Abstract:
A variable length shaft assembly comprising at least one upper shaft portion, a lower shaft portion and a threaded fastener, wherein the threaded fastener removably connects the upper shaft portion to the lower shaft portion, is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly may further comprise at least two upper shaft portions having different lengths so a golfer can adjust the total length of the shaft by removing one upper shaft portion and replacing it with another upper shaft portion having a different length. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft and variable length shaft kits are also disclosed herein.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/038,254, filed on Mar. 1, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,806, filed on Jan. 18, 2011, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/422,982, filed on Dec. 14, 2010. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a variable length shaft assembly that allows for quick, semi-permanent length adjustments. More specifically, the present invention relates to a variable length shaft whose length can be adjusted in a short period of time with the use of shaft components having different lengths. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Customization of golf clubs to help golfers attain better shots has become a popular and more prevalent practice in recent years. Golf club manufacturers and designers have devised various features to allow club fitters and golf club players to adjust certain characteristics of their clubs. Such characteristics include loft, lie, face angle, center of gravity (CG) location, and club length. 
     Current technology provides two methods to adjust overall club length. One such method involves the destruction and removal of the grip on a shaft. Upon removal of the grip by peeling or tearing, the end portion of the shaft is trimmed to decrease the club length or an extension piece is affixed to the end of the shaft to increase its length. Aftermarket extensions are available specifically for this purpose; alternatively, extensions can be made from portions of other golf club shafts that are cut to the desired length and then inserted into the end of the first club&#39;s shaft. The extension piece must match the diameter of the existing shaft, so it is necessary at times to build up the diameter of the extension or existing shaft by adding layers of tape. This method requires that the user making the adjustments have access to potentially expensive new components and tools as well as having a high level of skill. It also causes damage to the original shaft and grip. 
     The second method of adjusting club length involves replacing the entire shaft and grip using a semi-permanent head-shaft connection device that some manufacturers offer with their clubs, particularly with drivers. The existing shaft may be removed from the driver head and replaced with a different shaft that has either a shorter or longer length. This method is not possible on all clubs, however, as the head must have hardware that allows for removal of the shaft and replacement with a new shaft without damaging the head. 
     A golfer who does not possess club altering skills or the necessary disposable income to purchase new components likely will be daunted by these two methods of adjusting club length. The first method requires the golfer to make use of several tools to remove the grip and cut the shaft if he or she desires a shorter length, and also to have materials such as tape and a replacement grip on hand to replace the grip and mend any damage caused to the shaft and grip. The skill set required to change the shaft length using this method is usually beyond the abilities of the average golfer, so the golfer would need to seek the services of a golf club fitter or technician to have their club length changed. The second method requires the golfer to buy an entirely new shaft at a different length, which can be very expensive, and also may require the golfer to retain a golf club fitter or technician to replace the shaft. 
     Ultimately, the two methods described above require an inventory of spare components and above average technical skill, particularly with regard to the first method. It is therefore desirable to facilitate the change of a club&#39;s length using a faster, easier, and less expensive system and method than is currently available. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is a variable length golf club shaft comprising a grip assembly comprising a grip and an upper shaft portion, a lower shaft portion, and a semi-permanent fastener, wherein no portion of the grip is located on the lower shaft portion, and wherein the semi-permanent fastener removably connects the grip assembly to the lower shaft portion. The semi-permanent fastener may be a screw, and the lower shaft portion may comprise a hosel connection portion. The semi-permanent fastener may removably connect the grip assembly to the lower shaft portion along an axis located above the hosel connection portion and below the grip, and the axis may be located no less than 11 inches and no more than 18 inches from a butt end of the grip assembly. 
     This aspect of the present invention may further comprise an upper adapter affixed to a lower, interior surface of the upper shaft portion, and a lower adapter affixed to an upper, interior surface of the lower shaft portion, wherein each of the upper and lower adapters comprises a bore, and wherein the semi permanent fastener is insertable through the bores of the upper and lower adapters. The upper adapter may comprise a flange. This aspect of the invention may further comprise a fastener captivator located within the upper shaft portion, wherein a fastener head is trapped within the upper adapter between the fastener captivator and the flange. The fastener captivator may be permanently attached to the upper adapter. An exterior portion of the lower adapter may comprise splines, and an interior portion of the upper adapter may also comprises splines, such that the splines on the exterior portion mate with the splines on the interior portion when the semi-permanent fastener connects the grip assembly to the lower shaft portion. 
     The upper and lower shaft portions of the present invention may be composed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, magnesium, magnesium alloy, plastic, and graphite composite. The upper and lower adapters of the present invention may also be composed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, steel, magnesium, magnesium alloy, plastic, and graphite composite. 
     This aspect of the present invention may further comprise an upper o-ring disposed proximate the upper adapter and a lower o-ring disposed proximate the lower adapter. The invention may also further comprise at least two upper shaft portions, wherein the at least two upper shaft portions have different lengths. The at least two upper shaft portions may, for example, differ in length from each other by no less than 0.5 inch. The at least two upper shaft portions may differ in weight from each other, or may have the same weight. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a kit comprising at least two grip assemblies, a lower shaft portion, a threaded fastener, and a tool, wherein each grip assembly comprises an upper shaft portion and a grip, wherein no grip is disposed on the lower shaft portion, wherein the at least two grip assemblies have different lengths, wherein the tool engages the threaded fastener to tighten or loosen the threaded fastener, and wherein the threaded fastener removably connects the lower shaft portion with the at least two grip assemblies. 
     Having briefly described the present invention, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded side view of an embodiment of the variable length shaft of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  along lines A-A. 
         FIG. 4  is a close-up image of the circled section of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5A  is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a variable length shaft connection region. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side perspective view of an assortment of upper grip pieces having different collar configurations. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side cross-sectional view of upper and lower grip pieces having an assortment of interlocking mating interfaces. 
         FIG. 6B  is a side cross-sectional view of upper and lower grip pieces having a non-ninety degree angle mating interface. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are side views of a tool interacting with the unassembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are side views of a tool interacting with the assembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of different lengths of upper shaft sections of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded side view of another embodiment of the variable length shaft of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is an exploded side view of a portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11B  is an exploded side view of a portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11A , when fully assembled, along lines B-B. 
         FIG. 12B  is a close-up image of the circled section of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 13A  is a side view of a tool interacting with the assembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of a tool interacting with the unassembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 14A  is a side view of the assembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  with a golf club head. 
         FIG. 14B  is a side view of the unassembled embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  with a golf club head. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of different lengths of grip assemblies of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a variable length shaft that provides club length adjustability. Club length adjustability is an advantageous feature for golf clubs because, for example, extending the length of a club can have the desired effect of increasing club head speed, which results in longer driving distances. Conversely, shortening the length of a club would provide a golfer with more control and accuracy in driving the golf ball. Golf course conditions often require accurate driving due to hazards, including but not limited to water, rough, and out of bounds markers, and driving accuracy can be more preferred than driving distance in competitive situations. 
     The present invention is also valuable because a golfer&#39;s swing may change over time, thus requiring alterations to his or her clubs. A golfer may improve his or her game through lessons and may gain greater flexibility and strength through practice and exercise. As such, it is reasonable for a golfer to wish to change his or her club&#39;s length to help improve his or her accuracy, distance, and feel as needed or desired. 
     The present invention provides golfers with a system and method to easily, quickly and inexpensively modify the length of their golf clubs to have them perform in a desired manner. This invention will enable golfers to change their club length wherever they wish, including, but not limited to, at the practice range, the golf course, and their home. The present invention also is designed to avoid altering a club&#39;s swing weight or its “feel.” The tool and components that are used to alter a club&#39;s length are small and can be carried in a pocket of the user&#39;s golf bag. Furthermore, the technical ability required to modify the golf club length according to this invention is minimal and its approach is intuitive and easy for a golfer to understand. 
     A first embodiment of the present variable length shaft invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . According to this embodiment of the invention, and as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , two sections of the shaft  10 , the lower shaft and grip section  20  and the upper shaft and grip section  30 , are joined together proximate the upper end  25  and lower end  35  of the shaft portions  24 ,  34 , respectively, along a demarcation line  200 , the line at which the two shaft and grip sections  20 ,  30  meet. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 , the lower shaft and grip section  20  includes a lower grip portion  22  that encircles and is affixed to a lower part of the shaft  24  with double-sided adhesive tape (not shown). In other embodiments, the lower grip portion  22  may be affixed to the shaft  24  with another type of adhesive material. A lower adapter  40  is affixed to or otherwise situated proximate the upper, interior surface of the lower part of the shaft  24 , and a lower-adapter o-ring  80  may be used to seal or otherwise secure the connection between the lower adapter  40  and the interior surface of the lower part of the shaft  24 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . The lower adapter  40  also contacts an interior surface of the lower grip portion  22  in the first embodiment of the present invention, also as shown in  FIG. 4 . This adapter  40  includes a threaded hole  45  in its center to receive a screw  50  that allows the adapter  40  to be fastened to the upper shaft and grip section  30 . 
     The upper shaft and grip section  30  correspondingly has an upper grip portion  32  encircling and affixed to an upper shaft portion  34  with double-sided adhesive tape (not shown), or, in other embodiments, another kind of adhesive material. The upper shaft and grip section  30  has an upper adapter  60  affixed to or otherwise situated proximate the lower, interior surface of the upper shaft portion  34 , and an upper-adapter o-ring  90  may be used to seal the connection between the upper adapter  60  and the upper shaft portion  34 . The upper adapter  60  also contacts an interior surface of the upper grip portion  32  in the first embodiment of the present invention, which is also shown in  FIG. 4 . The upper adapter  60  has a hole  65 , which in the first embodiment is not threaded, in its center to receive the screw  50  that mates with the lower adapter  40  associated with the lower shaft and grip section  20 , and is affixed to a screw captivator  70  that prevents the screw  50  from falling out of or otherwise becoming dislodged from the upper adapter  60 . In another embodiment, the hole  65  can be threaded. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , assembly of the first embodiment of the invention requires that the lower shaft and grip section  20  and the upper shaft and grip section  30  be aligned and pressed together in their proper orientation at a demarcation line  200 , the line where the two parts connect. The screw  50  located in the upper adapter  60  is threaded into the threaded hole  45  of the lower adapter  40  and tightened with a specifically provided tool  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  8 A, and  8 B. The adapters  40 ,  60  may further include anti-rotational features to restrict twisting along the shaft axis when they are screwed together. When the screw  50  has been secured, the two shaft and grip sections  20 ,  30  are interlocked securely together, thus allowing the club to be used to hit golf balls. This operation allows for a semi-permanent assembly that will make the golf club comply with the appropriate USGA rules of golf. 
     In a second embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the upper grip portion  32  and the lower grip portion  22  include a lip or collar  33 ,  23 . The upper grip portion  32  collar  33  is located at a single opening of the upper grip portion  32 , and the lower grip portion  22  collar  23  is located at an upper opening in the lower grip portion  22 . When the upper grip portion  32  contacts the lower grip portion  22  with their respective adapters  60 ,  40  installed, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the collars  33 ,  23  ensure a good fit between the upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22  and consistent grip length during the gripping operation. The collars  33 ,  23  also help retain the adapters  60 ,  40  within the upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22 . By interfacing at a plane  17  normal to the shaft  10  axis  15 , as shown in  FIG. 5A , the collars  33 ,  23  provide greater contact between the upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22 , than in upper and lower grip portions that do not include collars  33 ,  23 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5B , the collar  33  of the upper grip portion  32  preferably includes one or more slits  33   a - 33   d . These slits  33   a - 33   d  can expedite production of upper grip portions  32  having different lengths, as the inclusion of a collar  33  may make it difficult to remove a core bar used to mold the inner diameter of the upper grip portions  32 . The slits  33   a - 33   d  thus allow for easier removal of the core bar from the upper grip portions  32  after molding is complete. The slits  33   a - 33   d  also make it easier to insert the upper shaft portion  34  and the upper adapter  60  into the upper grip portion  32 . 
     The contact between upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22  can be increased by designing an interface  36  between the upper and lower grip portions to have an interlocking design, such as one of the designs shown in  FIG. 6A . The interlocking design may include serrations or may include protrusions in one grip portion  32 ,  22  that fit within depressions in the other grip portion  32 ,  22 , as shown in  FIG. 6A . The interlocking features between the upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22  may also be used as a decorative styling and may be present on the upper and lower grip portions  32 ,  22  when a collar  33 ,  23  is present or absent. An alternative way to increase contact between the grip portions  32 ,  22 , as shown in  FIG. 6B , is to design the upper and lower grip portions to contact each with other at an interface  36  along a plane  17  having a non-ninety degree angle with respect to the shaft axis  15 . 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  8 A, and  8 B show a tool  100 , having an extension portion  105  and a head portion  110 , which can be used to assemble the upper and lower shaft and grip sections  20 ,  30 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , and with reference to  FIG. 4 , the extension portion  105  of the tool fits through a hole  38  at the topmost portion of the upper grip portion  32 , extends through the upper shaft portion  34 , the screw captivator  70 , and the upper adapter  60 , and contacts the screw  50 . The screw captivator  70  specifically guides the extension portion  105  to contact the screw  50 . As shown in  FIG. 8A , once the extension portion  105  of the tool  100  engages the head of the screw  50 , the tool head portion  110  can be twisted clockwise or counterclockwise to tighten or loosen, respectively, the screw  50  and therefore the connection between the upper and lower shaft and grip sections  20 ,  30 . 
     In the first embodiment of the present invention, the length of the lower shaft and grip section  20  is not altered, as shown in  FIG. 9 . In other words, a golfer would not exchange the lower shaft and grip section  20  for a lower shaft and grip section  20  of a different length. The lower shaft and grip section  20  of the present invention thus can be permanently affixed to a desired golf club head (not shown). In contrast, according to the first embodiment of the present invention and as disclosed in  FIG. 9 , the upper shaft and grip section  30  of a normal length club  355  can be easily swapped for other upper shaft and grip sections  305 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350  having different lengths. The upper shaft and grip sections  305 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350  may also have different weights to allow the golfer to change the club weight as desired. Alternatively, the upper shaft and grip sections  305 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350  may all have the same weight. 
       FIG. 9  discloses an assortment of upper shaft and grip sections  30 , each having different lengths such that the total club length can range from a short, 43-inch club  360  to a long, 48-inch club  370 . The assortment of upper shaft and grip sections  30 ,  305 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 ,  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350 , shown in  FIG. 9  may all be sold to a golfer with the lower shaft and grip section  20  in a kit form, or a smaller selection of such upper shaft and grip sections  30  may be included in a kit. As such, if a golfer wishes to increase the length of a shaft, he or she may remove the upper shaft and grip section  30  using the tool  100  and replace it with an upper shaft and grip section  30  having a greater length  335 ,  340 ,  345 ,  350 . In contrast, if the golfer wishes to decrease the length of the shaft, he or she may remove the upper shaft and grip section  30  using the tool  100  and replace it with an upper shaft and grip section having a shorter length  305 ,  310 ,  315 ,  320 ,  325 ,  330 . This invention thus allows the golfer to increase or decrease the length of a golf club shaft without detaching the lower shaft and grip section  20  from the club head or cutting or otherwise damaging any part of the shaft or grip. 
     In another, preferred, embodiment of the invention, shown in  FIGS. 10-15 , the length of the shaft  1100  is adjusted in a manner that is similar to the one described above, but without the use of grip portions  22 ,  32 . This embodiment involves connection between two sections of shaft  1100  without necessarily changing the size of the grip  1400 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the preferred embodiment  1000  comprises a shaft  1100  with a lower shaft portion  1120  and an upper shaft portion  1140 , a lower, shaft-side adapter  1200 , an upper, grip-side adapter  1250 , a fastener  1300 , a fastener captivator  1350 , and a grip  1400 . O-rings (not shown) may also be provided proximate the adapters  1200 ,  1250 . The lower and upper shaft portions  1120 ,  1140  preferably are hollow. The grip  1400  may be pre-installed on the upper shaft portion  1140  before assembly of the embodiment  1000 , or the grip  1400  may be added to the upper shaft portion  1140  after assembly of the embodiment  1000  using double-sided adhesive tape or another adhesive material. In the preferred embodiment, the fastener  1300  is a screw. 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  show how the pieces of this embodiment  1000  are assembled. The shaft-side adapter  1200  is installed in an upper, interior region  1125  of the lower shaft portion  1120 , opposite a club head (not shown), and the grip-side adapter  1250  is installed in a lower, interior region  1145  of the upper shaft portion  1140 , opposite the grip  1400 . The screw  1300  is threaded through a  1257  hole in the grip-side adapter  1250  such that the head  1305  of the screw  1300  rests against a flange  1255  in the grip-side adapter  1250  and cannot fall out of the grip-side adapter  1250 . The fastener captivator  1350  is sized to rest against or within the grip-side adapter  1250 , thus trapping the head  1305  of the screw  1300  within the grip-side adapter  1250 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the shaft-side adapter  1200  has an extension portion  1210  with an exterior surface  1215  that aids in alignment and acts as an anti-rotational feature. In the preferred embodiment, the exterior alignment surface  1215  possesses splines and grooves. In alternative embodiments, the exterior alignment surface  1215  may instead have polygonal surfaces, serrations, teeth, or other alignment/anti-rotational features. The extension portion  1210  includes a threaded hole  1220 , which receives the body  1310  of the screw  1300  and, upon tightening of the screw, provides axial rigidity to the upper shaft portion  1140 . 
     Also shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , the grip-side adapter  1250  has a recessed portion  1260  with an interior surface  1265  that has alignment/anti-rotational features to mate with the alignment/anti-rotational features of the exterior surface  1215  of the extension portion  1210  of the shaft-side adapter  1200 . In the preferred embodiment, shown in these Figures, the interior alignment surface  1265  has splines and grooves that mate with the splines and grooves on the exterior alignment surface  1215  of the shaft-side adapter  1200 . In alternative embodiments, the interior alignment surface  1265  has polygonal surfaces or sides, grooves, notches, or other alignment/anti-rotational features. 
       FIG. 12A  shows a cross-section of the preferred embodiment in fully assembled form along lines B-B of  FIG. 11A .  FIG. 12B  is an enlarged view of the assembly of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 12B , the shaft-side adapter  1200  is snugly installed in the upper, interior region  1125  of the lower shaft portion  1120 , and the grip-side adapter  1250  is snugly installed in the lower, interior region  1145  of the upper shaft portion  1140 , such that lower surfaces of the two adapters  1200 ,  1250  make contact along an assembly axis  1550 . The assembly axis may be perpendicular to the shaft axis  1500 , or may form another angle with respect to the shaft axis  1500 . The fastener captivator  1350  traps the head  1305  of the screw  1300  within the grip-side adapter  1250 , the body  1310  of the screw  1300  is threaded through the hole  1257  in the grip-side adapter  1250 , and the head  1305  of the screw  1300  rests against the flange  1255 . The grip-side adapter  1250  hole  1257  includes threads to engage the threads of the screw body  1310 . The screw body  1310  extends through the hole  1257  and engages the threads within the hole  1220  of the extension portion  1210  of the shaft-side adapter  1200 . 
     When the screw body  1310  is engaged with the extension portion  1210  hole  1220  and tightened, the extension portion  120  is pulled into the recessed portion  1260 , thus aligning the adapters  1200 ,  1250  and the shaft portions  1120 ,  1140  in an orientation prescribed by the splined interface. The screw  1300  is tightened to a targeted torque value using a tool such as the torque limiting wrench shown in  FIGS. 13A-13B . The spline features of both adapters  1200 ,  1250  not only aid in the alignment of the adapters  1200 ,  1250  and shaft portions  1120 ,  1140 , but act as anti-rotational features to restrict the two shaft portions  1120 ,  1140  from twisting relative to one another along the shaft axis  1500  during usage. When the screw  1300  is tightened, the two shaft portions  1120 ,  1140  are securely interlocked together, making the club shaft  1000  sturdy, durable and capable of hitting golf balls without loosening, buzzing, rattling or twisting apart. This operation provides a semi-permanent assembly complies with the appropriate USGA rules of golf. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a tool  1600  having a head portion  1605 , an extension portion  1610 , and a tool portion  1615  that mates with the screw head  1305  interfacing with the assembly of the present invention. The lower shaft portion  1120  is secured to the upper shaft portion  1140  which, when the grip is installed  1400 , creates a combined grip assembly  1700 . The grip  1400  and the upper shaft portion  1140  each include a channel  1650  sized to receive the extension portion  1610  of the tool  1600 , which extends through the length of the grip assembly  1700  and permits the tool portion  1615  to engage with the screw head  1305 . As shown in  FIG. 13A , the lower shaft portion  1120  is disengaged from the grip assembly  1700  by inserting the extension portion into the channel  1650  and engaging the tool portion  1615  with the screw head  1305  (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 13B , once the tool portion  1615  interfaces with the screw head  1305 , twisting the tool  1600  to loosen the screw  1300  disengages the grip assembly  1700  from the lower shaft portion  1120 . 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  show the grip assembly  1700  in assembled and disassembled configurations with respect to a lower shaft portion  1120  engaged with a golf club head  1800 . The assembly axis  1550  may be located at different locations between the tip end  1002  and butt end  1005  of the shaft  1000  in different embodiments. The butt end  1005  of the shaft  1000  in  FIGS. 14A and 14B  is located within the grip  1400 , and the tip end  1002  is located within a hosel portion of the golf club head  1800 . For example, in one embodiment the assembly axis  1550  is located 11 inches from the butt end  1005  of the shaft  1000 . In other embodiments, the assembly axis  1550  may be located anywhere from  11 . 5  inches to 18 inches from the butt end  1005  of the shaft  1000 . The assembly axis  1550  location may also be referenced with respect to the tip end  1002  of the shaft. These assembly axis  1550  locations referenced herein are merely examples for different embodiments of the invention and are not intended to be limiting. 
       FIG. 15  shows discloses an assortment of grip assemblies  1710 ,  1720 ,  1730 ,  1740 ,  1750 ,  1760 ,  1770 ,  1780 ,  1790 , each having different lengths in half-inch increments, such that the total club length can range from a short, 44-inch club to a standard, 46-inch club, to a long, 48-inch club. The grip assemblies  1710 ,  1720 ,  1730 ,  1740 ,  1750 ,  1760 ,  1770 ,  1780 ,  1790  may also have different weights to allow the golfer to change the club weight as desired. Alternatively, the grip assemblies  1710 ,  1720 ,  1730 ,  1740 ,  1750 ,  1760 ,  1770 ,  1780 ,  1790  may all have the same weight. 
     The assortment of grip assemblies  1710 ,  1720 ,  1730 ,  1740 ,  1750 ,  1760 ,  1770 ,  1780 ,  1790  shown in  FIG. 15  may all be sold to a golfer with the lower shaft portion  1120  in a kit form, or a smaller selection of such grip assemblies  1700  may be included in a kit. As such, if a golfer wishes to increase the length of the shaft  1000 , he or she may remove the grip assembly  1750  that creates a standard, 46-inch shaft length using the tool  1600  and replace it with an grip assembly  1760 ,  1770 ,  1780 ,  1790  having a greater length. In contrast, if the golfer wishes to decrease the length of the shaft  1000 , he or she may remove the grip assembly  1750  using the tool  1600  and replace it with an grip assembly  1710 ,  1720 ,  1730 ,  1740  having a shorter length. 
     Throughout this process, the lower shaft portion  1120  never has to be changed, and, in contrast to other embodiments disclosed herein, the grip  1400  can have the same length regardless of the shaft length. This invention thus allows the golfer to increase or decrease the length of a golf club shaft without detaching the lower shaft portion  1120  from the club head or cutting or otherwise damaging any part of the shaft  1000  or grip  1400 , and without having to make any adjustments to the grip  1400 . 
     The parts of the embodiments of the present invention may be composed of any number of materials, including metals, plastics, rubbers, and composites. The shaft portions, screws, the screw captivators, adapters, and tools may be composed of titanium, graphite or carbon composite, plastic, magnesium, aluminum, steel, or alloys of such materials, specifically stainless steel 17-7 or titanium 6-4. The shaft portions preferably are composed of graphite. The grip portions and the o-rings preferably are composed of a rubber material. The screws, the adapters, and the screw captivators preferably are composed of a metal material. The pieces of the embodiments disclosed herein may also be bonded together with an adhesive to prevent unwanted separation and ensure adequate strength during club use. 
     From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinent art will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention and will readily understand that while the present invention has been described in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and other embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes, modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in the following appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined in the following appended claims.