Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5316299?dq=%22peter+l+basel%22+%22lsi+logic%22
Timestamp: 2015-05-25 09:49:21
Document Index: 801364503

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 121', 'art 122', 'art 121', 'art 121', 'art 123', 'art 124', 'art 124', 'art 124']

Patent US5316299 - Golf club shaft - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA golf club comprising a shaft made of a composite material with a head (2) at its lower end and a grip (3) at its upper end. The shaft comprises three distinct sections, namely (a) a first, upper tapered portion (12a) covered by the grip, (b) a second, lower portion (12b) extending to the lower portion...http://www.google.com/patents/US5316299?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5316299 - Golf club shaftAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5316299 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 07/961,620Publication dateMay 31, 1994Filing dateOct 16, 1992Priority dateOct 16, 1991Fee statusPaidPublication number07961620, 961620, US 5316299 A, US 5316299A, US-A-5316299, US5316299 A, US5316299AInventorsPierre Feche, Jean-Luc VeuxOriginal AssigneeTaylor Made Golf CompanyExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (14), Referenced by (37), Classifications (10), Legal Events (6) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetGolf club shaft
US 5316299 AAbstract
A golf club comprising a shaft made of a composite material with a head (2) at its lower end and a grip (3) at its upper end. The shaft comprises three distinct sections, namely (a) a first, upper tapered portion (12a) covered by the grip, (b) a second, lower portion (12b) extending to the lower portion (10) of the shaft, and (c) a third connecting portion attaching the first to the second portions. The diameter (d1) of the section of the lower end of the first portion (12a) is smaller than the diameter (d2) of the section of the upper end of the second portion (12b).
1. Golf club comprising: a shaft (1) made of a composite material, said golf club having a lower end (10) on which a head (2) is mounted, and an upper end (11) or grip end on which a grip (3) is mounted, said shaft having:(a) a first, upper tapered portion (12a) extending from said upper end (11) toward said lower end (10) and at least partially covered by said grip (3); (b) a second, lower portion (12b) extending from adjacent said first, upper tapered portion (12a) to said lower end (10); and (c) a third, short connecting portion (12c) which connects said first portion (12a) to said second portion (12b) and is located proximate to a section of a lower end of said first, upper tapered portion; (d) the diameter (d1) of the section of said lower end (120a) of said first, upper tapered portion (12a) being less than the diameter (d2) of a section of an upper end (120b) of said second lower portion (12b). 2. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said second, lower portion (12b) has a free, tapered part (121b).
3. A golf club according to claim 2, wherein a generating line (G2) of said free part (121b) of said second, lower portion (12b) is substantially parallel to a generating line (G1) of said first, upper portion (12a).
4. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said second, lower portion (12b) has a first, free lower tapered part (123b) which is connected to a second, free upper part (124b) having a uniform tubular section.
5. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said second, lower portion (12b) comprises a first, free upper part (124b) attached to a second, free lower tapered part (123b), said first, upper part (124b) having the shape of a truncated cone inverted relative to the shape of said second part (123b), so that said shaft (1) has a bulge (13) in a median part of said shaft.
6. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said grip (3) comprises a tubular wall (30) of fine, uniform thickness covering said grip end (3).
7. A golf club according to claim 6, wherein said tubular wall (30) has a thickness of between 1 and 2.5 mm.
8. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said third, connecting portion (12c) is covered with a ring (4).
9. A golf club according to claim 1, wherein said ring (4) is made of a material with dampening properties.
The present invention relates to a golf club and to a shaft made of a composite material equipping this club.
A golf club basically comprises a shaft carrying, at its lower end, a head or striking component, and, at its upper end, a handle, commonly termed a "grip."
Conventional golf clubs generally have tapered shafts made of steel, metal alloys, or composite materials. They have a shape whose section changes continuously and whose maximum dimension is measured at the grip, or handle, and whose minimum dimension is measured at the neck, where the club head is attached. This is the most widely used type of shaft.
If one wishes to enhance the mechanical properties of the club, i.e., the elastic line under torsion and/or flection of the shaft, while preserving a club having satisfactory ergonomic qualities in the gripping area of the club, the geometries of conventional shafts offer few opportunities other than the use of fibers having a higher modulus, which is costly, or the incorporation of additional reinforcements of fiber layers which adds undesirable surplus weight.
One of the objects of the invention is to solve this problem, which results basically from the geometry of the shaft and from the design of the various club components.
The club according to the invention has mechanical properties superior to those of conventional clubs, while preserving satisfactory ergonomic properties and lightness.
To this end, the club incorporates a shaft made of a composite material, at the end of which a grip is mounted. This shaft comprises a first, upper tapered portion extending from the upper end and at least partially covered by the grip; a second, lower portion extending to the lower end; and a third, connecting portion. The club is characterized by the fact that the diameter of the section of the lower end of the first of these portion is smaller than the diameter of the section of the upper end of the second, portion.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages and features will better emerge from the embodiments described below and illustrated by the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a view of a golf club according to prior art;
FIG. 1a is a detail view of the club according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 1b is a view of a shaft of the club shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a view of a golf club according to the invention;
FIG. 2a is a view of detail of the grip of the club in FIG. 2;
FIG. 2b is a view of a shaft of the club in FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a view of a club according to a second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 3a is a detail view of the shaft of the club in FIG. 3;
FIG. 4 is a view of another variant of the invention;
FIG. 4a is a view of a shaft of the club in FIG. 4;
FIG. 5 is a view of a club incorporating another variant; and
FIG. 5a is a detail view of the club in FIG. 4.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1a, the golf club according to prior art is constituted by a shaft 1 whose overall shape is uniformly tapered, i.e., in which the generating line G of the shaft forms, with the longitudinal axis I, I', a positive angle θ, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 1b. A head 2 is attached to the lower end 10 of this shaft 1, and a grip 3 having a length lg and extending over a portion of the shaft is fitted on its upper end 11. The grip has a tubular wall 30 of variable thickness e, in particular a thickness which increases from the lower end 30a to the upper end 30b of the tubular wall 30. The thickness is an average of approximately 5 to 6 mm at the upper end 30b, and diminishes to reach values of approximately 1.5 to 2 mm at the lower end. This also means that the generating line Gg of the outer surface of the tubular wall 30 is offset from the generating line G by a positive angle θ1.
FIGS. 2 and and 2a illustrate a first embodiment of a club according It also incorporates the same assembly of a shaft 1, a head 2, and a grip 3. The shaft 1 is formed from several separate portions, including:
a first, upper tapered portion 12a extending from the upper end 11 and covered at least partially by the grip 3;
a second, lower portion 12b extending to the lower end 10; and
a third, short connecting portion 12c which attaches the first portion 12a to the second portion 12b.
The lower end 120a of the first, upper tapered portion 12a has, at its lower end, a section having diameter d1, which is smaller than the diameter d2 of the section of the upper end 120b of the second, lower portion 12b.
In this first embodiment, the free part 121b of the second, lower portion 12b also advantageously has a tapered shape, and its generating line G2s is at least substantially parallel, to the generating line G1 of the first tapered portion 12a. The lower part 122b of the second portion, which is embedded in the head 2, is preferably a tubular portion having a uniform section.
Furthermore, the length of the first portion 12a is substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the length lg of the grip 3. In addition, the grip 3 has a tubular wall 30 preferably having a fine, uniform thickness 3 of approximately 1 to 2.5 mm, but possibly with a very slight variation of up to about 1 mm to meet molding capabilities, the thickness in that event being greater at the upper end. Moreover, the design could be such that the generating line Gg of the outer surface of the wall 30 merges with the generating line G2 of the free part 121b of the second, lower portion 12b. In this case, the grip 3 is incorporated into the shaft.
FIG. 2b illustrates an example of a club shaft according to the invention. It is made of composite materials, by draping plies of fibers impregnated with duroplastic resin. The second portion 12b has, over at least a substantial length of its free part 121b, a section larger than the section of a conventional shaft, such as that shown in FIG. 1b, and this imparts to the shaft superior mechanical properties.
FIGS. 3 and 3a illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, in which the shaft has a second, lower portion 12b whose geometry differs from that previously described in that it comprises a first, free lower tapered part 123b attached to a second, upper free part 124b, which has a uniform tubular section.
FIGS. 4 and 4a illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, in which the shaft 1 has a second, lower portion 12b comprising a first, free upper part 124b in the shape of an truncated cone inverted in relation to the second, free lower part shaped like a truncated cone 123b, to which it is attached, so that the shaft 1 has a bulge 13 in approximately its median part. The phrase "shaped like an inverted truncated cone" signifies that the generating line G4 of the first, free upper part 124b forms, a negative angle θ4 relative to the axis I, I'.
FIGS. 5 and 5a illustrate an improvement made to the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 2a, consisting of the use of a ring 4 to cover the third, connecting portion 12c. The ring 4 is advantageously of variable thickness e1 and is thicker at its upper end, to protect the fine edge of the grip. This thickness is substantially equal to the thickness e of the grip, protect the grip on the shaft. The ring 4 may, be made of a material having damping properties, e.g., a viscoelastic material, and may have a variable weight according to the type of club, and thus be a factor contributing to the dynamic balancing of the club.
The shafts just described may advantageously be made by a process such as that described in French Patent Applications Nos. 90 15388 and 90 15387.
In the examples described, the generating lines are rectilinear, but they may incorporate a slight curvature, in particular for generating lines G1, G2, G3, and G4.
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V.Perimeter weighted golf clubsUS5547189 *Jul 20, 1994Aug 20, 1996Billings; David P.Golf club and club shaft constructionsUS5569099 *Dec 30, 1994Oct 29, 1996Jackson; AlGolf club shaft and laminar structural element and method for its manufactureUS5634860 *Mar 13, 1996Jun 3, 1997Emhart Inc.Golf club and shaft thereforUS5665010 *Feb 7, 1996Sep 9, 1997Advanced Retrofit Components Associated Leader (In) Golf, Inc.Composite golf club shaftUS5685781 *Feb 20, 1996Nov 11, 1997Swix Sport A/SGolf club shaftUS5692970 *Mar 14, 1995Dec 2, 1997Radius EngineeringComposite golf club shaftUS5735752 *Jun 13, 1995Apr 7, 1998Antonious; Anthony J.Golf club shaft and insert thereforUS5735753 *Jun 14, 1996Apr 7, 1998Berkley, Inc.Golf shaft with bulge sectionUS5749792 *Aug 30, 1996May 12, 1998Engfer; Jeffrey R.Golf club handle oversize grip kitUS5755826 *May 21, 1996May 26, 1998Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Golf club shaft and process for manufacturing sameUS5788585 *Sep 6, 1996Aug 4, 1998Jackson; AlComposite golf club shaft and method for its manufactureUS5820480 *Jan 22, 1997Oct 13, 1998Harrison Sports Inc.Golf club shaft and method of making the sameUS5827132 *Mar 8, 1997Oct 27, 1998Pelican Golf, Inc.Perimeter weighted golf clubsUS5882268 *Mar 13, 1996Mar 16, 1999True Temper Sports, Inc.Golf club and shaft thereforUS5944618 *Jul 22, 1997Aug 31, 1999Harrison Sports, Inc.Golf club shaft having multiple conical sectionsUS5957783 *Oct 17, 1997Sep 28, 1999Harrison Sports Inc.Golf club shaft having contoured grip section and kick sectionUS5964670 *Jan 22, 1997Oct 12, 1999Harrison Sports, Inc.Golf club shaft having improved feelUS5971865 *Jan 16, 1998Oct 26, 1999Wilson Sporting Goods Co.Golf club with oversize shaftUS5993328 *Jul 1, 1997Nov 30, 1999True Temper Sports, Inc.Golf club shaftUS6024651 *Jan 12, 1998Feb 15, 2000Harrison Sports, Inc.Golf club shaft having contoured grip section and kick sectionUS6045456 *Jan 23, 1998Apr 4, 2000Cobra Golf IncorporatedGolf club with improved weighting and vibration dampeningUS6251028Nov 23, 1998Jun 26, 2001Al JacksonGolf club having a head with enlarged hosel and curved sole plateUS6454662Aug 31, 1999Sep 24, 2002Harrison Sports, Inc.Golf club shaft having multiple conical sectionsUS6540623Feb 28, 2001Apr 1, 2003Al JacksonComposite shaft for a golf clubUS6702693Nov 22, 2002Mar 9, 2004Pelican Golf, Inc.Perimeter weighted golf clubsUS6705954 *Nov 25, 1998Mar 16, 2004Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd.Golf club shaft and method for manufacturing sameUS6755096Oct 16, 1997Jun 29, 2004Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas SystemImpact instrumentUS7022033Sep 2, 2003Apr 4, 2006Pelican Golf, Inc.Perimeter weighted golf clubsUS7128663Nov 22, 2002Oct 31, 2006Pelican Golf, Inc.Perimeter weighted golf clubsUS7178428Nov 8, 2004Feb 20, 2007Board Of Regents The University Of Texas SystemImpact instrumentUS8241139Feb 24, 2010Aug 14, 2012Sri Sports LimitedGolf clubUS8784231Jul 3, 2012Jul 22, 2014Sri Sports LimitedGolf clubUS8951142Jul 3, 2012Feb 10, 2015Sri Sports LimitedGolf clubUSRE38983 *Apr 6, 2000Feb 14, 2006Adams Golf Ip, LpGolf club shaft and insert thereforWO1996028220A1 *Mar 14, 1996Sep 19, 1996Radius Eng IncComposite golf club shaftWO1997030765A1 *Feb 19, 1997Aug 28, 1997Swix Sport AsGolf club shaft* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification473/300, 473/323International ClassificationA63B53/12, A63B53/14, A63B53/10Cooperative ClassificationA63B59/0092, A63B53/10, A63B59/0029, A63B59/0025European ClassificationA63B53/10Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionNov 30, 2005FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12Aug 29, 2001FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Feb 1, 2000ASAssignmentOwner name: ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:010547/0962Effective date: 19990806Owner name: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:010572/0030Effective date: 19990806Owner name: ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC. 5545 FERMI COURT CARLSBADOwner name: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC. 5545 FERMI COURT CAOwner name: ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC. 5545 FERMI COURT CARLSBADFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:010547/0962Effective date: 19990806Owner name: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC. 5545 FERMI COURT CAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ADIDAS-SALOMON USA, INC.;REEL/FRAME:010572/0030Effective date: 19990806Sep 11, 1997FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Mar 25, 1993ASAssignmentOwner name: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC., CALIFORNIAFree format text: CORRECTIV;ASSIGNORS:FECHE, PIERRE;VEUX, JEAN-LUC;REEL/FRAME:006464/0013Effective date: 19930322Oct 16, 1992ASAssignmentOwner name: POLLOCK, VANDE SANDE & PRIDDY, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:FECHE, PIERRE;VEUX, JEAN-LUC;REEL/FRAME:006328/0661Effective date: 19920928RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home 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