Abstract:
An adjustable golf putter utilizes an integrated indexing mechanism for the rotation of the golf club shaft in relation to the putter head. A circular portion of the hosel nests in a cavity formed in the putter head. Matching faces are impressed with a series of radiating serrations incorporated into the head and hosel and no additional parts are required. When pressed together, the serrated faces permit the hosel to rotate in discrete increments selected at time of manufacture. The putter may rotate in increments of 5 degrees for a total of 35 degrees in each direction from a center marking feature. The hosel is locked in a selected position by simply tightening the hosel screw. The putter can be adjusted for use by both right and left handed golfers without disassembly.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/905,182, filed Dec. 20, 2004, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present invention relates generally to adjustable golf putter and more specifically it relates to a golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0006]     It can be appreciated that adjustable golf putters have been in use for years. The concept of an adjustable putter per se is not a new concept. Many patents have issued that related to golf clubs that have a head that is adjustable relative to the shaft.  
         [0007]     The main problem with conventional adjustable golf putters is they consist of multiple parts, which increase the cost of manufacturing and decrease the ease and use of the products. Another problem with conventional adjustable golf putters are they are not aesthetically pleasing due to the multiplicity of parts required to assemble the product. Another problem with conventional adjustable golf putter are that they are not dynamically balanced because either there are too many working parts on the golf putter head or that the fix point of attachment between the golf putter head and shaft is off center.  
         [0008]     While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, the they are not as suitable for to provide a adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.  
         [0009]     In these respects, a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of to provide a adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0010]     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of adjustable golf putter now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle construction wherein the same can be utilized to provide an adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.  
         [0011]     The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that has many of the advantages of the adjustable golf putter mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art adjustable golf putter, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
         [0012]     To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a hosel attachment with a guide marking that accepts the golf putter shaft, a hosel screw, a golf putter head with selection markings and a golf shaft. Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a means for attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a concaved recess portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking is provided on the hosel to assist in the angle selection. Golf putter head with a front flat surface and a back section with a concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to accept the hosel attachment end and hosel screw. Concaved recess portion of the back section of golf putter head also contain angle selection markings to correspond to the amount of angle degree selected between the golf putter head and the golf putter shaft. Golf club shaft contains a first end attachment to the hosel and a second end for gripping by the golfer. Alternatively, golf club shaft can be directly attached to the golf putter head.  
         [0013]     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter.  
         [0014]     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.  
         [0015]     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.  
         [0016]     An object of the present invention is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle for to provide a adjustable golf putter that allows for the adjustment of the angle between the golf club shaft and putter head while minimizing the amount of parts necessary to assemble the golf putter and having all parts flush with one another.  
         [0017]     Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that functions as an adjustable golf putter head in which the angle between the golf putter shaft and golf putter head can be adjusted and then be fixed in a set position.  
         [0018]     Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that minimizes the amount of parts necessary to assemble the adjustable golf putter.  
         [0019]     Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that is aesthetically pleasing to the user by reducing extraneous parts.  
         [0020]     Another object is to provide a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle that is dynamically balanced.  
         [0021]     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0022]     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable clubhead assembly is provided that includes a hosel, a clubhead, and an attachment means. The clubhead assembly may be used with the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft may thus define a distal end and a shaft axis. The hosel includes a shaft receiving recess and a hub portion. The shaft receiving recess is sized and configured to receive the distal end of the shaft. The hub portion defines a first face and a rotation axis. The hub portion also includes a first engagement element that is disposed on the first face. In addition, the clubhead is also provided which defines a clubhead axis and includes a hub receptor that is disposed on a rear section of the clubhead. The hub receptor defines a second face and includes a second engagement element that is disposed on the second face thereof. The hub receptor is rotatably engageable to the hub portion about the rotation axis with the first face mating with the second face. The first engagement element is matable with the second engagement element for impeding rotational movement of the hosel with respect to the clubhead at a clubhead angle. The clubhead angle is defined by the orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead axis. In addition, the attachment means secures the hosel to the clubhead. Although many various means may be used, as described below, the attachment means is a screw hole and screw.  
         [0023]     According to an aspect of the present invention, the rotation axis of the hub portion is oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the first face. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the first engagement element may include at least one tooth projection and the second engagement element may include at least one notch. The tooth projection may be configured to correspond to the notch in order to impede rotational movement of the hosel with respect to the clubhead. In addition, the first and second engagement elements may be configured as radial serration profiles that may be configured to correspond to each other in order to impede rotational movement of the hosel with respect to the clubhead. The clubhead angle may be defined by the orientation of the shaft axis with respect to the clubhead axis.  
         [0024]     The hub portion of the hosel may also include a guide selection marking and the hub receptor may include at least one selection marking corresponding to the clubhead angle. The guide selection marking may be alignable with the selection marking for orienting the hosel at the clubhead angle with respect to the clubhead.  
         [0025]     Further, the hub portion may be configured as being cylindrical. In this regard, the hub receptor may be a cylindrical concave recess portion whereinto the hub portion is received. Finally, the concave recess portion may be defined by a raised socket wall. The raised socket wall may substantially surround the hub portion. Alternatively however, the raised socket wall may surround only a majority of the hub portion.  
         [0026]     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]     Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:  
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the adjustable golf putter;  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a front side view of golf putter head;  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a top down view of golf putter head without the hosel and hosel screw;  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a back view of the golf putter head without the hoself and hosel screw;  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the golf putter head without the hosel and hosel screw;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a side cross-sectional view of the hosel without the hosel screw;  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the hosel without the hosel screw;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a hosel screw;  
         [0036]      FIG. 9  is side exploded view of the adjustable golf putter;  
         [0037]      FIG. 10  is a back view of the golf putter head with the hosel and hosel screw attached;  
         [0038]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment;  
         [0039]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the hosel and the clubhead illustrating first and second engagement elements, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0040]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the hosel being coupled to the clubhead with the first engagement element engaged with the second engagement element, according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0041]     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the attached figures illustrate a golf putter with adjustable head and shaft angle, which comprises a hosel attachment with a guide marking that accepts the golf putter shaft, a hosel screw, a golf putter head with angle selection markings and a golf shaft. Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a means for attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a concaved recess portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking is provided on the hosel to correspond to the angle selection markings. Golf putter head contains a front flat surface and a back section with a concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to accept the hosel attachment end and the hosel screw. Concaved recess portion of the back section of golf putter head also contains angle selection markings to correspond to the amount of angle degree selected between the golf putter head and golf shaft. Golf club shaft contains a first end attachment to the hosel and a second end for gripping by the golfer.  
         [0042]     Alternatively, golf club shaft can be directly attached to the golf putter head.  
         [0043]     Hosel consists of an attachment that provides a means for attaching the golf shaft to the putter head and a concaved recess portion to accept the hosel screw. A guide marking is provided on the hosel to assist in angle selection. Hosel  12  is shown in  FIGS. 1, 6 ,  7 ,  9  and  10 . Hosel  12  has a shaft-receiving end with a shaft receiving recess  22 . Hosel  12  has a putter head end that is rounded and pre-measured to fit flush with the concaved recess portion on the backside of the putter head  10 . Rounded hosel end has a guide marking  18  and a concaved recessed portion to accept the hosel screw  14 , which is used to lock the hosel  12  to the golf putter head  10  in a fixed position. The Hosel  12  maybe made of either plastic or metal. Alternatively, hosel  12  can be eliminated and replaced by a golf shaft  20  with an rounded end that is also pre-measured to fit flush with the concaved recess portion on the back side of the putter head  10  as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this preferred embodiment, the hosel  12  is a separate piece allowing a plurality of different shafts to be attached to the hosel. In another embodiment, the hosel screw  14  may be sealed into place using a proxy or other type of tamper resistant glue.  
         [0044]     Once sealed this way, the golf putter head  10  is temporarily nonadjustable and can be used for tournament play.  
         [0045]     Golf putter head contains a front flat surface  26  and a back section  24  with a concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to accept the hosel attachment end and hosel screw  14 . Concaved recess portion on the back section of golf putter head also contains selection markings  16  to correspond to the amount of angle degree selected. Golf Putter Head  10  has a front surface as seen in  FIG. 2  and a back surface as seen in  FIG. 4 . The back surface has a concaved recess portion that is pre-measured to fit the round end of the hosel  12  which allows the hosel  12  to lay flush with the back surface  24  of the golf putter head  10 . Front surface  26  is flat to provide a striking surface and to contact the golf ball. Golf putter head  10  can be made of either plastic or metal. In this preferred embodiment, the golf putter head  10  is made out of stainless stell. Golf putter head  10  contains a plurality of angle selection markings  16  to assist user in obtaining a precise angle separation between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20 . Angle selection markings also inform user as to the exact degree angle selected. The middle angle marking represents a degree angle of zero between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20 . Additional markings to the right or left of the zero marking constitutes a five degree increase to a maximum of approximately 30 degrees of angle separation between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20 . In another embodiment, the golf putter head  10  may include a plurality of guide markings to line up the ball to the center of the front surface of the golf putter head  10 . In another embodiment, the golf putter head  10  may be of different weight to allow user to customize the playability of the adjustable golf putter.  
         [0046]     In another embodiment, the maximum degree angle between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20  may be set at 35 degrees.  
         [0047]     The Golf Shaft  20  includes a first end for connection to a hosel and a second end for gripping by the user. Alternatively, golf club shaft  20  can be directly attached to the golf putter head  10 . The golf shaft can be of different height, weight and length to accommodate different users. In another embodiment, the golf shaft  20  includes a first end that is rounded and pre-measured to fit flush with the concaved recess on the back surface of the golf putter head  10 . The first end also having a concaved recess portion to accept a screw to attach the golf shaft  20  to the golf putter head in a fixed but adjustable position. The second end is for gripping by the user.  
         [0048]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , hosel  12  has an end  22  with a recess to receive the golf shaft  20 . Hosel  12  has a rounded end that is pre-measured to fit the concaved recess portion on the back surface  24  of the golf putter head  10 . Hosel  12  has a corresponding concaved recess portion to receive a hosel screw  14 . Hosel  12  is attached to golf putter head  10  via a hosel screw  14 , which allows the golf putter head  10  and golf shaft  20  to be in a fixed by adjustable position. Hosel  12 , the back surface of the golf putter head  24  and the hosel screw  14  are flush with one another providing a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance to the adjustable golf putter. Alternatively, the hosel  12  can be completely eliminated and replaced by a golf shaft  20  with an rounded end that is pre-measured to fit the concaved recess portion on the back surface  24  of the golf putter head  10 . Rounded end of the golf shaft has a corresponding concaved recess portion to receive a screw and will be attached to the back surface  24  of the golf putter head  10  via the screw. The rounded end of the golf shaft  20 , the back surface  24  of the golf putter head and the screw attachment will be flush with on another providing a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance to the adjustable golf putter. In another embodiment, the screw may be sealed into place using a proxy or other type of tamper resistant glue. Once sealed this way, the golf putter head  10  is temporarily nonadjustable and can be used for tournament play.  
         [0049]      FIGS. 1-10  illustrate the preferred embodiment of the adjustable golf putter designated generally by numeral  10 .  FIG. 11  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the adjustable golf putter. In this preferred embodiment, a user, typically a golfer, right or left handed, will practice using the adjustable golf putter at a default set angel of zero degrees between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20 . Depending on the needs of the golfer, he or she can adjust the angle between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20  by using a common Allen wrench. To loosen the hosel screw  14 , golfer would turn the screw counter clockwise, which will loosen the connection between the hosel  12  and the golf putter head  10 . Golfer may then adjust the angle between the golf putter head  10  and the golf shaft  20  by increments of 5 degrees to a maximum degree angle of 20 degrees in either direction. After determining the desired degree angle, golfer may fix the position of the golf putter head  10  and the hosel  14  by turning the hosel screw  14  clockwise to a locked position. In this preferred embodiment, the golfer will typically use the guide selection marking  18  to precisely adjust the hosel  12  to a corresponding angle selection marking  16 . Both the guide selection marking  18  and the angle selection markings  16  are also used as reference points to assist the golfer in remembering exactly what degree angle the golfer likes or dislikes.  
         [0050]     As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.  
         [0051]     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.  
         [0052]     According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable clubhead assembly  30  and an adjustable golf club  32  are provided. As mentioned herein, the golf club  32  of embodiments of the present invention may be formed utilizing an elongate shaft  20 .  FIG. 12  illustrates the shaft  20  in dashed lines. The shaft  20  defines a distal end  34  a shaft axis  36 . As is known in the art, the distal end  34  of the shaft  20  may generally taper from a first shaft circumference to a second shaft circumference, with the second shaft circumference being less than the first shaft circumference. The hosel assembly is sized and configured to mate with the distal end  34  of the shaft  20 , as shown in  FIG. 12 , and as described below.  
         [0053]     The clubhead assembly  30  includes a hosel  12 , a clubhead  38  (such as the putter head  10  discussed above), and an attachment means  40 . As shown in  FIGS. 11-12  the hosel  12  includes a shaft receiving recess  22  and a hub portion  42 . The shaft receiving recess  22  is sized and configured to receive the distal end  34  of the shaft  20  therein. As is known in the art, various adhesives may be used in forming a strong bond between the shaft receiving recess  22  and the distal end  34  of the shaft  20 . Nevertheless, according to an aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that the shaft  20  also may be integrally formed with the hosel  12 . Referring again to  FIG. 11 , the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12  defines a first face  44 , a guide face  46 , and a rotation axis  48 . The first face  44  is preferably planar and may be oriented relatively orthogonally with respect to the rotation axis  48 . In this regard, as will be explained further below, although it is preferred to have a planar first face  44 , the first face  44  need only be configured to mate with another surface. Therefore, the first face  44  may be configured as any two or three dimensional surface. The guide face  46  is opposite the first face  44  and may also be configured as a two or three dimensional surface. As discussed above, the hosel  12  may also include at least one guide selection marking  16 , which is preferably disposed on the guide face  46  of the hub portion  42 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Finally, the hub portion  42  is also be formed to include a first engagement element  50  being disposed on the first face  44 .  
         [0054]     With reference to the clubhead  38 , the clubhead  38  defines front and rear sections  52 ,  54 . The clubhead  38  may also be fabricated of a variety of materials in order to provide the desired mechanical properties as are necessary in golf. As is known in the art, the front section  52  of the clubhead  38  includes a forward face  56  that is configured to strike a golf ball, and may include various design features as are known in the art. For example, the forward face  56  may be planar. In addition, the clubhead  38  may also define a clubhead axis  58  that extends longitudinally through the clubhead  38 . Thus, in one implementation, the clubhead axis  58  extends parallel to the plane of the forward face  56 .  
         [0055]     According to another aspect of the present invention, the rear section  54  of the clubhead  38  includes a hub receptor  60 . The rear section  54  may be defined as that portion of the clubhead  38  opposing the forward face  56  of the front section  52 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the clubhead  38  may be formed in a variety of shapes, such as a putter, a nine-iron, or a driver, just to name a few. The rear section  54  may thus occupy a majority of the clubhead  38 . In this regard, the hub receptor  60  may also occupy any position in the rear section  54  of the clubhead  38 . In preferred embodiments however, the hub receptor  60  is centrally disposed in the rear section  54 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 .  
         [0056]     In an implementation of the present invention, the hub receptor  60  defines a second face  62  and includes a second engagement element  64  that is disposed on the second face  62 . The hub receptor  60  is rotatably engageable to the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12 . The relative rotation of the hub receptor  60  about the hosel  12  occurs about the rotation axis  48  with the first face  44  mating with the second face  62 . As described further below, the first engagement element  50  is matable with the second engagement element  64  for impeding rotational movement of the hosel  12  with respect to the clubhead  38  at a clubhead angle  66 .  
         [0057]     The configuration of the clubhead  38 , including the position and configuration of the hub receptor  60 , may be determined in response to design requirements aimed at achieving a properly weighted or properly responsive clubhead  38 , as may be performed by one of skill in the art. Other considerations, such as the angular orientation of the forward face  56  of the clubhead  38 , the density of the clubhead  38 , the materials from which the clubhead  38  is fabricated, and the size and configuration of the clubhead  38  may be variously modified by one of skill in the art. It is contemplated that by modifying such variables, the teachings herein may be used to provide clubhead assemblies  30  that may be used in a wide variety of golfing applications. For example, the clubhead  38  may be the putter head  10  discussed above; however, the clubhead  38  may be modified to be any driver, iron, wood, or other type of golfing implement known in the art.  
         [0058]     As illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12  is configured to engage the hub receptor  60  of the clubhead  38 . Both the hub portion  42  and the hub receptor  60  should preferably be complimentarily formed in order to facilitate proper engagement. In one embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the hub portion  42  is preferably configured to be cylindrical. Thus, the hub receptor  60  may be formed as a cylindrical concave recess portion whereinto the cylindrical hub portion  42  is received. In this regard, the concave recess portion may be defined by a raised socket wall  68 . However, it is also contemplated that the hub receptor  60  includes no raised portion whatsoever. Nevertheless, the raised socket wall  38  may encircle the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12  by extending about a periphery  70  of the hub portion  42 . However, the raised socket wall  68  may extend only about a majority of the periphery  70  of the hub portion and define a gate  72 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In such an embodiment, the gate  72  may be sized and configured to provide for passage and rotational movement of the hosel  12 . Thus, the hosel  12  may include a central section  74  that extends between the hub portion  42  and the shaft receiving recess  22 . The central section  74  may be substantially coplanar with the hub portion  42 , for example, by joining with the hub portion  42  at a position intermediate the guide face  46  and first face  44  of the hub portion  42 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In such a case, the raised socket wall  68  should preferably include the gate  72  to facilitate rotational movement of the hosel  12  with respect to the clubhead  38 . However, the central section  74  may also extend toward the hub portion  42 , joining with the hub portion  42  at the guide face  46  of the hub portion  42 . In this latter implementation, the raised socket wall  68  need not include the gate  72 .  
         [0059]     As mentioned above, the raised socket wall  68  may surround the majority of the periphery  70  of the hub portion  42 . In such an innovative embodiment, shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , the hub portion  42  would have only two degrees of freedom: rotational movement about the rotation axis  48  and axial movement along the rotation axis  48 . Each of these movements is innovatively controlled as discussed herein. First, because the hub portion  42  may be received to within the hub receptor  60  with the raised socket walls  68  surrounding the majority of the periphery  70  of the hub portion  42 , extrication of the hub portion  42  from the hub receptor  60  due to centrifugal forces along the shaft axis  36  would be prevented. Therefore, in use, the clubhead  38  may tend to be securely mounted to the hosel  12 , thus improving the safety of the assembly  30 . Further, it is noted that by providing that the raised socket walls  68  surround a majority of the periphery  70  of the hub portion  42 , as shown in  FIG. 11 , the only ready method of inserting or removing the hub portion  42  from the hub receptor  60  is through translational movement along the rotation axis  48 . This translational movement along the rotation axis  48  is preferably restricted by the attachment means  40 . Therefore, if the raised socket wall  68  is closely fitted with the hub portion  42 , it is contemplated that the raised socket wall  68  may bear a majority of the centrifugal forces that are present between the hub portion  42  and the hub receptor  60  during a swing of the golf club  32 . Thus, such centrifugal forces may be shared between the hub receptor  60  and the attachment means  40 . Such a design advantage allows for an improved dispersion of centrifugal and axial forces, and may tend to ensure that the engagement between the hosel  12  and the clubhead  38  does not fail during the swing of the golf club  32 .  
         [0060]     As discussed above, the first face  44  of the hub portion  42  mates with the second face  62  of the hub receptor  60 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the first and second faces  44 ,  62  may preferably be configured to be substantially planar. Nevertheless, the first and second faces  44 ,  62  may be formed as any three dimensional geometric surface. Importantly, the first and second faces  44 ,  62  should be configured to substantially mate, which may include that the first face  44  contacts the second face  62  along a majority of the surface thereof. Thus, if the first face  44  is concave, the second face  62  should preferably be shaped as a substantially convex surface so as to facilitate proper mating between the first face  44  and the second face  62 . The mating relationship may thus provide that the first face  44  substantially mirrors the second face  62 .  
         [0061]     The mating relationship of the first and second faces  44 ,  62  also preferably includes that the first engagement element  50  corresponds to the second engagement element  64  to provide necessary frictional or locking engagement to impede the relative rotation of the hub receptor  60  about the hosel  12 . In this regard, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the first engagement element  50  may be formed to include at least one tooth projection, and the second engagement element  64  may include at least one corresponding notch. Indeed, the configuration of the first and second engagement elements  50 ,  64  may be variously modified according to the teachings herein. For example, both of the first and second engagement elements  50 ,  64  may include at least one tooth projection and at least one notch. Additionally, the first and second engagement elements  50 ,  64  may include a series of radial serrations, such as a radial serration profile shown in  FIG. 11 . Nevertheless, the first and second engagement elements  50 ,  64  may include any number of teeth, bumps, ribs, notches, pins, or recesses to provide the necessary frictional or locking engagement to impede the relative rotation of the hub receptor  60  about the hosel  12 . Thus, the user may select a preferred clubhead angle  66  and engage the first engagement element  50  with the second engagement element  64  in order to fix the orientation of the hosel  12  with respect to the clubhead  38 . In this regard, the clubhead angle  66  is defined as the orientation of the shaft axis  36  with respect to the clubhead axis  58 .  
         [0062]     As illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the attachment means  40  may include a screw  14  that is insertable through a screw hole  76  of the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12  and fastenable to a threaded hole  78  in the hub receptor  60  of the clubhead  38 . Such configuration may provide for simplicity of use, thus allowing the user to simply loosen the screw  14 , disengage the first engagement element  50  from the second engagement element  64 , and rotate the hub portion  42  with respect to the hub receptor  60  to a desired clubhead angle  66 . Then, the user may simply tighten the screw  14  which would cause the first engagement element  50  to mate with the second engagement element  64  and thereby fix the orientation of the hosel  12  with respect to the clubhead  38  at the desired clubhead angle  66 .  
         [0063]     The attachment means  40  facilitates the mating of the first engagement element  50  with the second engagement element  64 , which is accomplished by press-fitting the first face  44  to the second face  62 . Thus, other attachment means  40  which perform such a press-fitting, may be utilized. For example, the hub receptor  60  may be configured to include a biasing element, such as a spring, which contacts the hub portion  42  of the hosel  12  and urges the first face  44  against the second face  62 . Appropriate structure may be included in the rear section  54  of the clubhead  38  in order to anchor and/or support the biasing element. Thus, the biasing element may allow the first face  44  of the hosel  12  to be in fixed contact with the second face  62  of the clubhead  38  with the first and second engagement elements  50 ,  64  being mated, thus securing the orientation of the hosel  12  with respect to the clubhead  38  at a desired angle.  
         [0064]     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the claims.