and the hosel top coupler against each other and to secure the sleeve axis relative to the hosel axis;

wherein;

providing the securing mechanism comprises;

providing a sleeve bottom coupler at a bottom of the shaft sleeve;

providing a locking surface of the head body;

providing a passageway located at a bottom end of the hosel, linking the hosel bore to the locking surface of the head body;

providing a fastener; and

providing a first washer between the fastener and the locking surface, wherein;

providing the first washer comprises;

 

providing a first washer side of the washer comprising a first washer form having a shape that is noncircular and complementary with the passageway perimeter;

 

providing a second washer side opposite the first washer side; and

 

providing a first washer channel extending from the first washer side to the second washer side;

providing the locking surface comprises;

providing a passageway perimeter bounding the passageway and comprising a passageway centerpoint;

providing the first washer side of the washer comprises;

providing a first washer form complementary to the passageway perimeter and configured to engage the passageway perimeter in a first orientation for positioning the first washer channel at a first location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, to set the sleeve axis at a first angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel;

and

providing the second washer side of the washer comprises;

providing a second washer form having a shape that is noncircular and complementary to the passageway perimeter and configured to engage the passageway perimeter in a second orientation for positioning the first washer channel at a second location, relative to the passageway centerpoint, to set the sleeve axis at a second angle relative to the hosel axis when the fastener and the sleeve bottom coupler engage each other via the passageway and the first washer channel.