Golf Club Technology

Abstract

The invention provides a gadget type breakable golf club for enjoyment and entertainment purposes as a joke, gag, prank, and which is reusable, and which is reusable. The club appears substantially similar to a typical, conventional golf club. The club has a three conventional aspects, namely a distal club head, a medial shaft connected to the club head, and a grip. The shaft is constructed and arranged in three sub portions, a reusable upper shaft member, a reusable lower shaft member, and a breakable and replaceable connector. The connector is designed to break when a predetermined force is applied to it by virtue of the club being swung downwardly and upon the club head striking a ball or the ground, or the shaft is impacted by the user. After each use, the broken connector is discarded and replaced with a new breakable connector, and the club may be reused with a new unsuspecting golfer.

Claims

1. A golf club comprising: a shaft having first and second ends, a grip attached to the first end of the shaft, and a head attached to the second end of the shaft, and wherein the shaft is constructed and arranged to break under a predetermined force at a predetermined point.

2. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a predetermined length, wherein the first end is disposed at the top, proximal end of the shaft and the second end is disposed at the bottom, distal end of the shaft, and wherein the grip is disposed around the shaft.

3. The golf club of claim 2, wherein the shaft has a length of 100 units, and wherein the shaft break point is disposed 40 units above the second end of the shaft.

4. The golf club of claim 3, wherein the shaft has a length of 37 inches, and wherein the shaft break point is disposed 15 inches away from the second end of the shaft.

5. The golf club of claim 3, wherein the shaft comprises an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member, and a connector disposed between and connecting the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member, the connector defining the shaft break point.

6. The golf club of claim 5, wherein the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member are reusable, and wherein the connector is removable from the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member and is replaceable.

7. The golf club of claim 6, wherein: the upper shaft member has a first end is disposed at the top, proximal end thereof and a second end disposed at the bottom, distal end thereof, and wherein the grip is disposed around the first end thereof; the lower shaft member has a first end disposed at the top, proximal end thereof and a second end disposed at the bottom, distal end thereof, and wherein the head is disposed at the second end thereof; and the connector connects the second end of the upper shaft member to the first end of the lower shaft member.

8. The golf club of claim 7, wherein the upper shaft has a length of 22 inches and the lower shaft has a length of 15 inches.

9. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises an upper shaft member, a lower shaft member, and a connector disposed between and connecting the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member, the connector breaking under the force from the club head striking a golf ball or the ground, or the shaft being struck by a user's body.

10. The golf club of claim 9, wherein: the upper shaft member is reusable and has a first end is disposed at the top, proximal end thereof and a second end disposed at the bottom, distal end thereof, and wherein the grip is disposed around the first end thereof; the lower shaft member is reusable and has a first end disposed at the top, proximal end thereof and a second end disposed at the bottom, distal end thereof, and wherein the head is disposed at the second end thereof; and the connector connects the second end of the upper shaft member to the first end of the lower shaft member and is removable from the upper shaft and the lower shaft and is replaceable.

11. The golf club of claim 5 wherein the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member are constructed from a group of materials consisting of steel, graphite, and fiberglass and the connector is constructed of Aluminum.

12. The golf club of claim 5, wherein the connector comprises: a first upper portion having a predetermined outer diameter; a second lower portion having a predetermined outer diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of the first upper portion; and a center portion having a predetermined outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the first and second portions, whereby the center portion breaks under a force from the club head striking a golf ball or the ground, or the shaft being struck by a user's body.

13. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the center portion has a central collar region that has a uniform, cylindrical, outside diameter.

14. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the center portion has a curvilinear, hour-glass shaped outer geometry.

15. The golf club of claim 12 wherein the first and second portions each have an exteriorly threaded extension member.

16. The golf club of claim 15, wherein the upper shaft member and the lower shaft members have hollow lumens with a predetermined inside diameter; further comprising a first, upper coupler and a second, lower coupler, each coupler having an outside diameter that is equivalent to the inside diameter of the upper and lower shaft member lumens, each coupler having an inner threaded lumen that is adapted to mate with the threaded extension member of the first and second portions of the connector; whereby, upon mating of the threaded extension member of the first and second portions of the connector the first and second couplers expand and frictionally engage the connector with the upper and lower shaft members.

17. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the shaft comprises: an upper shaft member with a lower end that is externally threaded, a lower shaft member that has an upper end that is externally threaded, and a connector disposed between and connecting the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member, connector having an internally threaded lumen that is adapted to mate with the externally threaded ends of the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member, the connector breaking under a force from the club head striking a golf ball or the ground, or the shaft being struck by a user's body

18. The golf club of claim 1, whereby the club is useable for entertainment purposes such as gags, pranks, and jokes, and whereby the shaft of the club is replaceable in whole or in part.

19. A reusable gadget golf club which is useful for entertainment purposes, comprising: a shaft having first and second ends; a grip attached to the first end of the shaft; a head attached to the second end of the shaft; and wherein the shaft comprises a reusable upper shaft member, a reusable lower shaft member, and a disposable and replaceable connector disposed between and connecting the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member, the connector being breakable under a force from the club head striking a golf ball or the ground, or the shaft being struck by a user's body.

20. A breakable and reusable gadget golf club which is useful for entertainment purposes, comprising: a. a shaft having first and second ends; b. a grip attached to the first end of the shaft; c. a head attached to the second end of the shaft; d. wherein the shaft comprises i. a reusable upper shaft member, ii. a reusable lower shaft member, and iii. a disposable and replaceable connector disposed between and connecting the upper shaft member and the lower shaft member; e. wherein the connector comprises: i. a first upper portion having a predetermined outer diameter; ii. a second lower portion having a predetermined outer diameter that is equal to the outer diameter of the first upper portion; and iii. a center portion having a predetermined outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the first and second portions, iv. whereby the center portion breaks under a force from the club head striking a golf ball or the ground, or the shaft being struck by a user's body; and f. wherein the shaft has a total length of 100 units, the upper shaft member having a length of 60 units and the lower shaft member having a length of 40 units, whereby the connector is disposed 40 units above the golf club head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

[0030] The present invention, and the manner and process of making and using it, will be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a perspective or isometric view of a first embodiment of a gadget type breakable golf club of the present invention, that is used for enjoyment and entertainment purposes as a joke, gag, prank, and which is reusable, and which is reusable.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the gadget type, breakable, reusable golf club of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is a crossectional view of the golf club, taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the golf club.

[0035] FIG. 5 is detailed view of a middle portion of the golf club.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a crossectional view of the middle portion of the golf club taken along Line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the breakable, replaceable middle section of the golf club of FIGS. 1-6, including a threaded, breakable, internal splint, and a pair of couplers.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a coupler used in the replaceable middle section of FIG. 7.

[0039] FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the coupler.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a crossectional view of the coupler taken along Line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the first embodiment of the threaded, breakable, internal splint.

[0042] FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the splint of FIG. 11.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a crossectional view of the splint taken along Line 13-13 of FIG. 12.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a top view of the splint.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the breakable splint.

[0046] FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the splint of FIG. 15.

[0047] FIG. 17 is a crossectional view of the splint taken along Line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

[0048] FIG. 18 is a top view of the splint.

[0049] FIG. 19 is third embodiment of the splint.

[0050] FIG. 20 is a crossectional view of the splint of FIG. 19.

[0051] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a second embodiment of the breakable golf club of the invention wherein an upper portion is connected directly to the upper portion.

[0052] FIG. 22 is an elevation view of the bottom portion of FIG. 21.

[0053] FIG. 23 is another elevation view of the bottom portion.

[0054] FIG. 24 is a crossectional view of the bottom portion, taken along Line 24-24 of FIG. 23.

[0055] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a top portion of the golf club that is directly connectible to the lower portion shown in FIGS. 21-24.

[0056] FIG. 26 is an elevation view of the top portion.

[0057] FIG. 27 is another elevation view of the top portion.

[0058] FIG. 28 is a crossectional view of the top portion, taken along Line 28-28 of FIG. 27.

[0059] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a grip member of the club of the invention.

[0060] FIG. 30 is another perspective view of the grip.

[0061] FIG. 31 is an elevation view of the grip.

[0062] FIG. 32 is a crossectional view of the grip taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

[0063] FIG. 33 is a bottom or distal end view of the grip.

[0064] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a club head of the club of the invention.

[0065] FIG. 35 is an elevation view of the head.

[0066] FIG. 36 is another elevation view of the head.

[0067] FIG. 37 is another elevation view of head, partially in cross section taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 35.

[0068] FIG. 38 is a top view of the head.

[0069] FIG. 39 is a view of the back of the head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies one or more embodiments of the breakable, reusable prank golf club 10 of the present invention. This description is not provided to limit the disclosure to the embodiments described herein, but rather to explain and teach various principles to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principles and, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not only the embodiments described herein, but also other embodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles. The scope of the instant disclosure is intended to cover all such embodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims, either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

[0071] It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like or substantially similar elements may be labeled with the same reference numerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled with differing numbers in cases where such labeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certain features.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the invention provides a gadget type breakable golf club 10 for enjoyment and entertainment purposes as a joke, gag, prank, and which is reusable. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the club 10, taken from the top end where a user would hold the club 10. FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the club 10. FIG. 3 is a crossectional view of the club 10, taken along Line 3-3 of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the golf club 10.

[0073] The club 10 appears substantially similar to a typical, conventional golf club. In this particular embodiment, the club 10 is in the fashion of an iron, particularly a nine (9) iron. However, the club 10 could be altered in length and distal end as an iron from one to eight, pitching wedge, sand wedge, gap wedge, or a wood, such as a Driver, two to nine wood, or one of many other specialty clubs. The club 10 has a three conventional aspects, namely a distal club head 12, a medial shaft 14 connected to the club head 12, and a grip 16. The grip 16 typically surrounds the proximal, top, and/or first end of the shaft 14, as opposed to extending proximally from the shaft 14. The club head 12 is connected to the distal, bottom, and/or second end of the shaft 14, typically by a friction fit and an adhesive. In the embodiment shown, the golf club 10 has a total length of 43.0 inches. The shaft 14 may be constructed of steel, graphite or fiberglass. The shaft 14 has a hollow lumen and has an outside diameter of approximately 0.5 inches. The grip 16 has a length of 9.0 inches. The club head 12 has a length of 5.1 inches.

[0074] In this embodiment of the club 10 the shaft 14 is constructed and arranged in three sub portions, a reusable first, upper and proximal shaft member 20, a reusable second, lower and distal shaft member 22, and a breakable and replaceable connector 24 disposed between and coupling the upper and lower shaft members 20 and 22. The connector 24 is designed to break when a predetermined force is applied to it by virtue of the club 10 being swung downwardly and upon the club head 12 striking a ball (not shown). The impact force of the club head 12 meeting a ball translates force upwardly through the lower shaft 22, and then to the connector 24. Although the lower shaft 22 is strong enough to resist breaking, the connector 24 is not and it therefore fractures. The upper shaft member 20 is similarly strong and therefore remains intact after impact and breakage of the connector 24. The club 10 has the look and feel of a typical, normal club, and therefore the player is surprised. As golf is a social game, often played among family or friends, with two, three or four member in a group, use of the club 10 is intended to elicit a positive, humorous response from the player, and particularly to the other members of the group. After each use, the broken connector 24 is discarded and replaced with a new breakable connector 24, and the club 10 may be reused with a new unsuspecting golfer. Alternatively, a golfer may grasp the shaft 14 with two hands and break it over their knee or strike the ground to achieve a break and surprise onlookers. In this embodiment of the shaft 14, the upper member 20 has a length of 21.9 inches and the lower member 22 has a length of 15.0 inches. This places the connector 24 at an optimal break point of 40 percent of overall shaft length above the distal end of the shaft 14 to maintain the structural integrity of the shaft 14 during address, backswing, and downswing, but facilitate breaking of the connector 24 upon ball strike or force from breaking over a knee, leg, or even hand pressure, or by striking the ground, tree, or another object.

[0075] Referring also to FIGS. 5-7, this first embodiment of the breakable, replaceable connector 24 shown, includes three parts, a splint 30 and two couplers 32 A and B. The splint 30 is constructed of Aluminum. Referring also to FIGS. 11-14, the split 30 has upper and lower portions 34 A and 34 B respectively, joined by a center portion 36. The upper and lower portions have an outside diameter (OD) substantially equivalent to the OD of the upper and lower shafts 20 and 22. The center portion 36 has a reduced diameter with a central collar region 37 of uniform diameter of 0.28 inches. In this embodiment, the OD of the center portion 36 is uniform throughout substantially all of its length. Threaded portions 38A and 38B extend outwardly from the upper and lower portions 34 A/B respectively. Also in this embodiment, the splint 30 has a length of 2.875 inches. The upper and lower portions 34 A/B have an OD of 0.5 inches. The threaded portions have an OD of 0.366 inches In use, the couplers 32A and B are placed into the open ends of the shafts 20 and 22, respectively. The splint 30 is then screwed into each coupler with its corresponding threaded portions 38A and 38 B.

[0076] FIG. 5 is detailed view of a middle portion of the golf club. FIG. 6 is a crossectional view of the middle portion of the golf club taken along Line 6-6 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the breakable, replaceable middle section of the golf club, including the threaded, breakable, internal splint 30, and the pair of couplers 32. FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the first embodiment of the threaded, breakable, internal splint 30. FIG. 12 is an elevation view of the splint 30. FIG. 13 is a crossectional view of the splint taken along Line 13-13 of FIG. 12. And FIG. 14 is a top view of the splint. FIGS. 11-14 are drawn to scale wherein each feature is the same proportion related to the element, and being smaller or larger by a particular percentage.

[0077] Referring also to FIGS. 8-10, the insertable (in shaft lumen) couplers 32 A and B each have a tubular configuration with a hollow, threaded center lumen 34. The threads mate with the threaded portions of the splits 30 and 40. The couplers 32 have an outer wall 36 of consistent OD. The top or proximal end of the coupler 32 has a lip 38. The bottom or distal end of the coupler 32 is tapered 39. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the coupler 32. FIG. 9 is an elevation view of the coupler 32. And FIG. 10 is a crossectional view of the coupler 32 taken along Line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

[0078] FIGS. 15-18, show a second embodiment of the breakable, replaceable splint 40. The splint 40 is also constructed of Aluminum. The splint 40 has upper and lower portions 44 A and 44 B respectively, joined by a center portion 46. The upper and lower portions 44 have an outside diameter (OD) substantially equivalent to the OD of the upper and lower shafts 20 and 22. The center portion 46 also has a reduced diameter. In this embodiment, the OD of the center portion 46 is tapered in an essentially hourglass configuration. Threaded portions 48A and 48B extend outwardly from the upper and lower portions 44 A/B respectively. In use, the couplers 32A and B are placed into the open ends of the shafts 20 and 22, respectively. The splint 40 is then screwed into each coupler with its corresponding threaded portions 38A and 38 B. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the breakable splint. FIG. 16 is an elevation view of the splint 40. FIG. 17 is a crossectional view of the splint taken along Line 17-17 of FIG. 16. And FIG. 18 is a top view of the splint 40. FIGS. 15-18 are drawn to scale, proportionally.

[0079] FIGS. 19 and 20, show a third embodiment of the breakable, replaceable splint 50. The splint 50 is also constructed of Aluminum. However, it is within the purview of the invention that the split could be constructable of an alternative metal material, a polymer, or a composite material. The splint 50 has upper and lower portions 54 A and 54 B respectively, joined by a center portion 56. The upper and lower portions 54 have an outside diameter (OD) substantially equivalent to the OD of the upper and lower shafts 20 and 22. The center portion 56 has the same OD. However, in this embodiment, the center portion 56 has an elongated, oval-like central aperture that define two outer rails that connect the upper and lower portions 54 A and B. Threaded portions 58A and 58B extend outwardly from the upper and lower portions 54 A/B respectively. In use, the couplers 32A and B are placed into the open ends of the shafts 20 and 22, respectively. The splint 50 is then screwed into each coupler with its corresponding threaded portions 58A and 58 B.

[0080] FIGS. 21-28 show a second and alternative embodiment of the gadget type breakable golf club 100, again for enjoyment and entertainment purposes as a joke, gag, prank, and again which is reusable. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the club 100, taken from the top end where a user would hold the club 100. The club 100 again appears substantially similar to a typical, conventional golf club. The club 100 has a three conventional aspects, namely a distal club head 112, a medial shaft connected to the club head 112, and a grip 116. The grip 116 surrounds the proximal, or top, end of the shaft, as opposed to extending proximally from the shaft. The club head 12 is connected to the distal, or bottom end of the shaft, typically by a friction fit and an adhesive. In this embodiment of the club 100 the shaft is constructed and arranged in three sub portions, namely a reusable upper shaft member 120, a reusable lower shaft member 122, and a breakable and replaceable connector 124 disposed between and coupling the upper and lower shaft members 20 and 22. In this embodiment however, the upper and lower shafts 120 and 122 each have internally threaded ends 120X and 122X, respectively. The connector 124 tubular with external threads that couple with the internal threaded ends of the respective shaft members 120 and 122. The connector 124 is designed to break when a predetermined force is applied to it for example by virtue of the club 100 being swung downwardly and upon the club head 112 striking a ball (not shown). The impact force of the club head 112 meeting a ball translates force upwardly through the lower shaft 122, and then to the connector 124. Although the lower shaft 122 (including its internally threaded end 122X) is strong enough to resist breaking, the connector 124 is not and it fractures. Alternatively, a golfer may grasp the shaft 114 with two hands and break it over their knee or strike the ground to achieve a break. The club 100 again has the look and feel of a typical, normal club. After each use, the broken connector 124 is discarded and replaced with a new breakable connector 124, and the club 100 may be reused.

[0081] FIGS. 29 to 33 show an embodiment of a grip member 16 of the club 10 of the invention. FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views of the grip 16. FIG. 31 is an elevation view of the grip 16. FIG. 32 is a crossectional view of the grip 16 taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a bottom or distal end view of the grip 16.

[0082] FIGS. 34-39 show an embodiment of a club head 12 of the club 10. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the head 12. FIGS. 35 and 36 are elevation views of the head 12. FIG. 37 is another elevation view of head 12, partially in cross section taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 35. FIG. 38 is a top view of the head 12. FIG. 39 is a view of the back of the head 12.

[0083] Although the apparatus/method has been described in connection with the field of golf, it can readily be appreciated that it is not limited solely to such field, and can be used in other fields including, but not limited to sports or games.

[0084] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

[0085] The terms first, second, third, fourth, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms include, and have, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

[0086] The terms left, right, front, back, top, bottom, over, under, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

[0087] Although the invention or elements thereof may by described in terms of vertical, horizontal, transverse (lateral), longitudinal, and the like, it should be understood that variations from the absolute vertical, horizontal, transverse, and longitudinal are also deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

[0088] The terms couple, coupled, couples, coupling, and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically or otherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. Electrical coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include electrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word removably, removable, and the like near the word coupled, and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.

[0089] As defined herein, approximately can, in some embodiments, mean within plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus five percent of the stated value. In further embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments, approximately can mean within plus or minus one percent of the stated value.

[0090] The embodiments above are chosen, described and illustrated so that persons skilled in the art will be able to understand the invention and the manner and process of making and using it. The descriptions and the accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative and not the exhaustive or limited sense. The invention is not intended to be limited to the exact forms disclosed. While the application attempts to disclose all of the embodiments of the invention that are reasonably foreseeable, there may be unforeseeable insubstantial modifications that remain as equivalents. It should be understood by persons skilled in the art that there may be other embodiments than those disclosed which fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Where a claim, if any, is expressed as a means or step for performing a specified function it is intended that such claim be construed to cover the corresponding structure, material, or acts described in the specification and equivalents thereof, including both structural equivalents and equivalent structures, material-based equivalents and equivalent materials, and act-based equivalents and equivalent acts.