GOLF CLUB AND A GRIP FOR A GOLF CLUB

Abstract

Examples of a golf club with weight counter balance means are described. The golf club comprises a grip with a weight port and a weight load configured to be removably inserted and secured into the weight port and a club head that has a weight recess and a weight insert configured to be removably inserted and secured into the weight recess. The weight load in the grip and the weight insert in the club head are counterbalanced and predetermined to fit user's parameters such that a same club can be fitted for different user or same user after progressing his/her skills by changing the grip weight and the club head weight.

Claims

1. A golf club comprising: a shaft having an upper end and a lower end; a club grip configured to be mounted on the upper end of the shaft, the club grip having a top end, a bottom end, a body having a gripping face surface and extending between the top end and the bottom end, a weight port formed in the body and a weight load configured to be removably inserted and secured into the weight port; and a club head mounted on the lower end of the shaft and having a body, at least one weight recess formed in the body of the club head and a weight insert configured to be removably inserted and secured into the at least one weight recess, wherein the weight load in the club grip and the weight insert in the club head are counterbalanced and predetermined to fit user's parameters.

2. The golf club of claim 1 further comprising an inset inserted into the shaft and adjacent to an inner wall of the shaft extending inwardly away from the lower end of the shaft, the inset having a pre-determined length to adjust a stiffness of the shaft.

3. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the weight port has an entrance opening formed at the top end of the club grip, the weight port extending along a longitudinal axis of the club grip from its top end toward its bottom end.

4. The golf club of claim 3, wherein the weight port is internally threaded and the weight load has a threaded body for threadedly engaging the weight port.

5. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the weight port is sized such that a weight load with different weights can be fitted into the weight port.

6. The golf club of claim 1 further comprising distance control lines formed at the gripping face surface of the grip body for controlling a driving distance of a user's shot, the distance control lines including at least two parallel circle lines formed around a circumference of the golf grip, the at least two circle lines being at a predetermined distance one from another, wherein the driving distance of the user's shot is controlled by controlling a position of a user's palm with respect to the at least two distance control lines.

7. The golf club of claim 6, wherein the at least two parallel circle lines being formed near the top end of the club grip forming a top distance control circle.

8. The golf club of claim 6 further comprising a bottom distance control circle comprising at least two parallel bottom circle lines formed around the circumference near the bottom end of the grip, the bottom circle lines being at a predetermined distance one from another, wherein the bottom circle lines being used for controlling the driving distance when a user uses a wedge golf club.

9. The golf club of claim 1 further comprising a direction alignment means comprising a first longitudinal line for a straight shots alignment, a second longitudinal line for a right to left directed shots and a third longitudinal line for a left to right directed shots, each of the longitudinal lines being parallel to each other, the first longitudinal line being positioned between and equidistant from the second and the third longitudinal lines, the longitudinal lines being formed at the face surface of the club grip and aligned with respect to the club head.

10. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the weight recess in the club head having an entrance opening formed at a toe of the club head and extending from the toe toward a heel of the club head.

11. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the weight recess is internally threaded and the weight insert has a threaded body for threadedly engaging the weight recess.

12. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the weight recess is sized such that a weight insert with different weights can be fitted into the weight recess of the club head.

13. A golf club grip configured to be mounted on a club shaft to form a handle of a golf club, the golf club grip comprising: a top end; a bottom end; a body having a gripping face surface and extending between the top end and the bottom end for golf club; and distance control lines formed at the gripping face surface for controlling a driving distance of a user's shot, the distance control lines including at least two parallel circle lines formed around a circumference of the body, the at least two circle lines being at a predetermined distance one from another, wherein the driving distance of the user's shot is controlled by controlling a position of a user's palm with respect to the distance control lines.

14. The golf club grip of claim 13, wherein the at least two parallel circle lines being formed near the top end of the club grip forming a top distance control circle.

15. The golf club grip of claim 14, further comprising a bottom distance control circle comprising at least two parallel bottom circle lines formed around the circumference near the bottom end of the club grip, the bottom circle lines being at a predetermined distance one from another, wherein the bottom circle lines being used for controlling the driving distance when a user uses a wedge golf club.

16. The golf club grip of claim 13, wherein the at least two parallel circle lines being formed near the bottom end of the club grip forming a bottom distance control circle.

17. The golf club grip of claim 13 further comprising a direction alignment means formed at the gripping face surface of the body and comprising a first longitudinal line for a straight shots alignment, a second longitudinal line for a right to left directed shots and a third longitudinal line for a left to right directed shots, each of the longitudinal lines being parallel to each other, the first longitudinal line being positioned between and equidistant from the second and the third longitudinal lines.

18. The golf club grip of claim 13 further comprising a weight port formed in the body and a weight load configured to be removably inserted and secured into the weight port.

19. The golf club grip of claim 18, wherein the weight port has an entrance opening formed at the top end of the grip, the weight port extending along a longitudinal axis of the golf club grip from its top end toward its bottom end.

20. The golf club grip of claim 18, wherein the weight port is sized such that a weight load with different weights can be inserted and secured into the weight port.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate example embodiments described herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic side view of an example of a golf club showing a club grip, a club shaft and a club head.

[0012] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of an example of a club grip showing a weight port formed in the club grip and a weight load inserted in the weight port (upper view); and a cross-sectional view of three examples of weight load inserted into the weight port of the club grip (lower view).

[0013] FIG. 2B is a photo of a top side of a club grip showing an entrance opening of a weight port with no weight load into it (upper photo) and a weight load inserted into the weight port (lower photo).

[0014] FIG. 2C is a photo of a top side of a club grip showing an entrance opening and a threaded inner wall of a weight port and an example of a weight load.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an example of a club grip showing distance control lines and a direction alignment means.

[0016] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an example of a club head showing a weight recess formed in a toe of the club head.

[0017] FIG. 4B is a photo of club heads with a weight recess drilled at a toe of the club heads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0018] In order to improve the initial ball velocity and extend carry distance, a club head with increased weight can be provided. Heavier club head can increase the kinetic energy of the head during the swing motion. However, this may result in increase of the moment of inertia of the club and a heavy feel during the swing motion. In order to solve the problem, the gravity center of the shaft needs to be shifted closer to the club grip thus, counter-balancing the weight of the golf club. The present invention discloses a golf club with an adjustable counter-balanced weight, which can be easily adjusted and fitted to user parameters and preferences, such as for example, player's build, strength, and style.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a golf club 10 that comprises a club shaft 12, a club head 14 and a club grip (handle) 16. The shaft 12 comprises an elongated tubular body 13 having an inner wall 11 and an outer wall 15. The tubular body 13 extends between an upper end 17 and a lower end 18 of the shaft 12. The upper end 17 can also be called a grip end while the lower end 18 is called a tip end. In one implementation, the shaft 12 can be a telescoping shaft with a variable length to facilitate adjusting the overall length of the club shaft 12 based on the height and stance of the player using the club 10. The shaft 12 can be made from any desired and suitable materials, such as for example iron, iron alloy, wood, hybrid, etc. without departing from the scope of the invention. In one implementation, the shaft 12 can have an inset 9 that can be bonded to the inner wall 11 of the shaft 12. The inset 9 can extend inwardly from the tip 18 so that the stiffness and flexibility of the shaft 12 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the inset 9. For example, longer inset 9 will increase the stiffness of the shaft 12. For example, the inset can be a steel tube positioned near the tip end 18 (adjacent to the inner wall 11) and can have length of between 8 cm to 18 cm. Persons skilled in the art would understand that the length of the insert 9 can be less than 8 cm or more than 18 cm without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0020] The club grip 16 is mounted on the upper end 17 of the shaft 12. The grip 16 can be a wrap or sleeve forming a club handle that is gripped by a user when swinging the club 10. The grip 16 can have a top end 21, a bottom end 22 and a body 19 extending between the top end 21 and the bottom end 22. The body 19 can be shaped and sized so that it can be easy to grip and hold by the user. The body 19 has a gripping face surface which is configured such that the user can hold and swing the club without his/her hands slipping along the grip/handle 16. For example, the club grip 16 can come in different sizes, such as a small, a medium, a medium large and a large size. The grip 16 can be made of a rubber, a leather, a synthetic leather, a plastic or any other suitable material. A weight port 20 can be formed in the club grip 16. The weight port can have an entrance opening 23 (see FIGS. 2A-2C) formed at the top end 21 and can extend along a longitudinal axis of the club grip 16 from its top end 21 towards the bottom end 22. A size of the weight port 20 can vary depending on the size of the grip 16, such as for example, the diameter or the length of the weight port 20 can be bigger or smaller depending on the size of the club grip 16. The weight port 20 can be internally-threaded (see FIG. 2C), so that a weight load 24 can be inserted and secured into the port 20 by threadedly engaging the weight port 20 (see FIG. 2A). FIG. 2A, upper view, shows the weight load 24 inserted and secured into the weight port 20. In the illustrated example, the weight load 24 is a screw that comprises a face 25 and a threaded body 26 however, persons skilled in the art would understand that any other design of a weight load 24 can be used to adjust the weight of the club 10 at the grip side without departing from the scope of the invention. The weight port 20 can be configured and sized so that a weight load 24 with a different mass can be fitted and secured therein. For example, FIG. 2A, lower view, shows some examples of weight load 24 inserted into the same size weight port 20 of the club grip 16. The different weight load can be made of different materials, such as for example stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy or any other suitable material so that the mass of the weight load 24 can be adjusted by choosing a heavier or lighter material. In addition, the length of the body 26 of the weight load 24 can vary, thus adjusting the mass of the weight load 24 by using weight load 24 with shorter or longer body 26. The length of the weight port 20 can be configured so that weight loads 24 with different lengths can be inserted and secured in such port 20. FIG. 2B, upper view, shows a photograph of the top end 21 of the club grip 16 showing the entrance opening 23 of the weight port 20, while the lower view shows the top end 21 of the club grip 16 with the weight load 24 inserted and secured into the weight port 20. FIG. 2C depicts the top end 21 of the club grip 16 with the entrance opening 23 of the weight port 20 and the weight load 24 with a face 25 and a threaded body 26. The club grip 16 can further include means to insert and remove the weight load 24 into and out of the port 20. For example, at least one slot 28 can be formed at the face 25 of the weight load 24 so that a screw driver can screw the weight load 24 into the port 20 or unscrew it out of the port 20. Any other means can be used to insert and remove the weight load 24 into and out of the port 20 without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a collapsible key or ring (not shown) formed at the face 25 of the load 24 can be used to screw or push the weigh load 24 into or pull it out of the port 20. Any other method and means for removably inserting and securing the weight load 24 into the weight port 20 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. In one implementation, the weight port 20 can comprise at least one groove (not shown) formed on the inner wall of the port 20. In such implementation, the weight load 24 can comprise at least one ledge configured to fit within the at least one groove so that the weight load 24 can frictionally slide into the port 20. Alternatively, a lock (not shown) can be provided to lock the weight load 24 into the port 20.

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the club grip 16. The grip 16 comprises a distance control lines 30 and a direction alignment means 35 for controlling a driving distance and a direction of a user's shot. The distance control lines 30 and the direction alignment means 35 are formed at the face surface of the club grip 16. The distance control lines 30 can be at least two parallel circle lines 32. The circle lines 32 can be formed around a circumference near the top end 21 of the grip 16 such that the circle lines 32 can form a top distance control circle 31. Each circle line 32 can represent, for example, 5-7 yards of driving distance. The at least two circle lines 32 can be at a predetermined distance one from another. For example, the circle lines 32 can be positioned at a 1/2 inch distance between lines. In the illustrated example, a first circle line 32a can be positioned around the circumference of the grip in proximity to its top end 21 while the other three circle lines 32b, 32c and 32d are at inch distance one from another. A player can control the driving distance of his/her shot by simply controlling the position of his/her hands/palms on the grip 16. For example, if the player position his/her palms such that the bottom of his/her palm (of the dominant hand) are on the first circle line 32a, the player will perform his/her long shot while if the bottom of the palm are on the circle line 32d (the line furthest away from the first circle line 32a), the player will perform his/her shortest shot. The top distance control circle 31 can be used with any wood, iron or hybrid. The distance control lines 30 can further comprise at least two bottom circle lines 33 forming a bottom distance control circle 34 that are formed around the circumference of the grip 16 near the bottom end 22. The bottom circle lines 33 can be used for distance control when using wedges such as a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, a gap wedge, 52 degree wedge, 56 degree wedge or 60 degree wedge, for example. Each of the circle lines 33 can be inch distance one from another and the player can control the distance of his/her shot by simply control the position of his/her palms on the grip 16 with respect to the circle lines 33. For example, if the player positions his/her palms such that an edge line of his/her index finger (dominant hand) is aligned with the circle line 33 closest to the bottom end 22, he/she will perform his/her shortest shot. By changing the position of the palms with respect to the circle lines 32 and 33 of the distance control lines 30 the player may adjust the distance for 5-7 yards (average yardage between two neighboring lines 32/33).

[0022] The club grip 16 can also comprise a direction alignment means 35 that include a first (middle) longitudinal line 36 for a straight shot alignment, a second longitudinal line 37 for a right to left directed (draw or hook) shot alignment and a third longitudinal line 38 for a left to right directed (slice or fade) shot alignment. The longitudinal lines 36-38 are parallel and can extend between the top circle lines 32 and the bottom circle lines 33 of the grip 16. The alignment lines 36-38 are aligned with respect to the head 14 such that when the club head 14 is on ground (a ground line) there is a visual alignment of the direction alignment means 35 and the head 14.

[0023] The first longitudinal line 36 is positioned between and equidistant from the second and the third longitudinal lines 37, 38. The player can control the direction of his/her shot by simply controlling the position of his/her hands with respect to the longitudinal lines 36-38. For example, when the position of a V-part (place between thumb and index finger) of a dominant hand is aligned with the longitudinal line 37 the player will direct his/her shot from right to left, while by aligning the V-part with the longitudinal line 38 the golf ball will fly from left to right direction. For straight shots, the player needs to align the V-part of his/her dominant hand with the longitudinal line 36.

[0024] The golf club head 14 is mounted on the tip end 18 of the shaft 12. FIG. 4A illustrates an example of the club head 14 of the present invention. The club head 14 includes a body 40, and a hole 42 into which the shaft 12 is secured. The hole 42 can be centrally positioned with respect to the body 40 in case of a center shafted club head 14 or the hole 42 can be positioned at a heel of the club head 14 for a heel-shafted club head (as in the case of the club head 14 of FIG. 4A). The club head 14 can be made from any desired materials, such as for example, metals, metal alloys, wood and the like, depending on the type and size of the club head. A hosel (not shown) can be coupled between the club shaft 12 and the club head 14 to facilitate adjusting the orientation of the club head 14 with respect to the club shaft 12.

[0025] The club head 14 can further include a recess 44 that is sized and shaped to receive a weight insert 46 therein. For example, the weight insert 46 can have similar design as the weight load 24 of the grip 16. Accordingly, the weight insert 46 can also be a screw with a threaded body and can be designed in different weights. The internal wall of the recess 44 can be threaded so that the weight insert 46 can be screwed into the recess 44 as described herein above with respect to the weight port 20 of the club grip 16. In one implementation, the weight recess 44 and the insert 46 can have different design than the weight port 20 and weight load 24 of the grip 16. By changing the weight of the weight insert 46 one can adjust the weight of the club head 14. In case of the heel shafted club head 14, there is only one recess 44 that extends from a toe of the club head 14 towards its heel, so that the weight insert 46 is added only on the toe side of the club head 14. In case of a center-shafted club head 14, there can be two recesses 44 on both the toe side and the heel side and a weight insert 46 can be inserted and secured in both recesses 44. The weight of the golf club 10 can be counterbalanced and adjusted by adjusting the weight load 24 in the club grip 16 and the weight insert 46 in the club head 14, so that a same golf club can be fitted to different user or user preferences without changing the entire golf club 10.

[0026] FIG. 4B shows an example of the iron club head 14 in which the recess 44 is drilled from a toe across a sole of the club head 14. As can be seen the weight recess 44 has an entrance 48 (at the toe) so that the weight insert 46 can be inserted into the recess 44. The internal wall of the recess may not be threaded and the weight insert 46 can by frictionally fitted into the recess 44. Means for inserting and removing the weight insert 46 from the recess 44 are also provided that can have same or similar design as the one described with respect to the club grip 16. Any other suitable means for inserting, securing, removing and/or locking the insert 46 into (and out) of the recess 44 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0027] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be understood, that the scope of the disclosure is not limited thereto, since modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. Thus, for example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations making up the method/process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Elements and components can be configured or arranged differently, combined, and/or eliminated in various embodiments. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. Reference throughout this disclosure to some embodiments, an embodiment, or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, step, process, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases in some embodiments, in an embodiment, or the like, throughout this disclosure are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment and may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments.

[0028] Various aspects and advantages of the embodiments have been described where appropriate. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such aspects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, it should be recognized that the various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0029] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, can, could, might, may, e.g., and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without operator input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. No single feature or group of features is required for or indispensable to any particular embodiment. The terms comprising, including, having, and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, and so forth. Also, the term or is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term or means one, some, or all of the elements in the list.

[0030] The example calculations, simulations, results, graphs, values, and parameters of the embodiments described herein are intended to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed embodiments. Other embodiments can be configured and/or operated differently than the illustrative examples described herein.