Abstract:
An apparatus which uses a club having a head portion and a shaft. Integrated with the head portion is a shaped recess with a golf ball holder. The golf ball holder is capable of gripping and holding a golf ball with a predetermined force requirement for release, which requires the user to execute a proper golf swing to release the ball. The predetermined force requirement may be adjustable. The user also may vary the angle of the club face on various planes relative to the shaft, thereby changing the swing required to release the ball.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/578,994, filed Oct. 14, 2009 now abandoned; and application Ser. No. 12/578,994 claims the benefit of provisional Application No. 61/166,457, filed on Apr. 3, 2009. 
     This application incorporates by reference all of the following applications, including specification, claims, and figures: U.S. application Ser. No. 12/578,994, filed Oct. 14, 2009 and U.S. provisional Application No. 61/166,457, filed on Apr. 3, 2009. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This disclosure is directed to a device or an assembly that is a golf ball holder that can be attached, assembled, or manufactured as part or a portion of a golf club. 
     The device or assembly holds a golf ball in place at least partially inside the device or assembly with a predetermined force requirement. This predetermined force setting, which prevents an unwanted release of a ball, will allow a desired release of the ball when the assembly is swung in a manner that overcomes the predetermined force level requirement created by the holder&#39;s mechanism(s) so to allow dynamic release of a secured ball from the holder during a swing of the assembly. 
     The golf ball holder can include at least one mechanism that allows an adjustment of an opening size of the holder that will alter and fix the predetermined force setting against a portion or portions of a ball&#39;s surface. 
     The ball used in conjunction with the device can have a dimpled surface, a surface that is not smooth, any type of surface consistency and/or surface texture (a raised surface for example), a surface having indented features, or any other type of surface imaginable, consistent or not. The device is operable to utilize at least a portion of a ball&#39;s surface or one ball surface feature to aid in developing a secure hold upon the ball while the both the ball and the assembly are in motion together. While the device assembly with a ball is in motion, a predetermined force level is either met or not met. The force level setting in combination with the motion of the holder assembly will result in either a release or non-release of the golf ball held within the adjustable holder during a swing of the assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The sport of golf remains a highly popular worldwide source of exercise and recreation for persons of all ages and skill levels. Regardless of skill level or experience, users of all experience levels—from professional, to amateur, to novice—constantly work in improving their golf swings. Golf instruction represents a significant industry in the United States (as well as throughout the world). 
     Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can aid in helping a person execute a proper golf swing. This device can either be made, assembled or manufactured as part of a club. Alternatively, it can be made as a whole unit or club unit, or made as a sub-unit of a golf club that when attached or assembled into a club is operable to perform a swing in a manner that is consistent with the operational swing of a standard club. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A new device allows a user to develop a dynamic range swinging skill set rather than the static skill level of the prior art. The new device accomplishes the ability to develop a dynamic range swinging skill set with a force level utilized on a golf ball that is seated within a holder. The holder, in turn, acts upon the ball and effects either a release of the golf ball or not, during a swing operation. 
     An embodiment contemplates holding elements positioned in the holder as to allow the golf ball to exit the holder with an optimal velocity vector when the club is swung properly. Lines and grooves on the striking surface of ordinary club heads are substantially horizontal to the ground and not parallel with the shaft. In contrast, this embodiment contemplates a holder and holding elements that are substantially parallel with the shaft. 
     In one or more embodiments, the force requirement for releasing the ball can be adjusted and fixed before swinging. The device is offered to improve a user&#39;s swing by focusing on the proper techniques that can include a beginning point of a back-swing thru the point of a down swing and follow-thru of a motion of a swing utilizing a club having a shaft and a head portion (which has a club head face). At the head of the club is a shaped recess. This shaped recess is calibrated to be a sufficient size and dimension to hold and maintain a projectile throughout the back-swing and down-swing to release the projectile at a predictable point within or during a club swing motion path when swung. 
     The inventors also contemplate a holder assembly that allows for a predetermined adjustment of the holder diameter. This adjustable holder can be workable by a separate or integral mechanism or hand-bendable structure to act as a calibrated holder that is operable to be opened or contracted to a diameter of the semi circular recess of holder. An alternative system includes a series of cable strings to alter the outer diameter of the distal end of the holder. By making holder&#39;s diameter smaller, the user ensures greater support of the holder when launching the ball during the training swing. Decreasing holder&#39;s diameter requires the user to be more advanced and precise in his or her training swing. As yet another alternative embodiment, the head portion and holder (capable of being calibrated) are one single integral member placed at a distal end of the shaft of a club or a golf club. 
     An embodiment includes a holder whose contact points with the projectile can be rotated on the plane of the face of the club head. As a result, the force and acceleration vectors required to release the projectile from the holder can be subtly altered as the user wishes to fine-tune his or her swing. 
     Embodiments includes a holder portion or holder assembly that may be rotated and fixed at various planes relative to the hosel, thereby changing the force vector and acceleration requirements for releasing the projectile, as well as the projectile&#39;s trajectory when released. 
     An embodiment can include a noisemaker in the holder portion or holder assembly that is ordinarily stoppered by a projectile held in the recess. When the club is swung and the projectile is released, air flows through the noisemaker as the club is in motion to alert the user that the projectile has exited the recess of the assembly. 
     A holder is contemplated in one embodiment as having both a curved upper portion and a curved lower portion that both form a shaped recess. This shaped recess is calibrated to be a sufficient size and dimension to hold and maintain a standard size ball throughout the back-swing and down-swing to release the ball on at a predictable point within or during a club swing motion path during a properly executed swing. 
     Single noun words and their noun plural word form, such as, but not limited to, cradle, holder, clip, fastener, mechanism, tensioning structure, cable, structure, projectile holder, support recess, ball recess, recess, fastening structure, cradle, and forced holder, can be interchangeable with each other and can mean a structure that is operable for securing limited movement of a ball during motion or non-motion of the structure. 
     The word “mechanism” can have single or multiple meanings, functions or utilizations and can simply mean a single structure, a two structure assembly, or a multiple structure amalgamation. A mechanism may include a single structure for a setting or a creating of a predetermined position of another structure or a plurality of structures that when assembled together allow for an adjustable holding of a golf ball by the amalgamation of assembled parts. Such a mechanism or holder may be operable for a predetermined position that becomes a force setting for a ball release determinant. 
     The words club, shaft unit, club or a golf club, bat, swinging unit, or ball club can refer to or mean a single integral structure or to an assembly of a plurality of parts that form a whole or a part of a final club unit that is or are operable singularly or together as a device that propels a projectile when swung or allows for a ball secured in a restricted manner from moving for a portion of a swing movement. Such an assembly can be operable to have a structure that creates a predetermined position that is operable for holding and releasing a ball in a predetermined manner. The assembly is part of a larger unit and is operable for creating a predetermined force setting or release setting of a ball that will be determined by movement of the club as it is moved or swung by a machine or person. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a prior art golf club having a shaft and a head portion. 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of a present club. 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of a present holder attached to a club shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3A  is a front view of a golf club having a shaft and a head portion. 
         FIG. 3B  is a front view of the club or a golf club shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a front view of the club or a golf club in  FIG. 3B . 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of a club or a golf club with a holder according to another aspect of an embodiment of the assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the club or a golf club of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a holder and shaft portion according to another aspect of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a continuation of the shaft portion shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of one side of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a holder portion detached from shaft  210  according to another aspect of an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9A  is a second perspective view of the holder portion of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9B  is a cut side view of the holder portion of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective exploded view of the parts of the holder shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a second perspective exploded view of the parts of the holder shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
         FIG. 12A  is a front view of the holder portion detached from shaft  210  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 12B  is a front view of the holder portion detached from shaft  210  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 13A  is a view of a connecting pin from the holder portion or holder assembly of  FIG. 8  with a whistle function. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side cut view of the holder portion or holder assembly shown in  FIG. 8 , with a ball. 
         FIG. 13C  is a side cut view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 8 , with a moving ball. 
         FIG. 14A  is a simplified exploded view of a type of the holder portion or holder assembly in  FIG. 8 , emphasizing an alternative mechanism for adjusting the angle of the club relative to the hosel. 
         FIG. 14B  is a simplified exploded view of a type of the holder portion or holder assembly in  FIG. 8 , emphasizing an alternative mechanism for adjusting the angle of the club relative to the hosel. 
         FIG. 15  is a simplified exploded view of a type of the holder portion or holder assembly in  FIG. 8 , emphasizing an alternative mechanism for adjusting the holding force of the club on a projectile. 
         FIG. 16  is a simplified exploded view of a type of the assembly in  FIG. 8 , emphasizing an alternative mechanism for adjusting the holding force of the club on a projectile. 
         FIG. 17  is a simplified exploded view of a type of the assembly in  FIG. 8 , emphasizing an alternative mechanism for adjusting the holding force of the club on a projectile. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments and others will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments and others are shown. Preferred embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     The disclosure is directed toward an apparatus  100 , having an assembly  700  or  800  for example, for improving a user&#39;s golf game by focusing on the user&#39;s swing. 
     Accordingly, an apparatus  100 , having an assembly  700  or  800  for example, allows for a release of a projectile  270  based upon a calibrated amount of force that is developed when the assembly is in motion. For example, a force developed when the user performs a properly executed swing such that the mechanism in combination with a projectile holder has been adjusted to a predetermined calibration that allows the projectile  270  will exit an assembly  700  or  800  for example, on a predictable flight path when the force level setting created by the prior manipulation of the mechanism in combination with a projectile holder has been achieved or even surpassed. 
     Put another way, the apparatus assembly allows for a desired trajectory of the ball to be achieved when the ball leaves the apparatus  100  having an assembly  700  or  800  for example, or apparatus  100 ,  700  or  800  for example. By engaging in a correct swing, the apparatus  100 ,  700  or  800  for example, and projectile  270  effectively act as one object, with an initial “start-up” acceleration applied initially in the down swing. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the apparatus  100  for example, includes a club head or head portion  240 , holder  300  and an assembly  399 . The inventor contemplates an adjustable holder  500  in which various attributes of the holder  300  can include a feature that allows setting of a ball release before the club is moved. Such a mechanism can allow for a predetermined ball release setting to affect a force-applied release or a sensor activated release of a ball from the device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a modern and commercially available prior art golf club  200 . The golf club  200  includes a shaft  210  having an upper portion  220  (that can include a gripping structure) and a lower portion  230 . Attached to the lower portion  230  of the shaft  210  is a head portion  240 . The head portion  240  has a flat club face  250  which has linear etchings  260  (shown in  FIG. 3A ) to create traction when a projectile  270  strikes the club face  250 . It is preferable that the head portion  240  is attached to the shaft  210  at an angle. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the holder  300 . The holder  300  shown in  FIG. 2A  includes an upper curved surface  310  and a lower curved surface  320  that form a shaped recess  330 . The shaped recess  330  is of a sufficient size and dimension as to secure and maintain a standard projectile  270  or ball  270  (shown in  FIG. 2B ). Moreover, these curved surfaces  310  and  320  are shaped and configured in a manner which helps correctly guide the projectile  270  off the head portion  240  when released during a properly executed swing. The holder  300  can be molded and/or manufactured from any lightweight and durable plastic, metal, or composite known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     The holder  300  shown in  FIG. 2A  further comprises a member  350  dimensioned to fit across the club face  250  of the head portion  240 . The member  350  is affixed to the head portion  240  through an assembly  399 . While the assembly  399  can take various forms, shapes and orientations, the assembly  399  shown in  FIG. 2A  includes a first clip  360  and a second clip  370 . The first clip  360  is configured to wrap around the top of the head portion  240 , while the second clip  370  wraps around the bottom of the head portion  240 . Located at the distal end of the first clip  360  is an upper spring action finger  380 . A lower spring action finger  390  is further located at the distal end of the second clip  370 . Both fingers  380  and  390  place enough pressure on the back of the head portion  240  to keep the member  350  taut and secured to the club face  250 . 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates an alternative separate or even integral assembly  399  having a mechanism  395  that utilizes in part a bore-through  365  located within the holder  300 . The bore-through  365  is placed essentially in the middle of the member  350 . Although it can, it is preferable that the bore-through  365  not penetrate the shaped recess  330  of the holder  300 . By placing the mechanism  395  into a drilled through portion of the head portion  240 , the mechanism  395  catches the bore-through  365  such that the member  350  can be tightened and secured to the club face  250 . 
     Combinations of multiple club fasteners are shown in  FIG. 2B . More specifically,  FIG. 2B  shows use of multiple clips  360  and  370  in addition to use of a mechanism  395  connected to a bore-through  365  within the member  350 . Use of these multiple fasteners helps ensure that the holder  300  does not slide or move during use.  FIG. 2B  further illustrates the assembled apparatus  100  where the holder is attached to the golf club  200  through use of the two above-described fasteners or multiple clips  360  and  370 . 
     The inventor contemplates an embodiment using a holder  500  that can be calibrated.  FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of holder  500 . By using a more adjustable holder  500  compared to the aforementioned holder  300 , the user is able to regulate the size of the shaped recess  510  (i.e., changing the interior diameter), as well as the exact angle on the face  250  of the head portion  240 . 
     By making these changes to the angle of holder  500 , the user is able to achieve a precision swing by preventing an improper trajectory of the ball. In addition, by decreasing the interior diameter of the shaped recess  510 , the user makes it more difficult to release the projectile  270  during the swing from the apparatus  100  thus progressing in his or her training regiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , this embodiment of the apparatus  100  includes a club shaft  210 , a holder  500  that is highly adjustable to allow calibration, and assembly  400  which includes connection of holder  500  to the golf club  200 . Holder  500  is preferably hollow and includes an outer housing  520  and an inner housing  530 . Both housings  520  and  530  connect at the back portion  540  of the holder  500 . Moreover, the housings  520  and  530  should be aligned and made of a flexible and pliable material. 
     Placed between both housings  520  and  530  is a plurality of cable strings  560  which connect to the back portion  540  of holder  500 . Likewise, these cable strings  560  are connected to a tightening mechanism  570  located proximate to the back portion  540 . Through tightening the cable strings  560  through the tightening mechanism  570 , the inner diameter of the shaped recess  510  of holder  500  is increased. Likewise, loosening the tightening mechanism  570  decreases the diameter. 
     Alternatively, a holder  500  of  FIG. 4  is fastened to the head portion  240  of the golf club  200 . While numerous fastening means can be used by one of ordinary skill in the art, it is preferred that holder  500  is fastened through placing a mechanism  395  through a drilled portion within the head portion  240  which connects to a bore-through  365  located at the back portion  540  of the head portion  240 . 
     Once holder  500  is fastened, it is properly adjusted to select the correct inner diameter of the shaped recess  510 . This is accomplished through pulling and tightening (or in the alternative loosing and releasing) multiple cable strings  560  within the outer and inner housings  520  and  530  of holder  500 . Once these strings are tightened, they are secured via a tightening mechanism  570  proximate to the back portion  540  of holder  500 . In addition, the shape and dimension of holder  500  can be further calibrated through moving of the mechanism  395  (either clockwise or counter-clockwise) to alter the shaped recess  510 . 
     As further shown in  FIG. 5 , the apparatus  100  that connects holder  500  with the head portion  240  is a mechanism  395 . As previously discussed, the mechanism  395  can be placed through a drilled through portion of the head portion  240  or into a predetermined aperture found within a location of portion  240 . One end of the mechanism  395  can be inserted into aperture or bore-through  365  located within the back portion  540  of holder  500 . Mechanism  395  may act in concert with tightening mechanism  570  to provide for an ability to adjust the diameter of holder  500 . Thus, a movement one way or another of mechanism  395  is operable to change or alter the interior diameter of the shaped recess  510 . A changed or altered interior diameter of a shaped holder will become a new force setting of predetermined release for a ball that is positioned or gripped within the recess. The interior diameter setting will partly determine the force and direction required to allow a release of a projectile when a force caused by motion of apparatus is in operation. 
     In addition to creating a predetermined inner diameter size or a predetermined shape of recess  510  which in turn effects a final position or positioning of a ball (when the ball is partially immured within a holder), the apparatus  100 ,  700  or  800  for example, can be operable for an angle of the holder relative to a fixed position of the shaft. An adjusting mechanism may be included to alter or allow for a predetermined angle of holder  500  before a swing motion. This can be done in one way by having a flexible or bendable back portion  540 . Back portion  540  can also be integral as part of tightening mechanism  570  can be manipulated to set a predetermined angle for ball release in a motion. 
     Another embodiment contemplated by the inventor, apparatus  100  having an assembly  700  or  800  for example, can include an arrangement where the head portion  240  and holder  500  form a single integral member such as (but not limited to) holder  700 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  offer perspective views of the single-piece holder  700 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , holder  700  can include an upper curved member  712  and a lower curved member  720  which form a shaped cup  730 . Both members  712  and  720  can be found in one example to substantially reflect or mimic a surface shape of a ball to be held in a position between members  712  and  720 . Members  712  and  720  may include a first side edge  701  and a second side edge  702 . 
     An adjustment mechanism attached to the holder structure  500  or  700  will allow a user to change a current diameter length  1005  (see  FIG. 15 ) which can be defined as a distance between opposing ball holding elements  710 ,  711 ,  721  and  722 , for example. 
     In one example like shown in  FIG. 7  there is located on an upper curved member  712  two holding elements  710  and  711 . Likewise, positioned on a lower curved member  720  are two similar holding elements  721  and  722 . The shaped cup  730  can be formed of either a single-piece holder  700  or formed by a multiple holder of members to form a holder like holder  700  or another. The inventor contemplates almost any holder that can be formed, shaped or made to be shaped (such as for example triangular, rectangular or poly-angular in shape or form) that is operable for including a mechanism adjusting various ball holding elements that may substantially parallel, substantially mirror, or substantially contour a projectile&#39;s surface and/or complement a shape of a ball or other projectile it holds. Thus a position operable for holding a ball to allow for a predetermined restriction of free movement of the ball can be created by an adjustment or movement to a predetermined position of movable mechanism or movable knob  750  by a user before a swing of the assembly with a ball  270  or projectile  270  placed between a holder  700 , holder  500  or the like. 
     These ball holding elements ( 710 ,  711 ,  721  and  722 ) assist in holding and maintaining a projectile  270  within any club holder, club holder  500  and/or holder  700  or the like during the swing movement. In addition, a circular ring  740  can be added and located in the shaped cup  730  and can further assist in holding the ball in a proper position. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates one way for calibrating the club holder  700 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , there is a movable mechanism or movable knob  750  attached to club holder  700 . By moving the mechanism  750 , in this case by turning it, the user can adjust various ball holding elements ( 710 ,  711 ,  721  and  722 ), if present, by any combination depending upon configuration, and with or without the aid of a circular ring  740 . The movement of mechanism  750  may further provide more or less shape modification of cup  730 . This helps alter how the club holder  700  grips the projectile  270  or ball  270 . Calibrating the movable knob  750  will change the circumstances under which the projectile  270  will release from the golf club  200  when the user is taking a proper training swing. 
     A passive or active sensor can be added to any of the assemblies or holders such as assembly  800 , for example that can be an additional releasing device. In addition in  FIGS. 4  thru  17 , a shaft can be combined to form one single device or apparatus  100 . Apparatus  100  can include a shaft  210  combined with any of the various holders shown or not. 
     Once holder  500  or  700  or the like is calibrated by a user, a projectile  270  can be placed within the adjusted recess  510  ready for a swinging operation. The user then sets up in a regular stance, takes a normal back-swing and down-swing and then focuses on releasing the projectile  270  from holder  500  or  700  or the like. The calibrated holder and the movement of the assembly in combination allows for a release of the projectile  270  when a predetermined force level is met during the motion of apparatus  100 . A predetermined force vector by way of the apparatus  100  can aid a user to accomplish a correct golf swing when the user later swings a golf club that does not have an apparatus  100 . 
     In another embodiment, as seen in  FIGS. 8  though  13 , the assembly  800  includes a dial  810 , pin  820 , catch  830 , and hosel  840 . In this embodiment, the holder  850  is enclosed in the recess  860  of club head  870 . Hosel  840  is attached to club head  870  with male connector  844  and female connector  864 . 
     The hosel  840  is made to be attachable by adhesive, soldering or fitting to a club shaft through hosel cavity  846 , or alternatively is manufactured with a club shaft as a single unit. The holder  850  is preferably made of a slightly flexible and pliable material. The holding elements  880  may be made of the same material as the rest of the holder  850 , but in any event should be made of a substance that has a sufficient strength to hold or grip a projectile when one or more holding elements are pressed against the projectile with sufficient force. The club head  870  is made of a material of appropriate hardness and inflexibility, such as hard plastic or light metal. The pin  820  is likewise made of a material of appropriate strength and inflexibility, such as hard plastic or light metal. 
     A hosel is the part or portion of the club head  870  to which a shaft is fitted and secured. The hosel  840  is either a separate unit that is later attached to club head  870  or formed as an integral portion of club head  870 . In either format, the hosel facilitates or allows a shaft  210  to be attached to a club head. A hosel&#39;s design and final placement or attachment to a club head will contribute and be integral to the balance, feel and power of a club. A hosel may have a hosel cavity  846  that allows insertion and attachment of lower portion  230  of shaft  210 . Hosel cavity  846  does not have to pass through the hosel from end to end but may have an aperture end portion that seats and/or supports the shaft end. An epoxy may be inserted within hosel cavity  846  and the shaft inserted for permanent attachment. A screw or any known fastening device(s) may be substituted for epoxy to provide an alternative attachment scheme. For example a screw or any known fastening device(s) may provide a tension against the shaft lower portion  230  and hosel to maintain firm contact of the attachment of the shaft  210  within a hosel cavity so minimize or eliminate any undesired movement of the shaft relative the hosel. Some hosels are minimal in size relative to a club head in order to minimize its mass relative to the size of the club head in order to lower the center of gravity of the club with respect to the club face  863  for a better ball distance result. The hosel may also be a male connector rather than a female connector, with the connecting shaft having a female connector. 
     In this embodiment, the holder  850  has four holding elements  880  that hold a projectile placed in holder  850 . However, the device can function with any number of holding elements. Each of the holding element&#39;s  880  contact area  886  with a golf ball (not shown) is wider than two of the golf ball dimples. As seen in  FIGS. 11 and 13A , holder  850  has an opening  892  sufficient for pin shaft  822  of pin  820 . As seen in  FIGS. 13B and 13C , pin head  824  rests fits against back wall  896  of holder cylinder  890 . Rim  893  of holder cylinder  890  serves as a backstop for a projectile placed in recess  860 . 
     Cheeks  861  in recess  860  on either side of projectile holder  850  prevent projectile holder  850  from rotating inside recess  860  while allowing projectile holder  850  to move toward or away from the face  863  of club head  870 . 
       FIG. 12A  shows one of the preferred positions for holding elements  880 . Lower left element  880  LL and upper left element  880  UL form an imaginary line  882  that is substantially parallel to the imaginary line  881  connecting the center of distal end  885  and the center of proximate end  884  of hosel  840 . Likewise, lower right element  880  LR and upper right element  880  UR form an imaginary line  883  that is substantially parallel to imaginary line  881 . The setting of the holding elements  880  at these positions assure that the elements  880  will exert a substantially symmetrical holding force on a projectile when the club is swung, thus allowing the projectile to exit the device properly. 
     The position and angle of imaginary line  881  are based on the assumption that any shaft as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , for example, used with the assembly  800  is straight and fits well in hosel cavity  846 , and that therefore the center of the shaft&#39;s  210  distal end  225  and the center of the shaft&#39;s  210  proximate end  224  (See  FIG. 7 ) creates an imaginary line  887  that is in substantially the same position as imaginary line  881 . However, if the shaft  210  is straight but attaches to hosel  840  at an angle, the angle of hosel  840  is not the determinant of the position of imaginary line  881 , and instead imaginary line  881  should connect the center of the shaft&#39;s  210  proximate end  224  with the center of the shaft&#39;s  210  distal end  225 . And, if the shaft is not straight, imaginary line  881  should instead connect the center of the proximate end  227  of the gripping portion  226  of the shaft  210  and the center of the distal end  228  of the gripping portion  226  of the shaft  210 . 
     In various embodiments that seek to replicate the swing motion of different types of clubs (for example, a 3 iron or a 1 wood), the shaft angle varies. Likewise, the imaginary lines  882 ,  883  in each embodiment will be set at substantially the same angle as the imaginary line  881  in the hosel  840 . 
     If the assembly does not have cheeks  861  (for example in  FIG. 15 ), the holder  850  and holding elements  880  are free to rotate on the plane of the face  863  of the club head  870 . When holding elements  880  UL,  880  LL,  880  UR and  880  LR are substantially in the position as shown in  FIG. 12A  and as described above, during an ordinary swing the golf ball forces on the various holding elements  880  UL,  880  LL,  880  UR and  880  LR (said forces designated P 1 , P 2 , P 3  and P 4 ) will be essentially identical. However, if the holder  850  and holding elements  880  are rotated from the position shown in  FIG. 12A  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 12B ), the forces P 1 , P 2 , P 3 , and P 4  may not be identical. 
     Pin  820  connects to dial  810  via screw (not shown), or alternatively dial  810  and pin  820  are a single unit. Pin head  824  has pin threads  826  that fit in and turn inside holder cylinder threads  894  inside holder cylinder  890 . As dial  810  turns clockwise, pin  820  pulls holder  850  further into club head  870 , causing shoulder  895  to push back against holder  850  and decrease diameter of holder  850  and pull holding elements  880  closer together, thereby increasing the pressure on the projectile being held. Likewise, if dial  810  is turned counterclockwise, holder  850  re-expands and moves further toward opening of recess  860 . 
     Indents  872  in club head  870  line up with bearing  812  on dial, thus stabilizing dial/holder apparatus once the desired amount of pressure is placed on the projectile. In a minor variation of this embodiment, back wall  896  does not exist and holder cylinder threads  894  continue to back end of holder cylinder (not shown), thereby allowing pin head  824  to be completely unthreaded (i.e., separated) and rethreaded from holder cylinder  890 . The amount of pressure on the projectile per dial turn can be made more fined-tuned by increasing the number of turn threads per inch in pin threads  826  and corresponding holder cylinder threads  894 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the outer rim guard  862  on the face  863  of club head  870  is elliptical, although other shapes can be used. 
     In  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  for example, another aspect of golf club assembly  800  is disclosed and can include a club head  870  having a face  863  with a recess portion  860 . Within assembly  800 , projectile holder  850  includes at least two or more opposing holding elements  880  that are spaced a first distance setting from one another. A turning mechanism that can include a single element or a plurality of elements such as a dial  810 , pin  820 , catch  830  or the like (not shown) may be attached to said projectile holder  850  to be operable to fix or set a first distance setting of at least two opposing holding elements  880  from one another. This turning mechanism is also operable to fix or set at least a second distance setting of at least two opposing holding elements  880  from one another. Of course, the first distance setting is different from the second distance setting. The first or a second distance setting is created by manipulating the position turning the mechanism that directly or indirectly applies a force upon holder  850  that increases or decreases the spacing distance between opposing holding elements  880 . This first or second distance setting will also create a first or a second holding force upon a projectile  270  or ball  270  placed between two opposing holding elements such as  880  UL and  880  LL for example. Approximately the same situation will occur upon a holder having two other opposing holding elements such as  880  UR and  880  LR. The mechanism that can create the first holding force upon said any projectile  270  will create the second holding force upon the same projectile  270 . The first and the second force settings will be different from one another. 
     As seen in  FIG. 12A , hosel  840  is attached to the club head  870 . Hosel  840  can include a proximate hosel end  884  and a distal hosel end  885 . A first imaginary line  881  connecting the center of the proximate hosel end  884  to the center of the distal hosel end  885  and a second imaginary line  882  connecting a first opposing holding element  880  UL to a second opposing holding element  880  LL (which can make up at least two opposing holding elements  880   xx ) will be substantially parallel to one another; these are first and second imaginary lines  881 ,  882  as depicted in  FIG. 12A . 
     First imaginary line  881  is also substantially parallel to a third imaginary line  883  found between a third opposing holding element  880  UR of the at least two opposing holding elements and a fourth opposing holding element  880  LR of the at least two opposing holding elements. All three lines will be substantially parallel with one another during a swing of the golf club assembly  800  having a ball  270  placed or fixed into the projectile holder  840  within the recess portion  860 . 
     This particular embodiment could have various other mechanisms to adjust and fix the holding pressure on the projectile. By way of example only, the horizontal pulling function of the pin head and holder cylinder threads could be substituted by having the dial handle set on an inclined circular plane, thereby pulling the holder back when the dial is turned. Or, the area between the recess and the holder could contain one or more inflatable devices that increase the pressure of the holding elements on the projectile when the inflatable device is filled with more air. Or, the holder could be surrounded by an adjustable hose clamp with an accessible tightening screw. 
     This embodiment also includes catch  830  with projections  832 . In its locked position, the projections  832  fit into notches  842 , thus preventing rotation of club head  870  relative to hosel  840 . When upper end  834  of catch  830  is pushed, the projections  832  lift and allow club head  870  to rotate, whereafter the projections may be pushed into different notches  842 , thus locking club head  870  into a different rotational angle relative to the hosel  840 . The recess  860  of club head  870  thus can change its angle relative to hosel  840  and the club shaft (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , pin  820 , dial  810 , and holder cylinder  890  have hollow centers, allowing air to flow through the device if a projectile is not resting against rim  893  of holder cylinder. As shown in  FIG. 13C , when a projectile is released from club head  870 , wind flowing through the device will create a venturi effect, drawing air through sharp hole  827  in pin to create a whistling noise. A user of the device is thereby alerted with a whistle sound if the projectile is released from recess  860  during a swing. 
       FIG. 14A  shows an alternative mechanism for rotating and fixing hosel  910  relative to club head  900 . Coin, disk or a turner  969  operated threaded pin  920  passes through hosel  910  and screws into threads  930 , thus securing hosel  910  to club head  900  at a predetermined angle. To adjust hosel, threaded pin  920  is slightly loosened, fine scale guide  940  is used to determine and adjust the desired angle of club head  900  relative to hosel  910 , and threaded pin  920  is retightened. 
       FIG. 14B  shows another alternative mechanism for rotating and fixing hosel  910 B relative to club head  900 B. Coin, disk or a turner operated threaded pin  920 B passes through hosel  910 B and screws into threads  930 B, thus securing hosel  940 B to club head at a predetermined angle. To adjust hosel, threaded pin  920 B is slightly loosened, fine scale guide  940 B is used to determine and adjust the desired angle of club head  900 B relative to hosel  910 B, and threaded pin  920 B is retightened. 
     The fine scale guide  940  can include markings for angles so as to allow the user to increase the difficulty level or change the swing force and acceleration requirements, as well as change the trajectory of the ball (not shown) when the ball is released from the holder  950 . 
       FIG. 15  shows an alternative mechanism for moving holder  950  further into or out of club head  960 . Coin, disk or a turner  969  operated threaded pin  970  fits into threaded hole in holder  950 . By turning threaded pin  970  clockwise, holder  950  is pulled into club head  960 , and by turning threaded pin  970  counterclockwise, holder is let further out of club head  960 . Fine scale guide  990  allows a user to measure and adjust the amount of force (e.g., in Newtons) that holding elements  955  will exert on a given standard size projectile, by matching the slot in the mating screw with the desired force on the fine scale guide  990 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an exploded view of a mechanism for varying holding pressure on a projectile without the use of a holder  950  like shown in  FIG. 15 . Holding elements  994  are on spring mounted sliders  995 , sliding inside recess  998 . As threaded pins  992  are turned in threaded holes  993 , holding elements come closer together inside recess thereby increasing the grip on a projectile in recess  998 . Fine scale guide  991  may assist user in calibrating grip, i.e., the force vector that will be required to release projectile from recess  998  during swing. 
       FIG. 17  shows an alternative mechanism for adjusting and fixing the holding pressure on a projectile. A coin, disk or a pin turner  969  can be used to operate multiple pairs of threaded pins  1020  that fit through a respective threaded hole  1040 . (For sake of detail, holder  1000  is shown outside club head  1030 , but in actual use holder  1000  is inside club head  1030 , similar to  FIG. 8 .) When respective threaded pins  1020  are screwed further into respective holes  1040 , threaded pins  1020  exert greater pressure on holder  1000 , thereby increasing the pressure with which holding elements  1010  secure projectile  270  with the assembly  800 . Although showing four threaded pins  1020 , an alternate system may use only a pair of threaded pins  1020  top and bottom, instead of the two pairs of threaded pins  1020  shown, top and bottom.