Abstract:
A connector for releasably securing a shaft and a head having a hosel with a bore of standard size. The connector includes a shaft adapter, a hosel adapter, and a compression nut. The shaft adapter has a shaft bore sized to receive the shaft, a first threaded coupling member, and a axial shaft. The hosel adapter has a hosel bore and a main body portion. The hosel bore is sized to receive the axial shaft. The compression nut has a second coupling member. The shaft is secured within the shaft bore and the main body portion is secured within the bore of the hosel using an adhesive and the axial shaft is inserted within the hosel bore. Thereafter, the compression nut is rotated to couple the first and second coupling members together thereby securing the shaft and head together without the shaft being received within the bore of the hosel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/353,304, filed Jan. 14, 2009, which application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/020,793, filed Jan. 14, 2008, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties by reference thereto. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to interchangeable golfing equipment and, more particularly, to a specific connection method for quickly securing any brand of golf club shaft and golf club head to one another. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The typical way to connect a golf club shaft and a golf club head is to epoxy the tip end of the golf club shaft into a bore formed within the hosel portion of the golf club head. Many golf shops offer a broad range of exotic shafts and club heads to meet the standards of today&#39;s demanding golfer. 
         [0004]    To facilitate the ease in which various combinations of shafts and heads may be evaluated by the golfer, some golf equipment makers, such as Callaway, Nike Golf, Alpha Golf, Taylor Made, Nakashima, and Versus Golf have devised connectors that rapidly secure a shaft and a club head together. Because these connectors are releasable, if the customer doesn&#39;t like the existing shaft and head combination the connector is simply released and a different shaft and head combination is secured for evaluation by the golfer. 
         [0005]    Unfortunately, the known connectors designed by the companies mentioned above have significant deficiencies. For example, with the known connectors both the connector itself and the tip end of the shaft are received within the bore in the hosel portion of the golf club head. In order to accommodate the connector and the tip end of the shaft, these manufactures must design a specific golf club head with a hosel portion and bore that are significantly larger than industry standard. Therefore, industry standard components cannot be used to assemble a golf club without adopting the connection system of a particular company. In addition, any golf club head that has been designed as noted above will not receive connection devices designed by other manufactures. 
         [0006]    There exists, therefore, a need in the art for a connector for shafts and heads that does not require the use of a custom golf club head with a larger hosel portion. The invention provides such a connector. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    A universal connector that releasably couples a golf club shaft and a golf club head within a hosel with a standard bore size is provided. The connector couples the shaft and head without the need to alter or custom design the hosel of the golf club head. The connector allows golf shops, retailers and consumers to instantly customize a club without the need of a repair technician. The product described herein is different because it adapts to any type of shaft or club head and is the only universal connection device in the marketplace. Also, it can be removed at any time without damage to the shaft or the golf club head and each component may be re-assembled using the standard components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of a connector in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a golf club formed using the connector of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross section of the hosel adapter and compression nut from the connector of  FIG. 1  taken generally along line  3 - 3 . 
           [0012]    While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a universal shaft and head connector  10 . As will be more fully explained below, the connector  10  is employed to operatively couple and secure a golf club shaft  12  with a golf club head  14  that has a hosel  16  with a standard sized bore  18  formed therein to form an assembled golf club  20  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The connector  10  couples the shaft  12  and head  14  without the shaft extending into the standard sized bore  18  of the hosel  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the connector  10  comprises a shaft adapter  22 , a hosel adapter  24 , and a compression nut  26 . 
         [0014]    The shaft adapter  22  includes an intermediate portion  26  interposed between a frustoconical portion  28  and a shaft portion  30 . The shaft adapter  22 , and in particular the frustoconical portion  28 , includes a cylindrical bore  34  sized and dimensioned to receive the tip end  36  of the golf club shaft  12 . If desired, the bore  34  may extend down into the intermediate portion  28  as well as the frustoconical portion  28 . To correspond with the diameter of the standard golf club shaft  12 , the bore  34  typically has an inner diameter of either 0.335, 0.350, 0.370, or 0.410 of an inch. Even so, the bore  34  may have other diameters to suitably accommodate shafts of other sizes. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the outer diameter of the frustoconical portion  30  adjacent the intermediate portion  28  is generally equal to the outer diameter of the hosel  16  adjacent the open end of the bore  18 . As such, the fully assembled golf club  20  of  FIG. 2  is aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0015]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the intermediate portion  28  is generally cylindrical and provided with a set of threads  38 . Adjacent the intermediate portion  28 , the shaft portion  32  is generally axial and, when viewed from below, has a hexagonal shape. Even so, the shaft portion  32  may have a variety of other suitable shapes such as, for example, square, oval, star-shaped, or some other non-circular shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft portion  32  has an outer diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the intermediate portion  28 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the shaft adapter  22  is unitarily formed. The shaft adapter  22  is formed from any of a variety of different suitable materials such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, plastic, and the like. 
         [0016]    The hosel adapter  24  includes an annular flange  40  and a body portion  42 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the outer diameter of the annular flange  40  is wider than the outer dimension of the body portion  42 . As such, a shoulder  44  is formed where the annular flange  40  and the body portion  42  intersect. The body portion  42  typically has an outer diameter of either 0.335, 0.350, 0.370, or 0.410 of an inch. Therefore, the outer diameter of the body portion  42  corresponds to the size of the bore  18  in the hosel  16  of the golf club head  14 . 
         [0017]    In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the body portion  42  of the hosel adapter  24  includes one or more slots  46 . The slots  46  are configured to receive an epoxy or other adhesive therein. The slots  46  may be formed in the outer surface of the body portion  42  in a variety of different configurations such as, for example, an axial, circular, or helical pattern. 
         [0018]    The hosel adapter  24  includes a bore  48  sized and dimensioned to receive the shaft portion  32  of the shaft adapter  22 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the bore  48  has a hexagonal shape to correspond to the hexagonal shape of the shaft portion  32 . Even so, the bore  48  may have a variety of other suitable shapes that correspond to the shape of the shaft portion  32 . Like the shaft adapter  22 , the hosel adapter  24  is formed from any of a variety of different suitable materials such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, plastic, and the like. 
         [0019]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the compression nut  26  is generally cylindrical in shape. An outer surface of the compression nut  26  includes a gripping structure  50  that permits the compression nut to be conveniently rotated relative to the shaft adapter  22 , as will be more fully explained below. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the gripping structure  50  is depicted as a knurl pattern and a wrench flat. While not shown, an additional wrench flat is included on the opposing side of the compression nut. Despite the gripping structure  50  shown, other gripping structures may also be suitably employed. In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the compression nut  26  is unitarily formed. The compression nut  26  is formed from any of a variety of different suitable materials such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, metal alloys, plastic, and the like. 
         [0020]    The compression nut  26  includes a passage  52  that extends axially therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the size of the passage  52  proximate the bottom of the compression nut  26  is reduced in size by an inwardly directed flange  54 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inwardly directed flange  54  prevents the hosel adapter  24  from passing entirely through the compression nut  26 . In particular, when the hosel adapter  24  is received within the passage  52  of the compression nut  26  the upper surface of the inwardly directed flange  54  engages the shoulder  44  on the hosel adapter  24 . Even so, the body portion  42  of the hosel adapter  24  is allowed to project beyond the bottom surface of the compression nut  26 . 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an inner surface of the compression nut  26  includes a set of threads  56 . The threads  56  are configured to mate with the threads  38  formed on the intermediate portion  28  of the shaft adapter  22 . Therefore, when the compression nut  26  is rotated relative to the shaft adapter  22 , the compression nut and the shaft adapter  22  are releasably threadably coupled to each other. To uncouple the shaft adapter  22  from the compression nut  26 , the compression nut is rotated in the opposite direction. 
         [0022]    To form the assembled golf club of  FIG. 2 , the hosel adapter  24  is potted within the compression nut  26  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Thereafter, an adhesive (e.g., epoxy) is applied to the outer surface of the body portion  42  of the hosel adapter  24  and/or injected into the bore  18  in the hosel  16 . Thereafter, the body portion  42  of the hosel adapter  24  is inserted into the bore  18  in the hosel  16  and the epoxy is allowed to sufficiently harden (e.g., dried, cured, etc.). In addition, an epoxy is also applied to the tip end  36  of the shaft  12  and/or injected into the bore  34  in the shaft adapter  22 . Thereafter, the tip end  36  of the shaft  12  is inserted into the bore  34  in the shaft adapter  22  and the adhesive is allowed to sufficiently harden. 
         [0023]    With the hosel adapter  24  secured in the bore  18  of the hosel  16  and the tip end  36  of the shaft  12  secured in the bore  34  of the shaft adapter  22 , the shaft portion  32  of the shaft adapter  22  is inserted into the bore  48  in the hosel adapter  24 . Because the shaft portion  32  and the bore  48  have corresponding non-circular shapes, relative rotation between the shaft adapter  22  and the hosel adapter  24  is prevented. Thereafter, the compression nut  26  is rotated by hand or with a suitable tool until the threads  38 ,  56  engage with each other. As rotation is continued, the hosel adapter  24  and the shaft adapter  22  are drawn tightly together and the golf club  20  as shown in  FIG. 2  is assembled. In this assembled state, the tip end  36  of the shaft  12  is not received within or extend into the bore  18  of the hosel  16 . Therefore, a conventional golf club head  14  with a bore  18  of standard size may be used instead of a customized golf club head with a larger or bored out hosel. 
         [0024]    To disassemble the golf club  20  of  FIG. 2 , the compression nut  26  is rotated in a direction opposite that noted above until the threads disengage from each other. With the threads  38 ,  56  no longer mated, the shaft portion  32  is removed from the bore  48  in the hosel adapter  24  to uncouple the shaft  12  from the head  14 . 
         [0025]    In order to try out and test different combinations of shafts  12  and heads  14  where each shaft and head is equipped with a shaft adapter  22  and a hosel adapter  24 , respectively, the above noted process of coupling and uncoupling is repeated. In this manner, shafts  12  and heads  14  of different sizes, from different manufacturers, of different materials, and the like may be repeatedly coupled, tested, and then uncoupled if the results are not satisfactory. If, however, the combination is satisfactory, the golf club  20  may be ordered from a retailer, sold, or used in play on a golf course. 
         [0026]    From the foregoing, the connector  10  permits a quick, easy and convenient way for consumers, retailers, and others to try, test, and use different shafts  12  and heads  14  of standard or conventional size and configuration. As those skilled in the art will now appreciate from the above disclosure, the connector  10  permits interchangeability of shafts and heads without having to employ heads of non-standard dimension. 
         [0027]    The threading on the shaft adapter may also optionally include a thread locking material such as a nylon patch that prevents vibration from releasing the threaded connection between the compression nut and the shaft adapter. 
         [0028]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein. 
         [0029]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0030]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.