Abstract:
A club fixture device for facilitating customization of a golf club head is disclosed. The club fixture device includes a housing, an insert, and a locking mechanism. The housing preferably contains two parts connected by a hinge. The insert is selected based upon the golf club to be customized. The insert is preferably divided into two parts to surround the golf club head. Each insert part is removably coupled to one of the housing parts. A golf club head is placed within the cavity, the housing is closed, and the locking mechanism retains the device in a closed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally relates to golf clubs. In particular, the present invention relates to a fixture for manipulating the loft and lie angles of a golf club. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Technological innovations and a greater understanding of golf swing dynamics have allowed golf club manufacturers to provide a significant level of customization to match golf clubs to a particular golfer according to, for example, the golfer&#39;s unique swing. Various golf club design parameters may be customized, such as an adjustment of the angular relationship of the golf club head with respect to the shaft and the ground. Such customization is useful, for example, because when two golfers with dissimilar heights address a golf ball using the same club, the angle formed by the shaft of the club with respect to the ground will invariably be different for each golfer. Similarly, depending on the golfer&#39;s stance and playing characteristics, the angle formed by the club face will also vary among golfers. Thus, to improve a golfer&#39;s performance with a particular club, these are two parameters regarding the relative position of the golf club head to the shaft that are often customized to fit the golfer. 
     FIG. 1  shows a known golf club  100 . Golf club  100  includes a shaft S, a hosel Hs, and head H. Head H includes a heel area He, a toe area T, a face F, a rear area R, a crown area C, and sole area (not shown) opposite crown C. The lie angle is the angle formed between a center line extending through the shaft S with a line parallel to the sole S. Proper lie angle is important to ensure that the golf club makes a square contact with the ball during the execution of a swing. For example, if the lie is less than ideal, the sole of the golf club will most likely be upwardly angled when the club head impacts the ball. As a result, the face of the club head will be aimed to the left of the medial line of the fairway for a right-handed club, resulting in a left-of-center flight path. Conversely, if the lie is greater than ideal, the club&#39;s sole will likely be downwardly angled at the point of impact for a right-handed club and the opposite effect will be obtained. 
   The loft angle is the angle between the face F and the vertical plane. The greater the loft angle, the greater the loft of the ball after being struck by the golf club. Proper loft angle is important to ensure the desired distance is achieved. For example, if the loft angle is too great, the ball flight will most likely be too high. As a result, energy will be wasted traveling upward instead of down the fairway. Conversely, if the loft angle is too small, the ball will impact the ground too early, resulting in decreased distance. The measurements of the loft angle, however, may not be indicative of the performance of the club when used by a particular golfer because the physiological and swing characteristics of the golfer can effect the resultant ball flight. Accordingly, in providing a more customized set of clubs for a particular golfer, the loft angle is often personalized to meet the particular physical traits and abilities of the individual golfer. 
   Moreover, as golfers rely on a golf club having a particular loft and lie angle to perform in a particular fashion, any variation based on use or manufacturing tolerance may be quite undesirable, especially for golfers playing at the professional level. Thus, minor adjustments to the loft and lie are often made to the golf clubs used by professional golfers. Such adjustments are typically required at tournaments, on tour, or at various locations remote from manufacturers. Accordingly, there is a need for a golf club adjustment device that is compact and transportable, while being easy to use. 
   In addition, due to the mass production of golf clubs, fine tuning of each golf club by adjusting the loft and/or lie of the club is often desirable before the clubs are ready for shipment. Thus, manufacturers often make final adjusts to the loft and lie angles after assembly of the club. Such an operation is highly labor intensive and there is a need for a device that permits adjustments to be made quickly and simply. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A club fixture device for facilitating customization of a golf club head is disclosed. The device includes a housing, an insert, and a locking mechanism. The insert and the locking mechanism are coupled to the housing. The insert contains a cavity configured to at least partially contact the golf club head therein. Preferably, the cavity is at least partially contoured to the golf club head, and more preferably the cavity substantially envelopes the golf club head. The insert is preferably formed at least in part of resin. Resin inserts can safely grip and retain a golf club head without scratching or otherwise damaging the club. 
   The housing preferably includes a lower housing part and an upper housing part hingedly coupled to the lower housing part. The insert preferably includes a lower insert part coupled to the lower housing part and an upper insert part coupled to the upper housing part. The insert parts are preferably removably coupled to the respective housing parts, facilitating insert replacement and interchangeability. Each of the insert parts preferably contains a cavity part, the cavity parts being configured to matingly form the cavity. At least one of the lower insert part and the upper insert part defines a hole configured to allow a shaft coupled to the golf club head to pass therethrough. 
   The locking mechanism preferably includes a cross bar, a locking bar, and a stator bar. The locking bar is selectively engageable with the cross bar to retain the golf club head within the housing. The stator bar is coupled to the housing at one end and hingedly coupled to the cross bar at an opposite end. The locking bar is hingedly coupled to the housing, either directly or through the stator bar. The cross bar is moveable between an open position, in which the housing parts are relatively moveable, and a closed position, in which the housing parts are relatively fixed. In a preferred embodiment, the cross bar includes a notch and the locking bar is configured to fit, at least in part, within the notch. The locking bar includes a lock, and the lock is selectively engageable to retain the cross bar in the closed position or to release the cross bar. In a preferred embodiment, the lock is threadably engageable. 
   The club fixture device is portable, and may thus be used in a variety of locations. The device may further include a base member for securing the housing member as desired, such as to a work station or vise. The base member may be an integral part of the housing. 
   Multiple distinct inserts may be interchanged and used with the club fixture device. Each insert may be tailored to a specific golf club. Thus, the club fixture device may be used with each of a group of distinct golf clubs and easily achieve a tight grip on each of the distinct clubs. 

   
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters reference like elements, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows a known golf club; 
       FIG. 2  shows a club fixture device of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  shows the housing of the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  in an open position; 
       FIG. 4  shows the housing and insert of the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  in an open position; 
       FIG. 5  shows the insert of the club fixture device of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 6  shows the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  in a closed but unlocked position; 
       FIG. 7  shows the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  with a second preferred base member; 
       FIG. 8  shows the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  in an open position with a golf club positioned in an insert part; 
       FIG. 9  shows the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  in a closed but unlocked position; and 
       FIG. 10  shows the club fixture device of  FIG. 2  retaining a golf club in a closed and locked position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 2  shows a club fixture device  1  of the present invention. Device  1  allows the user to customize a golf club by safely retaining the golf club head while allowing the hosel and shaft to be manipulated. Device  1  includes a housing  10 , an insert  20 , and a locking mechanism  30 . Housing  10  preferably contains an upper housing part  12  and a lower housing part  14 . The terms “upper” and “lower” are used herein for differentiation purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. As shown in  FIG. 3 , housing parts  12 ,  14  are preferably hingedly connected, allowing for relative rotation or separation of housing parts  12 ,  14  while retaining alignment thereof. 
   Insert  20  is removably coupled to housing  10 . Insert  20  contains a cavity  26  configured to at least partially contact the golf club head therein. More preferably, cavity  26  is at least partially contoured to the golf club head. Still more preferably, cavity  26  substantially envelopes the golf club head. 
   As shown most clearly in  FIG. 5 , insert  20  preferably contains an upper insert part  22  and a lower insert part  24 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , upper insert part  22  is coupled to upper housing part  12  and lower insert part  24  is coupled to lower housing part  14 . Insert parts  22 ,  24  are removably coupled to the respective housing parts  12 ,  14 . Upper insert part  22  preferably contains an upper cavity part  28 , and lower insert part  24  preferably contains a lower cavity part  27 . Cavity parts  27 ,  28  are configured to matingly form cavity  26 . Thus, distinct inserts  20  are readily interchangeable, allowing a specific insert  20  to be used depending upon the club that is to be altered. Since each of the inserts  20  is tailored to a specific golf club, device  1  may be used with each of a group of distinct golf clubs and easily achieve a tight grip on each of the distinct clubs. Note that different inserts  20  may be required for two club heads of the same make, but with varying loft angles. Additionally, inserts  20  for both right-handed and left-handed club heads should be provided. At least one of lower insert part  24  and upper insert part  22  defines a hole  29  configured to allow a shaft coupled to the golf club head to pass therethrough. 
   Insert  20  is preferably formed at least in part of a resin. Resin is relatively light, reducing the weight of device  1 . This is desirable, especially when device  1  is portable. Synthetic resins, which have a polymeric structure, are preferred. Preferred synthetic resins include thermoplastic and thermosetting resins. Gel time is preferably one hour or less, and the cured resin preferably has a specific gravity of approximately 1.7 to approximately 1.8 and Shore D hardness of approximately 80 to approximately 90. The resin also preferably has an ultimate compressive strength, which is a measure of the resin&#39;s ability to withstand inward directed forces without failure, greater than 8,000 psi and from approximately 8,000 psi to approximately 15,000 psi. The ultimate flexural strength, which is a measure of the resin&#39;s ability to withstand bending forces without failure, preferably is greater than 5,000 psi and from approximately 5,000 psi to approximately 11,000 psi. The coefficient of thermal expansion, which is a measure of the resin&#39;s change in length per unit length for a one degree Fahrenheit change in temperature, preferably is within the range of approximately 1.5·10 −5  in./in/° F. to approximately 4.0·10 −5  in./in/° F. The post-cure specifications are measured at room temperature in customary fashion. 
   RP 132 resin is one preferred resin for inserts  20 . RP 132 is a tough, fast-curing polyurethane that offers accurate reproduction of detail. It is an isocyanate, and has a cure time of approximately 5–7 minutes. Once cured, RP 132 has a specific gravity of 1.71 and a Shore D hardness of 84. It has an ultimate compressive strength of 8,200 psi, an ultimate flexural strength of 6,700 psi, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 1.94·10 −5  in./in/° F. 
   Other preferred resins for inserts  20  include RP 3262 resin and RP 3269 resin, which are both epoxies. RP 3262 is an easy-to-mix system that provides excellent reproduction of detail. RP 3262 has a cure time of approximately 45 minutes. Once cured, RP 3262 has a specific gravity of 1.70 and a Shore D hardness of 86. It has an ultimate compressive strength of 14,400 psi, an ultimate flexural strength of 10,300 psi, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 2.70·10 −5  in./in/° F. 
   RP 3269 is a low-shrinkage system with high strength and good machinability. RP 3269 has a cure time of approximately one hour. Once cured, RP 3269 has a specific gravity of 1.78 and a Shore D hardness of 87. It has an ultimate compressive strength of 14,400 psi, an ultimate flexural strength of 13,000 psi, and a coefficient of thermal expansion of 3.76·10 −5  in./in/° F. 
   Use of resin for inserts  20  is also desirable since it is relatively easy to work with. For example, inserts  20  may be formed by injection molding resin around a golf club head within a mold of the same dimension as the interior of housing  10 . As is customary in the art, additives typically will be used with the resin during molding. After the resin has set, insert  20  may be cut and removed from the golf club, resulting in mating insert parts  22 ,  24  to be used with device  1 . Casting is another preferred manufacturing technique to form inserts  20 . Furthermore, use of resin allows for safely gripping the golf club to be customized without scratching or otherwise damaging the golf club. 
   Locking mechanism  30  is coupled to housing  10 . Locking mechanism  30  preferably contains a cross bar  32 , a locking bar  34 , and, optionally, a stator bar  33 . Stator bar is coupled to housing  10  at one end, and is hingedly coupled to cross bar  32  at an opposite end. Locking bar  34  preferably is hingedly coupled to housing  20 , directly or through stator bar  33 , and is selectively engageable with cross bar  32  to retain the golf club head within housing  20 . Cross bar  32  is moveable between an open position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , in which housing parts  12 ,  14  are relatively moveable, and a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which housing parts  12 ,  14  are relatively fixed. 
   Locking mechanism  30  further includes a lock  35 . Lock  35  is selectively engageable to retain cross bar  32  in the closed position. In a preferred embodiment, cross bar  32  includes a notch  36 , and locking bar  34  is configured to fit, at least in part, within notch  36 . In the illustrated embodiment, locking bar  34  includes a portion having a reduced diameter that fits within notch  36 . While locking bar  34  is within notch  36 , lock  35  may be engaged to secure locking mechanism  30  in the closed position. Preferably, lock  35  is threadably engageable. 
   Device  1  may also contain a base member  40 , which allows device  1  to be coupled to another object. As seen in  FIG. 2 , base member  40  may be used to secure device  1  to a work station, facilitating use thereof. Base member  40  is preferably integral with housing  10 .  FIG. 7  shows another preferred embodiment of base member  40 . In this embodiment, base member  40  is T-shaped such that device  1  may be easily secured with a vise, increasing the possible locations of use for device  1 . 
   In use, device  1  is initially positioned as shown in  FIG. 3 . Locking mechanism  30  is placed in the open position, lock  35  is not engaged, housing part  12  is rotated away from housing part  14 , and insert  20  is not coupled to housing  10 . 
   Next, an insert  20  is chosen based upon the club to be manipulated. Insert parts  22 ,  24  are coupled to the respective housing parts  12 ,  14 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , in known fashion. When coupled as described and shown, upper insert part  22  rotates toward or away from lower insert part  24  as upper housing part  12  rotates toward or away from lower housing part  14 . When insert parts  22 ,  24  are rotated toward each other until they abut, cavity parts  27 ,  28  matingly form cavity  26 . 
   While device  1  is in the position illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a golf club head is placed within insert  20 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Housing parts  22 ,  24  are rotated toward each other to the position illustrated in  FIG. 6 , closing the club head (not shown) within cavity  26 . Using the insert illustrated in the figures, the club head is substantially enveloped within cavity  26 . This provides a snug fit, allowing the user to safely exert forces upon the club head as required to manipulate the golf club head as desired. 
   As shown in  FIG. 9 , lock bar  34  then is rotated away from housing  10  and cross bar  32  is rotated over housing  10 . Next, lock bar  34  is rotated inward, so that, at least in part, locking bar  34  fits within notch  36  of cross bar  32 . Lock  35  is then engaged, as shown in  FIG. 10 , locking device  1  in the closed position. Since device  1  is portable, base member  40  is preferably coupled to a work station. In this manner, the golf club is securely retained within device  1 , and the user may safely customize the golf club. 
   While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.