HIDDEN INSET HOSEL GOLF CLUB

Abstract: A golf club is provided wherein a portion of the hosel that houses the shaft is inset toward the center of gravity of the head of the club in a manner wherein the fact that the hosel is inset is hidden from the golfer. The golf club may further include widow's peak perimeter weighting, a progressive inset, a progressive offset, bird's-eye marking, a simulated face plate, a face paint line, a bevelled leading edge, and/or a scalloped sole.

Description: HIDDEN INSET HOSEL GOLF CLUB Qmss-Reference to Related Applications This application is based on United States provisional patent application No. 60/034,807, filed December 31, 1996. Background of The Tnvention 1. Field of the Invention This application relates to the field of golf and more particularly to a type of golf club that is capable of correcting or limiting the tendency of the player to slice or mishit the ball. 2. Description of Related Art Many amateur golfers, particularly beginning golfers, face two very common problems, a tendency to mishit the ball, causing misdirection of the shot and reduced distance, and a tendency to "slice" the ball, resulting in a high, rightward-curving flight path in the case of the right-handed golfer. Mishits are typically the result of off-center hits, that is, the ball is struck by the face of the golf club at a position displaced from the center of the face, such as the toe. A slice can result from any of a number of factors; however, one important factor in many slices is a tendency to strike the ball with a so-called "open" club face. An open club face describes a face that forms an angle of greater than ninety degrees with the target line at the point of impact. At the commencement of a golf swing, the club head is initially addressed in a position with the face substantially perpendicular to the target line. During the backswing, the club head is turned so that the face forms an angle increasingly greater than ninety degrees with the target line. During the downswing, the club then must be returned to the initial position, which requires turning the face back toward a ninety degree angle with the target line. For most amateur golfers, the club is returned to a position at impact in which the face forms an angle of more than ninety degrees with the target line, typically about ninety-five degrees, a so-called "open" face. The open face results in a glancing below between club and ball, which imparts side-spin on the ball, and the side-spin is what causes the ball to slice. A number of efforts have been made to develop clubs that compensate for or correct the problems typical of beginning golfers. However, in some situations, an effort to correct one of the problems tends to exacerbate other problems. For example, a number of efforts have been made to reduce the likelihood that a golfer will mishit the ball. The most significant of these efforts has been the development of so-called "oversized" golf club heads. The enlargement of the golf club head increases the size of the effective hitting surface, reducing the likelihood of striking the ball with the toe or heel of the head, rather than the grooved hitting surface. Enlargement of the head also tends to increase the moment of inertia of the head, reducing the likelihood that the head will twist upon impact, one of the causes of mishits. While these oversized clubs do tend to reduce the likelihood of mishits, oversized clubs tend to exaggerate the other problem common to most amateur golfers, the slice. Club heads are typically made oversized by increasing the length and height of the head. When length is increased, 2 SUBSTmjfE SHEET (RULE 26) the center of gravity of the club head is moved away from the central axis of the golf club shaft. As a result, the moment arm of the center of gravity of the head in relation to the shaft is longer, rendering the club head less maneuverable in the hands of the golfer. The increased moment arm of an oversized club makes it more difficult to turn the club; thus, while the club is easily turned away from the address position during the slow backswing, it is difficult to return the club quickly to the address position during the more rapid downswing. The reduced maneuverability thus tends to exaggerate the tendency of the golfer to bring the club head to a striking position that is open relative to the target line. Thus, while the oversized club does reduce the likelihood of a mishit, it may increase the likelihood of a slice. Efforts have also been made to reduce the likelihood of a slice by encouraging the golfer to bring the club to a striking point that is square to the target line. Because most golfers tend to return to a striking position that is slightly open relative to the position at address, clubs have been designed to be relativity closed at the point of address. The purpose of the closed address position is to compensate for the tendency of the golfer to bring the club to a striking position that is less closed than the address position. Unfortunately, while the club face may be designed to be slightly closed when the sole of the club rests on the ground at address, a closed club face is visible to the golfer at address. A visibly closed club face looks unnatural to the golfer, and it is typical for the golfer to grip the club in a different manner that causes the face to be square or slightly open to compensate for the apparent closed face. When gripped in this manner even a closed-face club will still be returned to a point of impact that is likely to be open relative to the target line, resulting in a slice. Moreover, when gripped to provide a square club face at address, a club intended to have a closed face tends not to rest squarely on the ground, resulting in an increased likelihood of striking the ground unevenly during the downswing, causing an accompanying increase in the likelihood of a mishit. In addition, the closed face can result in a tendency to "hook" the ball, or strike it with a leftward-curving path in the case of a right-handed golfer, if the swing deficiencies that caused the slice are corrected. Accordingly, it is desirable to develop a club that corrects mishits, by providing an oversized club head, but that corrects the tendency of oversized clubs to exaggerate the golfer's slice. Efforts to reduce the tendency to slice have been directed to increasing the maneuverability of the club head during the downswing, rendering it easier to return the club to a square position at impact. One way of accomplishing this result is to inset the central axis of the shaft toward the center of gravity of the head, reducing the moment arm of the head and rendering the club easier to turn. Another way is to offset the central axis of the shaft relative to the face, which delays the impact of the face with the ball during the downswing, allowing additional time for the golfer to return the club to a square position. Each of these approaches increases the likelihood of a relatively closed face at impact. However, the problem with these approaches is that if the inset and offset are visible to the golfer at address, they tend to create the appearance of a closed face, and there is a tendency of the golfer to compensate by opening the club face, eliminating the corrective effect and resulting in a slice. Thus, there is a need for a golf club that provides for increased maneuverability and/or a closed club face while reducing the tendency of the golfer to compensate for these features by opening the club face at address. Many golfers have the additional problem of addressing the club in a open position, further increasing the likelihood of a slice, even in situations where the club is returned to the address position at impact. Thus, even in instances where the inset of the hosel is hidden from the golfer at address, it is desirable to provide further features that encourage a square club face at address. In particular, it is desirable to paint and mark the club in a manner that causes the golfer to address the ball with a square or slightly closed position. Amateur and high-handicap golfers also have a tendency to be influenced by unusual features of the club; thus, a golfer may be distracted if the junction of the shaft to the head is prominent. Thus, it is desirable to provide a club wherein the hosel is hidden, reducing the amount of distraction of the golfer. ■ ■ vSummary Of The Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a golf club that limits the tendency of the player to slice or mishit the ball. It is a further object of the invention to provide a hosel that houses the shaft in a position that is inset relative to the center of gravity of the head of the club. It is a further object of the invention to position the hosel so that the existence of an inset of the central axis of the shaft is hidden from the golfer at address. It is a further object of the invention to provide a head that corrects for the tendency to mishit, particularly a head that is oversized. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an embodiment that is an iron type golf club that provides perimeter weighting. It is a further object of this invention to provide perimeter weighting in a widow's peak shape that increases the length of a shot that is struck cleanly. It is a further object of the invention to provide a head that is a wood type club. It is a further object of the invention to paint the wood head so as to cause the golfer to address the club in a slightly closed position, reducing the likelihood of a slice. It is a further object of the invention to provide a "bird's eye" marking that encourages the golfer to strike the ball at the center of the striking surface. It is another object of the invention to provide an offset of the central axis of the shaft relative to the face of the club. It is another object of the invention to provide a hosel junction that minimizes distraction for the golfer. It is another object of the invention to provide a set of clubs that has either a constant inset, or a progressive amount of inset distance, depending on the loft of the club head. The golf clubs of the present invention provide a reduced likelihood of a mishit, due to the weighting, bird's eye marking, and oversize of the heads, while also tending to reduce the probability of a slice, causing the golfer to bring the club head to a square position at address and impact. Brief Description Of Drawings FIG. 1 is a front view of the golf club of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the head of the iron embodiment of the invention, showing the inset hosel. FIG. 3 is a rear, elevated view of the golf club showing the target line, face line, target angle, face angle, and shaft angle of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a top view of the golf club showing the target line and face line. FIG. 5 is a front view of the hosel of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a top view of the golf club of the invention, showing the invisibility at address of the inset distance of the shaft. FIG. 7 is an view of an iron embodiment of the present invention, showing the offset of the hosel. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the head of the iron embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the sole of an iron-type head. FIG. 10 is a front view of the wood embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view of the bottom and face of the wood embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a view of the top of the wood embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment(s') Referring to FIG. 1, a golf club 20 is provided. The golf club 20 includes a head 22, a shaft 24, with a shaft axis 26 running therethrough, a grip 30, disposed on the shaft 24 at the end distal from the head 22, and a hosel 32 that connects the shaft 24 to the head 22 at a position distal from the grip 30. The hosel 32 includes a hosel top 34 and a hosel bottom 40. The hosel top 34 includes a socket 36 which is positioned to house the shaft 24 by conventional means. The hosel bottom 40 is connected to head 22. Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of the head 22 is provided. FIG 2 depicts an embodiment of the golf club 20 that is an iron-type club. The head 22 includes a face 42 which includes a striking surface 44. Referring to FIG. 3, the striking surface 44 is to be positioned perpendicular to a target line 46 when the club is at the address position prior to the swing. The striking surface 44 is preferably returned to a position approximately perpendicular to the target line 46 at impact, thereby causing a relatively straight ball flight. Referring again to FIG. 2, the striking surface 44 includes horizontal grooves 50 that impart backspin on the golf ball at impact. The head 22 further includes a toe 52 and a heel 54. The toe 52 is positioned at the end of the head 22 distal from the shaft 24 and the heel 54 is positioned proximal to the shaft 54 and connected to the hosel bottom 40. The striking surface 44 of the head 22 includes a leading edge 56 that is positioned at the bottom of the striking surface 44 and is intended to be positioned perpendicular to the target line 46. The head 22 also includes a top 60 which includes a top edge 62 that defines the boundary between the top 60 and the face 42. The head 22 further includes a back 64 (not shown in FIG. 2) that is positioned opposite the face 42 and a sole 66 that is positioned opposite the top 60. The sole 66 rests on the ground when the club 20 is at address. Referring to FIG. 3, the golf club 20 is shown in a position at address, prior to swinging of the club. In FIG. 3, the golf club 20 is superimposed on x-, y- and z-axes, reflecting three dimensions. Ideally, the club is returned to precisely the same position upon impact. The shaft 24 defines a projection 70 which is a plane running through the shaft that is perpendicular to the ground. Referring to FIG. 4, the target line 46 T-T' runs from the striking surface 44 of the golf club 20 to the target. A face line 74 F-F' represents the line defined by the leading edge 56 of the face 42. Ideally, the face line 74 is perpendicular to the target line 46 at address and at impact. Referring again to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a face angle 76 is defined as the angle between the face line 74 and the target line 46. A face angle 76 that is greater than ninety degrees represents an "open" face 42. A face angle 76 of ninety degrees is desired at impact. A lie angle 80 is defined by the shaft 24 and the ground at the position where the projection 70 intersects the ground. The lie angle 80 is preferably in the range between 58 and 64 degrees, with angles increasing as club-length decreases. Thus, the driver typically would have a lie angle 80 closer to 58 or 59 degrees, while a sand wedge or lob wedge would have a lie angle 80 of closing to 64 degrees. In an embodiment of the present invention, the lie angle 80 is smaller than for a conventional inset hosel driver. Referring to FIG. 5, a side view of the hosel 32 of the present invention is shown. The hosel top 34 is positioned so that the socket 36 is inset by an inset distance 821-I' toward a center of gravity 23 of the head 22. In a standard club, the inset distance 821-I' is only the outside radius of the hosel top 34; that is, the edge of the shaft 24 is aligned with the heel of the club 20. In the present invention, the inset distance 821-F is greater than the radius of the shaft 24. In different embodiments of the invention, the inset distance 821-I' is either progressive or constant, in the case of a progressive inset varying according to the loft of the club 20. For example, the inset distance 82 I-F may be greatest in a driver, and may be progressively reduced as the loft of the club increases, so that each club, ranging from the one iron to the nine iron or wedge has a decreasing inset distance 821-F. The inset distance may be the same as for a conventional club in the shorter irons, beginning with the 7 or 8 iron. The progressive inset accounts for the fact that the tendency to slice is greater for the longer irons, the fairway woods and the driver, than it is for the short irons. Thus, the progressive inset permits the correction of the slice in the longer irons, driver and fairway woods, while it does not overcompensate for the tendency to slice the shorter irons. The progressive inset may be custom-designed to account for each individual player's tendency to slice. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the inset may be kept constant for all clubs in a set. Referring to FIG. 5, the hosel top 34 is positioned so that when the club 20 is at - address, the hosel bottom 40 is hidden from the golfer by the hosel top 34; that is, a central axis 35 of the hosel top 34 is on the same plane as the center of the hosel bottom 40. The plane is the equivalent to the projection 70 of the shaft 24, which is, in turn, perpendicular to the target line 46. When the existence of a non-standard, greater-than- normal inset distance 82 is hidden from the player, the player will not compensate for the inset distance 82. Presence of an inset distance 82 reduces a moment arm 83 M-M' between the shaft axis 26 and the center of gravity 23 of the head, thus causing the head 22 to rotate more quickly in response to a given amount of force during the downswing. Thus, the increased maneuverability caused by shortening the distance between the shaft axis 26 and the center of gravity 23 of the head 22 results in a more closed face 42 at impact, reducing the tendency of the golfer to slice. Referring still to FIG. 5, the hosel top 34 is positioned so that it is elevated relative to the hosel bottom 40. Thus, the tendency of the hosel 32 to impact grass, dirt, or other obstacles during the swing is reduced, allowing a smoother, more consistent impact, particularly in high rough or similar situations, than is the case with conventional golf clubs, on which the hosel typically touches the ground. The elevation of the hosel top 34 also decreases the tendency of the golfer to position the club in a "toe-down" position, thereby causing a corresponding decrease in the likelihood of mishits that tend to occur in the toe-down position. Referring to FIG. 6, a top view of the hosel 32 of the present invention is provided. Again, the hosel top 34 is positioned so that the socket 36 is inset by an inset distance 82 I-F toward a center of gravity 23 of the head 22. In FIG. 6, the vantage point of a golfer in the address position is provided, so that the hosel bottom 40 is not visible, being obscured by the shaft 24 and the hosel top 34. The club 20 has the appearance of a conventional golf club from this vantage point, despite the presence of an inset distance 82 I-F. Thus, the tendency of the golfer to overcompensate for a visible inset distance is eliminated. Moreover, the distraction caused by a visible inset hosel is eliminated, permitting the golfer to concentrate on keeping the face 42 perpendicular to the target line T-T' 46. FIGs. 5 and 6 depict an iron embodiment of the present invention; however, a hidden inset hosel may be similarly provided for a fairway wood or driver embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the hosel top 34 may also be positioned so that the leading edge of the hosel top 34 is offset by an offset distance 86 O-O' relative to the leading edge 56 of the face 42. The offset distance 86 O-O' delays the point in time at which the golfer strikes the ball during the downswing, permitting the club to rotate further toward a square position at impact. A more square position at impact results in a reduced likelihood of a slice. The offset distance 86 O-O' is created by conventional means; however, the hosel top 34 is positioned so that the hosel bottom 40 is still hidden, notwithstanding the offset distance 86 0-0'. FIG. 7 depicts an iron embodiment of the invention; however, the offset distance 86 O-O' may be similarly provided for a fairway wood or driver embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, a rear view of an embodiment of the iron-type club 20 is shown. The head 22 of FIG. 7 is an iron-type head 90. The head 90 includes the toe 52, the heel 54, the top 60, the top edge 62, the back 64, and the sole 66. The iron-type head 90 is oversized relative to a conventional iron; in particular, the distance from the toe to the heel is preferably greater than 2.75 inches, and the height from sole to top is preferably greater than 1.75 inches. The iron-type head 90 is constructed with weight 92 on the back 64 of the head 90. In an embodiment of the golf club 20, the weight 92 is positioned about a perimeter 94 of the back 64. The perimeter weight 92 reduces the tendency of the head 90 to twist upon impact in cases in which the impact is off-center relative to the head 90. Thus, the weight 92 positioned on the perimeter 94 reduces the negative consequences of an off-center hit. The perimeter weight 92 also promotes a solid feeling at impact, promoting a smooth, confident swing. In an embodiment of an invention, the weight 92 on the perimeter 94 of the back 64 is shaped in a widow's peak 96. The widow's peak 96 is positioned behind the center of the striking surface 44 (shown in FIG. 2). The widow's peak 96 places additional weight behind the point of impact of the striking surface 44, tending to increase the distance of the shot when the ball is struck at or near the center of the striking surface 44. The widow's peak 96 compensates for some of the loss of power that can occur when much of the weight 92 is distributed away from the center of gravity 23 on the perimeter 94 of the head 22. In an embodiment of the iron type head 90, the weight 92 on the perimeter 94 includes heel weight 100 and toe weight 102; that is, most of the weight 92 is distributed toward the heel 54 and the toe 52 of the head 90. The distribution of the weight 92 toward the toe 52 and the heel 54 increases the moment of inertia of the head 90, reducing the tendency of the head 92 to twist upon an impact that is off-center relative to the striking surface 44. Thus the heel-toe weight distribution reduces the negative consequences of a mishit. Referring still to FIG. 8, the top edge 62 of the face 42 is thick, relative to a typical top edge. In an embodiment of the head 90, the top edge 62 is of a thickness of at least .270 inches. In other embodiments, the top edge 62 may be thinner, as in a conventional club. The thick top edge 62 increases the apparent size of the club, making it appear even more oversized than it is, instilling a high degree of confidence in the golfer Referring to FIG. 9, a view of the sole 66 of the iron type head 90 is provided. The sole 66 includes a number of scallops 106. The scalloping of the sole 66 reduces the tendency of the club 20 to slow upon striking grass, sand, dirt or similar matter upon the downswing, by reducing the amount of material of the club that encounters such obstacles. In addition, the sole 66 includes a beveled leading edge 56. The beveling of the leading edge 56 increases the ability of the head 90 to cut through grass or other obstacles. In an embodiment of the invention, the head 90 is oversized relative to a conventional golf club 20. The head may be constructed of conventional light, hard materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and bronze alloys. The shaft 24 may be any hard, relatively rigid material, such as steel or graphite, as used in conventional golf clubs. The head 90 may be manufactured by conventional manufacturing processes, such as investment casting or forging. The head 22 and shaft 24 may be attached to the hosel 32 by conventional means. Referring to FIG. 10, the striking surface 44 of the face 42 has a pattern 43 that is circular. The pattern 43 assists the golfer in aligning the face 42 to a position where the center of gravity 23 of the head 22 is behind the ball, promoting a solid hit. Although FIG. 10 depicts a wood embodiment of the present invention, the pattern 43 may be provided in an iron embodiment as well. Referring to FIG. 11, a wood embodiment of the present invention is provided. FIG. 11 depicts a driver, although embodiments such as fairway woods can be easily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art. A wood type head 116 is provided which is attached to the hosel 32. The head 116 is oversized. In an embodiment of the invention, the head 116 is of a volume of two hundred seventy or more cubic centimeters. The oversized dimensions provide a large sweet spot and a large hitting surface to create a solid feeling shot and increased shot distance. The hosel top 34 is positioned so that the hosel bottom 40 is hidden to the golfer at address, as in the iron embodiment of the invention. The inset distance 82 I-F is similar to that in the iron embodiment of FIG. 5, and it offers it similar advantages in maneuverability. Referring to FIG. 12, the wood embodiment includes a marking 120 that is positioned directly above the center of the striking surface 44 the face 42. The marking 120 resembles a bird's eye; that is, the marking 120 includes a point 122 that is above the center of the striking surface 44 substantially in a line between the center of the striking surface and the eyes of the user when the club is at address. The marking also includes a semi-circular line 123 extending in a semi-circle about the central point. The marking 120 enables the golfer to position the striking surface 44 in a position that is centered relative to the ball at address, increasing the likelihood that the face will strike the ball in a position close to the center of the striking surface 44. Referring to FIGs. 11 and 12, in an embodiment of the invention, the head 116 is constructed of a hard material such as Titanium; however, only the top 60, back 64, and sole 66 of the head 116 are painted, leaving the face 42 unpainted. In addition a small portion 61 of the top 60 is left unpainted in a positioned proximal to the top edge 62 of the face 42. The painting defines a paint line 130. The painting of the head 116 in this manner creates a simulated face plate 126, similar to titanium face plates that are added to conventional golf clubs for additional power. Thus, the painting creates a psychological impression on the golfer of increased power, without the added weight or expense of a face plate. The paint line 130 is positioned so that it is open relative to the target line 46 T-T' prime when the face line 74 F-F' is perpendicular to the target line 46. Because the paint line 130 appears to be parallel to the face line 74, the golfer is encouraged to position the paint line 130 perpendicular to the target line 46 at address. When the paint line 130 is perpendicular to the target line 46, the face line 74 F-F' prime forms an angle of slightly less than ninety degrees to the target line. In an embodiment of the club 20, the face line 74 F-F' forms an angle of eighty-eight degrees with the target line 46. The closed face 42 at address compensates for the tendency of the high-handicap or amateur golfer to bring the club face 42 to an open position at impact; thus, the paint line 130 encourages a relatively square position of the face 42 at impact. Because the golfer tends to focus on the paint line 130, rather than the face 42, the golfer does not tend to over- compensate for the closed face 42 as in conventional closed-face clubs. The combination of the open-faced paint line 130 and the increased maneuverability due to the inset 82 means that the golfer is likely to bring the club to a position that is square at impact, substantially reducing the chance of a slice. In an embodiment of the invention, a driver with a very low degree of loft, typical of that used by a skilled amateur or professional player, is provided, in which the paint line 130 is parallel to the leading edge 56 of the face 42, or in which the paint line 130 is closed relative to the target line T-T' 46. Referring to FIG. 11, as in the iron embodiment of the present invention, the hosel top 34 is positioned so that it is elevated relative to the hosel bottom 40. Thus, the tendency of the hosel 32 to impact grass, dirt, or other obstacles during the swing is reduced, allowing a smoother, more consistent impact, particularly in high rough or similar situations. The elevation of the hosel top 34 also decreases the tendency of the golfer to position the club in a "toe-down" position, thereby causing a corresponding decrease in the likelihood of mishits that tend to occur in the toe-down position. As in the iron embodiment, the center of gravity 23 of the head 22 may be offset by an offset distance. The offset center of gravity 23 tends to increase the distance of shots that are hit squarely while the oversized head tends to correct for mishits by increasing the size of the effective striking force. The head 116 may be manufactured by conventional manufacturing processes, such as investment casting or forging. The head 116 may be constructed of any light, hard material, such as 6-4 Titanium. In a different embodiment, the face 42 may be constructed of a different material that the rest of the head 116. The head 116 and shaft 24 may be attached to the hosel 32 by conventional means. Referring again to FIG. 11, the sole 66 of the head 116 of the wood embodiment of the golf club 20 is constructed so that the center portion 67 of the sole 66 projects a greater distance from the top edge 62 than do a toe portion 69 and a heel portion 71 of the sole 66. As a result, the amount of the head 116 that strikes grass, dirt, or other obstacles during the swing is reduced, allowing a fuller, more consistent impact with the ball. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Claims: Claim(s) 1. A golf club, comprising: a shaft, having a central axis running therethrough; a head, the head having a front, a back, a heel, a toe, a top, a sole and a loft; and a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel positioned so that the central axis of the shaft is inset relative to the heel of the head and positioned so that the inset is hidden when the club is at address. 2. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the head is perimeter weighted. 3. The golf club of claim 2, wherein the perimeter weighting is in a widow's peak configuration. 4. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the hosel is elevated relative to the heel of the club. 5. The golf club of claim 1, further comprising a lie angle defined by the shaft and the ground when the club is at address and the sole is flat on the ground, the lie angle being less than sixty degrees. 6. The golf club of claim 2, wherein the perimeter weighting is distributed toward the heel and the toe of the head. 7. The golf club of claim 5, wherein the perimeter weighting is distributed toward the heel and the toe of the head. 8. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the inset varies according to the degree of the loft of the club. 9. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the inset is constant notwithstanding the degree of the loft of the club. 10. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the junction of the hosel to the shaft is hidden. 11. The golf club of claim 1 , wherein the shaft is offset relative to the head. 12. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the golf club is an iron. 13. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the top of the head is thick. 14. The golf club of claim 1, wherein the golf club is a wood-type club. 15. The golf club of claim 14, further comprising: a marking, on the top of the head, the marking comprising a central point and a line extending semi-circularly about the central point. 16. The golf club of claim 15, further comprising: a marking, positioned on the top of the head, configured to resemble a bird's eye. 17. The golf club of claim 14, further comprising a line, running from the heel to the toe of the club on the top of the club, behind which the club is painted and in front of which the club is not painted. 18. The golf club of claim 16, further comprising a line, running from the heel to the toe of the club on the top of the club, behind which the club is painted and in front of which the club is not painted. 19. The golf club of claim 18, wherein the paint line forms an angle of greater than 0 degrees with the bottom edge of the face. 20. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the leading edge of the sole of the head is beveled. 21. The golf club of claim 19, wherein the leading edge of the sole of the head is beveled. 22. The golf club of claim 19, wherein the center of gravity of the head is offset toward the back of the head. 23. A hosel for connecting a golf club head to a golf club shaft, comprising: a head end of the hosel, configured to receive a golf club head, and a shaft end of the hosel, configured to receive a golf club shaft, the shaft end being inset relative to the head end and being configured to be invisible when the golf club is at address. 24. The hosel of claim 23, wherein the shaft end is elevated relative to the head end. 25. The hosel of claim 23, wherein the shaft end is offset relative to the head end. 26. A golf club head and hosel, comprising: a head, the head having a front, a back, a heel, a toe, a top, a sole and a loft, the back of the head having a perimeter running thereabout; and a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel having a heel end and a shaft end, the shaft end having a central axis running therethrough, the hosel positioned so that the central axis of the shaft end of the hosel is inset relative to the heel of the head and positioned so that the inset is invisible when the club is at address. 27. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, wherein the weight of the head is distributed primarily about the perimeter of the back of the head. 28. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, further comprising a weight, configured in a widow's peak, positioned at the back of the head behind the center of gravity of the head. 29. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, wherein the shaft end of the hosel is elevated relative to the heel of the club. 30. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, wherein the perimeter weighting is greater at the heel and the toe of the head than it is at the midpoint of the head. 31. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, further comprising: a marking, on the top of the head, the marking comprising a central point and a line extending semi-circularly about the central point. 32. The golf club head and hosel of claim 31, wherein the head is oversized. 33. The golf club head and hosel of claim 32, wherein the head is constructed of ■ titanium. 34. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, wherein the head is of an iron type and wherein the sole of the head is scalloped. 35. The golf club head and hosel of claim 34, wherein the leading edge of the sole of the head is beveled. 36. The golf club head and hosel of claim 26, wherein the center of gravity of the head is offset toward the back of the head. 37. A golf club, comprising: a head, the head having a face, a back, a heel, a toe, a top, a sole, and a loft, wherein the head is perimeter weighted, wherein the perimeter weighting is in a widow's peak configuration, wherein the perimeter weighting is distributed toward the heel and the toe of the head, wherein the head is oversized, wherein the head is constructed of titanium; a shaft, having a central axis running therethrough, wherein the shaft is offset relative to the head in the direction of the face; and a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel positioned so that the central axis of the shaft is inset relative to the heel of the head and positioned so that the inset is invisible when the club is at address;* wherein the hosel is elevated relative to the heel of the club. 38. The golf club of claim 37, wherein the golf club is an iron. 39. The golf club of claim 38, wherein the top of the head is thick. 40. The golf club of claim 37, wherein the golf club is a driver. 41. The golf club of claim 40, further comprising: a marking, on the top of the head, the marking comprising a central point and a line extending semi-circularly about the central point. 42. The golf club of claim 40, wherein the sole of the head is scalloped. 43. The golf club of claim 42, wherein the leading edge of the sole of the head is beveled. 44. The golf club of claim 41, wherein the center of gravity of the head is offset toward the back of the head. 45. A golf club, comprising: a shaft, having a central axis running therethrough; a head, the head having a front, a back, a heel, a toe, a top and a sole; a marking, on the top of the head, the marking comprising a central point and a line extending semi-circularly about the central point; and a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel positioned so that the central axis of the shaft is inset relative to the heel of the head and positioned so that the inset is invisible when the club is at address. 46. The golf club of claim 45, wherein the shaft is offset in the direction of the face of the head. 47. A method for making a golf club, comprising: providing a shaft, having a central axis running therethrough; providing a head, the head having a front, a back, a heel, a toe, a top and a sole; and connecting the head to the shaft by a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel positioned so that the central axis of the shaft is inset relative to the heel of the head and positioned so that the inset is invisible when the club is at address. 48. The method of claim 47, further comprising: disposing weight about the perimeter of the back of the head. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising, shaping the perimeter weighting in a widow's peak configuration. 50. The method of claim 49, further comprising: elevating the hosel relative to the heel of the head. 51. The method of claim 50, further comprising : distributing the perimeter weighting unevenly about the back of the head. 52. The method of claim 47, further comprising: distributing the majority of the weight toward the heel and the toe of the head. 53. The method of claim 47, further comprising: manufacturing the top of the head to have a thickness of at least .270 inches. 54. The method of claim 47, wherein the golf club is a driver. 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising: marking the top of the head with a central point and a line extending semi- circularly about the central point. 56. The method of claim 55, further comprising: manufacturing the head to have a volume of at least 250 cubic centimeters. 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: constructing the head of titanium. 58. The method of claim 54, further comprising: fashioning the sole of the head in a scalloped configuration. 59. The method of claim 54, further comprising: weighting the head so that the center of gravity of the head is positioned to the rear of the midpoint between the face and the back of the head. 60. A method of making a hosel for connecting a golf club head to a golf club shaft, comprising: providing a head end of the hosel, configured to receive a golf club head, and providing a shaft end of the hosel, configured to receive a golf club shaft, the shaft end being inset relative to the head end and being configured to be invisible when the golf club is at address. 61. The method of claim 60, further comprising: disposing weight about the perimeter of the back of the head. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising, shaping the perimeter weighting in a widow's peak configuration. 63. The method of claim 62, further comprising: elevating the hosel relative to the heel of the head. 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising: positioning the shaft end of the hosel in a position that is offset relative to the head end of the hosel. 65. A method of making a golf club head and hosel, comprising: providing a head, the head having a front, a back, a heel, a toe, a top and a sole, the back of the head having a perimeter running thereabout; and providing a hosel, connected to the heel of the head, the hosel having a heel end and a shaft end, the shaft end having a central axis running therethrough; positioning the hosel so that the central axis of the shaft end of the hosel is inset relative to the heel of the head; and positioning the hosel so that the inset of the hosel is invisible when the club is at address. 66. The method of claim 65, wherein the density of the weight distributed proximal to the heel and the toe of the head is greater than the density of the weight distributed proximal to the midpoint of the head. 67. The method of claim 66, wherein the head is the head of a driver, further comprising: marking the top of the head with a central point and a line extending semi- circularly about the central point, the central point positioned above the point of impact of the head. 68. A method for making a golf club, comprising the steps of: providing a head, the head having a face, a back, a heel, a toe, a top and a sole; providing a shaft, the shaft defining a lie angle, wherein the lie angle is less than sixty degrees; positioning weight about the perimeter of the back of the head; configuring the weight in a widow's peak configuration; distributing the weight unevenly about the perimeter of the head; distributing the weight so that the density of the weight is greater at the heel of the head and the toe of the head than at the midpoint of the head; providing a shaft, the shaft having a central axis running therethrough; positioning the shaft so that the shaft is offset relative to the head in the direction of the face; providing a hosel, connected to the heel of the head; positioning the hosel so that the central axis of the shaft is inset relative to the heel of the head; positioning the hosel so that the inset is invisible when the club is at address; and fashioning the hosel so that the hosel is elevated relative to the heel of the club when the club is at address.

Inventors: CHOU ARTHUR C P, CHOU, ARTHUR, C., P.
Applicants: HIPPO INC, HIPPO, INC.
Application year: 1997
Main classification: A63B53
IPC codes: A63B53, A63B69